Wait. Something caught my attention.
The Boss was mimicking my every move. But I possessed something that I was certain he lacked.
A grin spread across my face as the Boss stared at me with confusion. We crossed our claws again, and I reached into my inventory and pulled out a sickle-shaped tail, surprising both the Boss and the audience.
The announcer's voice echoed through the Arena, "The White Raven just pulled out a sickle-shaped tail out of nowhere! This is unheard of! Does he really have spatial magic?!"
The Boss countered with a needle tail, and the sickle-shaped tail broke under the strain. However, I managed to cut the Boss's skin, and drops of liquid oozed out of the wound and formed a puddle on the ground.
"He has managed to block the Boss's Mind Possession skill, indicating that he has cultivated his strength in the Survival Crossroads! Are we witnessing the emergence of a rising star?" the announcer continued to comment on my every move.
To my surprise, my copy became cloudy and transformed into a black clot of shadow for a moment. The Boss's red eyes fixed on me as he turned back to his original form and waved his claws.
We clashed again, and this time, the Boss pinned me down and pressed his fangs into my neck. I struggled to break free but could only manage to free one hand.
[Participant 137 is attacked by an enemy, the damage is 27 points.]
With my free hand, I pulled out the remnants of the sickle-shaped tail again, and with all my strength, I struck the Boss on the waist, causing him to screech in pain.
Finally, my copy collapsed and turned into a black clot, leaving behind a black crystal. The announcer couldn't contain his excitement, "Excellent! The White Raven won this fight, 1 on 1 with himself!"
[Participant 137, grab the crystal quickly, I can't believe it was left in the Arena, and even on the 1 level.]
I quickly reached for the black crystal that was lying on the ground where my opponent's body had been, carefully picking it up and placing it in my inventory.
I couldn't help but feel amazed by its beauty. It was a black crystal, about the size of my palm, but it shone with a mesmerizing light that seemed to pulsate with energy.
[Is it really that expensive?] I asked the System, still in awe of the crystal.
[Sure, but you can't absorb it like you do with Spirit Stones. The black crystal opens the Adjoining Sectors so you have a chance to find legacy of Legendary Creatures...]
"Legacy of Legendary Creatures? Sectors?" After repeating it to myself, I became aware of the significance of the information and struggled to contain my excitement.
[We are going now, what are we waiting for?] I interrupted eagerly, my mind racing with the possibilities.
[Not so fast. The Adjoining Sectors are located in anomalous zones through which portals to the outside world are connected...]
[I did not understand at all.] I admitted, feeling slightly overwhelmed.
[Suppose... The Empire is a planet that is located in a very remote place from all the galaxies, somewhere on the edge of space. In order to integrate the participants, the Mother Source uses channels or so-called portals leading to other dimensions. Direct portals can indeed be incredibly long, requiring a massive amount of energy to sustain them for the entire journey. As a result, the portals often come into contact with various unexplored dimensions and galaxies, which not only provide additional sources of energy but also contain a wide range of resources and powerful creatures.
The areas adjacent to these portals are known as anomalous zones, and within these zones are numerous Adjacent Sectors. These sectors are diverse and can range from small pockets of space-time to entire galaxies. Each sector is unique and contains its own set of resources, creatures, and potential treasures. Some sectors may even contain seemingly ordinary objects that are actually extremely valuable and sought after by participants in the Empire.
However, these sectors are not easily accessible to anyone. They are often guarded by powerful creatures and protected by advanced technology. To gain access to a sector, one must possess a black crystal, which is capable of unlocking the sector's barrier and allowing entry. These black crystals are rare and highly valued, as they are the key to accessing some of the most valuable resources and treasures in the entire Universe...]
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As the system spoke, I tried to wrap my head around the complexity of the Empire's system. It seemed like there was so much to explore and learn. But before I could get lost in my thoughts, I suddenly found myself back in my cell, feeling invigorated and ready to continue my journey.
I felt a surge of energy within me and instinctively summoned Dark Threads. However, the runes of the cell quickly deactivated the skill, reminding me that I had to wait for the Caretaker. I couldn't help but feel excited at the possibilities that lay ahead. My mind was already racing with excitement, thinking of all the adventures and treasures that lay ahead.
---
I tossed and turned in my restless sleep, unable to escape the cacophony of painful howls from neighboring cells and the loud snoring of someone nearby.
As I sat up and clasped my hands together, I struggled to piece together the events of the past few days and unravel the mystery of my own identity.
Suddenly, the sound of booming footsteps on the earthen floor and the splash of buckets filled with water disrupted my thoughts. A woman's gruff voice recited spells, and I watched as the runes on the restraining traps disappeared one by one.
As she approached my cell, bucket in hand, I couldn't help but ask the system why they were so adamant about washing the creatures.
[The caretakers prepare everything for the Arena, including water for ablution and food. They add pathogens of bloodlust to the creatures, which adds to the spectacle of the upcoming show.]
The caretaker placed a rag and bucket of muddy water in front of me before exiting the cell. I stared at the murky water, unsure of what to do next.
I examined the water, which was murky and filled with filth.
[The analysis is complete, the water has been sourced from the waste of carnivorous plants.
45% filth and 55% water.
Defilement can potentially increase rage, but it is not a viable way to cultivate strength due to its harmful effects.
The filth can be extracted to nourish a baby Nebula, which is known for its ability to absorb and convert filth into energy. This process can be highly beneficial in raising a strong and resilient Nebula companion.]
[Is it possible?] I raised my eyebrow in surprise as I examined the inventory screen and the origin of the water on another screen.
Disgusted by the evident images of decay and chaos, my face scrunched up in revulsion. Despite this, the possibility of extracting the filth to cultivate a baby Nebula was too intriguing to pass up. Lost in thought, I deliberated for too long, only to be abruptly jolted back to reality when my body shook violently.
Reacting quickly, I bent over and poured the water into my inventory, initiating the extraction process. Dark steam rose from the water, but the caretaker outside the cage paid no attention to it. It seemed as if I was the only one witnessing this extraordinary phenomenon.
Perhaps out of her ill mood, she activated the limiters without warning, sending a surge of current through my body via the shackles. I writhed in agony, my muscles contracting and spasming uncontrollably. The woman watched with a cruel smile on her face, savoring my torment.
[Extraction of filth. There is a reaction, we should wait for the final countdown. 10,9... 3, 2, 1. The report is finished, the filth is extracted.]
Struggling to my feet, I waited for the Сaretaker to fix the talisman on my body. The narrow corridor was filled with freaks like me, and I wasn't surprised by their appearance anymore. Instead, I looked around with a new perspective.
We were slaves, forced to fight for the amusement of crowd. Our lives were constantly in danger.
It was a life full of struggle, but I couldn't bring myself to discuss such a thing when I looked at the creatures around me, amicably walking towards the "dining room," wondering what they would eat this time. I wondered if they lived for frequent meals or if it was a desperate attempt to ward off the looming shadow of death.
Exhaling deeply and looking up at the ceiling, I took in the remains of rotting limbs and tried to find some encouragement. From the moment we left our cells, it was as if we were told there was nowhere to run and that we could only fight. It was a brutal reality that we had to accept if we wanted to survive.
But as I walked along with the creatures thinking about my chances of success, doubts crept into my mind. Even though I had managed to conquer the 1 Level, would I be able to keep up with the increasing difficulty of each subsequent Level? Would I be able to become strong enough to survive the grueling challenges that awaited me?
[System 605, do you have any knowledge about a monster that could win all levels, including the last 36th floor?] I asked, hoping for some guidance.
[I'm sorry, but I have no such authority. My programming only allows me to provide information that has been prescribed by the program itself.]
It dawned on me that the game was not just against other players, but also against the server. I wondered if the system was connected to those responsible for other participants.
[Do you have access to the systems responsible for other participants?] I inquired.
[No, I am not. You will learn all the subtleties of the game when the time comes. But for now, focus on finishing all the levels of the Arena and reaching the 36th floor.]
I sighed in frustration, realizing that there was still so much I didn't know about the game. Wanting to distract myself, I asked the system about the number of creatures that had died in the last battle on the 1 Level.
[Battle data is being collected. However, an error has been detected. Participant 137 does not have the necessary credentials.] The system replied.
I nodded understandingly, realizing that there were limits to what I was allowed to know.
As we approached the gates of the dining room, I could see a faint light at the end of the corridor. The field beyond was the same as before, with high ceilings and holes on the walls from where more creatures emerged. Their numbers seemed endless.
Finally, the doors closed.