As clarity returned, I remembered I was in the very heart of the coliseum. Slowly, I got to my feet, brushing the sand off me. Taking deep, calming breaths, I expelled my anxiety with each exhale. This wasn't my first time facing insurmountable odds, and it wouldn't be the last.
Surveying my surroundings, I saw towering stone pillars reaching skyward. Directly across from me, an opulent box was occupied by nobles, their luxurious attire sparkling under the sunlight. Among them, one figure radiated an unmistakable authority – the Firedrake Patriarch.
My hand instinctively found the handle of the Inferno’s Fang Battle Axe, its familiar weight a source of comfort. Its surface was warm to the touch, the intricate designs catching and reflecting the sunlight. This weapon was my tether, my means of survival.
I felt the blade's sharp edge, its cold steel reassuring under my fingertips. A surge of confidence welled up within me. I wasn't just some hapless victim thrown into this arena for the crowd's entertainment. I was a seasoned warrior, no longer a stranger to the face of death.
Locking eyes with the Firedrake Patriarch, a silent agreement passed between us. This was more than just a fight; it was a test of my strength and resolve. I was prepared to face whatever challenges he deemed worthy for this arena.
With a determined gaze, I raised my axe high. The audience's roar reached an earth-shaking climax, the sheer anticipation echoing throughout the Colosseum. I was ready. The trials could commence.
My heart pounded fiercely, the adrenaline surging through me was exhilarating, and I knew the challenge was far from over. A majestic voice boomed throughout the coliseum, "Release the Gnomish Gladiators!" A wave of excitement swept through the crowd.
From the entrance, a flurry of small figures, only coming up to my waist, made their way into the arena. Their mismatched armor was a sight; some had pot lids as shields while others wore helmets far too large for their tiny heads. They brandished a range of weapons from petite swords to little spears. Despite their size, it was clear these warriors were not to be underestimated.
I adjusted my Elemental Compass to the South, calling upon the Tornado's Swiftness. Instantly, my movements became a whirlwind, keeping pace with the nimble Gnomish Gladiators.
The battle that ensued was nothing short of chaotic. The gnomes moved with an uncanny unity, attacking in rapid succession, their weapons darting in and out. Each attack was a test of my heightened reflexes. With every swing of my axe, gnomes were repelled, but they just kept coming, unyielding in their onslaught. Their determination was commendable; I couldn't help but admire these tenacious little fighters.
Then, as if things weren't challenging enough, a fresh wave of gnomes surged forward. Their movements were faster, their strikes more precise. I was pushed to my very limits, every muscle straining as I countered their relentless advances.
The battle seemed to stretch on endlessly. The ground became littered with the tiny, armored forms of fallen gnomes. Their laughter and battle cries continued to echo, creating a haunting backdrop to the fierce combat. My breath grew shallow, my energy dwindling, but I pressed on. I was determined to prove my worth in this ruthless Colosseum.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Finally, the last gnome met its fate. A profound silence filled the arena. With a smirk, I faced the Firedrake Patriarch, calling out, "Hats off to your boys here, they fought like giants." The Patriarch's face darkened, clearly unimpressed, but the audience erupted in applause, their cheers electrifying the atmosphere. Yet, I knew my respite would be brief; another challenge awaited. I had surprised myself with the comment. I don’t know why I said that, I was feeling more comfortable, more confident, it must be manifesting in this…..bravado.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
The roar of the crowd intensified as my next opponent was announced. “Please welcome the Jester Juggernaut”, the same voice boomed again. Before me stood a massive figure, donned in a ridiculous, vivid costume, complete with a jingling cap. The arena was filled with laughter as this seemingly harmless entertainer started juggling flaming balls.
But I watched him closely, every fiber of my being alert. After my encounter with the gnomes, I wasn't about to be fooled by mere appearances. My hand clenched tighter around Inferno's Fang, my body primed for the unpredictable antics of the Juggernaut.
What had begun as a comedic display quickly turned dangerous when a fireball was sent hurtling in my direction. Each flaming projectile came with deadly intent, and I found myself relying on every ounce of my agility to dodge left and right, avoiding the fiery onslaught. The laughter of the spectators had vanished, replaced by collective gasps as they witnessed our intense duel.
Every dodged fireball drained my stamina, the heat from the near-misses searing my skin. But I retaliated, I mentally willed my elemental compass to point to the east, harnessing the electric energy of Lightning Strike to deflect what I could. My Obsidian Dagger became a blur, redirecting the flaming balls, while Inferno's Fang left smoky trails on the Juggernaut with each successful strike.
Time seemed to stretch on endlessly, and with every passing moment, fatigue crept over me. My moves grew heavier, breathing harder. Realizing I needed a change of tactics, I quickly adjusted the compass to the West, feeling the rejuvenating power of Rainfall Regeneration seep through me.
Spotting a discarded flaming ball on the ground near me, I made a split-second decision. I lunged for it, feeling the scorching heat burn my fingers as I grasped it. The entire coliseum seemed to hold its breath as, with all the strength I could muster, I hurled the fireball directly at the Jester Juggernaut.
The result was explosive. The Juggernaut was consumed in a blaze, staggering momentarily before collapsing in a smoky heap. The crowd, still in shock, could only watch in silent awe.
I stood there, gasping for breath, every inch of me in pain and scorched, yet my spirit soared in triumph. Glancing down at the defeated Juggernaut, a weary smile crossed my lips, appreciating the irony of it all. I couldn't resist, and in my best stoic Austrian accent, I quipped, “you’re fired.”
My body was a testament to the battle I had endured – covered in sweat and dirt, muscles vibrating from exertion. Nevertheless, I stood proud, my victory echoed by the thunderous applause around. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the Firedrake Patriarch rising from his seat. His intense gaze met mine, a look of grudging respect evident in his fiery eyes.
"Well fought, Everett," his commanding voice rang out, reverberating against the cold, hard stone of the coliseum, prompting a hush from the audience. "You've proven yourself more than worthy. I invite you to a private audience."
Still recovering from the relentless challenges of the arena, I gave him a brief nod of acknowledgment. After a short walk through a corridor, I found myself face to face with the towering Patriarch in a vast chamber, dominated by his presence – a magnificent creature with glistening scarlet scales and burning eyes.
"To the victor go the spoils," the Patriarch declared, his massive, clawed hand unveiling a radiant scale. The scale gleamed with hues of gold and crimson, its glow reflecting the ambient firelight. "This is a scale of the Firedrake, a symbol of honor and a prized asset within our domain."