Weekend (3)

The waiting lounge was a magnificent display of luxury and grandeur, where heroes, mercenaries, and adventurers could keep their identities hidden from others. The walls were decorated with intricately woven tapestries that depicted legendary battles, and the floor was a polished marble mosaic, reflecting the soft glow of concealed lighting.

To the left, a group of stoic mercenaries crowded together, exuding an air of battle-worn experience. On the right, a pair of mysterious figures conversed in hushed tones, wearing dark, hooded cloaks with a strange symbol on their back. It could be one of the cults participating in a certain item for the arena.

In the center of the lounge, a leaderboard stood tall, showcasing the most victorious duelists and tournament champions on its holographic display. Names flickered and shifted in real-time, a testament to the ever-changing hierarchy of the arena.

[Global Elite - League: 1. CelXste1, 2.NXExplorer30, 3. BlackCainSSS, 4..., 5..., ...]

[A- League - 1. StormBreaker, 2. BladeXdrainer, 3. Frostbite, 4. VoidWalker99, 5. TyphoonShinobi, EclipseFury42]

[B- League - 1. LunarRanger, 2. TidalBard, 3 ..., 4 ... ,5 ...]

[C- League - ...]

[D- League - 1.JasperTheStrongest

As I scanned through the list of top performers, my eyes rested on the D-League group. While I recognized most of the names in the top group, I was curious about the person on the top spot in the D-League group.

My mind raced to identify the name of the person who held this position - Jasper, Jasper, Jasper? Despite my familiarity with the novel's lore, I sometimes struggled to remember the characters who made a come back later in the story.

Strangely, I couldn't even recall writing a character by the name of Jasper.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

[Setting Intervention has been created!]

[Character: Jasper [Background Villain] has been changed - Background Villain -> Minor Villain]

[System has now received an update... Update Completed!]

[You're now being adapted and perceived into the main storyline. To increase your impact on the story, you must increase your influence on the main characters and the major plot points of the storyline. Intervening in main events can also lead to great rewards, but be aware that saving a character from certain death or changing an event that cannot be changed will have significant consequences.]

[The Intervention System Guidelines:]

1. **Saving Characters:**

 - Characters can be saved, but challenges or conditions must be fulfilled.

 - A ripple effect occurs, leading to unintended consequences elsewhere.

2. **Canon Events:**

 - Major events should be carefully treated. Changing them comes with significant challenges or sacrifices.

 - The concept of a "fixed timeline" exists, where some events are destined to happen.

3. **Rel's Existence:**

 - ???

4. **Player Influence:**

 - Different levels of influence exist. Small interventions have minimal consequences, while major changes reshape the story.

 - Limitations are in place; the player has a set number of interventions and faces challenges to unlock significant alterations.

5. **Consequences:**

 - Clearly defined consequences for interventions. Positive changes have negative side effects to maintain balance.

 - A cause-and-effect relationship is established, ensuring every action has a reaction.

[Proceed with caution, and remember that your choices will shape the destiny of the story. May your interventions be wise and your consequences be bearable.]

Wow, that's a lot of information to take in, but I need to keep it in mind. If I save a character from death, it could be influential, but it might also impact the storyline.

I assume there will be ripples that I'll have to deal with if I make such a decision. I have a few names in mind of who I want to save or change, but I'll have time to think about it later.

As I walked further into the lounge, I noticed a group of adventurers with diverse attires, revealing a spectrum of fighting styles.

A nimble rogue, wielding dual daggers, exchanged banter with a spellcaster adorned in arcane robes. Their laughter echoed in the expansive space, creating a backdrop of camaraderie amidst the anticipation.

In a corner, a solitary hero leaned against a pillar, his gaze fixed on the bustling activity. He wore distinctive armour adorned with intricate engravings, a mark of his past victories.

A murmur of recognition swept through the room as others acknowledged his legendary status.

The lounge buzzed with chatter, and the air was thick with excitement for the impending battles. Background characters, insignificant to the overarching narrative, went about their business. Some engaged in animated discussions, while others studied their weapons with focused intent.

The ambience resonated with the clash of personalities and the unspoken challenge that hung in the air. In this extravagant waiting lounge, the line between hero and adversary blurred, and the journey into the arena promised not only physical battles but also a test of wits and strategy.

As I stepped into the bustling waiting lounge, a sudden hush fell over the crowd, and the ambient chatter gave way to the authoritative voice of the arena's announcer.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Winners and challengers, welcome to the grand spectacle of Dawnblade's Arena! Today, we embark on the journey of the D-League Tournament, where warriors from all walks of life will clash for glory and honour. May the battles be fierce, and the champions emerge victorious!"

The announcement echoed through the opulent waiting lounge, prompting a surge of excitement and anticipation among the participants. I felt a ripple of nervous energy coursing through the crowd as we all prepared for the battles ahead.

Following the announcement, a team of attendants, dressed in uniform black attire with the emblem of Dawnblade's Arena, ushered participants toward their respective sections. With a subtle nod, I joined the stream of challengers heading towards the designated area for the D-League.

***

[D-League Section: Waiting Rooms]

The D-League section was a sprawling expanse, meticulously organized to accommodate the influx of participants. Each waiting room was a self-contained unit, ensuring privacy and focus for the challengers within. T

The corridor leading to the rooms was adorned with holographic displays showcasing the participants' chosen names and their past achievements, creating an atmosphere of friendly competition.

The attendants guided me to my waiting room, a futuristic chamber equipped with minimalistic furnishings. The walls displayed a serene backdrop of a virtual landscape, providing a calming contrast to the imminent battles. As I entered, the room automatically adjusted its lighting to a comfortable level.

"Your weapon selection interface is ready," one of the attendants informed me. "When you're ready, you can choose your preferred weapon for today's matches."

I nodded in acknowledgment, and with a wave of the attendant's hand, a holographic display materialized in the center of the room. The options ranged from swords to staves, but my eyes lingered on the bow category. It seemed fitting for my preferred combat style—swift and precise.

As I made my selection, the holographic interface shimmered, confirming my choice. The attendant smiled and gestured towards a teleportation pad in the corner.

The waiting room I found myself in was surprisingly comfortable and equipped with the necessities to ensure the challenger's well-being during the waiting period. A compact but cozy bed beckoned in one corner, offering a moment of respite for those seeking rest before their matches. The adjacent desk held a holographic screen displaying the ongoing matches, providing a means to strategize and scout potential opponents.

A fridge stocked with an assortment of foods and drinks stood against the wall, ensuring that the participants remained energized throughout the tournament. The room was a haven of tranquillity amid the impending chaos of the battles.

As I settled into the room, a voice emanated from the hidden speakers. "Welcome to your waiting room, ShadowWriter. Please make yourself comfortable. There is a waiting time before your scheduled match."

I nodded, appreciating the chance to gather my thoughts and observe the ongoing matches. The holographic screen displayed various people engaging in fierce duels, each showcasing unique styles and abilities. It was a fascinating.

"There she is once again the one that remains undefeated amongst all ranks across, 350 Wins 5 Draws and 0 Defeats! Ladies and Gentleman it is CelXste1.!!!!!"

In the midst of a crowded arena, a single figure stood out from the rest. Argh, with her short white-silver hair glinting under the bright arena lights, moved with a fluid and graceful quality. Her small, agile frame suggested a concealed strength, and her piercing dragon-like blue eyes constantly scanned her surroundings, betraying the power that emanated from her every calculated move.

Despite standing at a mere height of 5 feet 2 inches, Argh possessed an undeniable force that surrounded her. Her identity was obscured by a mysterious mask that concealed the finer details of her face, adding to her intrigue. Nevertheless, I was able to recognize her as Aurelia Draxen, also known as The Celestial One. Her reputation as the Heroes Association's number 1 seat preceded her, and as the author of the novel, I was familiar with her abilities and powers just by her appearance. It was a reminder that I was now an integral part of the world I had once only created.

As I switched from each league match the TV mounted on the wall also allowed me to switch between different perspectives, providing a comprehensive view of the arena. The cheers and roars of the audience in the background added to the atmosphere, creating a sense of immersion.

Time passed, marked by the countdown displayed on the screen. As the moments dwindled, the anticipation in the room grew. I found myself engrossed in the matches, And I found out that I could bet money o. The fridge offered a convenient distraction, and I selected a few snacks to accompany the unfolding spectacle.

Eventually, a notification blinked on the screen, indicating that my match was approaching. The voice returned, "ShadowWriter, your duel is about to begin. Please proceed to the teleportation pad for transport to the arena."

With a final glance at the ongoing matches, I made my way to the designated area, ready to step into the arena and face whatever challenges awaited me in the D-League tournament.

The worker pointed towards the IDS station and said, "Step on the IDS, and you'll be transported to the inner gate of the arena. Your match awaits."

With a determined nod, I stepped onto the IDS platform. The world around me distorted, and in an instant, I found myself at the inner gate of the arena, bow in hand and a sack of arrows on my back.

"What are the odds of the bet today?"

"Who knows, but there's no way that scrawny-looking fella is winning."

"He's holding a bow; there's no chance he's winning against that guy."

"I'll put $165 on the feller with the flaming sword."