『Neizan: I also believe she must have had her reasons. Mothers always act for the good of their children. Although… you're lucky to have had a father by your side. 』

Neizan sighs and looks down, thoughtful. Meanwhile, Lina smiles sadly and wraps her arms around herself, lost in thought.

『Lina: Yes… But I think my father was the one who suffered the most all this time. I could see it in his eyes, how much it hurt him every year that went by without being able to see her. 』

『Neizan: …I never knew my father. The only person who took care of me from the beginning was my mother. 』

『Lina: And what happened to your mother? 』

He hesitates a moment before responding, his voice barely a whisper.

『Neizan: …She died. 』

『Lina: I'm so sorry… 』

He looks away, forcing a sad smile.

『Neizan: Now, the only thing we can do is try to put the past behind us, as hard as it may be, and keep fighting. 』

『Lina: Aren't you afraid? 』

He shrugs and sighs.

『Neizan: I'm not sure… I think I'm just nostalgic. Hey, are you okay? 』

He looks into her eyes, worried.

『Lina: I... I'm very scared for you. 』

Her voice trembles slightly, and Neizan gently touches her shoulder, trying to reassure her.

『Neizan: Don't worry about me, Lina. If I were to die, Arthur and you could continue with your lives, like normal people would. And not by my side, where you're always in danger. 』

She shakes her head, clenching her fists.

『Lina: Don't lie. Do you want me to look away so I won't feel guilty? 』

『Neizan: I've already told you, you're not to blame. 』

『Lina: Whether I am or not… I feel powerless. And I hate it. I can never do anything for others. 』

She frowns, frustrated, with teary eyes, trying to hold back her tears. Neizan takes her hand and squeezes it gently.

『Neizan: Hey… 』

In the end, Lina loses her remaining composure and begins to cry, whispering between sobs.

『Lina: I lost my mother, I almost lost my father… and now I feel like I could lose you too. 』

He watches her tenderly and wipes a tear from her face.

『Neizan: Lina, don't cry. And don't be afraid. I know how brave you are. You saved my life, so don't doubt yourself. Just having you here, by my side, is already a huge help. You have no idea how grateful I am.』

Neizan smiles at her sincerely, and she takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and nods softly.

『Lina: All right… 』

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

Today was the day. The day when a new future would be decided for many people. The Coliseum Games begin, also known as the Ceremony of the Gladiator Lion: a fierce competition between the best fighters from each region of the country. The eight factions that participate do so in the name of the emperor. Each will present ten fighters with the goal of winning and offering a unique spectacle to the world.

Thousands of people from all over gather here to witness it. Feeling the thrill of a fight to the death is the most breathtaking experience one can live.

The winning faction will gain the right to manage the political and economic affairs of the country. Additionally, the last surviving gladiator will earn the right to a new life. It doesn't matter who they were before: thieves, murderers, outcasts, unknowns, or criminals. Whoever claims victory will be recognized worldwide.

In the first arena, all the fighters from one faction will enter together to fight as a team against other warriors, who will serve as an initial test. To prove their worth and advance to the next rounds, they must survive this cruel and bloody event.

After the first arena, the subsequent rounds will be divided into the round of sixteen, quarterfinals, semifinals, and, finally, the ultimate event: the grand final. In this final round, the victor will face the champion of the Gladiator Lion from five years ago.

The most important rules of the Games are clear:

No outside intervention in the arena will be allowed until the gladiators have finished their battle and a winner is declared.

The weapons to be used will be provided and supervised by the organization preparing the Coliseum fighters; therefore, the use of unauthorized weapons will not be allowed. Magic use is permitted, but any type of external aid, such as spells or enchantments cast prior to the fight, is strictly prohibited.

The fight will not end until one of the combatants dies or is completely incapacitated. Only then will the audience decide if the loser will live one more day or be executed by the emperor's order.

『???: What the hell is this? 』

『???: Put it on, kid. If you want to survive out there, you'd better wear it. 』

In a dimly lit room, ten men were gathered—the fighters of the Rusnerio faction, led by Marquis Alberto. Among them was Neizan, under the watchful eye of his team. One of those present was an experienced gladiator, who had handed Neizan the outfit he was to wear for this occasion.

Neizan wore furs under a light black metal armor covering his torso, leather gloves on his hands, a bracer on his left arm, and a shoulder pad on his right shoulder with the image of a lion engraved in the metal. Only one thing remained: a helmet held by the gladiator.

Neizan took the helmet and examined it for a few seconds, feeling the cold, hard touch of the metal on his skin. Then, he looked up and met the gaze of the man watching him.

He hands him the helmet and looks at him seriously.

『Man: Put that on before you go out into the arena. For a gladiator, impressions are as important as his feats. You must instill fear in your enemies from the very moment they see you. 』

Neizan nodded with a slight sigh, adjusting the helmet in his hands. He looked at him curiously before speaking again.

『Neizan: How many times have you been here? 』

The man gave a bitter smile and shook his head.

『Man: Honestly, I've never set foot in this place. The fights I've had as a gladiator were in other places, far from here. 』

『Neizan: Don't they usually gather the best fighters here? 』

『Man: Only three of the eight factions can afford that luxury, but... 』

The man sighed, glancing away as Neizan watched him with interest, noticing a hint of unease in his words.

『Neizan: But what? 』

The man crossed his arms, his expression hardening.

『Man: The rest of the factions are usually made up of people with no renown. Only slaves or convicts end up here. 』

He paused, looking directly at him.

『Man: And that includes us. 』