Dueling Machine

The Dueling Machine, co-written by Ben Bova and Myron R. Lewis, was first published in May 1963 in Analog Science Fact & Fiction. The story presents a futuristic solution for resolving disputes through an artificial reality where opponents can fight to the virtual death without physical harm. However, the invention takes a dark turn when a warrior from the Kerak Empire discovers a method to carry out real-world killings from within the machine, prompting its inventor, Dr. Leoh, to intervene and prevent his creation from becoming a weapon of conquest.