THE LEGEND OF THE CITY
"When Altair — the god of war — set foot on the earth, he said:
Power is law. Death is reward.
Thus was born Feralis — a city of stone, bone, and screams.
Here, children fight for the right to be born.
Newborns are thrown into pits — only those who climb out are given a name.
Women are not loved. They are used.
Love is a disease. Killing — a craft.
At its heart lies the Coliseum of Eternal Wrath.
Here, fate is not spoken — it is fought.
All by the will of Altair.
He watches from above. He does not judge. He does not forgive.
He simply waits for more blood."
THE ARENA
"TAURUS! TAURUS! TAURUS!"
The crowd roars, eyes locked on the champion, chanting his name like a prayer.
He stands in the center, basking in the roar like sunlight. Born of this city. Forged by its cruelty.
Sharp, almost animalistic teeth gleam in a predatory grin.
Crimson hair spikes like thorns, his body a mountain of scars and muscle, face carved with blood-red tattoos.
To him, battle is life. Without the fight, he is nothing.
Above the arena looms Vigfuss. His voice cuts through the roar:
"Five remain!
Cain — the silent blade of Osher!
Romeo and Seltis — moon shadows of Yudzuki!
Rover — a representative of Luceler!
And Taurus — the pride of Feralis. My GLADIATOR!"
Grinding stone.
The outer edge of the arena sinks away, leaving only the circular center —
a stone island above the void.
One mistake means death.
The fighters lock eyes in tense silence.
"Why are you all so calm?!"
It's Seltis — thin, pale, alive by miracle alone.
"We're supposed to kill each other!"
No one responds.
They just ignore him.
Romeo — golden-haired with a staff and a smug grin — moves first.
He turns lazily toward Cain.
"Hey, silent snowflake," he taunts, "You don't seem like the type who enjoys these games. So why are you here?"
No reply. Just a cold stare.
"No talk, huh? Then... let's dance."
He lunges forward, staff spinning in a blur.
Cain parries — no wasted motion, perfect precision.
At the same moment, Rover charges Taurus.
The giant doesn't flinch — meets him head-on, fist raised.
Rover ducks low, slicing Taurus's chest — but the giant keeps going, barreling toward Seltis.
Seltis trembles. So does his sword.
"I... I don't want to..."
A fist meets ribs. The crunch silences his scream.
Seltis vanishes over the edge.
Not killed. Erased.
"Who's next?!" Taurus bellows, turning. "You, white-hair? I heard you're strong…"
Cain doesn't answer. Still fighting Romeo.
Romeo falters as Seltis falls — and Cain strikes.
A clean blow forces him back.
"Tsk. Sharp, aren't you?" Romeo smirks. "Flawless technique. But you're empty inside. You don't fight with your soul. So who are you protecting here?"
His staff whips out — Cain blocks, knocked back.
Slowly, almost like a machine, Cain turns his head.
Toward the royal box.
Where beside Osher stands Ko'oni — watching, worried.
Romeo sees it.
Traces the gaze.
And smiles.
"Ahhh... that's it.
The red-haired girl.
So the ice prince has a soft spot."
Cain doesn't respond — but his shoulders tense. His gaze sharpens.
Romeo grins wider. That's all he needs.
The moment's shattered by Rover crashing from another punch.
"Mind stopping the chit-chat?" Rover groans, dragging himself up. "How about you two help me deal with this maniac?"
Cain and Romeo lock eyes.
Nod.
Now — three against one.
Romeo spins his staff, forming a shimmering shield as he searches for an opening.
Rover darts in, sword aiming for Taurus's legs.
Cain circles behind.
But Taurus is faster — and stronger — than they expected.
He kicks Rover's blade aside, snatches Romeo's staff, and hurls it at Cain.
Cain dodges, but loses rhythm.
Romeo, disarmed, leaps back.
"Rover! Distract him!"
The weary swordsman lunges again, trying to leap on Taurus's back —
but a single punch sends him flying to the edge.
He clings to the stone, barely avoiding the fall.
"That was close…"
Cain presses the attack. His blade flashes like lightning.
Taurus's skin begins to bleed — but the giant only grins wider.
"YES! HARDER! FIGHT ME FOR REAL!"
Romeo retrieves his staff, watching carefully.
"Hey, Snowflake!" he yells. "Your girl's still watching! Gonna let her see you smeared across the stones?!"
He smacks Taurus on the back of the head.
Barely hurts, but distracts the giant for a moment.
"NOW!" Romeo shouts.
Rover, having climbed up again, drives his sword into Taurus's thigh.
The giant howls in pain and rage.
Romeo leaps — landing on Taurus's back, wrapping his arms around his neck, trying to choke or disorient him.
"NOW! IN THE HEART!"
Cain lunges — pouring everything into one perfect strike.
But Taurus turns — catches the blade on his shoulder.
It sinks in — but misses the heart.
"Not bad," Taurus growls through bloody teeth, tearing the sword from his flesh.
"The son of Feralis does not fall.
The son of Feralis does not fear.
The son of Feralis CRAVES BATTLE!"
He spreads his arms.
"MORE! GIVE ME MORE!"
The crowd explodes.
The arena shakes.
The fight is far from over.
Romeo glances at Rover.
Their eyes exchange a silent message.
"Hey, Snowflake," Romeo whispers. "Protect her."
Before Cain can react — they rush in.
With fury. Blow after blow. Driving Taurus toward the edge.
But he's too strong.
Two warriors fall into the abyss.
Romeo gives Cain one last wink with that mischievous grin.
And disappears.
Taurus turns to Cain.
"Now you've seen me fight," he says.
"Show me what you can do."
The crowd holds its breath.
Vigfuss leans forward.
Cain raises his sword.
Meets the beast's gaze.
They charge.
And the crowd — erupts.