The harsh light of the artificial sun poured through the caged expanse, casting stark shadows across the establishment. Contestants huddled in various corners, some lost in thought, others weeping or trembling in fear. Their faces were etched with desperation—except for Kayn. Fierce and defiant, he strode through the space, muttering curses under his breath at the inhuman creatures responsible for his and the others' captivity. Yet, even Kayn had his moments of solitude. He would often sit beneath one of the many synthetic trees, strumming a guitar he’d found, occasionally composing song verses. He’d obsess over them, knowing that his survival depended not just on his skill but on the whims of those who would decide whether he advanced to the next round or met his end on stage.

"Mmhh... mh..." he vocalized softly, biting the rubber end of his pen as he mulled over his verses.

The faint beeping of the tight collar around his neck occasionally broke the silence—a relentless reminder that death was always lurking just over his shoulder.