How long had it been?... 20, nay, 30 long years since Gregor left the genetic enhancement chambers to become a gladiator, or as he liked to put it, a slave killer.
Other Awakened would pick a distant relative to partake in the genetic restructuring program but Gregor's father was crazy enough to give up his son instead.
Gregor didn't think much of it though as he enjoyed his life as a gladiator.
He had an outstanding record of over 40 kills, placing him as one of the best fighters in the arena.
Needless to say, he was a monster that thrived in the arena and there had never been a time when he thought twice about engaging an opponent… until now, that is.
As Felix stood, sword in hand with a cold gaze, Gregor couldn't help but wonder if it was wise to clash with him.
Add on the fact that his opponent was Awakened, and Gregor was sure that rashly attacking could be the death of him.
Of course, also staying put wouldn't help as he knew a bit about the 'magic' of the Awakened.
He was stuck between a rock and a hard place and needed to decide which of the two evils to face.
After the arena manager announced the start of the match, Gregor had already made his choice.
Boom
He quickly charged forward.
Unlike Awakened, Genetically modified humans like him only had their physical capabilities enhanced, so allowing Felix to use the 'magic' that Awakened was known for would only put him at a disadvantage.
Thus, he chose a simple tactic… close the distance and overwhelm Felix with strength.
Gregor believed in his physical capabilities to that extent.
Based on Felix's physique, he guessed that the former hadn't trained his body yet.
This meant he could use it to his advantage.
He smirked as the distance between them shortened with a single step forward. "I acknowledge your desire for revenge but you chose the wrong target."
As he spoke with a mocking tone, Felix remained silent with his sword raised.
Gregor gritted his teeth at Felix's nonchalance.
How dare he treat him like a bug?
"You'll regret it!" he swung his mace as he got within arm's length.
It's finished!... He thought to himself as a smile formed at the corner of his mouth.
Whoosh
Gregor stiffened.
He turned wide-eyed as he realized Felix was no longer in front of him.
Instead, he stood beside him, still expressionless.
"Indeed, seeing the world as numbers makes things easier." Gregor heard Felix say as a sharp pain shot through his body from his chest.
He glanced at Felix to find the latter's blade bloodied.
Gregor attempted to speak when a huge gash appeared on his chest and blood sprayed from it like a fountain.
He stumbled back a few meters before dropping to his knees.
"Im…impossible," Gregor muttered in disbelief as he placed his left hand on the chest injury.
How did Felix manage such from a single strike?
Gregor gulped instinctively as he met eyes with Felix.
"Even though, I'd like nothing more than to spend my time making you suffer, I cannot do that. So please… die for me." Felix spoke casually like he was talking about cutting cabbages.
Gregor trembled at the threat and he immediately backed away. "Stay away."
Unfortunately, it seemed like his opponent wouldn't listen.
Without warning, he dashed forward.
He closed the distance and swung his sword down.
Gregor saw his life flash before his eyes as he quickly put up his mace to block Felix's attack.
Just as he thought he was safe, Gregor quickly reevaluated that as he realized the presumed attack was a feint.
Before he could recover, Gregor felt a sharp pain in his throat.
He tried to speak but found himself unable to, only making incomprehensible noises that no one could understand.
After several seconds of silence, he dropped on his back and his blood stained the dirt ground.
Once again, his life flashed before his eyes and there was no way to recover this time.
With a shocked expression on his face, Gregor let go of the mace in his hand and breathed his last.
An anticlimactic end to the one that helped Felix awaken.
Even though the arena was already silent, the silence was even more deafening now.
None of the spectators could believe their eyes.
A great fighter that had never lost a fight had died at the hands of the same person he trashed the last time.
It was unbelievable.
Nathan nodded with a satisfied expression while Dyara asked. "Is it possible to bring out two contenders at a time?"
A middle-aged man with yellow hair bowed before Dyara. "it is possible but…"
"Then do so…" Dyara replied. "I want to see him struggle."
***
[1 Soul essence absorbed]
The notification screen appeared in front of Felix after Gregor's death.
"It was worth going all out from the beginning," Felix muttered as he nodded in satisfaction.
Currently, his all-out consisted of equipping the Gladiator title, utilizing Berserk mode, and using Aya's [Analyst] to calculate a weak spot.
Normally it would have drained him but Gregor's soul essence made up for the loss and added a little extra.
Felix glanced at Dyara, his eyes plotting murder but the latter remained calm with a smile on her face.
"What is she up to?" Felix felt uneasy about the whole arrangement.
He threatened to kill Dyara, yet she acted like it never happened.
Was she that confident in the price of awakening?
Felix doubted that to be the reason, after all, no Demir would be kind enough to allow him to live even with the price of awakening.
They'd feel more at ease by killing him yet Dyara did the exact opposite, even going as far as giving him a chance to grow his strength.
"What a fight!... I've never seen anything like it in my years unfortunately, it was a bit too boring to keep our guest entertained so this time instead of a 1v1… How about 2v1?" The arena manager announced, instantly drawing the attention of the crowd.
Felix furrowed his brows as Dyara flashed a mocking smile.
At the same time, two gates leading to the arena opened causing Felix to look away only for him to click his tongue in annoyance.
"This will be troublesome."