(New months Guys, I once again call for you help to climb the Golden Rankings)
Nyx remained standing for some time, her gaze fixed on the back of the blindfolded man. There was something off about him, but she couldn't figure it out. Was it his strange actions? Or was it something else? Though she wasn't sure, she was certain that the blindfolded man was a dangerous entity.
'And why did I feel disgusted by his pressure?' she thought, recalling how suffocated she'd been just being in the blindfolded man's presence. 'His entire aura disgusted me... it felt like something I had felt before in the past... but where?'
"Phew, that old man got lucky," one spectator commented, a bit of disappointment flickering in his eyes.
"It's the first time I'm seeing a no-name stand against a noble... not just anyone, but one of the big four. Guys, I think this man is more special than we think."
Most of the people here were only in their twenties, and most of them hadn't been born when the great war descended on the human domain. They only heard the stories and knew the notable names of all those who contributed greatly to the war.
One name that was always thrown into every conversation was... Nathan Aegis Cromwell.
However, just like the guards back at the wall, they'd never seen this legendary figure in person. Also, the king and nobles made sure that no information about him spread and even belittled some of his achievements, as they didn't want a mere commoner to overshadow them.
The heads of the big four easily gained access to the colosseum. Because of their status, they directly cut the line to the front, and there wasn't even a single bit of complaint from the others, treating it as something normal.
Soon after, the other citizens were also led inside.
"Ouch, my back hurts!" Nathan complained with a grimace as the sound of his bones cracking reverberated. He was back to his slouching posture. He placed one of his hands on his waist and looked at his granddaughter as if asking for assistance.
Nyx looked at him, at a loss for words, before she held his hand.
"Aren't you going to say something?" Nathan asked in a low voice, finding it weird that Nyx didn't make a snarky remark or reprimand him like usual for his actions.
The beautiful girl just shook her head, her gaze forward. "I figured I'll save lots of brain cells if I keep quiet."
Soon the two entered the arena.
As Nyx and Nathan stepped into the coliseum, they were immediately overwhelmed by the sheer size of the arena. Towering stone walls stretched upward, enclosing the vast battleground below. Rows of tightly packed seats surrounded the arena, filled with excited spectators, all eager to witness the upcoming events.
Every seat provided a perfect view of the elevated platform that was in the middle of the arena.
The arena floor itself was filled with beautiful white sand that gleamed under the sunlight, designed to absorb the blood and dust of combat. Scattered around the perimeter were ancient stone pillars that stretched into the sky, adding a sense of grandeur. High above, a series of massive banners bearing the sigils of the four noble households fluttered in the breeze wildly.
'This place... it's beautiful,' Nyx thought, a strange gleam in her eyes. Very few things fascinated her, especially the luxuries and splendor that captured the hearts of others her age. But this place... this place excited her simply because...
Because It was filled with bloodshed and countless battles. The mere thought thrilled her.
Just as Nathan was pondering where to sit, a man dressed like a knight approached him from behind. Due to the noisy atmosphere, even Nathan had failed to detect the footsteps of the knight.
Nathan heard a deep voice behind him. Turning around, he found an armored knight bowing to him. A perplexed expression crossed Nathan's wrinkled face.
"I was sent by His Royal Majesty to escort you over there," the knight, now standing straight once more, pointed at a row in the spectator section crowded with high-ranking dignitaries. Seated there on mini throne-like seats were the heads of the four noble households, some military generals, and other dignitaries. One person that caught Nathan by surprise was none other than Brawn Collins.
'It seems they even invited him... just how important is this event?' Nathan couldn't help but ponder, a bit wary in his eyes. 'That green-eyed bastard must be scheming something again... but what?'
All Nathan knew was that Prince Ainsworth would fight against 100-plus Awakened today. According to him, it was a coming-of-age ceremony to prepare Ainsworth to join the Vermilion Royal Academy.
Dismissing the thought, Nathan and Nyx followed the knight, who led them through a flight of steps, taking them to the elevated area where the high officials were.
Nathan and Nyx sat down beside Brawn Collins. Though the two men had only parted ways a few hours ago, they exchanged pleasantries, disregarding the other nobles present. Though their gazes were fixed on the arena below, they couldn't help but sneak a glance at the two friends from time to time.
When the two men were done greeting each other, Brawn Collins' gaze fell on Nyx.
"Ohohoho. Who is this young lady?" Brawn asked, his brown eyes flashing sharply as he found the girl's features very, very familiar. Nathan was about to introduce his granddaughter to the Spider of the Silent Whisper, but the latter connected the dots quite easily.
"You must be Arthur's daughter!" he exclaimed, eyes sparkling in excitement as he picked up Nyx and gave her a warm bear hug. Nyx pouted, visibly annoyed.
Ignoring her cute, indifferent face, Brawn spoke in a lively tone: "In case this senile bastard hasn't told you about me, I'm your uncle... Uncle Brawn."
Nyx struggled a little, her face turning slightly red with embarrassment. Then she said in a slightly strained voice: "U-Uncle Brawn, you're suffocating me."
"Oh, I'm sorry." Brawn let out an embarrassed chuckle as he released Nyx from his embrace and pinched her cheeks.
From the side, Nathan chuckled lightly as he watched Brawn release Nyx, the look of exasperation on her face unmistakable. Despite her outward composure, Nathan could tell she wasn't fond of these sudden displays of affection, especially from someone she'd only just met.
"She takes after her father in that regard," Nathan said in an amused tone.
Brawn grinned, ruffling Nyx's hair playfully. "Arthur was always serious too, but don't worry, little Nyx, you'll get used to me."
Nyx quickly smoothed her hair back into place, her eyes narrowing just slightly. "I'll keep that in mind, Uncle Brawn," she said politely, though the undertone of annoyance was clear.
"Ohohoho, a feisty one like your mother, aren't you?" Brawn chuckled loudly.
While the three were engrossed among themselves, a man stepped up onto the elevated platform.
The event was about to begin.
50 Golden Tickets: 1 extra chapter
500 power stones for 2 chapters
100 Golden Tickets 2 chapters
200 Golden Tickets 4 Extra chapters
Castle for 5 extra chapters