Getting to the arena took us around half an hour. While the sect isn't really that big, the need to keep our image prevents us from showcasing our real speed. And well, we are not running late to force us to speed up. Since that's the case, what can be better than just a small walk through the street with a significant other on my side?
Speaking about the arena, I have to admit. Even if the entire sect is an architectural beauty for me, I can't understand how come such an ugly building could be built here! It's like inviting someone to a fancy restaurant, ordering only the best dishes there and in the end, requesting Jastin Buber legendary "Babe" song!
While I would want the place where my legendary story will be born to be a bit more… nice? Fitting? I admit, when I was thinking about this duel in the first place, I imagined myself standing in the centre of ancient Ruman colosseum, with the crowd applauding my decisive victory! But to think that it ended being just a simple flat terrain with tribunes on its longer sides… It's like wanting to play on the national stadium, only to end up at school one!
While the crow could recognise me only thanks to Eve on my side, officials of the arena were prepared for me already. As soon as I came in their sight, they instantly approached me.
"Cultivator Bart?"
I guess I'm so handsome they can't believe someone like me is taking part in this stupid duel. Yeah, let's go with that version.
"Yes, I have a duel scheduled for today with inner sect cultivator Baxhar. Could you guide me to where are we supposed to have our fight?"
Humble attitude for the win! If I want to bait this little shit into being overconfident, I can't show my cards yet!
"Come with us then. I think I will be right to assume that this pretty lady on your side is Eve?"
Why the heck is this small fry interested in her? Is this some kind of plot put forward by the Baxhar? Well, until they will show their intention, I don't mind playing their game.
"Yes, I'm Eve. I came here to accompany him. Is that some sort of problem?"
Before I managed to speak a word, my cute little companion spoke for herself already. I guess she heard some of the whispers on our way here as well. Since we both know what is really going on, it's not strange that she was able to add two to two and make sense of the situation.
"No, there isn't any problem with your presence, but we would like to request you to go to the audience area for now. Since the duel is specified to be one on one, we can't have you helping him now!"
What a load of bullshit! How is she supposed to help me? Is this little shit of man scared of a woman supposedly weaker than him? What a joke! But if those are the rules, I don't have any way to reject their request!
"It's okay Eve, you should…"
"I never heard about this rule. According to my knowledge, the duel starts in twenty minutes from now, so there is no reason for me to leave his side for now! Do you wish to go meet the arena overseer to check the rules with him? Or did you accidentally mistake me for someone who won't give a shit about your attempt to cheat us?"
Whoa! Who could've guessed that this lovely girl could act so decisive! Is her polite attitude towards me just a fake front? Nah, I have seen her behaviour with strangers and her sect master. The way she acts like now can be compared to how she greeted me during our first encounter. I guess that's how she treats her potential enemies!
"Forgive me my mistake, we were sure that you are forced to accompany him, hence we wanted to give you a way out. I hope both of you can accept out an apology, we were misguided by strange rumours going one right now!"
Contrary to my expectations, as soon as Eve lashed out at them, these cultivators instantly backed out with a surprise written on their faces. I guess they aren't affiliated with Baxhar in the end.
"We can't blame you for your attempt to help her. If I saw such a lovely girl in trouble, I would be sure to try to step in as well. Can you guide us inside then? It's my first time fighting in the arena, so I'm not too sure about the correct route."
While I can't be absolutely sure whether they really wanted to help here or just backed out because of Eve's reaction, I don't need to bother myself with them. That's why I said my bit before Eve managed to answer their plea.
"Sure, feel free to follow us!"
I guess they want to make our small fight a matter of the past. With nothing better to do, I grab Eve's hand and follow them inside.
While the outside of the arena looks shabby, I can't say the same about its insides. From the orderly placed rooms, armoury and changing rooms I can see a practical hand taking care of the layout! While there are quite a few people in the inner part of the tribune where we are right now, I don't see Baxhar anywhere!
"If you are looking for your opponent, he is in the opposite tribune. When the arena was built, they designed it so that there won't be premature fights between the contestants."
Noticing my curious looks, one of the guides quickly explained my doubts. Well, that makes sense. What's the point of creating such an open space with a lot of seats for the audience, if the quarrels were to be solved by premature fighting erupting in the changing area?
Leaving Eve in the corridor for a moment, I enter one of the rooms and change my robes to the ones present in the location. From what I heard, they are infused with some kind of insanely strong defensive formation, used to prevent any real injuries. If I'm not wrong, they are imported from some kind of powerful sect for a rather hefty price. With my insane growth speed, I'm sure I will surpass our sect leader level in just a few more days. I wonder where if I will be able to join that sect then!
After changing my clothes, I take out my Noob Smasher from the storage ring. With this, I'm all ready for the fight!