"So, I was thinking...you said something about ancient tombs at the East region, isn't that right, Hilia?" Warrior Pijanes asked Siren Hilia while they are walking on a path that leads to the East part of the Cursed Woods. Zun joins them to help in breaking ancient seals or incantations. Tombs are known for their complicated ancient magics, so his help would be appreciated.
"Yes, we saw the tombs back then. The ancient languages are a problem for us, so we didn't waste our time there. I think those tombs could help us get out of this woods." Siren Hilia responded.
"I made some quick research about the tombs long ago. Yes, they are actually able to teleport us out of the woods. Since you helped us a lot, it is time for me to repay you, although this is not much..." Zun smiles at everyone.
"Melisa...go...home?" Nio asked Melisa.
"I don't know where exactly the tombs will teleport us, but yeah we are going out of the cursed woods, Nio. It has been a good time here with you." Melisa smiles at Nio, who is sitting on her left shoulder.
"Ah, we are here." Rein halts his steps. They are finally at the East region. The ancient tombs are a few meters in front of them. Everyone lets out a sigh of relief. They walk slowly to the tombs, examining the place carefully.
Zun reads the ancient language written at the scattered stones. There is a circular area in the middle of the tombs. The largest tombstone is left with an empty mark on top of it. There must be some kind of item that needs to be attached in the mark to activate the tombstone. Everyone else sit down and relax themselves while waiting for Zun to finish his analyzing and research works.
A few minutes later, Zun walks to them after finishing his work.
"I have good news and bad news, guys." He lets out a sigh. Everyone pays attention to what he is about to say.
"The good news is, the circular area in the centre of those tombs are actually a warp portal that teleport us to Vendant Fortress, the army forces basement of your Empire, am I right?" Zun wants to make sure.
"Oh, that is great news! Vendant Fortress is a great place. It may seem like an army-only place, but there are a lot of towns, since we are not in medieval times anymore. Hell, that is the place where Lord Weigner will wait for us!" Marksman Johnson is feeling relieved.
"We were too busy and focused on the Fairy saving quest, so it's okay that we forgot about our simple main quest." said Commander Layhunt.
"Yeah come to think of it, our main quest here is to investigate some sort of a broken portal seal at the woods. I never expect it would be in the East region. Now we can finally complete our quest!" Warrior Pijanes looks happy.
"Ah, that's the bad news. You see the empty mark at the largest tombstone?" Zun points at the tombstone not too far from them. Everyone questions about the mark.
"Unfortunately, the magic is broken. We need a specific item to attach into it and activate the warp portal. From what I can remember, the item is called...Beast Crest..." Zun lets out a sigh.
"Darn, now I get why this is a hard quest. We need to search that item in the entire woods? This is getting pretty annoying." Warrior Pijanes complains.
"I know right. I think I have nature sickness already..." Cyril feels like he wants to vomit.
"Calm down, everyone. We'll think about this together." Zun tries to calm them down. Commander Layhunt realises something.
"Ah, could that be it?" He might think that the item will work.
"What is it?" asked Paladin Von Sozou. Commander Layhunt takes out the item he picked back inside the cave. Everyone is shocked to see the thing he holds. Zun comes closer to him and examines its properties.
"This...is...the Beast Crest! Now that makes sense...Vizrock probably snatched this crest from the tombstone so that no one would be able to leave this woods." Zun smiles at them. The look on everyone's face is better now. Commander Layhunt hands the crest to Zun.
Zun places the crest at the empty mark. Suddenly, the area is glowing with blue orbs. The ancient languages written at the stones are shining. The centre area creates a huge warp portal. The magic is activated!
"Now we're talking!" Warrior Pijanes looks very pleased.
"Amazing, now we can finally move out. Our quest is completed." Hilia smiles lightly. Commander Layhunt pats Zun's left shoulder, thanking him for his big help.
"Shall we move?" He walks towards the portal, ready to leave the woods. Everyone follows his lead. Their journey in the cursed woods comes to an end.
"Wait!" Zun halts them. He takes out a few things from his bag.
"These are some items I would like to give all of you as a token of my appreciation." He gives each and every one of them a beautiful fairy necklace.
"This necklace will teleport you into Fairy Homeland without having to travel around the cursed woods. Now you may come to visit us anytime. Blessings be with you on your upcoming adventures. Thank you so much for helping us." Zun bows politely. Everyone accepts their pretty reward. Nio flies to Melisa and gives her something.
"Nio...gift...to...Melisa...for...being...good...friend..." She gives a small wreath to her. Everyone waits for her at the portal.
"That wreath is one of my proud creation. It increases your healing effects and provides a good amount of energy to the bearer." Zun explains the details. Melisa accepts it and smiles widely at Nio. She then joins everyone at the portal.
"Thanks Nio, Zun...bye bye!" Melisa waves her right hand. All of their smiles fill the atmosphere with serenity and happiness. The warp teleports them to Vendant Fortress instantly. Lord Weigner notices their presence and quickly runs to them.
"Are you guys alright? Of course not, what am I saying? Do you guys need medical treatment? New supplies? Tell me what you need, and I'll do my best to prepare it for all of you." Lord Weigner is worrying too much.
"We're fine, your majesty. A little rest would be good, don't you guys think?" Commander Layhunt suggests them to rest. The Elite Forces members nod, while the Rose Garden members decide to wander around the town. They parted ways after that.
"So this is Vendant Fortress. Quite classy, don't you think, big guy?" Samael looks around. Melisa is amazed by the lively place.
"Yeah...it feels like we're in the ancient times where we don't need to worry about strict rules and just do whatever we want..." Cyril likes the place. Rein stares around at every building, remaining silent.
"If the place is lively and cheerful, then Lord Weigner sure is one hell of a king. He runs this place very nicely. Let us enjoy ourselves touring this town, shall we?" Samael shoulders Cyril and Melisa from behind. Melisa blushes, while Cyril feels uncomfortable.
They visit many interesting places such as the famous restaurant, equipment stores, weapon shops, and jewel houses. Melisa bought a few ingredients for potion making from the supply merchants. There are a lot of wandering merchants in the town, so there are various items they have yet to discover.
"Hey, what's the fuss over there?" Cyril noticed the crowds gathering at a bulletin board. Melisa decides to check it out. Rein, Samael and Cyril follow her from behind.
"Excuse me, what's going on?" Melisa asks one of the crowds.
"Didn't you know? The Colosseum will be held next week!" said him.
"Colosseum? You mean, the place where all people watch fighters dueling in the arena?" Rein is surprised. Colosseum exists in Astral World too.
"Exactly! You three seem like good fighters. Why don't you look at the bulletin board and decide for yourselves? The winning prize is delicious, you know!" The man let them decide. They look at the board once the crowds are cleared. There is a huge notice regarding the Colosseum.
"Let's see...fighters from all over the world are invited to join the Colosseum, an annual event that will be held next week in Vendant Fortress. Rules will be explained by the Chief during an arranged meeting later. Winning prizes consist of first to fifth place. The winner of Colosseum will also be rewarded with an unknown shard. It is said that the shard is able to grant the bearer his or her ultimate wish. Register if you are interested!" Rein reads the notice out aloud. Melisa is shocked when she heard the word 'shard'.
"Shard...? Could it be...the second shard we are looking for...?" she asked the three guys.
"Well, Queen Valeria did say that the second shard lies in the sixth continent. So this is a possibility." said Samael.
"Might as well join this Colosseum thing. I mean, look at the winning money prize. We can buy almost anything expensive with those golds!" Cyril is all fired up to join.
"Well, I don't see the problem. We will be renowned and famed if we win the Colosseum. I say let us give it a try." Rein smiles at them. Melisa is slightly worried, but she tries her best not to let such feelings conquer her. She must believe in her trusted friends.
"What are you guys doing here?" a familiar female voice pierces their ears.
"Elina!" Melisa runs to her and gives her a warm hug.
"Tceh, I wish she would hug me like that." Samael frowns. Rein and Cyril feels the same. They want Melisa to hug them too.
"Look at those jealous faces. Want her to hug you guys too? What a bunch of perverts." Elina laughs at the guys, who were gazing at Melisa for too long. Melisa blushes and lets go of her hug. The guys are mad at Elina for teasing them.
"Oh, I almost forgot. You guys want to join the Colosseum? I heard about your victory against the sixth invader. I must say I am amazed. I will be attending the formal meeting with the Chief to discuss about the rules soon, so I will tell you guys about the details in advance if you want to join. I can also register your names, so I hope you guys are ready." Elina yawns, feeling sleepy due to late night works.
"Sure, we'll join. You and Melisa will watch us later. Thanks a lot, little sis!" Samael winks at Elina.
"Eh? I can't join? But who will heal and support you guys?" Melissa worries about their safety. Rein hits her head softly with his left hand.
"Idiot. Colosseum is a manly fighting arena that doesn't need healing and potions. Only offensive classes humans join it every year. People want to see flashy skills and awesome fights. It is dangerous though, so it's best if you just watch us. Besides, we want to show you our cool sides, Melisa." said Rein. Samael and Cyril smiles, agreeing with what Rein had said.
"W-well...if you say so..." Melisa is flustered. She is being self-conscious. She do hope that they will be fine. Elina gives a teaser look at her.
"Look at you, being loved by three guys who want to show off their skills to you, you leeching girl." Elina slaps Melisa's back softly. Melisa is even more embarassed after hearing her teasing words. Luckily, the guys did not hear that.
"Well, for now go get some rest. We prepared rooms for you in the Parliament building. I will attend the meeting soon, so maybe tomorrow I can tell you the details. Well then, see ya!" Elina walks off on her way.
Melisa and the guys look at Elina for a while, probably feeling slightly surprised that she is willing to help them enter the Colosseum.
They walk their ways to the Parliament building. Lord Weigner is waiting for their return at the front door.
"Welcome, Rose Garden members. May I talk to you for a moment, Melisa?" He wants to have a private conversation with her. Rein, Samael, and Cyril enter the building ahead of her, obeying Lord Weigner's request.
Lord Weigner invites her to sit down on the stairs with him. Melisa sits besides him and waits for him to initiate the conversation.
"I heard about what happened to Sigrun. What did he say to you in the cave?" Lord Weigner asks her about Knight Sigrun. Melisa faces down, looking slightly sad.
"Well...Knight Sigrun said about making priorities and not forcing ourselves to focus on helping everyone. Do what benefits the most, and don't waste our limited energy. These things may seem lousy, but they will help a lot in hard battles." She let out a sincere and honest smile as she answered the question. Lord Weigner gazes at her for a few seconds.
"You remind me a lot to my daughter. Both appearances and hearts. Sigrun taught her bunch of useful things too." He giggles while reminiscing about his past. Melisa is interested to know more about him.
"Where is your daughter now?"
Lord Weigner's happy face turns into a saddened face after hearing her question. He takes a deep breath and decides to tell her about it.
"Asherah Weigner, the fourth invader. She now rules a large ancient kingdom called Centuria in the fourth continent. Centuria is a red zone for normal humans. There are a lot of dangerous creatures. Asherah is actually controlled by a dark spirit inside her body." Lord Weigner explains and tells her the details. Melisa is shocked when she heard the name. It is the same name as what Vizrock thought she was.
"Lord Weigner...the thing is, Vizrock called me Asherah back in the cave. He was quite shocked when he saw my face. Do you know what is going on? I am confused..." Melisa rubs her head, feeling slightly dizzy.
"So he called you Asherah, huh? Well to be honest you two look very much alike, so Vizrock must have been mistaken you for her. The things is, Vizrock was Asherah's lover, and he cared for her long ago, since she was a frail girl. Of course, Vizrock himself was still a nice young man during that time. It's just that we never actually get to talk to him because he is a secretive person. One day, Asherah came to the castle from her journey at the fourth continent, looking different than usual. We realized that something was possessing her mind and body. A spectral nemesis you could say. She has a tattoo, or a mark, on her left cheek. That could probably be the thing possessing her until now. She broke up with Vizrock, but Vizrock loves her so much to the fact that he joined her to become invaders. Poor guy, I bet she does not even care about his death." Lord Weigner explains about their relationship. Melisa feels a little sad for Vizrock now. The person he cared so much for suddenly became someone else and rejected him. No wonder the look on his face when he called Melisa by his lover's name is sorrowed.
"From our analysis and investigation, Asherah can summon legendary warriors and creatures from centuries ago to fight alongside her. She lives in Centuria Necropolis, graveyards for fallen soldiers and monsters. I heard from our envoys that her servant is a gigantic stone revenant, and there is no way we could get past it. Our only hope to resque Asherah is to defeat that dark spirit controlling her. Killing my own daughter is a big no, but somehow I believe we can exorcise the spirit away from her body, and for that, I will let you guys do it later. Will you help me save my daughter, Melisa?" Lord Weigner is on the verge of tears thinking about his beloved daughter.
"Well, your majesty...I don't know if I am powerful enough. I mean, our party of Elite Forces and Rose Garden members are very strong, but it's just that...I don't think we can do it if I am the only one who can heal and support. Moreover without Knight Sigrun, who is going to be the front line? My healing spells cannot heal fatal injuries, and I have been feeling self-conscious ever since I failed to rescue him in the cave..." Melisa is frustrated.
"Well, I can't deny what you said..." Lord Weigner tries to think of something he can do to help Melisa with her problems. Something snaps out in his mind.
"Oh, what if you learn and master the arts of healing in the Transcendental Sanatorium? This is just my thought, but I think you should become an oracle instead of just an alchemist. You have to abandon a little alchemy knowledge and indulge yourself in the healing arts instead if you want to save lives." Lord Weigner makes a suggestion. Melisa is slightly surprised after hearing his thoughts.
"I would love to! I never knew that oracles can save lives! Is it true? I mean, I enjoy my work as an alchemist, but due to our circumstances, I don't think basic healing spells and potions would do much in hard fights. I want to be more powerful in forms of healing and supporting my party. Where is the Transcendental Sanatorium, your majesty?" Melisa is intrigued by it. She wants to become an oracle as fast as possible.
"Well, rest assured for now. Don't rush things up. Your friends are entering the Colosseum next week, right? It's better for you to cheer for them first. I will be heading for some business in the castle, so send my regards to them. We'll talk about your job advancement after you are done with the Colosseum." Lord Weigner smiles sincerely at her. He then gets up and walks towards the door, leaving Melisa alone outside.
"I guess he's right. No need to rush things up for now." She smiles and walks inside the building too. She hopes to hear some information from Elina tomorrow.
Elina comes to meet them in the Parliament building the next morning. She then assembles them outside and prepares to deliver a short speech.
"Well, the rules are simple. First, you don't bring any supporting items inside the arena. Second, you must impress the crowds by having awesome fights. Third, the chief mentioned something about fighting with great honor. I don't know what that supposed to mean, but I believe you guys can do it. That's all I can say for now." Elina lets out a sigh of relief. She must be working really hard last night. Rein, Samael, and Cyril understood what she explained.
"Well, why don't we go meet the chief right now? He can explain more about the Colosseum. I just delivered what was discussed during last night meeting. Melisa is slightly surprised.
"Eh? We can meet him?" she wonders if they really can meet the chief. Elina smiles as she sees Melisa's puzzled face.
"He is in the Colosseum office right now. We should be able to enter it, since I am an honored guest." Elina sticks out her tongue in a teasy manner. The guys are rather glad.
"Hmm, if that's the case, then let us go to the office then. We should hear out some information from the chief himself if we want to assure our victory." Cyril nods after saying that.
"Yeah, we might be in trouble if we suddenly break a rule during the fight." Samael stated out the bad possibility. Rein nods without saying a word, agreeing with their decision. Melisa decides to wait for their return in the Parliament building, since she has something else she wants to do in the meantime.
Elina guides them to a clear path that leads to the Colosseum. Everyone is excited about it. Melisa waves while smiling at them as they leave.
After a few minutes walk around the town, they finally spot a large circular building. Their jaw drops as they gaze the humongous structure. The Colosseum is really huge.
"Woah, now that's...an arena..." Samael swallows.
"Should be an entertaining fight. I can't wait to stain this place with my enemies' bloods." Rein smirks, feeling hyped for the event.
"Well, come in and see for yourselves if you like the place. The chief should be in the office by now. Remember, mind your manners. As your manager, I must raise my image to the chief." Elina warns them. Samael shows a jumbled face.
"Since when you are our manager? Trying to raise your popularity much?" He smirks teasingly after asking that. Elina is angered.
"Just shut up or else I will disband you all. Be thankful, idiot. Without me, you will never get the chance to enter the Colosseum, let alone retrieve the second shard." She repeatedly slaps Samael's face while saying that. Samael kneels down, begging her sister to forgive him. Rein and Cyril act like they saw nothing.
They enter the main entrance afterwards. The chief is waiting for them in the office door. He knew they will come, since there are other participants nearby, waiting to enter the office too.
"You three must be Rein, Samael, and Cyril. Welcome to Colosseum, the greatest treasure of Vendant Fortress. Thank you for participating in this year's Colosseum event. Why don't we have a fair discussion inside...?" his old, low voice matches well with the ancient designs and decorations in the Colosseum hall. The three of them, along with some other participants, enter the office without making a noise.
"Please, have a sit, honored fighters." The chief invites them to sit in the meeting room. All of them gladly take a sit, feeling comfortable with the luxurious facilities. A few minutes later, the chief begins his talk.
"I believe all of you who came today are first timers in Colosseum, am I right? Because participants only come here to hear the details and rules about the event. If that's the case, then let me explain the whole thing." Everyone is all ears, concentrating in hearing what the chief is about to say.
"Next week, in dawn, you will be assembled in the participants dorm. The guards there will conduct what needs to be done before the fight, so I will not explain the details. There are a total of three rounds in the Colosseum fight. Usually, a five minutes preparation is given for fighters before the first round begins. Then, participants will have to fight for three to five minutes during the first round. A loud trumpet will be blown during a random moment in the final minutes. Then, there is a short break for the next round. Round two is the same as the first round. The final round, however, lasts until there is one last fighter standing. The time given is unlimited, so there is no need to rush things up." The chief halts his words and takes a deep breath as he stares at every participant.
"After every round has finished, there will be a large screen showing the results. Eliminated participants are shown with their name being red in color. Those who are eliminated are required to leave the arena during the resting time for the upcoming round. I believe all of you know what the standard rules are, so there is no need for me to explain." He stands up and walks slowly to a mysterious storage door. There, he takes out a ruby jewel. Everyone looks at the jewel, questioning about it in their minds.
"This ruby shard is the winning prize. Legend said it has the power to grant the bearer one wish, so it will be in the hands of a true fighter. I am too old to save the corrupted world, so one of you or the absent participant will be rewarded with this treasure if you win the Colosseum." He places it back inside the storage room after showing it to everyone. He then takes his seat and focuses on his scattered papers.
"Goodness me, I have bunch of reports need to be approved. I believe that's all for today, fellow participants. Best of luck during your training for this week. Until we meet again during the Colosseum event. You are all dismissed." He kindly ask everyone to leave the office. Rein, Samael, Cyril, and Elina returns to the Parliament building.
Melisa is nowhere to be found. She must be gathering some alchemy items outside the town. Elina assembles the males in the training area.
"Well, my job here is done. I will watch you guys during the Colosseum next week, or more likely four more days to be precise. Train well, and don't expect to win easily. There are lots of powerful fighters joining the event, so don't let your guard down. I have works to be done for now. See ya!" Elina walks away, leaving them to their training session.
"Time to pump my muscles and win the damn Colosseum!" Cyril rushes to the brawler's section, punching and kicking a few dummies right after he enter the small area.
"I guess I have to prepare for my victory moves, hah!" Rein takes out his bow and arrows, shooting the archery targets from afar.
"Spells will win, so I need to enhance my magic powers." Samael fires a few fireballs at nearby dummies. Seems like the Rose Garden members are dead serious in winning the Colosseum.
For four days, they train extremely hard for the event and for their self-growth.
The day has come. The Colosseum day has begun! Thousands of people from all over the continent come to Vendant Fortress, for the sole reason of spectating the Colosseum event. The Rose Garden members are currently at the participants' dorm, waiting for the first round to begin. There are fifteen fighters, with five being eliminated after each round.
"Goodluck, you all!" Elina rushes off to find a seat.
"Um, please be okay...and win if possible..." Melisa is worried.
"Of course, Melisa. Don't worry about us, we'll be fine." Cyril pats her head. Melisa blushes slightly, feeling relieved after hearing that. She rushes to catch up with Elina.
A few minutes later, the participant door is opened. Loud cheers from spectators roar the entire place, as it is the greatest event ever in history of Vendant Fortress. The fighters come out from the dark shadows and slowly walk to the center area of the large arena. Melisa and Elina finally found a good spot to watch the fight.
After a few minutes, the raging atmosphere slowly turns silent and serious. The chief arrives at his seat and takes out his trumpet. The fifteen fighters scatter, positioning themselves. Some even cast shadow step, fading from sight. Rein, Samael, and Cyril sticks together, but not too close or it will be too obvious that they teamed up.
The first round will begin very soon after they are all prepared.
End of Chapter 16