Lamb to the slaughter.
That was how Kaycee felt as every other contestant stepped off the stage, leaving only him, his opponent, and the proctor at the center of the large hall. His breathing was uneven, and he felt his body tremble slightly.
But, the moment he glanced to his side and saw both Theo and Liyah cheering him on from their respective seats in the contestant area, he felt a wave of confidence bolster his inner resolve. The warmth of their gazes gave him strength, and by drawing on their support, he no longer felt crippled by his fear.
'All I have to do is show my skills… no, that isn't enough.' Kaycee told himself. 'If I lose here, the chances of me being selected are minimal. I have to win, so I can have more chances to fight and prove my worth!'
