Making my way towards the blood district, we manage to arrive somehow. I knew this tournament was a big deal, but it's like going to Vatican City on Easter day! Working my way through the crowds, I could feel a sudden weight on my right arm.

I take a look and see a familiar little imp suddenly sitting on top of it.

“Hello, there, great sir! It's nice to see you again!” The imp I recognize as Randyl yells at me as there is way too much noise around us.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, not really sure why the weak imp would even set foot in the blood district.

“Are you concerned about me, great sir? Don't worry, nobody likes to kill just before the tournament. Everybody wants to murder each other on the big stage after all.” He says in a tone that shows his certitude and confidence.

“Well, I guess so. Would you happen to know where Ergilazz and the others are?” I ask, not really excited about the prospect of looking for 6 hours.

“They are already seated in the arena, “Rampage Of The Orc Lord.”” he answers, pointing to my northeast.

“What a strange name.” I say while making my way towards the arena. Looking back, I notice that I've lost Cornelius, but I'm not really that worried. He has a talent for showing up when he likes, so he should be fine.

“It was the arena where Ulthris Kaahen won the tournament. It was quite the sight, his strength is so great that when he hit one of his opponents he would kill 5 in the collision.” Randyl says to me in that tone of your parents reading you a bedside story.

'That's the one Ergilazz wanted dead.' I think to myself, wondering about what's going to happen after this tournament.

'No, it's not the time to think about that. First, defeat what's in front of you.' I say to myself mentally regaining my focus on what's important.

We finally arrive at the entrance and I can see Tharnomath waiting for me.

“It took you quite some time.” He says in an annoyed tone that makes everyone around us give us some space.

“Well, perhaps someone should have told me where I could find you guys.” I answer a bit cocky, knowing he won't fight me just before the tournament.

Tharnomath clicks his tongue before leading the way towards the other. Randyl sees that I found the others and decides to jump off my shoulder and gives me a wave before running off.

'It seems Leilaya couldn't come, the church would probably try to kill her.' I think to myself as I remember Leilaya's predicament.

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Following Tharnomath's lead, we quickly arrive where the others are seated: Ergillazz, Idrilth, Ashmodai, and Eli sit together as if they're waiting for a movie from the cinema to start.

“You three finally made it.” Ergilazz says in a playful tone as he continues to eat some sort of grapes.

Tharnomath and I decide to turn around as we see Cornelius stand behind us. A cheap smile on his face before giving a polite bow.

'I knew it.' I say to myself as he shows once more that he just appears whenever he wants.

“So, what do I have to do?” I ask, wondering how the tournament works with this many opponents. Before any of them could answer, a loud voice could be heard.

“Dear faithfully followers of our goddess Luciel! We welcome you to the event where you can prove your strength and will towards our goddess!”

A loud cheer follows the announcement as people are getting excited to see blood spill.

“Seeing how many devoted souls there are, it appears that a culling will have to be held!” The voice announces in an excited tone.

'He's talking like a commentator of a wrestling match.' I think to myself as I look for the source of the voice.

“Seeing how the arenas can't handle the number of participants, we will also use the streets of the blood district as your glorious battlefield. For all non-participants, stay seated in the tribunes or leave the blood district until the next day. The preselection will begin in an hour!” The voice announces, getting an even louder scream from all the spectators.

“Well, you have your answer.” Ergillaz says to me in an amused tone.

“May I join you all?” A woman asks in a seductive tone.

Tharnomath's expression darkens as Ergillaz's smile disappears and his body stiffens.

“If you're not going to cause any trouble.” Ergilazz answers as he's trying to recompose himself.

I turn around to look at the unexpected guest. A woman with long black hair and blood-red eyes walks over towards us. She's wearing a red shirt and tight black leather pants that show off her voluptuous features.

The woman walks and sits herself down next to Ergillaz leaning on his chest as she makes eye contact with me.

“My name is Sorzana Soquil, I've heard many whispers about you shade demon. I beg of you to give us a good show. I really want to see something exciting.” she says whilst licking her lips.

Feeling rather uncomfortable, I simply decide to take my leave. as I prepare for the preselection.

***

An hour passes as I find myself in some street in the blood district.

'I should try to hide my abilities.' I think to myself, planning my strategy.

“Dear fellow believers, let the preselection begin!” The announcer's voice yells as a burst of cheers could be heard from the arena. A dome made of red transparent light forms itself around the blood district as many eyes sharing the same color appear in the sky.

'That's a dome and I guess those eyes are used for surveillance' I say to myself, rather impressed by the security measures

The sound of screams and weapons clashing engulfs the entire area. It's like standing on a battlefield. The street where I stand seems to be one of the smaller ones, as I only see a few creatures fight each other.

I feel a sudden presence approach me from behind and quickly summon my Blood bound dark spear in response. I turn around to face my opponent and see a demonic satyr storm to attack me with this iron sword he carries. A laugh escapes me as I decapitate the weakling in one fell swoop.

The satyr's body crumples before me as I lick the filthy blood off my spear.

“You know what? This is quite exciting.” I say out loud as I look towards the other insignificant weaklings that stand before me.