In a certain part of the world trees of different colors and sizes congregated and together made a beautiful forest.
The leaves had all sorts of colors and forms, some were small and pointy while others were round and big enough to cover a whole house.
Despite the mesmerizing view, no animals could be seen in sight.
Be it land or air no living being could be seen.
The forest always had an eerie silence that creeped out any human that tried approaching.
Some even talked about an entire army that disappeared in that forest, never to be seen again.
The calm was, however, disturbed because a huge floating landmass suddenly appeared above the forest.
Its sheer size and aura made any being tremble and try to run as further as possible.
This landmass had the form of a chessboard and multiple arenas could be seen situated on it.
Surrounding the arenas was a halo that hosted millions of spectators.
Each one has an aura that surpassed level 40 and each with a different appearance.
The halo was not whole, however, but looked to be cut in half.
Both sides hosted dazzling clothed people, one having flower patterns on robes and suits while the other sewn murals of ancient beings battling monsters the sizes of mountains.
In the arenas were several youths that battled each other showing dazzling lights and effects that would make one believe they were practicing dances instead of battles of life and death.
A cube was situated above the arena and halo hosting several people with crushing auras.
If one would be to compare level 40 with a moving and breathing warhead then the people here would be entire stars capable of shooting melting beams at planets.
All of the individuals were seated in luxurious seats with one of them standing on a obsidian throne.
The figure was covered in a crimson robe and had long, raven hair.
The being had their face covered by a stone mask that prevented anyone from peeking through.
The individuals conversed among themselves and occasionally asked the entity a question only for them to answer in an androgynous voice.
...
Man...this place is noisy as hell.
My thoughts were interrupted by the loud cheers that echoed through the whole area at every single move that the people below were making.
I came to this tournament because the leaders above forced the whole army to come and see since this competition dictated the whole future of our empire.
Being forced to watch would make anyone angry but no one complained since above us, superiors were watching each and every move.
I sat amongst the people and watched silently the battles while also meditating.
Since breathing techniques required absolute concentration and silence practicing here would be impossible, but, if I am able to split my mind and do two things at once then that would not be so impossible.
Such a skill would be learned after advancing to level 100 but that only applies to humans.
Looking at the crowd gave me an irresistible urge to spread my death gas, but I restrained myself and silently watched.
...
Days went by and a month passed.
It was almost time for the final battles.
The whole arena was silent and waiting for the players to prepare for the deciding battle.
I strolled around the forest in the meantime since we were allowed to leave the halo but couldn't return to the capital.
As I was walking amongst the trees I saw a fairy flying out and about.
Walking further in I could feel my power getting suppressed further and further.
As soon as I felt a certain aura I froze on the spot.
Not daring to move an inch or move my head.
Steps couldn't be heard nor auras could be felt but I knew something was there.
Moving my eyes in that direction led me to see nothing, but then...
-What is someone like you doing here?
A feminine voice was heard from behind as I didn't dare to move and take a look.
I opened my mouth and spoke in a strange and cryptic language.
-"Malthinae"
A huge chain sprouted from the ground and coiled around the figure.
-You...!
Before it could say anything more I turned around and with a sword created from energy slashed at its neck.
The sword left a flicker as it cut with unimaginable speed and precision.
The figure was decapitated immediately but I didn't stop as I proceeded to slash again and again until the figure was reduced to flesh cubes on the ground.
As I stood in place with the blood splattered on my body and face, the surroundings started to ripple and an individual came forth.
Their face was covered with a veil and a long, black robe covered their body.
With neck-level white hair and pristine blue eyes, the being in front of me pointed its eyes at mine.
I maintained eye contact and in the distance, the cheering from the crowd could be heard, and lights and gasses could be seen and smelled from here.
A thick mist enveloped the whole area and my eyes started to tear blood.
Despite my look, not a single wrinkle or frown could be seen on my neutral face.
I could see the lights in its eyes intensify until my eyes couldn't bear with it and popped like water balloons.
Black blood fell from my eyes sockets as I took two steps behind and hit the trunk of a tree with my back.
I bent my neck back and two small rivers of black blood fell on my pale cheeks.
My hands trembled as my fingers dug deep into my palms.
-Not bad, not bad.
A voice could be heard around the whole forest.
-To be able to stare me so long in the eyes means you have a strong soul and not screaming out of pain shows me your great will.
-Kneel and greet your new master.
The person before me spoke with a tone that signaled no other choice but to submit.
In spite of that, I remained calm and opened my mouth to ask a question.
-What if I refuse?
-Your eyes will forever be gone and I will crush your limbs and cure you to never be able to heal them.
An immediate answer came as I calmly went forward and kowtowed.
-Disciple greets master!
-Get up and follow me.
The authoritative voice suddenly got soft as it resembled a mother meeting her son after years of absence.
Of course, this person did not share any bloodline with this body, and neither do I have any memories of this person before.
...
After following the figure for 4 hours I suddenly arrived at the bottom of a mountain.
Using energy to create some temporary eyes allowed me to witness the might of this huge rock.
As we began ascending on the steps the figure started asking me questions.
From my age to my favorite place of relaxation.