The Gated Arena

Akiol was transported to the center of a bustling area. The first thing that came into sight was a massive fountain. It was shaped in a circular fashion, but its entire design was pretty simplistic. Xo informed, "That is the center of The Gated Arena. As long as this fountains continues to run, The Gated Arena continues to exist."

"Why is it called The Gated Arena to begin with?"

"It's a literal translation of the name. This originally was merely an arena meant for warriors to gather. A place to safely challenge each other to the death. However after quite some time we developed a community around it. Now its a place for the talented to grow and prosper."

"You say talented quite often, do you have anything against the commonfolk?"

"Of course not, rather the common warrior has plenty of opportunities to improve. The truly talented find that normal ways aren't enough. So this is why I helped create The Gated Arena. Meant for those who struggle to express their talent to grow beyond. We do this by creating a friendly but competitive environment."

"A place meant to help improve, but I have a feeling its not so simple."

"There is more than meets the eye."

Around the fountain was a circular road made of a strange stone. The paths spiraled out into further circular roads, making it seem like a spider's web. There was a set of buildings around the fountain. All of quite large size.

Xo noticed Akiol's curiosity, but didn't explain much, "Although I would love to give you a tour, I do not wish to wait much longer."

"I understand."

"Please follow me, I shall explain enough details so you are not completely lost."

Akiol trailed behind Xo as they moved swiftly across the paths. Xo began to calmly explain, "In order to stimulate competitiveness we created four factions—although we call them provinces. We establish a ranking of sorts for them, although that may have gone a tad out of hand."

"That isn't comforting."

"Let's just say the competitiveness got a little too large. I'm currently trying to cool that down, but it's hard when everyone is top talents."

"Alright, then these Provinces?"

"Located at the four cardinal directions. Currently we are heading towards the one located north. There lies the Sword Saint."

"Do they have names?"

"They are in the same language as The Gated Arena. For now you can refer to it as the North Province."

"What language is it all in?"

"The language of runes. The pronouncement of runes is almost lost to time. But it can explain the way of the world if studied enough."

"Kan'na might be at home here."

"That purple haired sorcerer hm?"

"That's the one."

"Yes, she completed her Trial with surprising speed. I am sure the academy would love to have her within their ranks."

"Academy?"

"The majority of spellcasters head there. The studying of magic is a never ending process. Sharing what you know is common courtesy among them."

"That's really neat, aiming for greater knowledge is it?"

"Correct. Much how the provinces aim for greater strength. Everything here aims to improve yourself in more way than one."

"It almost seems too good to be true."

"Entering this place has quite a high requirement. To further delay any improvement would be a waste."

"I see."

"Now, the Sword Saint is someone of interesting character. They have dedicated their entire lives to the sword. Their level of skill is most likely the pinnacle currently."

Xo's faced flashed with realization, "It is worth pointing out that the Sword Saint is currently Fourth Stage."

"I won't stand a chance."

"Normally no, however there is one key thing about The Gated Realm. It holds the ability to put your strength to certain points of your past. This allows for fighters to spar regardless of their Stage."

"I still have a wavering confidence."

"It is good you aren't overconfident. Many would fight tooth and nail for a chance to fight against the Sword Saint. Many who have claim to have made several insights. That is if you can last long enough."

"An opportunity lies within."

They stopped in front of a several story building. It was styled much like an ancient Chinese building. It was quite a sight. Xo approached the door casually, "You will gain several strange looks. I assure you they mean no real harm. Newcomers don't usually approach this place."

"I get looks all the time, I've grown used to it."

"That is good, now let us proceed."

Tapping the doors they swung open. Inside looked incredibly similar to that of the Adventurers Guild. The hall filled with several people casually chatting. Table sets scattered across in the inside. Food laid mostly eaten among the tables, and satisfied faces next to the empty plates. As Akiol walked through the room a few of them looked towards him. A few probed him with their eyes, but seemed mostly uninterested. Xo guided Akiol to a strange circular stone tablet. Gesturing from him to step on he then tapped it with his foot. It quickly flashed and Akiol found himself on a different floor.

Xo walked forward as he explained, "A small teleportation Formation. Eliminates useless travel between floors. Now do treat the people you are about to meet with respect."

"Naturally."

. . .

"Honorable Leader! What brings you here?", someone ran up to Xo.

Xo waved away the honorifics, "I am here to meet her."

"Ah, she currently is in seclusion. If you could wait just a little bit?"

"Of course, wouldn't want to interrupt her training. How long has she been inside?"

"Around two hours."

"She'll be out shortly then."

"Yes."

Xo turned to Akiol and introduced, "This is the current head of the North Province. His name is Humive."

Humive bowed slightly, "Anyone who the Honorable Leader brings personally is a friend."

Akiol returned the greeting, "I am Akiol, a newcomer to The Gated Arena."

"A newcomer! It's not often we get those."

Xo chuckled slightly, "The new era of fighters is arising. I think you will find new talents quickly arriving here."

"Already? I'll inform the others. In the meantime why do you wish to see her?"

"Akiol here has been given the Title of 'Sword Saint' by the Semi-Immortals."

Humive was able to put together the pieces, "A Title Clash is it? It is good that it's being handled soon then."

Akiol sighed, "I didn't even want this Title to begin with."

"Every sword wielder strives for the Title of Sword Saint. Yet you wish to throw it away willingly?"

"It seems being the Sword Saint is greater of an honor than I imagined."

"Of course! Being given the Title of Sword Saint means you reached the top of your skill with the sword. Granted to the one who reached the pinnacle. To be granted it is not only a great honor, but comes with many benefits."

Akiol shook his head, "The position of number one may be a great title, but it is also a prison. I do not wish to be shackled by such Titles."

"I couldn't have said it better myself.", a new voice entered the room.

Everyone's head turned to see a woman with short white hair. She currently was wearing a training outfit and was wiping away sweat with a towel. Inspecting Akiol she continued, "It's not often someone understands that about being the Sword Saint. Many are blinded by the status it brings."

"I've had some experience in the matter."

"So, who are you?"

"Akiol, a newcomer here."

"Ah, it seems like the time of rookies is here again. However for you to be tagging along the Honorable Leader means you aren't simple."

"Well, you aren't wrong."

Xo explained, "I'm afraid this one is a contender of the Title of Sword Saint."

She raised her eyebrows, "This Second Stage? That's impressive."

Shaking his head Akiol explained, "It's a misunderstanding."

Xo further explained, "The Semi-Immortals are the one responsible for giving him the Title. I would much rather a Title Clash not happen, so I brought him here to fix that."

"I won't accept it if this guy is just trying to get rid of the Title.", she warned.

"I understand that, as does he."

Akiol scratched his head, "I don't fully understand why, but I am willing to do things properly."

Shaking her head the Sword Saint explained, "It is much like you said. This Title is also a prison. I will be secretly pleased if I lose it, but it also makes me who I am. In a fair fight where both ends give it their all is the only way I will accept my loss."

"Okay, I won't hold back then."

"Good! I go by Merin, give me a bit to gather my stuff."

Xo coughed, "We shall await your arrival at the Arena."

"I'll be there shortly, it's a good thing I warmed up too."

Merin swiftly left the room. Akiol watched her leave and silently sighed, "I have to go against the pinnacle of the sword, great."

Humive offered some good news, "You might gain some insight to improve in the duel."

"You are certainly not the first one who told me that."

. . .

Akiol entered the Arena followed by Xo and Humive. He found the whole process to be scarily similar to the one used for the Professional Competition. It made him think that perhaps they were the same thing. As he patiently waited he heard a commotion begin to form outside. Excited voices leading all the way to his waiting room.

He was able to gain a few snippets of what they contained:

"The Sword Saint is being challenged?"

"I thought you had to go through the North Province to do that. Someone actually gained their approval?"

"Even Honorable Leader is here to watch!"

Xo peaked into the room, "She is ready, place your hand onto the orb in the center when you are."

"You guys really like orbs."

"They are the most straightforward shapes of magic."

Akiol reached forward and touched the orb. It began to glow yellow for a few second before turning green. His vision warped and he found himself in a simple arena. On the opposite end stood Merin, her armor was of a leather kind. Clearly she chose maneuverability over protection, which Akiol fully understood.

As she drew her sword Akiol immediately felt a chill. The simple motion gave him a glimpse of the effort she put into her swordsmanship. As he gripped the handle of Stars the sword immediately proclaimed:

'Big brother Peerless?'

A voice entered into both Akiol's and Stars' mind, 'Breaker of Stars? You actually have a wielder?'

Akiol's face wavered for a moment, "I'm sorry, who?"

Stars answered, 'That's the number one sword! Peerless Edge!'