"To access any area within the arena as a new member, registration is a mandatory step. All you need to do is press your fingerprint on the red circle over there," she explained.
Zephyrion turned around, his gaze landing on a spot marked by a red circle, roughly the size of a fingerprint, on the strange machine. He approached it and pressed his finger onto the circular sensor.
To his surprise, there was no immediate reaction to confirm the successful recording of his fingerprint. After a moment of thought, he concentrated his internal energy into his finger and placed his thumb on the sensor
Instantly, the fingerprint sensor illuminated for a brief moment, and Zephyrion saw his fingerprint engraved on it. Something an ordinary person couldn't achieve, this was the distinction between an ordinary individual and a skilled martial artist.
"This is your membership card," she explained. "Make sure to carry it with you while you're in the arena. It grants you access to all the facilities, including the locker rooms and training areas."
"Alright, young man, you are now permitted to enter the arena as an official member."
"Thank you," Zephyrion nodded before proceeding towards two boys waiting ahead, and he passed through the mysterious door without any problem.
"Hehehe, we forgot to mention about registration process." Garvin chuckled slightly
"No worries at all, it's just part of the arena's procedures. Given the size of this place, it would be odd if they didn't have such security measures," Zephyrion reassured as the three continued on their path.
"Hey, I want to register for a match. Would you like to come with me? I sense that you've recently step the early outer stage, and battling others is a great way to stabilize your abilities and gain experience," Rylan suggested.
Zephyrion was about to decline when he was interrupted by a familiar voice echoing in his mind.
[Host has received a new main quest]
[Win one fight in this small colosseum]
[Reward: 500 experience points]
[Punishment: Hidden]
Zephyrion was stunned. "Nima, did I hear it wrong? The system actually called this colosseum a 'small colosseum.'"
But there was no doubt he heard it correctly, as the system's message still glowed in front of him. Zephyrion immediately shook his head in resolve, deciding to never care about the system's words from now on."
"Okay, lead the way."
Although Zephyrion didn't want to fight, the quest had already been issued, leaving him no other choice. He couldn't imagine what the hidden punishment might be, and he was certain the system wouldn't be lenient.
Moreover, Zephyrion wanted to test his newfound strength anyways, and see how he fared against opponents of equal caliber. It was just a pity that he couldn't wield his war hammer yet, otherwise, he'd be crushing bones today.
"I won't be joining you, I'll secure our seats in the fighters' lobb" Gavric said, changing his path.
"Fighters' lobby, huh?" Zephyrion thought as he followed Rylan to the location for battle registration.
After walking and navigating a few corners for several minutes, a woman positioned behind a counter came into view. She was the matchmaker, responsible for organizing battles within the arena.
The woman cut quite a striking figure, although her appearance wasn't conventionally beautiful, she exuded a commanding presence.
Zephyrion suddenly sensed that underestimating this woman would be a mistake. Though she currently emitted no aura, her emerald eyes spoke of numerous battles and countless experience."
"Hello, Lady Evadne, are there still two available slots for an arena battle? Rylan inquired as they approached the counter."
"'Hmmm, you kid, you're quite the daring huh. Haven't you learned your lesson from your last visit? Do you want to lose both your legs again? Evadne smiled playfully.
Rylan sighed in resignation. "Lady Evadne, who allowed my father to be rich? If they want to cut it, just let them, I'll just mend it back anyways.'"
"'Haha, good, good, I admire your spirit. Just don't overdo it, it could impact your future martial journey.' Evadne chuckled heartily and briefly glanced at Zephyrion, who just stood silently beside Rylan."
[Alert: A powerful clairvoyance skill has been activated on the host.]
[Should I initiate a skill block at the host's request?... Skill Block initiated.]
[The Clairvoyance skill has been successfully block]
Zephyrion expression change slightly when he heard the system warning, he immediately understand that the woman named Evadne just try to use a skill on him, but thanks to the system, it failed]
Maintaining his composure, Zephyrion look calm and refrained from revealing his awareness of her actions.
Noticing her failed skill, the woman briefly displayed a surprised expression that quickly dissipated. Although it was quick, Zephyrion clearly spot it, as he had been observing her closely since receiving the system notification.
"So, where's Gavric, and who's this handsome guy with golden eyes next to you? Haven't seen him in the arena before. New member?" The woman's gaze fixed on Zephyrion, a hint of a smile.
When Zephyrion heard the woman words, he was shocked. It had to be known that Zephyrion was still wearing the hooded cloak that covered his face and not even the eyes would be seen as it was dark all over. But now, this woman named Evadne accurately described the color of his eyes and even acknowledged his handsome appearance.
Zephyrion immediately became warily of the woman, this woman has just tried to use a skill on him and he didn't know her exact intentions for doing that.
"'Urrrmm... Yes, Lady Evadne, he is indeed new to the colosseum. We only met today, and his name is... Hooded Boy." Rylan introduced with a touch of helplessness, realizing he had yet to learn Zephyrion's name.
"Interesting, this boy is quite something. The woman muttered as she turned her attention to the computer-like screen before her, fidgeting with it.
"'There are still four slots available for arena battles. Please provide your membership cards for scanning.'"
Rylan and Zephyrion immediately provided their membership card, this card was very important in this colosseum.
"Since it's your first time here, what battle name do you want?" Evadne asked Zephyrion.
Hearing this, Zephyrion started thinking. " Hmm, the name Yashin is a no-no in this situation, I don't want to expose myself. Then, what of Zephyrion? Nobody can recognise me in this world if I use the name right? Wait, yes Venomblade, this is good, this is my signature name on earth, let me just use it."
"I'd like my battle name to be Venomblade."
"The woman look at Zephyrion with curiosity. 'Are you sure about that name? I thought you practiced a berserker-barbarian combat style. Why choose for an assassin's name?'"
Zephyrion was surprised, wondering, "How does she know about my barbarian style? Even Rylan and Gavric had no clue about my eye color, let alone my combat style."
Seeing Zephyrion reaction, the woman smiled, deciding not to press further. She registered 'Venomblade' on the computer-like screen and returned their membership cards.
The moment Zephyrion received his membership card, he wasted no time and walked away. He had no desire to linger around here, if it weren't for the system's quest, he would have leave the colosseum right now without hesitation.
"What the hell!"
He had barely arrived, and less than an hour had passed, yet his body had been scanned twice already. First, the door-like machine, and now this woman skill.
Zephyrion couldn't help but felt that the longer he stayed, the more likely his secrets would be exposed one by one. He preferred not to attract any attention, but the woman's failed skill attempt earlier had undoubtedly drawn her attention towards him.