Chapter 52 : Albus

"Presenting! The gallant white knight of Rubrum. ALBUUUSSS!" The MC yelled.

Captain Albi walks into the Arena, fully armored. Crowds' cheers filled the coliseum. In the arena, a huge rhino alien stood impatiently.

"On the other side. The giant Rhino of Maxima, Tertius. Ready to stomp another gladiator. Will our challenger defeat the beast of Maxima?" the MC yelled.

"Come come little mouse. I'll smash you flat to the ground," the rhino alien sneered.

"Foul beast. I will not be defeated!" Albi yelled as he pointed his sword.

The rhino roared. The grounds tremble as he charges at Captain Albi. Albi gets ready with his shield.

"Tertius attacked first. Albus is ready with his shield. Can he block the attack… OHHHH! Tertius uses his tusk to lunge. Albus staggered but he's still standing!" The MC narrates.

Albus rolled aside before Tertius stomped on him.

Axion watches him fight from the audience seat. Assessing his fighting style.

Tertius, the rhino alien, has a big body. Obviously, he's not fast. And by the looks of it, he isn't smart either. On the other side, Captain Albi has a better movement. His position as Captain must've trained him to do more strategic battle rather than just aimlessly lunge around. What impresses her more is that Albi has the capability and speed to evade attacks.

Tertius keeps on charging at Albi. After trying to hold Tertius' attack with his shield on the first try, Captain Albi decided to run and rolled around, avoiding the attacks.

"Hmm... so defending the Rhino's attack with your shield is out of your option," Axion thought to herself. "What are you going to do now?" she wonders.

The Rhino keeps chasing Albi.

"Stop Running!" he growls.

With such a big body, running around the arena must've been quite exhausting for Tertius.

Tertius is getting slow. Albi takes this opportunity to fight back. He strikes with his sword, lunging with all his might.

"Hoo...." Axion mumbled, impressed.

Instead of randomly attacking, Captain Albi aimed for spots he thought to be weak.

"So, even a barbaric Rubrum race can learn how to fight strategically instead of using brute strength," Axion mumbled. She smiled. "You've learned a lot."

Tertius grunt. "Arrggghhhh... you little..."

Albi's sword keeps stabbing him. As a Rhino alien, Tertius has thick skin. But Albi's strength is enough to cut through. Tertius swung a punch. Albi stomps his shield to the ground. Ready for impact.

"Here comes another attack. Can Albus hold it again… OHHH direct hit! Albus got thrown away across the arena…."

Albi stands back up. Tertius charges again.

"Oh? What's this? Albus throws away his shield. Is he going to give up?" the Mc wondered.

Albi put up a stance. Tertius came running fast. There's no sign of Albi going to evade. He ducks and points his sword to Tertius' stomach. Unable to stop, Tertius ran straight to the sword. Albi holds his ground with all his might. Trying not to get pushed back. The sword drowned deep inside Tertius' stomach and he coughed blood.

The crowd suddenly goes silent. Albi pulled his sword and stepped aside. Tertius slowly falls to the ground.

"And the winner is… ALBUSSSS!"

The crowd cheers, welcoming the end of the battle. Albi raised his sword. Giving a pose of victory to the crowds.

Albi goes back to the backstage. He put off his armor and wiped away the blood from his face.

"A stunning performance," said a voice

He turned to see Axion at the door.

"My lady! Haha... " Albi nervously chuckles. "I... uh... apologize for showing you such an unappealing display," he said as he tried to tidy his clothes.

"Please. Don't mind. You did great on your battle today," said Axion.

"I'm happy you came...."

"Well, I did say I'd cheer for you," said Axion as she smiled. "I'll wait for you outside."

"Yes. Of course! I'll get changed immediately."

Albi watches Axion walk away.

"Who's that? Your girlfriends?" a gladiator nudged him.

"W-wha...? No! I- I mean. Not yet," said Albi

Another gladiator laughs. "Hahahaha. Who knows. Our champion candidate happens to be easily flustered around women."

"Well, what are you waiting for? You're a famous Gladiator around here. Just confess and go for it!"

Albi brushes them off. "You guys. Stop teasing me," said Albi as he walks to the door. He suddenly looked back. "And lay your hands off that lady. Okay?" he adds before he walks away.

The Gladiator dressing room filled with laughter.

Albi runs towards the exit of Circus maxima. Excited to see Axion.

"Sorry you waited long," said Albi.

"Oh, don't worry about it," Axion replied.

Albi bowed and offered his hand. "My lady."

Axion put her hand on his as she smiled. The walk through the street.

"I suppose I must thank you once again for accompanying me," said Axion.

"Oh, please don't worry about it."

"Have you received the information I sent you?" she asks.

"Yes. I am greatly indebted to you," said Albi.

"Hmmm... Under normal circumstances, I'd say "please, don't mind it". But, I do understand Rubrum warriors have a good sense of returning a favor. So what about you helping me on something," said Axion.

"If it's something I can do, then please, ask away," said Albi.

"How about we go to the black market together?"Axion blatantly asked.

Albi slightly startled.

"But... for a lady to enter such..."

Axion suddenly looked closely at Albi.

"Will you, please escort me through the market?" Axion asked.

Albi went silent. His cheek slightly turned red.

"O-Of course. If that's what you wish. I'd be honored." said Albi.

"I'm happy to hear that. When will be a good time for us to visit the market?" Axion asked.

"If it's for you, my lady. Anytime is fine," Albi answered.

Axion chuckled. "I'm grateful to know that I have your full support. However, it would be a bad manner for me if I don't reconsider your busy work at Circus Maxima. Tell me when you're not busy fighting on the arena," said Axion as she winked.

"Of course. I shall inform you as soon as I got a holiday from Circus Maxima."

"So, are you going home soon?" Axion asked. "If you can find the person you're looking for at the black market, surely you'll finish your mission soon. Will you be returning to Rubrum without finishing the Gladiator competition?"

"Well... I intend to stay and help with whatever you need me for. That is if you don't mind," Albi answered.

"That's very nice of you. And of course, I don't mind," Axion replied. "Are you joining the Gladiator special season?"

"Oh, my lady is aware of the event?"

"Yes. I heard Circus Maxima is going to invite various fighters from around the galaxy for the biggest and first ever, gladiator battle royal. The prize is a power sphere. Although it's unknown what kind of power sphere is it, the existence of power sphere itself should be enough to pull many strong competitors," said Axion.

"I do have interest in that tournament. Are you interested in the power sphere?" Albi asks.

"A little. Astraeus station is on good terms with TAPOPS station. Knowing TAPOPS, they would probably send someone to get that power sphere."

"Then, if my lady desires it. I shall claim the power sphere for you," said Albi as he bowed.

Axion smiled. "There will be plenty of different fighters in the tournament. It would certainly be a good experience to join it. I wish you good luck." said Axion as she nods.