> All is, all will be, born of those ends.

----------------------------------------

The masses watched on, filled with anxiety in their chest.

With great strain Adashu attempted to lift himself. This, despite his serious injuries, was a notable moment for all watching.

Bo, his opponent, still lay face first on the ground, motionless in any way.

All the while, Adashu tried for the push, but his weakened state proved a great limiter. Khh! I can't…I can't get up. I can't find the strength to do so. But I must!

For the sake of this. All of this... He carried on, taking note of his opponent and the audience. But regardless, his efforts seemed vain for a long moment.

Suddenly, as if a divine call, a singular clap could be heard, echoing without explanation in both Field and Coliseum, catching the unsuspecting Adashu's attention.

It continued constantly, echoing with a rise in frequency for all to hear.

Adashu looked up, to seek out its source if nothing more. And when he finally found it, his eyes widened in astonishment.

It was a child. A female humanoid child possessing somewhat spiky, droopy hair, strange clothing that resembled armor with thin layers, a combination of a top piece and a skirt, black irises surrounded by a rounded shape, and an simian tail, applauding as a form of cheer, and as a form of encouragement. She looked with severity, hoping her gesture reached the struggling combatant.

Others around her watched in confusion, in question of the precise intent and aim of such action.

However, another near her began applause as well, and so did another, and then another, and another, and so on.

This until the majority of those who observed, all in unison clapped. Participant and spectator alike, all applauding the efforts of the fighting individuals.

Adashu could only look, at first perplexed by both the situation and magnitude.

But in a strange twist, his emotions marginally got the better of him, moved by this gesture of appreciation.

Then, using that emotion, he tried to rise up once again.

《Touched by their heart…》

Still struggling as before, but this time, carrying on as much as was required of him.

《He begins to rise.》

And but surely, he got on his knees, then lifted one, then two, and attempted to stand up straight.

《Invigorated and impassioned…》

Despite his stumblings, his will would not falter, as the peoples looked on in anticipation, awaiting his moment of victory.

《Hastened by their anxious focus…》

Finally, he got up completely, standing straight without any support or the other. Despite his wounded and battered body, he stood strong and defiant.

《And in due time…》

Finally, he looked at the projection mirror, he lifted to the sky his two fists clenched in deserved glory.

《Victorious he stands.》

And in synchronous realization, the audience bellowed in a great celebratory roar. The winner could not be more clear.

The event's delegate caretakers, Tōmii and Dgiag, overlooked with satisfied dispositions. "Always a good day when mortality can support one another, regardless of all else,” said Dgiag with a smile. "Hmmm-hmmm,” chuckled the ever-entertained Tōmii.

"Thou art correct. They, irregarding o’ all variance and apathy, share more commonality than they trow. Or is't not one o' the purposes o’ this grandeur occasion?"

"Mhm. So now I acknowledge…,” stated Dgiag, beginning to walk forward from where he and Tōmii had stationed themselves.

"...The victor of this battle…IS ADASHU CHIME!!!"

The roars from the crowd grew larger and louder, continuing their seemingly never-ending appraisal. The battle was over, and the victor reveled in the joy all around him.

"You must really be enjoying yourself, reveling in victory like that,” spoke a familiar voice, one that instantly attracted Adashu to itself.

He turned towards its source, catching a glimpse of Bo, who also slowly recovered, and slowly rose back to his feet.

"Hmph. Stralean limits truly are unfathomable...” Adashu said jokingly

"Well…this won't be my worst necessary recovery. But you have earned my respect. You are a worthy combatant. And you beat me almost completely. Although, looking at both of us right now, one would be inclined to believe I won."

They shared a laugh then, as Adashu extended help to Bo.

《More and more, strong bonds are formed. All from the bliss of competitive battle.》

Suddenly, the Jmlehvu would appear again, directly beside the two as they inquired on their current states, checking vitals and other important data.

Dgiag would also come into the Field yet again, checking on both as well.

Adashu looked towards the projection mirror, saluting to the young child who began the round of applause with a nod. A gesture she reciprocated, and with a satisfactory smile on her face.

《Two hearts…》

Both were then transposed away for further treatment, as Dgiag once again turned to the entirety of those who watched, to address them yet again.

"Beings of the omniverse, this…this is what we are here for. And to see most of you acknowledge such, well, it has set my heart ablaze!"

The crowd cheered yet again, appreciative of Dgiag's words.

"But with digression, I must note an important development…"

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

They would begin murmuring amongst themselves.

"This occasion, or more precisely, the battles, will undergo a short interlude, unfortunately."

There was a collective shout of confusion, as almost everyone began clamoring about the sudden notice, asking for answers.

"Please do understand. This is for the sake of this occasion to flow properly, for its path has already been planned from even before many of your worlds came into form. All I ask is for unison."

The crowd mellowed down, denoting the acceptance of the development by the most of their lot, at the very least.

Dgiag noted these replies en masse, and sighed in slight relief.

"Very well. Rest well, all!" He said, teleporting as well as Tōmii who also disappeared.

The contestants were transposed back to their entrance. And those seated in the Coliseum were allowed to exit if they desired so.

And as usual, the participants spoke amongst themselves on the change in pace. "That was…unexpected." "A break? Really? I thought divinities didn't need 'em."

"Probably just some excuse to screw us over. I don't believe them one bit,” said one who was disgruntled.

As the participants murmured and chatted with each other as they all left that region, Probacon was in their midst, trying to find a way through that crowd.

He suddenly bumped into someone.

"Ah, sorry." "Oh? Don't bother.” The individual responded. Probacon looked up to him, as he was that much taller than he was.

Who he saw was a tall male humanoid, with near-pale white skin, spiky snow white hair, roughly almond-shaped silver-irised eyes with diamond-shaped pupils, slightly pointed ears, wearing a long and stylish black winter coat, dark gray pants and black combat boots, a black biker glove on his right hand, and a strange thin metallic band with fragments around his left wrist and lower thumb, though slightly covered by his sleeve. He held a strange sword to his side, gold, black, red and white in color.

《Noot Noot. Arct-nix, Alias: “The Polymath”. Age 200+.》

"Uh…you alright with the coat on? (It is a bit warm,” asked Probacon. The individual then tilted his frame back a bit. "Mmm, not really. Temperatures are more unruffling when you're born in the extremes, umm…what's your name?"

"Probacon. You can call me Pro though."

"Huh. Odd name, most certainly. And I…well, for now, you can call me Noot." Your name is stranger by my standards…, thought a livid Probacon. "Ah, well, nice to meet ya, Noot."

"Mutual,” responded Noot. "Though, you do seem a bit…unsteady. How are you feeling?"

"Uh, kinda 'small', considering how big the omniverse seems.” Probacon responded.

"Don't be so discouraged. For the very reason you think yourself ‘small’, show why you are just as mighty as they come. Motivate yourself." Noot said to him, placing his hand on Probacon's shoulder for extra assurance.

"Uhh…alright. Thanks, I guess?"

"No worries. Take care." The Arct-nix would then take his leave, watched by Probacon as he did, who placed a hand akimbo and uttered some words subtly. "Strange guy."

He wandered off, and in doing so he discovered many different parts of the Coliseum, finding a multitude of things. From virtual experience of the "baseline" reaches of the omniverse, granting him deep insight into all these worlds. To a dining arena, filled with delicacies from all across existence, granting him nutritional satisfaction. And a 'highlight' room, replaying all that had happened in the tournament so far.

And above a place with a light show, with absolutely spectacular visuals akin to watching the stars of the sky glisten and gleam in synchronous presentation. To which he could only just stand to behold in awe.

"Is it not beautiful? The vibramce within all?,” emerged a gentle and mature voice beside him, which he hurriedly swiveled his neck to take into view its owner.

"Fret not, young Djin. I have come simply to behold, as you have.” He said, giving Probacon a light smile with closed eyes of an almond shape, of no particular attractiveness but a mature vibe to his aura.

"...Is that so?,” said Probacon, as the two proceeded to keep observing the light works.

The Djin pondered for a moment, before asking something of this person. "What did you mean by 'vibrance within all'?"

The stranger, tall and built, with gray-tipped brown long hair in a ponytail, and stunning mahogany irides. Clad in red and black heavy armor akin to the wear of the Greek Hoplites, and seemingly wearing a red flower-embroidered yukata-like dress underneath, with the lower half visible below his armor. He looked at Probacon, and smiled yet again.

"The Meridian.” He stated, looking back at the light show, as it became more luminous and greater than before.

"Huh?"

"Meridian energy. The ultimate quintessence within everything. With no damper. ‘Omnipresent’ in a perpetual flow. That is its nature. And, of and is the greatest source of power of we the gladiatorial."

"Oh. Ok. How though?,” further questioned an intrigued Probacon, drawing himself closer to the strange individual.

"The Force and Link of the Meridian. The Force is the energy in its state of utter primacy, situated in the highest places of existence. Transcendent, and existing above much else…" Does the Grandmaster Deity have something to do with this as well?, contemplated Probacon.

"And then…the Link. That through, of all, a chosen few possess a direct connection to that Force. Bestowing supernatural of varying types, named 'Powers', or Talents. Things forespoken even long before our conceptions, as told. It is that which maketh we the 'special ones'. It is that which maketh us…the Linked."

"Oh…I get it now. I never knew this,” said Probacon, thinking over this newfound knowledge.

"You would be surprised just how little we seem to truly know,” imparted the stranger.

He then turned around, seemingly taking his leave.

"Goodbye, young Djin. Our talk was…refreshing.”

Probacon looked as he walked away, somewhat disturbed.

That guy…he seems wise and learned. But at the same time…what I sense from him…is different from others. There's an odd feel…something off-putting about it. Or maybe it's just me, thought Probacon.

And just as he concluded, Binč manifested just at his side. "Hello, Probacon!"

"Binč! Good to see you. But, why are you here?"

"Oh, it's simple really…I just wanna tell you…,” She replied, going closer to the Djin's ear.

Then, she drew in a huge breath.

"GO TO THE PARTICIPANT SEATING AREA! MATCHES ARE ABOUT TO RESUME, YOU MORON!!!" She roared into his ear with no restraint, or pity for the boy. "Aaahhh! Okay, okay, I got it!"

Afterwards, Probacon would head back to the seating, catching up with Drizzled, as the fourth match was about to begin.

"Hey! Did I miss anything?" He asked, jumping from behind his seat into it "Not really. It's 'bout to start."

Probacon looked down at the two in the a Field, one was a Kujijin, a race of humanoid beings with molluskian dermal and internal features, possessing no hair but two bulb-ended antennae, dull brown in their natural coloration, pure black irides and elven ears, dressed in traditional black and blue Kujijin wear, clothing resembling simple robes and garbs, along with black wrist warmers on each arm and a pair pointed shoes of blue hues.

《Haipuban. Kujijin Mercenary. Age 36.》

And the other combatant was a face of very recent familiarity. "Wait, that's–!"

It was the stranger who Probacon had talked to at the light show.

《Bora. Olympian Demigod. Age 1632.》

"You recognize the dude in armor? The renowned Champion of Zeus?"

"Kinda. Just a little chat a while back. He kinda explained the…Meriden to me."

"Meridian, you mean." "Yeah, that."

Dgiag enacted his standard routine. "Now, your respects…”

Bora performed an Olympian greeting, a simple light bow with his palm just beneath his face, whilst Haipuban performed standard Kujijin greeting, akin to a martial art bow.

Dgiag once again transposed back to the Coliseum, ready to begin the match.

He breathed in, held it for a brief period, and then signaled the match's start.

"BEGIN!!!"

The duelists took battle stances, anticipating the motions and capabilities of each of themselves.

And watching with interest was Probacon, who found Bora's presence still deeply unsettling…

《”What is this feeling…?” rings through his mind.》

----------------------------------------