"I...I'm so sorry, everyone! I let you down, I should've done a lot better," Apologized Akila, bowing his head remorsefully.

"No need to be so hard on yourself, man. If anything, you did a pretty good job out there," Responded Raven, as he walked over and patted him on the shoulder.

"He's right, you did quite well. And besides, what's more important is that all of you survived, that is our priority, after all," Added Jules.

"Exactly. Our goal isn't to win this. We'll compete properly since we have to, but if we end up losing in the process, that's perfectly fine. So long as all of us make it out of this tournament alive, that's all that really matters," Pointed out Aster.

"I wish he'd just let us leave and find another team to replace us, one that actually wants to be here," Tacitus sighed wistfully.

"Sorry, but that ship has already sailed, it's way too late to replace you guys now," Chimed in Kilzachs, as he teleported into the room with a smile.

"I take it you're here to tell us what the next contest is," Remarked Zesta with a frown.

"Mhm, yeah, that's right. I've already picked it out, so I'll get right to it and explain the rules. We'll be holding a turn-based combat shootout for the third contest," He informed them.

"Turn-based? Like Pokémon or something?" Inquired Akila in bemusement.

"Uh...sort of, I guess? Those games were super retro in my era and I never played them, so I'm not really sure. Anyway, each team will send out a group of five, and they'll engage in elimination-style shootouts with members of the other teams, one by one. Basically, for each round of the competition, each team sends out one of their members. The five participants of each round will take turns targeting one of the other four and launching a single attack at them. No dodging, only blocking.

Since this contest will be so restrictive, anyone who's about to take a hit that would result in fatal damage will be promptly teleported out of the playing field and eliminated. In other words, for this contest, there's a zero risk of death, so don't worry about that and just enjoy yourselves with this one, since you guys are more focused on survival instead of winning. Whoever participates in this contest will all be guaranteed to survive, so have fun.

Alright, I'm going to go relay the rules to the other teams, use that time to pick which five-...well, actually, that isn't necessary since there are now exactly five of you eligible for this contest. Alright, then, I'm off," Grinned Kilzachs, giving them a wave before teleporting out, reappearing in one of the other waiting rooms and addressing the team in it, "Hey, how's it going? Let's get you guys up to speed on the next contest, shall we?"

"Damn it, we have to win this, we've got zero points so far."

"Yeah, we didn't come all the way out here just to lose."

Kilzachs then proceeded with explaining the rules to them, explaining the contest.

"Hm, I see...tch, I knew we'd have to cross this bridge eventually, but I suppose we have no choice but to send her out."

"Yeah, everyone has to participate at least once before any individual can enter a second contest, so it's the only option."

"Sweet, it's about time...I'll make sure to fuck this up for you guys, I'm not letting you get what you want," Smirked a young woman.

"Ahem. I'm aware of the circumstances around this team, the other fourteen people here are your enemies, so I understand that you aren't particularly keen on cooperating with them. However, I must insist that you participate seriously, no losing deliberately or pulling your punches, Aurora Pretorius," Kilzachs warned her.

"Seriously? Come on, man...well, I suppose it's fine, considering that the other teams have kicked all of your asses so far, even if do end up scoring you some points, you weak assholes will probably just lose anyway," Aurora taunted her teammates.

In the world she came from, people with powers were called Meta-Humans, and they were split into two opposing factions. She'd been on a mission to stop the enemy faction from getting their hands on the Invitation of the God of Time and Space, after finding out about it through interrogating one of their members her faction had captured.

She'd been too late to stop them from getting it, but she'd gotten close enough to get caught up in it, displacing one of their chosen members, since the fifteen strongest individual within the range of the device would be chosen for the tournament...and she was widely considered to be the strongest individual in her world.

Meanwhile, back in Raven's team's waiting room...

"Alright, so...our participants in this next contest will be Celia, Tacitus, Rione, Zesta and Antel. I'd say this contest should be a pretty good fit for your abilities, Celia. You've got immense destructive force with your Magic, and your gauntlets are solid in defense," Pointed out Aster thoughtfully.

"Yeah, I think we've got this one in the bag. I'm plenty confident in my offensive power too, and my hammer should make for a decent defense," Chimed in Rione.

"What am I supposed to do? Blocking isn't a problem, but I've only got physical attacks to rely on, I'm possibly the worst pick from our team for this contest," Sighed Tacitus warily.

"I'm sure you'll figure something out," Replied Ravella with a wry smile.

"I'd like to think that my Ice Magic should serve as me well both offensively and defensively in this contest," Chimed in Zesta optimistically.

"Yes, I hope the same with my Earth Magic. Of course, it'll depend on what kind of abilities our opponents will have," Mused Antel thoughtfully.

"Well, I suppose you'll find out soon enough. Good luck out there, everyone," Remarked Jules, as she glanced around at the five of them...

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