09h42, CORRIDOR H LEADING TO ARENA HALL C

Three children are playing with BlogBot action figures in an alcove behind one of the stages hosting cosplay competitions. One of them is showing off their rare, limited-edition Credit Score F figurine, with articulated flipper action. Trapdoorspyder spots them while passing through, diverts his course, and pushes them out of the way before viciously stomping on the rare action figure. “This is what becomes of homes and dreams!” he shouts.

11h07, CENTRAL PARADE SQUARE

Giancarlo Federico Magistrelli, the internationally renowned ice sculpturist, is unveiling his latest work in the main plaza outside the stadium. A life-sized replica of Cool Hand Luke, it is designed to stand in the square for weeks and slowly reveal over time the smaller models of The Colonel and The Pyramid hidden within. Trapdoorspyder sits at the side of the square for an hour with a magnifying glass, training the sun onto a patch of ice and melting a hole clean through the middle of the sculpture, ruining it.

15h47, THE CANTEEN

Trapdoorspyder is standing on the chaffing dish stand, his trousers around his ankles, when chiiika bursts in.

“ENOUGH,” she cries out, “Is this how you behave in the Archepelagic League?”

“Are you calling me out,” snarls Trapdoorspyder.

“You bet I am,” says chiiika. “Arena Hall A, 19h00, bumpers up, Cool Hand Luke. I’m gonna make you wish you were never born.”

She sweeps from the canteen while the attendees cheer raucously.