After a few hours, Neizan was released from his cell. His first question was about the whereabouts of his friend Arthur, who was also going to be released. The guards took him to his friend's cell, and together they left the prison. Before departing, they were handed a letter containing a meeting point with that noble.
As they walked, Neizan explained to Arthur the deal he had made with the noble.
『Arthur: I understand now. I've never seen the Gladiator Lion Games, but I've heard they are a fight to the death in a coliseum, and quite bloody. 』
『Neizan: I don't know what awaits me there, but I have no other choice if I want to free Lina. 』
『Arthur: Don't you know where they have her now? 』
『Neizan: I know they have her detained somewhere. She wasn't in that prison, so they must be hiding her from me so I can't do anything. 』
『Arthur: So, are we going to ask Alberto, right? 』
『Neizan: I don't think he'll tell us anything... 』
『Arthur: There must be a way to rescue Lina without putting your life at risk because in that coliseum, only death awaits you... 』
『Neizan: How can you be so sure? 』
『Arthur: There's a man who has remained undefeated in all his encounters for thirty years. He's a monster who crushes his opponents with devastating violence without receiving a single scratch. 』
『Neizan: I see... that will be a problem... 』
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When they arrived at the location indicated in the letter, the two boys found themselves in front of a large, well-maintained mansion, surrounded by gardens and fountains. The guards, who were waiting for their arrival, escorted them to where Alberto was. Upon arrival, they saw him enjoying a meal alongside his bodyguard Miguel, surrounded by servants and other guards.
『Alberto: Oh, you've finally arrived! I was starting to worry that you wouldn't show up. This means I guessed correctly about the girl, hahaha! 』
『Neizan: Where is she? 』
『Alberto: I'm afraid I can't reveal that to you, young Neizan. But come, sit down, and enjoy the banquet. You can order whatever you want if there isn't enough food, hahaha! 』
On the large table, there was a wide variety of dishes, ranging from meats to fruits and vegetables. There were also bottles of wine and water on a red tablecloth covering the table. Arthur was the first to sit down, staring at his plate of food, amazed that this would be the first time he would taste such fine cuisine.
『Arthur: This is what I've always wanted to see in my life! Here I go! 』
As Arthur stood up, still watching Alberto finish his meal, Neizan remained silent. Seeing his friend begin to eat, he decided to sit at the table, but he didn't take a single bite of his food or drink anything.
『Neizan: I'm tired of this. You're not going to tell me anything more about how the hell I'm supposed to win in a death match against other gladiators in the coliseum. 』
『Alberto: I know what you're thinking, but if I didn't see potential for victory in you, I wouldn't be this kind and hospitable to you. 』
『Neizan: If you're going to be so kind, then start by telling me in detail what happens in the fights. 』
『Alberto: Relax, kid. Take it easy and eat. There will be plenty of time to give you those details; there are still five months until the games start. 』
『Neizan: Five months? If there's still so much time, why did you get us out of jail so soon? 』
『Alberto: Look at this gentleman here. He is my strongest and most reliable fighter. He will train you over the next few months so you can defeat the strongest gladiator in the coliseum. 』
『Miguel: Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Miguel Sandoval Velázquez, the knight of our lord Alberto. 』
Miguel inclined slightly, showing respect, but his expression was serious, revealing his distrust of Neizan.
『Neizan: ...How sure are you that I'll be able to beat him? 』
Neizan frowned, crossing his arms in skepticism as he looked at Miguel.
『Alberto: It's not that I'm sure, but I know you can at least beat all the other worthless fighters. 』
Alberto leaned back with a sly smile.
『Alberto: Since everyone is afraid of the finalist, hardly any strong fighter has participated in recent years. This has made the games increasingly boring, and people are starting to lose interest in watching them and placing bets. 』
He gestured with his hands, emphasizing his point.
『Neizan: I don't even know what kind of people go there just to see blood spilled. 』
His gaze darkened at the thought of the spectacle of fighting.
『Alberto: The nobility from all over the country always gathers to watch. 』
Alberto shrugged, as if it were something natural.
『Alberto: It really is a unique spectacle in the world that even interests people from far away. 』
『Neizan: What will you do if I win, then? 』
『Alberto: As I mentioned before, I will clear all your records and free your dear friend Lina. Plus, I will offer you some wealth and knowledge of your choice. 』
Alberto chuckled softly, recalling a rumor.
『Alberto: I found it quite amusing when I heard you broke into a library to steal, hahaha. What do you want so many books for? 』
『Neizan: I already know that. I mean, what will you do with the victory? 』
Neizan tilted his head, trying to read the expression on Alberto's face.
『Alberto: I will enrich my status and this part of the country that is currently going through an economic crisis. 』
『Neizan: People are dying of hunger, stealing, and killing out of necessity while you're here, enjoying everything you want... You really are scum. 』
『Miguel: I'll execute you right now if you disrespect my lord again. 』
Miguel stiffened, his hand moving toward the hilt of his sword, the threat palpable in the air.
『Alberto: Let it go, Miguel. It doesn't matter. 』
Alberto raised a hand in a calming gesture, though his gaze was sharp.
『Alberto: Let's see, the boy has a point, but it's not our fault the country is in this situation. It's due to the tyranny of certain people who control the high table of nobles and the underworld of criminals. 』
『Neizan: Do you know who the boss of the underworld is that organizes everything? 』
Curiosity sparkled in Neizan's eyes, and his posture straightened, ready to hear the answer.