Read Online The 13th Star: An Action Adventure Sci-F Apocalyptic Novel by Adam Peled - Free Book Online

well-known throughout the households in the area as
     the warrior who defeated Coldor’s son. Legends began to be spun about Rettoul—no one knew where he came from or where he went
     with his friends.
    ***
    The next morning started nervously for the students, who had the end of the course in sight. Rettoul was tense, like his friends.
     Tonight, he hoped, it would end. He’d anticipated a release of pressure the night before, but now the club events added to
     the weight on his mind. His friends felt the same.
    The chief of staff sat on the VIP platform next to the honorable Coldor. This ceremony was held every two years, and the chief
     of staff himself had stood on the asphalt opposite the same platform over three decades ago as a graduate. He made a point
     to get to the ceremonies in recent years since he received decorations for honor and bravery.
    The sun burned down and the graduates were jittery. Only the top three would be chosen, and everyone wanted to be one of them.
     The emotional stress was so great that silence stretched out. Each graduate locked himself in his place and his soul. The
     battles would set their personal ranking by pitting one against another, and then one against a pair—the same format for each
     battle—until there was only one winner.
    Rettoul beat his opponent and went into battle against the first pair. There, too, he was the winner. He continued to the
     next round, matched against another cadet who beat a sole opponent and then a pair. Rettoul won a third time. Thus it continued
     for 39 rounds…
    Finally only the last bout remained between the two students who’d won 39 fights: Mattoui and Rettoul. Both were exhausted.
     It was not a battle for supremacy, but the match had to be survived in order to conclude the day. Rettoul smiled at Mattoui
     and he returned a smile of friendship. It was as if they both agreed it would be all right.
    “We’re friends,” Mattoui whispered. “So I wish you luck.”
    The other cadets watched the bout in silence, everyone knowing that the two were good friends. The instruction team gazed
     at them in appreciation—these were the best students they’d had in years. It seemed as if no one in the stadium was breathing.
    Rettoul straightened his protective clothing, which was torn from the earlier fights. They now fit quite loosely. “Everything
     will be fine,” he said to himself.
    The battle commenced with strong blows. The crowd could sense the two were tired and just wanted to finish the fight quickly.
     Rettoul avoided Mattoui, but his chest protector opened, allowing Mattoui’s Jorash to attack his bare chest. The quiet intensified;
     Rettoul had been stung in the past. Everyone knew that if he were stung a second time, he’d die.
    Mattoui retreated, shocked that he’d injured his good friend.
    Rettoul touched his chest cautiously and stood. With him stood the entire audience as Mattoui’s Jorash fell to the ground.
     He picked up the dead Jorash quickly, shoving it up his sleeve and forcing a smile.
    “My Jorash didn’t touch you at all!” he shouted for all to hear. “It just looked like it did. I’m glad you’re okay.” Mattoui
     knew he’d lost the bout, but realized something more important just happened before his eyes.
    Rettoul felt the sting of the Jorash and then realized it hadn’t affected him. He recalled Benaya’s words: “The scar was the
     result of a game with a Roll toy, and nothing else. Anyone who asks, anyone who investigates—that’s the answer. There’s no other!”
    Mattoui, Rettoul understood, served as a messenger
     for him.
    The battles were over. There was a winner. While there were outstanding cadets, one student transcended all. The distinguished
     guests, as well as the staff, descended from the platform to shake hands with all the fighters and especially to congratulate
     Rettoul, who had demonstrated impressive combat abilities.
    The chief of staff and Coldor moved from one warrior to the