《Trials Of Life II: Souls Of The Lost》 Chapter 1 - No regrets Chapter 1 - No regrets Mary, Yumiko, and Lukas trudged onward, the weight of their exhaustion etched into every step. The Evergreen region had proven relentless, its rugged terrain a crucible for their resolve. Injuries, weariness, and the unyielding burden of their mission pressed heavily upon them. Yet, their determination remained unshaken, driven by purpose and a promise: Lukas had vowed to accompany Yumiko to her fallen brother¡¯s grave in the long-abandoned town of Dryffn. As the sun peered out from the horizon, its waning light cast long shadows over the landscape. The silhouette of a decaying city emerged in the distance, its skeletal remains standing as a silent testament to a forgotten tragedy. The serpent staff slung across Mary¡¯s back clanged softly against her hammer with each step, the sound cutting through the damp, oppressive air. Adjusting the straps, she squinted toward the outskirts of the ruins, her attention snagged by an unusual sight¡ªa large granite boulder streaked with a rusty red patina. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± she asked, veering off the crumbling path toward the stone. Yumiko followed closely, her curiosity piqued, while Lukas lagged behind, his gaze distant and heavy. ¡°It¡¯s a memorial,¡± he said after a moment, his voice subdued. ¡°For the people who died here.¡± Mary stopped in front of the stone, running her fingers over its cool, rough surface. At its base, a tarnished silver plaque caught the fading light, its inscription faint but legible. She knelt and read the words aloud, her tone reverent: ¡°Here lies the memorial for the people of Dryffn. May their lives, and all those lost in this region, be remembered. May their souls reach the heavens and be blessed with eternal happiness, or rebirth into a wondrous next life.¡± The words lingered in the air like an unspoken prayer. Yumiko clasped her hands together, her lips moving in a silent benediction. When she finished, she straightened, her gaze fixed on the ruins ahead. The town loomed before them, a ghostly tableau of hollowed buildings and skeletal frames. Moss and creeping vines clung to the weathered structures, while some had collapsed entirely, reduced to piles of rubble that whispered of lost grandeur. ¡°This town¡­¡± Yumiko murmured, her voice soft with sorrow. ¡°I can only imagine how beautiful it must have been. Why hasn¡¯t anyone moved back?¡± Lukas exhaled a weary sigh, his eyes scanning the shattered windows and swaying shutters. ¡°Because they believe it¡¯s cursed.¡± ¡°Cursed?¡± Yumiko tilted her head, her curiosity sharpening like a blade. ¡°What kind of curse?¡± Lukas nodded toward the ruins, his expression shadowed by something unspoken. ¡°Some say a dragon destroyed this place. That¡¯s what the guild claims, anyway. Others whisper of something worse¡ªsomething nameless. Whatever it was, nine thousand people vanished without a trace. No one wants to rebuild where that kind of trauma lingers.¡± Mary folded her arms, her stance skeptical. ¡°You¡¯d think the guild would¡¯ve done something by now. If nothing else, they could restore it for its strategic value. A town like this could¡¯ve been a valuable hub¡ªbetter than trudging all the way to Braint, at any rate.¡± Yumiko glanced at her red-haired companion, noting the sharp edge in her voice. ¡°You really don¡¯t like Braint, do you?¡± Mary shrugged, her expression unreadable. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I have a history there. And before you ask, you¡¯ll understand everything the moment you set foot in that godless town.¡± Yumiko¡¯s brows knit together, her unease evident. ¡°Godless? Oh, I don¡¯t think I like the sound of that already¡­¡± Above them, gray clouds soon started to thicken, the sky darkening with the promise of rain. Lukas tilted his head skyward, his features distant and unreadable. ¡°We¡¯re here for one thing: to visit your brother¡¯s grave. Let¡¯s get it done before the rain starts.¡± Yumiko nodded, her voice quieter now, tempered by the somber weight of the moment. ¡°Alright. Lead the way.¡± Lukas raised a hand, pointing toward a cluster of hills on the horizon. ¡°Five miles to the left. If we follow the river, it¡¯ll take us straight there.¡± With that, the group set off, leaving Dryffn and its eerie stillness behind. Yumiko cast one last glance over her shoulder at the ghost town. Once home to nearly ten thousand souls, it now stood silent, its skeletal remains swallowed by time and neglect. The overgrown streets and crumbling facades seemed to exhale a quiet lament, the whisper of lives forgotten and stories left untold. As she turned back to Lukas, who led the way with steady but tense strides, she noticed the set of his shoulders and the measured pace of his steps. Though his face betrayed little emotion, there was something in his posture that hinted at unease. Yumiko wondered what memories of this place¡ªor perhaps of the journey itself¡ªlingered in his mind. Was his silence a shield, or was he simply lost in a past too painful to share? The group walked in subdued quiet until the river came into view, its dark waters glinting faintly beneath the dimming sky. For a moment, the sound of flowing water brought a sense of reprieve from the oppressive atmosphere. But as they followed its winding path, Yumiko soon realized the journey was far from easy. The terrain grew increasingly uneven, the ground sloping upward with each step. The river, once close enough to touch, now lay far below, its currents swirling against jagged rocks. As the incline steepened, a towering cliff flanked their path, its edge dropping sharply into the churning waters. Yumiko paused, her stomach turning at the sight. She kept her distance from the edge and murmured, ¡°That¡¯s... a long way down.¡± Lukas nodded, his gaze fixed ahead as he trudged forward. ¡°I fell into it when Dryffn was destroyed.¡± Mary stopped abruptly, her head whipping around to peer over the cliff¡¯s edge. ¡°You fell down there and survived?¡± Lukas didn¡¯t break stride, his voice calm but matter-of-fact. ¡°I was shot in the stomach with an arrow. Lost my balance and tumbled down.¡± Yumiko winced at the image, her voice soft with concern. ¡°That must have been awful...¡± Lukas shrugged, his tone detached, as though recounting someone else¡¯s story. ¡°I don¡¯t remember much. I blacked out after I got hit. The last thing I saw before I fell was the jagged rocks below. I thought it was the end.¡± Mary¡¯s gaze darted between the cliff and Lukas, her usual teasing giving way to genuine surprise. ¡°And yet here you are. That¡¯s¡­ something.¡± Her voice carried an uncharacteristic softness, as if she were trying to grasp the gravity of what he had survived. The weight of the moment settled over the group like the clouds above, heavy and unyielding. Sensing the somber turn, Mary shifted gears, her tone lightening. ¡°So,¡± she said, gesturing ahead, ¡°you mentioned a friend you wanted us to meet after this?¡± Lukas gave a short nod, his expression still distant. ¡°Yes. You¡¯ll understand better once you meet her. Explaining it won¡¯t do her justice.¡± Recognizing his reluctance to say more, Mary decided not to pry further. ¡°Got it,¡± she replied, her voice easy and nonchalant, though her curiosity simmered beneath the surface. The group continued their climb in silence, their focus drawn to the rugged path ahead. The crunch of boots on loose gravel and the distant roar of the river below were the only sounds accompanying their ascent. The hours dragged on, and the gray sky deepened as rain drew close. Just as fatigue began to weigh heavily on them, Lukas came to an abrupt halt. He raised a hand, pointing toward the hillside ahead. ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± he said, his voice low but steady. ¡°You can see some of the graves from here.¡± Yumiko squinted through the dim light, her eyes catching the faint silhouettes of weathered stones jutting from the earth like silent sentinels. Her chest tightened, and her breath hitched, but she nodded resolutely, determination steeling her voice. ¡°Okay. I¡¯m ready.¡± As they prepared to ascend the final stretch, Mary broke the silence, her voice calm yet firm. ¡°You two go ahead,¡± she said, crossing her arms while leaning backwards onto a tree.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Yumiko tilted her head, concern flickering across her face. ¡°Are you sure?¡± Mary nodded, her usual playful demeanor replaced by a quiet sincerity. ¡°Yeah. This feels personal. I¡¯ll wait here at the base of the hill. When you¡¯re done, just wave me up.¡± Yumiko¡¯s lips curved into a small, grateful smile. ¡°Thanks, Mary.¡± Mary returned the smile, her eyes warm. ¡°Good luck.¡± Yumiko and Lukas began the final climb, the air thick and cool, carrying the faint scent of rain. The first droplets began to fall, speckling the dirt path and darkening the fabric of their clothes. Yumiko¡¯s heart raced with each step, her nerves tightening like a coiled spring. Halfway up the hill, she paused, pressing a hand to her chest as she struggled to steady her breath. Lukas stopped, turning back to her, his brow furrowed with concern. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Yumiko forced a faint smile, though the weight in her chest remained. ¡°Just¡­ a little nervous,¡± she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Lukas studied her for a moment, then nodded. His voice softened, carrying a rare note of reassurance. ¡°Take your time. There¡¯s no rush.¡± Yumiko took a deep breath, grounding herself. She wasn¡¯t sure if it was the weight of the journey, the gravity of the moment, or the presence of her brother¡¯s memory that unnerved her most. Lukas stood and watched her. He didn¡¯t speak, simply waited with quiet patience as Yumiko took a few deep breaths, steadying herself. The rain fell steadily now, the soft patter filling the silence between them. As they crested the hill, the graves came into view. The small burial site was a solemn and serene place, thoughtfully arranged. Each marker stood spaced apart, as though the fallen were given room to rest undisturbed. Lukas gestured toward the graves as they approached. ¡°I spaced them out,¡± he said quietly, his voice carrying a deep reverence. ¡°I wanted to give each of them a spot I thought they¡¯d like. Somewhere peaceful.¡± Yumiko nodded, her gaze lingering on the graves. She could see the care in every detail, each placement a reflection of Lukas¡¯s respect for the fallen. The rain gathered strength, tracing rivulets down the stones and soaking into the earth beneath their feet. Lukas suddenly froze. His entire body tensed, his posture rigid like a bowstring drawn taut. His gaze locked onto a grave ahead, and his expression darkened in an instant. ¡°What the hell?¡± he growled, breaking into a run. Yumiko¡¯s heart leaped as she hurried after him, her voice tight with alarm. ¡°Lukas, what¡¯s wrong?¡± He came to a sudden stop in front of a shattered grave marker. The stone lay in jagged fragments, scattered haphazardly across the ground. Lukas stood over the desecrated site, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. The rain streamed down his face, though his rage burned undiminished. ¡°Someone¡­ someone broke one of my comrades¡¯ graves,¡± he said through gritted teeth. Yumiko slowed as she reached his side, her breath catching at the sight. The damage was glaring against the otherwise undisturbed scene. ¡°Just this one?¡± she asked softly, her voice barely audible over the rain. Lukas nodded, his jaw set in a hard line. ¡°Looks that way¡­¡± Yumiko hesitated before offering a suggestion, though her voice wavered. ¡°Maybe it was lightning?¡± ¡°Maybe¡­¡± Lukas muttered, but the edge in his tone betrayed his doubt. His fists trembled at his sides, his anger barely contained. He stared at the broken pieces, his eyes haunted. ¡°He saved my life, you know. When we were overrun, he stayed behind to cover our escape. I could hear his screams, but¡­ I couldn¡¯t do anything. I couldn¡¯t save him.¡± Yumiko averted her gaze, her chest tightening. The pain in Lukas¡¯s voice was raw, cutting through the rain-soaked air. She struggled to process his words, overwhelmed by the weight of his memories. It was too much¡ªmore than she had ever faced¡ªbut she knew it was only a fraction of what he was feeling. After a long moment, Lukas let out a heavy sigh. His voice was steadier now, though weariness crept into every word. ¡°No matter¡­ I¡¯ll get George a new headstone when I can.¡± ¡°That was his name? George?¡± Yumiko asked softly, her gaze dropping to the shattered stone at her feet, the rain making it glisten like shards of glass. Lukas nodded, ¡°Yeah. George Maxime. He was a great archer¡ªlike you.¡± The compliment caught Yumiko off guard, unexpected in the somber atmosphere. Praise from Lukas was rare, and though the moment was grim, his words stirred a small, bittersweet warmth within her. She glanced at Lukas, who stared at the grave with a quiet resolve. Even in his pain, his respect for the fallen shone through, unyielding. The rain continued to fall, its rhythm steady, as if nature itself mourned alongside them. Lukas closed his eyes for a moment, drawing in a deep, steadying breath. When he opened them, his expression was calm but somber. ¡°Come on,¡± he said quietly, motioning toward another part of the clearing. ¡°Your brother¡¯s grave is over here.¡± Yumiko followed Lukas, her heart pounding so fiercely it felt as if it might burst. Each step brought her closer to the moment she had both dreaded and longed for, and the knot in her stomach tightened with every passing second. By the time they reached Hiro¡¯s grave, her legs felt like they might give way. When her eyes fell on the gravestone, she froze. A wave of shock and raw emotion crashed over her, stealing her breath. The stone was simple yet striking, its elegance a testament to care and respect. The rainwater glided over its smooth surface, tracing the delicate engraving. At the top of the stone, a dragonfly had been carved with intricate detail, its wings spread wide as if ready to take flight. ¡°The dragonfly is a symbol of freedom, according to Hiro¡­¡± Lukas said, his voice barely audible over the rain. ¡°I figured it was fitting. I had someone from Jinsoku translate the inscription for me. They also helped me perform the proper burial rites.¡± Yumiko stepped closer, her trembling fingers reaching out to trace the smooth engraving. Her fingertips moved over the characters etched into the stone, each stroke carrying the weight of memory and loss. She read the words aloud in Jinso, her voice quivering and barely above a whisper: ¡°Fly free like a dragonfly, so that you may live a life of adventure and happiness. Hiro Hoshino, 21.¡± Her breath hitched, and tears blurred her vision as the reality of her brother¡¯s absence washed over her anew. Her legs buckled, and she sank to her knees before the grave. The cold, wet ground seeped through her clothes, but she didn¡¯t care. Lukas crouched beside her, his brow furrowed, his voice laced with concern. ¡°Hey, are you alright?¡± Yumiko nodded weakly, though her trembling hands betrayed her. She hastily wiped at her face, but the tears continued to flow. ¡°Yes¡­ it¡¯s just that¡­ it¡¯s just¡­¡± Her voice faltered, her words failing to capture the storm of grief and love that churned within her. Lukas averted his gaze, his discomfort with her tears were shown, yet he didn¡¯t move away. After a hesitant pause, he reached out and rested a hand gently on her shoulder. His voice, awkward but earnest, broke through the rain. ¡°You know¡­ he wouldn¡¯t want this. You crying, I mean.¡± Yumiko froze, lifting her tear-streaked face to meet his gaze. His expression was solemn, his eyes fixed on Hiro¡¯s grave. The sadness within them mirrored her own, a quiet understanding that bridged the gulf of their pain. For a long moment, the rain was the only sound between them. Finally, Yumiko wiped at her face again, her sobs subsiding into soft sniffles. She nodded, her voice trembling but steadier. ¡°You¡¯re right¡­ Hiro wouldn¡¯t want me to cry.¡± Lukas gave her a faint nod and stood, removing his hand from her shoulder. He stepped back, giving her space, but his presence remained solid and grounding. Yumiko stayed kneeling before the grave, her hand resting lightly on the stone as the rain fell around her. She stared at the dragonfly carving, her thoughts drifting to memories of her brother. Finally, she broke the silence, her voice soft but laden with a quiet determination. ¡°Is his body here¡­ in the ground?¡± Lukas hesitated, his shoulders tensing as the rain filled the silence between Yumiko¡¯s question and his answer. Finally, his voice came, quiet and heavy. ¡°No,¡± he said. ¡°Everyone¡¯s bodies were turned to ash because of a curse¡­ Your brother¡¯s body was no different. When I came back here, after I recovered from my injuries, all I found were his clothes and some of his equipment. That¡¯s what I buried here.¡± Yumiko absorbed his words slowly, the weight of them pressing against her chest. Her hands came together, fingers trembling slightly as she bowed her head. Her lips moved in silent prayer, her form steady despite the torrent of emotions roiling within. A quiet strength radiated from her, even in the depths of her grief. After a long moment, Yumiko¡¯s voice broke the stillness, low and tinged with uncertainty. ¡°Do you think my brother would be proud of me right now?¡± Lukas turned to her, his brows knitting together. ¡°What kind of question is that?¡± he asked, a hint of incredulity in his tone. Yumiko lifted her head, her gaze steady but uncertain as it met his. ¡°My older brother, my father, even my mother¡­ they all disapprove of what I¡¯m doing. They want me to go back home¡ªeach for their own reasons. So, I can¡¯t help but wonder¡­ Would Hiro think the same?¡± Lukas frowned, turning his eyes back to the grave. The rain rolled down his face, mingling with the somber shadows in his expression. ¡°Do you honestly think Hiro would say something like that?¡± Yumiko hesitated, then shook her head, though her doubt lingered in the downturn of her lips. ¡°And if he did?¡± Lukas pressed, his tone sharpening. ¡°Would you go back?¡± Her eyes widened slightly, but then she shook her head again, this time with conviction. ¡°No¡­ I wouldn¡¯t.¡± ¡°Then why ask the question?¡± Lukas said flatly. His gaze hardened, narrowing slightly as if sifting through memories. ¡°First thing Hiro taught me was to live your life with no regrets. That¡¯s all I can say to you.¡± Yumiko inhaled sharply, his words cutting through the haze of doubt clouding her heart. She turned back to her brother¡¯s grave, the lingering uncertainty in her posture giving way to quiet determination. Her voice, when it came, was steady. ¡°Yes¡­ You¡¯re right.¡± Lukas nodded once, his movements deliberate. He glanced toward the other graves scattered across the hillside, the rain blurring their outlines. ¡°I¡¯m going to check on the rest of the gang. Take your time.¡± Without waiting for a response, he turned and began walking away, his footsteps muffled by the rain. Left alone, Yumiko remained kneeling by her brother¡¯s grave. Her fingers reached out, brushing against the engraved dragonfly, its delicate wings glistening under the rain like fragile glass. A faint smile touched her lips, bittersweet and fleeting, though tears still brimmed in her eyes. ¡°No regrets, huh,¡± she whispered to herself, her voice soft yet resolute. The rain traced cold lines down her cheeks, but she felt something shift within her. For the first time since arriving, the tight knot in her chest began to loosen. She closed her eyes, tilting her face upward as the rain washed over her. In that moment, she resolved to honor her brother¡ªnot through mourning, but by living her life fully. The way Hiro would have wanted. Chapter 2: The Friend Chapter 2: The Friend Mary, Lukas, and Yumiko trudged through another day of dense woods, the air thick with the scent of damp moss and rain-soaked earth. The constant drizzle clung to their clothes, seeping through every layer until even their bed mats, tucked safely inside their bags, were cold and damp. Every step felt heavier than the last, their exhaustion palpable in the silence that settled over the group. Yumiko let out a long, winded sigh as she swung her leg over a moss-covered log. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Mary asked, glancing back with a raised brow. Yumiko wiped wet strands of short hair from her face, her voice tinged with frustration. ¡°I¡¯m dirty, soaked, and my feet are killing me¡­¡± Lukas, who had barely turned his head, spoke matter-of-factly as he continued walking. ¡°Put ffwl moss under the insoles of your boots. It cushions your feet, preventing aches and blisters.¡± His tone hinted at personal experience, though he didn¡¯t elaborate. Yumiko groaned, her pace slowing. ¡°Or we could just take a short break,¡± she muttered, glancing at Mary for support. ¡°No breaks,¡± Lukas said sharply, his voice as steady as his stride. ¡°The more ground we cover now, the less time we spend drenched tomorrow. Unless you want another day like this.¡± Yumiko flinched at the thought, her resolve wavering. ¡°N-no¡­ I guess not,¡± she said quietly, falling in line. ¡°Good.¡± Lukas nodded curtly, scanning the area ahead. ¡°We¡¯re almost there. In fact¡­¡± He paused, his eyes narrowing as he studied the forest around them. ¡°She¡¯s usually close by.¡± Mary frowned, looking around at the seemingly endless trees. ¡°She? Lukas, I haven¡¯t seen so much as a shack since Dryffn. Where exactly are we supposed to find her?¡± ¡°She doesn¡¯t live in a house. She likes caves,¡± Lukas said, still moving forward. ¡°There¡¯s one nearby she uses to rest.¡± Mary exchanged a skeptical look with Yumiko, shaking her head. ¡°Great. So, we¡¯re looking for a cave-dwelling mystery girl. Should we be worried?¡± ¡°No,¡± Lukas replied curtly, his tone brooking no argument. ¡°But don¡¯t be loud, and don¡¯t make any sudden movements when you meet her. She¡¯s¡­ cautious around strangers.¡± ¡°Strangers like us?¡± Mary asked, her voice edged with concern. Yumiko, stepping over another fallen tree, added, ¡°You¡¯re not giving us much to go on, Lukas. Who is she? Why are we even looking for her?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve told you already,¡± Lukas said, glancing over his shoulder, his expression unreadable. ¡°It¡¯s easier to show you than to explain. Just trust me.¡± He turned back to the trail, his eyes scanning the forest with renewed focus, as though expecting her to emerge from the shadows at any moment. Mary sighed, muttering under her breath to Yumiko, ¡°This better not be some hermit girl with a bad attitude.¡± Yumiko chuckled softly, though her unease remained. Whatever¡ªor whoever¡ªthey were about to encounter, Lukas¡¯s cryptic answers weren¡¯t helping ease the tension. The rain drummed steadily on the canopy above, the forest seemingly holding its breath, as they pressed onward. After a short walk, he led them to a rugged cliff face partially obscured by thick vegetation. The rock wall rose high above them, its surface darkened by moisture and moss. Lukas veered to the side, scanning the area until his gaze landed on a large den nestled at the base of the cliff. The opening was shadowed, gaping like the maw of a beast, and carried a faint earthy smell. Lukas stopped abruptly and turned to face Yumiko and Mary. His expression was more serious than moments before. ¡°Stay here. Don¡¯t move, don¡¯t talk, and don¡¯t freak out. You¡¯ll be the first people she¡¯s seen in... well, a long time. Probably the first I know of, actually.¡± Mary crossed her arms, arching a brow. ¡°What the hell are we even doing here? Why is this mysterious ¡®friend¡¯ living in a den, of all places?¡± ¡°Just trust me and follow what I said!¡± Lukas snapped, irritation flashing across his face. Mary rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath. Yumiko nodded silently, glancing toward the cave with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. Lukas strode toward the entrance of the den and called out, his voice steady and confident. ¡°Snow! You there?¡± For a moment, the only response was the faint whisper of wind through the trees and the sound of light rain striking the ground. Mary smirked, shaking her head. ¡°Looks like your girlfriend stood you up¡ª¡± Her words were cut short by a low, menacing growl that reverberated from deep within the cave. The sound sent shivers racing down their spines, primal and unmistakably threatening. Two glowing ice-blue eyes appeared in the shadows, their intensity piercing through the darkness. A moment later, the owner of those eyes emerged¡ªa massive white wolf, nearly seven feet tall at the shoulder, its coat thick and pristine as freshly fallen snow. The creature¡¯s sheer size and presence dominated the clearing, and every muscle in its body was poised, exuding power. The wolf¡¯s gaze locked onto Mary and Yumiko, its lips curling into a subtle snarl. Yumiko¡¯s hand instinctively drifted toward her kunai, her heart pounding, but the wolf¡¯s unblinking eyes stopped her cold. It was as if the creature dared her to make a move. ¡°Hey,¡± Lukas called softly, his voice cutting through the tension. ¡°Come here, girl.¡± The wolf¡¯s ears flicked, but her piercing gaze remained fixed on the girls. She stood motionless, her body a wall of tension and warning. After what felt like an eternity, the wolf finally turned her head toward Lukas, her massive paws crunching against the forest floor as she approached him. When she reached him, the wolf sat down, towering over him even in her relaxed posture. She lowered her head, pressing it against Lukas¡¯s shoulder with surprising gentleness. He reached up, his hand sinking into her thick fur as he scratched behind her ears. ¡°Hey there, Snow,¡± Lukas said, his tone warm and familiar. Mary stared, her mouth slightly agape. ¡°Are you nuts?!¡± she burst out. Lukas raised an eyebrow, unfazed. ¡°Why?¡± he asked, continuing to pet the massive creature as if she were no more dangerous than a house cat. ¡°I come out here to visit her every few months. She gets lonely.¡± Mary threw up her hands in exasperation. ¡°First of all, do you not realize that something like this shouldn¡¯t exist? Second, what do you mean you¡¯ve been visiting her every few months? How long has this been going on?¡± Lukas shrugged, glancing down at Snow¡¯s fur as he brushed away bits of leaves. ¡°Wolves exist everywhere,¡± he said nonchalantly, as if her questions weren¡¯t worth answering. Mary sighed, throwing her hands in the air. ¡°Yes, wolves exist¡ªbut not eight-foot-tall ones!¡± Yumiko hesitated, her gaze flicking between Lukas and the massive creature at his side. The wolf seemed unusually comfortable with him, even affectionate. ¡°You two seem¡­ close,¡± she said, her tone laced with disbelief as she watched the wolf lean into Lukas¡¯s hand. ¡°Yeah,¡± Lukas replied, his voice calm and matter-of-fact. ¡°We almost killed each other a few years back.¡± Mary blinked, stunned for a moment before scoffing. ¡°Gee, what a fantastic relationship,¡± she said sarcastically, rubbing her temples as if trying to ward off a headache. ¡°We delayed our trip an extra day for this?¡± She gestured at Snow, who glanced at her with disinterest.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Yumiko tilted her head, her expression softening as she studied the wolf. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ she¡¯s kinda cute,¡± she murmured, stepping forward slightly. The wolf¡¯s fur looked so soft and inviting¡ªYumiko couldn¡¯t resist the urge to try petting her. But the moment Yumiko took a step closer, Snow let out a low, warning growl, freezing her in her tracks. ¡°So cute,¡± Mary quipped, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Lukas didn¡¯t even glance up. Instead, he crouched and rummaged through his bach-bag, pulling out a freshly severed deer leg. ¡°Caught this earlier,¡± he said casually, placing it on the ground in front of Snow. Snow¡¯s attention immediately shifted. Her icy gaze flicked to Lukas¡¯s left arm, where she noticed something amiss. She whined softly and nudged his arm with her nose, causing Lukas to flinch and suck in a sharp breath. ¡°Hey, easy now,¡± he muttered, wincing. Snow¡¯s ears flattened as she let out a low growl, her head swiveling to look at Mary and Yumiko, her body tense once more. Lukas placed a calming hand on her head. ¡°It wasn¡¯t them, relax,¡± he said firmly. The wolf softened at his touch, closing her eyes as her tail began wagging gently. She bent down, grabbed the deer leg in her jaws, and, with an almost effortless motion, crunched through the bone. It disappeared in a single bite. ¡°Did she just eat that like it was a dog treat?¡± Mary asked, half in disbelief, her eyes wide. ¡°Nature is both amazing and terrifying,¡± Yumiko muttered, watching as Snow licked her chops with satisfaction. Lukas chuckled, continuing to scratch behind Snow¡¯s ears. ¡°Yeah, me and Snow go way back,¡± he began. ¡°After a mission some years ago, I came to this forest to recover. I had a broken leg at the time.¡± He gestured toward the wolf. ¡°Funny enough, so did she. We bumped into each other by chance. She growled at me; I drew my sword. But neither of us made a move. Just¡­ sat there, watching each other.¡± Yumiko tilted her head, her curiosity growing. ¡°What happened next?¡± ¡°That night, she showed up with a rabbit,¡± Lukas continued, his tone light as though recounting a casual anecdote. ¡°I took it as a peace offering. In return, I made a splint for her leg. After that, we kind of¡­ understood each other. The rest is history.¡± Mary crossed her arms, eyeing him skeptically. ¡°I¡¯ve known you for a few years now, and this is the first I¡¯m hearing about her.¡± Lukas shrugged, his expression indifferent. ¡°Yeah, well, I don¡¯t tell annoying people everything.¡± Mary closed her eyes and smirked, tilting her head teasingly. ¡°Please, Lukas, you¡¯re the most annoying person here, and we all know it.¡± Lukas ignored her jab, his focus on Snow as he continued stroking her thick fur. Yumiko, meanwhile, couldn¡¯t take her eyes off the wolf. ¡°Can I pet her?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with excitement. Lukas glanced at Snow, who had settled but still radiated a guarded aura. ¡°Maybe¡­ You can try. Both of you.¡± Yumiko brightened at his response and took a cautious step forward. Snow turned her head sharply, her ice-blue eyes locking onto the young woman. Yumiko froze but forced herself to take another tentative step. The wolf¡¯s lip curled slightly, baring gleaming fangs. ¡°Yeah¡­ I think that¡¯s as close as I can get,¡± Yumiko said with a nervous laugh, taking a half-step back. ¡°Not very far,¡± Mary said, a smirk tugging at her lips. Yumiko glanced at her friend, a mischievous glint in her eyes. ¡°Why don¡¯t you try, Mary? Unless you¡¯re scared?¡± Mary¡¯s smirk faltered, and she unfolded her arms, brushing off the challenge with an exaggerated shrug. ¡°Fine. Watch and learn.¡± She strode forward with an air of confidence, though her heart was hammering in her chest. Snow¡¯s piercing gaze shifted to Mary, who kept walking, her strides steady and confident. The wolf didn¡¯t growl this time, simply watching as the red-haired woman approached. When Mary finally stopped in front of Snow, she realized just how enormous the wolf was up close. Standing before her, the creature¡¯s sheer size and presence made Mary pause. ¡°Alright,¡± she muttered under her breath. ¡°What now?¡± ¡°Why does she like Mary more?¡± Yumiko asked, a hint of frustration in her voice as she watched from a safe distance. ¡°Probably because Mary showed some kind of power or dominance,¡± Lukas said, still idly petting Snow. Mary raised an eyebrow, glancing over at him. ¡°What, do you speak wolf or something?¡± Lukas shrugged, unfazed. ¡°I picked up a book on wolf behavior a while back. It said they respond to confidence. Maybe try petting her¡ªcasually.¡± Mary exhaled, shaking her head. ¡°What in the gods am I doing?¡± She hesitated, then slowly reached out a hand toward Snow, bracing herself for a sudden snap of teeth. But to her surprise, Snow stayed still, her gaze calm but watchful. Mary¡¯s hand finally touched the wolf¡¯s fur, and her fingers sank into the impossibly soft, thick coat. She hesitated, then began stroking gently. ¡°Well?¡± Yumiko called, leaning forward with curiosity. Mary¡¯s face shifted from cautious to utterly delighted, her lips curling into a genuine smile. ¡°I¡¯m not going to lie,¡± she said softly, ¡°this might be the softest thing I¡¯ve ever touched in my life.¡± Yumiko sighed, her shoulders slumping. ¡°I really want to pet her¡­¡± She took another small step forward, her hand twitching with anticipation. But Snow growled low in her throat, her icy stare stopping Yumiko in her tracks once again. ¡°Guess it¡¯s not happening today,¡± Mary teased, her tone light and self-satisfied as she continued stroking Snow¡¯s fur. Yumiko groaned in defeat, crossing her arms as she sulked. ¡°This isn¡¯t fair¡­¡± Mary glanced up at the towering wolf, her brow furrowed. ¡°So¡­ what now, Lukas? What¡¯s your plan with Snow?¡± Lukas returned her look with a blank expression. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Mary sighed, her frustration evident. ¡°What do I mean? We¡¯ve slogged through damp forests and moss-covered hell for days to meet your furry friend here. The question is, what¡¯s next? Why¡¯d you bring us all this way?¡± Lukas shrugged casually, as if the answer were obvious. ¡°There¡¯s nothing next. That¡¯s it.¡± He gestured toward the wolf. Mary blinked, dumbfounded. ¡°That¡¯s it? You dragged us out here just to say hi, pet her, and leave?¡± Lukas nodded, his tone matter-of-fact. ¡°You¡¯re the ones that keep insisting on following me, not the other way around. Besides, she¡¯s not some oversized dog. She¡¯s a wild animal. I stop by, make sure she¡¯s doing okay, give her a snack, then move on. That¡¯s all.¡± Yumiko smirked, crossing her arms. ¡°Yeah, sounds like Lukas.¡± Lukas frowned, looking at her with a puzzled expression. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± ¡°It means,¡± Mary cut in with a grin, ¡°you¡¯re no fun and have no idea how to spend quality time with anyone or anything, you daft man.¡± Snow let out a low growl, her icy eyes narrowing at Mary. Mary raised her hands in mock surrender. ¡°Relax, girl! It¡¯s a joke. Smart thing knows I¡¯m making fun of him.¡± Lukas glanced at Snow, then back at Mary. ¡°I read wolves are intelligent. They can pick up on human vocal cues. Guess she knows who the real threat is.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be damned,¡± Mary said, shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯ve heard wolves are big, but I¡¯ve never seen one this massive before. Or this... aware.¡± ¡°I guess I never gave it much thought,¡± Lukas replied honestly, stroking Snow¡¯s fur one last time. ¡°I¡¯ve had more pressing matters in the past¡ªand even now. Like getting to Dryffn and delivering these flowers.¡± He tapped his breastplate, where the Headwich bloom was carefully secured. Turning back to Snow, he gave her an affectionate pat on the back. ¡°Alright, Snow. See you next time.¡± The wolf let out a soft rumble, then leaned down to lick Lukas¡¯ face, her tongue leaving a streak across his cheek. He grimaced, wiping it off with his sleeve. Yumiko watched the interaction, her disbelief evident. ¡°You weren¡¯t kidding. Just like that, and you¡¯re done?¡± Lukas nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world. ¡°Yeah. She¡¯s fine with it. If she wanted more attention, she¡¯d follow me. She has before.¡± He turned away from the den, adjusting his gear. ¡°Now that¡¯s sorted, let¡¯s get to Braint and wrap this up.¡± Without waiting for a reply, Lukas started walking, his boots crunching against the forest floor. Mary lingered for a moment, glancing back at Snow, who had already begun retreating into her den. ¡°I won¡¯t lie,¡± she said with a small chuckle, falling in step behind Lukas, ¡°I was expecting some pretty girl or something. But this? This was pretty damn cool.¡± Yumiko lingered, her eyes fixed on the massive wolf. There was something about the creature¡¯s presence¡ªan aura both commanding and strangely familiar. The sensation wasn¡¯t just instinct; it resonated deep within her, tugging at the edges of her consciousness. Her head throbbed suddenly, a sharp flash of pain slicing through her thoughts. Yumiko winced, clutching her temple as a fleeting vision overtook her mind. For a heartbeat, she glimpsed a girl with flowing white hair, standing in a place shrouded in mist. The figure¡¯s expression was serene yet distant. Then, as quickly as it came, the vision vanished, leaving Yumiko gasping softly. She murmured to herself, ¡°Could this be someone we¡¯re destined to meet? Or perhaps¡­ a message from the holy spirit, Sofia?¡± The thought sent a shiver through her, equal parts awe and unease. ¡°Hey! Are you coming or what?¡± Mary¡¯s voice cut through the silence, echoing from the trees ahead. Yumiko blinked, startled out of her reverie. ¡°Y-yes! I¡¯m coming!¡± she called back, her voice slightly unsteady. Turning back to the wolf, she found Snow still watching her, the creature¡¯s ice-blue eyes unwavering as they locked onto Yumiko¡¯s. The connection was almost unnerving, as though the wolf could see into her very soul. Bowing her head slightly, Yumiko whispered, ¡°Farewell, Snow. Perhaps our paths will cross again.¡± As she turned to rejoin her friends, the faint rustling of bushes carried through the stillness of the forest. Hidden in the distant shadows, two men crouched low, watching intently. The first, a rotund man with a thick mustache, licked his lips as he observed the scene. His beady eyes gleamed with malice as they tracked the massive white wolf. Beside him knelt a wiry man, tall and lanky, his hat pulled low to shield his face. The skinny man adjusted his vantage point, squinting at the den and the figures near it. He whispered in hushed excitement, ¡°Oh, shit. The boys weren¡¯t kidding. There is a giant wolf out here... And those three just walked right up to it like it was nothing.¡± The mustached man¡¯s grin widened, his teeth yellowed and uneven. ¡°Yes,¡± he hissed, voice dripping with anticipation. ¡°They led us straight to it. Tell Kenwick we¡¯ve found his new prize.¡± The wiry man nodded and slid back into the shadows, leaving the fat man alone to continue his sinister watch. Yumiko jogged to catch up with Lukas and Mary, oblivious to the danger that now stalked the majestic creature they had just left behind. Chapter 3 - Polish And Prey Chapter 3 - Polish And Prey Mary, Lukas, and Yumiko began their fourth day of travel from the Evergreen region by finally reaching the sprawling city of Braint. As they approached the weathered gates, the city''s nature became unmistakably clear. They had hardly taken ten steps before encountering drunk beggars slumped against the walls, muttering incoherently to themselves. Yumiko wrinkled her nose and waved a hand in front of her face. "I haven¡¯t bathed properly in a week, and somehow, this place smells worse than me." Mary smirked, giving Yumiko a teasing glance. "Oh, this is nothing. Wait until you get deeper into the city." Yumiko groaned, running a hand through her greasy hair. "Please tell me there¡¯s somewhere we can clean up," she said, her voice dripping with desperation. Lukas nodded, his expression neutral but reassuring. "Believe it or not, there are plenty of places for that here. Braint¡¯s a big city. Sure, there¡¯s a lot of bad, but there¡¯s good if you know where to look." Mary raised a skeptical brow. "Good? In this place?" Lukas¡¯s nod was steady. "One of my old friends lives here. He¡¯s the owner of the Chariot." Mary¡¯s eyes widened slightly. "The Chariot? You mean that fancy casino downtown?" Yumiko¡¯s curiosity sparked as she turned to Mary. "What¡¯s it like?" Mary gestured down the crowded, grimy street. "Well, first, you¡¯ll have to wade through this cesspool. But eventually, you¡¯ll hit the rich district¡ªwhere all the nobles and merchants pretend they¡¯re better than everyone else and shove the beggars and ¡®undesirables¡¯ out of sight. The Chariot is the crown jewel of that district. It¡¯s a massive casino that caters exclusively to high rollers. Some people blow hundreds of gold in a single night. The buy-in at most tables is ten gold minimum." Yumiko¡¯s jaw dropped at the description. "Ten gold? Just to sit down?!" Mary chuckled at her reaction. Then, with a sly glance at Lukas, she added, "Which raises the real question: how does a bum like you know someone running a place like that?" Lukas shrugged, his expression guarded but thoughtful. "It¡¯s a long story. Right after I lost my first squad¡­ I came to Braint looking for a bounty. I was desperate for quick money. That¡¯s when I ran into Luchs, someone from my home country, Hoffen. He wasn¡¯t much older than me at the time. We got to talking, and¡­ well, let¡¯s just say he¡¯s not your average guy¡­ He has a lot of information on his side. As for the casino, he later won it in a bet." Mary let out a disbelieving sigh, folding her arms. "Figures. People in this city would gamble away the shirt on their back. What could someone possibly wager that¡¯s big enough to win a whole casino? Have you ever asked him?" Lukas pushed past a stumbling drunk, shoving the man aside without a second glance. ¡°Nope. Don¡¯t know, don¡¯t care,¡± he muttered, his tone clipped as he moved down the crowded street. Mary watched him for a moment, her brow furrowing before calling out, ¡°Where are you going?¡± Lukas glanced back over his shoulder, his expression as cold as ever. ¡°We made it to Braint. Now we split ways.¡± Mary¡¯s jaw tightened. She quickly closed the distance, grabbing his arm and pulling him to a stop. ¡°Seriously? After everything we¡¯ve been through, after what Sofia said, you¡¯re still trying to ditch us?¡± Lukas shrugged, barely fazed. ¡°I don¡¯t remember making any deals with her.¡± Mary rolled her eyes, her frustration bubbling to the surface. ¡°Lukas, come on. Stop being such a stick in the mud.¡± ¡°I told you already,¡± Lukas said, shaking his head. ¡°I don¡¯t do groups.¡± Mary crossed her arms, standing her ground. ¡°We¡¯re not a group¡ªwe¡¯re a team. And last I checked, we saved your sorry hide back there, so you owe us.¡± Before Lukas could respond, Yumiko stepped forward, her voice soft and hesitant. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not used to places like this,¡± she said, rubbing her arm awkwardly. ¡°It¡¯s making me really uncomfortable.¡± Mary seized the moment, pointing at Yumiko. ¡°You see? You¡¯re seriously going to leave us here¡ªhere of all places¡ªwithout so much as a second thought? At the very least, the least you could do is invite us to that fancy casino of yours and treat us to a victory meal.¡± ¡°Victory?¡± Lukas echoed, turning to her with a scowl. He gestured to his battered body. ¡°What victory? My arm¡¯s useless, I¡¯ve got a broken rib, I¡¯m soaked, and I can¡¯t even use magic properly anymore.¡± Mary stepped closer, knocking lightly on Lukas¡¯s forehead before he could pull away. ¡°Hello, dummy? We got your flowers, figured out what that damned voice was, killed some freak, destroyed a giant snake, and¡ªoh yeah¡ªwalked away with this.¡± She smirked and tapped the serpent staff strapped to her back for emphasis. Yumiko glanced down at the ground, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°It¡­ it would be nice to have a meal. With friends.¡± Lukas closed his eyes, exhaling a long, weary sigh. ¡°Alright. Fine,¡± he muttered, sounding thoroughly defeated. ¡°But I don¡¯t want to spend much more time together.¡± He turned, his steps heavy as he started walking away again. Mary wasn¡¯t done yet. She reached out, grabbing his shoulder and forcing him to pause. ¡°And where do you think you¡¯re going now?¡± ¡°To get healed,¡± he said plainly, ¡°and then to the Chariot. Isn¡¯t that what you wanted?¡± Mary arched a brow, her arms still crossed. ¡°Even if you do get healed, you¡¯re not seriously planning to walk in there looking like that, are you?¡± Lukas frowned, looking at her with similar confusion. ¡°I don¡¯t mingle with the fancy folk. I just ask for my Luchs at the front and do business in the back. What¡¯s the big deal?¡± Mary crossed her arms, eyeing him critically. ¡°The big deal is that we are going there for dinner, not for business. And you can¡¯t just waltz in like you normally do. Not looking like that you don¡¯t. You look like hell warmed over¡ªand smell worse.¡± Lukas huffed. ¡°What difference does it make?¡± Mary let out an exasperated sigh, her patience clearly wearing thin. ¡°We¡¯re going there for dinner, remember? As a group. You know, the whole ¡®victory meal¡¯ thing we talked about? Honestly, it¡¯s like you only half listen.¡± Lukas glanced down at himself, brushing dirt off his leather chestplate. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll clean up¡­ after I go to a healer.¡± Mary stepped closer, inspecting his face with a pointed look. ¡°Your hair¡¯s a mess¡ªlong and filthy. And those bags under your eyes? You look like you haven¡¯t slept in a decade. Honestly, you¡¯re scary to look at. A simple shower is not going to cut it.¡± ¡°This is just how I look,¡± Lukas replied with a nonchalant shrug. ¡°Not anymore,¡± Mary said firmly. She grabbed his arm and started pushing him down the street. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Lukas attempted to resist, but Mary¡¯s determination was unshakable. ¡°You¡¯re impossible,¡± he muttered, trying in vain to free himself. Mary glanced over her shoulder, calling out to Yumiko. ¡°Come on, cutie! We¡¯re all getting cleaned up and presentable.¡± Yumiko hesitated, her eyes sweeping over the filth-strewn streets. Piles of trash, broken glass, and questionable puddles were scattered everywhere. ¡°And where, exactly, is this magical place?¡± she asked, skepticism thick in her voice. Mary chuckled knowingly. ¡°I get it. I felt the same way when I first came here. But trust me, there¡¯s one place in this city where you can actually feel clean and safe. Just follow me.¡± The group followed Mary as she led them down a bustling main road. The atmosphere shifted noticeably. Vibrant signs advertising taverns, shops, and services glowed against the evening light. The area teemed with activity¡ªstreet vendors shouting their wares, gamblers huddled around makeshift tables, and scantily clad men and women posing enticingly along the sidewalks. But the grime and chaos weren¡¯t far behind. Drunks slumped against buildings, their clothes stained and tattered, while others lay sprawled in the street, muttering incoherently or fast asleep. As they continued further into the city, the streets began to clean up. The air grew less oppressive, the trash piles fewer and farther between. Yumiko hesitantly removed the hand she¡¯d been holding over her nose. ¡°At least it smells better here¡­¡± she murmured. Mary nodded, gesturing at the orderly streets. ¡°That¡¯s because this is where the guards actually crack down on people. You won¡¯t find anyone relieving themselves in the open here.¡± Yumiko¡¯s eyes widened in horror. ¡°Wait¡­ I was smelling¡­ people¡¯s¡­?¡± Mary gave her a wry smile. ¡°Yup. Poo, pee, vomit¡ªyou name it.¡± Yumiko visibly recoiled, her hand instinctively returning to her nose. ¡°That¡¯s disgusting!¡± ¡°Welcome to Braint,¡± Mary said with a shrug. ¡°Stick with me, and I¡¯ll show you the cleaner side.¡± Lukas pulled Mary aside, frustration etched across his face. ¡°Alright, enough. If we don¡¯t hurry, Luchs is going to head home for the day, and¡ª¡± Mary cut him off with a sharp glare and a firm shove, forcing him forward. ¡°Do you honestly think you¡¯re in any condition to meet with your fancy friend after everything we¡¯ve been through? Absolutely not.¡± Her tone was stern, almost maternal. ¡°First, you¡¯re going to clean up. Then, you¡¯ll heal, and then you¡¯ll go to bed. Only after all of that will you be fit to see anyone.¡±This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. Yumiko stifled a giggle behind her hand, her eyes sparkling with amusement. ¡°You sound like a mother scolding her child,¡± she teased softly. Mary smirked but kept her focus on Lukas, who begrudgingly continued walking, muttering under his breath. The group turned a corner, and suddenly, a massive structure loomed ahead of them. Its towering walls of stone jutted into the sky, casting long shadows over the surrounding streets. Yumiko stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide with awe. ¡°What is that?¡± she asked, pointing toward the colossal building. Mary glanced at it, her expression souring. ¡°That? It¡¯s the colosseum. A lovely little place where brutes beat each other senseless or fight off massive beasts for the crowd¡¯s entertainment.¡± She crossed her arms. ¡°Sometimes, the guild even forces people who owe them debts¡ªor worse, prisoners sentenced to death¡ªto fight there.¡± Yumiko¡¯s face fell in shock. ¡°The guild allows this?¡± Mary let out a bitter laugh. ¡°Oh, they don¡¯t just allow it¡ªthey profit from it. They¡¯ll tell you it¡¯s all part of the land¡¯s ¡®cultural heritage,¡¯ harkening back to the days when the old kings hosted these bloodbaths. But the truth is, it¡¯s all about money and control.¡± Yumiko frowned, her gaze shifting back to the colosseum. ¡°It¡¯s disgraceful. And yet, so many people must be drawn to these events¡­¡± ¡°They are,¡± Mary said grimly. ¡°That colosseum is the dividing line of the city. It¡¯s the one place where the rich and poor mingle¡ªthough not on equal footing, of course. Fifty thousand people can pack in there, betting on anything from who wins the fight to how many swings it¡¯ll take before a prisoner gets torn apart.¡± She shook her head, her voice heavy with disdain. ¡°It¡¯s disgusting, but it¡¯s one of Braint¡¯s so-called ¡®charming qualities.¡¯¡± Yumiko stared at the massive structure as they passed, her expression clouded with a mix of shame and sadness. ¡°What a waste of humanity, especially when so many seem captivated by it.¡± Mary sighed. ¡°That¡¯s Braint for you. Always finding new lows.¡± The group trudged onward, the atmosphere growing slightly less oppressive as they moved deeper into the city. After what felt like another mile, Mary abruptly shoved Lukas, sending him stumbling forward. ¡°Hey! What¡¯s your problem?¡± Lukas barked, glaring back at her. Mary pointed to a nearby building with a triumphant grin. ¡°We¡¯re here!¡± she announced gleefully. ¡°This place will fix us right up.¡± The building was an elegant oasis amid the gritty streets of Braint, constructed from sturdy brick with flower-filled planters hanging from the awnings above the sidewalk. Vibrant petals swayed gently in the breeze, adding a touch of charm to the otherwise bleak surroundings. With determined persistence, Mary gave Lukas a firm push, urging him inside. Yumiko followed close behind, casting a curious glance at the building¡¯s inviting exterior. Inside, the atmosphere changed dramatically. The floors were pristine, made of polished white limestone that reflected the soft, warm light from overhead. The walls were bright and impeccably clean, adorned with subtle floral patterns that gave the space a welcoming, luxurious feel. At the front of the room stood a sleek counter made of polished black granite, its surface gleaming like obsidian. Behind it, a cheerful woman with neatly tied hair looked up and greeted them with a warm smile. ¡°Hey! I don¡¯t remember your name, but I definitely remember that pretty face!¡± she said, her tone light and friendly as her eyes landed on Mary. Mary returned the smile. ¡°I try to avoid visiting Braint whenever I can, but whenever I do, this is the one place I have to stop by.¡± The woman chuckled knowingly, casting her gaze toward the ceiling as if searching for patience. ¡°Oh, I get it. This city is the worst. But here at Restful Grove, we¡¯ll make you forget about all that. When you leave, you¡¯ll think we¡¯re better than anything you¡¯d find in the capital.¡± She leaned forward slightly, giving the group a quick once-over. ¡°And by the looks of it, you all could use some serious TLC.¡± Mary nodded in agreement. ¡°We need healing, baths, and fresh clothes. We¡¯re planning to visit the Chariot tomorrow.¡± The woman raised her eyebrows in surprise. ¡°The Chariot? Well, aren¡¯t you aiming high! That place is fancy. Ever since the new head took over, it¡¯s become the place to be.¡± She smiled approvingly, then gave each of them a more detailed inspection. Mary smiled, ¡°So I¡¯ve heard! We need to look our best. What will it take to get us looking presentable for a place like that?¡± ¡°Alright,¡± she began, ticking off her observations with a practiced eye, ¡°we¡¯ll start with a soothing salt and herb bath. It¡¯ll help heal you up and relax those sore muscles. If there¡¯s anything left to patch up after that, our healer can take care of it. For tidying up... let¡¯s see.¡± She gestured toward Yumiko. ¡°Our Eastern beauty here needs her bangs trimmed and maybe styled a bit to frame that lovely face.¡± Then she turned to Lukas. ¡°Blondie over here desperately needs a shave and a haircut¡­ And probably something to destress that tired face. And as for you, darling,¡± she said, addressing Mary, ¡°you¡¯ll love our hair treatment. It¡¯ll make your fiery red locks soft, bouncy, and as vibrant as a blazing flame.¡± Lukas groaned and rolled his eyes, but Mary clapped her hands together in excitement. ¡°Oh, that sounds perfect!¡± Even Yumiko couldn¡¯t hide her growing enthusiasm, brushing her greasy bangs aside with a look of relief. ¡°I need this¡­¡± Lukas, ever practical, turned to Mary with a frown. ¡°How much is this going to cost?¡± Before Mary could respond, the woman behind the counter chimed in smoothly. ¡°Our overnight treatment is seventy-five silver everyone. That includes full healing, proper rest, fresh clothes tailored to fit, and all the services I mentioned. I¡¯ll even throw in a nail treatment for the ladies and a massage for Blondie here.¡± She flashed an encouraging smile. Lukas opened his mouth to protest, but Mary cut him off with a bright smile. ¡°That sounds amazing. We¡¯ll take it!¡± ¡°Oh, I can¡¯t wait! You will all look and feel wonderful!!¡± the woman said cheerfully, clapping her hands together. Lukas shot Mary an annoyed glare. ¡°We could¡¯ve gotten healed and found beds at another place for less than eight silvers. For all of us!¡± Mary rolled her eyes and slapped his chest lightly. ¡°Sure, but those places wouldn¡¯t let you wander around looking like... well, like this,¡± she said, gesturing to his disheveled state. With a smirk, she reached into her coin pouch and pulled out a gold coin, letting it glint in the light. ¡°I¡¯ll cover it this time, since you¡¯ll be introducing us to your fancy friend at the casino tomorrow and treating us to a nice dinner.¡± She punctuated her remark with a playful wink. Lukas grumbled under his breath, crossing his arms. Yumiko, meanwhile, stifled a giggle, her excitement bubbling over. She could hardly remember the last time she had felt truly clean, let alone pampered. Once Mary received her change, the receptionist led them deeper into the facility, guiding them down polished hallways that seemed worlds apart from the grime of the city streets. Eventually, the group was split up, with Mary and Yumiko sharing a room. The moment they stepped inside, Yumiko was struck by the fresh, invigorating scent of lavender and mint wafting through the air. The room was clean and minimalist, with soft robes neatly folded on a rack along one wall. The receptionist gestured to the robes with a friendly smile. ¡°Fresh robes are over there. The baths are almost ready for you. While you wait, head over to the stylist. She¡¯ll wash and style your hair. If either of you need anything at all, come and grab me or anyone floating around,¡± she said, before departing with a courteous nod. Yumiko wasted no time grabbing one of the robes and burying her face in it, inhaling deeply. ¡°Oh¡­ This is exactly what I needed,¡± she murmured one again, her shoulders visibly relaxing. Mary chuckled, leaning casually against the wall. ¡°We haven¡¯t even started, and you¡¯re already in heaven.¡± Yumiko looked up, her eyes filled with gratitude. ¡°Thank you, Mary. I¡¯ll pay you back, I promise.¡± Mary waved her off with a grin. ¡°No need. You saved our skins back there with that giant snake. Consider this me repaying you.¡± A soft smile spread across Yumiko¡¯s face. ¡°Very well. But I hope to return the favor one day.¡± ¡°One day,¡± Mary said with a nod, grabbing a robe for herself. ¡°But for now, let¡¯s enjoy this while it lasts. Time to get pampered!¡± The two women walked to the stylist¡¯s station, where they were treated to thorough hair washes and trims. Yumiko couldn¡¯t help but marvel at how soft and light her hair felt afterward, as if a weight she hadn¡¯t noticed had been lifted. Mary, meanwhile, ran her fingers through her now-bouncy locks, pleased with how vibrant the fiery red looked. Yumiko gazed at her reflection in the mirror, a hint of wonder in her voice. ¡°Wow¡­ Just a simple cute and change in parting makes such a difference.¡± Mary, still admiring her own hair, smirked. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you? They¡¯re the best!¡± Afterward, they sank into the healing salt and herb bath. The warm water soothed their aching muscles, and the fragrant herbs worked their magic, leaving them feeling not only relaxed but rejuvenated. By the time they emerged, they felt like entirely new people, their wounds healed and spirits lifted. The final stop of the evening was the nail salon. Yumiko stared uncertainly at the rows of polished bottles in every color imaginable. ¡°What color would you like?¡± the salon tech asked, her voice friendly and patient. Yumiko hesitated, her brow furrowing. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ not sure. I¡¯ve never had my nails painted before.¡± Mary, lounging back in her chair, grinned. ¡°When in doubt, stick with the classics: red, pink, or black. I¡¯m going with red to match my hair, but black would look great on you.¡± Yumiko glanced at Mary, then smiled at the tech. ¡°Alright. Black, please.¡± As the nail tech began working, Mary let out a contented sigh, sinking further into her seat. ¡°This is heaven,¡± she murmured, watching the shiny red polish being applied to her nails. Yumiko giggled softly, relaxing as the tech carefully painted her nails. After a moment, Mary glanced toward the door. ¡°I wonder what Lukas is doing right now,¡± she mused aloud, smirking to herself. ¡°Probably sulking about how much this is costing.¡± Yumiko laughed. ¡°Or glaring at someone. That seems to be his default expression.¡± Mary chuckled. ¡°Well, either way, he¡¯ll thank me later when he doesn¡¯t look like he just crawled out of a dungeon.¡± The two shared a laugh, fully enjoying their rare moment of peace and luxury. The nail tech continued working with a practiced hand, glancing up at the girls. ¡°That tall blonde guy? Yeah, I heard something from one of the other girls. Our gifted healer worked on him. He grumbled the entire time, though. Afterward, he got his hair treatment and immediately asked to go to bed. Didn¡¯t seem like he wanted to stick around for much else.¡± Mary rolled her eyes but smiled knowingly. ¡°Sounds exactly like Lukas. But trust me, by tomorrow morning, he¡¯ll be thanking me for dragging him here.¡± Yumiko tilted her head, raising a brow. ¡°You really think so?¡± Mary¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Oh, I know so. Just wait. The beds they have here do more than just simple sleep. They heal and soothe you.¡± Yumiko leaned back in her chair, a small smile tugging at her lips as she gazed up at the pristine white ceiling. ¡°Well, I hope we all look and feel better after this¡­ It¡¯s been so long since we¡¯ve had a moment to breathe, let alone relax.¡± Mary nodded, her eyes fluttering shut as she sank deeper into her chair. ¡°Agreed. We¡¯ve earned this.¡± While the trio indulged in their well-deserved spa treatments, the world outside was far from peaceful. Beneath the shadowy canopy of the forest just outside Braint, a group of men lingered in the darkness, their presence unnervingly deliberate. At the center of the gathering stood a man clad in bright, polished armor that gleamed faintly under the moonlight. His sharp eyes scanned the dense forest, searching for any signs of their prey. His tone was cold and commanding as he spoke. ¡°You¡¯d better not be lying, or Kenwick will have you burned alive.¡± Behind him, an overweight man with oily skin and a nervous demeanor rubbed his hands together like a greedy fly. His laugh was wheezy and strained as he stammered, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dream of it! Mr. Kenwick and I have been doing business for years. I¡¯d never sully a relationship with a man of such¡­ high reputation!¡± The armored mercenary turned to glare at the fat man, his expression sharp and unforgiving. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± Before either could speak again, another mercenary emerged from the trees, his voice urgent. ¡°Boss! He¡¯s right¡ªthere¡¯s a den just up ahead! The wolf¡¯s inside!¡± A slow, predatory grin spread across the mercenary leader¡¯s face as he turned back to the trembling informant. ¡°Well, color me impressed. Seems you were telling the truth, Mr. Callaway.¡± The fat man flashed a toothy grin, yellowed and crooked. ¡°But of course, sir. I aim to please.¡± The mercenary boss raised his arm in a commanding gesture. ¡°Alright, men! Surround the den and get your nets ready! We need this beast alive for Kenwick¡¯s prize at the colosseum! Capture it, and we¡¯ll all walk away with heavy pouches!¡± A cheer erupted from the group, about ten men strong, their voices echoing through the forest like a pack of jackals. Inside the den, a pair of glowing eyes flickered open. The wolf lay still, her ears twitching as she listened intently to the approaching threat. The air was thick with the metallic tang of bloodlust, and she could feel it crawling toward her like a shadow. Quietly, she rose to her feet, her muscles coiled and ready. The hunters were drawing closer, but she watched, waiting with ice cold eyes. Chapter 4 - Friends Here, Friends Gone Chapter 4 - Friends Here, Friends Gone After her spa treatment, Yumiko headed straight to her room, the promise of rest too tempting to resist. She sank into the plush, luxurious bed, her body melting into the soft embrace of the sheets. Sleep overtook her quickly, carrying her into the hazy realm of dreams. Before long, an image began to take shape in her mind: a young girl running frantically through the woods, clutching a worn teddy bear tightly against her chest. The girl¡¯s striking white hair glimmered even in the dim, dreamlike light, and her pointy animal ears twitched as though attuned to distant dangers. A beast person? Yumiko wondered. She tried to focus on the girl¡¯s face, but the dream seemed intent on keeping it hidden, cloaking the girl¡¯s features in an obscuring shadow. The sounds of men shouting broke through the quiet woods, their voices sharp and angry. The child darted behind a thick tree trunk, trembling as she hugged the bear closer, her fear almost tangible. And then Yumiko woke. Her eyes fluttered open, and she inhaled deeply, her chest rising and falling as she tried to steady herself. The memory of the dream lingered in her mind like a faint echo, but the calming comfort of the bed softened her usual worry. Gazing out the window, she wondered if the vision carried any significance¡ªor if it was nothing more than her subconscious playing tricks. She sighed, deciding to let it rest for now. Morning would bring clarity, and with more sleep behind her, she could face whatever questions the dream raised. The next day dawned at the spa resort. Sunlight streamed through the window as Yumiko stirred awake, a satisfied smile spreading across her lips. For the first time in what felt like ages, she felt truly refreshed, her body and mind rejuvenated by the previous night¡¯s rest. She stretched languidly, her gaze falling to her arm. The scars and wear from her travels seemed less pronounced, the soothing properties of the bath leaving her skin renewed. As the memory of the strange dream crept back into her thoughts, a knock sounded at the door, pulling her from her musings. Throwing on a robe, Yumiko hopped out of bed and padded to the door. Rising on her tiptoes, she peered through the peephole and saw a familiar mop of bright red hair. ¡°Open up, sleepyhead!¡± Mary¡¯s voice came through, light and teasing. She knocked again, a playful edge to her tone. ¡°You¡¯re in trouble if you make me knock twice!¡± Yumiko opened the door with a bright smile. ¡°Good morning, dear friend!¡± ¡°Well, well, look who¡¯s alive!¡± Mary chuckled, crossing her arms as she took in Yumiko¡¯s bedhead. ¡°You look like you slept like the dead.¡± ¡°It was wonderful,¡± Yumiko admitted, smoothing her messy black hair with her hands, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Mary gestured toward the clock on the wall. ¡°What¡¯s up is that it¡¯s three in the afternoon. You¡¯ve officially turned into a sloth. And we¡¯ve got a group dinner at the casino to get to.¡± Yumiko¡¯s head whipped around to look at the clock. Her eyes widened in disbelief as the time registered. ¡°Three o¡¯clock?!¡± she cried, sprinting back into the room. ¡°I¡¯ve never slept this late in my life! Why didn¡¯t you wake me sooner?¡± ¡°I tried¡ªthree times,¡± Mary replied, leaning against the bathroom doorway with a knowing smirk. ¡°Once was even with Lukas. You were out cold, so we decided to let you have some beauty sleep.¡± Yumiko groaned as she caught sight of her travel-worn clothes draped over the tub. ¡°What am I going to wear¡­¡± she muttered, running a brush hastily through her hair. ¡°This place has tailors who can fit you with something for dinner tonight,¡± Mary said, her voice practical yet upbeat. ¡°As long as we leave here by five, we¡¯ll be fine. They¡¯re supposed to be quick¡ªonly need about thirty minutes.¡± She turned toward the door, brushing her hands together as though already ticking an item off her mental checklist. ¡°I¡¯m going to get my outfit sorted while you get ready. That way, we can take turns, and they won¡¯t keep anyone waiting.¡± Just as she reached the doorway, she paused, throwing a glance back at Yumiko. ¡°Oh, and Lukas said he¡¯d meet us at the casino later. You¡¯re in for a surprise.¡± Yumiko poked her head out from the bathroom, eyebrows raised in curiosity. ¡°Surprise? What kind of surprise?¡± Mary¡¯s smile turned sly as she waved a hand, stepping out into the hallway. ¡°You¡¯ll see. Just be downstairs in thirty minutes, sleepyhead!¡± Yumiko groaned, retreating back to the mirror. She stared at her reflection, her expression torn between amusement and mild self-annoyance. ¡°How could I oversleep like that?¡± she muttered, running a hand through her slightly tousled hair. ¡°But that bed¡­ it was impossible to resist.¡± As she worked to pull herself together, her thoughts wandered back to the strange dream from the night before. Her brow furrowed, and she muttered to herself, ¡°No¡­ If it were something from Sofia, she¡¯d have contacted us directly. Especially now, with the staff in our possession.¡± She frowned, recalling Sofia¡¯s last message. ¡°She said it¡¯d be a little while before she reached out about the next steps for the artifacts¡­¡± With a decisive shake of her head, she snapped herself out of the spiral. ¡°Alright, Yumiko, enough overthinking. Time to enjoy the evening.¡± She gave her cheeks a light slap for good measure, steeling herself before finishing her preparations. Once ready, Yumiko headed downstairs, where the spa¡¯s tailors helped her select an outfit. She eventually chose a simple yet elegant short black dress with a glittery shimmer, paired with comfortable but stylish shoes that gave her a polished look without sacrificing ease. Mary arrived soon after, wearing a green dress that complemented her fiery red hair. A white headband completed the ensemble, her hair artfully styled and parted upward. Yumiko couldn¡¯t help but smile at the sight. ¡°You look amazing!¡± Mary said, flashing a wide grin. ¡°You too,¡± Yumiko replied, her cheeks tinting pink. She wasn¡¯t used to wearing something so refined, and a small thrill of excitement bubbled within her. She had to admit¡ªshe was looking forward to the evening more than she expected. ¡°Lukas is already at the casino?¡± she asked, tilting her head up at Mary. Mary nodded, her enthusiasm contagious. ¡°Yep! He said he wanted to touch base with a friend to see if they¡¯d be available tonight. If they couldn¡¯t make it, he¡¯d have come back, but¡­¡± She gestured toward the front entrance, where a sleek carriage waited just beyond the door. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s happening! And get this¡ªthe casino sent us a carriage. His friend wasn¡¯t kidding around. I guess he really is the casino owner!¡± Yumiko¡¯s eyes widened at the carriage. ¡°Wow, it¡¯s so pretty!¡± Mary clapped her hands together, practically bouncing on her toes. ¡°I know, right? We¡¯re going to be so spoiled tonight! I heard their pulled pork is to die for. And the decor? Statues, chandeliers, the works. I¡¯m ready for all of it!¡± Yumiko giggled at Mary¡¯s enthusiasm, her own excitement bubbling beneath the surface. The girls climbed into the ornate white carriage, their hands brushing against the plush red velvet that lined the seats. The cushions were soft and inviting, with gold embroidery adding an extra touch of luxury. As the carriage began to move, Yumiko leaned slightly out the window, marveling at the view. The wealthy side of town was nothing like what she¡¯d known Braint as. The streets were clean and pristine, devoid of drunks, litter, or unpleasant smells. Cobblestones glistened as if freshly polished, and every building seemed to have its own personality¡ªornate facades, wrought iron balconies, and intricate carvings decorating their walls. The lamps lining the streets glowed warmly, casting a gentle light on the impeccably preserved surroundings. Though the district exuded quiet wealth, their carriage still drew stares. Passersby turned their heads, some with curiosity, others with thinly veiled envy. Yumiko sank back into her seat, feeling slightly self-conscious under the watchful eyes of the onlookers. Before long, the carriage slowed to a halt in front of the casino. Yumiko¡¯s breath caught in her throat as she stared at the grand building before them. The massive double doors were polished to a mirror shine, their golden frames catching and reflecting the light like a beacon. A sharply dressed man stood at the entrance, greeting guests with a polite bow and a warm smile as they stepped inside. The stagecoach turned and tipped his hat to them. ¡°Young ladies, head through those golden doors. Your friend said he¡¯ll be waiting for you in the main lobby.¡± ¡°Thanks!¡± Mary chimed, digging into her coin pouch and pulling out two silver coins. She dropped them into the man¡¯s waiting hand with a smile. The driver nodded in thanks. ¡°Enjoy your evening, ladies.¡± Yumiko and Mary stepped out of the carriage, the excitement in Yumiko¡¯s chest building with each passing moment. As they entered the casino, the grandeur of the interior hit her all at once. The floors were covered in bold, luxurious patterns, their vibrant colors weaving a tapestry of opulence. Statues of various sizes and figures lined the walls, their craftsmanship so fine that they seemed almost alive. Above them, the ceilings curved gracefully, adorned with intricate gold and silver filigree that framed murals of fantastical scenes. The casino buzzed with life. Richly dressed patrons¡ªhumans, dwarves, and elves among them¡ªmoved about with an air of sophistication. Women in glittering gowns and men in sharply tailored suits chatted, laughed, and sipped from crystal glasses. The sound of coins clinking and cards shuffling filled the air, mingling with the soft melody of a live piano playing in the background. At the center of the grand lobby stood the largest chandelier Yumiko had ever seen. Its dazzling crystal design shimmered with light, scattering tiny rainbows across the room. She stood in awe, her gaze fixed upward as the chandelier¡¯s glow reflected in her wide eyes. Mary nudged her with a playful grin. ¡°Your face is almost as bright as that chandelier.¡± Yumiko blushed, torn between embarrassment and wonder. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ beautiful,¡± she murmured, her voice barely audible over the lively chatter around them. Before she could say more, two sharply dressed men approached them, their confident strides drawing attention. One of them flashed a charming smile. ¡°Good evening, ladies. Do you need an escort for the night?¡± Yumiko tilted her head, confused by the question. Before she could respond, Mary stepped forward, casually placing an arm in front of Yumiko like a protective barrier. ¡°Thanks, but we already have dinner plans,¡± she said, her tone polite but firm. The men exchanged smirks, as if doubting her words, before turning and walking away without another word. Yumiko blinked after them, her confusion still evident. ¡°What¡­ was that?¡± Mary laughed, her voice lighthearted. ¡°Just two guys trying to hit on us.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Yumiko asked, her brow furrowing in disbelief. ¡°In public? Just like that?¡± Mary giggled, a playful glint in her eyes. ¡°Do your people not do something similar?¡± Yumiko shook her head, her black hair swaying slightly. ¡°Not like that¡­ at least not so direct. Marriages are usually formal or arranged within families. Public displays like this are rare.¡± Mary was about to respond when a man strolled confidently up to her, his chest puffed out as if rehearsing a speech in his head. ¡°Madam, your hair is as red as the finest of wines, and your beauty¡ª¡± ¡°Not interested,¡± Mary interrupted flatly, her tone as sharp as a blade. The man hesitated for a moment, grumbling under his breath before turning and walking away, his pride visibly dented. Yumiko stared after him in amazement. ¡°So harsh¡­¡± Mary shrugged, unfazed. ¡°He¡¯s from Braint, what can I say? Guys like that come to places like this to gamble away their life savings and then try to charm a woman on their way out to soften the blow.¡± Before Yumiko could respond, another group of men approached. One stepped forward, a wide grin on his face and a faint smell of alcohol clinging to his breath. ¡°Excuse me, ladies, are you heading to the tables too? Maybe we could have some fun together?¡± Yumiko instinctively leaned back, uncomfortable under his gaze. ¡°No¡­ sorry,¡± she said quickly, turning her face away. Mary, ever the shield, stepped between them and the men, crossing her arms. ¡°Back off, boys. We have plans.¡± The man smirked, unfazed by Mary¡¯s firm stance. ¡°A pretty one with a fierce bite,¡± he said with a laugh, his friends joining in. ¡°Come on,¡± another chimed in, his grin wide and leering. ¡°We won¡¯t bite¡­ unless you want us to.¡± He leaned closer to Yumiko, his breath warm and reeking of liquor. Yumiko recoiled in disgust, twisting her face away. Mary¡¯s eyes narrowed dangerously, her body tense, ready to strike. But before she could move, the man yelped in pain, stumbling backward as if hit by a force of nature. He landed hard on the polished floor, clutching his shoulder and glaring up at the towering figure that now stood between him and the girls. ¡°What are you trying to do? Break my damn arm? Who the hell do you think you are?¡± the man barked, his bravado flickering under the intensity of the tall man¡¯s glare. Lukas stood there, his expression calm but his presence imposing. The light from the chandelier above highlighted his sharp features. His blonde hair, freshly washed and gleaming, framed his face, while his piercing blue eyes were steady and clear. He looked almost unrecognizable, his usual disheveled appearance replaced by a clean-shaven face that emphasized his strong jawline. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Mary smirked, crossing her arms and leaning back slightly. ¡°About time you showed up, Lukas. What did I say about leaving two beautiful women alone in a place like Braint?¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Lukas muttered, his tone dismissive as his gaze remained locked on the man still sprawled on the ground. Yumiko couldn¡¯t tear her eyes away from him. This polished and composed Lukas was so different from the rough, tired warrior she knew. He looked almost regal under the soft light of the chandelier, his presence commanding the room without effort. She found herself staring, a faint blush creeping to her cheeks as she wondered if this was truly the same man who had fought beside her through so much hardship. Lukas looked down at the half-drunken man sprawled on the polished floor. His voice was cold, measured. ¡°They¡¯re with me. If you even think about laying your grubby hands on them again, you¡¯ll have to go through me first.¡± The man grimaced but said nothing, clutching his shoulder in pain. His companions exchanged nervous glances, silently debating whether they stood a chance against Lukas. The tension in the air was palpable, the faint sounds of the bustling casino fading as the scene unfolded. Before anyone could make a move, a smooth, commanding voice cut through the tension. ¡°My, my¡­ If I¡¯d known you were planning to put on such a performance, Lukas, I would have reserved the theater for you. The main lobby hardly does justice to your flair.¡± The voice carried a quiet authority, turning heads instantly. All eyes shifted to a young man approaching with an effortless air of confidence. He had neatly styled dark brown hair, sharp green eyes that gleamed with intelligence, and a fitted suit that exuded wealth and power. Behind him trailed ten men in equally pristine attire, each radiating a quiet menace. The man came to a stop just before Lukas, tilting his head slightly as he locked eyes with him. A faint smirk played at the corner of his lips. Lukas returned his gaze with equal intensity, the two sizing each other up like old rivals meeting again after a long time. Mary stiffened slightly, her instincts warning her. She didn¡¯t like the energy this new arrival and his entourage brought to the room. ¡°I¡¯m not an actor,¡± Lukas replied flatly, his tone as dry as ever. ¡°I¡¯d trip over the second line, and you know it.¡± The man¡¯s smirk widened, a deep laugh escaping him. ¡°No, but you¡¯ve always had the charisma of a golden coin. Flawless and hard to ignore.¡± He stepped forward, clasping Lukas¡¯s hand firmly and shaking it. ¡°How are you, my old friend?¡± Lukas allowed a small smile to break through his usual stoicism. ¡°I¡¯ve been alright. It¡¯s good to see you again, Luchs.¡± His gaze swept the opulent surroundings. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve been doing more than alright with this place.¡± The man on the floor, still nursing his wounded pride, went pale. His eyes darted between Lukas and the newcomer as realization dawned. ¡°Luchs Willfried¡­ The owner of this casino,¡± he stammered, panic lacing his words. Luchs turned, his expression softening slightly as he glanced at the others. ¡°Tell me, Lukas, are these friends of yours?¡± His eyes lingered on Mary and Yumiko before flicking to the group of unruly men. ¡°Only the women,¡± Lukas replied firmly. He motioned to them. ¡°These are the friends I mentioned bringing.¡± Luchs¡¯s gaze settled on Mary and Yumiko, his sharp eyes warm but discerning. He nodded, a small smile gracing his face. ¡°Ah, yes, my receptionist did mention you were bringing a Mary and¡­ Yumi, was it?¡± He paused, tilting his head. ¡°Forgive me, miss, how does your name go again?¡± Yumiko stood straighter, her face flushing under his attention. She bowed politely. ¡°Yumiko Hoshino, sir¡ªhonored one!¡± Luchs¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°Such a polite young lady. But there¡¯s no need for formalities. Please, just call me Luchs. A friend of Lukas is a friend of mine.¡± ¡°O-okay¡­ Luchs,¡± Yumiko said awkwardly, glancing away shyly. Luchs turned back to Lukas, his smile fading slightly as his tone grew sharper. ¡°Now, what¡¯s all this commotion about?¡± His gaze swept over the scene, landing on the drunken man still sitting awkwardly on the floor. Lukas gestured toward the man. ¡°This fool decided to harass my friends. He got a little too close to Yumiko and was making her rather uncomfortable.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Luchs asked, his sharp green eyes narrowing as he turned his attention to the men. His casual demeanor vanished in an instant, replaced by an air of menace. ¡°It seems,¡± he said slowly, his tone darkening, ¡°we have some trash that has somehow made its way into my establishment.¡± The room fell into a tense silence, even the piano stopped playing, the weight of his words suffocating. The once lively chatter of the casino stilled as everyone turned their attention to the confrontation. The men froze, their bravado evaporating under Luchs¡¯s piercing gaze. He glanced at the guards stationed around the room, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. ¡°Gentlemen,¡± he said, emphasizing each syllable, ¡°you know what we do with trash. We take it outside.¡± At his command, the guards moved forward with practiced precision. They grabbed the men by their arms, ignoring their protests and struggles. The commotion echoed as the men were dragged through the casino floor, their shouts of indignation blending with the clatter of gambling chips and the faint hum of conversation that began to return. Luchs turned to the crowd, his stern expression softening into a charismatic smile. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, I must apologize for the disruption. Let this serve as a reminder: distasteful behavior has no place at the Chariot. For your understanding and patronage, however, I¡¯d like to extend a small gesture of appreciation. A free drink token for everyone, on the house.¡± A ripple of applause and excited chatter spread through the crowd, the tension dissipating as patrons quickly returned to their games and drinks. Yumiko couldn¡¯t help but marvel at how seamlessly Luchs controlled the room, diffusing the situation while turning it into an opportunity to curry favor with the guests. Luchs turned back to Lukas and his companions, his earlier smile widening. ¡°Now then, let¡¯s not let this little interruption delay us. Follow me¡ªwe have a table waiting.¡± He gestured for them to follow, leading them deeper into the lavish casino. The group passed rows of glittering slot machines and bustling tables where finely dressed dealers shuffled cards and spun roulette wheels. The staff moved with efficiency, their crisp vests and tailored uniforms adding to the air of sophistication. Yumiko¡¯s eyes were wide with curiosity, her attention caught by the colorful chips stacked neatly on the tables. ¡°What are those?¡± she asked, leaning slightly closer to a nearby game. ¡°I don¡¯t see any gold or platinum coins¡­¡± Luchs glanced over his shoulder, his tone warm and indulgent. ¡°Ah, my dear, those are casino chips. Each one represents a certain amount of gold or silver. We use them to minimize the risk of theft and fraud. After all, if a thief manages to make off with these, all they get are worthless clay trinkets. Once a guest is ready to cash out, they simply exchange the chips for real currency at the cashier¡¯s table.¡± Yumiko nodded, her expression thoughtful as she watched the chips change hands in quick succession. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ quite clever,¡± she said, clearly impressed. ¡°It¡¯s all part of ensuring the smooth operation of this place,¡± Luchs said with a chuckle, his tone rich with pride. They continued through the casino, Yumiko momentarily distracted by the spinning reels of the slot machines, their flashing lights and ringing bells drawing her attention. Lukas, meanwhile, remained focused, his expression unreadable as they walked. At last, they reached the entrance to a high-end restaurant tucked within the casino. A uniformed waiter approached immediately at Luchs¡¯s signal, bowing slightly before gesturing for them to follow. ¡°Your table is ready, sir.¡± The group followed the waiter into the elegant dining area, where the ambiance shifted to one of quiet luxury. The clink of fine silverware and the murmur of polite conversation filled the air. As they walked, Luchs glanced over his shoulder at Lukas. ¡°Now, Lukas,¡± he began, his tone casual but with an edge of formality, ¡°I trust my receptionist informed you that I¡¯m a very busy man. This dinner isn¡¯t just for pleasantries¡ªit¡¯s to be shared with a business associate of mine.¡± Lukas nodded, his voice steady. ¡°I understand. I¡¯m only here for the item I ordered from you. I need it before I head to Daegheor.¡± Luchs arched an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°Straight to the point, as always. That¡¯s what I¡¯ve always liked about you, Lukas. Very well¡ªlet¡¯s discuss it over dinner.¡± As they walked, they arrived at their table, situated beside a stunning fountain. The water shimmered under the soft glow of overhead chandeliers, cascading over a sculpture of a serene goddess with flowing robes and outstretched arms. The table was elegantly set, with polished silverware, crisp linen napkins folded into intricate shapes, and fine porcelain dishes. Waiting at the far side of the table was a heavyset man with greasy, slicked-back hair and a curled mustache. His suit strained against his frame, and when he stood, his yellowed teeth flashed in a forced smile as he bowed slightly. ¡°Mr. Wilfried, always an honor,¡± he said, his voice oily and ingratiating. Luchs gave a casual wave, gesturing for the man to sit. ¡°Mr. Calloway, the pleasure is mine, as always.¡± He pulled out his chair and sat with practiced elegance. ¡°Forgive me for bringing guests tonight. If there¡¯s anything requiring discretion, we can handle it after dinner.¡± Calloway¡¯s smirk grew wider, the folds of his face shifting unpleasantly. ¡°No need, no need. I just have a few quick matters to discuss. Nothing more. This meeting is mostly for a celebration, so I apologize coming at such short notice.¡± The rest of the group awkwardly took their seats. The faint tension between Lukas¡¯s companions and Calloway didn¡¯t escape Luchs, who smiled smoothly as he addressed them. ¡°Now, my honored guests, why don¡¯t you introduce yourselves?¡± Mary leaned back slightly, forcing a smile as she regarded Calloway with thinly veiled disdain. He was everything she hated about Braint¡ªthe type of man who thrived on greed and corruption. ¡°Mary Pierce,¡± she said, her tone clipped but polite. ¡°Bounty hunter. Nice to meet you, Mr. Calloway.¡± Yumiko, ever the polite one, gave a slight bow as she scooted her chair into place. ¡°Yumiko Hoshino, adventurer. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡± Lukas, in stark contrast, merely folded his arms and leaned back in his chair. ¡°Lukas,¡± he said flatly, offering no further explanation. Calloway¡¯s grin didn¡¯t falter, though his beady eyes flicked briefly to Luchs, perhaps seeking reassurance. ¡°A pleasure to meet you all,¡± he said, his voice dripping with false charm. ¡°I¡¯m Jim Calloway. I do business with Mr. Wilfried and other prominent associates here in Braint. Should you ever find yourselves in need of financial dealings, I¡¯m your man.¡± Luchs chuckled lightly, his tone almost teasing. ¡°Yes, you are, Mr. Calloway.¡± With a snap of his fingers, he beckoned a nearby waiter carrying a bottle of wine. The waiter approached swiftly, bowing before pouring the deep crimson liquid into each glass. Mary picked up her glass, swirling the wine before taking a cautious sip. Her expression softened immediately, her eyes widening in delight. ¡°Oh gods,¡± she breathed, her earlier tension melting away. ¡°This is¡­ incredible. The best wine I¡¯ve ever had.¡± Luchs¡¯s lips curled into a pleased smile. ¡°An import from Mania. Say what you will about them¡ªthey get many things wrong¡ªbut their wine is the one exception.¡± Yumiko picked up her wine glass hesitantly, giving it a cautious sniff. Her nose wrinkled, and she quickly set the glass back down, pulling away as though the scent itself was overwhelming. Mary, noticing her reaction, quirked an eyebrow. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Yumiko lowered her gaze, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t really drink,¡± she admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. Mary grinned, reaching across the table to snag Yumiko¡¯s untouched glass. ¡°No worries! It¡¯s a good thing you¡¯ve got me around. I¡¯ll gladly take one for the team and help a friend in need.¡± She winked, lifting the glass in a mock toast before taking a sip. Luchs chuckled, leaning back in his chair as he observed the exchange. ¡°Quite the lively group of friends you¡¯ve brought with you, Lukas.¡± Lukas shrugged, his tone as nonchalant as ever. ¡°You could say that.¡± Luchs continued smiling while leaning back slightly in his chair. ¡°You mentioned earlier about having some business at the old medical university in the mountains¡ªDaegheor, was it? Now that¡¯s a destination with a tale behind it. What business could you possibly have there?¡± Lukas sighed, brushing a hand through his hair. ¡°Plenty of things. I¡¯m always moving, always searching. You know, the usual exciting tales of getting myself into a mess.¡± Yumiko¡¯s gaze shifted between Lukas and Luchs, her curiosity piqued. From the way Lukas spoke, it was clear he hadn¡¯t revealed his true purpose to Luchs¡ªhis quest to find a cure for the Silent Cough. She glanced at Mary, whose expression was carefully neutral. A subtle nod passed between them, an unspoken agreement to keep Lukas¡¯s mission a secret from this man. Luchs smirked but shifted his attention to Calloway. ¡°Speaking of excitement, Mr. Calloway, you mentioned earlier that you had acquired something rather¡­ spectacular?¡± Calloway¡¯s face lit up, his yellowed teeth flashing beneath his curled mustache. ¡°Indeed, I did!¡± He set his wine glass down with a deliberate clink. ¡°Just last night, deep in the northern forests, I managed to capture a truly extraordinary creature. That¡¯s why I¡¯m here tonight¡ªto celebrate such a rare find!¡± Yumiko tilted her head curiously as she reached for her water glass. ¡°It must be some creature, Mr. Calloway,¡± she said, her tone polite but tinged with intrigue. Calloway nodded eagerly, his greasy smile widening. ¡°Oh, it is! A magnificent beast. I was commissioned by none other than Gordon Kenwick¡ªthe man who runs the colosseum here in Braint. Master Kenwick wanted something unique, an alternative prize for the upcoming competition. The winner will have the choice: three hundred gold or this marvelous creature!¡± ¡°Or?¡± Lukas asked, raising an eyebrow. Calloway chuckled, his voice dripping with self-satisfaction. ¡°That¡¯s right, my dear boy. The winner gets to choose. If they¡¯re too cowardly to claim the beast, Kenwick has other plans for it.¡± Mary, swirling the wine in her glass, let out a low sigh. ¡°Let me guess¡ªthis creature of yours is a killing machine. No sane person would pick it as a prize, which means you¡¯re really just baiting fighters and filling seats in the arena for the next upcoming fight. Then once those fighters see how truly violent the beast is, they¡¯ll end up taking the money and your boss will throw the monster into the arena to draw even more fights.¡± Calloway gave a mock bow, his grin never wavering. ¡°Exactly, madam! A calculated move, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡± ¡°What kind of beast is it?¡± Yumiko asked, her mind conjuring images of terrifying monsters from the wilds. Calloway lifted a hand theatrically, his voice rising with pride. ¡°A large white wolf. Its fangs are as long as half my forearm, and it¡¯s easily the size of a small carriage. Truly a sight to behold!¡± Mary froze mid-sip, her glass hovering inches from her lips. Her eyes darted to Lukas, whose entire posture had gone rigid. The usual calm in his expression was gone, replaced by a sharp tension that Yumiko immediately noticed. ¡°This white wolf¡­¡± Lukas said slowly, his voice low and controlled. His eyes locked on Calloway. ¡°It has deep blue eyes and stands about eight feet tall, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Mr. Calloway froze, his smug demeanor evaporating in an instant. ¡°Y-Yes, that is correct¡ª¡± Before he could finish, Lukas shot up from his chair, grabbing the man by the lapels and yanking him halfway out of his seat. ¡°What in the gods¡¯ names¡ª¡± Calloway sputtered, struggling against Lukas¡¯s iron grip. ¡°Shut it.¡± Lukas¡¯s voice was a low, dangerous growl. His eyes blazed with fury as he hoisted the man closer. ¡°For someone who prides himself on being smart and cunning, you¡¯re nothing but a damned fool!¡± His voice rose, carrying across the restaurant. ¡°That beast you¡¯re bragging about? It¡¯s not some prize¡ªit¡¯s my friend!¡± Luchs leaned back in his chair, raising his hands in mock surrender. ¡°My, my, even more commotion. Truly, the drama never ends.¡± He glanced lazily at Lukas. ¡°But tell me, how can you be so certain it¡¯s the same wolf?¡± Mary sighed heavily, knowing their evening was going to be ruined, ¡°If it wasn¡¯t one of a kind wolf, this pompous blowhard wouldn¡¯t be boasting about it.¡± She gestured dismissively toward Calloway. ¡°And just like that, there goes our fancy dinner¡­¡± she muttered under her breath. Calloway¡¯s pale face grew even whiter as recognition dawned. ¡°Wait a minute¡ªyou¡¯re the ones! The ones I saw near the wolf the other night!¡± Lukas¡¯s grip tightened, his knuckles turning white. ¡°So, you followed us?¡± he snarled. ¡°You led Kenwick¡¯s men to her, didn¡¯t you? Where is she now?¡± Calloway squirmed, sweat dripping down his forehead. ¡°I-I didn¡¯t mean¡ª Listen! Kenwick¡¯s men took the wolf last night! They have her somewhere secure¡ªI don¡¯t know where! All I know is she¡¯s already being prepped as the prize for next week¡¯s fight!¡± With a furious shove, Lukas sent the man sprawling onto the floor. Calloway landed with a loud thud, his expensive suit rumpled and his face contorted in pain. Mary rose from her chair, glancing down at the quivering man with disdain. ¡°And how, exactly, do we get in touch with this Kenwick?¡± Calloway stammered, shaking his head. ¡°Y-You can¡¯t! He¡¯s out of town. I don¡¯t know when he¡¯ll be back!¡± Lukas loomed over him, his presence like a storm about to break. ¡°But you managed to contact his men,¡± he growled. Calloway nodded frantically, his voice trembling. ¡°Yes! Yes, but the men¡ª They¡¯re transporting the wolf as we speak! They could be anywhere by now, and I wouldn¡¯t know!¡± ¡°Gods dammit!¡± Lukas cursed, storming off toward the restaurant¡¯s exit. His sharp movements drew the attention of every patron in the room, their murmurs rising as they watched him leave. Luchs sighed, shaking his head as if lamenting a lost cause. ¡°He certainly knows how to draw a crowd¡ªfor all the wrong reasons,¡± he remarked dryly. Mary stood and adjusted her dress, throwing one last disappointed look at the overturned table. ¡°Come on, Yumiko. Let¡¯s go chase after the blonde idiot and salvage what¡¯s left of our evening.¡± Yumiko hesitated, then quickly stood, offering Luchs a small bow. ¡°Please forgive Lukas¡¯s behavior. It was¡­ uncalled for.¡± She hurried after her companions, her steps quick as she tried to catch up. Luchs remained seated, folding his hands together and resting his chin on them. A smirk crept across his face as he watched the trio disappear into the bustling casino. ¡°Well, Jim,¡± he said, his tone amused, ¡°it seems you¡¯ve gone and angered the wrong man tonight.¡± Calloway groaned as he struggled to push himself off the floor. ¡°That¡­ that ruffian stretched my collar!¡± he whined, brushing dust from his ruined suit. Luchs chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on the direction Lukas had stormed off in. ¡°Something tells me this week in Braint is going to be¡­ entertaining.¡± Chapter 5 - The Price Of Loyalty Chapter 5 - The Price Of Loyalty Mary and Yumiko raced after Lukas through the lively streets of Braint. The sound of clinking glasses and polite chatter filled the air as they dodged past a packed crowd at a high-end corner restaurant. Lukas pushed through without hesitation, causing startled patrons to leap out of his way. One man nearly spilled his wine, shouting curses as Lukas disappeared into the night. ¡°Lukas!¡± Mary¡¯s voice rang out above the din, but the man didn¡¯t turn back. She cursed under her breath, her frustration mounting. Her pace faltered as her heel snapped off, sending her stumbling forward. ¡°Oh, lovely!¡± Mary groaned, scooping up the broken shoe. ¡°I am going to kill him now!¡± Yumiko skidded to a halt beside her, concern etched on her face. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Mary shook her head and waved a dismissive hand. ¡°My heel broke! Well, at least you¡¯re wearing sensible shoes. Go after him, Yumiko. Don¡¯t wait for me.¡± Yumiko hesitated, glancing down the street where Lukas had vanished. ¡°I don¡¯t even know where he¡¯s going¡ª¡± ¡°Trust me,¡± Mary interrupted, smoothing her dress with a resigned sigh. ¡°It¡¯s the colosseum. He¡¯s using the muscle part of his brain right now. Just go catch him before he does something stupid, and make sure he doesn¡¯t kill anyone¡ªthe guild is in charge of that place, so causing trouble there will be a lot worse than you think. You go on ahead. I¡¯ll meet you both there.¡± Yumiko nodded reluctantly. With a deep breath, she summoned a small stream of wind around herself, the magic coiling at her feet and lifting her forward like a gust caught in a sail. The crowd that had grumbled at Lukas now parted in a mix of awe and alarm as Yumiko leaped effortlessly over their heads, her wind magic propelling her gracefully. A smattering of applause broke out as she landed smoothly on the other side. Some onlookers even cheered, mistaking her pursuit for some kind of theatrical display. Mary rolled her eyes and muttered to herself, ¡°Gods, I hate the people here. Simple-minded fools.¡± Meanwhile, Yumiko sprinted through the labyrinth of alleyways, her eyes scanning every corner for a glimpse of Lukas. The nightly glow of Braint¡¯s lamps illuminated the streets in a hazy golden hue, but the narrow paths and towering buildings cast long, confusing shadows. Her heart raced with the effort of running and the mounting fear that she had lost him. She slowed momentarily, glancing around to regain her bearings. With no sign of Lukas and no clear direction, Yumiko¡¯s gaze landed on a tall building nearby. Without hesitation, she darted toward it, grabbing hold of the gutter and scaling it with practiced ease. As she pulled herself onto the rooftop, the view of Braint unfolded before her like a living map. The contrast between the city¡¯s rich and poor districts was even starker from above. In the distance, the colosseum loomed like a giant sentinel in the heart of the city, its massive arches glowing faintly under the moonlight. Fixing her sights on the structure, Yumiko took a running start and leaped to the next rooftop, her wind magic softening each landing. The thrill of the chase pushed her forward, each jump bringing her closer. At last, she reached the buildings surrounding the colosseum. From her vantage point atop a nearby apartment, she scanned the bustling area below. The noise of the poorer district¡ªhaggling vendors, clanging pots, and rowdy laughter. Yumiko¡¯s eyes darted across the streets, searching for Lukas amidst the chaos. ¡°Where are you?¡± she whispered to herself, determination tightening her jaw as she prepared to jump down and continue the chase. Soon, Yumiko spotted a group of a dozen men below, dressed in uniforms that marked them as colosseum security. They sprinted toward the main entrance, their armor clinking in rhythm with their hurried steps. ¡°Hurry! Someone¡¯s causing a disturbance at the front!¡± one of them shouted, his voice echoing through the streets. Yumiko¡¯s heart pounded as she quickly slid down the side of the building, her movements smooth and precise. Landing lightly on her feet, she broke into a sprint, following the guards. When she rounded the corner, she saw Lukas standing amidst a semicircle of armed men. His black tuxedo made him stand out sharply against their silver armor, which bore the insignia of the guild prominently on their chestplates. Lukas stood defiantly, his fists clenched at his sides. In front of him, a man wielding a halberd stepped forward. His stance was commanding, his voice firm as he barked orders. ¡°For the last time, leave! The colosseum is closed until the next event!¡± the guard bellowed. Lukas didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°And I told you, release the wolf you captured!¡± The guard let out an exasperated sigh, his patience clearly wearing thin. ¡°We¡¯re getting nowhere with this,¡± he muttered, glancing skyward as though searching for divine intervention. ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about a wolf.¡± Lukas¡¯s voice rose, sharp with anger. ¡°Then I demand to speak to Gordon Kenwick!¡± The guard sneered. ¡°Ha! You and everyone else. Listen, I¡¯m done with this. Leave now, or my men will remove you.¡± He said, pounding the butt end of his halberd on the cobblestone streets, the guards itching closer to Lukas with their weapons drawn. Before the tension could escalate further, Yumiko darted in, placing herself between Lukas and the guard. She turned to face Lukas, her hands gently pressing against his chest as she tried to create space between him and the guards. ¡°Lukas!¡± she called firmly, her voice edged with concern. ¡°What are you doing?¡± His eyes burned with fury as he gestured toward the colosseum gates. ¡°You know they¡¯ve captured Snow!¡± he snapped. ¡°I¡¯m going in there and getting her back¡ªby force, if I have to!¡± ¡°You don¡¯t mean that. Calm down,¡± Yumiko urged, her voice steady but soothing. She kept her hands on him, trying to ground him. ¡°We¡¯ll find another way. Barging in won¡¯t solve anything.¡± The guard, watching the exchange, smirked. ¡°Listen to your girlfriend, pal, and leave before this gets ugly.¡± Lukas¡¯s glare sharpened, his voice cutting like steel. ¡°She¡¯s not my girlfriend, and I¡¯m not leaving.¡± Yumiko shot the guard a quick glance, her tone now measured and diplomatic. ¡°Please,¡± she said. ¡°Is there any way we can speak to Mr. Kenwick? Even if it¡¯s just to schedule a meeting?¡± The guard sighed heavily, his expression softening slightly as he looked at her. ¡°Listen, lady, I like you better than your hotheaded boyfriend here. But the answer¡¯s still no. Mr. Kenwick¡¯s a busy man. He¡¯s out of town most of the time, handling business deals. He doesn¡¯t see just anyone.¡± Before Yumiko could respond, Lukas stepped forward, his voice a dangerous growl. ¡°Then I¡¯ll tear that place apart until I get what I want.¡± ¡°Lukas, stop!¡± Yumiko grabbed his arm, holding him back as he strained forward. ¡°You¡¯re going to make things worse!¡± The guards tightened their grip on their weapons, the tension in the air thick enough to cut. Yumiko¡¯s grip on Lukas didn¡¯t waver, her voice still pleading. ¡°Please, don¡¯t do this. We¡¯ll find another way to help Snow. But not like this.¡± The guard slammed the base of his halberd against the ground again with a resounding clang. ¡°Then you will be declaring yourself an enemy of the United Republic. This colosseum is managed by the Guild, and by attacking it, you are attacking the nation itself. Choose your words and actions wisely, boy.¡± Yumiko forced a nervous laugh, still holding onto him. ¡°We don¡¯t want that, do we, Lukas?¡± she said, her voice strained but trying to stay calm. Lukas didn¡¯t respond immediately. Instead, he nudged Yumiko gently out of his path, his eyes locked on the guard. ¡°If a nation won¡¯t listen to its people, then I will do as I see fit,¡± he said in an icy, measured tone. The guard narrowed his eyes, his grip on the halberd tightening as he adjusted his stance, readying for an attack. Before the tension could snap, the sound of horses¡¯ hooves clattered against the stone street. Everyone turned to see a sleek white carriage approaching at a steady pace. The horses slowed to a stop as the carriage pulled up to the group. The door swung open, and Mary stepped out gracefully, followed by a sharply dressed young man with brown hair¡ªLuchs. Mary took one look at the standoff and let out a dramatic sigh, folding her arms. ¡°I knew your muscle brain would land you in trouble,¡± she said, raising an eyebrow at Lukas. She turned to Yumiko and flashed a quick, reassuring smile. ¡°Looks like I arrived just in time to prevent this mess from escalating. Mr. Richie-Rich here was kind enough to give me a ride.¡± ¡°Luchs,¡± the man corrected in the background, his voice dry but polite. Yumiko exhaled in relief, visibly relaxing. ¡°Thank the heavens! Lukas has been very insistent on starting something.¡± Lukas turned to her, his expression resolute. ¡°I won¡¯t start anything¡ªif they release Snow.¡± Luchs let out a theatrical sigh and patted Lukas on the back. ¡°Lukas, my dear friend, you are such a handful. But that¡¯s precisely why I like you¡ªyou¡¯re endlessly entertaining.¡± He turned his attention to the guard, his demeanor shifting to one of effortless authority. ¡°Now, where is Mr. Kenwick?¡± The guard straightened immediately, his posture stiff as a board. ¡°Mr. Wilfried, sir! It¡¯s an honor to¡ª¡± ¡°Spare me the pleasantries,¡± Luchs interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°Just answer the question so we can all go home early, hmm?¡± The guard nodded quickly, his tone clipped. ¡°Yes, sir. Mr. Kenwick left town on urgent business last week. We haven¡¯t seen him since, and we don¡¯t know when he¡¯ll return¡­ It could be soon due to the event, but no one¡¯s heard a whole lot from him.¡± Luchs tilted his head thoughtfully. ¡°Is there any chance I can set up a meeting with him? It would save us all from the... complications my friend here might cause.¡± He gestured lightly toward Lukas, who was glaring at the guard. The guard hesitated, clearly uneasy. ¡°I... don¡¯t know. The problem is, we have no way to contact him directly¡­ Only men under his direct command have that authority, and we haven¡¯t seen them since a few nights ago.¡± Lukas took a step forward, his patience gone. ¡°Then we do it the hard way!¡± he growled. He shoved Luchs aside, ignoring the man¡¯s startled exclamation. The guard reacted immediately, raising his halberd and bringing it down in one swift motion. But before it could strike, Lukas caught the shaft of the weapon in his hands. The guard¡¯s eyes widened in shock as he struggled against Lukas¡¯s grip. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°How... how are you doing that?¡± the guard stammered, trying to wrench the halberd free. Lukas¡¯s grip tightened, his expression dark and unyielding. ¡°I told you,¡± he said, his voice low and dangerous. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving without Snow.¡± The other guards drew their weapons, the metallic ring of steel echoing through the tense night air. Luchs glanced around nervously, his polished composure slipping for a moment. ¡°My... this is escalating faster than I thought,¡± he muttered under his breath. Mary stormed forward, her bare feet stomping on the cobblestones. Her eyes were locked on Lukas, her frustration palpable. ¡°Are you actively trying to make this the worst night of my life?¡± she snapped, her voice a mix of exasperation and fury. Just as she reached out to grab Lukas by the arm, a deep, commanding voice cut through the chaos. ¡°What is all this about?¡± All eyes turned to the source of the voice. A man with a thick, well-groomed beard and long auburn hair strode confidently toward the group. His polished leather boots thudded against the ground with purpose, and the guards immediately stood at attention. His dark coat, lined with fine silver embroidery, swayed with each step. He stopped in front of Luchs, his piercing green eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°Luchs? What are you doing here? And what, pray tell, is going on?¡± Luchs straightened, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as he offered a polite bow. ¡°Mr. Kenwick, a pleasure as always. I see you¡¯ve returned just in time.¡± Kenwick raised a skeptical brow. ¡°Yes... I¡¯ve come to inspect this wolf my men recently captured. I¡¯m told it¡¯s quite the specimen.¡± ¡°That ¡®specimen¡¯ is my friend!¡± Lukas¡¯s voice cut through the air, raw and unyielding. He surged forward, but Mary caught him by the shoulder, holding him back with surprising strength. Kenwick¡¯s gaze shifted to Lukas, his expression cold and unimpressed. He folded his arms, his broad frame exuding authority. ¡°Your friend, is it? And yet, from what I gather, this creature was found in the northern forests. Hardly sounds like it belongs to you.¡± ¡°They took her from her home!¡± Lukas shot back, his voice trembling with fury. Kenwick shrugged, his expression indifferent. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, it seems the beast doesn¡¯t belong to anyone. Certainly not you.¡± Lukas clenched his fists, ready to lunge again, but Mary grabbed him with both hands this time, her voice low and sharp. ¡°Would you stop! You¡¯re about to start a war with the Guild, and I am not cleaning up after you if you do.¡± ¡°They took my friend, Mary!¡± Lukas shouted, his voice cracking. ¡°And you want me to just stand here and do nothing?¡± Yumiko stepped forward, bowing deeply. Her voice was calm but firm, an anchor in the storm. ¡°Please, Mr. Kenwick. Surely there¡¯s some kind of deal we can make. Anything.¡± Kenwick¡¯s eyes flicked to Yumiko, and for a brief moment, his expression softened. Then he shook his head, his tone resolute. ¡°I don¡¯t make deals with people I don¡¯t know. And besides, I¡¯ve been searching for a beast like this for ages. It¡¯s perfect for drawing in a larger audience to the arena. Letting it go would be bad business.¡± ¡°Not to mention,¡± he added, his voice hardening, ¡°as far as I¡¯ve been told, the creature killed three of my men. By the law of this nation, any monster that kills humans is to be put down. I see no reason to make an exception.¡± ¡°You bastard!¡± Lukas roared, thrashing against Mary¡¯s hold. Two guards moved in, grabbing his arms to restrain him further. Luchs stepped forward, his demeanor as smooth as ever. Placing a hand lightly on Lukas¡¯ shoulder, he spoke with the measured tone of a negotiator. ¡°Relax, Lukas. Let me handle this.¡± Lukas stopped struggling, his chest rising and falling as he tried to rein in his rage. He glared at Luchs but didn¡¯t pull away. ¡°Look,¡± Luchs continued, his voice low and even. ¡°You can¡¯t fight the Guild, Lukas. Not here, not now. If you try, you¡¯ll make yourself a wanted man. And even if you manage to get out of here alive, they¡¯ll hunt you¡ªand Snow¡ªdown. You¡¯ll lose everything. Let me see if I can work something out. Business is my specialty, after all.¡± Luchs turned back to Kenwick, a confident smile on his face. ¡°Surely there¡¯s a solution here that benefits everyone. Don¡¯t you trust me, Lukas?¡± Lukas¡¯s jaw tightened, his glare unwavering. But after a moment, he let out a reluctant growl and nodded, ¡°Fine,¡± he muttered through gritted teeth, finally easing his stance. Mary let out an audible sigh of relief, the tension in her shoulders relaxing as Lukas stepped back. ¡°Finally,¡± she murmured, though her voice carried more exhaustion than victory. Luchs gave a small nod, his expression unusually serious. He turned to Kenwick, gesturing subtly toward a quieter area. ¡°Let¡¯s discuss this in private,¡± he said evenly. Without waiting for a response, he began walking, Kenwick following close behind. Mary crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. ¡°What¡¯s he up to? Why does he need to talk to him alone?¡± Yumiko glanced around at the ring of guards, their weapons still in hand and their eyes watchful. ¡°Maybe because of all the... company?¡± she suggested, her voice tinged with unease. Lukas, still staring in the direction Luchs had gone, spoke firmly. ¡°I trust him.¡± The group fell silent, the tension thick as they waited. Minutes passed, each one stretching longer than the last. Finally, Luchs returned, his usually pristine appearance marred by a hint of frustration. He rubbed the back of his neck, his expression weary. ¡°Well,¡± he started, exhaling heavily. ¡°Kenwick has agreed to release your friend... but there¡¯s a catch.¡± Lukas immediately stepped forward, his eyes burning with a desperate, hopeful intensity. ¡°What catch?¡± he demanded. Luchs hesitated, glancing at the others before clearing his throat awkwardly. ¡°You¡¯ll have to participate in the arena... and win. But,¡± he added quickly, raising a hand to stall any protests, ¡°all the fighter slots are already filled. Kenwick says he¡¯ll make an exception if you can draw a larger crowd. That¡¯s his condition.¡± Mary raised an eyebrow, suspicion etched across her face. ¡°What¡¯s his plan? How does he think Lukas will draw a crowd?¡± ¡°Name it,¡± Lukas said flatly, his unwavering tone leaving no room for argument. Luchs sighed, his usual confidence faltering. ¡°You¡¯ll have to fight wearing Gelod armor.¡± The air seemed to grow colder at those words. Mary¡¯s eyes widened in shock, and her voice rose sharply. ¡°Gelod armor? Absolutely not! That¡¯s suicide¡ªdeal¡¯s off.¡± Yumiko tilted her head, confusion flickering across her face. ¡°What¡¯s Gelod armor?¡± Mary turned to Yumiko, her expression a mixture of worry and frustration. ¡°It¡¯s a kind of armor that drains the user¡¯s strength, stamina, even their mana, to amplify their power. But it¡¯s a death sentence. The longer you wear it, the more it destroys your body. A few minutes is the absolute limit before it starts shutting you down. And even then, it takes weeks just to recover from those few minutes.¡± Luchs nodded grimly, his tone uncharacteristically serious. ¡°Exactly. It¡¯s not really armor¡ªit¡¯s a device meant to break people. The Guild uses it to punish prisoners condemned to death, sending them into the arena as a final spectacle. Most who wear it can barely fight, and even if they win, they¡¯re left damaged¡­ permanently¡± He hesitated, his gaze dropping for a moment. ¡°Muscle fibers tear, nerves are destroyed... I¡¯ve heard stories of people who survived the arena but were never able to walk again.¡± Yumiko¡¯s face paled as she turned to Lukas, her voice trembling with urgency. ¡°You can¡¯t do that! It¡¯s too dangerous. There has to be another way!¡± Lukas¡¯s gaze remained steady, his resolve unshaken despite Yumiko¡¯s pleading. His silence was as heavy as the weight of the decision before him. Mary turned to Luchs, her expression firm. ¡°Tell your friend we¡¯ll pay him handsomely. Surely, he can be persuaded.¡± Luchs let out a low chuckle and shook his head. ¡°My dear, do you have any idea how much the colosseum earns from one event? We¡¯re talking about fifty thousand people, each paying an average of thirty silvers. And that¡¯s not even counting food sales, merchandise, and, of course, the betting pools. It¡¯s a small empire.¡± Yumiko¡¯s eyes widened, her jaw nearly dropping. ¡°All of that from just one event?¡± Mary¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how much it makes. If Lukas wears that armor, he¡¯ll die. We¡¯re not letting it come to that.¡± Before anyone could respond, Kenwick rejoined the group, his expression smug as he looked them over. ¡°That¡¯s my final and only offer,¡± he declared, folding his arms. ¡°The arena¡¯s roster is full, otherwise. Either your boy gives my crowd something unforgettable, or you can sit in the stands and watch your furry friend face her fate.¡± ¡°Deal,¡± Lukas said without hesitation, his tone calm but cutting. Mary spun toward him, her face alight with anger. ¡°Don¡¯t be so foolish!¡± she snapped. Lukas met her glare with one of his own, his voice rising. ¡°If I can¡¯t take her by force, then I¡¯ll win her by force! What other choice do I have? Should I start a war with them instead?¡± Mary hesitated, her frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. She turned to Kenwick, her voice pleading now. ¡°There has to be another way¡ªsomething else you¡¯ll accept.¡± Kenwick¡¯s smirk faded, replaced by a steely gaze. ¡°There isn¡¯t,¡± he said coldly. ¡°That wolf isn¡¯t his by right. If he wants it back, he¡¯ll have to earn it. I¡¯m already being generous by offering him the chance.¡± Mary clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms. Kenwick embodied everything she hated about Braint¡ªgreed, exploitation, and cruelty wrapped in a veneer of civility. Kenwick pulled a silver pocket watch from his coat and checked the time. ¡°I¡¯ll give you until tomorrow to make your decision. If your boy¡¯s man enough to step into my arena, I¡¯ll make sure the crowd knows to look for him.¡± He snapped the watch shut with an air of finality. ¡°Good evening.¡± With that, he turned and strode away, his steps measured and deliberate. ¡°Bite me!¡± Lukas shouted after him, his voice echoing through the air. Luchs stepped up and placed a hand on Lukas¡¯s shoulder, laughing nervously. ¡°Let¡¯s not yell at the richest man in Braint, please.¡± Lukas shrugged him off with an angry shove. ¡°I¡¯m going,¡± he muttered, his tone sharp and absolute. He didn¡¯t wait for a response, turning on his heel and storming away. Yumiko watched him go, her chest tightening as she felt the weight of his anger. It wasn¡¯t just the raw fury radiating from him¡ªit was the pain underneath. ¡°Just when I thought he was starting to open up... this happens. And now he¡¯s slipping away again,¡± she murmured, her voice heavy with disappointment. Luchs crossed his arms and stood beside Yumiko, his gaze following Lukas. ¡°He¡¯s quite the powder keg, isn¡¯t he?¡± Yumiko nodded slightly, her eyes fixed on Lukas¡¯s retreating figure. ¡°Yeah... and one day, it¡¯s going to explode¡­ Sooner than later.¡± Mary watched Luchs from the corner of her eye, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. The man looked almost content, his expression betraying a flicker of amusement. Her brow furrowed as she shot him a sharp glance. ¡°You seem awfully pleased with yourself, considering your friend just signed up for what could very well be his death.¡± Luchs turned to her, raising his brows in surprise. ¡°Oh, my dear Mary,¡± he began, his tone defensive but light, ¡°if I appear to be enjoying myself, let me clarify. I won¡¯t deny that this situation is... well, fascinating in its own chaotic way. Lukas has a way of throwing himself into the storm, and I respect that about him. But I assure you, I¡¯m not laughing at his predicament. I¡¯m merely observing the man I know being true to himself.¡± Mary didn¡¯t look convinced, but before she could respond, Luchs placed a hand on his breast pocket, his eyes lighting up as if remembering something important. ¡°Speaking of storms, in all the commotion, I completely forgot to deliver something to him. I suppose I¡¯ll be seeing him later to hand it off¡­ Oh well.¡± Yumiko, who had been quietly listening, tilted her head and regarded him curiously. ¡°What is it?¡± she asked, her voice gentle but probing. Luchs wagged his finger with a sly smile. ¡°Ah, my dear, business between parties stays between those parties. I wouldn¡¯t dream of spoiling a surprise.¡± His tone carried a teasing lilt as he turned and began strolling toward his carriage. ¡°Now then, would either of you lovely ladies care for a ride home?¡± Mary shook her head, her expression distant. ¡°Our place is just a short walk from here,¡± she said curtly, glancing away. Luchs paused, nodding once with a flourish. ¡°Very well, as you wish. Farewell for now.¡± Both Mary and Yumiko stood in silence, watching as Luchs climbed into the carriage. His calm, almost carefree demeanor was a stark contrast to the heavy tension that clung to the night like an unwelcome fog. The driver snapped the reins, and the carriage rattled away into the darkness, its wheels creaking faintly as it disappeared from sight. Yumiko¡¯s gaze lingered on the receding carriage, her thoughts swirling with unease. ¡°What do you think he meant by ¡®his item¡¯?¡± she murmured, breaking the silence with a voice that carried both curiosity and worry. Mary let out a heavy sigh, running her fingers through her hair as though trying to knead away the frustration building behind her temples. ¡°Who knows?¡± she replied, her tone laced with irritation. ¡°With men from Braint, it could be anything. But right now, we¡¯ve got bigger problems to deal with... like trying to stop that idiot from getting himself killed.¡± Without waiting for a response, Mary turned and began walking barefoot toward the hotel, the cool cobblestones pressing against her feet. Yumiko hesitated, her eyes flicking to Mary¡¯s determined stride. ¡°Where are you going?¡± she asked, quickening her pace to catch up. Mary glanced over her shoulder, her expression set in a mix of annoyance and resolve. ¡°I¡¯m going to talk some sense into that fool before it¡¯s too late. Knowing Lukas, he¡¯s probably already back at the hotel, packing up for tomorrow like this is just another job.¡± She waved a hand, motioning for Yumiko to follow. ¡°Come on. A cute thing like you shouldn¡¯t be wandering around Braint alone at night.¡± Yumiko quickened her step, falling in beside Mary. ¡°I hope he listens to us¡­¡± she said softly, her voice tinged with doubt. ¡°I have a bad feeling about that armor.¡± Mary didn¡¯t respond immediately, her lips pressed into a tight line. Finally, she muttered under her breath, ¡°You¡¯re not the only one.¡± The two women walked side by side through the shadowy streets of Braint, the faint hum of distant taverns and the occasional clatter of hooves breaking the quiet. Overhead, the moon hung low, its pale light illuminating their path as they made their way back to the hotel. Chapter 6 - That鈥檚 The Ticket Chapter 6 - That¡¯s The Ticket As Yumiko slept, fragmented images flickered through her mind like shards of a broken mirror. The girl with white hair and wolf ears appeared again, curled beneath the hollow of a gnarled tree, clutching a worn-out teddy bear to her chest. The scene shifted in an instant¡ªher small frame replaced by a massive wolf. Snow. She was caged. Thick iron bars surrounded her, the space too small for her large form. The distant roar of a crowd thundered through the air, muffled but deafening, a chaotic storm of cheers and jeers. Then another image¡ªLukas, hunched over, his breath ragged, his face streaked with blood. A haze of smoke clung to him, swirling like living tendrils. "Liar¡­" he muttered, his eyes not on Yumiko but someone beyond her. She turned, trying to see who stood behind her, but the vision dissolved into darkness. A crack of thunder split the void, followed by a blinding flash of lightning. Then, Mary¡¯s voice echoed from nowhere and everywhere. "If Lukas enters that competition and wears that armor, it will kill him¡­ Anyone who wears it has suffered such a fate." Luch¡¯s voice soon entered as well. "The guild uses it to torcher people who are on death row." Another flash¡ªthis time, Lukas lay motionless on the ground. His body still. His eyes empty, laying in the middle of the colosseum as a crowd booed and protested. Yumiko jolted awake, gasping for air. Her skin was clammy, her heartbeat wild. This wasn¡¯t just a dream. It felt like a warning. A memory or something yet to come. Blinking away the haze of sleep, she turned her gaze to the clock across the room¡ªjust shy of eight in the morning. She pushed the blankets off, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. She needed to find Lukas and Mary. Before she could even reach the door, a loud bang echoed from outside her room, followed by the unmistakable sound of Lukas and Mary¡¯s voices raised in heated argument. Heart pounding, Yumiko scrambled to throw on her clothes and rushed into the hallway. The morning had barely begun, yet the tension was already suffocating. Lukas stormed out of the hotel¡¯s pristine entrance, his pace determined, his expression unreadable. Mary trailed after him, frustration seething in her voice. ¡°Lukas!¡± she yelled, shoving through the door behind him. ¡°Stop and think about this for once in your life!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve thought enough, Mary,¡± he shot back without stopping. His strides carried him down the street, past the clean cobblestones and well-kept storefronts. Mary scoffed, quickening her pace to keep up. ¡°So your brilliant plan is to be some bloodthirsty crowd¡¯s entertainment, and then what?¡± She grabbed his shoulder, yanking him to a halt. Lukas spun, his jaw clenched. ¡°I am going to win back Snow. That¡¯s what.¡± He tore his arm free from her grip, his voice cracking with raw emotion. Yumiko ran up, her chest tight from both exertion and unease. The weight of her vision pressed down on her like an unseen force. ¡°Wait! Lukas!¡± she called, reaching him before he could walk away again. ¡°I had a dream¡­ a nightmare.¡± She swallowed hard. ¡°One of you dying.¡± Lukas flinched but said nothing. ¡°I saw you wearing that armor. I saw you in the ring. I saw you killed in front of a crowd.¡± Her voice trembled, but she forced herself to continue. ¡°And before you tell me it was just a dream¡ªbefore you doubt me¡ªremember all the other times I warned you about something, and you didn¡¯t believe me.¡± Lukas met her gaze, his expression torn between determination and hesitation. ¡°My friend is out there,¡± he said, his voice quieter but no less firm. ¡°And while I¡¯m alive, I will go for her.¡± Yumiko stepped forward, desperation clawing at her throat. ¡°B-but¡ª¡± ¡°If either of you think I¡¯m going to leave another one of my friends behind, you¡¯re wrong!¡± Lukas¡¯ voice cracked with raw fury, his breathing heavy. ¡°I left six of my friends to slaughter! I watched countless people die in the north! I watched my father choke to death right in front of me! I will never let that happen again! I¡¯d rather die than abandon someone to torture and death!¡± Mary threw out her arms, exasperation flashing in her eyes. ¡°But this isn¡¯t worth throwing your life away for! I swear I remember you saying you were going to live on¡ªto honor your friends¡¯ sacrifices! What happened to that?!¡± Lukas¡¯ glare darkened, his fists trembling at his sides. ¡°I promised them I wouldn¡¯t let this happen to someone I care about ever again. And now it is happening. Right now.¡± His voice sharpened like a blade. ¡°Either I go in there and tear that place apart to find Snow, or I enter the competition and win. Since you won¡¯t let me take her by force, then I¡¯ll take my chances with their stupid arena.¡± He pointed at the looming structure in the distance. ¡°If I sit here and do nothing, she¡¯s as good as dead¡ªand I break my promise.¡± Mary¡¯s jaw clenched, frustration boiling over. ¡°Fine! Go ahead and get yourself killed then!¡± she shouted, her voice thick with anger. Lukas didn¡¯t stop. He just turned and kept walking. Yumiko reached out, desperation in her voice. ¡°But Lukas¡ª¡± ¡°Don¡¯t try to stop me.¡± His tone was final, cold. ¡°And don¡¯t follow me. Not unless you¡¯re willing to help save Snow.¡± Without another word, he strode down the street, disappearing into the slums. Mary let out a harsh sigh, pressing her fingers to her temple. ¡°If only we could talk to Sofia... But we can¡¯t because of that damn Meino guy. Lovely.¡± Yumiko swallowed, her hands curling into fists. ¡°Mary... the dream I had¡ªit felt real.¡± Her voice wavered. ¡°I saw Lukas die in that competition. I felt it. Like I¡¯ve seen it before¡­ Like it¡¯s already happened or going to happen.¡± Mary let out a slow breath, her frustration giving way to grim concern. ¡°I don¡¯t know if what you saw was a vision, a nightmare, or a twisted mix of both¡­ But one thing I do know? If he goes through with this, he¡¯s going to get himself killed¡ªor paralyzed at the very least. That armor is no joke. We weren''t lying to him when we said that the guild gives it to death row prisoners.¡± Silence stretched between them, the sounds of the city moving around them¡ªmerchants shouting, distant laughter, the occasional clatter of footsteps on uneven stone. Eventually, Mary spoke again, her voice quieter but determined. ¡°Listen. I¡¯m going to dig around, see if I can find anything about that damn wolf. If we¡¯re lucky, they¡¯re keeping her somewhere we can sneak her out of.¡± She crossed her arms, thinking. ¡°We¡¯ve got that staff that can hide our noise and presence. If it comes to it, we can use it. But we have to be careful. The colosseum is tied to the guild, and if we screw up, we¡¯ll have more than just thugs on our backs.¡± Yumiko took a step forward, resolve building in her voice. ¡°I can help.¡± Mary shook her head. ¡°Braint isn¡¯t a place you want to snoop around in. It¡¯s filthy¡ªand dangerous. Besides, information gathering works better alone. Fewer people means fewer eyes noticing.¡± She met Yumiko¡¯s gaze, firm but not unkind. ¡°Just stay at the hotel for now. If I need you, I¡¯ll come find you.¡± Yumiko nodded, though disappointment weighed heavily in her chest. ¡°Okay...¡± Mary gave her a gentle tap on the shoulder, a wordless attempt at comfort, before turning and walking away. Left standing alone in the middle of the bustling street, Yumiko exhaled slowly, her gaze drifting across the chaotic sprawl of Braint. The city was a mess of grime and desperation, its streets filled with cutthroats, drifters, and merchants shouting over one another in an attempt to make a coin. She clenched her fists. Mary was underestimating her. She wasn¡¯t some fragile thing to be protected. She could fight. She would fight. ¡°I won¡¯t just sit around...¡± she muttered under her breath, taking a determined step forward. ¡°If Lukas is willing to risk his life, then so am I.¡± Without another word, she turned and walked through the sunlit streets, her boots tapping against the uneven cobblestone. The noise of the city became distant as she focused on her thoughts, her mind racing over the situation. By the time she reached the colosseum, her resolve was set. She ran up to the front counter, her breath steady. ¡°I want to sign up for the next event. The one happening this week.¡± The receptionist, a woman with sharp eyes and a well-practiced smile, shook her head. ¡°Impossible. All slots were filled three days ago. I can sign you up for the next one next week.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not an option.¡± Yumiko¡¯s voice was firm. ¡°I need to be in this one.¡± The receptionist gave an exaggerated shrug. ¡°Sorry, my hands are tied. Nothing I can do.¡± Yumiko stared at her for a moment, frustration boiling in her chest. But there was no point in arguing. With a quiet sigh, she turned and walked out, stepping into the colosseum¡¯s massive shadow. There has to be another way. As she lingered, lost in thought, an old man suddenly bumped into her, his dry chuckle breaking through her frustration. ¡°Trying to get into the tournament, huh, girlie?¡± Yumiko glanced up, taking in the man¡¯s tattered cloak, long unkempt beard, and deep wrinkles. He smelled faintly of ale and dust, his grin revealing a few missing teeth. ¡°Yes, I am,¡± she admitted, eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°Do you know a way I could join?¡± The man¡¯s grin widened, mischief glinting in his tired eyes. ¡°Fighter slots, once full, are officially impossible to get into.¡± He paused, rubbing his fingers together in a silent request for coin. ¡°However¡­ you could buy a slot from someone. Or¡­¡± His voice dipped lower. ¡°You could convince them to give it to you¡­ That is if you know where to go¡­¡± Yumiko didn¡¯t hesitate. She pulled a silver coin from her pouch and pressed it into his palm. His fingers curled around the coin, and his grin stretched wider. ¡°A tavern on the south side of town¡ªThe LightHouse. That¡¯s where you¡¯ll find the kind of men who¡¯d sell their entry. If you have enough coin.¡± He cackled, tucking the silver away. ¡°But be warned, girlie¡ªthe southern stretch of Braint is worse than the rest of this stink hole.¡± His voice dropped to something almost amused. ¡°This whole city is ugly, but even the scum of Braint look down on that part of town. It¡¯s dirty. It¡¯s dangerous. It¡¯s crawling with men who wouldn¡¯t think twice about gutting you in an alley for looking at ¡®em wrong.¡± He gave her a lingering look before laughing again. ¡°If you really want to risk your neck for that ticket, that¡¯s where you¡¯ll find it. But if you¡¯re smart?¡± His smile turned knowing as he stepped away. ¡°You¡¯ll turn around and go back where you came from.¡± And with that, he disappeared into the crowd, leaving Yumiko standing there, her decision weighing heavy in the pit of her stomach. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Yumiko nodded to herself, scanning the sky to get her bearings. ¡°Sun¡¯s in that direction¡­ so south should be that way.¡± She turned back to thank the old man¡ªonly to find him gone. Her brows furrowed as she glanced around the open plaza in front of the colosseum. It was grand, spacious, and crowded with people moving in all directions. There weren¡¯t many places he could have slipped away unnoticed. Strange. But she had no time to dwell on it. Pushing the thought aside, Yumiko adjusted her posture and set off toward the southern district. It didn¡¯t take long for the city¡¯s filth to creep in. The streets grew narrower, the once-proud buildings giving way to crooked structures with peeling paint and rotting wood. A foul stench clung to the air¡ªstale alcohol, sweat, and the sour reek of garbage left to fester in the heat. The people here were just as rough as their surroundings, their sharp eyes tracking her like wolves sizing up a lost lamb. A man stepped into her path. ¡°Hand over the coin pouch,¡± he demanded, his voice low and raspy. Yumiko barely spared him a glance. The moment he reached for her, she moved. Grabbing his arm, she twisted her body and threw him clean over her shoulder. He hit the cobblestone with a sickening thud, the impact knocking the air from his lungs. A wheezing groan escaped him as he lay sprawled on the ground, stunned. The other thugs who had been eyeing her from the shadows hesitated. Some exchanged glances, then quietly melted back into the alleyways, deciding she wasn¡¯t worth the trouble. Yumiko stepped closer, looking down at the man. ¡°You really think I have a lot of money?¡± she asked coldly. The man coughed, struggling to catch his breath. ¡°More than me¡­¡± He gasped, his voice ragged. ¡°Your clothes¡­ scream wealthy¡­ At the very least, easy cash¡­ ¡¯cause of your size¡­¡± Yumiko glanced at her reflection in a filthy, cracked window. Her traveling cloak and well-kept tunic stood out far too much in this part of town. Damn it. She should have considered this earlier. Her gaze snapped back to the man. ¡°Where¡¯s the LightHouse Tavern?¡± she demanded. He swallowed hard. ¡°Down the street¡­ to the right¡­ Can¡¯t miss it¡­¡± She watched him sit upright, still holding his ribs. He hesitated before looking up at her. ¡°Can I go?¡± Yumiko gave him a sharp nod. He wasted no time scrambling to his feet and disappearing down a side alley, vanishing as quickly as he had appeared. She exhaled through her nose. Without wasting another second, she slipped into the nearest alleyway, pressing herself into the shadows. Behind a stack of crates, she reached into the small pouch at her waist, pulling out a dark ninja mask and a lightweight robe. She stripped out of her more noticeable outer layers, quickly donning the disguise before adjusting the mask over the lower half of her face. Better. Blending into the filth of southern Braint was the key to moving unnoticed. Yumiko stepped back out into the streets, her posture shifting¡ªhead lower, steps softer, movements less rigid. She followed the man¡¯s instructions, keeping her eyes peeled. Before long, she found it. The LightHouse Tavern stood at the end of the road, and it was in bad shape. Chunks of plaster and brick had crumbled from its walls, exposing wooden beams beneath. Several windows were broken, with crude wooden planks nailed haphazardly over them. The wooden sign above the entrance hung by a single rusted chain, creaking in the wind. It looked more like a condemned building than a functioning tavern. Yumiko took a steadying breath, centering herself before stepping inside. The air was thick with the scent of tobacco, sweat, and stale alcohol. Dim lanterns flickered against the walls, casting shadows over the patrons inside. The murmur of conversation filled the space, occasionally punctuated by raucous laughter or the slap of cards against wooden tables. Three separate groups were deep in gambling, piles of coins clinking as bets were placed. Scattered throughout the room, a few women in revealing dresses leaned over drunken men, their voices sickly sweet with honeyed laughter. Near the bar, a man lay slumped over his drink, his snores lost beneath the chatter. Yumiko stepped forward, instinctively scanning the room. Even with her disguise, she felt eyes lingering on her. Before she could take another step, a drunken man stumbled into her path. ¡°You got a problem, pal?¡± His words slurred together, but there was aggression in his stance as he wobbled toward her. Yumiko tensed, senses on high alert. He¡¯s going to attack. But before she could react, the man suddenly turned on his heel and swung a heavy fist¡ªright into the face of another drunk standing a few feet away. The second man staggered back, stunned for a moment, before roaring in anger and throwing a punch of his own. The tavern erupted. Chairs scraped against the floor as men jumped up, some cheering, others diving in to join the brawl. A bottle shattered somewhere in the chaos. More bets and cheering took place. ¡°My money¡¯s on the fat one!¡± someone hollered from the crowd, laughter rippling through the tavern. Yumiko kept her distance, weaving through the edges of the room to avoid getting caught in the crowd. She scanned the patrons, searching for anyone who stood out¡ªsomeone strong, skilled, dangerous. She needed to find someone that looked like they could handle themselves in the colosseum event, but so far, the only fighters she saw were a pack of drunken lowlifes too busy swinging at each other to be a real threat. Then, amid the chaos, a voice caught her attention. ¡°Look at those fools beating the hell out of each other! Meanwhile, the Schwag gang¡¯s gonna be rich after this week¡¯s colosseum challenge!¡± Yumiko¡¯s eyes flicked toward the speaker. Three men sat at a nearby table, laughing and slamming their mugs together before taking deep gulps of ale. Their clothing was slightly better than the average thug¡¯s¡ªstill rough, but cleaner, newer. They carried themselves with confidence, the kind that came from knowing they had an advantage over everyone else in the room. She stepped closer, leaning casually against a wooden post nearby, her body turned slightly away so she could listen without drawing attention. ¡°Justin Schwag, champion of the colosseum¡­ yeah, I like the sound of that,¡± one of them said, his voice laced with smug satisfaction. Yumiko marked him immediately¡ªthe leader. ¡°You¡¯ll knock the lights out of all of them, Justin!¡± one of his lackeys cheered, pounding a fist on the table. ¡°The real question is,¡± the third man added, lowering his voice, ¡°are you aiming for the gold, or that rare beast they say got captured?¡± The leader¡ªJustin¡ªshrugged, swirling the drink in his mug. ¡°Who the hell knows if the rumors are even true? If they did catch something rare, we¡¯ll find out at the competition.¡± He smirked. ¡°Not that it matters. Either way, I¡¯m walking out of there with something valuable.¡± Just as Yumiko started piecing things together, Justin¡¯s gaze snapped toward her. His expression shifted in an instant¡ªrelaxed amusement replaced by sharp suspicion. ¡°The hell you lookin¡¯ at?¡± Before she could react, he shot to his feet, reaching for her. Yumiko¡¯s instincts screamed. She ducked just as his fist crashed into the wooden beam behind her, splitting the wood with the force of the impact. Justin let out a sharp grunt, yanking his hand back and shaking it out. ¡°You little bitch!¡± he snarled. ¡°You spying on us?¡± Yumiko straightened, brushing off her robe. Instead of backing down, she bowed politely. ¡°Apologies,¡± she said smoothly, ¡°but I¡¯ve actually been looking for you.¡± Justin hesitated, his brow furrowing. ¡°You with Jaeger¡¯s crew?¡± he demanded, his voice tense. His hand dipped toward his belt, fingers curling around the hilt of a knife. His goons followed suit, each reaching for their own weapons. Yumiko quickly raised her hands, palms open. ¡°N-no, nothing like that,¡± she assured, pulling her ninja mask down to reveal her face. ¡°I¡¯m simply a stranger in need of something. Something you have that I wish to purchase.¡± Her voice remained polite, measured¡ªunthreatening. Justin¡¯s scowl deepened¡ªthen, suddenly, his eyes widened in recognition. ¡°Wait a damn minute¡­¡± He jabbed a finger toward her. ¡°You look familiar!¡± Yumiko arched a brow. ¡°I do?¡± The tension in the air thickened. The two lackeys exchanged glances, gripping their weapons a little tighter. The bald man flinched, his eyes narrowing as he pieced it together. ¡°I know you! You were in Headwich a month or two ago!¡± Yumiko tilted her head, keeping her tone polite. ¡°I think you have me confused with someone else, dear sir.¡± ¡°The hell I do!¡± he barked. ¡°You¡¯re the bitch that spilled half my beer on me¡ªand then had your blonde boyfriend fight me!¡± Yumiko blinked, momentarily thrown off. The man was referring to Lukas. ¡°Boyfriend? He¡¯s not my boyfriend,¡± she said, her voice going a pitch higher than intended. Justin sneered. ¡°Either way, you two knocked me out! I was humiliated! Half my crew left me after that mess, and I had no choice but to pack up and head for the city of opportunity¡ªBraint! The great Justin Schwag, brought low by a couple of low-level nobodies.¡± Yumiko frowned, thinking back. The name Justin Schwag still didn¡¯t ring a bell. ¡°Sorry¡­ I don¡¯t remember,¡± she admitted, offering an apologetic nod. Justin¡¯s expression twisted, like she¡¯d just stabbed his pride straight through the heart. ¡°You kicked my grenade in the air like it was a toy back in headwich!¡± Yumiko clapped her hands together, realization dawning. ¡°Ohhh, you were that bald guy!¡± His eye twitched. ¡°Why are you focusing on me being bald?!¡± he roared, veins bulging in his forehead. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. ¡°No matter,¡± he muttered, rolling his shoulders. ¡°If you¡¯re here, you must want something from the great Justin.¡± Yumiko nodded, shifting back to a formal tone. ¡°I need your entry ticket to the colosseum. All the fighter positions have been filled, and it¡¯s important that I get in.¡± Justin¡¯s scowl twisted into a knowing grin. ¡°You want our spot in the competition?¡± Yumiko nodded again. ¡°Please. I can pay you double the entry fee, if necessary.¡± She gave a polite bow, showing respect despite the rough company. One of Justin¡¯s goons let out a low chuckle, stepping around her like a predator sizing up prey. ¡°A little thing like you wouldn¡¯t make it past the first round¡­¡± His smirk widened. ¡°But maybe we can work something out¡ªfor the right kind of payment.¡± His meaning was obvious. Justin shot his lackey a glare before elbowing him in the ribs. ¡°I ain¡¯t into her like that,¡± he muttered, annoyed. Then he turned back to Yumiko, rubbing his chin. ¡°But I do like coin a hell of a lot better.¡± Disgust curled in Yumiko¡¯s stomach. She met the lackey¡¯s eyes without flinching. ¡°Where I come from, companionship is delicate and sacred. I won¡¯t offer that.¡± Her voice was calm, but there was steel beneath it. ¡°What I can offer is three times the entry fee for one of your tickets. Do we have a deal?¡± She asked, looking at Justin. Yumiko extended her hand to seal the deal, but Justin shook his head with a smirk. ¡°Uh-uh. You show us some coin first. Then we¡¯ll make a deal and give you the entry ticket.¡± She reached for her coin pouch, but before her fingers could close around it, one of the goons lunged, attempting to snatch it from her belt. Yumiko reacted instantly. She pulled back, letting the thug¡¯s momentum carry him forward, and as he stumbled past, she delivered a swift strike to the back of his head. The man crumpled to the floor, unconscious before he even hit the wood. ¡°You bitch!¡± the second goon snarled, already swinging a wild punch at her. Yumiko caught his fist mid-air and twisted his wrist sharply. He let out a howl of pain, his knees buckling. Without hesitation, she yanked him forward and drove her foot into his gut, sending him crashing into a nearby table with a loud THUD. The bar, once filled with drunken laughter and raucous chatter, fell into an eerie silence. All eyes locked onto Yumiko in shock and awe. Justin shifted uncomfortably as sweat beaded on his forehead. His eyes darted around the room. ¡°Shit¡­ Now they¡¯re watching¡­¡± He straightened up and jabbed a finger at her. ¡°So, you want to pick a fight with the great Justin Schwag, do you, you bitch?¡± Yumiko blinked, incredulous. ¡°I just want the ticket,¡± she said flatly. ¡°Do you not want my money?¡± Justin wasn¡¯t listening. He puffed out his chest and continued his tirade. ¡°You came all this way from Headwich just to get your hands on me¡ªbut I won¡¯t allow it!¡± The tension in the room snapped as the crowd erupted with excitement. Coins clinked against wooden tables as gamblers scrambled to place their bets. ¡°My money¡¯s on the bounty hunter from the east!¡± ¡°You idiot, that¡¯s a ninja, not a bounty hunter!¡± ¡°What the hell is a ninja?¡± ¡°My money¡¯s on the baldy!¡± ¡°Mine too!¡± ¡°Quit focusing on my baldness!¡± Justin bellowed, his face turning red. He cleared his throat, rolling his shoulders as he locked eyes with Yumiko. ¡°Prepare yourself, little girl, because I¡¯m gonna break that neck of yours!¡± With a roar, he charged. Yumiko didn¡¯t move. She simply watched, her expression unreadable, her stance poised. The moment he came into range, she struck. With blinding speed, she snapped her leg upward, her foot connecting cleanly with his jaw. A sharp crack echoed through the bar. Justin¡¯s eyes rolled back before his body even registered the pain. A second later, he collapsed onto the floor, out cold. Dead silence. Then, from the back of the bar¡ª ¡°That was it?!¡± someone shouted. ¡°What a damn rip-off!¡± Groans and curses filled the air as gamblers angrily retrieved their lost bets, shaking their heads in disappointment. Yumiko exhaled through her nose and stepped over Justin¡¯s unconscious form. She crouched down, slipping her hand into his jacket pocket and pulling out the colosseum entry ticket. Then, with the same measured precision, she reached into her own pouch, counted out three times the entry fee, and tucked it into his pocket in exchange. As she straightened, she glanced down at him. He looked so pitiful lying there. With a sigh, she knelt once more and placed a single silver coin beside him. ¡°For the trouble,¡± she murmured before rising to her feet. Without another word, she turned and walked through the crowd, the gathered spectators parting for her like the tide. As she stepped into the cool night air, she slipped her mask back over her face and melted into the shadows of Braint¡¯s slums. Chapter 7 - Bonding before Battle Chapter 7 - Bonding before Battle The next morning, in the dimly lit hotel room, Mary leaned against the small wooden desk, arms crossed as she relayed her findings to Yumiko. "I''ve been digging through every information network I could find, but Kenwick is slippery," she muttered, tapping a finger against her arm. "From what I gathered, he¡¯s constantly moving the wolf between different locations to keep it hidden. And worse¡ªhe''s got level eight guild members guarding it. That¡¯s not including dozens of other guards¡­ Real high-level protection." She sighed, shaking her head. "The problem is, I can''t pinpoint where exactly the wolf is. Even with my bounty group connections, Kenwick has ways to suppress information." Yumiko sat on the bed, hands resting on her lap as she absorbed the information. Her expression was unreadable, but her voice was quiet when she finally spoke. "So fighting is the only way¡­" Her fingers clenched the fabric of the sheets. "I wish we could talk to Sofia, hear her thoughts." Mary stretched her legs out, kicking her feet up onto the desk. "She''s got her hands full dealing with Meino," she said. Then, almost as an afterthought, she added, "Besides, what if she''s managing other people¡­ like us? I mean, if this Meino guy has his own team, who''s to say Sofia doesn¡¯t have one too?" Yumiko lowered her gaze, shoulders slightly slumping. "So she really does have her hands full." "Maybe..." Mary shrugged. "It¡¯s hard to say, but she did say she''d talk to us again. All we have to do is wait." Silence settled over the room, the weight of uncertainty hanging between them. Mary glanced over at Yumiko, noticing the distant look in her eyes, as if she were lost in thought. She frowned. "You okay? You¡¯ve been kinda quiet today." Yumiko blinked, startled from her thoughts. "Y-yeah, I¡¯m fine," she said quickly. Too quickly. She hesitated, pressing her lips together. For a brief moment, she considered telling Mary about the ticket she had to enter the colosseum¡ªabout how, if they didn¡¯t find Snow in time, she¡¯d have no choice but to fight and help Lukas. But the words caught in her throat. Instead, she forced a small, strained smile. "It¡¯s just¡­ a lot to process, you know?" Mary sighed, stretching her arms behind her head as she continued to lean back in her chair. "Tell me about it." A sharp knock on the door broke the silence. Mary didn¡¯t move, merely tilting her head toward the sound. "It¡¯s open," she called lazily. The door creaked open, and Luchs stepped inside, offering a polite smile as he shut it behind him. "Sorry to intrude," he said. Mary barely spared him a glance. "Oh, if it isn¡¯t Richie Rich," she drawled, still leaning back. "What do you need?" Luchs let out an awkward chuckle. "It¡¯s¡­ Luchs, actually," he corrected, though it was clear Mary wasn¡¯t interested in acknowledging it. Clearing his throat, he straightened his posture. "I came to talk about the Lukas situation. I have some information on the wolf." Mary immediately sat up, eyes sharp with interest. "You do? You know where they''re hiding it?" Luchs hesitated, then shook his head. "Not exactly. But I did confirm that they¡¯re moving it constantly, shifting it between locations to keep anyone from tracking it." Mary exhaled sharply and leaned back against the chair again, her enthusiasm fading. "We already knew that." "Then you should know this too," Luchs said, his voice dropping to a cold, serious tone that sent a shiver down Yumiko¡¯s spine. "The wolf is locked away behind a magical barrier, guarded by Kenwick¡¯s personal enforcers. The cage itself is reinforced steel, with additional magical seals placed on the lock and around the cage itself. You think you¡¯re gathering information and that nothing bad will come of it, Mary Pearce, but let me warn you¡ªKenwick doesn¡¯t play fair. If he finds out that you are snooping around, it will be the end of you." Mary exhaled sharply, leaning back in her chair. "Yeah, Richie, I know. Most guys in Braint don¡¯t play nice. I was careful with my snooping¡ªI know what I am doing." ¡°If I know, he knows. And unlike others¡­¡± Luchs shook his head, his expression grim. "Kenwick is worse. He doesn¡¯t stop at the usual threats¡ªhe goes for your family, your friends, your contacts. Worst of allt, he has the guild backing him. His father sits on the Board of Engineering, which gives him access to privileges most people at his rank could only dream of." Mary waved a hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. So what¡¯s his level? Eight? Nine?" "Eleven," Luchs said simply. Mary¡¯s smirk faded. "Not only is he a high-ranking guild member," Luchs continued, "but sometimes he enters the colosseum himself, fighting strong opponents for sport. Mr. Kenwick isn¡¯t just another rich scumbag that is blinded by money. If he catches you digging into his affairs, he won¡¯t just make you disappear¡ªhe¡¯ll kill the wolf out of spite and throw you into the arena for his own entertainment. The man loves the crowd more than anything. Call him a pure entertainer with a dangerous side." Yumiko swallowed hard. "He¡­ really doesn¡¯t mess around, does he?" Luchs glanced at her, his gaze unwavering. "No, he doesn¡¯t. And now that Lukas has signed up for the competition, Kenwick has laid down his own set of rules. Rules that I came here to remind you of: Don¡¯t interfere with the wolf. Don¡¯t pry into Kenwick¡¯s personal business. Don¡¯t meddle in the guild¡¯s affairs. This whole thing is dangerous. Should either of you enter or interfere, it won¡¯t end well." Mary let out a short breath, rubbing her temple. "I know. I had two nights of searching that led to nothing¡­ I know when something¡¯s too high risk and to stop." "Good," Luchs said. "Because that brings me to my next point: neither of you are to enter the fight." Mary snorted. "Not much of a choice there. All the tickets are sold out, anyway. It would be a miracle if you can even find a fighter in this city that has one." This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Luchs shrugged. "Figured I should make it clear." He scratched the back of his head, his expression softening slightly. "I tried talking Lukas out of this whole thing, but he¡¯s¡­ stubborn. Stubborn in a way I can respect. Reminds me of my wife, actually." His eyes flickered with something distant, something fond and sorrowful, though a small smile lingered on his lips. A silence settled between them, heavy yet fleeting. "What if one of us did join?" Yumiko asked quietly. ¡°In the colosseum fight, I mean¡­¡± Luchs turned to her, his expression serious once more. "Then the same consequences apply as if you were caught searching for the wolf¡ªdeath." He reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a pocket watch, glancing at it before slipping it back into place. "I spoke with Lukas about an hour ago. He mentioned heading to get something to eat after training. Knowing him, he¡¯s probably at The Getter¡ªit¡¯s a pub near the north entrance of town, the same way you guys entered through. If you want to try talking him out of this, that¡¯d be your best shot." ¡°There¡¯s nothing more I can say,¡± Mary muttered, rolling her eyes. ¡°I tried stopping him. It¡¯s not going to work. If Lukas says he¡¯s entering this fight, then that¡¯s all there is to it. I even tried looking for the wolf to prevent all this, but I came up empty. There¡¯s nothing more I can do.¡± Yumiko pushed herself up from her chair. ¡°Where is this tavern again? Maybe I can talk to Lukas one more time¡­¡± She barely listened as Luchs repeated the directions. The moment she had enough to go on, she sprinted out of the hotel, weaving through the chaotic streets of Braint. The city was as unforgiving as ever¡ªfilthy alleyways, the stench of unwashed bodies and cheap ale lingering in the air. Panhandlers lurched toward her, hands outstretched, their voices blending into a cacophony of pleading. Vendors blocked her path, shoving trinkets and questionable goods in her face. As she ran, she felt a tug at her waistband, but she was too quick. She spun, swatting away the would-be pickpocket, who vanished into the crowd with a hissed curse. She pressed forward, her breath steady, her pace unyielding. Soon, the weathered sign of The Getter¡¯s Pub came into view. The wooden building sagged with age, its faded windows murky with grime. The peeling green paint barely clung to the walls, like the place itself was trying to disappear. Yumiko stepped up to the door and pushed it open. To her surprise, the inside was¡­ pleasant. Dimly lit but not dingy, quiet but not lifeless. She had expected worse given the state of the streets outside. A handful of patrons sat scattered around, minding their own business. Her eyes drifted toward the far corner of the room, where a lone blonde man sat hunched over his table. Lukas. A half-empty mug rested beside him. He stared down at it, lost in thought, his broad shoulders tense. Yumiko quickly crossed the room. ¡°Lukas?¡± He flinched slightly before his expression flattened. His eyes flicked toward her, then he exhaled. ¡°How did you¡ª¡± He cut himself off, rolling his eyes. ¡°Luchs told you.¡± Yumiko nodded and took a seat across from him. ¡°Listen, I wanted to talk to you one more time abo¡ª¡± ¡°About me entering the fight.¡± Lukas didn¡¯t even let her finish. His voice was calm, unwavering. ¡°You already told me about your nightmare and your concerns. I¡¯ve heard Mary¡¯s lectures on top of all of that. Even Luchs took his turn. But let me make something clear¡ª¡± He leaned forward slightly, his blue eyes sharp. ¡°I¡¯m not entering this fight to throw away my life. I¡¯m entering to save my friend. If any of you have faith in me, then you should know one thing¡ª¡± His fingers tapped against the table. ¡°I am not going to die. I will win, and I shall live.¡± Yumiko studied him in silence. His conviction never wavered, his willpower as unshakable as ever. That was Lukas Adler. ¡°¡­At least don¡¯t drink your worries away,¡± she finally said. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you go down a path of misery and drunkenness.¡± Lukas smirked, pushing his mug toward her. ¡°It¡¯s water.¡± A flicker of amusement danced across his otherwise stoic face. ¡°Oh¡­¡± Yumiko¡¯s cheeks flushed faintly. The moment stretched between them, quiet but not uncomfortable. Finally, she spoke again, her voice softer. ¡°I know you want to save Snow¡­ but is there really no other way?¡± Lukas shook his head. ¡°Like I said, I made a promise¡ªto my fallen comrades and your brother. I¡¯m not backing away from a fight if my friends are in danger.¡± Yumiko hesitated. A part of her wanted to tell Lukas she was going to enter the fight herself, hoping to prevent the nightmare she had seen of him lying dead on the arena ground. But she held back. He wouldn¡¯t approve. ¡°So¡­ The fight is in two days,¡± she said, carefully watching his expression. ¡°Are you ready? Do you really think you¡¯ll be okay?¡± Lukas didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°I will be okay.¡± His voice was calm, unconcerned. Yumiko frowned. ¡°I heard from people across town¡ªthere will be a lot of fighters. And they fight dirty. Some of them are seasoned veterans, others are brutes with no honor. And then there¡¯s the armor that only you are going to wear¡­¡± She swallowed. ¡°That thing is designed to kill you and wear you down. It¡¯s going to put you at a massive disadvantage...¡± Lukas exhaled slowly. ¡°Listen, I¡¯m not going down without a fight. And I¡¯m certainly not dying¡­ not yet, at least.¡± His lips curled into a smirk, as if the thought of death didn¡¯t faze him. He tilted his head slightly. ¡°So don¡¯t look at me like that. You remind me of my father. He always had that same worried look whenever I went out to work as a kid.¡± Before Yumiko could respond, a middle-aged pubkeeper arrived, setting down a steaming plate of roasted turkey in front of Lukas. She smiled warmly as she placed two plates on the table and a mug of water in front of Yumiko. ¡°I¡¯m so happy he has a little friend now,¡± the woman said, beaming at Yumiko. ¡°I see him here from time to time, always looking so gloomy. He never has anyone with him.¡± Yumiko opened her mouth to explain that she wasn¡¯t staying, but the pubkeeper continued. ¡°I¡¯m getting you two some fried sliced potatoes with gravy¡ªon the house. They go great with the smoked turkey.¡± Before Yumiko could protest, the woman bustled away, leaving her stunned. She turned to Lukas, who merely shrugged. ¡°There¡¯s plenty of food. Dig in.¡± He grabbed the silverware, carved a few thick slices of turkey, and slid a plate toward Yumiko. Yumiko started at the plate for a moment, confused by Lukas¡¯ hospitality. She hesitated, then picked up her fork, bringing a bite to her mouth. Her eyes widened. ¡°Wow! This is way better than I expected!¡± Lukas chuckled, a rare flicker of amusement crossing his usually stoic face. ¡°That¡¯s why I like this place. It¡¯s quiet, it¡¯s clean, and the food is always good.¡± For a while, they simply ate, the tension of their earlier conversation fading into the warmth of good food and unexpected company. Yumiko found herself surprised at how relaxed Lukas seemed. She had never seen this side of him before¡ªcalm, open, even willing to share small moments of joy. As the meal went on, Lukas spoke about his past, revealing bits and pieces he had never mentioned before. He told her about his father, about their struggling farm near Hoffen¡¯s northern border. ¡°We were terrible at it,¡± he admitted with a faint grin. ¡°But we had fun trying.¡± Yumiko, in turn, shared stories from her childhood¡ªhow she had been confined to ¡°womanly¡± duties dictated by her father, her frustrations, and the quiet defiance that led her to where she was now. For the first time since their journey began, the two of them weren¡¯t just traveling companions. They were simply two people, sharing a meal, sharing their pasts. Neither of them realized that in just two days, the upcoming colosseum fight would change their lives forever. Chapter 8 - Divided Paths, Chosen Seats Chapter 8 - Divided Paths, Chosen Seats The next day at the colosseum, Mary and Yumiko stood in an endless line, surrounded by the buzz of excited spectators. Mary folded her arms, scowling at the sheer number of people. "Why are there so many people? You¡¯d think they¡¯d have more entrances open for this." She glanced at Yumiko, who had been unusually quiet. Her eyes were distant, lost in thought. Mary nudged her. "What¡¯s wrong? You¡¯ve barely said a word the past few days. Still worrying about Lukas?" Yumiko blinked, snapping out of her daze. "I have faith," she answered, though doubt lingered at the edges of her thoughts. Lukas told me he wouldn¡¯t die¡­ Yet no matter how much she wanted to believe that, unease still weighed heavily on her. She was running out of time to slip away and enter the fighter¡¯s entrance, but the line stretched on, offering no easy escape. Mary smirked. "Right, you two had a nice chat on your little date." Her grin widened playfully. "Bet he made all kinds of sweet promises." "It was not a date!" Yumiko blurted out, drawing several curious glances from nearby patrons. Realizing how loud she was, she quickly slapped a hand over her mouth, cheeks burning red. Mary giggled. "Relax, I was joking. You¡¯re adorable when you get flustered." Yumiko let out a slow exhale, trying to shake off her embarrassment. Sensing the tension still in her friend, Mary softened. She placed a reassuring hand on Yumiko¡¯s shoulder. "Listen, I know you¡¯re worried. But trust me¡ªhe¡¯ll be fine. I can feel it in my gut." She beamed with confidence. "If Lukas can take down Meino¡¯s top goon, put a giant ox in the dirt, and slay that enormous snake, then I¡¯m telling you, he¡¯ll walk out of this just fine. Besides, I checked the rosters. There¡¯s no one at Lukas¡¯ level in the guild competing." Yumiko¡¯s brow furrowed as she thought back. Lukas always wore his copper-level tag, making it easy to forget his actual rank. "His real rank¡­ I think I remember hearing it once before¡­ What was it again?" Mary grinned. "Ten. And from what I dug up on the other fighters, the strongest among them is only rank nine¡ªsome hothead named Benjamin something¡­ Anyways, Lukas¡¯ got this in the bag." Despite her words, Yumiko couldn¡¯t shake the vision that had haunted her nights¡ªLukas lying lifeless in the arena, blood soaking the tiled floor. Her fingers curled into a fist. "But he has to wear that armor¡­ The one designed to kill him. And all for Kenwick¡¯s sick amusement." Mary caught the worry in her expression. "Yeah, but it¡¯s Lukas. He¡¯ll figure it out." ¡°And what about his condition?¡± Yumiko asked, worry still etched across her face, ¡°The mana backlash he¡¯s had in the past¡­ He can¡¯t use his magic properly and it restricts the movement in his arm¡­¡± The gnawing feeling in her chest wouldn¡¯t go away. She needed to slip away¡ªnow¡ªbefore it was too late. Mary hesitated, briefly forgetting about Lukas¡¯ condition. ¡°Right¡­ Well, I¡¯m sure he won¡¯t use much magic. He¡¯ll be okay,¡± she said, though the confidence in her voice wavered as she tried to reassure Yumiko. Before she could say anything more, a smooth, familiar voice cut through the murmuring crowd. ¡°My, if it isn¡¯t dear Mary and lovely Yumiko.¡± Yumiko turned toward the source of the voice, spotting Luchs striding toward them, dressed in a pristine, expensive suit. Two bodyguards trailed behind him at a leisurely pace, their presence alone parting the crowd like a wave. Around them, patrons whispered in hushed awe, fully aware of who Luchs was. He came to a stop in front of them, a charming grin on his face. Yumiko watched him carefully. Maybe this is the distraction I need to slip away¡­ Mary crossed her arms and gave him a flat look. ¡°Hello, richie.¡± ¡°Luchs,¡± he corrected, smiling awkwardly, but Mary continued as if she hadn¡¯t heard him. ¡°What brings you here? Let me guess¡ªyou bought yourself some good seats?¡± Luchs chuckled, straightening his cuffs. ¡°Indeed. I have a skybox with a lovely view of the arena. I was going to take my wife, but she¡¯s feeling unwell.¡± His smile faltered just slightly, his gaze turning distant for a moment. Yumiko caught it¡ªjust the briefest flicker of something deeper behind his composed exterior¡ªbut before she could dwell on it, he continued. ¡°Because of that, I happen to have an extra seat. If either of you would like a better view of Lukas, you¡¯re more than welcome to join me. Or, if you prefer, I can give up my seat so you two can sit together. I¡¯m sure they could arrange an extra chair so all three of us could be there.¡± Mary eyed him skeptically. ¡°Those are some expensive tickets to be tossing around.¡± This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Luchs shrugged, his grin never faltering. ¡°I¡¯m a big deal in Braint. They throw these opportunities at me all the time. Having someone important in the audience encourages bigger bets, so for them, giving me free seats is just a business investment.¡± He gestured toward the colosseum. ¡°So? Would either of you like to take me up on my offer?¡± Mary¡¯s expression darkened as she narrowed her eyes at him. ¡°You think we want good seats to watch our friend die?¡± Yumiko¡¯s fingers twitched. This is it¡ªthis is my chance. Yumiko turned to Mary and, with a sharp edge in her voice, asked, ¡°I thought you said you believed he was going to win? You told me he wasn¡¯t going to die.¡± Mary blinked, caught off guard by Yumiko¡¯s sudden shift in tone. ¡°I do! I was just giving Richie a hard¡ª¡± ¡°I told you about my dreams¡ªabout Lukas dying,¡± Yumiko interrupted, her voice rising. ¡°You know I don¡¯t like any of this¡­ That something feels off about this whole fight.¡± Mary watched her friend with growing concern. ¡°I do, but I accidentally said something I¡ª¡± ¡°I can¡¯t deal with this¡­¡± Yumiko interrupted, her voice sharp with frustration. She turned on her heel and started walking away. ¡°I¡¯ll find another way to watch...¡± ¡°Hey¡ªwait! Yumiko!¡± Mary called after her, instinctively reaching out as if she could physically pull her back. Her hand fell short, grasping at empty air as Yumiko started walking through the sea of patrons. ¡°You better get back here!¡± Mary shouted, hoping to reason with her. ¡°If you leave now, you¡¯ll lose your spot in line! You won¡¯t be able to get your ticket, you know that? Yumiko!¡± Yumiko heard her, but she didn¡¯t stop. Sorry, Mary, she thought, weaving through the crowd. But I needed a way to get away for the fight. Though she used this opportunity to walk away, she had a nagging doubt that gnawed at her. Was Mary just telling her what she wanted to hear¡ªabout Lukas making it out alive? Or did Mary deep down think Lukas was not coming out alive? The thought unsettled Yumiko. It reminded her too much of her eldest brother, the way he had reassured her with false hope¡ªtelling her Hiro was alive long after he was already gone. Mary stood frozen, watching as Yumiko vanished into the bustling crowd. She let out a long sigh, squeezing her eyes shut. ¡°Great¡­ Me and my big mouth.¡± A polite cough broke her moment of self-reproach. Luchs, ever composed, tilted his head. ¡°Well¡­ Now that your friend has gone off, how about joining me? Seems like the perfect opportunity.¡± His tone was light, almost amused, but the invitation was genuine. Mary turned to him with a glare, arms crossed. ¡°Listen, I don¡¯t need your handouts or pity. I¡¯ve been waiting in this line for over an hour. I¡¯m not leaving now without getting my tickets.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ I thought you already purchased your tickets¡­¡± He said looking at her with confusion. Mary looked at him with a confused look, waiting for Luchs to explain himself. The young man rubbed the back of his neck, hesitating before speaking. ¡°This line you¡¯re in¡­ it¡¯s for the food vendors.¡± Mary blinked. ¡°What?¡± She snapped her head up, scanning the direction the line was moving. Luchs pointed past the crowd toward the vendor stalls in the distance. ¡°See those signs? That¡¯s where this line leads. The ticket line is over there¡ª¡± He gestured toward another, even longer line by the next set of doors. Mary followed his gaze, and when she saw just how much longer the correct line was, her face darkened. ¡°Gods dammit¡­¡± she muttered under her breath. Luchs offered out his hand. ¡°You could still join me. And if your friend comes back, I can have someone watch for her at the main entrance so she can sit with us. If you try going to the ticket line now, the fight would be over before you could even purchase a seat.¡± Mary glanced around, searching the crowd for any sign of Yumiko. But the endless wave of people stretched in every direction, and her friend was nowhere to be seen. With a reluctant sigh, she stepped out of line. ¡°Fine¡­ I¡¯ll join you.¡± She shot Luchs a pointed look. ¡°But don¡¯t think any of us owe you for this.¡± Luchs raised his hands in a gesture of mock surrender, a charming smile still lingering on his lips. ¡°My dear Mary, of course not! As I¡¯ve said before, a friend of Lukas is a friend of mine. I simply want you to see him up close¡ªto support him. I have nothing to gain from this at all.¡± Mary narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing his face for any hint of deception. Luchs, ever composed, met her gaze without wavering. Eventually, she let out a long sigh and gave a begrudging nod. ¡°Fine. Lead the way, then.¡± Luchs inclined his head in a small, courteous bow before turning to guide her through the dense crowd. Meanwhile, on the far side of the colosseum, Yumiko sprinted past towering stone columns, weaving between the grand, ornate pillars that lined the exterior. The roar of the crowd rumbled inside as a pre-show was being held, but she focused only on her goal. Her breaths were steady, her heartbeat quick but controlled. Up in the rafters, partially obscured by shadows, a small bag dangled from one of the thick stone beams above. Exactly where she had left it the night prior. With a quick glance to make sure no one was watching, she thrust her palm upward. A controlled burst of wind shot from her hand, knocking the bag loose. It tumbled down, and she caught it effortlessly. She untied the strap, peering inside. Everything was just as she had left it. Her disguise. Her weapons. Her tools. Yumiko exhaled in relief, tightening the bag in her grip. ¡°Good. Now¡­ time to get ready.¡± She turned her gaze toward the colosseum, scanning the structure. Somewhere inside, Lukas was preparing for his fight. She clenched her jaw. ¡°I¡¯m not going to let him die.¡± Her voice was a whisper, but her resolve was unwavering. ¡°Not like in my dreams.¡± Without wasting another second, she darted along the outer edge of the colosseum, her sharp eyes searching for the fighters¡¯ entrance or a place to change. Chapter 9 - The Stage is Set Chapter 9 - The Stage is Set Yumiko snatched up her clothing bag and darted toward the bathrooms near the colosseum main entrance. Bursting into the cramped stall, she yanked the rope loose from the sack and hastily pulled out her gear. She kicked off her shoes, slipping on her black tabi socks before strapping small shin plates over them. The cool metal pressed against her legs as she fastened the straps tightly. Next, she reached for her sode¡ªsmall shoulder guards¡ªand secured them in place, their weight reassuring against her arms. She grabbed her d¨­, the chest piece of her armor, and slid it over her sleek black outfit. The polished plates shifted slightly before settling snugly against her torso. Lastly, she slipped her fingers into her kote, lightweight armored sleeves that extended from her hands to her forearms, securing them with swift, familiar movements. She pulled a black mask over the lower half of her face and flipped up the hood, shrouding herself in anonymity. A quick glance into the bag revealed the ticket she had taken days earlier. She tucked it into her sleeve, stuffed her discarded clothes back into the sack, and without hesitation, tossed it into the bathroom trash bin. With that, she sprinted outside, her heart pounding in anticipation. Yumiko had been fortunate to find the armor in town, all thanks to a local vendor hailing from her homeland. The discovery had felt like fate, and she hadn¡¯t thought twice before making the purchase. As she weaved through the bustling colosseum halls, she noted how well the armor fit¡ªnot too tight, not too loose. She had only tried it on hurriedly in the middle of the street days ago, yet now, as she moved, it felt almost like a second skin. Her eyes caught sight of a sign ahead with a bold red arrow. Without breaking stride, she sprinted toward it. Near the entrance stood two men, their voices cutting through the noise of the colosseum. ¡°Last call for fighters! Check in now, or you¡¯ll be barred from entering!¡± one of them bellowed. Yumiko quickened her pace, her feet barely touching the ground as she closed the distance in seconds. She skidded to a stop before them, sending a small cloud of dust into the air. ¡°Holy hell, you¡¯re a fast one!¡± the younger handler exclaimed, blinking in surprise. The older man chuckled, nodding approvingly. ¡°You¡¯ll put on quite the show, I imagine.¡± He extended a hand. ¡°Ticket, please.¡± Yumiko wordlessly handed over the slip of paper, watching as the man¡¯s eyes scanned it. His expression shifted, one brow raising in suspicion. ¡°Justin¡­ Schwag?¡± he read aloud, his tone doubtful. His gaze flicked up to Yumiko. ¡°That¡¯s your name? Really?¡± Her body tensed. She hadn¡¯t even considered that the ticket might have a name attached. A cold realization hit her¡ªshe couldn¡¯t read the language of the United Republic, despite living here for years. The second handler stepped closer, glancing at the ticket over his partner¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Justin? For a lady from the East?¡± he murmured, suspicion creeping into his voice. Yumiko¡¯s mind raced for a solution. Then, inspiration struck. She straightened her posture, adopting an air of calm authority before speaking in her native tongue, Jinso. ¡°Shin''ainaru tomodachitachi, nani ga mondai no y¨­ desu ka? (Dear friends, what seems to be the issue?)¡± The two men exchanged puzzled looks. The older man titled his head, ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ We can¡¯t speak your language. Do you know Eldric? Eldric.¡± The man asked slowly for Yumiko, hoping she could understand. Yumiko continued to play the part and shook her head. ¡°Shit¡­¡± the younger one muttered under his breath. ¡°She wasn¡¯t given language magic when she got here¡­ It¡¯s kind of needed everywhere you go these days. I wonder why she didn¡¯t get it done?¡± The older handler nodded, rubbing his chin. ¡°It¡¯s expensive¡­ My wife¡¯s from the South, and when she came here, she couldn¡¯t speak Eldric. I had to pay ten gold just so she wouldn¡¯t have an accent anymore.¡± The younger handler¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°No accent? That¡¯s what makes girls cute!¡± he blurted out. The older man chuckled. ¡°Sure, but not being able to hold a proper conversation gets frustrating fast. I bet this young miss here¡¯s run into that problem herself¡ªkind of like right now.¡± He turned to Yumiko with a friendly smile, speaking slowly and clearly. ¡°What is your name?¡± ¡°Namu?¡± Yumiko repeated, her voice carrying a slight accent as she mimicked the word. The handler¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Yes! Your name¡ªer, namu!¡± He exaggerated the pronunciation, trying to match her speech. Yumiko hesitated, her mind racing for a name similar to what was on the ticket. If she could just make it sound natural... ¡°Name is¡­ Justsuno¡­ Shiwagu¡­¡± she said, carefully shaping her words, doing her best to mask her true accent. The older handler scratched his head. ¡°Huh. Well, I guess I can see how they got mixed up¡­ ¡®Schwag¡¯ sounds like a made-up name, anyway.¡± The younger handler still looked skeptical. ¡°How did they mess it up that badly? And they put ¡®man¡¯ on the ticket.¡± Yumiko¡¯s eyes lit up as she saw an opportunity to play into the mistake. She gasped and quickly pulled her hood off of her face. ¡°Ah! No! No man!¡± she exclaimed, feigning distress. The older handler shrugged. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s the short hair¡­ Or maybe those idiots at registration were drunk again and checked the wrong damned box. Wouldn¡¯t be the first time. Half of them just take the job to make quick cash and gamble it away.¡± He waved dismissively before stamping her ticket. ¡°Alright, Miss¡­ Shiwa¡­¡± His voice trailed off, realizing he had already forgotten the rest of her name. ¡°Follow the arrows. Be quick. Good luck.¡± He gave her a thumbs-up and pointed toward the entrance. Yumiko bowed quickly. ¡°Arigatou,¡± she said before slipping past them, entering the dimly lit fighter¡¯s hall. She let out a slow, relieved sigh under her breath. ¡°Thank the gods that worked¡­¡± she muttered, hurrying deeper inside. She didn¡¯t make it far before two large, armored men stepped in front of her, blocking the path. ¡°Ticket,¡± one of them said gruffly, holding out his hand. Yumiko immediately handed over the stamped slip. The guard glanced at it, then nodded to his partner. ¡°Do you have any enchantments on your gear?¡± the second guard asked. ¡°Spells, enchanted equipment, or any other forms of magic are strictly prohibited.¡± Now free from the need to fake an accent, Yumiko shook her head. ¡°No.¡± The guard gave a curt nod. ¡°We also don¡¯t allow weapons or consumables of any kind. This includes summoned magic, hidden blades, potions, or anything else along those lines. Do you have any of that on you?¡± Yumiko hesitated for a moment before asking, ¡°What will I be using to fight?¡± One of the guards glanced at his partner before raising a brow. ¡°They didn¡¯t tell you when you bought the ticket?¡± Yumiko stiffened slightly. She had no idea what kind of weapons they allowed, but showing uncertainty now could raise suspicion. The guard shrugged, waving it off. ¡°No matter. Weapons are provided by the event. You¡¯ll get to choose from what¡¯s available. As for armor, only standard gear is allowed¡ªno enchantments, no magical enhancements. If yours is enchanted, you¡¯ll have to use what we provide.¡± He then slid a metal bucket toward her. ¡°If you¡¯re carrying anything that isn¡¯t allowed, drop it in here now.¡± Yumiko let out a slow breath, knowing she had no choice. She reached down and began unfastening her belt, pulling out a small knife and placing it in the bucket. Then another. And another. She reached into the folds of her outfit, removing a set of throwing needles, followed by a handful of small pepper bombs tucked inside her kote gauntlets. The guards exchanged glances as the pile of contraband grew. One of them muttered under his breath, ¡°How many weapons does she have?¡± Yumiko ignored them, continuing her methodical disarmament. She reached into a hidden compartment in her shin plates, producing yet another dagger. Then, finally, her fingers brushed against the ring on her right hand¡ªthe one concealing her bow. Her most important tool. She hesitated. ¡°You won¡¯t lose any of this¡­ will you?¡± she asked, gripping the ring tightly. The first guard shook his head. ¡°This place is full of filth, but I¡¯ll give you my word, milady¡ªall your items will be returned after the fight. If not, the guild will compensate you.¡± His words did little to ease her, but she had no choice. Slowly, she slipped the ring from her finger and placed it into the bucket. The guard nodded, then handed her a paper tag. ¡°Number 261. This is your identifier during the fight. Afterward, it¡¯ll match you to your crate so you can get your belongings back.¡± He slapped a similar number onto the box containing her confiscated items before his partner hoisted it up and carried it off. The remaining guard turned back to Yumiko. ¡°Since you¡¯re a woman, you¡¯ll need to go down the right hall. Men are on the left. This is just for screening and changing purposes. Once you make your way to the right, a female officer will inspect your armor and check for any hidden gear. If anything¡¯s enchanted and you lie about it, you¡¯ll have to undress before her. Should you refuse, you will be disqualified. Understand?¡± Yumiko nodded. ¡°Good.¡± He pointed down the hallway. ¡°Go on, then. Take a right.¡± With a polite bow, Yumiko stepped past him, walking briskly down the corridor. Waiting at the end of the hall was a female guard, standing next to a large circular marking on the floor. The intricate runes etched into the stone pulsed faintly with magic. ¡°Alright,¡± the woman said, arms crossed as Yumiko walked up. ¡°I assume they told you what comes next. Step into the circle and hold out your ID number.¡± Yumiko obeyed, stepping onto the rune-covered floor and raising the tag in her hands. Immediately, a golden light flared to life, scanning up and down her body in a slow wave. After a few tense seconds, the circle flashed blue. The female guard nodded in approval. ¡°Alright. One last thing. You¡¯re not hiding anything, correct? No magical items, enchanted armor, potions, weapons, or anything else we¡¯ve forbidden?¡± Her expression darkened slightly. ¡°Do you swear to Noriko, the Goddess of Truth?¡± Yumiko met the woman¡¯s gaze, keeping her posture firm. ¡°No! I have nothing on me like that. I swear on the goddess¡¯ name!¡± A green light pulsed from the magic circle, washing over Yumiko in a slow wave. The paper in her hand began to glow, her identification number shifting from gray to a deep shade of purple. The female guard gave a firm nod. ¡°Very good,¡± she said, snatching the paper from Yumiko¡¯s grasp before abruptly slapping it onto her back. The force made Yumiko stumble forward, and she instinctively reached over her shoulder, trying to feel what had just been placed there. ¡°What did you just do?¡± she asked, her voice sharp with suspicion. The guard smirked. ¡°That¡¯s your identification tag. The announcers and judges need to keep track of you during the fights, and this makes it easier for them. But more importantly¡ª¡± her expression turned serious, ¡°¡ªit¡¯s also a promise. You swore to Noriko, the Goddess of Truth, and she¡¯ll be watching over you in the arena. If you lied about stowing any magic, weapons, or enhancements, your number will fade to black. When that happens, you¡¯ll be immediately disqualified and thrown out of the competition. No second chances.¡± The guard continued, ¡°If you are killed, knocked out, or pretend to be knocked out, the goddess enchantment that was placed on that paper will teleport you out of the arena and you will then be considered eliminated.¡± This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Yumiko swallowed hard. This was more intense than she had expected. She had assumed this was just a bloodsport, a brutish, lawless brawl. But it seemed the arena had strict rules, ones she hadn''t accounted for. ¡°O-okay¡­¡± she murmured, still processing it all. The female guard sighed, crossing her arms. ¡°Just don¡¯t let that make you think you can¡¯t die out there.¡± Her tone was grim. ¡°Plenty have. And while the guild enforces some rules, killing isn¡¯t strictly against them.¡± Yumiko¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line. She had expected as much, but hearing it so plainly unsettled her. Then, to her surprise, the guard gave a wry grin and clapped her on the back again¡ªharder this time. ¡°There aren¡¯t many women who sign up for these fights. So do your best, yeah? Get in there and kick those boys¡¯ asses for us.¡± Yumiko stumbled forward from the impact, glancing at the woman with wide eyes. The encouragement was unexpected, but oddly¡­ reassuring. ¡°I will¡­ thank you,¡± she said quietly. With that, Yumiko turned and continued down the dimly lit hallway. As she approached, the heavy wooden doors ahead trembled under the force of whatever lay beyond them. A deep, constant murmur of voices seeped through the cracks, growing louder with every step. The smell hit her first¡ªiron and sweat thick in the air, tinged with something rancid. Even through her mask, the stench of unwashed bodies and dried blood clung to her senses. She pressed a hand against one of the doors and pushed it open. The moment she stepped inside, the noise surged¡ªdozens of conversations overlapping in a chaotic mess. The space was a sprawling preparation chamber, filled with men of all backgrounds. Different skin tones, different faiths, different levels of wealth. But most shared the same rough, battle-worn look¡ªscarred knuckles, greasy hair, tattoos crawling up arms and necks. A few men were playing dice as they waited, while others tested their armor, adjusting straps and fastening buckles. Yumiko¡¯s sharp eyes scanned the crowd. To her surprise, she counted only five, maybe six women among them. And none of them looked particularly friendly. She kept her posture straight but moved carefully, instinct telling her to avoid drawing attention. Nearby, two men spoke in hushed but excited voices. ¡°Look at that poor bastard over there,¡± one muttered with a sneer. ¡°The guy they let in under special circumstances?¡± the other scoffed. ¡°Tch. Should¡¯ve known he¡¯d be a joke.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be so quick to judge,¡± the first replied, lowering his voice. ¡°He¡¯s wearing that armor.¡± The second fighter turned to him, frowning. ¡°You mean¡­ Gelod armor?¡± His voice dripped with disbelief. ¡°The very same. The armor that drains you dry, saps your strength with every passing second.¡± The man nodded with a chuckle. ¡°Yep.¡± Yumiko¡¯s gaze flicked toward them before settling on Lukas. He was hunched over, clad in a black, segmented piece of armor. Three jagged purple mana crystals jutted from the chest plate, pulsing faintly like dying embers. Before she could fully process what she was looking at, a towering figure stepped in front of Lukas, cutting off her view. The man was massive¡ªeasily over six and a half feet tall¡ªwith a broad, muscular frame. His wild red hair was barely tamed by a gleaming amulet resting against his forehead. He grinned down at Lukas, exuding the self-assured arrogance of someone used to getting attention. ¡°You sure know how to draw some eyes, kid,¡± he said, folding his arms. ¡°But let¡¯s not forget who the real star of the show is.¡± Lukas didn¡¯t acknowledge him. His eyes remained fixed ahead, his expression unreadable. It was as if the man didn¡¯t exist. Yumiko caught the murmurs from the two men nearby. ¡°That¡¯s Benny the Bolder,¡± one whispered. ¡°The bastard won two of these competitions,¡± the other added. ¡°Gone straight to his head.¡± Benny¡¯s grin widened at Lukas¡¯s silence, as if expecting a reaction. Lukas finally spoke, his voice as dry as sandpaper. ¡°Very nice. Your mother must be proud.¡± The smirk on Benny¡¯s face twitched. With a sharp inhale, he swung his fist into a nearby metal locker. The impact was deafening. The thick steel crumpled under his strength, leaving a gaping hole. The entire room fell into an uneasy silence. Benny leaned in close, his breath hot and rank. ¡°You think this is funny?¡± he growled. For the first time, Lukas looked up and locked eyes with him. His expression didn¡¯t change, not even a flicker of concern. ¡°No,¡± he said flatly. ¡°I think talking to you is unbearable. Your breath isn¡¯t helping.¡± A vein bulged in Benny¡¯s forehead. His lips curled into a snarl as he raised his hands, letting out an enraged roar. Yumiko tensed, shoving past several fighters. She was ready to strike¡ªher body coiled to intercept¡ªwhen a sharp voice sliced through the tension like a blade. ¡°WHAT is going on in here?¡± The room snapped to attention. A man with neatly combed black hair stood at the entrance, his hands clasped behind his back. Three uniformed guards flanked him, while two more entered the room and slammed the heavy wooden doors shut. His presence alone commanded silence. Benny hesitated, still seething but refraining from striking. The man took measured steps forward, his polished boots clicking against the stone floor. ¡°May I remind you that fighting before the event begins is strictly prohibited?¡± His voice was smooth, but there was an unmistakable edge beneath it. He turned his gaze toward Benny, unamused. ¡°I¡¯d hate to see someone influence the outcome of your matches for unnecessary disruptions.¡± Yumiko caught the brief tightening of Benny¡¯s jaw before he exhaled sharply through his nose. With a low grunt, he turned and stormed away from Lukas, his shoulders still stiff with restrained fury. The man stepped forward and climbed onto a locker-room bench, ensuring every fighter in the room could see him. His presence was calculated, deliberate. ¡°Listen up!¡± he called, sweeping his gaze across the assembled competitors. ¡°There are over two hundred and fifty of you. So before you step foot in that arena, let¡¯s clear some things up.¡± He turned, scrutinizing the gathered fighters. ¡°Some of you fight dirty. Some of you fight to kill. Others hesitate, unwilling to harm. But regardless of your intentions, your job¡ªall of your jobs¡ªis to entertain the crowd.¡± His tone hardened. ¡°That means no excessive cowardice, and no excessive brutality.¡± A few fighters muttered among themselves, some exchanging knowing glances. The man continued, his expression darkening. ¡°Mr. Kenwick has no patience for those who do nothing but run. If you¡¯re here to stall, you may as well leave now. Likewise, the crowd doesn¡¯t want to see you butchering an opponent who¡¯s already down. This is a spectacle, not a slaughterhouse.¡± From the back of the room, someone scoffed. ¡°I thought killing was permitted.¡± The man¡¯s lips curled into a thin, almost amused smile. ¡°Yes,¡± he said smoothly. ¡°It is¡­ Or rather, yes and no.¡± He let the words linger, ensuring he had everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Let me clarify the rules. If you kill an opponent during combat¡ªwhether by accident, exhaustion, or injuries sustained during the fight¡ªyou¡¯re in the clear. However, if you pursue someone after they¡¯ve been defeated, attack them after they¡¯re being teleported off, or strike them once they¡¯ve been knocked unconscious, you¡¯ll be immediately disqualified.¡± His sharp eyes scanned the room, gauging reactions before continuing. ¡°This brings me to my next point¡ªif you¡¯re knocked out or left on the ground for more than five seconds, you will be disqualified. The numbers slapped onto each of your backs are magically linked to the arena. The moment you lose consciousness or are deemed unfit to continue, you¡¯ll be forcibly removed.¡± He let that sink in before delivering the final warning. ¡°Should you step out, be thrown out, or touch anything other than the arena¡¯s tiled platform, you will be disqualified.¡± He crossed his arms and let the weight of his words settle. ¡°Do I make myself clear?¡± A wave of nods followed, murmurs of acknowledgment rippling through the fighters. Remo gave a satisfied nod. ¡°Good,¡± he said simply, stepping down from the bench. ¡°Now, weapons. Follow me.¡± The group shuffled forward, pressing close as they moved through a narrow corridor leading into a dimly lit armory. The air smelled of oil and metal, and racks of weapons lined the walls¡ªblades of various sizes, polished hammers, maces paired with sturdy shields, and an assortment of crude but effective armaments. Remo gestured toward the weapons. ¡°Each fighter is permitted one weapon of their choice. We have short swords, maces with shields, longswords, hammers, and dual knives. Additionally, all forms of magic are allowed.¡± He paused, then clapped his hands together. ¡°So? What are you waiting for? First come, first serve!¡± The room erupted into chaos as fighters lunged for the best weapons available, shoving and elbowing their way to the racks. Metal clanged as swords were pulled free, shields snatched, and knives disappeared into eager hands. Yumiko lingered at the back, watching the frenzy unfold like a silent observer. She tried to catch sight of Lukas, but the mass of bodies blocked her view. Instead, she scanned the leftover weapons. The selection was disappointing¡ªjust a worn wooden staff and a heavy machete-like sword. She hesitated, then grabbed the staff, exhaling through her nose. I wish I could use a bow. Once the fighters had armed themselves, Remo called for attention one last time. ¡°Now! The doors to the arena will open. You may take any position on the stage, but remember¡ªno fighting until given the signal. Good luck, gentlemen... and ladies, of course.¡± His lips curled into a slight smirk. ¡°May the last one standing win.¡± With a deep mechanical groan, the massive wooden doors ahead began to rise, the sound akin to a guillotine being drawn upward. A blinding flood of sunlight spilled into the chamber, illuminating dust swirling in the air. Then came the noise¡ªa deafening, all-consuming roar. Yumiko¡¯s heart pounded. The fighters stepped forward one by one, their silhouettes vanishing into the light. As she followed at the back of the crowd, the sheer scale of the colosseum struck her like a physical blow. Tens of thousands of spectators filled the stands, a sea of bodies shifting and cheering in an overwhelming chorus. Flags waved, people shouted, and the raw energy in the air sent shivers down her spine. She turned, scanning the endless rows of spectators, searching desperately for Mary. But it was futile¡ªthe crowd was an ocean, stretching endlessly in all directions. Amid the roaring crowd, Mary sat in a prime seat overlooking the arena, Luchs lounging comfortably beside her. Luchs clapped enthusiastically as the fighters continued to filter onto the platform. ¡°See? Did I not say these seats would be exquisite?¡± His voice brimmed with excitement. Mary leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. ¡°I suppose,¡± she replied, feigning indifference. She let out a slow breath, her gaze drifting toward the fighters below. ¡°It¡¯d be better if Yumiko were here.¡± Luchs shot her a reassuring glance. ¡°Not to worry, dear! My men are watching the entrance and ticket counters. If she enters, they¡¯ll notify us immediately and bring her here.¡± Mary narrowed her eyes slightly. ¡°Your guards know what Yumiko looks like?¡± Luchs waved a hand dismissively, still fixated on the arena. ¡°I gave them a description¡ªan Eastern girl in the clothes she was wearing. There aren¡¯t many of her kind in Braint. Now, if we were in Headwich, we¡¯d have a problem, but here? She stands out. Besides,¡± he added with a grin, ¡°most of the people in this city are from this continent, with the exception of the fighters, of course! They come from all over!¡± ¡°Right¡­¡± Mary muttered, gripping the edge of her chair. Her fingers tapped absently against the wood as she exhaled. ¡°Now that Yumiko¡¯s vanished, I¡¯m left here to worry about her and watch that idiot down there in the arena by myself¡­.¡± ¡°Oh! I do believe I see Lukas!¡± Luchs suddenly chimed in, his hand brushing against Mary¡¯s arm as he pointed. Mary instinctively pulled away and followed his gaze. Sure enough, in the center of the arena stood a familiar blonde figure¡ªLukas, clad in the cursed black armor. Her expression darkened. ¡°There it is¡­ Gelod armor.¡± Luchs nodded. ¡°It will activate as soon as the fight begins.¡± He glanced at her, his usual amusement tempered by the look on her face¡ªa silent but unmistakable worry. ¡°But¡­ that lifeforce being drained will enhance his strength and speed¡­ so there is a plus by wearing that armor,¡± he offered, as if trying to reassure himself as much as her. Mary scoffed, her grip tightening on the chair. ¡°Yeah, at the cost of muscle control and excruciating pain. Sometimes the ones wearing it paralyze halfway through the fight¡­ and die. Time is not the thing you have when wearing that¡­ Add the fact that there are almost three hundred people that he had to defeat. That will take time¡­ Time he doesn¡¯t have.¡± Luchs didn¡¯t respond, his gaze returning to the fighters. Mary, however, caught something¡ªjust for a moment. A small figure in the sea of combatants, clad in black. Her breath hitched. Luchs noticed her shift in attention. ¡°What is it?¡± Mary kept watching, but the figure had already disappeared into the mass of fighters. She let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡­ Just me overthinking things.¡± She hesitated before adding, ¡°For a second, I thought I saw someone I knew out there. But they wouldn¡¯t be foolish enough to join something like this¡­ Nor would it be possible for them to enter.¡± ¡°Yes¡­ well, there are all kinds of fighters here. Perhaps it was simply someone who resembled them.¡± ¡°Perhaps¡­¡± Mary murmured, though her eyes remained fixed on the arena floor, still searching for that familiar figure. Before she could dwell on it further, movement at the front of the platform caught her attention. A man with neatly combed black hair stepped forward, his posture confident as he raised a mana crystal to his lips. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen! May I have your attention!¡± His voice boomed across the colosseum, amplified by the crystal¡¯s enchantment, slicing through the deafening roar of the crowd. ¡°We are moments away from the fight of a lifetime! Tell me¡ªare you ready?!¡± The response was instant. The stadium erupted with cheers, the sheer force of thousands of voices rattling the very walls. The ground beneath Mary¡¯s feet trembled as the air became electric with anticipation. The announcer spread his arms wide, drinking in the crowd¡¯s energy. ¡°That¡¯s it! Let the gods hear your voices! Let the heavens know that we are here!¡± He bellowed, his voice rising above the chaos, commanding the undivided attention of every soul in attendance. Mary exhaled slowly, her fingers tightening around the armrest of her chair. The battle was about to begin. Chapter 10 - Begin! Last fighter standing! Chapter 10 - Begin! Last fighter standing! Remo beamed with pride as the colosseum erupted into deafening cheers, the energy in the arena electric and the roar of the crowd reverberating off the towering stone walls. Turning from the spectacle, he locked eyes with Kenwick, who sat comfortably in an ornate chair at the forefront of the fighting grounds. Kenwick met his gaze with a satisfied smile, nodding in approval. Rising to his feet, Kenwick reached for a shimmering crystal, bringing it close to his throat. His voice boomed across the arena, magically amplified for all to hear. ¡°I am honored to see so many of you gathered here today for this grand event!¡± He spread his arms wide, welcoming the cheers. ¡°And to make things even more exciting, today¡¯s champion will be given a choice of rewards. The first¡ªa staggering three thousand gold coins! A sum worthy of any warrior!¡± Eager murmurs and whispers swept through the audience. ¡°But,¡± Kenwick continued, pausing for dramatic effect, ¡°for those seeking something truly special¡­¡± He gestured toward the attendants below. From the far end of the arena, an enormous metal gate groaned open, the grinding gears and heavy chains echoing ominously. Moments later, dozens of heavily armed guards marched forward, pushing a massive, reinforced cage on wheels. The sunlight glinted off the steel bars, but it was the creature inside that seized the crowd¡¯s attention. A massive white wolf¡ªher fur gleaming like freshly fallen snow¡ªsnarled and lunged at the bars, fangs bared in primal fury. Snow¡¯s blue eyes blazed with defiance as she paced within the confines of her prison, testing every inch of the magical barrier encasing the cage. Gasps, cheers, and shouts of disbelief erupted from the crowd. ¡°Look at the size of it!¡± ¡°By the gods, how did they even capture that beast?¡± Yumiko clenched her fists, her heart pounding as she watched Snow thrash against the enchanted bars. The fighters assembled in the arena exchanged uneasy glances. ¡°Who the hell would want that thing?¡± one muttered. ¡°Think it can be trained?¡± another asked, eyeing the wolf skeptically. ¡°Trained?¡± a third scoffed. ¡°They¡¯ve got it caged in steel and wrapped in magic! That thing ain¡¯t a pet¡ªit¡¯s a monster.¡± Kenwick turned his attention to the fighters, his grin widening. ¡°As you can see, this northern white wolf is truly one of a kind¡ªa rare and ferocious prize for any who dare claim it.¡± He leaned back in his chair, amusement evident on his face. ¡°The choice is yours, should you emerge victorious. Now, before we begin, Remo will go over the rules one last time¡ªfor the fighters and our eager audience.¡± Stepping forward, Remo projected his voice with authority. ¡°The rules are simple! All weapons will be provided by the colosseum¡ªno outside gear allowed. Potions are not permitted, and no extra weapons may be brought into the fight. Casted magic is allowed, but enchanted armor and tools are strictly forbidden¡ªwith one exception!¡± He turned dramatically, pointing toward Lukas, who stood silently in his cursed armor. ¡°Our special fighter will be handicapped with Gelod¡¯s armor! Now, I ask you, spectators¡ªwill this man endure, or will he crumble beneath its weight? How long will he stand?¡± The crowd buzzed with excitement as the betting pits erupted into chaos, coins clinking and hands exchanging slips of parchment filled with hastily scribbled wagers. ¡°That armor grants strength and speed, right? He¡¯s bound to win!¡± one spectator proclaimed. ¡°You fool,¡± another retorted sharply. ¡°That¡¯s death row armor! They strap it on criminals and throw them into fights for entertainment. He might take down ten men¡ªif he¡¯s lucky¡ªbefore it eats him alive.¡± Mary sat stiffly in the skybox, arms folded tightly across her chest as she cast a disgusted glance over the roaring crowd below. The frenzied excitement, the gambling, the thrill of watching others risk their lives made her stomach churn. ¡°These people from Braint¡­¡± she muttered, her voice laced with disdain. ¡°Gambling on human lives¡­ it¡¯s disgusting.¡± Beside her, Luchs leaned back in his seat, eyes fixed on the arena. ¡°And yet, you profit from bounties, do you not?¡± His voice was calm, measured. ¡°That small pendant on your shoulder¡ªit¡¯s from the Brotherhood of the Fallen, isn¡¯t it? A group that makes its fortune through killing or capturing people.¡± He finally turned to glance at her. ¡°Is that so different from what these people are doing?¡± Mary¡¯s jaw tightened as she shot him a sharp glare. ¡°You know nothing about the Brotherhood. It¡¯s not what you think.¡± Luchs didn¡¯t smirk as he normally would. Instead, his expression remained neutral, his tone carrying an unexpected weight. ¡°Then perhaps you don¡¯t know these people either, Mary Pearce.¡± He shifted his gaze back to the arena. ¡°You call them filth, but for some, Braint is all they have. Maybe we¡¯re here because we have nothing left to lose, or perhaps we¡¯ve already lost too much and hope to gain more.¡± His voice dropped slightly, the usual teasing edge absent. ¡°Some come here to risk it all for themselves¡­ others do it for their loved ones.¡± Mary opened her mouth to reply but hesitated, the noise of the arena filling the silence between them, his words lingering in her mind like an echo. Below, Remo strutted across the stage, his voice booming over the crowd as he moved onto a small judging platform next to Kenwick. ¡°This fight will continue until only one remains standing!¡± he declared, prompting the audience to roar in approval. ¡°All fighters will begin at once¡ªno teams, no alliances! Any fighter who collapses and remains down for more than five seconds will be removed by magic, and the same goes for the dead.¡± He grinned at the crowd''s enthusiasm before continuing, ¡°Anyone who steps out of bounds or is knocked off the stage will also be disqualified. Break any of these rules, and you will face disqualification.¡± He let the tension build for a moment, then raised his hands, commanding attention. ¡°Now¡­ are you ready?¡± A deafening cheer erupted from the stands, fighters pounding their fists together and some letting out battle cries of anticipation. ¡°Then take your positions!¡± From the stage, Yumiko felt her heart pound in her chest, the din of the crowd, the weight of the mask on her face, and the thick tension in the air pressing down on her like a heavy shroud. As the other contestants spread out, she tightened her grip on her wooden staff, forcing herself to take a deep breath. Calm down. Focus. Shuffling toward the edge of the stage, she kept her distance from the larger clusters of fighters. But her eyes instinctively drifted toward the center¡ªtoward Lukas. She expected to see him seething with anger, his face twisted in fury at Snow¡¯s imprisonment. Instead, she found something else entirely. He stood still, his posture relaxed yet exuding an undeniable presence. His blue eyes were locked onto Snow¡¯s cage, but there was no rage, no reckless emotion. Instead, a far sharper and stronger essence radiated from him¡ªraw focus. Every ounce of his being was trained on what lay ahead, untouched by the chaos around him. The crowd, the danger, the cursed armor weighing heavily on his body¡ªnone of it seemed to matter. Yumiko¡¯s stomach flipped, her pulse quickening. Why¡­ Why is my chest feeling so tight? She swallowed hard, forcing herself to look away, pressing a hand over her racing heart as she steadied her breathing. ¡°Don¡¯t get nervous,¡± she whispered under her breath. But as she risked one last glance at Lukas, the strange sensation returned, creeping up her spine and settling in her stomach like an unfamiliar warmth. Then¡ª ¡°Fighters! Begin!¡± Remo¡¯s voice sliced through her trance like a blade. With a thunderous roar, the battle erupted. Fighters lunged at one another, weapons clashing and bodies colliding, transforming the arena into a chaotic frenzy of movement, shouts, and the pounding of feet. The moment the fight began, a man behind Yumiko swung his mace at her head. Instincts screamed within her, and she ducked just in time. In a swift counter, she drove the end of her wooden staff into the back of his skull, the sharp crack echoing in her ears. His eyes rolled upward, and before she could follow up, his unconscious body was whisked away from the stage by magic. ¡°Fighter 261 has instantly eliminated Fighter 39!¡± Remo bellowed, his excitement igniting the already roaring crowd. Yumiko barely had time to register the elimination before more opponents closed in, several men sizing her up and assuming her smaller frame made her easy prey. One lunged at her with a short sword, while another, wielding a heavy axe, aimed for her back. She reacted instantly. With a quick sidestep, the swordsman¡¯s blade missed her and carved into the man with the axe instead. His weapon clattered to the floor as he let out a pained grunt, and before he could recover, his body flickered out, teleporting from the arena. Seizing the opening, Yumiko drove her staff straight into the swordsman¡¯s face. He stumbled backward, flailing¡ªone misstep sent him toppling off the arena, landing hard in the dirt below. He barely had time to curse before another combatant charged at her from behind, arms outstretched to shove her aside. But Yumiko felt him coming, sensing the shift in the air and the weight of his footsteps. Reacting without looking, she dove aside just as he barreled past her, unable to stop himself before he hurtled over the edge. His body crashed down onto the swordsman below, kicking up a cloud of dust as they both groaned in pain. The crowd erupted. ¡°Look at that! We got one of those ninjas!¡± someone shouted. ¡°What the hell¡¯s a ninja?¡± ¡°A warrior from the East¡ªfast, deadly! And look at her armor!¡± Up in the skybox, Mary shot up from her seat, gripping the handrails as she stared down in disbelief. That¡¯s Yumiko! she thought, her heart racing. She had suspected it, but seeing it confirmed made her stomach churn. What the hell is she doing? Beside her, Luchs studied her reaction with amusement. ¡°Something the matter?¡± he asked, lacing his fingers together in his lap. Mary hesitated, then forced a smirk. ¡°N-no¡­ I¡¯m just impressed.¡± This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Luchs chuckled, his gaze drifting back to the masked fighter below. ¡°Yes, that little one is quite the spectacle.¡± He leaned back, watching with keen interest. ¡°It¡¯s a shame your friend Yumiko isn¡¯t here to witness this. A warrior from her nation competing here? Quite the rarity.¡± Mary clenched her fists, struggling to keep her expression neutral, hiding the fact that she knew it was Yumiko. ¡°Indeed¡­¡± Meanwhile, across the stage, Lukas moved like a force of nature. He wove between opponents with effortless grace, his body thrumming with raw power. Each fighter he faced appeared slow¡ªsluggish¡ªas if time had bent in his favor. His sword struck like lightning, cutting down man after man, each falling in quick succession. By his seventh opponent, he abandoned the blade altogether, delivering a brutal punch into the man¡¯s jaw. A tooth spun through the air as the fighter¡¯s limp body slammed to the floor, instantly disqualified. Then, Lukas turned and faced something new. A hulking figure loomed before him, gripping a massive shield in one hand and a small throwing axe in the other. Unlike the others, this man stood firm, unshaken by the carnage around him. Quickly, the large man twisted his arm back and hurled his axe at Lukas. The axe spun through the air, its sharp edge glinting in the sunlight. Lukas barely had time to register the threat before instinct took over. He ducked, feeling the rush of wind as the axe sailed past him¡ªonly to hear a thud behind him. A choked cry followed as an unfortunate fighter was struck in the back by the axe, vanishing from the stage in defeat. Lukas snapped his gaze back to his true opponent¡ªthe towering man with the shield. Without hesitation, he surged forward, gripping his sword tightly. He swung down with brutal force, the blade crashing against the shield. The shield-bearer barely had time to raise his guard before the impact shattered the wooden defense like brittle glass, sending the man staggering backward, arms flailing. Another fighter, seizing the opportunity presented by Lukas''s exposed side, lunged at him with a spear. But Lukas was faster. He sidestepped just as the man¡¯s momentum carried him too far forward. In one fluid motion, Lukas grabbed the back of the man''s head and drove it down with bone-crushing force¡ªslamming it straight into the fallen shield-bearer¡¯s skull. A sickening crack echoed through the arena. Both men collapsed instantly, their unconscious bodies flickering out of the arena. The crowd erupted into frenzied cheers, a cacophony of shouts and applause that echoed through the stands. Lukas exhaled, barely taking a moment to recover¡ªuntil he sensed a shift in the atmosphere around him. He straightened, his sharp blue eyes scanning the arena. Ten men had formed a tight circle around him, their faces betraying a mix of unease and determination as they gripped their weapons, each waiting for the first move. It was illegal to gang up on a single competitor, but that didn¡¯t seem to matter. They were united in their intent: they wanted him out. From the announcer¡¯s booth, Remo stiffened at the sight. He hesitated before turning to Kenwick, who sat above him, watching the scene unfold with a wicked grin. ¡°Sir¡­ do you see this?¡± Remo asked cautiously, his voice laced with concern. Kenwick chuckled, resting his chin on his hand. ¡°Oh, I do indeed.¡± His grin widened. ¡°It seems they intend to take down our golden-haired friend all at once.¡± Remo swallowed hard. ¡°Should I intervene? Disqualify them?¡± Kenwick waved a dismissive hand, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes. ¡°No! Listen to the crowd!¡± He gestured toward the stands, where the audience roared with excitement, chanting for blood. ¡°They love him! This is what they came to see! Besides¡­¡± His eyes darkened with a cruel delight. ¡°I want to see the desperation in his eyes when he realizes he won¡¯t get his precious beast back. It will be delicious.¡± He leaned forward, framing Lukas between his fingers like a work of art, savoring the anticipation of the unfolding drama. ¡°He is the star of the show. I¡¯m glad I allowed him into this fight after all! I would love for him to partake in future events.¡± Remo cleared his throat, uncertainty creeping into his voice. ¡°Yes¡­ But that won¡¯t be the case¡­ right? Because of the armor, I mean.¡± Kenwick¡¯s smile faded slightly, replaced by a knowing gaze. He understood the cursed metal''s toll all too well. He had seen it before¡ªfighters who started strong, burning bright like comets before their bodies crumbled beneath the weight of their own power. Most never left the arena alive; the few who did were never the same. Lukas would be no exception¡ªa one-time performance, a spectacle to be savored before the inevitable collapse. As his gaze drifted across the battlefield, it settled on another competitor¡ªone far smaller, yet no less dangerous. ¡°The Ninja, they call her,¡± he mused, watching as the masked fighter effortlessly dismantled men twice her size with nothing but a wooden staff. His smile twitched, intrigued by the unfolding chaos. Kenwick smiled, ¡°Perhaps, once the golden-haired fool is finished, she can take his place.¡± She moved like a wildfire¡ªquick, unpredictable, untamed. More importantly, she was still standing. The Gelod armor would devour Lukas soon enough. When that happened, Kenwick would need a new piece for the board. Yes, if Lukas fell, this ¡®Ninja¡¯ would be next for his upcoming event. Back in the arena, one of the men from the encircled group roared as he charged at Lukas, his sword arcing down with deadly intent. Lukas met him head-on, their blades colliding with a shower of sparks that lit up the air. The clash triggered the other men into action. The circle collapsed inward, their intent clear. With a sharp kick, Lukas sent his attacker stumbling backward, crashing into another fighter. The two tumbled into the chaos, where surrounding competitors quickly turned on them, joining the frenzy. Another opponent lunged¡ªa man wielding a heavy sword. Lukas pivoted, striking with the back of his blade, cracking against the man¡¯s temple. The fighter went limp, teleporting off the stage before he even hit the ground. But the onslaught wasn¡¯t over; four more competitors surged forward. Lukas moved like a phantom, weaving effortlessly through their strikes, his blade flashing in the sunlight. A quick slash to the leg sent one tumbling out of bounds, his foot slipping past the edge before he vanished. Another swung wildly; Lukas ducked, countering with a sharp strike to the ribs that left the man gasping and stumbling backward, only to be finished off by yet another competitor. One by one, they fell, until only two remained. The last two fighters hesitated, locking eyes before nodding, a silent agreement passing between them. The nearest fighter lunged at Lukas, his sword glinting dangerously in the sunlight above. Lukas reacted in an instant, slamming his own blade down, pinning the man¡¯s weapon to the ground with sheer force. Before the swordsman could comprehend what had happened, the second attacker screamed in from the side, wielding a heavy mace. Panic flashed in the swordsman¡¯s eyes. His grip on the hilt faltered, and in a desperate bid for survival, he abandoned his weapon entirely, trying to escape. Lukas moved just as quickly. He released his own sword, seizing the swordsman by the collar, yanking him forward in one fluid motion. The man barely had time to cry out before Lukas spun him around¡ªjust in time for the incoming mace to crash into his chest, the impact resonating like a thunderclap. A sickening crack echoed across the arena. The swordsman coughed violently, blood splattering from his lips as his ribs caved under the force of the blow. The attacker¡¯s eyes widened in horror. ¡°I¡ªI didn¡¯t mean to¡ª¡± Before he could finish, Lukas shoved the wounded man aside and drove his fist into the mace-wielder¡¯s face. The brutal punch sent the attacker sprawling, unconscious just as he hit the ground. The crowd erupted. Cheers and shouts filled the air as Lukas calmly bent down, reclaiming his sword. But as his fingers curled around the hilt, he noticed something¡ªhis hands were trembling. Just like when he used magic. A deep, aching soreness spread through his body, his limbs growing heavier with each breath. ¡°I can hold out¡­¡± Lukas told himself, swallowing back the pain. ¡°If I just don¡¯t use magic, maybe¡ªmaybe the disease won¡¯t get in the wa¡ª¡± His body lurched. His stomach twisted violently. Before he could stop it, a fresh wave of agony tore through him. He doubled over, coughing hard¡ªthen vomited blood onto the stone floor. Gasps rippled through the stands. ¡°Lukas!¡± Mary shot up from her seat, her voice laced with worry as she watched him struggle to push himself upright. Lukas wiped the blood from his mouth, forcing himself to stand. His vision blurred at the edges, but he managed to glance at the arena board. Half the fighters still remained. ¡°Shit¡­¡± he muttered, the suffocating weight of the armor pressing down on him. I need to make this quick. Before he could regain his bearings, something huge flew toward him¡ªthree bodies. They came crashing down like discarded dolls, forcing Lukas to roll out of the way. The fighters groaned, barely conscious from whatever had tossed them aside. Instantly, all three men teleported out of the arena. Lukas looked up. Striding toward him with a grin was Benny the Boulder¡ªthe reigning champion, the same giant who had tried to pick a fight with him in the locker room. The red-haired giant stood tall, brushing his damp bangs from his face. His sheer size was almost unnatural¡ªhis muscles bulging beneath his armor, making him look more monster than man. He grinned down at Lukas, his voice filled with amusement. "I lost you earlier ''cause of these damn chumps that keep getting in the way," he said, rolling his shoulders. One of the remaining fighters seized the opportunity, lunging at Benny with his sword raised. But Benny didn¡¯t even glance his way. In a single, effortless motion, he caught the man¡¯s face in his massive hand and hoisted him off the ground like a light sack. The man choked, dropping his weapon, his fingers desperately clawing at Benny¡¯s wrist as he was hoisted up. The champion simply grinned. "Like rats," he muttered, watching the poor man struggle. ¡°They scurry around, getting in the way, all while trying to take something that doesn¡¯t belong to them.¡± The crowd booed¡ªfurious at Benny¡¯s cruelty. But he didn¡¯t care. With a flick of his arm, he hurled the fighter clear off the stage. The audience switched instantly, cheers returning as Benny played up the theatrics, spreading his arms wide like a victorious gladiator. Then, he turned back to Lukas, his grin widening, "You''re next," he said, cracking his knuckles. Lukas squared his stance, but his breathing was ragged now. Sweat dripped down his face, and he could feel the toll of the armor pressing against him like a vice. Benny noticed. "What''s the matter?" he taunted, eyes gleaming with amusement. "That fancy armor catching up to you?" Lukas clenched his fist, his fingers still trembling slightly around his blade. Across the arena, another battle raged. Yumiko stood firm against her own opponent. Unlike the others, this fighter wasn¡¯t using swords or maces¡ªjust his bare fists. Thick brass knuckles gleamed as he weaved through Yumiko¡¯s strikes. Yumiko circled her opponent, light on her feet, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. For a full minute, they danced around each other¡ªhim lunging, her slipping just beyond reach, testing his reactions. Then, she saw her opening. Without warning, she dropped her wooden staff. The move caught the man completely off guard. His eyes flickered down in confusion¡ªjust for a fraction of a second, but it was all she needed. Yumiko twisted her body with precision, pivoting on her heel as she drove her palm into his jaw with brutal force. The man¡¯s head snapped back, his body followed. He hit the ground hard, his brass knuckles clattering against the stone floor. Before he could even groan in pain, a magical force whisked his unconscious form away, teleporting him out of the arena. The crowd erupted. Cheers and shouts filled the air, the audience buzzing with excitement at the clean, effortless takedown. But Yumiko barely noticed. Her eyes darted across the battlefield, scanning for Lukas. Where is he? She had to help him¡ªwithout blowing her cover. If she made it obvious, if anyone suspected her real identity, Lukas could be disqualified. And if that happened¡­ he would lose his only chance to save Snow. Before she could continue processing the fight, a flicker of motion was caught in her peripheral vision. Yumiko instinctively dodged as a body came hurtling toward her, crashing into the ground where she had stood a moment earlier. She turned sharply¡ªjust in time to see Benny the Boulder making his way to Lukas. She watched as Lukas knelt on the ground. A small puddle of vomit, mixed with blood, glistened before him. Yumiko¡¯s stomach dropped, Her mind flashed back to her dreams¡ªvisions of Lukas sprawled out on the arena floor, bathed in blood, unmoving. ¡°No! It¡¯s already starting!¡± she yelled, panic rising in her chest. Chapter 11 - The Ninja Chapter 11 - The Ninja Yumiko sprinted, weaving through the chaos, dodging slashing blades and outstretched hands from the other opponents. Men lunged at her, trying to grab or strike her down, but her honed instincts kicked in. She slipped through their attacks, parried their blows, and knocked out anyone foolish enough to stand in her way. She was almost there¡ª But then her body froze. Every muscle screamed at her to stop. At the last second, she skidded to a halt, sandals scraping against the stone floor. CLANG! A chain with a weighted end whipped down in front of her, striking the tiles with enough force to send up sparks and even cracking one of the tiles. Her breath hitched. Before she could react, a small blade came whistling through the air, aimed straight for her head. She dropped¡ªhugging the ground as the dagger zipped past, missing her by inches. A sharp cry echoed from behind. Yumiko turned her head just enough to see the unfortunate fighter it had struck¡ªa man several feet away who now stood frozen, a knife buried deep in his eye socket. He collapsed without a sound and then was quickly teleported off stage before he could fall. Slowly, Yumiko lifted her gaze. Two men stood before her. The first swung a long, metal chain with a weighted end, its links clinking as it spun in steady, menacing circles. The second held a dozen small knives, each one scavenged from fallen fighters they had taken out. Their eyes¡ªnarrow, cold¡ªgleamed like those of a serpent. Scarves wrapped around their heads, concealing most of their tanned faces, leaving only their dark brown eyes visible. A voice from the crowd shouted in excitement. ¡°The Albo brothers!¡± Another spectator roared, ¡°They¡¯re gonna fight the ninja!¡± Above the arena, high in the skybox, Luchs watched the scene unfold with unsettling calm. Beside him, Mary anxiously chewed at her fingernails. ¡°It seems some rather dangerous men have joined the fight,¡± Luchs mused, eyes fixed on the battlefield. ¡°The Albo brothers have a three hundred gold bounty on their heads. They fled from their home nation and have managed to make quite the name for themselves¡­¡± Mary clenched her fists. She knew exactly who the Albo brothers were¡ªhad heard of them through the bounty group she is a part of. ¡°Yumiko will be fine¡­¡± she muttered, though her voice wavered slightly. Then her eyes flickered toward Lukas.¡°¡­Lukas, on the other hand¡­¡± She swallowed hard. ¡°I¡¯m not sure about¡­¡± Luchs glanced at Mary, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°Ah, just as I thought. That little one is Yumiko.¡± Mary froze, realization hitting her like a brick. She groaned, dragging a hand down her face before smacking her forehead. ¡°Great. My big mouth has done it again. All this damn worrying has me blabbing around¡­¡± Luchs merely shrugged, unbothered. ¡°Relax. I have no intention of reporting her. I already had my suspicions.¡± His gaze drifted back to the arena, watching Lukas. ¡°But you were right about one thing¡ªLukas is starting to slow down. He wasn¡¯t in good shape before the fight even started. He was already massively burned out a few days ago.¡± Mary turned to him sharply, concern flashing in her eyes. ¡°What do you mean he was already burned out?¡± Luchs exhaled through his nose, as if debating whether to tell her. ¡°He was coughing up blood during training¡ªjust as he is now. Pushed himself too hard practicing his fire magic. He told me that it was getting much harder to use magic after traveling with you guys.¡± Mary¡¯s body tensed before she suddenly grabbed Luchs by his tailored suit, yanking him out of his seat. ¡°And you¡¯re just now telling me that?¡± she snapped, her voice laced with frustration and worry. Luchs didn¡¯t resist, meeting her glare, ¡°Do you think I could have stopped him? You tried for days, and yet there he is, still in that arena. And trust me, I made an attempt. He personally asked me not to tell you¡ªor your little friend down there about his condition.¡± His voice softened, just slightly. Mary clenched her jaw, her fingers tightening in his lapels before she finally let him go, turning away in frustration. ¡°This is going to be worse than I thought¡­¡± Luchs adjusted his suit, smoothing out the wrinkles she¡¯d left behind. ¡°I thought so too. But then I saw the look in his eyes before the fight. That rare, determined side of him¡­ He was ready for this moment. Besides¡­ He has a little angel watching him.¡± He said, looking at Yumiko. Mary sighed, crossing her arms as she mulled over his words. She couldn¡¯t deny it¡ªLukas had looked calm, eerily so, even now as he forced himself to stand again. But that didn¡¯t change the fact that he was in bad shape. Luchs followed her gaze, his expression growing serious. ¡°While I am confident that he will pull through and even win¡­ His condition after this fight¡­¡± He hesitated for a moment. ¡°I don¡¯t think it will be good. And I am not referring to the effects of the armor.¡± Mary didn¡¯t need convincing, but she still asked, ¡°What makes you say that?¡± He didn¡¯t answer right away. Instead, his eyes remained fixed on Lukas, watching as the blonde warrior struggled to steady himself. Finally, he spoke. ¡°I think Lukas has the Silent Cough.¡± Mary¡¯s breath hitched. She had thought so in the past, but Lukas denied it. ¡°And what makes you so sure?¡± Luchs¡¯s gaze lowered slightly, something shifting in his usually composed demeanor. ¡°Because my wife has it,¡± he admitted. ¡°That¡¯s why she isn¡¯t here with me today¡­ She is at home, resting.¡± Mary stiffened. She hadn¡¯t expected that. Luchs always seemed so carefree, always wearing that composed, almost smug expression. But now, for the first time, she saw something else¡ªsomething real. Even if only for a second, mentioning his wife had unsettled him. Remo cut through the rising tension with his booming voice, his excitement stoking the flames of the already frenzied crowd. ¡°The golden fighter will be taking on none other than Benny the Boulder! And in another thrilling match, the Albo brothers will face Justin Schwag, the Ninja from the far East!¡± He raised his arms as the audience roared, their cheers shaking the arena. From below Mary and Luchs¡¯ seats, a voice rang out. ¡°HEY! That¡¯s me! I¡¯m in the fight!¡± Justin shouted, his bruised face barely dampening his enthusiasm. ¡°Brilliant work, sir!¡± one of his lackeys chimed in, nodding with admiration. Justin puffed out his chest, folding his arms with a smug grin as if he was the one out there. Remo continued, his voice effortlessly commanding the crowd¡¯s attention. ¡°Less than twenty-five percent of the fighters remain! Make your final bets now!¡± The arena erupted with mixed shouts, each person passionately placing their bets on their favored fighter. ¡°Kick Benny¡¯s ass, Blondie!¡± ¡°Are you blind? He¡¯s finished! Benny¡¯s got this in the bag!¡± ¡°That little miss running around and wrecking everyone? She¡¯s got my money! The Ninja¡¯s taking it all!¡± ¡°I¡¯m backing the Albos brothers¡­ Those guys give me the creeps, and they¡¯re strong.¡± High above, Mr. Kenwick grinned as the matchups solidified, his arms stretched wide as if embracing the spectacle before him. ¡°Yes! This is what it¡¯s all for! The thrill of the fight, the clash of strength and will!¡± His gaze drifted downward, locking onto the wolf still trapped in its cage. It thrashed and clawed at the bars in a desperate struggle, its wild eyes fixed on the arena. Kenwick¡¯s smile deepened, his voice dropping into something almost tender, yet laced with cruel amusement. ¡°Now watch, little one. Watch as your friend is taken from you.¡± Yumiko exhaled slowly, steadying herself as she studied her opponents. Both men looked strong, their stances poised and confident. They wore distinct head coverings¡ªone with a white scarf, the other with red. The man in white twirled a heavy chain between his fingers, its links clinking ominously, while his red-scarved brother held a pair of sharp knives at his sides. ¡°Walk off the stage, and we will not harm you,¡± the chain-wielder said calmly, his voice devoid of malice but firm in its intent. Yumiko shook her head. ¡°Sorry¡­ This fight means more to me than just some money.¡± The man with the chain sighed, nodding at his brother. ¡°So be it.¡± The moment the words left his lips, the red-scarved fighter reached for his hips, whipping out two knives in a blur. With a flick of his wrists, he sent them flying toward Yumiko. She reacted instantly, rolling to the side as the blades whizzed past, slicing through the air where she had stood. Before she could regain her footing, the chain came crashing down, striking the ground with a force that sent shards of stone flying in all directions. Yumiko barely had time to process before the knife-wielding brother was upon her, closing the distance in a heartbeat. His knives gleamed as he lunged, aiming for her ribs. She swung her wooden staff downward in a swift counter, but he twisted at the last second, narrowly dodging the strike. Before she could follow up, his brother¡¯s chain came whipping toward her again. The deadly arc forced her to leap backward, retreating just as the heavy weight smashed into the space she had just occupied. The knife-wielder pressed forward again, trying to exploit the opening. Yumiko spun, meeting his charge with a quick strike. He barely evaded the blow, but the tip of her staff cracked against his knuckles, forcing him to drop one of his knives with a sharp yelp of pain. Gritting his teeth, he retaliated with his remaining blade, slashing toward her midsection. Yumiko raised her staff just in time, wood clashing against steel as the crowd erupted into cheers. The arena roared with excitement, the audience enthralled by the fast-paced exchange. Yumiko seized the momentum, driving her foot into her opponent¡¯s gut. The force sent him staggering back, his last knife slipping from his grasp as he tumbled across the arena floor. She moved to capitalize on this moment, but the white-scarved brother intervened, swinging his chain in a brutal arc. Yumiko raised her staff to intercept the blow¡ª This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Snap. The wood shattered in her hands as the weight crashed into her torso. Pain exploded in her ribs, the impact knocking the air from her lungs as she was hurled backward. She hit the ground hard, skidding across the stone floor before coming to a groaning stop. The chain-wielder turned toward his fallen brother. ¡°Brother!¡± he called out, concern evident in his voice. The red-scarved fighter coughed, a trickle of blood staining the fabric around his mouth. ¡°Her kicks¡­ they¡¯re strong¡­¡± he wheezed. ¡°Can you still fight?¡± The man trembled as he pushed himself up, determination burning through the pain. ¡°Yes¡­¡± He reached for his waistband, drawing two more knives, his grip tighter than before. Yumiko groaned, forcing herself upright despite the sharp pain in her ribs. The ground trembled beneath her¡ªnot from injury, but from the deafening roar of the crowd, eager for the battle to continue. She locked eyes with the man wielding the chain. The two inspected one another, waiting for the other to make a move. Yumiko winced, clutching her side where the weighted chain had struck. A sharp ache pulsed beneath her fingertips, but she knew it could have been far worse¡ªif her staff hadn¡¯t absorbed most of the blow, she might not be standing. Gritting her teeth, she lifted her gaze toward her remaining opponents. They were already preparing for their next move. Her eyes flicked around the arena, searching desperately for a weapon. Nothing was close enough. ¡°You¡¯ll pay for that kick!¡± the red-scarved fighter snarled, his voice laced with both fury and lingering pain. His glare burned through the throbbing in his ribs. ¡°Now that your staff is gone, you¡¯re going to lose!¡± He let out a triumphant laugh, masking his struggle to stay upright. With a sharp flick of his wrist, he hurled another knife at her while charging forward. Yumiko ducked just in time, the blade slicing through the air above her head. By the time she looked up, he was looming over her, already drawing another knife from his hip. ¡°So long!¡± he roared, plunging both knives downward in a brutal strike. But Yumiko was faster. She twisted her body with fluid precision, slipping out of his reach as the knives slammed into the stone floor where she had been. The impact sent cracks sprawling across the surface. The man rolled through his failed attack with practiced ease, but when his eyes found her again, they widened in disbelief. She had moved too quickly¡ªfaster than he had thought possible. ¡°Brother! Get out of there!¡± the chain-wielding fighter shouted in panic, his voice cutting through the chaos. The red-scarved man snarled, lashing out with a wild slash. Yumiko blocked it effortlessly with her kote wrist guards, steel ringing against steel. Without hesitation, she stepped in close, driving a fist straight into his ribs¡ªthe same spot where her kick had landed earlier. He lurched forward with a choked gasp, the pain surging through his body. She didn¡¯t stop. Before he could recover, her next strike crashed into his face, snapping his head back. He staggered, his footing faltering¡ªbut somehow, he remained standing. Yumiko narrowed her eyes as she readied her fists. In quick succession, she unleashed a flurry of precise blows, each strike hammering into him with relentless force. His body recoiled with every hit, his breath escaping in ragged gasps. The crowd roared in approval, the sheer intensity of the exchange sending energy surging through the arena. ¡°Move!¡± his brother bellowed, desperately whipping his chain toward her. Yumiko caught the motion in her peripheral vision and darted back just in time, the weighted end whistling past where she had been. The red-scarved fighter swayed on his feet, his body trembling. Then, at last, he crumpled, falling backward onto the arena floor. Before he even hit the ground, his body flickered¡ªvanishing in an instant, teleported out of the match. The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices shaking the very walls of the colosseum. The remaining Albos brother turned toward Yumiko, his glare burning with fury. ¡°You¡¯ll pay for that!¡± he spat, swinging his chain with renewed aggression. Yumiko remained light on her feet, weaving between the attacks with effortless grace. She was closing the distance, making it harder for him to use his weapon effectively. Just as she prepared to strike¡ª A sudden torrent of water blasted into her, sending her hurtling backward. The impact slammed her into the ground twenty feet away, knocking the breath from her lungs. She groaned, pushing herself up, only to see the white-scarved man standing tall, his breathing heavy. But something had changed. Three massive water whips now coiled around him, shifting and twisting like living serpents. Droplets dripped from their fluid forms, shimmering in the sunlight. He was using magic now. Yumiko exhaled sharply, rolling her shoulders as she felt the cold seeping into her soaked clothes. With a small annoyed sigh, she shook her leg trying to remove water from her tabi socks. ¡°Great¡­ Now I¡¯m soaking wet.¡± The chain-wielding fighter let out a low chuckle, his voice dripping with confidence. ¡°You actually forced me to use my trump card¡­ You should be honored, girlie,¡± he sneered. Then, with a fierce glare, he raised his arm, the three water whips coiling and writhing around him like living serpents. ¡°But this is where the fight ends!¡± With a sharp flick of his wrist, the whips lashed toward Yumiko. She sprang into action, rolling just in time to avoid the first strike. The second came down a split second later, the weighted end of the chain smashing into the stone where she had just been. She narrowly dodged again, her movements fluid and precise. The crowd erupted, their cheers echoing through the colosseum as they watched her dance through the relentless assault. From the stands, Luchs observed with growing admiration. ¡°She can handle herself well,¡± he mused, impressed by her agility. Mary, however, remained silent, her hands clenched as she watched in quiet concern. The remaining Albos brother was losing patience. His attacks weren¡¯t landing, and with each miss, his frustration grew. His teeth clenched, and his eyes burned with fury. ¡°Enough!¡± he roared, his movements growing more erratic. He launched a faster, more vicious series of attacks. One of the water whips finally struck home. It slammed into Yumiko¡¯s shoulder with a violent force, making her stagger back as pain jolted through her body. ¡°I got you now!¡± he howled triumphantly, bringing his chain down in a crushing blow. But in the blink of an eye¡ªshe was gone. His victorious grin vanished. His eyes darted frantically across the arena. ¡°Where did she go?!¡± he shouted in panic. A voice called out from his side. ¡°You¡¯re not the only one who can use magic.¡± The chain user whirled around, his gaze locking onto Yumiko, now standing a short distance away. A whirlwind of air coiled around her, lifting dust from the arena floor. Before he could react, she thrust her hands forward, unleashing a powerful burst of wind. The gale surged toward him like a raging storm. Thinking quickly, he reshaped his water whips into a towering wall of liquid, bracing himself as the powerful gusts crashed against it. The wind howled through the colosseum, kicking up dust and sending hats and food flying from spectators¡¯ hands. Behind his watery shield, the Albos brother gritted his teeth. Even with his defenses up, he could feel the raw force of her magic pushing him back, his boots sliding across the dampened stone. ¡°Such power¡­¡± he growled, straining to hold his ground. Then, just as suddenly as it came¡ªthe wind stopped. He blinked in confusion. As he glanced at his water wall, he noticed that she was now gone. To his right, he heard the faintest shuffle of footsteps. His instincts screamed at him to react. He swung his chain toward the sound¡ª Too late. Yumiko was already inside his guard. She drove her fist upward with all her strength, her knuckles slamming into his chin in a brutal uppercut. His head snapped back as his body lifted off the ground. For a brief second, he hung in the air before crashing down hard onto the stone floor, landing flat on his back. The colosseum erupted in an earth-shaking roar. Above them, the announcer¡¯s voice boomed over the magical speakers. ¡°The Ninja from the East is victorious! Give it up for Justin Schwag, everyone!¡± His excitement fed into the crowd, sending them into an even wilder frenzy. Yumiko blinked, momentarily taken aback by the sheer energy of the spectators. Meanwhile, up in the stands, the real Justin Schwag sat back, folding his arms with a self-satisfied grin. ¡°That¡¯s right! Remember that name! That¡¯s me out there!¡± he declared proudly, soaking in the cheers as if he had been the one in the fight. Yumiko¡¯s gaze darted to the center of the stage where Lukas was locked in combat with Benny. She was about to run toward him when a weak, rasping voice from the ground caught her attention. ¡°Y-you¡­ You think you¡¯re going to win¡­?¡± The last remaining Albos brother lay sprawled across the floor, his face twisted in pain, but his lips curled into a spiteful grin. ¡°Here¡­ Have this¡­ On the house.¡± With a weak flick of his wrist, he rolled a small object onto the platform. A split second later, his unconscious body was teleported away, removed from the battlefield. Yumiko¡¯s breath hitched. Her eyes locked onto the object¡ªa grenade! Acting on instinct, she lunged forward, throwing herself into the air just as the device detonated. A deafening explosion rocked the arena, sending a massive shockwave across the battlefield. Smoke and fire erupted outward, catching several fighters in its blast radius. The force hurled Yumiko midair, her body twisting as the concussive wave crashed over her. The crowd erupted in a chaotic mix of exhilaration and terror. Up in the stands, Mary shot to her feet, her heart pounding in her chest. ¡°Yumiko!¡± she screamed, her voice barely audible over the roaring crowd. A thick cloud of black smoke now obscured the battlefield, and she felt her stomach twist in fear. Without thinking, she turned to rush toward the stage¡ªbut a firm grip caught her arm. ¡°Where are you going?¡± Luchs asked, his voice calm but firm. Mary spun toward him, her expression filled with anger and panic. ¡°To check on my friend! That bastard knew he was going to lose and tried to take her down with him!¡± She wrenched her arm free and started toward the arena. ¡°And what?¡± Luchs called after her. ¡°Do you want Lukas to be disqualified? You¡¯ll make both their efforts for nothing!¡± Mary froze mid-step, standing on the colosseum stairs. Luchs continued to speak, staring at her back. ¡°Be patient,¡± he said, turning his attention back to the battlefield. ¡°Your little bee of a friend is tougher than you think. Have some faith.¡± Down below, the thick smoke began to thin, swirling as the dust settled. Remos, the announcer, pressed his face close to the magical crystal, trying to get a clearer view. His voice boomed over the arena. ¡°The Ninja was just hit by a surprise illegal attack from one of the Albos brothers! That explosion could have taken her out¡ª¡± He suddenly stopped, his breath catching as movement stirred within the smoke. From within the fading cloud, a figure slowly rose. The crowd gasped. ¡°No! She¡¯s up! The Ninja is still standing! Is there nothing that can stop her?!¡± Remos bellowed, sending the stadium into an uproar. In the stands, Kenwick leaned forward, a smirk creeping onto his face as he watched Yumiko rise to her feet, legs shaking beneath her. Down on the battlefield, she gritted her teeth, readjusting her mask on her face. Her entire body ached, and she could already tell the explosion had done more than just rattle her. A sharp pain shot through her ankle as she shifted her weight¡ªshe had landed wrong. It was bad. ¡°Damn¡­¡± she muttered under her breath. Her ankle throbbed fiercely, and she could barely put weight on it. Before she had time to fully recover, a sudden yell snapped her focus back to the fight. A fighter rushed toward her, blade raised. Yumiko reacted immediately, attempting to dodge¡ª Her injured foot gave way. She nearly collapsed, but at the last second, she forced herself to plant her foot down despite the pain, pushing through the sharp agony as the attacker¡¯s sword came slicing toward her. With a swift movement, she twisted, narrowly avoiding the blade, and struck the man at the base of his skull with a precise, calculated chop. His body went stiff before crumpling to the ground, unconscious. Remos¡¯ voice rang out once again, electrifying the crowd. ¡°The Ninja is still in the fight! Only ten percent of the fighters remain! But it¡¯s not looking good for her¡ªor the Golden Warrior!¡± Yumiko blinked, realizing the dust lingering in the air wasn¡¯t the dark smoke from the explosion¡ªit was white. Why¡­? The blast should have settled by now. Her gaze drifted across the battlefield until it landed on the other side of the arena, where Lukas stood locked in combat with Benny. A steady stream of white smoke poured from his body. He was hunched over, his breaths ragged and uneven, his chest rising and falling like a man on the brink of collapse. Sweat dripped down his face, his limbs trembling as if his body was moments away from giving out. Up in the stands, Mary had returned to Luchs¡¯ side, her eyes locked onto Lukas with growing dread. ¡°Is he doing any better?¡± she asked, though she already feared the answer. Luchs shook his head. ¡°That armor¡­ I don¡¯t know what it¡¯s doing to him, but there¡¯s a lot of steam coming off it.¡± Mary¡¯s fingers clenched tightly around the railing, her knuckles turning white. ¡°That¡¯s not just steam¡­¡± she whispered. ¡°It¡¯s his life force. That thing is draining him¡ªhe¡¯s got nothing left. No magic. No stamina¡­¡± She swallowed hard, her voice barely above a plea. ¡°C¡¯mon, Yumiko¡­ Please stop him before it gets worse.¡± But Yumiko wasn¡¯t in much better shape. She limped across the stage, weaving between the remaining fighters, her movements sluggish yet determined. Every step sent pain lancing up her injured ankle, but she grit her teeth and pushed forward. Meanwhile, on the edge of the arena floor, Snow had gone still inside her cage. She no longer bared her fangs. No longer struggled against the bars. Instead, she simply watched. Her icy blue eyes remained fixed on Lukas, something shifting in her gaze. It was as if, in that moment, she understood that something was not right. Chapter 12 - Shared Struggle Chapter 12 - Shared Struggle Moments before Yumiko¡¯s fight, Lukas and his opponent, Benny the Boulder, stood locked in a silent stare-down. The air between them was heavy with tension, the roar of the crowd a distant hum in Lukas¡¯ ears. He forced himself upright, muscles screaming in protest, the cursed armor weighing on him like chains forged from his own agony. Every movement felt like dragging a mountain, but he refused to kneel. From the stands, a voice rang out with excitement. "The Golden Warrior has stood up! The fight against Benny the Boulder is on! The armor looks like it¡¯s taking its toll! Place your bets!" Remos bellowed, stirring the crowd into a frenzy. Lukas barely acknowledged the cheers. His focus was singular. Tightening his grip on the hilt of his sword, he pushed forward, launching himself toward Benny with everything he had left. The pain was a distant afterthought¡ªthis needed to end now. With a mighty swing, Lukas brought his sword crashing down. Benny¡¯s eyes widened as the blade struck the ground, splintering the stone in a spiderweb of cracks and sending a violent tremor through the colosseum floor. The impact alone forced Benny back a step, but he quickly regained his footing, a smirk creeping across his face. "That armor¡¯s more troublesome than I thought by giving you that strength¡­ but the real question is, how long can you last?" Benny taunted, his sharp eyes locking onto Lukas'' strained breaths. "From what I¡¯ve seen so far, you¡¯ve definitely slowed down." Lukas didn''t answer. Instead, he tightened his grip on the blade and lunged again. Benny reacted instantly, scooping up a discarded war hammer from the ground. He raised it just in time, catching Lukas¡¯ downward strike on the shaft of the weapon. A blinding clash of steel against steel erupted, sending sparks flying in every direction. The sheer force of the collision sent a shockwave rippling through the arena, rattling the stone beneath them. Benny gritted his teeth, his arms straining against the pressure. "Sorry, but there¡¯s something you should know about me¡ª" His feet dug into the ground, and with a powerful shove, he threw Lukas backward. "I am the strongest at Level Nine!" he roared. Lukas'' boots skidded across the floor, dragging a fifty-foot trail in the dust before he finally stopped. He barely had a moment to react before¡ªCRACK! His sword shattered, the pieces falling to the ground. Lukas stared at the broken hilt in his hands, his breath coming in ragged, uneven gasps. Benny let out a hearty laugh. "Looks like your strength was too much for that junk!" He took a step forward, rolling his shoulders. "But y''know, I prefer this. How about we settle this the old fashioned way?" With a grin, he let the war hammer clatter to the ground. Lukas exhaled sharply, his legs trembling beneath him. He let the remains of his sword fall from his fingers. The pain lanced through his body like fire. His vision blurred. His stomach convulsed. He collapsed to one knee, his breath hitching¡ªthen, with a sickening lurch, he vomited blood onto the stone floor. Benny¡¯s grin faltered for half a second. He thought about waiting for Lukas, but this was too good of an opportunity, he charged, jumping into the air with a loud battlecry. Lukas barely had time to react before Benny was above him with his fists drawn back. The large man descended like a meteor aimed straight for Lukas¡¯ skull. Lukas'' instincts screamed at him, and at the last possible second, he threw himself to the side, fighting past the pain in his body. Benny''s fist slammed into the ground like a battering ram, pulverizing the spot where Lukas had just been. The stone floor buckled inward, forming a crater beneath his knuckles. Before Lukas could recover, Benny lifted his leg high, bringing it down in a brutal stomp. Lukas rolled¡ªjust in time. The ground erupted beneath Benny¡¯s foot, sending a web of cracks sprawling outward. Benny lifted his leg to deliver another crushing stomp, but a powerful gust of wind tore through the colosseum, kicking up dust and blinding him momentarily. He instinctively raised an arm to shield his eyes, staggering as the force threw him slightly off balance. Seizing the moment, Lukas surged forward, every muscle in his body screaming in protest. He clenched his fist and drove it into Benny¡¯s stomach with a brutal force that cracked the man''s armor like brittle stone. Benny¡¯s eyes bulged in shock as the impact sent him hurtling backward, his body slamming into the arena floor with a thunderous crash that echoed through the stands. Lukas exhaled sharply, shaking his aching hand, unprepared for just how much power he had put behind that strike. His breathing was raspy, and his sight continued to blur in and out. He turned his head toward the source of the sudden gust, eyes locking onto a lone figure clad in Eastern-style armor, face hidden beneath a veil of cloth. The stance, the aura¡ªit was unmistakable. "Yumiko?" he breathed in disbelief. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. The roaring crowd drowned out any further thoughts. His mind raced, but there was no time to dwell on why she was here, or why she was in disguise. From the ground where he had landed, Benny groaned, clutching his ribs as he pushed himself upright. He spat a curse between gritted teeth, his glare sharp with unrestrained fury. "You¡­ bastard¡­" His breath came in ragged gasps. Lukas started toward him, but the moment he moved, the cursed armor tightened around him like a vice. His legs buckled, his strength draining away faster than he could will himself forward. Benny saw his chance once more. His eyes flicked to a discarded shield lying nearby, and with a grunt, he grabbed it and hurled it straight at Lukas. It cut through the air like a spinning blade. Lukas raised his arms in a desperate block, but the sheer force of the throw was overwhelming. The shield crashed past his defense, slamming into his chin with a sickening crack. His head snapped back, and his body followed, collapsing to the ground. The crowd erupted in another wave of frenzied cheers, their excitement undeterred by the brutality of the match. Benny wasted no time. With a roar, he lunged forward and threw his full weight onto Lukas, pinning him down. Lukas thrashed beneath him, trying to shake him off, but Benny was like an iron boulder pressing him into the dirt. The larger man grinned wickedly, raising his fists high before bringing them down in relentless, hammering blows. Lukas gritted his teeth, shielding his face as best as he could, but the strikes were unrelenting. Each impact rattled his skull, sent shockwaves of pain through his body. Some punches slipped past his guard, slamming into his jaw, his ribs, his temple. The world blurred. From above, the announcer¡¯s voice cut through the chaos. "It looks as though Benny has The Golden Warrior trapped! How will he escape this one?!" Remos bellowed, his voice alive with excitement. The crowd was divided¡ªsome watching in exhilaration, others wincing at the sheer brutality of the beatdown. Kenwick leaned forward, observing the match with a satisfied smirk. "The crowd is full of emotions today," he murmured, eyes darting between the two struggling fighters below. Lukas'' vision swam. His breathing was ragged, his arms numb from absorbing the repeated blows. He needed a way out¡ªany way out. But the armor was sapping his strength, every second he grew weaker. Then, the announcer¡¯s voice rang out again, this time louder, more triumphant. "The Ninja from the East is victorious! Give it up for Justin Schwag, everyone!" The crowd exploded into a deafening roar. For a brief second, Benny¡¯s focus wavered. His head jerked up toward the stands, distracted by the announcement. That split-second was all Lukas needed. With every ounce of remaining strength, he twisted his body and drove a desperate punch into Benny¡¯s jaw. The force knocked Benny backward, rolling him off of Lukas. Wasting no time, Lukas followed up with a powerful kick, slamming his boot into Benny¡¯s side and sending the larger man sprawling across the stone floor. Lukas pushed himself up, but the moment he moved, a fresh wave of agony surged through his body¡ªnot just from Benny¡¯s attacks, but from the armor itself. His muscles screamed in protest, searing pain burning through every fiber of his being. His vision darkened at the edges. "No¡­" he panted, voice barely above a whisper. "I can¡¯t stop now¡­" From the stands, Luchs¡¯ sharp eyes narrowed as he noticed something unusual. Wisps of smoke¡ªthin, dark, almost ethereal¡ªwere beginning to rise from the cursed armor. Before Lukas or Benny could rise, a deafening explosion rocked the stage from Yumiko¡¯s fight. A thick plume of smoke erupted, engulfing everything in a blinding haze. Lukas instinctively shielded his face as the crowd erupted in a chaotic mix of screams¡ªsome panicked, others exhilarated. "Yumiko!" he yelled with panic, his voice straining against the uproar. He struggled to push himself up, but his legs refused to cooperate, trembling beneath him. "I will not¡­ I will not lose two friends in one fight!" he roared, forcing his battered body upright. A sudden brilliance flared from the crystals embedded in his armor, their eerie glow intensifying as more steam emerged from his body. It was no longer just draining his strength or his mana¡ªit was siphoning his very life force. Through the swirling darkness, Benny''s guttural voice rang out. "Where¡­ where are you?" He coughed, waving his arms to clear the smoke. Lukas spotted him staggering forward, his heavy footsteps echoing through the arena. In the distance, he could hear Yumiko¡¯s faint, ragged coughs. His jaw clenched. I¡¯ll have to deal with this brute first before I can get her out of here¡­ As the last remnants of the explosion dissipated, thin tendrils of steam curled from Lukas¡¯s body, trailing into the open air. The audience erupted in renewed excitement, sensing the battle was far from over. From his seat above, Kenwick leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he observed the wisps of smoke rising from Lukas¡¯s armor. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. ¡°So¡­ he has chosen death. Interesting.¡± Lukas struggled to stand up right. The weight of the armor was unbearable now, crushing him from the inside out. "Lukas!" Yumiko called, urgency woven into her tone. Only a handful of fighters remained. Despite her injured foot, Yumiko moved with unwavering resolve, weaving through the chaos. She seized one opponent by the arm, pivoted, and slammed him into the ground with enough force to knock the wind from his lungs. His body shimmered before vanishing, teleported off the stage in defeat. She pushed forward, but before she could reach Lukas, a jagged rock wall erupted from the ground, cutting her off. "He¡¯s mine!" Benny snarled, spitting onto the stone. He was battered, breathing heavily, and on the verge of collapse¡ªbut he was still standing, still two ranks higher than her. He was not going down without a fight. From behind the wall, Lukas exhaled sharply to Yumiko. ¡°Stay out of this, warrior.¡± He yelled, not trying to reveal her identity. Yumiko¡¯s fists tightened as she watched him struggle to remain upright. His movements were sluggish, his balance unsteady¡ªhe was barely holding on. Her gaze flickered downward. Her foot throbbed, still sprained and swollen, but she had an idea. If she used her magic to lift herself slightly, reducing the pressure on her injury, she could move more freely. More importantly, Lukas could use the time to rest. She could challenge Benny for him. And once the brute was out of the way, she would simply step off the stage, disqualifying herself, giving Lukas a sure win. She took a breath, steeling herself. ¡°Let me handle the brute.¡± She said, staring at the fuming Benny. She was not going to have Lukas die. She was not going to see her dream of him lying on the ground dead come true. Chapter 13 - Crumbling Boulder Chapter 13 - Crumbling Boulder ¡°Stay out of my way!¡± Benny roared, thrusting his arms forward as a barrage of jagged rocks surged toward Yumiko. She reacted instantly, rolling to the side just as the stones crashed into the ground where she had stood moments before. Debris exploded outward violently. ¡°You won¡¯t even have the honor of fighting him or me!¡± Benny bellowed, fury dripping from his voice. ¡°You¡¯ll have nothing!¡± With another guttural yell, he conjured another flurry of stones and hurled them forward with reckless force. Yumiko sprinted, wind magic coursing through her limbs, sharpening her movements and enhancing her speed. The rocks slammed into the arena floor behind her, fracturing the ground with resounding cracks. She barely had time to breathe as she dodged each impact, weaving through the relentless assault. He¡¯s strong¡­ and his magic is powerful¡­ Yumiko observed, her sharp eyes analyzing his movements as she ran. But he¡¯s not precise, nor is he patient. His attacks were wild, more brute force than strategy. He was trying to crush her through sheer power alone. She needed to close the distance or she would be crushed at this rate! Yumiko skidded, turning on her heels and started sprinting towards the large man. Benny¡¯s lips curled into a grin. He welcomed the challenge. Lukas tried to stand, but he was still extremely tired. He yelled for her, his voice hoarse with exhaustion. ¡°Stop! Are you crazy?¡± He could barely lift himself, but he watched, wide-eyed, as she charged in. The crowd leaned forward, gripping the edges of their seats in anticipation as Yumiko and Benny were about to clash. As Benny swung at her with a sweeping arm, Yumiko ducked low, planting her hands on the arena floor like she was about to launch into a handstand. In a fluid motion, she twisted her body and drove her good leg upward, striking Benny square in the jaw with the bottom of her foot. Benny¡¯s head snapped backward, his eyes rolling for a fraction of a second before he stumbled away, dazed. In the stands, Mary shot up from her seat, eyes wide with Yumiko¡¯s amazing strike. ¡°No way¡­!¡± Luchs closed his eyes briefly, a smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°I told you to have more faith in your friend.¡± Back in the arena, Benny swayed, on the verge of toppling over. But just when it seemed he might collapse, his body stiffened, and he let out an earth-shaking roar. Like a beast awakened, he summoned a massive boulder with both hands and hurled it at Yumiko. She barely had time to react. Still recovering from her last move, she pushed off to dodge¡ªbut as she landed, pain shot through her ankle. Her sprained foot buckled, and she let out a sharp cry as her face slammed into the ground, the boulder soaring over her head. Another boulder, smaller in size, but much faster, came flying straight at her. She turned just in time to see it, but it was too late¡ªshe couldn¡¯t dodge this one. With no other option, she braced herself, raising her arms in defense. The impact was devastating, the force sent her hurtling backward, her body skidding across the ground in a brutal collision. In the stands, Remos stood, eyes wide in disbelief. ¡°The Ninja just took a massive hit!¡± he exclaimed as the crowd erupted in a mix of shock and exhilaration. Lukas clenched his fists, fighting against the armor¡¯s pull on his strength. He gritted his teeth, trying¡ªand failing¡ªto push himself up. ¡°Damn it! Get out of here!¡± he shouted, watching her body finally come to a grinding halt. He prayed that she was okay. Mary gripped the handrails in front of her, her knuckles turning white. ¡°Please¡­ Please be okay¡­¡± She said, staring at Yumiko¡¯s body as it remained still. For a long moment, Yumiko didn¡¯t move. The world seemed to hold its breath. Then, slowly, she stirred. Pushing against the ground, she forced herself back onto her feet, her body trembling from the sheer force of will keeping her upright. ¡°She just won¡¯t go down!¡± Remos hollered, his voice barely rising over the deafening cheers of the crowd. Yumiko exhaled sharply, adjusting the straps on her kote. If her armor hadn¡¯t absorbed the brunt of that hit, she might have been out of the competition right then and there. Or worse. A lone fighter in the arena spotted an opening and charged straight at Benny. Benny¡¯s eyes snapped to the incoming attacker, and his face twisted into a scowl. ¡°I¡¯m tired of you small fries getting in my way!¡± he roared. He clasped his massive fists together and swung them like a wrecking ball. The crowd gasped in horror as Benny¡¯s devastating blow connected, launching the unfortunate fighter clear off the stage. The man¡¯s body rocketed through the air before crashing into the colosseum walls below with a sickening crunch, shattering stone on impact. Debris exploded outward, sending dust and rubble cascading into the stands. The crowd roared in delight. Benny threw his arms up, basking in the moment. ¡°I am the star!¡± he bellowed, shaking his head from the pain. ¡°I¡¯m the one who deserves the cheers, the chants¡ªnot you! Not him!¡± His furious gaze locked onto Yumiko. Without hesitation, he began hurling boulders one after another at her. Yumiko barely had time to react before the first massive rock came barreling toward her. She quickly encased herself in wind magic, allowing it to lighten the pressure on her injured foot as she moved. She weaved through the chaos, dodging wildly, but Benny¡¯s relentless assault was unending. She needed to close the distance once more. More and more boulders slammed into the arena stage, littering the battlefield with stone obstacles. The longer the fight dragged on, the harder it became to maneuver. The crowd struggled to keep up with her speed, their eyes darting back and forth as she danced through the storm of rocks. Benny smirked, confidence gleaming in his eyes. ¡°I got you, you rat!¡± With a mighty clap of his hands, the boulders scattered across the stage exploded, sending a shockwave of shattered rock burst outward, pelting everything in its path. Fighters all across the arena were caught in the blast, bodies thrown like ragdolls across the battlefield. Men screamed bloody-murder as they were struck. The crowd screamed as fist-sized chunks of stone hurtled toward them¡ªonly to shatter harmlessly against the magical barrier that protected the stands. Dust and smoke blanketed the arena floor, obscuring everything from view. From the observation deck, the magical board that tracked the number of fighters still standing flickered violently, the numbers dropped drastically. Just before Benny¡¯s attack, it had displayed thirty remaining competitors; now, it showed only seven. Remos squinted through the haze, struggling to process what had just happened. ¡°Er¡­ Benny just unleashed a massive attack¡­ I don¡¯t know who¡¯s left at this point¡­ Wait¡ªthere! The fighters are emerging from the smoke!¡± Yumiko coughed, struggling to stay upright as the dust settled. Around her, bodies lay strewn across the ground, some motionless, others groaning in pain, blood pooling beneath them. One by one, the dead and injured were teleported from the stage. When she tried to push herself up, a sharp pain shot through her leg. Her breath hitched as she glanced down¡ªher other leg had been struck as well. Benny¡¯s laughter rang through the silence. As the smoke fully cleared, he threw his arms into the air once again, basking in the deafening cheers of the crowd. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Up in the stands, Kenwick leaned forward in his seat, watching with an amused smile. ¡°A man who knows how to play the audience¡­¡± he mused, stroking his chin ¡°But does he think he has already won?¡± Benny turned back toward the battlefield¡ªand his triumphant grin twisted into a scowl the moment he saw Yumiko still standing. His rage boiled over. ¡°How¡­ How are you still alive?!¡± With a furious roar, he charged. Two random fighters, locked in combat nearby, hesitated at the sound of Benny¡¯s stampeding footsteps. They barely had time to turn their heads before he reached them. Without slowing, Benny grabbed them both by the skull and smashed their heads together with bone-crunching force. Their bodies crumpled instantly, vanishing in a flash of teleportation magic as they were forcibly removed from the match. The final random fighter stared in horror as Benny continued running towards him. The man¡¯s grip on his sword trembled. His shield felt useless in his hands. He swallowed hard, sweat dripping down his face. Then, in a split second, he made his choice. He dropped his weapon and shield. ¡°I yield! I yiel¡ª¡± Benny¡¯s fist slammed into the poor fighter¡¯s stomach. The fighter¡¯s body launched off the stage, slamming into the ground outside the arena with a lifeless thud. Yumiko watched in horror as Benny charged like a bull. She tried to stand, but her body refused to move. Panic clawed at her mind as she struggled to push herself off the ground. Her injured legs crumpled under herself. ¡°Come on¡­ Move!¡± she yelled, her voice laced with desperation. She tried to summon wind magic beneath her, but fear dulled her focus. Her breaths came fast and shallow as Benny closed the distance and was a mere ten feet away. With no other choice, she turned sharply, thrusting her arm forward and pouring what little magic she had left into one final attack. A powerful gust of wind erupted from her palm, howling toward Benny with enough force to send the crowd clutching their hats and food. But Benny was ready. He conjured a massive boulder in front of him, using it as a shield to absorb the brunt of the blast. Despite the force of her magic, he barely faltered, his boots grinding against the stone stage as he barely lost ground. He fought against the torrent of wind, step by step, like an unstoppable force. ¡°I will kill you!¡± He yelled, over the flow of wind, hardly moving. Yumiko gritted her teeth, pouring every last shred of energy into her attack. Her vision blurred, her limbs trembled, and her head throbbed as her magic reserves neared depletion. ¡°Come¡­ ON!¡± she screamed, but the dizziness overtook her. The gale lost strength. Her power was gone. Benny¡¯s grin stretched wide as he dropped the boulder with a heavy thud and stepped out from behind it. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve run out of tricks,¡± he sneered. ¡°And you can¡¯t even stand.¡± Yumiko gasped for air, her body weak and trembling on the arena floor. She frantically searched her surroundings for anything¡ªanything¡ªthat could give her an edge. But there was nothing. No weapon, no terrain to exploit, no chance to escape. Benny loomed over her, extending a massive hand. ¡°Lucky for you¡­ I¡¯ll make this quick.¡± Yumiko recoiled, bracing herself¡ªthen a blur of motion flashed past Benny¡¯s head. CRACK! A powerful kick struck Benny square in the face, sending him flying backward. The impact echoed through the arena as he skidded across the stone. Yumiko¡¯s eyes shot open. Standing before her, armor still smoking, was Lukas. His back lurched as he breathed heavily, his body radiating heat like an ember on the verge of burning out. Yet he had made it¡ªjust in time. Benny groaned on the ground but wasn¡¯t down yet. ¡°Damn¡­ he¡¯s tenacious,¡± Lukas muttered, his entire body screaming in agony. Yumiko stared up at him, her heartbeat pounding in her ears. ¡°Why did you help me?¡± she asked, trying to keep her identity concealed. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to do tha¡ª¡± Her words caught in her throat as Lukas knelt beside her, his expression oddly calm despite the exhaustion in his eyes. ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Before she could react, he scooped her up in his arms. ¡°What are you doing? Let go of me!¡± she protested, squirming weakly, but her body was too battered, too drained to escape. Lukas held her steady. ¡°I don¡¯t have much left in me,¡± he admitted, his voice quiet yet firm. ¡°But I can at least do this. You¡¯ve bought me valuable time. I won¡¯t let it go to waste.¡± From the stands, Remos squinted in confusion. ¡°It appears¡­ The Golden Warrior is picking up the Ninja¡­ What is he planning?¡± The crowd murmured, their voices hushed with anticipation as they watched the scene unfold. ¡°Put me down,¡± Yumiko snapped, her frustration mounting. ¡°I said let go! I will defeat you here and now if you don¡¯t release me!¡± Lukas looked straight on, his gaze forwards as he continued carrying her in his arms. ¡°Just like your brother, you both insist on involving yourselves in others'' problems. Let me handle this. Snow is my friend¡ªmy problem.¡± Yumiko¡¯s breath hitched. From the cradle of his arms, she looked up at him, her heart pounding against her ribs. ¡°You¡­ knew?¡± she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Shame weighed on her as she averted her gaze. Lukas let out a small, knowing exhale. ¡°You stand out with that eastern armor of yours¡­ And your magic was another dead giveaway.¡± Yumiko stayed silent, but the unease inside her only deepened. She tried to fight the feeling inside, trying to quell the anxiety that she was feeling, or she thought she was feeling. This emotion felt different. It was sharper, lingering in a way that made her stomach tighten whenever she looked at him. ¡°Please¡­ Let me continue¡­ I have a feeling that you will not come out of this,¡± she murmured. ¡°At this rate¡­ nothing good will come of it. Let me help. We can get Snow back together. You don¡¯t have to suffer alone.¡± Lukas carried her across the stage with slow, deliberate steps, bringing her back toward the stone steps at the arena¡¯s edge. Gently, he lowered her down. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m going to make this quick,¡± he said, straightening up. His tone was steady, resolute. ¡°I told you before¡ªI¡¯m not going to die.¡± His confident expression sent another wave of unease through her. Yumiko tried to push it down, but the moment her eyes landed on him, the feeling surged back tenfold. She wanted to believe him. She really did. But the way his voice wavered, the exhaustion behind his forced smirk¡ªit clawed at her, twisting something deep in her gut. ¡°Stay there,¡± Lukas said calmly before walking away. Yumiko sat upright, watching as her friend strode back toward the center of the stage, her heart still beating quickly. Flashes of her dream raced through her mind. ¡°Wait¡­ Please¡­¡± She begged, feeling her voice choke up. Remos nearly jumped from his seat, his excitement spilling over the arena. ¡°It¡¯s down to two fighters!¡± he bellowed. Across the battlefield, Benny stirred. He groaned as he pushed himself off the ground, his face swollen and bruised from Lukas¡¯ previous kick. Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth, but his eyes still burned with ferocity. Lukas, too, was struggling. His body trembled from exhaustion, the toll of the battle evident in every shaky breath. Still, he stood firm, his focus locked on his opponent. For a brief moment, his gaze flickered toward Snow, who watched from behind the bars of her cage. She stood stiffly, ears pinned back, her eyes unblinking as she observed him. Lukas gave her a small nod before returning his attention to Benny. Benny wiped the blood from his lip and sneered. ¡°You think this will go the way you want it to?¡± Lukas met his gaze, unwavering. ¡°Do you?¡± A guttural growl escaped Benny as he lunged forward, his arms swinging up in an attempt to overpower him. Lukas mirrored the motion, charging straight at him. Their hands clasped together in a brutal lock, their strength colliding with a force so intense that a shockwave rippled outward. The arena trembled under the impact. Remos was on his feet. ¡°It¡¯s down to hand-to-hand combat! The two warriors are locked in a battle of sheer strength, trying to force one another out of the ring!¡± Benny¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°That armor might have given you some strength,¡± he sneered, straining against Lukas, ¡°but I¡¯m the strongest!¡± He let out a roar and shoved forwards, slowly pushing Lukas towards the edge of the arena. Lukas gritted his teeth, his feet scraping against the stone as he slid backward, inch by inch, toward the platform¡¯s edge. Yumiko¡¯s fingers curled into the fabric of her clothes, her breath coming faster as she watched Lukas struggle. Benny laughed, his voice echoing over the arena. ¡°That¡¯s it! Just a little more!¡± he taunted, eyes wild with triumph. Lukas¡¯ back teetered dangerously close to the edge, inching closer and closer. The crowd leaned in. The battle¡¯s climax was seconds away. Lukas held on, his muscles straining as he braced himself against Benny¡¯s overwhelming strength. His vision blurred at the edges, but he could still make out Yumiko watching from the sidelines, her eyes wide with worry. Behind her, Snow stood tense in her cage, silently watching. He could feel all eyes on him. A small smirk crept onto Lukas¡¯ face. ¡°You¡¯re right¡­¡± he admitted through gritted teeth. ¡°You are stronger than me¡­¡± Benny¡¯s grin widened, his confidence swelling. Lukas suddenly loosened his grip, letting the man push forward. ¡°But you¡¯re not as crafty!¡± With a sharp yell, Lukas lunged forward, wrapping his arms tightly around his opponent¡¯s torso. Before Benny could react, Lukas twisted his body and hurled himself backward, channeling every last ounce of strength he had left. Benny¡¯s feet left the ground in an instant, his body yanked into the air in a helpless arc. He thrashed, kicking wildly, but gravity had already decided his fate. The impact was devastating. Lukas drove Benny¡¯s skull into the arena¡¯s edge with a bone-rattling suplex, the stone beneath them trembling from the force. Benny¡¯s limbs went limp on impact, his body rolling lifelessly before slumping off the platform and crashing onto the dirt below. For a moment, silence. Then the arena exploded into chaos¡ªcheers, shouts, the roar of the crowd shaking the air like a thunderstorm. From beneath her mask, Yumiko let out a breath of relief, a smile breaking through. ¡°Gods¡­ He did it.. He really did it! Lukas!!¡± she called, trying to push herself up¡ªbut her legs refused to move just yet. Lukas lay on his back for a moment, chest rising and falling with labored breaths. It was over. He had won. Chapter 14 - Victory In Defeat Chapter 14 - Victory In Defeat Lukas forced himself onto his knees, his arms trembling under his own weight as he fought to stay upright. His vision wavered, the world around him swaying, but he refused to collapse. The arena was in chaos, the deafening roar of the crowd ringing in his ears. From his high seat, Kenwick rose, speaking into his enchanted crystal. ¡°Congratulations, young fighter,¡± his voice echoed through the colosseum, smooth and commanding. ¡°You have done well¡­ and have made it to the second and final round.¡± A ripple of confusion spread through the crowd. Cheers faltered, replaced by murmurs of uncertainty. Kenwick descended the stairs at an unhurried pace, his every step deepening the uneasy silence settling over the colosseum. Then, as he stepped onto the fighting stage, he spread his arms wide, his grin sharp and wicked. ¡°Your final opponent,¡± he announced, savoring the moment, ¡°is none other than me.¡± Lukas¡¯ breath caught. The arena erupted. Cheers and boos clashed in a cacophony of voices, some thrilled by the spectacle, others furious at the obvious manipulation. From the stands, Mary shot to her feet, fists clenched. ¡°That cheating bastard!¡± she spat, her face contorted with rage. ¡°He was never going to let us have Snow, was he?¡± Luchs remained silent, his eyes locked onto the stage as Kenwick strode toward Lukas, completely unfazed by the outrage around him. If anything, he drank it in, relishing every second. The crowd¡¯s fury, their passion, their conflicted emotions¡ªit all fed into his performance. ¡°Do you hear that, boy?¡± he mused, his voice thick with amusement. ¡°They¡¯re here for us. They love us. They hate us. They feel for us. Their anger, their sadness, their joy¡ªall of it, for the glory of the fight.¡± He lifted a hand, fingers waving through the air as if conducting a grand orchestra. ¡°It¡¯s magical, isn¡¯t it?¡± he murmured, his eyes alight with twisted delight. ¡°Like a wild symphony.¡± Then, with a sudden shift, his expression turned deadly serious. ¡°Now stand, boy. Stand so we can give them the final act.¡± Lukas remained on all fours, his fingers digging into the rough stone beneath him. Wisps of steam still poured from the cursed armor strapped to his body, each second leeching away more of his life force. His breath came in ragged gasps, muscles quivering on the edge of failure. The crowd continued to boo, their voices blending into an unrelenting storm of jeers and curses. Kenwick, unfazed, strode toward a fallen longsword lying on the stone ground. He bent down, picked it up, and inspected the blade with casual interest before turning his gaze back to Lukas. ¡°Your initial weapon of choice was a longsword, yes?¡± His voice was calm, almost taunting. Without another word, he tossed the weapon in front of Lukas, the metal clattering loudly against the stone as it slid before him. ¡°Pick it up.¡± His tone sharpened as he unsheathed his own sword. Yumiko sat frozen, watching Lukas with wide, anxious eyes. Her hand clutched at her chest, as if trying to hold down the panic rising within her. She could see it¡ªLukas was barely holding himself together. He was on the verge of collapse. ¡°Lukas¡­ Please¡­¡± She begged to herself. It took everything she had to prevent herself from getting up and joining the fight. She shook her head, ¡°No¡­ He needs me!¡± She said, standing with a fierce fire in her eyes. Kenwick¡¯s blade snapped toward her, stopping her in her tracks. ¡°Should you enter the arena, he will be disqualified,¡± he warned, his sharp gaze locking onto hers. ¡°I remember you, girlie. You¡¯re part of his party.¡± He lowered his weapon slightly, shifting his attention back to Lukas. ¡°Despite breaking the rules, I allowed you two to fight. Consider this his second chance to fight for his little friend.¡± He said, glancing at Snow. Silence settled over the arena as Kenwick studied Lukas, who still hadn¡¯t moved. The younger fighter¡¯s arms trembled, locked in a push-up position, his body paralyzed by fatigue. His fingers dug into the ground as his teeth clenched, his frustration boiling over. He had won. He had done everything that was asked of him. And yet, here he was, forced into another battle, another trial, another cruel twist of fate designed to break him. ¡°You¡¯ve already chosen death by continuing to wear that armor,¡± Kenwick stated, his voice unwavering. ¡°The steam that is escaping from that chestplace is your life slipping away.¡± His expression darkened. ¡°I¡¯m giving you this chance, boy - a chance to go down fighting rather than on all fours. Pick up the sword.¡± Lukas barely heard him. His entire body screamed in protest, aching from every wound, every movement. But when he looked up, his eyes burned with something more potent than pain¡ªhatred. A raw, unfiltered rage radiated from him, an expression Yumiko had seen before. Kenwick smirked. ¡°My, that¡¯s quite the face,¡± he mused. ¡°Now fight. Give the crowd what they came here for!¡± Without warning, Kenwick drove his boot into Lukas¡¯ face. The impact sent him skidding across the arena floor, a sharp gasp rippling through the spectators. His body finally came to a halt, motionless for a moment. Then, slowly, painfully, he tried to push himself up again. But his limbs refused to cooperate. Kenwick sighed, picking up the sword he had offered moments ago. He walked over and loomed over Lukas, looking down at the beaten fighter. ¡°Fight,¡± he commanded, his voice turning cold. ¡°Or I¡¯ll kick you off the stage and watch as the last of your life is sapped away.¡± Before Lukas could react, Kenwick¡¯s foot drove into his stomach. The force sent him tumbling backward, skidding dangerously close to the edge of the arena. From the edge of the platform, Yumiko clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. Her heart pounded in her chest as she whispered, ¡°Please¡­ please don¡¯t die¡­¡± Kenwick strolled forward, stopping just in front of Lukas. He tossed the sword down once more, the blade clanging as it hit the ground. ¡°Give the people what they want,¡± he said, his tone carrying a cruel amusement. ¡°Show them what kind of person you really are.¡± Lukas coughed violently, a fresh splatter of blood staining the ground beneath him. Kenwick chuckled from above. ¡°So, you really are out of strength,¡± he remarked. ¡°The armor has drained every last bit of fight from you, hasn¡¯t it?¡± The crowd fell silent, holding their breath, waiting for what would come next. Then, with a sharp, brutal kick, Kenwick sent Lukas sliding even closer to the edge. From the stands, Mary gripped the handrails, her knuckles turning white as she ground her teeth in anger. She could hardly stand watching it. Kenwick was torturing Lukas. Luchs narrowed his eyes, watching Kenwick approach Lukas. "What are you doing, Kenwick¡­" he muttered, his face unreadable. As Kenwick stood over Lukas once more, voices erupted from the crowd. "Mercy! He has earned it!" "Screw you, Kenwick!" "End it now!" Kenwick remained unmoved, gazing down at Lukas, who struggled for breath. "They demand I finish you in disgrace," he said, shaking his head. "But I know the truth¡ªyou¡¯re already a dead man. So rise! Give them joy¡ªshow the crowd your final moments with honor!" His voice echoed through the arena, but Lukas barely stirred. A tense silence followed before Kenwick sighed dramatically. "Very well¡­ Then I shall turn my attention to your friend.¡± He said, looking back at Snow, ¡°A giant wolf will make for a thrilling spectacle next month. I can see it now: ¡®How many men can a beast hold off?¡¯" He extended his arm, as if presenting the tagline for a grand event. Lukas clenched his teeth, his fists trembling against the ground. The roar of the crowd blurred in his ears, his own labored breathing drowning them out. But amidst the chaos, something cut through¡ªthe mournful sound of a howl. Snow threw her head back, her voice carrying across the arena in a long, haunting cry. A hush fell over the audience. Yumiko¡¯s heart pounded, her anxiety surging. This wasn¡¯t just a howl. It was a cry for Lukas. A desperate, piercing lament that filled her with dread. Yumiko pushed herself to her feet, determination flaring in her eyes. "I don¡¯t care what happens next¡­ I won¡¯t watch him die!" she declared, moving forward. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. But before she could take a step, a voice whispered in her ear. "Wait! Let him fight. Trust him. Believe in him. Believe in Lukas," Sofia¡¯s soft voice urged. Yumiko looked up, ¡°Sofia? What¡¯s going on?¡± Back on the stage, Kenwick chuckled, unfazed. "What a beautiful howl. A shame she couldn¡¯t be tamed. Some noble family could¡¯ve had quite the exotic pet." He smirked, then added, "I hear they recently captured another such beast in the east by¡ª" He stopped abruptly. Something had changed. A deep hum filled the air as large amounts of steam erupted from Lukas¡¯ armor, spilling out in thick, violent waves. Kenwick¡¯s smirk faded as his eyes flickered with sudden concern. ¡°I¡¯m tired¡­ Tired of guys like you¡­¡± Lukas said, seething in anger. Kenwick stood still, watching Lukas with a hint of caution. The atmosphere was changing. For some reason, Kenwicks entire body yelled at him to ready himself. Then, without warning, a blinding flash split the arena, followed by a deafening explosion as a bolt of lightning came striking down. The ground shook as debris shot into the air, sending waves of dust and shrapnel outward. The crowd screamed in horror as the ground shook. Kenwick barely had time to react before he was caught in the blast. He threw himself to the side, rolling across the stone floor before springing back to his feet. His sword flicked up defensively as he peered into the swirling smoke. "What¡­" he muttered, his blade aimed at the seething cloud, waiting for whatever would emerge. ¡°Was that boy using lightning¡­¡± He said, his eyes wide with shock. He shook his head, ¡°No¡­ Lightning users don¡¯t exist¡­ Not anymore¡­¡± As the dust and smoke finally settled, Lukas stood in the center of the arena, his body rising and falling with each labored breath. Wisps of smoke curled off his battered armor, faint sparks dancing across its surface before vanishing into the air. His fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword, its blade reflecting the flickering energy coursing through him. The crowd erupted. The roar was deafening¡ªlouder than anything that had come before. Their cheers shook the very foundations of the colosseum, their excitement spilling out into the city beyond. Kenwick¡¯s eyes narrowed as he studied Lukas. His mind barely registered the hysteria of the crowd. Something was wrong. The armor Lukas was wearing was never designed to have sparks or electricity. Small arcs of static leaped between the plates, hissing softly like restrained lightning. Kenwick¡¯s grip on his sword tightened. ¡°What the hell did you do¡­?¡± he muttered under his breath, watching the wounded fighter. It was like watching a wounded rat backed into a corner. Lukas slowly raised his blade, falling into a combat stance. His eyes locked onto Kenwick with unwavering determination. The moment crackled with tension. Kenwick exhaled, adjusting his grip. ¡°I won¡¯t lie¡ªI don¡¯t know what kind of trick you just pulled, but don¡¯t think you will have the upper hand, boy.¡± A grin crossed his face. ¡°Now come¡ª¡± Before he could finish, Lukas vanished, thin trails of lightning where he stood flickered. Kenwick barely had time to register the shift before a shockwave of movement sent his instincts into overdrive. His sword shot up just in time as Lukas reappeared in front of him from thin air, catching Lukas'' strike at the last moment, sending sparks as their blades clashed. A strange hum filled the air, resonating from the armor. ¡°What trickery is this?¡± Kenwick thought, gritting his teeth as they locked in arms. ¡°How did he disappear so quickly?¡± Lukas pushed on Kenwick, making the man stagger for a moment before disappearing once again. Kenwick¡¯s eyes darted wildly. He pivoted, blade raised, his heart beating quickly. He could only see flicks of movement. Lukas was moving too fast for him to keep track of properly. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. In an instant, Kenwick turned just as Lukas reappeared, his attack slamming down like a bolt of lightning. The force rattled Kenwick¡¯s arms, his feet digging into the ground. A flicker of uncertainty crossed his face. This wasn¡¯t just speed¡ªthis was something else entirely. From the edge of the arena, Yumiko clenched her fists, anxiety welling from within. ¡°What¡¯s going on? What did he just do?¡± A voice whispered in her ear, calm and knowing. ¡°He is finding his true self. His real power,¡± Sofia murmured. The arena became a battlefield of flashing steel. Lukas and Kenwick moved like blurs, their strikes ringing out like thunderclaps. Each collision sent crackling bursts of energy into the air. Kenwick gritted his teeth, his breath growing heavy¡ªLukas wasn¡¯t just keeping up with him, he was overwhelming him. Suddenly, Lukas broke the quick rhythmic secession of strikes, his fist connecting with Kenwick¡¯s jaw like a battering ram, sending the seasoned warrior hurtling backward. The sheer force twisted him in midair, but Kenwick reacted quickly¡ªflipping into a desperate somersault before landing unsteadily on his feet. His balance barely returned before Lukas was on him again. Their swords met in a violent flurry, Kenwick was the one on the defensive. His movements turned frantic¡ªhis form, once confident, now desperate. He couldn¡¯t land a hit. From the stands, Mary¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°How the hell is Lukas doing that? I¡¯ve never heard of Gerold armor doing anything like this¡­.¡± Luchs leaned forward, watching intently. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s the armor¡­¡± His voice was calm, yet something in his gaze sharpened, as though he recognized something others did not. Mary swallowed, gripping the railing. ¡°Whatever it is¡­ Lukas is fighting on equal ground with someone a full rank above him in the guild¡­¡± Luchs¡¯ gaze flicked to Yumiko on the sidelines before returning to the battle. Then, unexpectedly, a quiet chuckle escaped him. A smirk tugged at his lips. ¡°So¡­ this is what they meant by the outcome of the battle.¡± Mary shot him a sharp look. ¡°What the hell¡¯s so funny? You¡¯re laughing in the middle of this?¡± Luchs waved a hand dismissively. ¡°Forgive me, but there¡¯s a certain irony to it. You¡¯ll understand soon enough.¡± With that, he turned and started toward the steps. Mary frowned. ¡°Where are you going? The fight is still going!¡± Luchs paused, glancing back at her. ¡°My dear, the fight is over.¡± His tone was calm, certain. ¡°As for where I¡¯m going, I simply wish to stretch my legs.¡± Mary¡¯s glare hardened. ¡°What do you mean it¡¯s over? It doesn¡¯t look that way to me.¡± Luchs chuckled. ¡°Perhaps¡­ but it will end soon, and not in the way you expect.¡± His gaze flickered toward the arena, an almost knowing glint in his eye. ¡°I¡¯ve dreamed of this moment before. A shadowy figure will rise on top, while the showman takes his final bow.¡± Mary shook her head, frustration mounting. ¡°What are you even talking about?¡± Luchs only smiled. ¡°Just watch. Observe. Maybe you¡¯ll see it before the grand finale.¡± He turned to leave, his parting words hanging in the air. ¡°The fight will be won by a single step.¡± Mary furrowed her brow as she watched him disappear down the stairway. A single step? Her eyes darted back to Lukas and Kenwick, the battle raging below. She murmured the words under her breath. ¡°The fight will be won by a single step¡­¡± A chill ran down her spine. What did he mean by that? On the arena floor, Kenwick fought desperately, his arms burning as he parried each of Lukas¡¯ rapid strikes. The crackling hum of energy filled the space between them, sparks flying with every collision of their blades. ¡°I will not¡­ lose to the likes of you!¡± Kenwick roared, forcing all his strength into one powerful counterattack. The strike sent Lukas stumbling backward, giving Kenwick a brief moment to breathe. Lukas caught himself, standing tall once more, but the momentary pause betrayed his exhaustion. His chest heaved, sweat dripping from his brow. Instead of immediately launching forward, he planted his sword into the stone floor, leaning against it as he gasped for air. From the commentator¡¯s booth, Remos shot to his feet, not knowing exactly what happened, hardly able to see the quick flurry of the fight. His voice carried over the roaring crowd. ¡°By the gods! It was as if their movements vanished into thin air! That armor must have given the Golden Warrior an edge¡ªbut does he have anything left to give?¡± Kenwick steadied himself, gripping his sword with renewed determination. His muscles ached, his breathing ragged, but he refused to let up. He raised his blade before charging straight for Lukas, his strike aimed to end the fight. But just as his weapon came crashing down¡ªLukas vanished. Gasps erupted from the stands as the battle became a blur of motion once more. Sparks filled the air, each burst of light illuminating the frenzied clash. Kenwick twisted and turned, barely keeping up, his instincts the only thing allowing him to block each lightning-fast attack. From Lukas¡¯ perspective, the world had slowed to a near standstill. The dust in the air, the shifting of the crowd, even the flickering torches around the colosseum all seemed frozen in time. Everything moved sluggishly¡ªexcept for Kenwick. The man was a powerhouse. Somehow, the veteran warrior was still reacting, still anticipating every strike. Lukas gritted his teeth as he continued to push past the pain. He darted around him, pushing his body to its absolute limits, searching for an opening. As the flurry of attacks continued, one thing was apparent: Kenwick was slowing down. After continuing the strikes, Lukas finally saw it¡ªan opening. A gap in Kenwick¡¯s defenses. Lukas lunged, seizing the chance. Kenwick turned, catching only the faintest blur in his peripheral vision. His pulse spiked¡ªhis body screamed at him to react. He tried to lift his sword¡ªbut it was too late, Lukas was upon him. Kenwick braced for impact, his muscles tensing, his mind already preparing for defeat. He closed his eyes waiting for the end¡ª But the strike never came. Instead, a deafening silence fell over the colosseum. Kenwick¡¯s eyes snapped open just in time to see Lukas still standing¡ªor rather, barely holding himself upright. His body swayed unsteadily, his muscles quivering, steam pouring from the cursed armor like a dying engine spilling its last breath. His head lolled back, unfocused eyes rolled to the whites, lost somewhere beyond consciousness. For a fleeting moment, he remained upright, as if sheer defiance alone kept him from falling. Then, his fingers went slack. His sword slipped from his grip, the metal ringing sharply against the stone floor. And with that final surrender, his body crumpled, collapsing forward like a puppet with its strings severed. The impact sent up a small cloud of dust. For a long, terrible moment, no one soul spoke. Yumiko¡¯s breath hitched in her throat. Her entire body frozen in place. The sight before her was the image of the very nightmare she had. Lukas lay still, his blood slowly pooling beneath him, dripping onto the cold stone. Across from him, Kenwick stood rigid, his chest rising and falling in ragged, uneven breaths. His fingers trembled around the hilt of his blade, his knuckles white from the force of his grip. He couldn''t believe it. Just a second ago, he had been staring death in the face, his own demise nearly sealed. And now, the one who had nearly ended him lay unconscious at his feet. In an instant, Lukas¡¯ body vanished from the stage, teleporting him off stage. Chapter 15 - The Final Step Chapter 15 - The Final Step Kenwick blinked, his mind struggling to process the impossible. The deafening roar of the colosseum crashed around him¡ªa chaotic storm of jeers and cheers, anger and confusion colliding in an unrelenting wave. Yet, in that moment, he heard none of it. His gaze remained locked on the empty space where Lukas had stood mere seconds ago. His heart pounded in his chest, the ghost of his near-death still lingering in the air like a specter refusing to fade. For several long seconds, he remained frozen, unable to move, his body betraying him even as his mind clawed for an explanation. Then, with a slow shake of his head, he forced himself to breathe¡ªto remind himself that he was still alive. His pulse still raced, adrenaline still burned in his veins, but he was here. He had survived. Gradually, the sounds of the crowd seeped back into his awareness¡ªthe roar of voices, the stomping of feet, the calls for answers. Yumiko pushed herself upright, her limbs trembling with exhaustion and pain. Her breath came in ragged gasps as her frantic gaze darted across the arena, searching¡ªdesperate¡ªfor any trace of Lukas. Where was he? Her stomach twisted with unease, a cold dread settling deep in her bones. ¡°Sofia!¡± she cried out, her voice raw. ¡°Where is he? You told me not to enter¡­ I thought he was going to be fine. Where is he? Where did Lukas go?¡± Silence. No answer. The dread in her chest tightened into panic. Gritting her teeth, she pushed forward, forcing her battered body to move. She limped toward Kenwick, ignoring the fire in her muscles, her fists clenched at her sides. Kenwick stood tall, his posture the very image of composure, but Yumiko saw the truth¡ªthe subtle tremor in his fingers, the ghost of fear still lingering in his sharp eyes. He wasn¡¯t as unaffected as he wanted to appear. ¡°Where is he?¡± she demanded, her voice cutting through the noise. ¡°What happened to Lukas? Where do the fighters go once they¡¯re eliminated?¡± Kenwick barely spared her a glance before shoving her aside with a forceful push. Caught off guard, Yumiko stumbled backward, her knees buckling as she hit the ground hard. Her palms scraped against the rough stone, pain flaring across her skin. The crowd erupted in furious boos, their anger swelling at his blatant disregard. Kenwick, however, remained unmoved. With a slow exhale, he steadied himself and reached into his pocket, pulling out a small crystal. He held it close to his lips, his voice amplifying across the colosseum like a spell woven with practiced charm. ¡°I can see that some of you are rather¡­ upset with how that battle ended,¡± he said smoothly, his tone rich with charisma. ¡°But tell me¡ªwas that not a fight worth witnessing? Did the Golden Warrior not deliver a spectacle unlike any other?¡± The hostility in the air wavered. The audience, so ready to turn against him, now hesitated, caught between their frustration and the undeniable thrill of what they had witnessed. Kenwick allowed himself a smirk. Turning on his heel, he strode toward the stairway leading off the platform, exuding confidence with every step. As he reached the edge, he lifted a hand to the crowd, his voice ringing with reassurance. ¡°Fear not! Your bets will be finalized before my entry. Winners will remain winners.¡± The final echoes of outrage faded, giving way to scattered cheers. They were his again¡ªright in the palm of his hand. Exhaling sharply, Kenwick wiped the sweat from his brow before sinking into his seat. His body still thrummed with adrenaline, though he masked it behind a composed exterior. Every muscle in his body was taut, every breath controlled. From the announcer¡¯s booth, Remos cast him a wary glance, his concern evident. ¡°Are you alright?¡± he asked carefully. Kenwick didn¡¯t answer right away. His gaze remained locked on the bloodstained spot where Lukas had fallen, his mind replaying the final moments of their fight over and over. The clash of steel, the raw defiance in Lukas¡¯ eyes, the way the battle had nearly ended in disaster. ¡°It was closer than I thought¡­¡± he muttered at last, his voice quieter than usual. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his fingers threading together in contemplation. ¡°That man¡­ he was a maniac. I truly thought I was going to lose in the end.¡± Even as the colosseum roared around him, their cheers swelling to a fever pitch, Kenwick barely heard them. His thoughts drifted. ¡°I was so busy fighting for my life that I couldn¡¯t take the crowd in and see how entertained they were through the fight. How were they?¡± he asked absently, his voice distant. ¡°Were they enthralled?¡± Remos gave a slow nod. ¡°The crowd was very pleased,¡± he said, though his eyes studied Kenwick¡¯s expression¡ªhis clenched jaw, the tightness in his shoulders as he leaned forwards in his seat. Kenwick nodded to himself before exhaling, finally leaning back against the chair. His gaze flicked to the magical board on the far side of the colosseum, the grand display meant to showcase the victor¡¯s name. He expected to see his own displayed in shimmering golden letters. But as the enchanted text solidified, his smirk froze. The name on the board was not his, but another¡¯s. Contestant 261 - Congratulations! ¡®The Ninja¡¯ Silence fell over the crowd. Confusion rippled through the stands like a slow-building wave. And then¡ªan explosion of cheers. Kenwick¡¯s grin vanished. His brows furrowed, his stomach twisting in disbelief. His mind rejected what his eyes saw, but there it was, in clear, undeniable letters. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. His gaze snapped to Remos. ¡°Remos!¡± he barked, his voice sharp as a blade. ¡°What the hell is the meaning of this?¡± The normally composed announcer was visibly sweating, shifting uneasily under Kenwick¡¯s glare. ¡°The arena¡­ it¡¯s protected by the goddess,¡± Remos stammered. ¡°She is the one who pulls fighters from the battle when they¡¯re critically injured or killed. S-so, she is the final judge.¡± Kenwick¡¯s nostrils flared. His fists curled, and in one swift motion, he slammed a fist onto the armrest of his seat, the impact echoing over the din of the crowd. ¡°I know the damned rules! I won fairly! How did that girl win? She exited the stage! I was the last one standing!¡± Remos hesitated, his mind piecing together the details even as he spoke. ¡°Technically¡­ she never left the arena,¡± he admitted. ¡°She was standing on the top step, which is still considered part of the fighting platform. By the colosseum¡¯s laws, she was never eliminated.¡± He swallowed hard. ¡°It seems the goddess recognizes the ruling in the Ninja¡¯s favor.¡± Kenwick¡¯s jaw tightened, his teeth grinding together. His vision blurred with fury. ¡°Then she knows nothing!¡± he roared. A soft chuckle sounded behind him. Kenwick spun on his heel, his temper flaring, only to be met with a familiar sight¡ªLuchs, standing leisurely with his arms crossed, amusement dancing in his sharp eyes. A grin tugged at his lips, equal parts playful and knowing. ¡°Admit it, Gordon,¡± Luchs said, his tone teasing yet firm. ¡°You lost.¡± Kenwick stormed forward, fury blazing in his eyes. ¡°Luchs!¡± he bellowed, his voice carrying over the fading cheers of the crowd. ¡°You knew this would happen, didn¡¯t you? Your freak of a group told you the outcome, didn¡¯t they?¡± His hand shot out, gesturing toward the spot where Lukas had vanished. ¡°You told me nothing of his power! That man nearly killed me! His strength¡ªnone of it added up, and you said nothing about any of those abilities of his!¡± Luchs, standing with his usual nonchalant air, arched a brow. ¡°And how, exactly, would they know the outcome? I already told you how this battle could end, but you did not take my warnings seriously now, did you?¡± he asked, his tone almost amused. Kenwick pointed an accusatory finger at him, his hand trembling with barely contained rage. ¡°Don¡¯t pull that shit! I know they told you the outcomes of this battle! I bet that freak told you how this fight would end, didn¡¯t he?¡± He pointed his finger toward the glowing board, his voice rising. ¡°You told me I was going to win! You said nothing about that bastard¡¯s power! And you never mentioned a girl entering the fight! You led me astray, Luchs!¡± Luchs raised his hands in a mock gesture of surrender, utterly unbothered by Kenwick¡¯s outburst. ¡°I told you that you would win against Lukas,¡± he said smoothly. ¡°And you did. I knew nothing of his power, nor of the girl, but that¡¯s hardly the point, is it? I gave you the cryptic message that was given to me¡­ What was it again?¡± He tapped his chin in exaggerated thought before his gaze locked onto Kenwick¡¯s. ¡°Ah, yes. I told you, ¡®The fight would be won by a final step¡¯.¡± His smirk widened. ¡°That little ninja was still on the last step of the battlefield when you walked off. A technicality, you could call it, but the fate of the battle was there before you. And despite knowing that, you walked off thinking the battle was already won. You only have yourself to blame.¡± Kenwick¡¯s teeth clenched so hard his jaw ached. ¡°I bet you left parts out! I think you know more than what you are leading on!¡± he spat. Luchs tilted his head, his expression almost pitying. ¡°Oh, come now. Call it fate, call it trickery¡ªbut isn¡¯t this exactly what you love?¡± He gestured toward the roaring spectators, their excitement still lingering in the air. ¡°The drama, the unexpected twist, the audience on the edge of their seats?¡± His gaze sharpened, the teasing edge in his voice hardening into something more pointed. ¡°So tell me, Kenwick¡ªwasn¡¯t this the perfect ending to your show? Or are you just a small man who only enjoys the spectacle when it goes in his favor?¡± Kenwick¡¯s fists trembled at his sides, his nails digging into his palms. His breath came in short, ragged bursts. ¡°I¡¯ll have a talk with them, and if I find out you left something out, it¡¯s over!¡± he growled. ¡°I¡¯ll pull my resources if I have to. I won¡¯t stand for this humiliation!¡± Luchs clapped a hand on Kenwick¡¯s shoulder, his grin as sharp as a blade. ¡°By all means, do. Just don¡¯t forget to mention how you lost. Oh, and tell them I said hello.¡± With that, he turned, descending the steps at a leisurely pace. Kenwick stood frozen, his rage bubbling just beneath his skin. ¡°Damn you¡­¡± he muttered, his voice low with resentment. Luchs suddenly spun back around, his eyes darkening. ¡°Oh, and Kenwick?¡± His tone lost its playfulness, replaced by something far colder. ¡°Should you go after that wolf, Lukas, or our little champion, there will be consequences.¡± His smirk faded, his gaze locking onto Kenwick¡¯s with deadly seriousness. ¡°I have plans for them¡ªplans that outweigh anything your money can buy. If you lay a finger on them¡­¡± He leaned in slightly, voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. ¡°I will return it to you a thousandfold. Do you understand?¡± For the first time, Kenwick hesitated. He met Luchs¡¯ gaze, his fury still burning, but something deeper¡ªperhaps wariness¡ªflickered beneath the surface. Luchs smiled, slow and knowing. ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a yes. Ta-ta.¡± With a casual wave, he turned and disappeared down the steps, leaving Kenwick alone with his seething frustration. From the top of the stands, Mary watched, her arms crossed as her sharp eyes tracked Luchs'' every movement. Suspicion coiled in her gut. ¡°What are you up to, Richie?¡± she murmured under her breath. She couldn¡¯t hear their conversation, but the body language spoke volumes. They were closer than she had originally thought. Shaking her head, she turned her attention back to the arena, watching as Yumiko hobbled off the stage. Remos¡¯ voice echoed over the speakers, announcing the official ruling of the fight. ¡°With a twist of fate¡­ The Ninja has won! Justin Schwag, everyone!¡± The announcer¡¯s voice thundered through the arena, igniting a deafening roar from the crowd. Cheers and applause crashed like waves, thousands of spectators leaping to their feet in celebration. The energy was electric, yet at the center of it all, Yumiko stood motionless, her entire body aching. She blinked, barely registering the chaos around her. Blood trickled from the cuts along her arms, her battered armor weighed heavy on her shoulders, and exhaustion clawed at her every movement. Her gaze drifted upward to the victor board, her mind struggling to process the name flashing across the screen. ¡°How did I¡­¡± she muttered, her voice barely audible beneath the roaring crowd. Confusion twisted in her gut. This wasn¡¯t how it was supposed to go. She hadn¡¯t won through skill or strength¡ªshe had barely been standing. And Lukas¡­ Her stomach tightened. Her friend had taken the brunt of it all, and for all she knew, he was seriously hurt or worse¡ª No. She refused to think it. She forced herself to look down, staring at her trembling, bloodied hands. She was alive. She had made it. But at what cost? The celebration felt hollow, the cheers like distant echoes, meaningless in the face of her uncertainty. A breeze swept through the arena, cool against her fevered skin. And then¡ª A whisper. Soft as the wind, yet cutting through the noise with eerie clarity. ¡°Victory comes at a cost¡­ But do not waver. Not yet. We will talk soon, brave one. ¡± Sofia¡¯s voice whispered. ¡°When can we talk again?¡± Yumiko asked quietly. ¡°Please, tell me if Lukas will be okay.¡± There was nothing, not a response. Yumiko¡¯s breath hitched as the presence faded, vanishing like mist in the morning sun. She swallowed hard, clenching her fists in frustration from the cryptic brief message. Whatever that message meant, she didn¡¯t have time to dwell on it. With a deep, shaky breath, she steadied herself. Every part of her ached as she took a step forward, then another. The crowd¡¯s cheers still rang in her ears, but their joy wasn¡¯t hers to share. She needed to find her friend. She needed to find Lukas. Chapter 16 - Desperate Chapter 16 - Desperate Yumiko limped into the colosseum''s medical ward, her battered body aching with each step. The air was thick with the scent of blood, sweat, and medicinal herbs, mingling with the muffled groans and agonized cries of injured fighters. Torches flickered along the vaulted ceiling, their dim light casting long, wavering shadows on the stone walls. She moved past the rows of open rooms, scanning the beds for any sign of Lukas. Doctors rushed by, their hurried footsteps echoing against the stone. The tension in the air was suffocating, but Yumiko pushed forward, her heart hammering with worry. ¡°Yumiko!¡± A familiar voice rang out from behind. She barely had time to turn before Mary barreled into her, wrapping her in a fierce hug that nearly knocked her off balance. Yumiko stiffened for a moment, then smiled through the pain, wincing as Mary¡¯s grip tightened around her bruised ribs. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m a little hurt right now,¡± she admitted, though she couldn¡¯t hide the warmth in her voice. ¡°You damned fool,¡± Mary muttered, her voice shaking. She didn¡¯t let go. ¡°What if something had happened to you out there? Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± Yumiko felt the raw emotion in her friend¡¯s words, but she struggled to respond. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I had a dream. I saw Lukas, lying dead on the colosseum floor. I couldn¡¯t just¡ª¡± ¡°And what if that had been you?¡± Mary pulled back, her green eyes glistening with frustration and something deeper¡ªsomething like fear. Yumiko had never seen her like this before, and it left her momentarily speechless. ¡°I could barely handle watching Lukas out there, but you¡­ You expected me to sit by and watch you get hurt too?¡± Mary shook her head, exhaling sharply. ¡°I thought we were a team. You ran off while we were in line, and I thought I said something that upset you. But no¡ªyou were out there fighting the whole damn time and never told me. Why? Did you think I wouldn¡¯t trust you?¡± Guilt settled like a weight in Yumiko¡¯s chest. She lowered her gaze, her fingers curling into the torn fabric of her sleeve. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said softly. ¡°I did it for Lukas. I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you¡­ I was selfish. That¡¯s all.¡± Mary sighed, wiping at the corner of her eye before giving Yumiko a firm look. ¡°Just promise me¡­ don¡¯t do something like this without telling me again.¡± Yumiko hesitated, then gave a slow nod. ¡°I promise.¡± For a moment, the two stood in silence, the chaos of the infirmary buzzing around them. Mary¡¯s sharp gaze flickered over Yumiko¡¯s torn and bloodstained clothing¡ªher black ninja garb shredded in places, kote guards dented from battle, and tabi socks darkened with dirt and blood. ¡°Regardless,¡± Mary murmured, softening. ¡°I¡¯m just glad you¡¯re alive. And that you won.¡± Yumiko shook her head. ¡°It was a fluke. It was just luck on our side.¡± Mary snorted, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. ¡°A victory is a victory. The gods saw fit to grant it to you, so don¡¯t go sulking over it.¡± Yumiko hesitated. ¡°Mary¡ª¡± Mary had already turned, but at the quiet concern in Yumiko¡¯s voice, she stopped, glancing back. ¡°What is it?¡± Yumiko looked to the floor, unease flickering in her eyes. ¡°Sofia spoke to me¡­ It was brief, but¡ª¡± Mary¡¯s expression hardened, her focus sharpening. ¡°What did she say? Do we finally know where to go next? Or what the hell is happening now?¡± Yumiko opened her mouth to answer, but a frantic shout cut through the air. ¡°Move! Move!¡± Both girls spun toward the commotion just as a team of doctors rushed into view, pushing a stretcher at a blistering pace. A flash of blonde hair¡ª it wasLukas! ¡°Lukas!¡± They cried, eyes widening in alarm as they sprinted toward him. ¡°Move!¡± The doctors yelled, watching as the girls approached. ¡°We know him!¡± Mary said, standing next to the stretcher as they wheeled it down the hall. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡± The doctor shook his head ¡°We don¡¯t know. The freaking armor took a lot out of him though. We can¡¯t use our magic on him for some reason.¡± Yumiko glanced at Lukas¡¯ arms and his neck - they were covered in black veins that webbed around the man¡¯s skin. ¡°What are those?¡± Yumiko asked, panic filling her voice, ¡°He will be okay, right?¡± The doctor rolled his eyes, ¡°Can someone get these two away!¡± He said, pushing Lukas past and into a room. The girls followed them in, but the doctor shook his head, ¡°No, we need to check on him without you two getting in our way.¡± Mary stood in front of the doctor, annoyed, ¡°We want to see what¡¯s wrong with him. He¡¯s our friend.¡± From behind the comotion, Luchs spoke, ¡°Let them be. They won¡¯t get in your way, doc.¡± The doctor looked at Luchs with a surprised expression, knowing of the man¡¯s reputation, ¡°As you say, Mr. Wilfried, sir!¡± The doctor said, stepping aside to let the girls in the room, Luchs following behind. Yumiko stood as close to Lukas as she could get as the three doctors started inspecting the man¡¯s vitals. Luchs could see the worry in her eyes, ¡°Good job on your victory.¡± He said, trying to uplift her spirit. Yumiko nodded, still watching the doctors as they began casting appraisal magic on Lukas¡¯ body, his body shimmering in a faint green glow. ¡°It was for Lukas¡­ And Snow.¡± She said quietly. Mary folded her arms, ¡°What do you want, Richie?¡± Luchs cast a sidelong glance at Mary, his expression briefly tightening. She was striking a nerve, and she knew it. ¡°I wanted to tell you that Kenwick was rather upset when you won,¡± he said coolly. ¡°He doesn¡¯t take losing well. You could call him a sore loser.¡± The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Mary scoffed. ¡°And why should we care? We have a friend who¡¯s dying, and you want to talk about Kenwick¡¯s bruised ego?¡± Luchs remained unruffled, his tone as smooth as ever. ¡°Because he was trying to take that wolf friend of yours and erase your friend¡¯s victory.¡± He flicked his gaze toward Yumiko. Yumiko¡¯s breath caught. ¡°He¡¯s trying to steal Snow?!¡± ¡°Tried to,¡± Luchs corrected, his voice measured. ¡°But I¡¯m handling it. I got some good men watching it. Kenwick is persistent, but he isn¡¯t stupid. Rest assured, he won¡¯t make a move while I¡¯m in place.¡± Mary narrowed her eyes. ¡°And how can we be so sure of that?¡± Luchs tilted his head slightly, a glint of amusement in his green eyes. ¡°And what exactly do you mean by that?¡± Mary crossed her arms, her frustration boiling over. ¡°I saw you shaking hands with Kenwick after the match. You two looked pretty damn friendly for so-called ¡®business associates.¡¯¡± Luchs exhaled through his nose, his smirk unfaltering. ¡°How do you think I got those free tickets? I went to thank him for putting on a good show. Nothing more, nothing less.¡± His gaze flicked between them, assessing their reactions. ¡°I¡¯m not your enemy, nor do I care to get in the way of you reuniting with your precious wolf. Kenwick is the one causing trouble, not me.¡± Mary clenched her jaw. ¡°The gods ruled the match in Yumiko¡¯s favor. He can¡¯t just take Snow because he¡¯s throwing a tantrum. That would be treason against the gods themselves.¡± Luchs chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Which is why I mentioned Kenwick being a sore loser. He would defy the gods with a smile on his face just to tip the scales in his favor. His ego is more fragile than you¡¯d think.¡± Yumiko took a step forward, anger flaring in her chest. ¡°We can¡¯t lose Snow after everything we fought for¡ª¡± A sharp pain shot through her leg. Her balance wavered. Mary was at her side in an instant. ¡°Hey! Take it easy,¡± she scolded, catching Yumiko¡¯s arm and helping her straighten. Before another word could be exchanged, a sudden commotion erupted from across the room. ¡°He¡¯s waking up!¡± ¡°Get something to numb him¡ªnow!¡± Yumiko and Mary turned toward the voices, their breath hitching as they saw Lukas stirring on the cot. His body trembled, his breathing was erratic as the doctors scrambled around him, attempting to subdue the pain with healing magic. ¡°Put him back to sleep, gods damn it!¡± the lead doctor barked. Yumiko¡¯s stomach twisted as she watched the barely-conscious Lukas struggle against his own failing body. His skin was slick with sweat, his face pale beneath the web of blackened veins that coiled up around his neck. Then, with visible effort, he turned his head, his unfocused blue eyes locking onto her. ¡°Don¡¯t¡­¡± His voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper. ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ lose¡­ Snow. I don¡¯t want¡­ to lose another¡­ friend¡­.¡± His breath came in gasps, each word strained as if being pulled from the depths of his very soul. Yumiko wrenched herself free from Mary¡¯s grasp, stepping between the doctors and Lukas¡¯ bed, her voice trembling with emotion. ¡°We won¡¯t! We will not lose Snow¡ªno matter what!¡± Tears welled in her eyes, her stance defiant despite the exhaustion weighing her down. Mary stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Yumiko¡¯s shoulder and gently pulling her back. ¡°Give them some space,¡± she murmured, though worry flickered in her own expression. At the foot of the bed, Luchs smirked, tilting his head as he studied Lukas¡¯ delirious state. ¡°You look like hammered shit, friend.¡±A faint grin ghosted over Lukas¡¯ lips¡ªweak, but there. Luchs chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know why you care so much about that furball, but don¡¯t worry¡ªwe¡¯ll secure it.¡± His tone was casual, but there was a firm edge to his words. ¡°My men are on it. You have my word.¡± Lukas¡¯ tense features eased for just a moment before his exhaustion pulled him back into unconsciousness. Mary arched a brow at Luchs, arms crossed. ¡°Why are you so interested in protecting Snow? A businessman like you doesn¡¯t do favors without expecting something in return.¡± Luchs offered a nonchalant shrug, his usual smirk in place. ¡°He¡¯s my friend, is what I want to say, but I doubt you¡¯d believe that.¡± His fingers tightened around the metal rail of Lukas¡¯ bed, his expression shifting ever so slightly. ¡°But¡­ he¡¯s trying to find something I want, so I need him alive.¡± Mary narrowed her eyes. ¡°And what¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Luchs didn¡¯t answer. His gaze wasn¡¯t on Lukas, not really¡ªhe was staring past him, lost in thought. Before Mary could press further, the lead doctor spoke, irritation lacing his voice. ¡°For gods¡¯ sake, do we know what¡¯s wrong with him yet?¡± One of the assisting doctors, a woman standing at Lukas¡¯ bedside, extended her hand, her palm glowing with the faint shimmer of appraisal magic. A second later, the energy backfired¡ªviolently. A crackling pulse shot through the air, sending her stumbling backward. She hit the floor with a sharp gasp, clutching her wrist. Yumiko¡¯s breath hitched. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± she demanded. ¡°Why did it do that?¡± The fallen doctor pushed herself up, shaking her head in disbelief. ¡°I¡ªI can¡¯t tell. It won¡¯t let me see his condition¡­¡± The lead doctor¡¯s brow furrowed, sweat forming at his temple. Yumiko clenched her fists. ¡°Then use healing potions! I can get some¡ªwhatever you need!¡± The doctor sighed heavily. ¡°We can¡¯t just pour medicine into him blindly¡ªnot when his body is outright rejecting magic.¡± He rubbed his temple, deep in thought. ¡°We need to call someone from the guild¡­¡± Mary bristled, frustration bleeding into her voice. ¡°You barely even tried to help him!¡± The doctor snapped, his patience wearing thin. ¡°Don¡¯t you get it? If our magic is being repelled, we¡¯re useless. If we can¡¯t even diagnose what¡¯s happening, how the hell do you expect me to treat him?¡± A heavy silence fell over the room. Yumiko¡¯s heart pounded in her chest as she looked back at Lukas¡ªunconscious, and looking rather pale. There had to be something they could do. Yumiko stood at Lukas¡¯ bedside, her fists clenched so tightly that her nails bit into her palms. His face was unnervingly still, his chest rising and falling in shallow, uneven breaths. He looked trapped in some deep, unreachable place. ¡°Lukas!¡± she called, her voice strained with desperation. ¡°Lukas, wake up!¡± No response.She swallowed hard, willing him to stir, to give any sign that he could hear her. ¡°Please¡­ wake up.¡± The lead doctor let out an irritated sigh. ¡°He can¡¯t hear you right now. And you two are already getting in the damned way.¡± He turned to one of his assistants. ¡°Go! Get someone from the head medical staff at the guild!¡± The assistant hesitated only for a moment before rushing from the room. Mary scoffed, folding her arms. ¡°We could¡¯ve done that! It¡¯s like you¡¯re hardly even trying!¡± The doctor¡¯s patience snapped. ¡°You know nothing about the medicinal arts! All you¡¯re adding is fanfare! You¡¯re lucky we¡¯re going this far! Anyone under a level ten or eleven is considered useless and tossed aside, yet here we are, trying our best to save him!¡± Mary¡¯s fists balled at her sides. ¡°You bastard¡ª¡± Before she could take a step forward, Luchs extended an arm, stopping her in her tracks. His expression remained unreadable as he turned his gaze to the doctor. ¡°You¡¯re as useless as the rest of us.¡± His voice was calm, almost casual, but there was a dangerous edge beneath the words. ¡°I¡¯ve seen you cast two spells and do a hell of a lot of yelling, but with no results. Maybe you should leave the room too¡ªsee if you can find someone to put a bandage on, or will you not be able to do that either?¡± The doctor stiffened, his face darkening. ¡°What did you just say? I¡¯m trying to save this man¡¯s life¡ª¡± Then he saw Luchs¡¯ expression shift. A silent, unspoken threat passed between them. The doctor¡¯s mouth opened as if to argue, but then his resolve crumbled. He swallowed hard, glancing at the exit. ¡°Y-yes, Mr. Wilfried,¡± he said hastily, stepping back. With a quick motion, he gestured for his remaining colleague to follow. Both doctors hurried from the room, leaving the trio alone with Lukas. Mary exhaled sharply, running a hand through her red hair. She turned back to Lukas, watching as his face contorted slightly in his sleep, his body twitching in discomfort. ¡°There has to be something we can do,¡± she muttered, shaking her head. ¡°A doctor from the capital will take days to get here¡­ and I don¡¯t trust these idiots to handle it.¡± A voice rang out from the doorway. ¡°How about I have a look?¡± The three of them turned in unison. A man stood at the entrance, adjusting the golden, circular-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. His brown hair was a disheveled mess, stubble lining his face, and his worn brown suit bore the faint traces of travel and dust. Despite his ragged appearance, he carried himself with an almost unsettling calm, a briefcase hanging loosely from his hand. ¡°Hello.¡± He said with an awkward smile.