As Rynax walked along the path his companions had taken, a sudden gust of wind engulfed him, forcing him to close his eyes against the onslaught. He remained cautious, his instincts honed from countless battles, alert to any sounds around him. The wind howled, carrying with it a cacophony of distant voices, a crowd murmuring in dread. When he finally opened his eyes, he found himself back in the coliseum, the familiar sights and sounds flooding his senses.
"The first game is done," announced by the woman in a striking red dress – red as the coldest fire, her voice echoing across the arena.
Rynax felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him, a heaviness settling in his limbs. As he struggled to stay upright, darkness began to creep into the edges of his vision. "No, not now," he thought, fighting against the encroaching sleep. But it was futile; he felt himself slipping away. Just before everything went black, he caught a glimpse of his companions rushing toward him, relief flooding his heart. Ah! Thank goodness they're alive, was his last thought before unconsciousness claimed him.
Thalor Sylvannis was the first to reach Rynax, his confident demeanor momentarily replaced by concern. He caught the fallen warrior, cradling him gently. "Rynax! Wake up, Mellon!" he called, his voice a mix of urgency and worry. As he examined Rynax's shoulder, he noticed a silver liquid gushing from the wound. "What's this?" he questioned, his brow furrowing in confusion.
"It's Skriznak Zilvra," chimed in the little girl who is smiling wickedly at the Beings before the first game. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and concern. "At least that's what I heard from the goblin I fought," she continued, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation.
Thalor looked at her, surprised. "You fought that freakishly strong goblin? And you're just a kid!" He shook his head, a grin breaking through his worry. "You're tougher than you look!"
"It's translated to Argent Venom," Garrick Stonefist interjected, his gruff voice cutting through the tension. He stepped closer, his arms crossed over his broad chest. "It's the language used by the goblins in my world. I've heard tales of it."
"Argent Venom?" Thalor echoed, his expression shifting to one of concern. "What's that?"
Garrick's face grew serious. "Argent Venom is a legendary poison known for its shimmering silver color and unparalleled potency. It's said to be crafted from the distilled essence of rare, magical creatures and infused with alchemical secrets lost to time. The venom spreads rapidly through the victim's body, targeting both physical and magical systems. Its effects are swift and devastating."
Nerissa Tidecaller, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos around them. "I can try healing him," she said softly, her voice soothing. "But I'll need everyone to step back."
The species surrounding them watched intently, their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation. Among them was a werewolf with injured eyes, and a group still in shock from the events that had unfolded. One Being smiled maniacally, a glint of madness in its eyes, as if it thrived on the chaos.
"Luminara Aquaris!" Nerissa raised her hands, summoning a radiant sphere of water infused with shimmering light. As she chanted an ancient incantation, the sphere enveloped Rynax, its luminescent glow penetrating deep into his being. "Sereia Vira, Veneno Dissipare!" she continued, her voice steady and resolute.
A sphere manifested around Rynax, encasing him in a cocoon of light. As Nerissa continued the healing process, the silver liquid began to seep out from Rynax's body, glistening like liquid mercury as it pooled on the ground.
"Oh ho!" the little girl exclaimed, her eyes wide with amazement. "It's almost a mythical-grade healing spell! This little girl is amazing!" She pointed at Nerissa, her admiration evident.
Little girl? You're the little one here, Thalor thought, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for the young girl's bravery.
"Keep it up, Nerissa!" Thalor encouraged, his voice filled with determination. "We need him back on his feet!"
Garrick nodded, his expression serious. "Aye, we can't lose Rynax now. He's one of us." He glanced at the werewolf, who was still watching with a mix of concern and curiosity. "You got any tricks up your sleeve to help out?"
The werewolf shook his head, his eyes narrowing. "I'm not a healer, but I can keep watch. If anything tries to interrupt, I'll be ready."
Nerissa focused intently, her brow furrowing in concentration. "Just a little longer," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. The sphere around Rynax pulsed with light, and the silver liquid continued to flow out, dissipating into the air like mist.
"Come on, Rynax," Thalor urged, leaning closer.
As if responding to Thalor's words, Rynax's eyelids fluttered, a faint groan escaping his lips. The glow of the sphere intensified, and the silver liquid began to slow, its flow diminishing as Nerissa's magic took hold.
"Look! He's waking up!" the little girl exclaimed, bouncing on her toes with excitement.
"Rynax, can you hear me?" Garrick called, his voice filled with hope. "You're going to be alright, lad. Just hang in there!"
Rynax's eyes slowly opened, the world coming into focus. He blinked against the brightness of the sphere surrounding him, confusion etched on his face. "What… happened?" he croaked, his voice hoarse.
"You took a nasty hit, but Nerissa is working her magic," Thalor explained, relief flooding his features. "You're going to be fine!"
"What's that?" Rynax murmured, his gaze drifting to the silver liquid that had pooled on the ground.
"It's a venom, alright," Garrick said, his tone serious. "But you're tougher than that. You'll pull through."
Nerissa smiled gently, her hands still raised as the sphere began to fade. "You're safe now, Rynax. Just rest."
As the last remnants of the sphere dissipated, Rynax felt a warmth spread through him, the pain in his shoulder easing. "Thank you," he said, his voice stronger now.
Rynax managed a weak smile, grateful for his companions.
The little girl giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're all so funny! I like you guys!"
"PESTS CLINGING TOGETHER LIKE THEY SHOULD BE!" The woman in the red dress vanished, leaving behind an unsettling silence. In her place appeared a little boy? The remaining participants exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of what to make of this new arrival. The boy floated effortlessly in the air, wearing a thin white coat that seemed almost translucent, as if he were a specter rather than a living being. His jet-black eyes surveyed the crowd, piercing through the facade of their souls.
"WHAT A TOUCHING SCENE YOU SHOWED. I AM TRULY FASCINATED," he said, his voice devoid of emotion, as if he were merely observing a curious phenomenon rather than addressing a group of terrified beings. "CONGRATULATIONS, THERE ARE 137 REMAINING OF YOU, THOUGH WE EXPECTED MUCH MORE." He floated above them, relaxed, as if lying on an invisible bed.
137? That means the goblins killed 63 of us, and it's just the first game, someone among the remaining participants thought, dread settling in their stomach.
"NOW PLEASE VIEW THE WHITE SCREEN ABOVE," the little boy instructed, his tone flat and commanding.
As the participants looked up, a white screen materialized in the air, displaying images of planets—63 in total. The atmosphere grew heavy with tension as they watched in silence. One by one, the planets exploded into dust, their once vibrant forms reduced to nothingness. Gasps of horror echoed through the crowd as they witnessed the destruction of worlds, the planet of Lyra vanishing into thin air. Some participants felt a surge of gratitude for their survival, while others simmered with anger and despair.
"AS WE PROMISED, YOU DIE, YOUR PLANET DIES AS WELL," the boy explained, his voice monotone and devoid of empathy. "NOW FOR THE WINNERS OF THE FIRST GAME, I MEAN THE THREE PEOPLE WHO KILLED THE SKRIZNAK VRAZ, OR THE SHADOWBLADE CHIEFTAINS." The name sent a ripple of fear through the crowd, the goblins known for their deadly prowess in assassination.
"SERAPHINA NOCTURNE, RYNAX VOSS, AND ZEPHYRION AETHERIS," the little boy called out, his gaze unwavering. "YOU WILL BE GRANTED ITEMS."
As he spoke, items began to materialize before the three champions. In front of Seraphina, an amulet appeared, shimmering with an ethereal light. "THE ASSASSIN'S AMULET," the boy announced. "THIS AMULET ENHANCES YOUR AGILITY AND REFLEXES, MAKING YOU QUICKER AND MORE ADEPT IN COMBAT. IT ALSO PROVIDES SLIGHT RESISTANCE TO DETECTION BY MAGICAL MEANS."
Seraphina reached out, her fingers brushing against the amulet. "Perfect for a girl like me," she said with a flirtatious smile, her confidence radiating. "I'll be even harder to catch now."
Next, Rynax received the Shadowblade Dagger, a unique weapon crafted from rare, enchanted materials. The dagger pulsed with a dark energy, imbued with the essence of shadows. "THIS DAGGER ALLOWS YOU TO MOVE SILENTLY AND STRIKE WITH INCREASED PRECISION AND LETHALITY," the boy explained, his voice as emotionless as ever.
Rynax took the dagger, feeling its weight in his hand. "What just I need," he murmured, his mind racing with thoughts of the battles to come.
Finally, Zephyrion Aetheris was presented with the Cloak of Invisibility, a magical garment that shimmered like the night sky. "THIS CLOAK GRANTS YOU TEMPORARY INVISIBILITY, PERFECT FOR STEALTH MISSIONS OR ESCAPING DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. IT IS SAID TO BE WOVEN FROM THE VERY SHADOWS THEMSELVES."
Zephyrion just nodded for gratefulness.
While the rest of the participants looked on in awe, some couldn't hide their envy. A group of warriors from a distant planet exchanged glances, their expressions darkening. "Why do they get rewards while we're left empty-handed?" one of them muttered, frustration evident in his voice.
"Maybe they're just better than us," another replied, crossing his arms defiantly. "We should have fought harder."
"SOLARA DID NOT MENTION IT, BUT IF YOU ARE DEEMED BY US, BEINGS, A PARTICIPANT WHO CONTRIBUTED THE MOST, YOU WILL BE REWARDED," the boy continued, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "BUT TO THOSE WHO DID NOT RECEIVE ANY, DO NOT BE ENVIOUS. JUST BE GRATEFUL WE DID NOT DESTROY YOUR PLANET."
The words hung in the air, a chilling reminder of the stakes they faced.
"YOU HAVE YOUR REWARDS, AND YOU HAVE YOUR LIVES. FOCUS ON THE NEXT GAME. IT WILL BE MORE CHALLENGING THAN THE LAST." He floated higher, his presence looming over them.
As he spoke, the atmosphere shifted, a palpable tension settling over the remaining participants. They exchanged glances, a mix of determination and fear in their eyes. Rynax tightened his grip on the Shadowblade Dagger.