The man closed his eyes and turned his face, shielding it with his arm. A shockwave lifted a cloud of dust and ashes, leaving the crowd in a stunned silence. As the smoke cleared, a figure began to take shape. Neizan was still standing, holding his sword, though his armor had been destroyed, leaving his torso bare, covered in burns, blood stains, and black dust clinging to his skin.
The intense heat overwhelmed every sense in his body, and Neizan let out a groan of pain that clouded his mind for a few moments. However, he quickly regained his composure, ready to prevent the tragedy from repeating. His gaze settled on the one responsible for the attack.
Around the arena, three figures remained on the chariot: a soldier steering the horses, an archer apparently out of arrows, and a mage mercilessly firing powerful fireballs. Neizan had survived, though far from unscathed. With rage, he clenched his teeth to withstand the searing pain and charged back into the fight, shielding the kneeling man behind him with his body.
『Mage: Let's kill that bastard! 』
Neizan ran toward them head-on, sword low. The mage responded by launching another fireball, but this time Neizan dodged it. Emerging from the smoke, he took a great leap and hurled his sword, driving it into the mage's chest, sending him toppling backward from the chariot.
Now on the chariot, Neizan dodged a sword strike aimed at him, grabbed his attacker's arm, and delivered a brutal headbutt that broke his nose, knocking him unconscious. The driver barely had time to react before Neizan struck him with a fierce kick, sending him flying backward. He hit the ground and was mercilessly trampled by the horses.
Neizan descended from the chariot, setting foot in the arena once more. Chaos reigned over the scene: dozens of bodies scattered across the ground, shattered chariots, blood, fire, and ashes staining the sand with desolation. He advanced toward the mage lying on his back, his gaze fixed on the dying man. The mage coughed up blood around the sword still embedded in his chest, making a futile effort to remove it, while his pain drew out agonized cries.
Without hesitation, Neizan withdrew the sword from the mage's body and placed its tip against his neck. An absolute silence filled the amphitheater as all eyes turned to the emperor, who stood up, watching the young gladiator. With a gesture of his arm, he slowly raised his hand. The crowd began to chant, "Death, death, death!" over and over until the emperor lowered his thumb. Cheers erupted while Neizan, ignoring the clamor, focused on the defeated man at his feet. With precision, he raised his sword and drove it into the mage's heart, granting him a swift death to spare him further suffering.
Then, he turned to his only surviving companion, helping him to his feet and supporting him with one arm, while the other rested on Neizan's shoulder. Together, they walked to stand before the emperor. The crowd once again fell silent, giving the emperor his moment to speak.
『Emperor: Congratulations, my gladiators. You are the first to overcome the first arena, proving yourselves worthy of it. You have shown your strength and courage, facing death and emerging victorious. You have my respect. 』
Then, raising his arms, the emperor pointed a finger at Neizan and said, "You."
『Emperor: The greatest gladiator of this battle. Tell us your name and show us who you are. 』
Neizan, still catching his breath, removed his helmet with one hand and raised his gaze toward the emperor, his eyes steady and determined.
『Neizan: My name is Neizan. I came here to be free. 』
The emperor raised an eyebrow, a slight smile of interest appearing on his face.
『Emperor: Oh? So, you're a slave. 』
Neizan shook his head, keeping his gaze fixed on the emperor.
『Neizan: No… I've just traveled a long way to get here. 』
The emperor observed him in silence for a moment, then nodded with satisfaction.
『Emperor: Good. It's encouraging to see strong young warriors this year. You may rest now. Withdraw. 』
Neizan gave a slight nod, accepting the order, and, together with his companion, turned to return to the coliseum's corridors. Guards escorted them to the infirmary, where they were treating the wounded. Neizan directed the medics to tend to his companion first, watching with concern as they settled him and treated his injuries. After a few minutes, Alberto and the rest of the group arrived, their faces reflecting relief and admiration at seeing him.
『Alberto: Well done, kid! You were amazing! 』
The marquis smiled cheerfully at Neizan's feats, more concerned about the spectacle he had witnessed than the gladiator's current state. However, Lina and Arthur did not share his enthusiasm.
『Arthur: Neizan! How are you? 』
Neizan let out a sigh, his weary gaze reflecting his pain.
『Neizan: What do you think? 』
『Lina: Haven't they treated your wounds yet? 』
Neizan shook his head, his voice sounding somewhat resigned.
『Neizan: No. I'm waiting for them to finish with the other man. 』
Lina's worried expression said it all. Realizing the situation, she went to the medics in search of bandages and water to clean Neizan's wounds. Suddenly, Meilia, the girl who had been watching, stepped forward.
『Meilia: I can heal you. 』
Everyone turned to her, surprised.
『Meilia: I can heal you with magic, but it will still hurt a lot. 』
Neizan nodded and turned, giving his back to the others as he sat down. His back was completely burned. Seeing it, Lina covered her mouth with both hands, raising her eyebrows in horror. Arthur closed his eyes and let out a "phew," looking away for a moment. Second- and third-degree burns covered the entire area, leaving the skin exposed, stained with blood, with traces of ash and sand clinging to it.
『Neizan: Will it take long? 』
『Meilia: A bit. Please bring me a bucket of water and some bandages. 』
『Lina: I'll go. Just a moment. 』
『Miguel: Neizan. 』
『Neizan: What? 』
『Miguel: You shouldn't have let your guard down just to save a mere pawn in the game. You could have died because of it. 』