『Neizan: What was your crime? 』
『Man: My only crime in this life, it seems, was being born as the son of a slave. 』
『Neizan: I understand… You couldn't have been more unfortunate. 』
『Man: ...I just hope I can see my wife and daughter at least one more time. 』
『Neizan: I'm sure you'll see them someday. 』
The man sighed, imagining what it would be like to see his wife and daughter again. He closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them again, he looked at the face of the young man watching him closely.
『Man: And you? How did you end up here at such a young age? 』
『Neizan: Let's just say I'm a volunteer. 』
『Man: A volunteer? Are you crazy? No one in the last twenty years has volunteered for this punishment. 』
For someone who had spent his entire life as a slave, risking oneself in a place like this when there were other ways out seemed like an act of madness.
『Neizan: Then, I suppose I must be out of my mind. 』
The man laughed loudly when he heard Neizan admit his "madness."
『Guard: Time's up. Let's go. 』
From outside the room, the voice of a guard could be heard. Everyone who had been seated stood up immediately and were led toward the entrance, where the guards were waiting, standing at attention.
『Man: Are you strong? 』
『Neizan: Mph... I suppose so. 』
『Man: I see, with the connection you have to Alberto, you must be. 』
Neizan sighed before responding.
『Neizan: Yes… 』
『Man: That's a relief to hear. 』
As they arrived before a large gate, the shouts of the crowd could already be heard rising outside. That's when Neizan put on his helmet.
Behind him, a hand suddenly touched his shoulder. It was the voice of the same man he had spoken with earlier, now advising him once again.
『Man: Anyway, if you manage to please the crowd, kid, they might spare your life when your time comes. 』
『Neizan: Yeah... Even though we now have one foot in hell and the other in heaven, I hope we make it out of this. 』
The sound of chains and the movement of the enormous wooden doors opening allowed the outside light to pour in. The first men in the line moved forward, until it was Neizan's turn to step onto the arena floor.
The roar of the crowd grew louder, now more deafening than before. Glancing around, he could see more than a hundred thousand people gathered, watching the men as they walked toward the center of the open area.
This amphitheater was over eight hundred years old, a giant cage without a roof. The smell in that place was overwhelming: a foul stench of blood hung in the air, perhaps due to the countless deaths and sacrifices that had taken place here, staining the ground with a dark red that seemed eternal.
The crowd's gazes reflected an insatiable thirst for blood. They were impatient for the spectacle to begin and thrilled to see the first fighters enter the scene.
Neizan felt a chill run down his skin in that place. For a moment, he was completely stunned, and a question arose in his mind: how could humanity come to this? Watching people try to kill each other, treated like fighting dogs whose freedom was mercilessly taken away. Their lives and hopes were nothing more than a game to that crowd.
When the ten men stepping onto the arena gathered at its center, the emperor, seated in an elevated and distinguished spot apart from the rest, stood up and took a few steps forward. In seconds, the entire crowd fell into complete silence upon seeing him move.
He was a man with blond hair and crimson eyes. His fair skin radiated an aura of power, and an almost divine arrogance was drawn on his face. With a smile as if exalted by the gods themselves, he moved his lips to speak.
『Emperor: I am pleased to see you all gathered here once again. 』
『Emperor: Consider it a privilege; you are fortunate to see me, your emperor, and witness my spectacle for yet another year. 』
『Emperor: As for you, my gladiators... I expect to see you shed every last drop of sweat and blood in this arena blessed by the gods. Win the hearts of the audience here, earn the respect and glory you desire. Prove yourselves worthy in this arena to advance to the Lion Gladiator, and thus, you may lift your heads with pride and show the world who you truly are. 』
The emperor paused for a moment and extended both arms wide open.
『Emperor: We are all eager to see what this year has in store for us! Let the Gladiator Lion battles begin! 』
The emperor raised both arms, stretched out to the sides, while his gaze dominated the men gathered at his feet. Trumpets blared, and the crowd erupted in cheers. From their seats, they could see several gates beginning to open, similar to the one the gladiators had just crossed. The warriors tensed their bodies, preparing for what was to come.
『???: It's starting! Gather, those who don't want to die! Remember, together we are stronger than apart! 』
One of the gladiators raised his voice, capturing the attention of the others, who quickly regrouped into a defensive circle. The same man who had spoken with Neizan took on the leadership, shouting with iron determination. Their gazes moved from corner to corner, vigilant, as the gates continued to open. Adrenaline rushed through their bodies, sweat beaded their brows, and the sun's light, at its zenith, enveloped the air in a dry, oppressive heat.
Not far from the emperor, gathered in a reserved grandstand, were the eight factions that would participate. Lina, Arthur, and Meilia watched the arena intently, where the gladiators were preparing. From that distance, they could not make out Neizan, but Marquis Alberto, who was next to them along with Miguel, soon clarified his location, while they all watched with anticipation the start of the fight to the death in the coliseum.