The day of the tournament arrived. The gladiator arena was open, and people came from far and wide to spectate. Unlike the tournament in the Capitol, which was good-natured sparring set up in the town square, the colosseum was a massive brick building that surrounded a large field that had been drenched in the blood of the innocent.

Every month, a match was held. Gladiators would travel far and wide to compete to the death. Some were men, much like Dungeon Divers, who put their lives and well-being on the line to make money. Why would people do that? Well, one must consider that this was a world where Resurrection was a spell. To a gladiator, death was merely an inconvenience. This meant that the sport was even bloodier since the consequences were negligible.

It wasn’t uncommon for opponents to torture each other on stage for the amusement of the crowd. Fights against animals and monsters, rape, and brutality were merely common on this stage. The battle was so unsightly, that the Capitol city of Aberis had refused to house their own colosseum. Lord Reign had only managed to get one built upon a special edict with the head of the Cloud Meadow Empire. Unlike Aberis, colosseums were very popular there, and in Cloud Meadow City, the Colosseum was even said to meet weekly.

This particular arena was neither large nor small. People came from afar to enjoy this blood sport. Those that liked it the most were those that were considered criminals by most. As a result, the city forwent checking people’s status during the event. Crime and danger for the public skyrocketed during the week of the colosseum matches, but so did the income to the city, so few people complained.

Dark Priests, Bandits, Warlocks, and other undesirables came out of the woodwork during this time, ready to excitedly watch the bloodletting under Lord Reign. It probably should also come as no surprise that the city had no official branch of the church, as they would assuredly have protested this practice.

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So, for a certain man wearing a certain amulet, entering the city was rather easy. He mixed in with the crowds smoothly, moving with a purpose. The dark expression on his face seemed to match that of the others who usually chose to live in the countryside as they entered the city, so his passage was noticed by remarkably few.

Crowds and crowds of people paid their entry fee and entered the seating of the colosseum. Soon, the seats were filled, and then the instantly recognizable Lord Reign came out from his box podium. Some cheered for him, although no one dared to boo him. His soldiers and knights were at every entrance and exit, and everyone looked to be powerful enough to cut a man down. It was anyone’s guess how he had obtained so many knight tokens as to have so many elites working under him.

“Ladies! Gentlemen! I am Lord Reign! Introducing the 87th consecutive gladiatorial meet!”

This led to quite a bit more cheers, even from those of a less reputable nature. At this point, he introduced the announcer, who was a magician who had magic that could amplify his voice. He had a nice voice too. He’d be one of those guys who could do a movie trailer, so it was clear why he was selected for this job.

“Thank you all for coming. Since the night is young, and we are just getting started, let’s start today’s match with something to get your blood boiling. Every tournament must start with a virgin sacrifice, don’t you think?” His words elicited several cheers before he continued. “For our first match, it’s slave girl versus gladiator! If the gladiator is successfully able to woo her with his advances… then she’ll be brought to his cell and he can enjoy her for the rest of the night! Can this wench maintain her chastity? Let’s find out!”

Upon finishing, people started to let out louder cheers and catcalls of excitement. At that moment, the gates opened. An imposing, muscular man stepped out from one side. As for the other side, a girl was tossed out through the gate. She was wearing a simple slave outfit which was torn in several spots. Her body sported several bruises, and it was clear she was recently beaten. She also had a collar around her neck.

She was also instantly recognizable. The slave girl standing there shivering was none other than Raissa!