Alberto knew that whether Neizan won or lost, he would still benefit. If Neizan lost, his faction would still gain recognition for reaching such a high level, and Neizan's performance in the coliseum had already made him popular, to the point where many were wondering if he could defeat the champion. Alberto had already reaped economic benefits from this, but if Neizan won and Alberto lost his bet, the money would be insignificant compared to the immense power he would gain over the empire and its domains.
『Neizan: I knew I couldn't count on your help. 』
『Alberto: Don't you appreciate everything I've done for you so far? 』
Though their relationship had become somewhat cordial and based on convenience, it was true that Alberto had made things easier for Neizan and had given him a great opportunity to improve his life along with his friends, if he managed to secure victory for their faction.
『Neizan: Do you really want to hear empty words of gratitude from me? 』
Neizan was angry, which was natural. But that anger gave him the resolve to prove someone he despised wrong. He wasn't going to let himself lose this fight just to let the marquis have his way.
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『Meilia: You're an annoying man, but at least you don't seem like a bad person. 』
『Neizan: Huh? And what makes you think that? 』
『Meilia: Hmph! Nothing. So just remember, be careful, idiot, and don't make me heal you with my magic again. I'm tired of doing that. 』
『Neizan: Fine. Next time, you'll do what I say. And if you don't want to, pack your things and leave. I'm not as nice as Arthur. 』
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After his intense battles against the vampiric dark knight and the icy prince, Neizan found himself in the final of the Gladiator Lion Games. A few days passed, during which certain tensions arose within the group.
Lina continued to worry about Neizan and the outcome of each fight. Her concern was evident in every training session and moment of rest, though she tried to hide it to avoid distracting him. Neizan, meanwhile, returned to training with Miguel during those days, strengthening both body and mind. Between them, a solid respect had formed, a bond of trust that allowed them to share their perspectives on battles and life.
With Arthur, however, Neizan remained distant. He didn't want his friend to suffer in case he lost his life in the arena. He feared that closeness would lead Arthur to mourn his loss in a devastating way. So, every time Arthur tried to get closer, Neizan pushed him away, trying to create a barrier. However, Arthur's loyalty, built over years of battles and sacrifice, was unbreakable. For Arthur, Neizan was not just a friend but a role model, and that bond wouldn't dissolve easily, no matter how hard Neizan tried to break it.
Meilia, for her part, struck Neizan with sharp words, almost as a form of self-defense. Though her comments were biting, deep down it was her way of showing concern. She didn't want Neizan to know that she was beginning to see him as someone worthy of trust and respect. However, there was another reason: Meilia had difficulty being sincere and showing her true feelings, especially in such a tense situation.
『Neizan: «Well, it's time.» 』
In the center of the arena, Neizan took a deep breath, recalling in his mind the conversations he had with his companions. The silence surrounding him was absolute, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. Suddenly, everyone realized the reason for it: Emperor Erick had stood up in his tribune, ready to address the crowd.
『Erick: As every year, we gather here to witness this grand spectacle. But every five years, we have the privilege to decide, in this final battle, the fate of the gladiators and, in a way, the course of our empire. 』
The emperor placed his fist on his chest and closed his eyes in a solemn gesture. Then, with pride reflected on his face, he looked up at the audience and continued to speak, a smile of confidence and authority on his face. This was the moment everyone had been waiting for.
『Erick: I thank everyone for coming here to witness this event, which will be written down and remembered by future generations around the world. An event that will be spoken of for decades, about those legendary battles that thrilled the audience. May the blood shed by our warriors not be in vain and become part of history. 』
The emperor sat back on his throne, accompanied by a woman with red hair and blue eyes, whose demeanor radiated elegance and power. Next to her, standing, was a knight with the same hair color and intense gaze, who looked solemnly toward the center of the arena. Just then, the sound of massive steel doors opening beneath the emperor's balcony echoed throughout the coliseum. From the shadows, a figure began to advance, approaching the center of the arena until the light revealed his imposing face.
Just a few meters away, Neizan faced a gigantic man, over two meters tall, with a robust physique and scars crisscrossing his skin as marks of ancient battles. In one hand, he held a kanabo, a massive spiked club he wielded effortlessly. The weapon, a symbol of the Iron Giants clan, was known throughout the empire for its destructive power. The giant's scars, signs of countless encounters, made it clear he was an experienced warrior who had survived formidable foes. Neizan found it difficult to imagine how such a powerful being could ever have been wounded, and the giant's presence intimidated even those watching from the stands.
『Neizan: «This won't be easy.» 』
The giant had dark skin, purple dreadlocks falling heavily over his shoulders, and piercing, dark eyes. His appearance was wild and primal, dressed in furs and leather, with a necklace adorned with fangs and multiple rings and bracelets that emphasized his beastly, hunter-like appearance.
『Arthur: How on earth is he supposed to fight that?! 』
『Meilia: He's a monster. 』
『Miguel: From now on, keep silent and set those comments aside. Just focus on trusting Neizan and give him your support. He'll need it. 』