Luxor Vael leaned forward, his iridescent skin glowing under the studio lights, and addressed the roaring audience. “And we are back! Tonight’s Nexus Trials recap has it all—triumph, chaos, and, of course, the inevitable casualties.” His grin widened, slick and showman-like. “Let’s start with someone who’s got the galaxy talking: the mighty Ruxkan warrior!”
Recap: TN-0307
The holographic screen lit up with the image of Thalorn Zorruk, dashing through a forest where metallic grass glistened in the rain. Bioluminescent leaves overhead pulsed in hues of blue and violet as he ducked and weaved through low-hanging vines, his movements almost predatory. The audience cheered as he leaped onto a tree, scaling it effortlessly to retrieve his glowing sphere before dropping back to the ground with a roar of triumph.
TN-0307
Name: Thalorn Zorruk
Species: Ruxkan
TNP: Level 62
The studio erupted into chants of “Beast! Beast! Beast!” as holographic fireworks lit the air.
Luxor turned back to the audience, arms wide. “What more can I say? TN-0307 continues to deliver—and look good doing it! A perfect blend of brute force and finesse.”
Dravok Kaal inclined his head, his expression one of warrior pride. “The Ruxkan honor their strength, and Thalorn Zorruk is a testament to that legacy.”
Elara Nyx’s silvery eyes shimmered. “But the Nexus Arena isn’t all about power and victory. Some stories don’t have such… clean endings.” Her words cast a quiet pall over the excitement as the hologram shifted.
Recap: TN-2794
A smaller figure scuttled across the metallic ground, its four legs moving in desperate rhythm as it clutched the remains of a glowing Scrapling core in its mouth. The creature, a Lexidra, weaved between piles of scrap metal, pursued by a swarm of shrieking Scraplings.
TN-2794
Species: Lexidra
TNP: Level 18
The audience’s cheers quieted, replaced by murmurs as the scene unfolded. The Lexidra leaped over a mound of debris, narrowly avoiding snapping claws, but its desperate escape was cut short when a bird-like creature dove from above.
PetalWing
Technomancy Potential (TNP): 2
The PetalWing, with shimmering wings like radiant petals and an iridescent flower blooming from its back, struck with unnerving precision. Its clawed legs knocked the Lexidra backward, right into the waiting swarm of Scraplings.
No sound accompanied the hologram as the creatures overwhelmed their prey, their claws tearing into the Lexidra’s metallic hide. The glowing core in its jaws was snatched by mechanical limbs and forced into its open mouth. The screen zoomed in on the Lexidra’s wide, terrified eyes as a blinding explosion consumed it, taking out the swarm in a brilliant flash of light.
The studio fell silent, the explosion mirrored by the holographic display in the room. Luxor’s expression turned somber, though his tone carried a tinge of melodrama. “And so, the Nexus Arena has deemed TN-2794 unworthy. A sad day… but a thrilling spectacle nonetheless.”
Dravok Kaal leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. “It is the way of the battlefield. Weakness is eliminated.”
Nivara Pyros slammed a fist on the table, her fiery armor seeming to flare with her frustration. “The Trials aren’t just about strength—they’re about survival! And sometimes, survival takes cunning, not brute force.”
Luxor’s grin returned, cutting through the somber moment. “Fear not, viewers! For every loss, there is victory. Shall we turn back to TN-4216, the human defying all odds with her mix of luck and sheer determination?”
Recap: TN-4216
The hologram switched to Zaria Jenkins, standing at the base of the massive tree, staring incredulously at the sphere perched high above.
TN-4216
Name: Zaria Jenkins
Species: Human
TNP: Level 35
The audience chuckled as she muttered something to herself, then began an awkward, determined climb. Branches snapped under her boots, and she slipped more than once, her words—inaudible on the hologram—likely unrepeatable.
The screen froze just as Zaria reached the sphere, holding it aloft with a triumphant cry of “Victory!” before the branch beneath her cracked ominously.
Luxor turned to the audience, his grin wicked. “Place your bets, everyone! Will TN-4216 defy gravity or become its latest victim? Odds are as follows!”
Falls before reaching the sphere: 3:1
Falls during descent: 5:1
Thalorn catches her mid-fall: 2:1
Branch breaks at her victory cry: 7:1
““Will Dr. Jenkins hold her ground or will gravity claim another victim? Place your bets now, dear viewers! Will the sphere triumph over the scientist, or will the warrior’s gallantry steal the show?” Luxor announced.
“We will return with the results after a word from our sponsors Galactic Gleam Ultrawash– For the Messes That Cross Galaxies!”
An upbeat jingle plays, while various Technavs battle across terrains—snow, mud, alien goo, and blood splatters from unknown species and their own.
The spokesbeing says in a deep authoritative voice:
“From the depths of the Ocerune to the heights of the Nexus Arena, stains don’t care what galaxy you’re from!”
The holographic image cuts to a smiling humanoid pulling a sparkling clean jumpsuit out of a glowing washer.
“Galactic Gleam UltraWash obliterates dirt, grime, and even the blood of creatures from 12 dimensions—without harming your vibrant technomantic threads!”
A Kroltik applies a drop of detergent to an alien bloodstain, using one of its front appendages. The stain disintegrates instantly, leaving the fabric untouched.
The System’s AI continues:
“Tested on over 2,000 species, safe for all bio-synthetic materials, and guaranteed not to fade your faction colors. Because the only thing tougher than a Technav should be their laundry detergent!”
The holograph quick pans to a lineup of sparkling-clean Technavs striking poses.
“Galactic Gleam UltraWash—keeping you battle-ready and stain-free. Clean that transcends universes!”
The hologram resumed, showing Zaria falling from the tree—but just as she hurtled toward the ground, Thalorn Zorruk stepped in, catching her with ease. His voice boomed across the screen: “Do you feel supported now?”
The audience roared with laughter, and even Luxor had to pause, wiping a nonexistent tear from his eye. “Oh, the drama! TN-4216 might lack grace, but she’s certainly keeping us entertained.”
Elara Nyx’s soft voice cut through the laughter. “The Nexus Arena is many things—glorious, merciless—but above all, it is a mirror. Every triumph, every failure, reflects who we are, or who we might become.”
Luxor spread his arms as the recap came to a close. “And there you have it! Triumph, tragedy, and everything in between. Will TN-4216’s chaotic luck continue? Will Thalorn Zorruk remain a reluctant ally? And what other surprises does the Nexus have in store? Stay tuned, dear viewers—fortune favors the bold!”
As the camera zoomed out, each host delivered their signature sign-off lines, leaving the audience buzzing with anticipation for the next episode.