"400 years ago, our world fell to evil. The world seemed doomed, and all hope was lost. All around countries fell to chaos and despair, the heroes of yesterday were nowhere to be seen. But from the ashes of loss came V.I.R.A.L, they pushed back the invaders and saved our glorious country of Victoria. Now humanity has gotten its footing once more, we live in a new golden age, one not held back by governments, one not held back by so-called heroes. V.I.R.A.L is here. The CEOs guided our country to new heights and show us the path forward. Their gift to us, the streamers. Superhumans who have taken the role to fight crime and defend our country from such evils all while entertaining the masses. With such guardians under our belt, we have no need for an army, no need for the police force like before. We live in a new world one where anyone can be someone, and we are here to celebrate this turnabout with the V.I.R.A.L League. It's that time once more to prove who is the mightiest streamer alive!"

"Words to live by Jon, words to live by. This is the day you've all been waiting for ladies and gentlemen the 31st annual V.I.R.A.L league is among us and this year is extra special. I'm your host J4J4 and with me is my good friend Deadlyjonstar!"

"Thank you, Emily, we are in the preshow phase right now as streamers from all across the land come to enter and we've already seen quite a few big names and unexpected entries."

Emily nodded, holding a remote up. "Indeed Jon, here we see that Victoria's favourite superstar Harmony has been one of the unexpected turnabouts. After the defeat, her team took losing the lives of two of her friends and the other in a critical condition it is quite the surprise seeing her step up as the leader. We, of course, expect her to be going for the wish to help her allies, what a shame she cannot wish for her fallen allies to come back. I'm curious to see how she'll handle this solo mission not having the backup of her band to help."

"That's what I was thinking too, Emily." He nodded leaning on the desk chewing on his gum. "Harmony isn't known for many direct conflicts seeing her band doing the heavy work. I'm not sure she's quite up for the challenge, although I would love to be proved wrong."

"We also have another big contender being the infamous Kale Mount, better known as Diorama. He caused quite a racket a few years back and got his licence revoked. How is this old streamer going to compare to the new blood, we'll be keeping an eye on this old-timer."

Jon leaned over his chair, staring at the screen, nodding convinced. "Say J4, we've never seen eye to eye on a lot of things, I was quite surprised they asked us to host this year's show together. I must ask with all these streamers taking part this year you think we are going to get any surprises?"

"Hmm, well I agree I think you are a total piece of shit, the viewers want us, so they've got us. But to keep to your question Jonstar, I would be keeping my eye on the groups. It will be quite interesting to see how these teams work by themselves and who might just stab who in the back. At the end of the day, there can only be one winner. I'm excited to see who will come out on top."

"Well, it certainly won't be Vanguard again this time. Stay tuned for your daily news update as we host the entire event to your very screens. Keep watching people and remember to stay viral!"

****

Alton adjusted his shoulder, moving his arm around, still feeling stiff. Scarlett shook his arm, looking slightly concerned. "Are you sure you're up for this?"

"I have to be. If I'm going to win, I need to be on my A-game."

"Oh, has the cameras and hype got to you too then Alton my dear friend? I thought you didn't care about winning. We are only here to stop EOR." Gale mocked. "Of course, winning or losing doesn't mean much to me. I'm just here for the ride, if that means being able to knock a few cocky streamers down a peg or two then that's just a bonus for me."

Scarlett aired Gale turning her back on him giving the cold shoulder as she began putting the last bandages on Alton's arm. "Don't listen to that loser. If this Eyes Over Reality dude does show, we'll show him not to mess with us."

"You're not thinking of winning?"

"Winning some silly contest is not going to prove anything for me. I do not need any sort of wish. I make my own wishes come true… I sound like a Disney princess now, but none the less I will aid you any way I can Alton. If we meet on the battlefield, I'll join forces, you'll win I will make sure of that."

Gale slouches over grumbling quietly. "Do the rules even allow that?"

"Of course, anyone can team up, it's whether or not they can trust each other till the very end that counts. But you can rest easy Alton, I will never betray you. If you do not mind me asking, what is your wish?"

Alton dropped his arms by his side as the presenter walked on stage. "My wish? I wish I was never born."

Scarlett froze in shock, dazed by Alton's response. She tried snapping back at his comment only for her voice to be drained out by the speakers as the presenter began his speech. "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, streamers alike! My name is Clamorous, and this is the V.I.R.A.L League!"

Zinnia covered her ears behind slightly further back in the crowd with Emil. "He sure is loud."

"What?"

"I said… Never mind!"

Clamorous strolled around with a pair of thick sunglasses and a worn-down white suit. Mixed with his sizeable black afro and giant headphones which had speakers attached he was a sore sight for anyone. "In just a few short moments, you will all be taking part in the fight of a lifetime. The most original and thoughtful competition known to man… Battle Royale!"

"Jeez, another Battle Royale… Who would have guessed?" Emil sighed, folding his arms. "V.I.R.A.L milking the dying cow too?"

"The rules for this game are straightforward, 150 streamers, only one winner. Shorty, you all will be split into different categories based on several pre-determined statistics like ranking, powers and popularity. Each category will not only determine the starting roster of players you will encounter. It will also determine where you drop on our manmade island. We dub the isle of fortune. Here the island is split into six different regions each hosting their own climate, traps and secrets. These include the desert region to the south—the snowy mountains to the north. The bottomless water abyss in the middle, the floating ship of mystery to the east, the temple of destiny to the west and finally hidden away deep somewhere on the island is the palace of dreams. You will be alongside a group of other streamers will be transported to one of these five locations. There you can either fight off other streamers and take them out or hunt for lost treasure which will boost your score."

Clamorous jumps up, throwing a golden card in the air before catching it. "This here is your personal currency holder. You gain points from defeating other streamers, uncovering secrets and collecting treasure. The more points you have, the more perks you gain. This is also one way of winning the match. Your goal is to either eliminate all other streamers and be the top winner or collect the most points when the timer ends. The game will last twenty-four hours and will start when the first streamer drops onto the island. A streamer is defeated when they either run out of points or are incapacitated by another streamer. This can be done by rendering them powerless and unable to move which they will be teleported out of the arena or when they are knocked out or too injured to continue. Lethal force is not permitted we don't want a rerun of the eighth games. When defeated, the streamer's points will be split with half going to the victor and the other hidden out in the world. You can spend your points on perks and other goodies like a scanner, healing items and an SOS signal to allies if you have any. But remember if you run out of points you are out. A large number of points can also be used to bring back one ally into the match but only once. Groups will be split into different regions to avoid early teaming, and lastly, there is a third way to win this year. Whoever finds the palace of dreams will automatically win, so exploration is key to victory."

"Question!" Jinx yelled, holding her hand up. "What about team-ups?"

"Team ups of other streamers are allowed; this will, however, split your points between the person you have made a pact with. At any time, you are allowed to betray your ally so keep that in mind. No more than four streamers can team up at one time."

Zinnia turned seeing Jinx smirking to herself flipping her gun around. "So, she is taking part after all, what could she want?"

"Isn't that obvious? The Montague wants nothing more than to have fun unleashing her chaos." Diego sighed, shaking his head, tightening his ponytail. "What a bother she will be."

"You're Crimson Dawn the number ten ranked streamer," Emil exclaimed. "I didn't think you would be taking part."

"You're kidding, right? With players like Alton and Alice onboard I wasn't going to let this opportunity slip by. Besides, I'm just here for fun."

"Could he know EOR is here too?" Zinnia thought to herself, looking at the man nodding. "What about the others? Anyone else catches your eye?"

"I wouldn't be talking to you if I didn't. Your little joyride at the Montague manor has spread like wildfire. I do hope we get to battle soon. But if you're wondering there is one more streamer who has peaked my interest."

Diego pointed to a cloaked figure wearing a skull mask. They kept to themselves glancing at the streamers. Zinnia held her phone up seeing the streamer's name pop up. "Killer Queen? Like the song? He's copying our style…"

"Now, now no need for a copyright strike just yet little lass. Check his profile."

"No followers?! Not one stream?! What the hell?"

"Indeed. That does strike me as strange. How was he let in is beyond me? Although there is no sign of foul play. V.I.R.A.L let him in."

Zinnia leaned over whispering to Emil. "You don't think that's our guy?"

Emil glanced at Killer Queen, shrugging his shoulders. "Not sure, too obvious if you ask me. If we group up in his category, keep an eye on him."

"So, you've already got a plan going? How interesting. I much look forward to our meeting on the battlefield Zinnia."

An alarm began ringing as serval doors opened up. Zinnia looked down, seeing a green screen appear on her phone matching the colour of one of the doors. "Your categories have been selected. The time has arrived. Drop zone in five minutes makes your way to the marked zone."

Everyone began moving as Zinnia and Alton locked eyes. They both nodded, turning to the opposite door, walking away. Both whispering under their breath. "I swear, no matter what, I will win…"