The thunderous roar of the eager spectators reverberated across the stadium as the round timer hit zero and an aluminum pillar with clear glass panels sprang up from the ground. It had five rungs, each separated from the next by a glowing blue ring.
Kelly observed that the pillar didn't have any visible defense systems or weapons, but only a few external loudspeakers and miniature concealed cameras around it. On its top, it was crowned with a floating beacon light that blinked intermittently, flashing a vibrant shade of neon blue.
"The Tower of Life has been deployed into the arena." As the male commentator excitedly shouted into the microphone, the giant floating LED screens displayed a close-up view of the tower, covering it from different angles.
"All the betting lines have now been closed. They will re-open after the end of the first wave," the female commentator informed.
