Chapter 37: Chapter 37 Arena of Retribution
The usher forwarded the saved image to his superior. The marking on the woman’s ear stood out clearly—unmistakable.
The manager’s hands trembled when he viewed the photograph. That really was Silas’s private symbol.
His fingers flew across the keyboard: "Escort her to the premium section immediately. Show her maximum courtesy."
Sweat beaded on the manager’s forehead.
"Mr. Pendragon vanished ages ago—could he be monitoring us secretly? That theory made no sense. Why display the marking so boldly? This might be Mr. Pendragon’s woman. Regardless, we must handle her perfectly. One misstep could cost me everything. Mr. Pendragon wields tremendous influence. Who else would possess his private symbol?"
The usher responded frantically: "Copy that."
——
Elara’s POV
A thunderous blast echoed as Giselle’s metal prison rolled into view. I emerged simultaneously. Giselle served as entertainment for the gambling masses, while I controlled her destiny.
I didn’t want Giselle’s death. Dying would be merciful. I needed her broken, pleading for escape.
Only then could I honor everything done to the original soul.
Giselle spotted me instantly, her face twisting in disbelief—I was being guided to the exclusive seating by a parade of fawning staff members.
I could see the disbelief on her face, as if she were wondering how I, an ordinary female she believed lacked any power, could manage to secure premium access when even Cassian couldn’t.
Horror and confusion overwhelmed Giselle’s features.
The audience gasped as I ascended. Every gaze fixed on me, voices murmuring speculation about my identity. The manager immediately released his SS-level spiritual force, compelling everyone to avert their eyes.
The manager’s fierce expression made it clear he would defend Mr. Pendragon’s woman with his existence, daring anyone to stare at me.
Giselle’s expression crumbled.
Her crumbling expression suggested she realized she had made a terrible mistake, likely wondering where Cassian was and knowing I was beyond their reach.
The Arena operated independently from the Valerion Empire’s monarchy. It controlled an entire level and ranked as Glimmeraven Port’s most exclusive establishment. Its leadership remained completely anonymous.
Nobody conducted business with them. Those premium seats had stayed vacant for years. Cassian once proposed fifty million credits but was still rejected.
Her eyes darted wildly, clearly unable to comprehend why I was seated in the vacant premium section.
Giselle’s thoughts scattered—until she noticed the A-grade serpent beast rushing toward her.
The crowd erupted with wagers. Giselle’s shrieks disappeared beneath the chaos.
I observed Giselle with icy detachment. The peculiar pain within me diminished slightly. I recognized it as the original girl’s lingering emotions. Thorne had murdered her.
I gripped my glass firmly.
I won’t let your death be meaningless. Everyone who harmed you will suffer—beginning with Giselle.
I’d torment Giselle first. Predator and prey always made the most entertaining sport.
Below, the betting intensified dramatically.
No female had ever been cast into the coliseum previously, particularly not one with A-grade spiritual abilities. It was unprecedented. The audience wagered recklessly, barely concerned with winning or losing.
Then someone identified the caged girl as the Sterling family’s daughter. The crowd fell silent... before exploding into raucous laughter.
"Ms. Sterling is quite the character..."
"I heard she’s involved in questionable activities..."
The taunts reached Giselle’s ears crystal clear.
She looked utterly defeated, as though realizing Cassian had destroyed her entirely.
Giselle glared up at me in the premium section, eyes burning with fury. She shrieked, "You orchestrated this! You’re that worthless Elara. I know it’s you!"
Nobody acknowledged her.
The furious serpent beast had already attacked.
A piercing scream sliced through the air. Giselle collapsed unconscious immediately.
I smiled coldly and mockingly.
All appearance, no substance. Just a spoiled weakling.
What else should I expect from someone who only bullied the defenseless?
I settled into my seat. A staff member promptly delivered coffee and refreshments, then positioned himself respectfully nearby. If I had glanced up, I would have recognized Trevor Butler, the Arena’s head administrator with SS-grade spiritual power.
I was occupied sending a "present" to the Sterling household. News of Giselle in the coliseum spread rapidly, with images going viral. I contacted local galactic entertainment networks. Time to enliven everyone’s mundane feeds.
Surely not everything needs to focus on spiritual power incidents, right?
Doesn’t the original girl’s wicked mother treasure Giselle? She can continue treasuring her now.
I hoped they appreciated my gift. I invested 1 million credits in Pulsewave and promoted Giselle’s Arena footage and pictures directly to the trending page’s summit. freewebnøvel.coɱ
"This is entertaining," I said aloud. "Finally, something beyond the usual stories."