Inhale. Exhale.

  This isn't the first time.

  Inhale. Exhale.

  I have to survive. I have to win.

  Inhale. Exhale.

  The gate opens. It's time.

  Inhale.

  Today I have a saber.

  Exhale.

  It’s time to kill.

  A large metal gate opens before me. The heat of the sun beats down on my face. I feel sand on my tongue. I grip the saber's hilt tighter in my right hand.

  If only the sun weren't so harsh.

  I step out into a circular arena full of sand.

  Oh. Today I have three.

  From the opposite gate, I see three warriors in leather armor.

  Damn sponsors!

  It's always like this. I'm fighting a wall of armor, and I only have a loincloth.

  The gong sounds. I start running towards them, holding my saber along my left leg. My left arm is outstretched to keep my balance. They're running at me. They haven't even separated.

  Fools.

  I run up to the first one. He swings down from above. I jump to the left, duck for a moment, and quickly straighten, swinging my saber.

  Got you!

  I swing my saber and I hit the first enemy's exposed neck clean.

  First one.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I see the spearhead approaching. I dodge with a sideways roll, towards the third enemy with an axe.

  Now!

  With my saber pointed down, I quickly slash the air upwards. I hold the third one's axe in my left hand, and my weapon quickly makes short work of his throat. I hear footsteps behind me. I hug the corpse and spin quickly in place. I feel the spear pierce his chest. I release him and kick him with all my might towards the other. Now the sun blinds him, and he staggers.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  It's over.

  Crouching, I run to the other and with a swift slash, I slit his throat.

  Inhale. Exhale.

  My heart pounds like crazy. I feel a slight relaxation of my muscles.

  I survived.

  I hear the cheers of the people in the arena. Today it's full again. I see everyone – old men, young men, mothers with children.

  I thought I was used to this sight.

  I wipe my saber on the armor of the one with the spear and stand before these three bodies.

  Today I survived.

  I bow my head towards them and salute with my saber.

  Tomorrow, that could be me.

  I hear the crowd cheering even louder.

  They don't understand anything. To them, it's just a game.

  Despite my thoughts, I raise my saber and slash the air a few times, much to their delight.

  Maybe someone will finally sponsor me?

  However, I don't expect any change. For them, it's theater. That's why I accept the role of an actor. For life and death. Otherwise, I'll be beaten for disobedience.

  Why do I have to be a fucking slave?!

  I hear the metal gate open behind me. I give a final bow to the audience and walk away into a dark alley beneath the audience.

  Immediately, I'm accosted by a huge, fat man. He's almost twice my height. Without hesitation, I hand him my weapon. Those are the rules.

  Or at least, for me.

  Another big man escorts me to my cell. On the way, I pass another locked metal door with a small, barred window. They're all the same. Behind each door could be my next opponent.

  We stop in front of my cell. The guy quickly opens the door, and motions with his head for me to go in.

  I have to obey.

  But I have a strong urge to grab him by the throat and strangle him with all my might.

  I have to calm down.

  I walk inside as if nothing had happened, and the door immediately slams shut behind me. I try to control my emotions, but it's getting harder with each passing day. I feel like if a slight gust of wind were to push me, I'd throw myself at his neck, ripping it apart with my teeth.

  I'm so fucking fed up with my fate!

  I lie down on my bunk, but I can't close my eyes.

  I don't want to sleep!

  Inhale and exhale.

  I can't sleep!

  Unfortunately, those were my last thoughts today. The stress and adrenaline have exhausted me, and when those emotions finally subside, I feel how fragile my life is.

  I don't want to remember this anymore!

  I try to keep my eyelids open, but they feel heavy as if they were lead.

  I don't want to go back to that!

  Sometimes I feel like my mind is my enemy.

  No... just don't fall asleep...

  And that was the last thought that stayed with me that day.