The coliseum games eased the resentment of the rebels, who found in these bloody and violent confrontations a way to vent their thirst for vengeance and power against the emperor. However, the emperor, determined to maintain his absolute dominion, had created a powerful faction that almost always emerged victorious in the games, especially over the past thirty-five years, during which it remained undefeated. This success was owed to a legendary gladiator who had secured victory every time he competed. Neizan would have to face this warrior if he could now triumph over the ice prince, Alan Léonas, son of the feared and ruthless emperor.
『Alberto: The emperor is the kind of person you would never want to see angry. His pride, his power, and his relentless drive to control every corner of the empire make him ruthless. To him, the weak deserve no mercy. 』
As he said this, Alberto looked intently at Neizan, as if trying to convey the gravity of the situation. The conversation continued in a lower tone, almost like a shared secret.
『Neizan: Then why are you so determined to win the coliseum games with me? 』
Alberto sighed, and after a pause, he continued in a hushed voice.
『Alberto: If I manage to win, my faction will hold power for the next five years. With that, we could finally improve the quality of life in Nerios. My people have suffered for a long time under the weight of the emperor's taxes and control. He has never looked beyond his own benefit… but with our victory, we can do something different. 』
Neizan watched him in silence, slowly understanding the burden weighing on Alberto's shoulders. The latter seemed resolute, willing to do anything for the sake of his people, even face a death match in the coliseum games.
『Neizan: I had no idea this was so important to you. I thought these games were just a display of power for the emperor and his allies. 』
『Alberto: For some, maybe they are. But for others, like me, it's the only chance to change things. The emperor's faction has oppressed our people for far too long. If I achieve this victory, it won't just be a personal triumph; it will be the hope for a better future for Nerios. 』
Neizan nodded, the intensity in Alberto's eyes striking him deeply. This fight was not just a test of skill and strength; it was a battle for the fate of thousands.
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Four enormous beasts advanced toward Neizan, who braced himself with determination to face them. These creatures, resembling birds but with a fearsome aspect, had bodies over six meters long and stood more than two meters tall. Their long snouts and razor-sharp teeth emitted deafening, menacing screeches. Their claws, especially the curved ones on their second toe, seemed designed to tear apart any prey.
『Neizan: «I'm so sick of these beasts.» 』
With a shout to boost his courage, Neizan launched himself at the first beast approaching, arms open in anticipation. At the last second, he spun in mid-air, dodging the creature's charge. In one fluid motion, he slid his sword along the animal's neck, causing it to collapse on the ground, covering it with its blood.
However, the other three beasts gave him no respite and had already surrounded him. Neizan reacted quickly, leaping onto one of them as the monsters followed his movements with eyes full of fury. Upon landing, he delivered a direct attack, using the full strength of his leg to propel himself and drive his sword into the torso of the nearest creature. The other two beasts lunged at him simultaneously, but Neizan evaded them with a swift spin, slashing one and leaving it lifeless on the ground.
The last beast, seizing the moment when Neizan had turned his back to attack the previous one, leapt at him from behind. Neizan tried to dodge, but his injured leg failed him, leaving him vulnerable. With no other option, he interposed his left arm, allowing the beast to bite down on his protective bracer. Still, the beast's massive claw tore through his shin, causing him to stagger in pain. In a desperate attempt to free himself, Neizan stabbed the creature multiple times in the neck and chest. Finally, the beast collapsed dead on top of him, and Neizan had to push its heavy body aside to free himself from its weight.
Before he could catch his breath, an ice attack was headed his way from where Alan stood. The icy projectiles were blocked by the body of the slain beast, which Neizan used as an improvised shield. Alan, having dispelled his ice barrier to gain the advantage, advanced toward Neizan with his sword ready.
『Alan Léonas: Die already! 』
Neizan got to his feet and blocked Alan's blow with his sword. The two exchanged attacks in an evenly matched duel. Alan had nearly exhausted his mana reserves and, unable to use more magic, was forced into close combat. Though he had only suffered a minor wound, he remained largely intact, and Neizan could see that, in terms of skill and speed, the prince was no match for his previous opponent, the dark knight. However, Alan had the advantage of Neizan's fatigue, who had given his all in every fight, battling with all his might.
Suddenly, icicles began forming from Alan's feet, rapidly growing in the arena and pointing toward Neizan with their sharp tips. Neizan, demonstrating his agility, dodged them one after another, slashing those in his path, unfazed by the attack.
This fight was not just a battle of skill; it was a test of endurance and strategy. Neizan knew that his next move would be decisive.
『Neizan: Looks like I wiped that smile off your face. 』
The battle between Neizan and Alan was reaching a critical point. Neizan's skill with the sword was clearly overpowering the prince, who now endured a growing number of cuts across his body. Each blow, each graze of Neizan's blade, tore through his clothes and cut into his skin, leaving a trail of blood staining the weapon.