After a short rest, I left my quarters and walked back toward the training area. Telovir and Samuel were sitting at a table, having a conversation. As I approached, Samuel stood and started to walk away.

"Stay, Sam. No need to leave because of me," I joked. He turned and smiled at me but kept walking. "He stays busy, doesn't he?" I asked Telovir as I sat across from him. The fightmaster gave me a half-hearted smile.

"You fought exceptionally well today, Alex. I've managed to secure an audience for you with Liana, the spatial mage," he said.

"That's great! Hopefully, she has some idea of how I can return home!" I exclaimed. I was just starting to give myself a sliver of hope when there was a massive shift in Tel's demeanor. A sullen look replaced his cheerful expression.

"Something wrong, Tel?" I prodded. The man sighed.

"Even if she can, Liana won't help you. You have to understand the truth about this place, Alex. Nobody likes to say it, but we are enslaved. The Lord and all his minions are the masters. They look at us like products, things to be bought and sold. Sure we make them money or earn them glory, but at the end of the day, our lives mean no more to them than the coin we bring in." he said grimly.

"Then we run for it! You're level 65, Tel. The guards I've seen are all level 10. You'd cut through them effortlessly." I said.

Telovir just shook his head. "Lord Bainmourth has a mage in his employ named Hector. Hector has powerful control abilities that allow him to nullify magic in various ways." Telovir lifted his shirt to show me a brand on his chest. "If I cause harm to anyone within five hundred meters of this arena, the brand will activate. It will nullify not only my Runes but also my attributes. Essentially, I would be reduced to level 1." he explained.

"Why hasn't he branded me or the others then?" I asked out of genuine curiosity.

"The spell used to generate the brand requires costly reagents, so it is reserved for those that the Lord figures can challenge his guards or mages. Continue progressing at your current rate, and I fear you'll meet Hector sooner rather than later," he warned. I ran my hand over my face and let that sink in.

"I need to get home, Tel. My parents and friends probably think I'm dead! What the fuck do you suggest we do, then? I've been rolling with the punches so far. Pretending like everything is just peachy. I've killed people! I went from a nice, quiet life as a software developer to a fucking gladiator in the blink of an eye! Then you tell me the assholes who dragged me here are untouchable? Fuck that. I don't care if I have to burn this place to ash. I am leaving, even if I have to leave a wake of corpses behind me." I was breathing heavily by the end of my tirade. The stress, rage, and fear I'd been bottling up for days finally unleashed. Telovir looked less shocked than I expected.

"Alright, Alex. You find a way... I'll do whatever I can to help," he whispered.

"I-I'm..." I trailed off, unable to form a coherent thought after the mental drain I'd just experienced.

"I know, Alex, I know." was all Telovir said. I sat back down and put my head in my hands.

Cass and Leo joined us at the table shortly after my rant. I was so deep in thought I hadn't even seen them approach.

"Why are you two sulking? Did you forget we just kicked some serious ass?" Cass teased. I laughed and pushed away the sullen thoughts I was having. At this point, I was an expert at it. Putting the mask on. Burying my true feelings behind a wall and going about your day just like a normal person.

"Hey, mind if I test out your sword?" I asked her. She plucked it off her back and handed it to me.

"Have at it, kid," she replied with a grin. Our interaction earlier had changed her demeanor, as if her wall had been lowered just a fraction.

I mentally equipped my new gloves and proceeded to the wooden training dummies. Holding the massive sword in my left hand and the kite shield in my right, I began slowly swinging it.

"That's a two-handed blade, Alex; you can't wield it like that." she scolded.

With a grunt, I swung the giant sword at the dummy as if it were my short sword. I activated Frenzied Strikes and unleashed a flurry of blows at the wooden target. Each strike hastened my attacks, and by the time I reached max stacks, the giant sword was a blur, bombarding the dummy. It felt good to have a physical outlet. I had to intentionally stop myself from letting the mask slip and just go berserk on the wooden funny. Finally, the buff expired, and I looked back at my team with a massive smile. Cass was staring at me, gaping, while Leo looked at me with a perplexed expression. Telovir seemed concerned. Could he see through my act?

"How?" Cass managed, her face still looking shocked. I removed the gloves and tossed them to her.

"Those let you wield two-handed weapons with one hand," I explained.

She held the gloves almost reverently as if they were some holy relic. She went to hand them back, but I shook my head.

"Keep them, and I think they'll serve you better anyway." Her jaw dropped.

"I-I can't. You were the one who killed that Ogre. You deserve the reward." she said softly.

"Yeah, after you lopped off its leg and saved my ass. I'm serious, and they'll suit you better anyway. Think of the damage you could do with two of these bad boys." I replied with a gesture toward the sword. She seemed to be considering it, then rushed over and clasped me in a bear hug. She lifted me off the damn ground, and I dropped her blade.

"Cass, you're gonna crush me." I laughed. She put me down and had the biggest smile I'd ever seen on her face. She thanked me profusely and then let out a whoop.

"Tel, think you can get me another of these swords or something similar?" she asked the fightmaster as she equipped the Ogre's Grip Gauntlets.

"I can do better than that. The crowd loved you guys so much that the Liana gave Samuel quite a bit of coin to procure better equipment for you. I gave him specific instructions on what to buy and where to find it. He should be back in a bit."

"What does Samuel actually do?" I asked.

"He is one of Lord Bainmourth's arena attendants. He helps look after the fighters, providing them with food and equipment. As you know, he also treats wounds and other ailments, among other duties." Tel answered.

"He's allowed to leave the grounds?" I queried.

Telovir nodded. "He works for the Lord willingly, but that doesn't make him an enemy. I've known Sam a long time, and he genuinely wants to help people." Tel said then walked across the courtyard.

I looked over at Leo and Cass. "Hey guys, if you don't mind me asking, how did you end up here?" I asked.

Leo seemed to consider answering for a second before saying, "I was orphaned a few years ago. Orcs raided our farm while I was in town buying supplies. I lived on the streets for a while, but it was rough. I had heard if you went to the arenas, they would give you food and shelter, so I did. I never expected I'd be a fighter," he answered, hesitant to delve deeper. I looked over at Cass.

"My parents sold me to the Lord to cover a gods-damn gambling debt. The rest is history. I decided long ago to make the best of it." she said with a shrug. What kind of place was this? Parents selling their children into slavery, orphans having nowhere to go besides a gladiator arena? I felt fury welling up inside me again.

"That's awful, guys. I'm so sorry. I know I'm not one to talk, but repressing your feelings isn't the healthiest coping method. I know I said it before, but If you ever need to talk, I'm here." I commented. They waved me off, and Leo changed the subject. I didn't want to push them too hard, so I let it go.

"What kind of gear do you think we'll get when Sam returns?" he asked.

"Just wait and see, but I guarantee you'll all be happy," Tel told us as he returned.

We all chatted for a short while, reminiscing about our battle. As we talked, Sam returned with a cartful of items and laid them on a long table. We all watched in anticipation, and I couldn't wait to examine them. Once he finished setting up all the equipment, he smiled at us and began walking away.

"Thanks, Sam!" I shouted after him.

"Let's have Alex inspect it all. His examination ability gives way more information about the items." Leo said.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

My excitement grew as I approached the gear on the table. My eyes gravitated toward an absolutely gorgeous kite shield. It was polished bronze with intricate silver scrollwork around the edges and center. I lifted it and examined it:

Gladiator's Aegis

Uncommon Shield

225 Armor

+15 Strength

+8 Vigor

Equip: Every blocked attack stores a charge of 'Impulse'. Upon reaching five stacks, your next shield-based attack releases a wave of concussive force, disorienting enemies in a 3-yard radius.

  I couldn't help but grin as I picked up the next item. The short sword was reminiscent of a Roman gladius. The blade was dark gray steel and double-edged. The handle was some gorgeous wood with horizontal grooves down the length for grip, and the pommel was a short spike made of the same dark steel as the blade. Finally, I focused on the brilliant sword:

Smokesteel Gladius

Common Weapon - One-handed Sword

130 Attack

+8 Strength

+5 Dexterity

  That would certainly be a welcome addition to my arsenal. I moved on to the next item, a large two-handed sword. It was a single-edged weapon with a long, slightly curved blade. The silver blade had red runes inscribed along the lower half that glowed faintly. The handle lacked a guard and was made of stacked leather. The pommel depicted a snarling wolf. I placed my hand on it and examined the weapon:

Alpha Wolf Greatsword

Uncommon Weapon - Two-handed Sword

275 Attack

+15 Strength

+15 Dexterity

Equip: Grant's the ability 'Alpha's Call.'

Alpha's Call - Let out a roar, increasing your movement and attack speed by 25% for 10 seconds. Cooldown: 90 seconds.

  I immediately handed it to Cassilia, explaining the stats and ability. Without hesitation, she let out a roar and charged the training dummies. I chuckled and moved on. The next item was a long gray staff covered in yellow runes.

Stormcaller's Staff

Uncommon Weapon - Staff

30 Attack

+15% Spell Damage and Healing

+20 Intelligence

+20 Mana

I handed it to Leo, explaining the stats, and he cheered. "Alright, guys, let's move on to the armor," I announced.

"I told Samuel to spend most of the coin on weapons, so the armor may not be as high quality," Telovir told me. I moved on to a few pieces of bronze armor.

Enchanted Bronze Cuirass

Common Heavy Armor - Chest

55 Armor

+5 Strength

+10 Vigor

Enchanted Bronze Helm

Common Heavy Armor - Helm

35 Armor

+5 Strength

Enchanted Bronze Sabatons

Common Heavy Armor - Feet

30 Armor

+6 Vigor

+5% Movement Speed

That would help me soak up blows tremendously. I placed them in my Warlord's Cache and moved on to the leather items.

Leather Helm of the Wolf

Common Medium Armor - Helm

20 Armor

+5 Strength

+5 Dexterity

Leather Pants of the Bear

Common Medium Armor - Legs

30 Armor

+8 Strength

+5 Vigor

I told Cass the stats, and she gave me a fist bump. Finally, I inspected the last item— a green robe with gold accents.

Robe of the Mender

Uncommon Light Armor - Chest

+15 Intelligence

+10% Spell Healing

I handed it to Leo, explaining its stats. He thanked me and quickly put it on over his training clothes. Cass had returned to whacking the training dummies, her new sword in one hand and the old one in the other. I walked over and gave her a sly look.

"I know Tel said we could have the rest of the day off, but do you feel like a quick spar?" I asked her.

She laughed and stepped towards the center of the sandy training area. She was wearing her new leather armor, so I mentally equipped my new armor, the Gladius, and my new shield.

"Whoa! Hold up!" Telovir shouted. "You are not sparring with bladed weapons," he scolded. In truth, that made sense. He motioned for us to approach. "Hold out your weapons," he commanded. We did, and he ran his hands over every one of them. Moments later, a shimmering translucent shield appeared around the cutting edges of our blades. "That will prevent any serious damage and will last for ten minutes," he explained. I'd have to remember to ask Telovir about his abilities or even if he'd let me inspect them.

We stepped back into the sand and readied ourselves. I let out a War Cry and nodded at Cass. She moved first, charging in with both swords held high and bringing them down in a powerful overhead slash. I raised my shield and caught both blades with it, grateful for the added strength my new gear granted me. Even with the added strength, the force of the blow dropped me to one knee. I slashed at her knees with my Gladius, forcing her to dodge backward. I used the distance to launch a Shield Charge at her, but she activated an ability I hadn't seen before. I crashed into her, and she didn't move an inch. Her swords were held in an 'X' to block my charge, and she pushed me backward. I was sent flying through the air as if I'd been launched from a cannon. I landed in a heap but quickly stood and regained my stance.

"New might ability?" I queried.

She just grinned and charged again, ferocity glinting in her eyes. I activated Frenzied Strikes and slapped away her sword with my shield while simultaneously slashing at her. I landed a glancing blow, but her off-hand sword crashed into my outstretched shield arm. I let out a War Stomp to slow her and feinted a shield bash. She side-stepped right into another sword slash, and I could feel my attack speed increasing. Cass responded with a roar, staggering me. She rushed in, arms held wide, and brought her two swords together like a vise, one on either side of me. I blocked the right sword with my shield and attempted to parry the left with the Gladius, but her strength overwhelmed me, and Cass managed another heavy strike against my armor. Before she could retreat, I used Crushing Blow. I swung a powerful overhead slash that connected with her helmet. Her body relaxed, and she stared at me, dazed, swords held limply. I lashed out again, scoring another strike against her. Thanks to Frenzied Strikes, my attacks were now lightning-quick. I struck her twice more before the stun ended and swung both swords in a powerful uppercut. I dodged one blade and managed to block the other. I felt my new shield begin thrumming with power and got the sense it wanted to be unleashed. Cass held both her swords low, and I knew what was coming. She charged and prepared to use her mighty blow. At the last second, I unleashed the power in my shield with a quick shield slam. A wave of concussive force exploded in a circle around me. Cass stumbled and nearly fell over. She remained on her feet but swayed back and forth, with a bewildered look on her face. I managed to land another shield bash and knock her over, but she snapped out of her stupor the moment I did. Cass growled and charged at me. She used her triple strike ability, and I knew the fight was over. Her swords blurred, and I blocked two attacks before she pummeled me into the ground. Her blade at my neck, I yielded.

"That was for making me stumble around like a drunkard." she scolded. I couldn't help but laugh, which caused everyone else to join in. Cass tried to act furious for a few moments, but she caved and began chuckling.

"You fighting with two swords is a genuinely terrifying sight. It was hard enough for me to best you when wielding just one." I told her while still on the ground. She offered her hand and helped me up.

"Y'know, flattery won't make me take it easy on you next time, kid," she said. I once again reminded her that she was younger than me. She clapped me on the shoulder, and we walked back toward the others.

"Hey, Cass? Do you mind if I inspect your runes and abilities? I have the ability to examine them, but I figured it would be rude to do so without permission.".

She stopped and turned to me. "Nah, I don't mind. I do appreciate you asking first, though. Besides, it's not like knowing my skills will help you win against me anyway," she said with a smirk. I chuckled and focused on her, letting the information slowly materialize.

Cassilia Huxon

Level 8

Health: 92%

Mana: 103/170

Stamina: 68%

Prime Rune: Relentless:

* Trilateral Strike - Unleash a trio of powerful strikes at an enemy. This ability grants 100% increased attack speed for the duration. Cooldown: 45 seconds. Cost: 20 Mana.

* Unrelenting Tide - Lower your weapons and deliver a powerful upward sweep. Gain 100% increased strength for this attack. Cooldown: 50 seconds. Cost: 35 Mana.

* Hypersonic Rush - Dash to an area within 15 yards at extreme speed. Cooldown: 90 Seconds. Cost: 50 Mana.

* Alacrity - (Passive) You permanently gain 10% increased attack speed and movement speed.

Augment Rune 1: Blade Dancer:

* Deadly Promenade - Immediately counter attacks against you for the next 5 seconds. Cooldown: 45 seconds. Cost: 20 Mana.

* Cruel Waltz - After a successful dodge, retaliate with a vicious attack that causes 150% damage. Cooldown: 25 seconds. Cost: 12 Mana.

* Graceful - (Passive) Each successful dodge increases your dexterity by 2% for 6 seconds. This ability can stack. Gaining a stack refreshes the duration. Max stacks: 50.

* Bladedancer's Rhythm - (Passive) Landing successful consecutive attacks increases your strength by 2% for 6 seconds. This ability can stack. Gaining a stack refreshes the duration. Max stacks: 50.

Augment Rune 2: Fury:

* Furious Roar - Bellow a shout that staggers enemies within 5 yards. Cooldown: 30 Seconds. Cost: 15 Mana.

* Deathbringer - Attempt to finish off a critically wounded enemy. This attack deals 400% increased damage. The cooldown is reset if the target dies. Cooldown: 90 Seconds. Cost: 10 Mana.

* Enrage - Enter a furious state that allows you to shrug off enemy attacks while dealing extra damage. Increases all damage dealt by 25% and reduces all damage received by 25%. Lasts for 30 seconds. Cooldown: 120 Seconds. Cost: 50 Mana.

* Vehement - (Passive) Reduces the duration of slow and control effects on you by 40%. Also grants a slight chance to instantly break out of a slow or control effect.

Augment Rune 3: Might:

* Unbreakable - Absorb the full impact of an attack and repel the attacker with considerable force. Cooldown: 45 Seconds. Cost: 25 Mana.

* Sickle Strike - A wide horizontal attack that deals 25% increased damage and grants a 50% strength bonus for the attack. If wielding two weapons, the attack will perform a Scissor Strike instead. Cooldown: 60 Seconds. Cost: 25 Mana.

* Overhead Smash - Raise your weapon(s) above your head and deliver a powerful downward attack. This attack deals 50% extra damage and receives 25% extra strength. Cooldown: 35 Seconds. Cost: 15 Mana.

* Indomitable - (Passive) Receive a permanent +20% bonus to strength and Vigor.

Cass had already sat down with the others when I finished exploring her abilities. I thanked her, then walked over and sat with them.

"You'll have three days before the next fight, and I have a feeling they'll throw a tougher team at you guys this time. Continue to rest today, but tomorrow we're going back to rigorous training. I'll see you back here later for dinner," Telovir told us. We all nodded at him and headed back to our rooms.

I knew I needed rest, but being alone with my thoughts was a terrifying prospect. Staying busy was the easiest way just to bury everything. I was trying to avoid the one single feeling that terrified me the most. It felt good. This new power was addictive. I spent years afraid that someone would try to kill me again. Now? People were trying almost every day, but I had the strength to kill them first, and it horrified me that I found joy in that.