Ken’s joints ached with every stab of the wind through his coat as he walked. Though only closing his eyes for a moment to brace against the cold, he slammed against a figure that staggered backwards and scowled before hurrying past. Ken turned to apologize the moment before a purple coin shined on the snow. Eyes hopping from the coin to the figure for a moment, he ducked down and scooped it up before shouting ahead to the man.

“Hey!”

The figure seemed to instantly recognize the call was for him. He turned and ran his gaze up and down Ken to stop at his hand where he held out the currency inscribed with the head of a king. WIth the face of a grasshopper, the buzz in his eyes seemed far beyond friendly. “You tried to steal my precious coin!” His antenna shook to make a hiss.

“Eh?” Ken raised an eyebrow. “You just dropped it. I picked it up to give it back to you.”

“Don’t play games with me!” the grasshopper snapped. “You’re an outlaw, aren’t you? Thinking of trying to play the good guy act and expect something in return?”

Ken’s better sense lay elsewhere. “Look here, man- I just want to get some lunch. Take the damn thing and leave me be.”

“Why, you little-”

Before another moment passed, a crowd had gathered and Ken found as much support amongst them for him as was back in the arena. This wasn't time for him to get into unnecessary trouble. Regardless, he isn't someone who would still back down from a fight. Just before their hands would clash, a hand which had a book slipped in between them.

"Enough."

A man said, breaking the fight before it started. He had white hair and sky-blue eyes. He was wearing what seemed to be an office blue shirt and black pants. The harsh cold seemed to have no impact on his body. He looked like a human, but had weird fin like shapes in his neck. But He was radiating an aura that was not to be messed with.

"You know the policy of this program states we cannot engage in combat on this planet except for the battlefield," he said, pulling his hand back.

The grasshopper person snatched the oculus back and walked away.

Ken exhaled a breath of relief.

"Thanks man." he said.

"Just some advice, don't meddle in things, even with good intentions. It will cost you"

Ken looked around and noticed the place had become quite an attraction. He pulled his hoodie covering his face and walked away inside the crowd. His bruises were still acting up. He knew his body couldnt take more of this. Standing still as the crowd walked past him. The enormous screen on the giant towers was broadcasting the huge fights going in the areas.

Argo was brutally destroying his opponents without a second to waste. Other screens showed many other powerful contestants. One was a dual wielding swordsman. His fast and precise slices caused the battlefield to split apart. , another showed a woman who was shooting her enemy down with a 3 feet long white revolver. Seeing these powerful warrriors Ken felt an unease in his heart. He slowly rubbed the red light that was glowing from his chest.

"If i use it..."

He instantly shook his head, trying to deny those thoughts

"What am I thinking! If I use that, then there is no going back. I will get through this with my vigor!"

As 2 hours passed by, the qualifying rounds had ended.In the huge colosseum like arena, the 1000 participants stood waiting for the results. A huge holographic screen appeared in front of their eyes. A man whose face was covered in shadows appeared. “Greetings Participants, I welcome you all to the 2021th Odyssey program. My name is Solaris. I am the creator of the odyssey program. Before we dive into the results, I will inform everyone once again what the Odyssey program truly is?”