Arthur sounded frustrated, as if he couldn't understand how other factions could find so much success while his own was at such a disadvantage.
『Alberto: That's easy to understand, kid. We don't have the resources or the funds to recruit and train strong fighters like the others do. Like I said, there are only three truly powerful factions. 』
『Lina: And which factions are still participating? 』
Alberto looked at Lina and began to list them.
『Alberto: Since two of them have been disqualified, there are six this year. First, as winners for the past thirty years, there are the Romanes, with ten participants. Then Marlow, also with ten. Third is Lyon, with eight participants. Fourth is Argos, with six. Fifth is Neusas, with four. And finally, us, with only two. 』
Arthur sighed as he heard the list, aware of the huge disadvantage they were facing.
『Arthur: We're at a serious disadvantage… We'll have to wait for the upcoming matches to see how things go. Do you know who Neizan's up against today? 』
『Miguel: He'll have to face the Disaster Twins… or so they call themselves. 』
Neizan, who had been silently listening up to that point while sipping his water, suddenly burst into laughter so strong that he ended up choking on his drink. Lina, who was sitting beside him, started patting his back to help him as he tried to recover, tears in his eyes from laughing so hard. The others looked on with puzzled expressions, wondering what could be so funny about the Disaster Twins.
『Neizan: I want to be the only one to fight. 』
『Arturo: Are you crazy? 』
『Miguel: Why would you want to do that? 』
『Neizan: Just put me in there alone, and I'll win. You can count on it. 』
Miguel and Arturo exchanged a skeptical look. Neizan's confidence was so intense that, for a moment, they wondered if he was serious or if this was just one of his provocative jokes.
『Meilia: ... Mph. After what happened yesterday, isn't it somewhat logical? 』
『Everyone: …? 』
『Meilia: I mean, if this idiot is willing to risk his life again for his teammates, maybe the strategy of fighting alone makes sense. 』
A tense silence fell over the group. Meilia's observation reminded everyone of Neizan's recent injuries, some still fresh and clearly visible. Despite his arrogant words, the scars he bore showed how much he had risked.
『Arthur: Yes, but he won't do it again, right, Neizan? 』
Neizan closed his eyes, crossing his arms and falling silent, as if weighing a decision he had already made. Arthur's question went unanswered, increasing the tension. However, Arthur insisted, this time with more urgency.
『Arthur: Hey! I'm talking to you. 』
Neizan opened his eyes slowly, his gaze grave and resolute. Ignoring Arthur, he instead directed his words toward Alberto, who had been silently listening until then.
『Neizan: I want you to keep that man out of this. He's done enough and has no chance of beating the remaining participants. 』
『Alberto: Ah, so that's what this is about. Well, if that's what you want, I suppose I have no right to refuse, right? 』
Neizan frowned, giving Alberto a look that mixed defiance and displeasure.
『Alberto: You don't have to look at me like that. Fine, I'll withdraw him from the contest, but… 』
Neizan remained silent, his eyes fixed on Alberto's face, waiting for what would come next.
『Alberto: I want results. I won't accept you coming back missing an arm or a leg. So, if you manage to win against those brothers on your own, I'll offer him a trip back to his family. 』
The weight of Alberto's words fell over everyone. The "Disaster Twins" were not easy opponents, and everyone knew it. But Neizan barely nodded, his determination seemed unbreakable, as if facing those opponents alone was the fate he had chosen for himself.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Back in the coliseum, Neizan stood next to his companion, a man he had barely known amidst the chaos of the last battle. Sunlight filtered through the stands, and the sand in the coliseum appeared more vibrant under its glow, but the atmosphere was tense.
『Neizan: Hi. Um… I still don't know your name. 』
The man lifted his head, visibly surprised by the question, as if he hadn't expected this moment of closeness.
『Jake: Hey, kid. That's right… Sorry for not introducing myself sooner. My name is Jake. I'm very grateful to you for saving me yesterday, before I lost consciousness. 』
Neizan nodded, hiding any hint of emotion. There was something he needed to say to Jake, something he couldn't postpone.
『Neizan: I have something to tell you, something important. 』
Jake raised an eyebrow and managed a faint smile, trying to ease the tension.
『Jake: Sure, go ahead. I'm listening. 』
『Neizan: You won't have to fight anymore. You're free to go home to your family. 』
Jake blinked, not fully understanding.
『Jake: Huh? Wait… Are you serious? 』
『Neizan: Yes. You have Alberto's permission. You can leave. 』
Jake's face lit up, his eyes beginning to fill with tears. He seemed unable to find the words to express his gratitude.
『Jake: No… I don't know how I'll ever thank you enough for everything. You've given me a chance I thought was lost. 』
Neizan gave him a pat on the shoulder, with a faint smile.
『Neizan: Don't mention it, friend. Now go home and enjoy a peaceful life with your family. 』
Jake nodded firmly, breathing deeply as he processed the reality of his freedom.
『Jake: Yes! That's exactly what I'll do, but… what about you? What will you do now? 』
『Neizan: I have unfinished business here. I'm staying. 』
Jake looked at him seriously, visibly concerned, but he knew that nothing he could say would change Neizan's decision.
『Jake: I see… I'll pray for you, friend. 』
At that moment, the sound of trumpets broke the silence in the coliseum, announcing the start of the fight. The crowd roared in the stands as Neizan headed toward the entrance gate to the arena. He walked with steady steps, crossing the grand gate and stepping onto the sand with unyielding determination.
In front of him, ready for battle, waited the "Disaster Twins." Both wielded swords, and one of them held a round shield that reflected the sunlight as a silent challenge. Neizan's gaze sharpened. He knew these brothers were no ordinary opponents; this fight would not be easy.
But he was no ordinary gladiator, either.