Walking out of the changing room in the back Nuwa seen Reku wearing a similar outfit. Instead of the skirt he wore a leather red leather pants which was a well fit. The crimson red armor along with his burning orange hair coming out under the tightly fit helmet. The outfit made Reku seem like the young man could take on army if need be.

Reku looking at Nuwa she looked very lovely in the armor. Her light blue skin complemented the red armor almost like looking at the sky during the sunrise. Reku looking at Nuwa how well the armor fit her. She looked like a true squire even though she was female. It did not stop her from looking the part.

Hearing commotion going on outside. Reku and Nuwa turned around together. Outside there was about a dozen soldiers surrounding the shop. All wearing heavy metal armor from head to toe. Most had spears in hand with a select few who had two handed broad swords drawn.

Damn seems we overstayed our stay here and have drawn to much attention to ourselves thought Reku. Turning around to try to find a way out of the building. Reku noticed that the elderly shopkeeper was nowhere to be seen. (Fuck how did shit turn out like this they were just about to leave this place) this all crossed Reku mind as he scanned place for a exit.

Pushing Nuwa in the back running past the few changing rooms. Still trying to find a way out the owner must of escaped from somewhere. Were these guards after them or the owner Reku couldn't figure it out. Whatever the case all Reku knew was that he needed to get Nuwa out of there.

When they reached the back of the house there seemed to be no hope. They found the back door but more guards were standing there. Each looking fearsome like they just wanted the two companions to try something. So they would have a good reason to put them out of their misery.

Nuwa seem ready to fight like she needed no reason to defend herself. Reku putting his hand on the girls shoulder. who looked like she was ready to kill as many as she could. He told her surrender maybe they could still get out of this without issue.

In the next moments of telling the young girl to not fight. Both Reku and Nuwa felt a heavy blow against the necks and her vision became blurry. As they fell to the hard ground never feeling the contact of hitting the stone flooring below. Getting glimpses of one scene or another. It was like everything was happening all together. But the scene area changed over time.

In one of these felt something like a wheel behind him and two soldiers were arguing over something. In another scene he was back of a wagon with Nuwa next to him. The street lights and people passing by doing their daily business. Last scene Reku could remember was being dragged across the ground. It was a dark hall with a very dim light. The ground was rough but at same time was moist and wet.

Waking up finial Reku felt a aching pain on the back of his neck. The pain causing him to place his hand on his neck. Feeling the dried blood brushing it away. Underneath the crust the blood Reku could still feel the moisture from the blood. Someone must of bashed the two of them from the back. When they were about to surrender luckily it was not a fatal blow.

Looking around trying to find out where he was. While also trying to see if Nuwa was ok. Where was Nuwa all he could see was the cage he was a stone wall and caged door. Did they kill the young girl. Calling out with all his will power “NUWA, NUWA WHERE ARE YOU NUWA” Reku called out over and over again.

“Shut up there is no Nuwa here you were the only one brought down here. You should be more worried about yourself then someone else. If your here then there only one way you can ever leave and that is in death.” came a voice in the darkness

“What do you mean only in death where are we” Reku said pleading to the mysterious voice.

“You shall find out soon enough”answered the voice after the answer the voice started laugh hysterically.

The laughter echoing in the darkness. Light of a torch was coming forward from the distance. Watching the torch burn and come closer. Reku could see the hall seemed endless. With hundreds of cages all around. Different sounds some of dogs howling other times of hissing or like wings flapping. Everything was just to much to try to comprehend.

The torch reaching him. Reku seen that there four men standing before him. One opening the door threw Reku his set of armor. It was the set he had on before he was knocked unconscious. Looking at himself he just noticed he was wearing only a potato sack. Looking back up just in time to see another guard toss his sword at him. The pummel of the sword smacking Reku hard across the face.

Standing outside the guards yelled at Reku to get dressed. Attempting to get dressed embarrassingly Reku slide the pants on. One of the guards watching him try to get dressed. Took the shaft of the spear and slammed it into Reku chest. The hit was so powerful it knocked all the air out Reku lungs.

Falling on his hands trying to catch his breath from the impact of the spear. The guard seeing Reku on his hands made the guards laugh. Another guard step over him and kicked him in his rips. Sending Reku sideways hitting his head against the stone wall behind him.

Did these humans dislike other species this much. Trying to stand up from being knocked on the ground. Surrounding Reku the guards took turns ruthlessly beat Reku. Cursing him for making them wait on him. He was just a worthless beast lover. Coughing up blood out of his mouth from the rough beaten the guards gave him. Attempting to hold in his anger and not make the situation any worse than it already was. All Reku just thinking that all was not over. He would get his revenge on those that wronged him and Nuwa.

He could possible forgive those that just hurt him but to hurt others just because they were different race. This was really pissing him off racism was not something he thought was right. These humans were the true animals of the world. They all deserved death for treating others like they were lesser beings.

When the guards finally finished beating him. Reku slide the leather armor on arm one at a time. His left arm was the most painful to get into the arm slot. Holding the sword in his injured arm while buttoning up the leather jacket. While the guards pushed Reku out the cage toward the direction they came from.

Reku slowly walking passed each cage. He seen dozens of strange outlines of creatures. Some looked like men others were just to unrecognizable. It seemed to take half a dozen minutes to reach the end of the hall. After reaching the far end Reku seen a large curved staircase. Torches lining the wall helping to brighten the staircase. Making walking up the dimly lit area little easier even though the guards kept pushing him along every time they thought he was going to slower then they liked.

Reku could tell he was getting close to the reaching the outside. Taking that last turn the light from the outside shun bright. The light seemed to burn his eyes. The darkness of the dungeon seemed to have a major effect on him. Being down there for unknown amount of time. Then coming up to the brightness was almost blinding. Soon as he stepped out from the steps and feeling the burning from the light. All Reku could see was bright white for several moments.

Even though Reku could not see for them serval moments. He could hear the cheers from all around him of the crowds roar. Then there was the rotten stench of decaying flesh and blood all around him. Taking in the smell and sounds from the crowd reku could tell nothing could was to come of where the guards have taken him. Listening more closely while still trying to get his eyes to adjust to brightness of the light.

When his eyes finally adjusted to the light. Reku could see that different creatures were laying around slaughter on the ground. This must have been what he heard about in the streets a few days before. That arena fights were being held in the city. The scene in front of him was truly barbaric. The arena reminded Reku of a coliseum that medieval times. They were held with slaves most of the time and on occasion nobles would fight for fame and glory.

The entire arena was in the shape of a octagon. The floor was made of deep crimson red colored marble substance. Most likely it was stained that color from decades of creatures slaughtering each other. The edge of the walls there was about ten feet gap with a twenty foot wall. At the ten foot gap was filled with water. Yet, something told him there must have been more to the water. If it was in such a place. Above the wall started the seats started. This so the guest could look out onto the the arena participates most unwilling was the most likely scenario.

The stairs he was climbing now seemed one of two ways out of the arena. There was not another path on the other side of the arena. Not speaking of the third way one could leave and the one way that Reku didn't want to think of. He knew just by looking out that they were bringing him up for only one reason. That was to fight to the death.

All he could think of was that matter what he was not planning to die in a shitty place like this. He would defeat whoever or whatever they brought out to him. After all he needed to still find and rescue Nuwa.

There still was no telling where she was or what they had her doing. The young girl must be frightened and scared where ever that was. There was two major questions on his mind at that moment. It was not that thought of what he be fighting but simply that. How was he to escape this awful place and where did they take Nuwa off to.

These thoughts kept coming into his mind one after another of all the terrible places she could have ended up. He just couldn't help but pray to whatever god there was in this world. That she was not in some place like this after all she was young girl.

The sound of a deadly rawer so deadly echoing off the walls of the arenas walls. It woke Reku from his thoughts sending shivers up his spine. This caused every hair on his body to stand up like a thousand needles pin sticking out of his skin. This howl was brought fear that he never experienced before. It made him want to run in fear. Yet, there was no place to hide or run only two choices. First was to fight the creature and second was give up and die. The second was not really a choice he could accept somehow he must get out of this alive.

What kind of creature have made such a sound that made any that heard it fear for there live. The ground started to shake could a earthquake be striking. No, that was not it must have been what ever made that sound footsteps meaning whatever this creature was must have be of gigantic size. No wonder such intense fear overwhelm him.

The creature that stepped out from the staircase on the other side of the arena was quite frightening looking. At first Reku tense eased when a human like face came out from the shadow. Yet quickly as his tension eased it came rouse again. Because the creature that emerged was not a human that first came to mind.

It did have a human like head but its body was that of lion lion mane was covering the creature neck. It also had two large wings something like a bat like creature would have. The tips of each curve of the wings had spikes pointing out of the end. The final part of the creature and one of the most fearful part was the tail that was protruding from its back. It was five foot long, four feet wide and a height of seven feet. The manticore scaled all around its body. The tip of the tail had a one large foot long curved stinger. You could see the liquid most likely a deadly poison dripping from its tail that had a light purple like substance.

When it hit the ground it was like steam was rising from the ground. Almost like the marble floor was trying to reject the substance. As if this creature was not dangerous enough he also had to watch out for whatever that substance was. If it hit him there was a high chance he would not survive such an attack.

These were just the dangers he could see. There was no telling what other abilities and attacks this creature had. All Reku could think of was that he had to stay on top of his toes. Other wise even one small mistake could cost him his life.

The creature did not take walk any father after entering the arena. Instead it looked up and seemed almost out of nowhere a voice came from above. Looking up floating in the sky was a small platform most likely from the effect of magic. Possibly even the substance only from this world.

“Ladies and Gentlemen today we bring you a fight that you do not want to miss. We have had a beast kind lover volunteer to fight the great Manticore. A great beast who has slaughtered over a thousand souls from this world. From human slaves to the last champions of the arena the Cyclopes brothers Darius and Orious.

This deadly creature was captured off the coast of Del-arose on the small island of Kiston. It is a uninhabitable island known only for its deadly creatures. Most that venture there for glory or fame are never heard from again. So getting our hands on this magnificent creature was a priceless prize. Only one with great power and skill could ever overcome this great beast.

The one who believes and has decided to try to accomplish this task is the one who calls himself Reku the lover of the beast kind. He has decided to come to show us even lovers of these beast will do anything for the glory of their country. This young man Reku comes from the beast land. That they call the Tribal empire of Yul'gra.

No One truly knows why this young man decided to come so far away for fame and glory. In truth we agreed to let this young man to show us the skills he has. Today in front of all our prestige's guest here today.” The man in the floating box almost transparent to the naked eye kept going on for several minutes.

The Man inside the box looked to be in his mid forties and well dressed in a light Grey suit. He had black hair with streaks of gray in it most likely from the stress of the work. There must been several times that things got out of hand. After all they are capturing and forcing people and monsters to fight to the death.

He basically made up a full story but his name that they probable got from the tailor at the store. Trying to hide there dark crime of what was truly going on. Capturing Innocent people and forcing them to fight with no other choice.

If he could ever get out of this mess one day he would escape. Remember what these people do capturing and forcing innocent men and creatures to fight. As beautiful as this world could was. It seemed every time he turned around there was something else he found that turned his stomach. Seems no matter what world you are in. Humans seem to somehow mess everything up and think they are better than everyone else.

“Now let's get on with the show as your host today. Let me say what you been waiting for the words every man and women loves to hear today. LET THE FIGHT BEGIN!!!!!” Screaming the final words and throwing his arm in the direction of the arena.

Almost as soon as he finished the giant manticore started to charge in the direction of Reku. The ground shaking with every step. The beast was ten feet tail and even without the tell it was still almost eight feet wide. It was large for any beast he ever seen but still was just a few feet larger than him. How could such a creature shake the ground with each step.

The creatures speed rushing toward him was tremendous the speed was almost instantaneous. It crossed the one hundred and fifty meters was almost impossible took matter of moments. Reku barely had time to react and jump out of the way. The claws of the manticore creating three large claw marks in the marble. The claws ripping threw the substance almost like it was paper.

Reku quickly unsheathing his sword that luckily they gave him. His sword and gear back but he had yet had the time to clean and sharpen the edge. He be luckily if it could knock someone out with it in the shape it was in. Reku thinking to himself how could this sword even be of use to him. Yet, Reku also thought it was better than nothing.

Quickly rushing far away behind the manticore trying to get a little distance away from the deadly creature. So he could try to come up with a plan to defeat it. The manicure furious at seeing that it's pray got away form his clutches. Looking behind himself the manticore could see that Reku was running behind him.

Taking its scorpion like tail and slammed stabbed the stinger in the detection of Reku. See that large stinger coming at him almost no time to dodge the attack. Bringing the rusted sword up to block the sharp stinger. The stinger hit the sword with incredible force sending Reku flying a good ten yards. Hitting the ground was almost as painful as the pressure from the attack of the stinger hitting his sword.

Even though he blocked the attacked with his sword the strength of the blow. It caused the hand holding the sword that blocked the blow throb. It was like trying to take a hammer and slamming it against stone causing your entire hand to shake.

Taking the sword into his other hand Reku held it tight. Taking a closer look at the sword. Reku could see that the stinger must of leaked the purple substance onto the sword. If he did not use the sword to block the blow. There was no telling what kind of effect it would have had on him if the liquid would of touched his skin. There was little chance the armor he was wearing would have had any effect on stopping the foot long stinger from puncturing straight throw him.

The liquid substance seemed to clear the rust from the sword making it shine brighter than ever before. He did have a small chance to clean it up while at the hotel but it was not truly proper cleaning. It would take several sessions over a full month to turn it back to it original state. The purple substance even though Reku knew it was deadly seemed to somehow make the area it turn it to a light black color.

It seemed that the substance seemed to awaken the sword. Reku seem to feel a light coming from the sword but also a feeling like it wanted to go wild. This set a fire inside Reku like feeling this from his sword. Reku didn't truly understand how a sword could give off such feeling to him. It was almost like it was speaking to him in its own way.

It must've been centuries since the sword seen any real action otherwise it would not have been in such a terrible state. Rushing toward the manticore gripping the handle with both hands. Even though the throbbing was still going on in his right arm. With this feeling the sword gave him all fear he had inside dispersed. The thought of the fight in front of him was the only thing on his mind.

The manticore eyeing the creature below it was furious not once but twice it has escaped its reach. Why was such a lowly insect putting up such a fight against him. There was no possible way that weapon it held could stand any chance against his mighty power thought the manticore.

The manticore raising on his hind legs it started to flap it wing causing a large gust of wind to be blown with each flap. That was not all though along with the gust of wind the tips of the bats wings. Where the spikes tips were at started to shot out of the area they were protruding from like arrows flying in all directions.

Bracing himself from the guest of wind coming his way. While also holding the sword with both hands preparing to defend from the incoming onslaught of projectiles. Lowering the sword with both hands preparing to intercept the spikes. Looking in the direction of the manticore it almost seemed that the manticore shooting spikes at random. Few were flying in the direction of the stands where the guest were sitting to watch the two fight to the death.

Of the dozens of projectiles flying everywhere only a select few were coming in his direction. Seeing the first was nearing him slashing the sword upward like it instinct. Reku had it the sword about middle of his chest before the spike came into contact with the blade. Turning the blade slightly to the left as soon the the spike hit the blade.

Deflecting the projectile and sending it flying straight past him. The power that was flowing threw him was amazing him. The fire of combat was simply something he couldn't ever explained. Yet, at the same time it was a feeling of rush of adrenaline hitting him. Matter how many times he has fought in this world.

It seemed almost every fight he got into. Was like something he looked forward to. Even though he may not knew it at the time but back of his mind it was there. Reku just couldn't wait for the next time the opportunity to arise. The adrenaline rushing through him and the fire burning inside. All mixing together almost made Reku. Just want to go wild and destroy anything he could get his hands on.

The sword though kept Reku from going wild like it knew blood lust was not the answer. The sword truly seemed to have its own mind and thought. This truly did not make sense to Reku it seemed to be passing it will on through Reku. Yet, at the same time the experience the sword has had in the past was now also his.

It was strange having all these feeling while in middle of combat. Seeing the next spike coming in his direction Reku this time did not bring the sword to his waist. Instead Reku raised it higher above his head. Soon as the spike got moments away from the sword. The spike was moving fast as a arrow but at the same time it all seemed like slow motion to him.

Soon as the second projectile came within reach of Reku. He brought down down the sword slicing the oncoming projectile in half. This caused both halves of the spike to be thrown off course and going in separate directions. One of the two spikes grazed the side of Reku Crimson red armor. Close to Raku's right shoulder but it didn't seem to have any effect on the armor. Didn't even leave a scratch on the leather gear.

Without even waiting for rest of the projectiles to come. Reku when from a defense full brace from the gust of wind and projectiles coming his way. Rushing forward toward the great manticore who was still on his hind legs. The manticore coming down with great strength. Reku could feel the strength behind the wings each time it came down.

The manticore seeing this small creature coming toward him that just refused to die. None before him have ever put up such fight. What drove this insignificant creature to fight so hard. Slamming down to the ground preparing to face this man with everything he had. It was obvious to the manticore if he did not take this fight seriously. This man could end up hurting him if he didn't watch out what he is doing.

Reku seeing the large creature bringing his front legs down toward him. Jumping out of the way of the monstrous beast coming toward him and rolling out of the way. When Reku hit the ground and rolled out of the way sword still in hand. Reku stood up almost immediately facing the manticore.

The manticore was putting up a major fight. Reku still had zero idea exactly how he would defeat this creature. In truth he was just making up every move as it came along. All Reku knew one of two things would happen. If the fight kept dragging on one of the two would end up tiring out. The second thing would be that the creature would show some weakness.

Being so close to the manticore front leg even after rolling out of the way. Reku quickly ran forward the short distance holding the sword near his hip. Soon as he reached the manticore Reku slashed the sword sideways slicing slightly above the the beast heel. Which caused the beast to howl in pain showing three rows of deadly sharp teeth.

Going under the manticore still running at full speed this time bringing the sword downwards as he ran. Missing the part above the heel but instead cut the creatures calf. Pissed and screaming in pain the manticore fell the ground. Reku believed he had the manticore in his place preparing to stab the creature in the neck.

Seeing one of the first creatures to cause him such injuries the manticore was excited for the challenge. Yet, at the same time for such a small creature to be one the few to ever damage him. Was this small humanoid creature it was truly shameful to be harmed by this creature. There was no way he could leave this creature alive after this. It all was the pride of his race if it was known he was taken down so easily. By one single lowly being then there would be no telling how many of there kind would go out to try to kill there species.

Turning to Reku with his injured legs it barred it teeth and went in to bite the creature in front of him. Reku seeing the b manticore trying to eat him. Swinging his sword again with both hands barely missing the creatures face. Which was his target to try to further hurt the creature. Any damage done to it would be one step closer to winning the fight and surviving.

The manticore seeing the creature preparing to attack. It pulled its head back from the attempt to eat the creature. As the creature pulled it head back it spit a green liquid toward the creature. Reku seeking this liquid coming knew there was no chance he dodge it. Instead he tried to block most of it with his arm hold the sword. Hoping it would not penetrate the armor he wore.

The liquid hitting Reku sword arm splashing over the sword and arm. Swinging his arm down to try to throw off most of the liquid. Just in case there was some effect unknown to Reku. He figured there was best try to get off as much as he possibly could. This would keep the chances low of any bad effects that liquid could have. Seeing the liquid hit the humanoid made the manticore laugh out of pleasure.

“ You have done well little one but it's already game over. That liquid that hit you is a deadly poison just needs a single drop to kill any human. You have been hit with not just a splash but a full dose worth.”

Without even taken in regard what the creature said. After all there was nothing he could do about it right this moment. Taking his mind off what was staring right at him was just as bad. As of right now seemed everyone still thought he was still simple a human not a beast kind himself. the question was should he use the abilities he had to help turn the situation around or try to keep fighting the way he has.

If he didn't give up himself there was a chance it could come in help later on. As if the sword knew the predicament Reku was in. The sword started to shine a bright white light. The little rust left on the sword dispersed and only thing one could see was the bright light. The light emitting form the sword was very strong.

Any poison that could have left to effect Reku slowly started to fade away from his armor and surrounding area. The burning soul of combat inside of Reku was still completely burning a full of excitement. This was one of the most challenging fights he has ever been in. At first he was scared to the death at first fighting such a massive and deadly creature. Yet at the same time it has been one of the most thrilling times of his life.

Every move made had to be calculated in a moments notice. One small mistake in any way could cost him his life. Which caused his blood to boil from excitement. Even though his blood was boiling inside still.

The light emitting from the sword made Reku body feel light as a feather. Almost as if he could jump a great distance or run at great speed. It was truly wonderful feeling for one's body to feel so light.

Seeing the young human weapon shine bright white. Then engulf its body was mesmerizing. That was not the most amazing part the light made his venous poison useless. This brought a smile to the manticore face. To have a opponent with so many skills under his belt was truly amazing.

This was one of the most amusing fights and with most surprises the manticore has ever had. Turning around as fast as it could and swing it tail wide as possible. It had hope to smash the creature with a great impact. So it had little hope to dodge the attack like it had previously done.

Reku seeing the large tail coming his way quickly trying to find someway to get away. Matter where his eyes darted to Reku just couldn't find a path of escape. Before he knew the manticore tell slammed into Reku. The pressure from the blow was like a war hammer slamming against a commoner with no formal training.

It sent Reku Flying a great distance back knocking all the air out of his lungs. When he hit the ground Reku just kept rolling across the arenas ground till he landed in the water. It was the one place in the arena that he didn't want to end up at. Besides the fact there was no way he could fight in the water. He knew there was more to it then it looked.

Trying to swim back to the top of the water still no air in his lungs. His body trying to fight for air while he was still under water. See the light hitting the water Reku knew he was closing on the surface of the water.

Just before breaking thru the surface of the water. Reku felt something grab hold of his leg and start to drag him back down. Causing Reku to panic as he was already fighting to breathe. Quickly looking down Reku seen two green human like creatures with fins. There heads had lily pads like you would find in a pond.

The two creatures were slowly dragging him back down to the bottom of the water. Reku quickly try to kick the creature to make it let him go. Seemed as if this just made the creatures more desperately wanting to drag him to the bottom. Reku eyes started to get black dots in his eyes as he struggled to get free.

Just how long had he been in the water it felt like eternity.

Every moment he was in the water was higher chance he would not make it out. He just could not let this be the way he died. After butting up such a fight against the manticore. He would simply be drowned to death how pitiful.

Reku body slowly started to feel weak. His eyes getting heavy almost as if falling asleep. Trying to put up one final struggle for survival. Reku kick the creature in the face with all strength he could muster causing the creature to let go. Attempting force his way to the surface of the water.