Clifford was gaping in awe as he stepped into the castle halls. White marble pillars dawned on them upon stepping inside.All laced with intricately designed crimson curtains interwoven with golden linings. A red carpet set on the middle of the floor to greet them.People lined up from each side, some wearing those frilly medieval clothing, others dressed in just the same rags he was in. Yet all of them were murmuring, whispering to one another as they gave them condescending gazes.He had to swallow hard to force the uncontrolled pumping in his chest, needing to remove the lump that had formed because of it.The number of onlookers made him uncomfortable, as he was never good at being the center of attraction. But even with his heart racing, his mind remained collected, driving his legs to move on their own to follow the royal guards.“Welcome to Salemhide, sir otherworlder. I am Brell Briskworn, ruler of this magnificent land. We have been awaiting your arrival.”The king wore his b
Clifford’s eyes almost popped out upon glimpsing at the enormous coliseum before him. The place was three times bigger than the ones from his world. And to think they had better technology than these people.“This is quite the crowd for an assessment.”He was having a hard time keeping his smile as his lips continued to twitch from the buildup of tension.It caused every fiber and muscle in his entire body to tremble, having that electrocuting sensation traveling all around him.With nearly half a million people gathered there, it told him much about how the kingdom operated.They’d been preparing for this for quite some time, or there was a festival he was not aware of in that place.“But of course. Such an event demands a great audience.”King Brell gave out a haughty laugh, tapping his stomach as he cheerfully gazed at the large number of people that filled the entire stadium.This was as they had expected, making the noble’s eyes glint with such joy, knowing how much profit this w
As expected, most of the participants teamed up on the second half of the contest, considering it is a free for all. And for those like Clifford, who are alone, this was a total disadvantage.He tried to converse and create a connection, hoping to at least find some allies, but most of the people there had remained aloof.This did not surprise him, since many of the contenders have become wary of him after his little show during the first part of the match. Of course, that came with a price, nearly depleting his hp.As of the moment, he remains with about only half of his life points. And even with his healing, it was taking sometime for him to recover fully.“And now. For our second event.”The announcer’s voice echoed through the coliseum, jolting all of them to their senses, as everyone’s attention shifted to the middle of the place.The earth shook, parts of it rising, forming into a giant stage. The walls followed, creating a maze like structure within the wide platform.“A free
Clifford was gasping for air on one knee, and his left eye twitching from the blood trickling from his forehead.Eight knights surrounded him from all sides, each having a pair as a defense and offense. They circled around him, moving counterclockwise, snickering as they moved.This was the exact scenario he was avoiding all this time. He can’t help but chuckle, finding it hilarious that he was thinking some unknown force was toying with him.Thankfully, his two companions were holding their own against their opponents, providing him with enough back up.“Sir otherworlder, are you all right?”Galford noticed how the man was being overwhelmed. Though they wished to help, they were barely putting up a fight.They weren’t just outnumbered, the difference in their level and skill were unmatched.“I’m fine! Can you go ahead without me?”Clifford was having second thoughts to increase the percentage of his attack. After his gaze had wandered around, he’d assessed the entire place was going
Fifteen percent showed on his life bar. His mana somehow turned into five, but blinking. So he was recovering a little.He began shaking, pulling, and kicking. He shook, pulled, and kicked, but they tied him well, and he had not recovered his strength yet.It was only when he heard footsteps from afar did he stop, shifting his attention to the approaching shadows.Several individuals garbed in odd brown robes walk towards him, their faces hidden by the veil of darkness.“His awake!”The first one spoke with a voice deep and grunt.“What? How’d that happened?”The second states with the same deepness, yet having a more weak and wheezing tone.“Hush, just put him back to sleep.”The third had a higher pitch and softer in demeanor. Also, having an odd and smaller shape than the others.“Is that really necessary? We cannot waste anymore time. Why not proceed with this?”The first scoffs.There was more argument between the group as their companions joined in.Clifford’s face turned pale,
The sun was nearing the peak of the mountain, its light dimming, making the sky turn red. Within the twilight, an odd procession moved along the clear, quiet plains. A carriage pulled by four steeds was being escorted by a battalion. A dozen knights and priest at the front and back, but only two sets of guards remained with the vehicle. Yet, the distance between the transport and escorts range from about fifty meters apart. It made it clear they were avoiding whatever’s within the cargo. The beast pulling it continued to whinny in defiance, fear, and panic. While both guardians seemed to dawdle, barely holding on the reins. At the very end of the line, two combatants who had survived the rigorous competition in the kingdom a few days before. “Why do we have to accept such a lowly job?” Hallor’s face was fuming. It was as if smoke was coming out of his head. And his gaze towards the soldiers was as sharp as knives. “Be thankful we have one. This will provide us with some coins w
Galford and Hallor were but a few steps away from the carriage. Swords at the ready, the youth shakily pointed it towards the door, all the while the elder reached for it. Before they can even grab the handle, the sounds of earth rumbling halted them, making them turn to where the noise came from.“Halt. What are you trying to do?”It was the commander of their escort, along with several knights behind him. The knight's sword raised, pointing at the two unsuspecting warriors.The man’s eyes had this sharp, murderous gaze towards them, looking straight at the hand that was about to touch the handle of the door.Both men were keen to withdraw, realizing their folly. They quickly kneeled before the group, as to show they do not have any kind of hostility.“We heard a noise, sir!”This was the first thing that came into Galford’s mind, as he did not hesitate to tell the truth, as there was no merit in denying the reason for their actions.Yet even with that, the glares coming from the
Within the colored space, he floated again, face to face with the giant purple sphere. Yet, there was something different with the being right now, as the glow on his rings was no longer as vivid or vibrant.“What’s the catch?”He asks.Thankfully, the entity was more talkative than before, as he found out the thing was the one who gave him those systems.The being also revealed that each orb had called upon their own champions, vying for influence within that world. Though it did not explain why.“There is none. Do what you want, as you wish, no questions asked.”Its voice hummed. Yet it sounded weaker now.“From my knowledge, dealing with beings like you, there is always some sort of complication.”He says, remembering those old stories from books, comics, and fables about such.He wanted to avoid getting caught up in some kind of trap again, or worst, do some stuff against his will.“I think you are already experiencing it, my chosen one. Your actions, your consequences.”The spher