Free Web NovelChapter 32: fighting ring 4
I acted as if nothing were amiss as I slowly pulled the black flask out of my storage bag.
It was almost impossible to see what was inside because of its dark colour. I leaned against the barrier near the tunnel where the monsters were gathered, as the tunnel led directly to the arena.
"Huff..."
I raised it to my mouth and drank quickly, until my teeth struck something metallic at the bottom. Nevertheless, I continued drinking until only a little remained. Then I closed it and tossed it aside carelessly.
But I didn’t really let it fall randomly.
At that very moment, I used my mind control on it.
My eyes remained fixed ahead as I leaned further against the barrier, whilst my hand slowly felt for my glasses.
Outwardly, I was someone staring into space; in reality, the transparent screen in front of me was displaying the layout of the arena, whilst part of my mind was tracking the flask.
Despite my attempts to stay calm, I couldn’t stop the tension from creeping in.
What if I made even the slightest mistake?
What if the vial bumped into someone’s foot?
True, this was the fifth time I’d successfully carried out the same task, but luck doesn’t always favour you.
The vial moved slowly between the feet until it reached the small hole, then I lowered it inside with the utmost care.
I kept control of it until I felt it touch the ground at the bottom.
"Phew..."
I let out a long sigh as I stood up.
The first step had succeeded.
I quickly blended into the crowd as if nothing had happened.
And now it was time for the second step.
The first step had been to place the mana bombs in specific locations, paving the way for the monsters to be unleashed and chaos to erupt.
As for the second step... it was to capture everyone’s attention.
And this was the hardest part: I had to disable the main power source, which was—most likely—inside the arena itself.
Often, the most exposed place is the safest.
No one expects the most important thing to be hidden in a spot that everyone can see.
And that’s exactly where the warehouse was.
I could see it from where I was standing; an old, dilapidated building that looked as if it might collapse at any moment. The safe was probably in there.
Oh my God... Can’t I just ignore it?
I mean, a thousand points was undoubtedly a huge reward, but I don’t think I’ll see the light of day tomorrow if I go ahead with this plan.
Who do I think I am, anyway?
Did I really think that knowing the future would make me smarter than everyone else?
This is nothing but arrogance... sheer blind arrogance.
I should have turned back now, at this very moment.
But... I’m already too late.
My footsteps faltered for a moment.
Wait... why do I feel that something is wrong?
That nagging feeling hasn’t left me since I entered this place.
Is it because everything is going too smoothly? Or is it because of lax security measures?
Isn’t security here supposed to be tightened to the utmost?
Or am I just overthinking it?
I clenched my teeth slightly.
Whatever the case... I’ll think about it later.
I had already reached the front of the queue when one of the guards stood directly in front of me.
He gave me a scrutinising look before saying in an emotionless voice:
"What is your name? And your rank?"
"Qil. Rank of novice."
The guard nodded.
"Right. Place your hand here."
I did as I was told, placing my hand on a transparent sphere whose surface was criss-crossed with mysterious symbols that moved slowly beneath the surface.
A few seconds of silence passed. Then the guard said:
"All right. You may pass."
A soft sigh escaped my lips.
I’d made it.
I took a step forward... my first step onto the fighting arena.
The atmosphere around me changed completely; I felt as though the scent of death permeated every corner of the place; the atmosphere was tense to the point of suffocation.
Dozens of fighters were scattered around the arena, each clutching their weapon as if preparing for a battle that could erupt at any moment.
Everyone stood apart, each choosing their own corner and watching the others warily.
It was as if everyone here saw the rest as potential enemies.
Except for just four people.
They stood close to one another, their faces hidden behind black masks and hoods, so much so that I couldn’t make out their features or guess their ages. Their appearance seemed suspiciously mysterious, but I eventually ignored them.
I myself didn’t want to attract attention.
So I headed to a distant corner and stood alone.
After that, I checked how many Overrun Points I currently had. There was a strong chance I would need them today.
In fact... I was almost certain I would have to use them.
Current Overrun Points: 845
"Hmm..."
Suddenly, I noticed that no new participants were entering the arena.
The next moment, a hundred three-dimensional images appeared above our heads, suspended in the air.
They displayed the faces of all the contestants. I looked up to find my image among them.
And right below that... Survival rate: 1%
"..."
Just one per cent. What a thoroughly reassuring figure.
Before I could think any further, a loud roar echoed around the arena.
I couldn’t pinpoint its source; it was as if the sound was coming from every direction at once.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to this special evening! As we’ve always promised, the excitement will be at its peak, and the stakes will be higher than ever! For tonight’s first event... will be an exceptional one..... The last person standing... is the winner!"
"In this round, everyone’s chances are almost equal. There will be no stronger or weaker teams, and there will be no complicated rules. Everything will depend on luck and the ability to survive!
"And of course, you can bet on more than one contestant to increase your chances of winning! I won’t keep you any longer. The contestants have just five minutes to get ready. And when the betting time is up... the event will begin!"
That must be why most people aren’t taking part; I had to wait a little while, as I saw there were only a few people standing in the queue.
As I was thinking, one of the contestants stepped forward.
He was a huge man, carrying a massive axe over his shoulder, his muscles almost tearing through his clothes.
He raised his head and asked in a loud voice:
"Can I find out what the prize is for the winner?"
The announcer’s voice echoed around the venue:
"All I can say... is that the prize is capable of completely changing the winner’s life. Good luck to all the contestants."
"It sounds a bit like a survival of the fittest game..."
I thought to myself as I surveyed the fighters around me.
But before I could continue observing them, I noticed someone heading straight towards me.
He was strikingly thin; even his cheekbones were clearly visible. He wore tight black clothes that allowed him to move easily, whilst two swords hung at his waist.
What does he want? Is he seeking to form an alliance?
Or is he not heading towards me at all?
I soon had my answer.
He continued walking until there were only two steps between us, then stopped and held out his hand to me, saying:
"Seth. It is a pleasure to meet you."
I looked at his hand for a moment before replying:
"Kiel."
He nodded.
"Yes, Qil. Is this your first time taking part?"
To be honest, I wasn’t sure whether Qil had taken part in these events before or not, so I chose to remain silent.
For some reason, that didn’t seem to bother him.
"How about we team up?"
"Team up?"
"So that in the end, it’s just you and me."
"And why would I do that? Besides, an alliance would just make everyone target us."
He let out a soft laugh and shook his head.
"Look around you."
I noticed that a number of fighters had already gathered in small groups.
"Most of those left on their own are either novices or overconfident."
"And do you trust me? Because, to be honest, I don’t trust you at all." freēwēbnovel.com
"There’s no need for trust. It’s enough that we share a single goal... survival."
I shrugged indifferently.
"Hmm... Alright. Let’s do it."
As soon as he heard my reply, a strange smile appeared on his face.
But it vanished quickly, and his face returned to its usual calm.
And at that very moment, the announcer’s voice boomed across the arena:
"Betting is now closed! And with that, the event officially begins!"
Seth turned immediately. He turned his back on me. As if he had become completely at ease.
Clang!
The sword slid out of its sheath with lightning speed. The blade glinted under the arena’s blue lights.
Then... a silver streak shot through the air. Seth heard nothing but a faint sound. He felt nothing but a strange chill running down his neck.
In the next second, blood spurted into the air.
His head fell to the ground, rolling as his eyes remained wide open.
