Chapter 6- slave life 4

Yami crouched low near the edge of the arena, scanning the scattered weapons on the ground. His fingers brushed over a sturdy-looking sword, its hilt wrapped in worn leather.

[New item registered for collateral. Value: 50 QP. Current total QP: 210.]

A faint smirk tugged at his lips. It wasn't much, but it was enough to test the wheel. His mind raced as he thought about his options. Each weapon he absorbed brought him closer to a real chance at survival and a step closer to escaping this hellhole.

The loud clang of a bell echoed through the arena, silencing everyone and stopping the fight. Yami turned toward the stands, where Saint Gabrielle rose to his feet, his voice dripping with mock enthusiasm.

"Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes the preliminary round!" he declared, his voice booming. "Now, it's time for the main event—the one-on-one matches! For this special occasion, all chains and collars will be removed. Let's see the true potential of our little slaves!"

A murmur ran through the slaves as guards moved in, unlocking collars and chains. The moment Yami's collar was removed, he instinctively rubbed his neck, the skin raw and irritated from the constant weight.

He glanced around, noticing some slaves cracking their knuckles or flexing their fingers, their newfound freedom making them eager to fight. Yami, however, remained cautious. He wasn't stupid enough to think this was real freedom.

Saint Gabrielle's voice interrupted his thoughts. "For our first match, we have… two Fishmen! Let's see how this inferior race fare against one another!"

As the two Fishmen were pushed into the center of the ring, Yami took a step back, his eyes flicking to the system panel in his mind.

[Current total QP: 210. Spin cost: 50 QP.]

Yami hesitated for a moment before muttering, "System, let's spin the wheel."

[Acknowledged. Spinning…]

[–50 QP]

The wheel appeared before him, its vibrant colors flashing in rapid succession. Purple, white, gold, green, blue, red—they blurred together as the wheel spun faster and faster before finally slowing down.

[Result: Common Quirk acquired—Passive Boost: minor Endurance boost.]

Yami raised an eyebrow, not entirely thrilled but not disappointed either. A passive quirk wasn't flashy, but it could help him survive longer.

"Not bad," he muttered. "But let's up the stakes."

Yami decided to gamble further, his finger twitching as he initiated three more spins. The wheel lit up again, its colors spinning wildly.

The first spin stopped:

[Result 1: Common Quirk acquired—Improved Digestion.]

Yami grimaced. "You've got to be kidding me."

The second spin began, slowing to a stop:

[Result 2: Common Quirk acquired—Pain Resistance.]

"Okay, that's not terrible," Yami muttered, feeling the faint hum of the quirk activating in his body. He could already sense a slight dulling of the constant ache in his muscles.

The final spin started, and the wheel's colors blurred once more before landing on a brighter hue.

[Result 3: Uncommon Quirk acquired—Minor Regeneration.]

Yami's eyes widened. "Now we're talking."

He felt a subtle warmth spread through his body as the quirk integrated itself. It wasn't enough to heal major injuries instantly, but cuts and bruises would recover faster now—a crucial advantage in his current situation.

The crowd roared, pulling Yami's attention back to the arena. The first fight had ended, one Fishman standing bloodied but victorious while the other lay motionless on the ground.

Gabrielle clapped mockingly. "A splendid performance! Let's move on to the next bout!"

Yami exhaled sharply, a brief wave of relief washing over him as the next fight was announced: human versus human. He watched from the shadows, his hand absently brushing the hilt of the dagger he had picked up earlier.

[Quirk Description: Minor Endurance Boost – Slightly increases stamina, allowing the user to endure physical strain for longer periods.]

The system's calm, detached tone floated in his mind.

[Quirk Description: Improved Digestion – Enhances the body's ability to extract nutrients from food and accelerates the breakdown process, providing more energy even from small meals.]

Yami's lips twisted in a dry smirk. "Guess I'll squeeze a bit more out of that watery soup and stale bread."

His eyes flicked to the bottom of the system panel:

[QP: 10]

"Damn it," he muttered. He had been hoping for another spin, but he'd need more points. Watching the two humans tear into each other, he knew it wouldn't be long before he was thrown into the chaos again.

The fight ended with a sickening snap. Yami grimaced as the larger man twisted his opponent's neck, leaving the body to crumple lifelessly on the sand. The crowd erupted into cheers, their bloodlust growing louder with each fight.

Saint Gabrielle clapped his hands together with exaggerated glee. "Magnificent! Now, for our next match… Shiki D Yami versus Mikael the werewolf!"

Yami felt his stomach drop as the guard shoved him forward, the dagger clutched tightly in his small, trembling hands. Across the arena, a broad-shouldered man with sharp, predatory eyes stepped into the ring. His bare chest rippled with muscle, and his movements carried a dangerous confidence.

'A Zoan user'. Yami's eyes narrowed, watching as Mikael's form began to shift. His body expanded, thick fur sprouting over his skin as his face elongated into a wolf-like snout.

The moment the bell rang, Mikael charged, his clawed feet kicking up a cloud of sand. Yami leapt back, narrowly avoiding a swipe of razor-sharp claws.

"Shit, he's fast!" Yami hissed, his Spidey Senses activating instantly. The faint tingle in the back of his mind sharpened his reflexes, allowing him to sidestep another attack.

The crowd roared as Mikael pressed the assault, his claws slashing dangerously close to Yami's face. "What's wrong, little boy?" Mikael sneered, his voice guttural and distorted by his beastly transformation. "Scared already?"

Yami didn't answer. Instead, he clenched his fists and focused on his Explosion Quirk. A faint heat built up in his palms as he channeled his energy.

Mikael lunged again, his claws aiming for Yami's throat. This time, Yami countered, thrusting his palm forward.

BOOM!

The explosion wasn't large, but it was enough to blast Mikael back several feet. The Zoan user landed on all fours, growling low as smoke rose from his scorched fur.

Yami wiped sweat from his brow. The effort of using the quirk in his weak and malnourished ten-year-old body was draining, but he could feel his control improving with each use.

Mikael grinned, baring sharp teeth. "A Devil Fruit user, huh? No wonder you're confident. Let's see how long you last!"

He charged again, his movements becoming erratic and wild. Yami ducked under a swipe, countering with another small explosion aimed at Mikael's torso.

The attack landed, sending the Zoan user stumbling back. But Mikael recovered quickly, his beastly endurance allowing him to shake off the damage.

Yami's breaths came faster, his body protesting the strain of repeated quirk usage. His mind raced as he formulated a plan. He couldn't match Mikael in brute strength and speed, and his explosions weren't enough to keep the Zoan down.

As Mikael lunged again, Yami sidestepped and darted toward the weapons scattered across the arena. Grabbing a serrated spear.

"Come on!" Yami shouted, holding the spear steady.

Mikael snarled, charging forward with reckless abandon. Yami dodged at the last second, driving the serrated spear into Mikael's side.

The Zoan howled in pain, blood dripping from the wound. Yami didn't let up, using the momentary distraction to land another explosion directly at Mikael's chest.

Mikael collapsed to the ground, his body reverting back to its human form. He panted heavily, his eyes filled with rage and desperation.

Yami hesitated, his dagger raised. He didn't want to kill Mikael, but he also knew the crowd wouldn't accept mercy.

Mikael lunged one last time, his claws raking across Yami's arm. Instinct took over. Yami released a powerful explosion at point-blank range, sending Mikael flying backward.

When the smoke cleared, Mikael's body lay motionless on the ground half his body missing.

Yami stared, his chest heaving. His trembling hands dropped the dagger as the reality of what he'd done sank in.

The crowd erupted into cheers, their bloodlust satisfied. Saint Gabrielle's voice boomed over the arena.

"Well done, Shiki D Yami! A splendid display of power!"

Yami barely heard him. His gaze remained fixed on Mikael's lifeless and deformed body, lying on the bloody sand.

'God please help me'.

To be continued…