As we slowly made our way through the wide streets of Velegard, I realized it was truly worthy of being called the grand capital. Despite it being crowded, everyone moved in an orderly fashion without hindrances. Many smaller streets and alleys were branching out from the main road, making me wonder about how large the layout actually was. There was a large network of many different establishments and services. We passed large shops and guilds while moving with a relatively slow pace. At this point, I finally understood the difference between a Guild and the Associations.

Whereas a guild worked like more of an open job market for mercenaries and adventurers, having a tavern and offering simple accommodations, the Associations were much stricter with their memberships, offering it only to specialized individuals. Their job offers were on a much bigger scale, accepting private requests from mostly nobles and arranging the work for their members. They were high-class intermediaries for equally powerful people.

The Guild we passed was quite large, a real eye catcher with a proud crest above the entrance, a sword and a cleaver intersecting on top of a shield. Many different races were coming and going as they pleased, from rough adventurers to regular folk. The sounds coming from inside seemed lively.

But the thing that really took my attention was the HQ of the Mages Association. It was more like an extremely fortified stronghold in and of itself. The steel gate was firmly shut with numerous glowing runes on it. The small fort radiated prestige, showing exactly how valued mages were. Listening in on a few conversations, I learned this was only the entrance... and the Association stretched further into the city, the stronghold walls actually encasing an Academy. The guards at the entrance were different, more serious and less armored, making me think they were mages as well. Shaking my head, I couldn’t help but sigh. Damn magic was everywhere.

The sheer size of the capital was not to be trifled with, it took us more than three long hours to reach the Colosseum and there weren’t any traffic jams at all. Just how long would it take to walk from one end to the other? There were so many different parts of the capital that it was mind numbing. An inexperienced traveler could easily get lost in this maze-like place.

The Colosseum was actually located in the very center of Velegard. It looked nothing like I imagined it would and I believed it would be like a typical Roman amphitheater. It really wasn’t. It was an enormous, curved fortress with high, circular walls and guards in different uniforms standing proudly at the gates. They were armed to the teeth. Runes were clearly visible on every inch of the wall, giving the whole thing a regal appearance. The structure must have taken ages to build. My anxiety vanished as I grinned wildly and licked my lips in excitement. I could smell the blood from here, hear the shouts screaming bloody murder. The structure was like a beautiful picture of death in my eyes. This place was going to be a blast.

Feeling jittery in anticipation, my earlier worries were replaced with desire for blood. This was my kind of place, where blood and guts were spilled on a daily basis. I could only imagine how many died each day in violent combat. There was no room for weaklings here. All that pent-up stress and boredom. I’ll finally be able to kill and maim to my heart’s content.

As we approached the guards, the carriage stopped. Two of them walked over, watching me with calculating eyes, “Please disembark the carriage and prepare your documentation.”

Perry and Sen fumbled around for a bit before getting off and handing over their papers. Patrick and Clay followed the same procedure as at the gates of Velegard. Once everything was deemed to be in order, one of the guards nodded professionally, “Alright, someone will be by shortly to take care of your carriage and belongings. Please follow us, Mr. Sullwa.” Perry and Sen stayed with the carriage while the rest of us slowly entered the Colosseum. I was surprised when the inside didn't match the outside’s intimidating aura. The large reception hall was like a luxurious waiting room. There was a long counter, the whole thing looking almost like a bank. There were 6 humans working with the admissions and another four settling winnings. There was even an Information’s desk and a Complaints’ Office...

Long lines were everywhere as Patrick arrogantly ordered me to stay on the side, “I will handle this. Atkozott, wait there and don’t go anywhere. Clay, go with him and watch him, got it?” giving me a warning look, he joined the line. He quickly began chatting with a few people that seemed to recognize him.

Clay nodded and waved me to the side. My excitement slightly deflating, I felt boredom creeping on me again so I decided to look around a bit more, measure up the competition. I made a curious face as I noticed some kind of feline standing on its hind legs.

It stood in line next to a strict looking old man, the creature towering over him by a few dozen centimeters. It must have been around 2 meters tall. The feline was lean and thin, its powerful muscles tensing as it felt my gaze. Turning around, the Kavar viciously glared at me, his shining yellow eyes were narrow, sharp fangs peaking from his maw. His arms were freakishly long with lengthy fingers and sharp claws. His figure reminded me of a cheetah, but his fur was the opposite of the actual animal. It was shiny and black with bleak, yellow spots all over. He was wearing armor as his tail swayed from one side to the other, irritated. That face had deep, ugly scars, I could see a nasty burn mark where he lacked fur. The long, furry tail twitched in annoyance.

We silently assessed each other. That one was definitely very fast. Thinking on counter measures against fast opponents, I casually checked out some of the other competition. Looking around, I evaluated some of them that might be more dangerous opponents.

A surprisingly small Minotaur, a bird-like monster with a razor sharp, long beak. It must have been a species of Harpies. There was a blue skinned Inani, a sub-species of Devils that had high magical prowess. Some Ogres and Orcs stood tall, towering over most people with their 3 meter tall bodies. They were ugly, their swamp green skin calloused and thick. Large plates adorned their bodies and they carried some ridiculous weaponry. The Ogres had large tusks, reminiscent of boars and were a lot more muscular and humanoid than Orcs, who had round, fat bodies and wrinkled faces, tiny horns poking from their foreheads. I even spotted some Hobgoblins, armored and armed. Actually, all of them were armored and armed!

Glancing down at my pathetic vest and casual clothes, I couldn’t help but feel some concern. Although I was good at shredding armor, it could still be a deciding factor between life and death. Glancing at Clay, I cleared my throat, “I won’t be fighting in these clothes, right?” he looked at me from the side with a frown, “I don’t think so, we were late so the applications are nearly over for the day. We’re probably going to get a room and get you some actual defense. The boss is investing a lot of time and money into you so I doubt he’d let you just drop dead in the first fight just because you have no armor.” he muttered with a shrug, leaning against a tall pillar.

Sighing in relief, I saw Patrick was finally at the counter, talking to a pretty lady behind a glass cover. After a few minutes, he approached us with a displeased frown and handed me a metal slip, “Don’t you dare lose that card, not only is it enchanted and connected to their system, but it also tracks your score and shows your rank. Keep it with you at all times, that is an order.” Looking tired, he waved us towards the exit. Walking out, he continued speaking as he led the way, “Your first fight is tomorrow in the Pits, fist opponent a Kavar, the one from the lobby if I’m not wrong. Some bad luck on our part, but not hopeless. Don’t disappoint me.” I roll my eyes, like I care what you want you fat bastard.

After a 15-minute walk, we stopped in front of a large establishment, a board of an anvil and hammer decorating its entrance. Seeing a lively courtyard inside as well as some black smoke rising from multiple buildings, I realized it was the Craftsman Association HQ. I saw a lot of gnomes and dwarves running around with arms full of metals and materials.

The dwarves were short, but the gnomes were just fucking tiny. Their skin was a very pale pink while their large eyes held different hues of colors. Long, pointed ears stuck out on the sides of their heads. Even their hair colors were like a damn rainbow. They must have had the average height of an 8-year-old child. The dwarves on the other hand were built like barrels. Short, stocky and muscular. Thick beards and bushy eyebrows seemed to be the norm, their average height around going from around a 110 cm to a 140 cm. Some had intricate tattoos on their faces and arms, their beards braided. And boy, were they loud.

Entering the Administrative area, Patrick was first in line for once, “Gooday. Is my commission ready? Under the name Patrick Sullwa.” he said calmly, showing his documents. The human behind the counter gave a wide smile and greeted, “Gooday Mr. Sullwa. Indeed, we have it prepared. Please give me a moment.” After checking out the papers, he nodded and vanished through the back door.

Grinning, I knew this whole Colosseum thing was going to be a good opportunity to gain more fighting experience. Maybe learn a thing or two. I consider myself to be creative when it comes to killing. I'm good at it so why not strive to be better? The Pits should be easy enough, but once I reach the Ring, I might run into a wall. I definitely won't let anything discourage me, I won’t let myself die here. Let them throw everything they got at me.

My thoughts wandered off while we stood in front of the counter, a small line forming behind us. I felt confident enough at handling the Kavar. As long as I can catch him, it’s game over. "What are you grinning at?" the bastard asked me with a suspicious face, not even letting me think in peace. I shrug, ignoring his annoying stare. I'll make sure to make your death memorable for everyone.

He moved forward when the clerk returned with a large package in his hands, settling the payment and graciously said goodbye. Leaving the Association, we made our way to a large inn. Lifting a brow at the name, I couldn’t help but feel even more curious about the owner of the Colosseum. It was simply named Arena Lodge. How rich was that guy?

The inn was far larger than the Golden Swan or any of the other places we stayed in during the journey. I saw the stables were on the right side, the carriage parked amongst other coaches. Smiling at Kala and Thor, I was glad on seeing that they were feeding them well. The inside wasn’t flashy or fancy in the least. It had a simplistic look, the interior mostly made of woodwork. There was a cozy looking stone fireplace opposite the reception, the lounge quite lively with people.

Patrick was handed a key after showing some kind of slip, he turned around and gave a tired sigh, “Clay, take him to the Slave Quarters. Give him the armor. Then you’re free for the rest of the day. I know there are some people you wanted to meet. Atkozott, you are strictly forbidden from leaving the Quarters.” he grunted and left.

Being led by Clay, he showed me to the dorm, leaving the package on my bed with a grunt and disappeared as soon as possible. Most dorms for slaves looked the same, maybe a few differences in colors and materials, but as usual, it was nothing fancy. Sighing, I ruffled my hair in frustration. I felt stifled, not able to do anything or go anywhere. Not to mention that the whole day’s been draining.

Glancing at the Hobgoblin laying on the bed next to mine, playing with some sort of puzzle, I recognized him from the lobby of the Colosseum. His face was oddly humanoid, the nose slightly more pointed with large, droopy ears. The color of his skin was dark green and he must have been my height if I recalled correctly. Wearing a loose brown tunic and coarse pants, I could see his armor and weapon neatly placed on the side of the bed. Clearing my throat, I sat down, feeling strange that I was about to talk to this... thing... man... goblin... whatever.

“Hey, you, is this your first time in the Colosseum?” I muttered awkwardly.

Glancing up, the goblin frowned, his murky brown eyes narrowing, “Are you perhaps speaking to me?” he said with a surprisingly clear voice. I was definitely surprised by how eloquently he spoke. Feeling even more socially awkward, I coughed, “Yeah...”

He snorted, putting his toy aside and sitting up, “Well then, that is no way to speak to someone. Very rude.” he said, scratching his bald head, “No, it’s not my first time, but judging by the look of you, it was most definitely yours. You were in the application hall earlier today.” checking me out with a scrutinizing gaze, the goblin shrugged, “A little piece of advice, newbie. People here don’t like to socialize, the fact we might be killing each other tomorrow kind of, you know, makes it annoying. So, stick to yourself.” he said before getting up and heading for the door.

I gaped in surprise as he left, grumbling under his breath about my ignorance. Lifting a brow, I didn’t know what to think about this short encounter. The goblin was shockingly civil for a monster, making me curious and weirded out at the same time. The others in the dorm stared at me with irritated scowls, making me give up on trying to further fish for information. They made it apparent I wasn’t getting any.

Tossing my hands up with a growl, I left the dorm and tried to find the baths. I smelled horrible, the long trip showed clear signs of filth. After a nice, cold shower, I went down to the bar. The atmosphere down here was nothing like the usual. Awkward silence was all that greeted me, except for some occasional murmurs. The bar was shorter than in the Golden Swan, made of pure stone as the tables were strung about the room, widely spaced and much smaller. Everyone was eyeing each other, the tension almost tangible.

The goblin wasn’t kidding when he said no one here socialized, this place was dead. Seeing him in a corner with his puzzle, I shook my head and walked to the bar, taking a seat in a far corner. The bartender walked over and put his hand out, “Your card, please.” he asked, making me look at him in confusion until I remembered Patrick had given me a metal slip. I hadn’t look at it yet. Handing it to the bartender, he took a quick look and nodded, “You have 20 silver.”

Handing it back to me, I ordered some mead. Glancing at the slip, I saw my name on it, the rank F distinctly stamped onto it. Patrick’s name was at the bottom and some minor information about me. A physical description and label ‘Unstable’ in capital letters, making me chuckle in amusement. It wasn't too shabby. My current rank was F which was how all new fighters started. If the contract holder wanted their fighter to start at a higher rank, they had to be assessed which probably costed money Patrick wasn’t willing to give. No wonder he was in a shitty mood. Looking at the red line on the front side, I frowned, not knowing what it meant. Glancing at the bartender, I cleared my throat, “Do you know what the color means?”

He gave me strange look along with a few other people, “It means you will be fighting solely in Death Matches. Anything else?” I nodded, taking the opportunity to ask other things I didn’t really understand, “How do they work exactly?”

Even though he looked annoyed, he gave me an answer, "That card put you in their system, it will show when your status or rank are replaced. It can change with a single win, depending on the rank of your opponent. If you defeat a rank D opponent when you're still an F, it will automatically rise to E. And so on.” He said slowly before making himself scarce, not indulging my questions anymore.

Deep in thought, I played with it while I drank my mead, ordering more since the sweet drink was quite nice. After my fifth mug, I was starting to feel drowsy but, thanks to my metabolism, I wasn’t drunk in the least. I sat there for hours in silence, contemplating whether my plans had any weight. What if there was a better way than just transferring ownership to the Colosseum? Mulling over it, I had a thought. What if I could somehow get that Evergreen’s attention? The way Sen described him, he was a very powerful person. Tapping my finger on the counter, I gulped down the mead, my tail swaying unconsciously. How though? Maybe if I raise enough dust, make a real fucking bloodbath in my fights... Shaking my head, I sighed. Doubtful. No, I needed to do something more meaningful and I had a feeling, it had to do with Patrick.

Grinning slightly, played with the thought. Might work. Might not. It was worth a try. Worst that could happen, I just die again or get tortured and then die again. No matter what, living as a slave was worse. Standing up from the bar, I decided it was high time to rest for tomorrow. How do I even put on armor?

Walking out absentmindedly, I brushed against someone tall and furry, eliciting a growl form the person. Glancing up, I was face to face with the Kavar. As the creature snarled at me, I frowned, “You got a problem kitty?” seeing his long arm make a grab for my collar, I quickly slapped it away with my sharpened claws. However, before I could cut off its fingers, he hissed and pulled his hand back as if burned, “Bastard.” grinning savagely, the Kavar’s face stretched unnaturally, his snout showing off sharp teeth, “I can’t wait to gut you like a pig.” Shoving me out of the way, he went to the bar, tossing infuriated glances at me. Well then, that happened. Smirking at his lame provocations, I waved goodbye mockingly.

On another note, he really was fast. Very fast. Not to mention, he felt the danger and knew to pull back. He was my first opponent tomorrow, which meant even the smallest details were important. It would have been nice if I’d managed to cut off his fingers, it would have given me an edge.

Getting back to the dorm, I took the package and opened it. It was a set of leather armor inlaid with some sort of metal. Felling it was surprisingly light, I checked the vest. It was simple in design, light gray in color and meant to cover my vitals. There was a set of metal shoulder pads and knee pads. Pants made of thick, padded leather. The boots had a hard cap at the tip. Tapping it with my finger, I could tell they were really hard. All in all, it seemed useful, perfectly modified for my body. Checking all the straps and belts, it took me a while to figure out how I was supposed to strap it.

Nodding in satisfaction, I realized there was more in the package. Pulling out small sheets of metal, I stared in slight confusion. Was this for my tail or something? Seeing tiny, sharp spikes on them, I understood they were for the underside of my tail, which was slightly softer than the rough, naturally hard skin on the topside. I also picked up the headgear. It was pure metal and very simple, curving back to strap around my horns and left my mouth open. Trying it on, I felt a little silly shaking my head around, but the headgear, didn’t fall off. Putting it all aside, I laid back to get some sleep.

***

I awoke thanks to my lack of ability to breathe. The collar was choking me with constant tightening. Once I woke up, it stopped. I coughed and growled, cursing the cunt before getting up. How the hell did that even work on long distance? He wasn’t even here! While hissing in resentment, I took out the armor and began putting it on over my clothes. It fit almost too well, making me think the bastard got the measurements from that whoring hag. Leaving the metal straps and mask in the package, I grabbed it and stood to leave just to meet Clays annoyed face, “Hurry up! Your fight is in 30 minutes! We don’t have time to idle around.” growling, he looked me up and down, “At least you know how to put on the armor. Come on.”

Glaring at his back, I followed. Walking into the lobby, I spotted Patrick gloating to some people. He sounded incredibly greedy and impatient while rubbing his hands together with a creepy smile, speaking about how he struck it rich and how he’ll show them his winnings this year will outclass all of them. He kept talking about this and that, making me wonder where his off switch was. The nobles he spoke to seemed skeptical, some even angry but it didn’t seem to faze him. Spotting us, he gave a wide smile, “Ah, there you are, haha. Let’s go! We have no time to waste.” Although his voice sounded amicable and happy, I could spot the annoyance in his eyes. Ignoring his internal fit, I walked behind them as we returned to the Colosseum.

Passing the entrance hall, we were led deeper inside the Colosseum after I showed the slip. A steward was explaining some basic rules, giving an explanation how I was to wait in the designated area until summoned, then had to enter the Pits accordingly. Considering my fight was to the death, surrender was not accepted. It was me or the Kavar, one of us wasn’t leaving the Pits alive. I’ll make sure they have to pick up his body in fucking parts.

Just as we reached an intersection, the steward stood on the side patiently while Patrick narrowed his eyes, “Win this fight even if you have to lose a body part, understood? I will not accept defeat. I’ll be watching.” he said and left with Clay.

Clenching my jaw, I followed the steward, feeling nervous and excited at the same time. Nervous because I could tell there were going to be a lot of people and excited to spill some blood. On the other hand, this might prove more challenging than I originally thought. The Kavar had proved last night he was fast, but I have no idea how he fights. Stopping in front of a metal door, the steward opened it with a cold expression, “You are up next. Stay in here until the other side opens.” he said courtly before shutting me in and locking the door. The room was large but dark. The thick smell of blood was awakening my instincts. Sitting on the stone bench, I strapped the metal links to my tail and put on the headgear. My tongue flicked out in anticipation.