Chapter 5: Unwanted

The next day, Kenny woke up feeling the familiar mix of soreness and determination. The weight of his ambition hadn’t lessened, and Thalos’s training had only intensified. Still, the whisper of yesterday’s world—a world brimming with opportunities and obstacles—echoed in his mind. He knew that while the hologram battles were his passion, the real world wasn’t something he could ignore.

Kenny made his way back to the small community hologram center in town. The place wasn’t much: peeling paint on the walls, outdated training consoles, and equipment that lagged years behind the latest tech. Yet, it was his sanctuary, the only place he had to sharpen his skills before meeting Thalos for more grueling training.

As he stepped inside, he noticed a crowd gathered around one of the central training simulators. Curious, he made his way through the onlookers and stopped cold when he saw who was causing the stir.

Mason.

The rival who never missed a chance to mock Kenny was there, holding court like a king among his subjects. He was dressed in a sharp, tech-enhanced training suit that shimmered with the latest holographic capabilities. Mason’s visor was a sleek, custom model that made Kenny’s standard-issue gear look ancient.

“Hey, Kenny!” Mason called out, a grin spreading across his face. “Didn’t think I’d see you here today. Still using that dinosaur tech?”

The crowd snickered, and Kenny forced himself to stay calm. He could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on him, and a flush of embarrassment burned at the back of his neck. But he wouldn’t give Mason the satisfaction of seeing him falter.

“Nice to see you, Mason,” Kenny replied, keeping his voice even. “Showing off again?”

Mason’s grin widened, and he turned back to the simulator. “Showing off? Nah, just getting in some light practice. You know, preparing for real competition. But since you’re here, how about a match? Unless you’re scared.”

Kenny’s jaw tightened. He knew this was a trap, a way for Mason to humiliate him further. But the crowd was waiting, and his pride wouldn’t let him walk away. Besides, he thought, I’ve been training with Thalos. I can handle this.

“Fine,” Kenny said, stepping up to the console. “Let’s do it.”

The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the hologram simulation loaded. The arena was a dense jungle, humid and thick with vines. Digital birds called from the treetops, and shadows shifted ominously. The match conditions were simple: a one-on-one survival challenge, where the warriors had to use everything at their disposal to outmaneuver and outfight their opponent.

Mason flashed Kenny a cocky smile. “Try to keep up,” he taunted as the match began.

Kenny took a deep breath, his visor flickering to life as the simulation enveloped him. The jungle was suffocating, every movement and rustle sending his nerves on high alert. Mason moved with confidence, summoning a holographic blade that pulsed with electric energy. He lunged forward, and Kenny barely had time to dodge, rolling into a thicket of ferns.

“Come on, Kenny!” Mason’s voice echoed through the simulation. “Is that all you’ve got?”

Kenny gritted his teeth. Focus. Think. He couldn’t let Mason set the pace. He had learned too much from Thalos to let that happen. He remembered what Thalos had told him during training: “Observe your opponent’s patterns. Exploit their arrogance.”

Kenny scanned the jungle, watching how Mason moved. Mason was aggressive, sure of his superiority, and that made him predictable. Kenny’s mind raced as he crafted a strategy, summoning a holographic net trap and laying it silently between two trees.

He emerged from the shadows, pretending to stumble, and Mason took the bait. With a triumphant yell, Mason charged, his blade aimed straight at Kenny’s chest. Kenny sidestepped at the last moment, and Mason ran headfirst into the trap. The net wrapped around him, sparking and immobilizing his avatar.

The crowd gasped, and Mason’s cocky expression twisted into one of disbelief. “You little—!”

Kenny didn’t wait. He summoned a holographic bow and arrow, the weapon glowing with plasma energy. He drew the string back, aiming at Mason’s trapped form. “Yield,” he demanded.

Mason’s eyes flashed with fury, but he had no choice. “Fine,” he spat, and the simulation ended, the jungle melting away.

The crowd erupted, some cheering for Kenny, others muttering in shock. Kenny felt a surge of pride, but he knew better than to let it go to his head. Mason ripped off his visor, his face flushed with embarrassment and rage.

“That was a fluke,” Mason snarled. “You think you’re something special now? Just wait. You’re nothing compared to real competitors.”

Kenny forced himself to stay composed. “Keep telling yourself that,” he replied, but inside, he knew Mason’s words carried a warning. The world of hologram battles was filled with people who would do anything to win, and Mason was just one of many.

Before Mason could retort, an unexpected voice cut through the tension. “Impressive, Kenny.”

Kenny turned and saw a man he didn’t recognize. The newcomer was in his late twenties, with a wiry build and a self-assured demeanor. His hair was a tousled mess, and he wore a leather jacket with neon circuit patterns stitched into the sleeves. The crowd seemed to part around him, and even Mason went quiet.

“Who are you?” Kenny asked, wary.

The man’s lips curved into a half-smile. “Name’s Aric. I run some of the underground circuits Mason mentioned. You’ve got some raw talent, and I’m always looking for new players. Ever think about testing your skills in a real match?”

Kenny’s heart skipped a beat. The underground hologram battles were a world he’d only heard about, whispered rumors of unregulated matches where the stakes were higher and the competition fiercer. Thalos’s voice echoed in his mind, warning him about shortcuts and temptations.

“I… I’ll think about it,” Kenny managed, his voice steady.

Aric’s smile widened, but his eyes were cold, calculating. “Do that. But don’t wait too long. Opportunities like this don’t come around every day.”

With that, Aric disappeared into the crowd, leaving Kenny feeling both exhilarated and uneasy. He had won against Mason, but a new path had just opened in front of him—one that promised both danger and a chance to prove himself.

As he left the hologram center, Kenny knew his journey was only getting more complicated. Thalos had warned him that the world of hologram battles was about more than just combat. It was a world of alliances, rivalries, and secrets.

And now, he was standing at the crossroads of it all.