20. Martial Hall

Arthur stood in the light of Avalon's lobby, staring at the holographic panel before him. The decision weighed heavily on him. His magic had proven useful, but every encounter revealed its limitations—he needed strength beyond spells if he was to protect Avalon. With a steadying breath, he selected the Martial Training Hall option from Avalon's upgrade menu.

The moment he confirmed his choice, a shiver passed through the lobby. Avalon's walls pulsed faintly, as if the building itself was breathing. The low hum of Avalon's energies intensified, and the very air thickened with a strange, buzzing anticipation. The lights flickered briefly, and then, all at once, everything shifted.

As the changes settled, Arthur found himself standing in a newly transformed lobby. The carpet had been replaced by polished hardwood floors, warm and welcoming yet modern. A gleaming chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow over comfortable seating areas outfitted with rich leather chairs and sofas, arranged to encourage quiet conversation. The previous wallpaper was gone, replaced by elegant, cream-colored walls accented with gold trim that gave the space a subtle charm. Near the entrance, a mahogany reception desk now stood with a sleek, vintage-style bell, and the windows were lined with fresh, crisp drapes in muted colors that let in ample natural light. It felt like the lobby of a well-maintained, three-star hotel—a place of unpretentious elegance that would make any guest feel at ease.

As he absorbed the scene, a glowing message appeared before him:

[System Notification: New Area Added: Martial Training Hall]

[Lobby Upgraded by Host]

[New Area Managers Have Been Summoned]

Arthur felt a prickle of curiosity. 'Area managers? Is it more than one summon this time too' he thought, glancing around the refined lobby, which seemed to hum with barely-contained energy. The changes within Avalon were thrilling. He turned, spotting Hecate and Taliesin in the distance, both equally entranced by the upgrades.

"Did you feel that too?" he asked as he approached them, his voice filled with a mixture of surprise and excitement.

Taliesin nodded, his green eyes gleaming with wonder as he surveyed the lobby's transformation. "Avalon is shaping itself beautifully, Arthur."

"Powerful," Hecate murmured, her gaze sharp, as if examining the deeper enchantments that pulsed through the walls. "Your choice has awakened something significant."

Arthur grinned, feeling a surge of excitement well up in him. "Well, I guess we'd better go see what this new area looks like."

They walked over to the elevator together. Arthur pressed the newly illuminated button marked with an intricate symbol that hadn't been there before—a set of crossed swords surrounded by a circle of leaves. The doors slid open, revealing the softly glowing interior. They stepped inside, and with a subtle hum, the elevator descended, deeper than any of them had expected.

Inside the Martial Training Room

Meanwhile, deep within Avalon, three figures appeared in a spacious, high-ceilinged room, each emerging in silence, scanning their new surroundings with sharp, practiced eyes.

The room itself was a fusion of three distinct styles, melding together like the layers of an ancient tapestry. Around them, sections of the floor were marked by intricate calligraphy strokes, golden and bold, spelling out symbols of valor, loyalty, and discipline. To the left, a path of stone tiles led into a mist-filled courtyard, bordered by tall cherry blossom trees, their petals floating gently down to form a soft carpet. The scent of ink, iron, and incense lingered faintly in the air, grounding the room in a sense of stillness and purpose.

To the right, the floor became tatami mats, bordered by simple wooden racks, each carefully arranged with practice swords. The space exuded a meditative calm, a tribute to disciplined training and self-mastery. In the distance, faded wall scrolls depicting rolling mists and snowy mountains hung in solemn elegance, their brushstrokes capturing the essence of nature's power and transience.

Near the far end, white lilies bloomed in patches of dark, rich soil, nestled beside tall reeds and bamboo. Pale moonlight seemed to filter through invisible windows, illuminating a stone platform engraved with flowing water patterns, where one could stand and reflect in perfect silence.

Three figures stood at separate corners of the room, their senses heightened, each one alert to the presence of the others. They held still, as though balanced on the edge of a blade, ready to strike.

The first figure, an imposing man with a long, dark beard and fierce eyes, was dressed in jade-green armor trimmed in gold, with a large, crescent-bladed polearm strapped to his back. His stance was one of watchful power, a seasoned warrior who knew the strength of patience. His gaze swept the room, sharp and assessing, missing no detail.

Across from him, another man observed with a penetrating calm. His hair, dark and tied back in a simple knot, and his navy blue kimono were unassuming, but his presence was undeniable. A pair of swords rested at his side—one long and sleek, the other shorter, both worn yet well-cared-for. His hand drifted, almost casually, toward the hilt of the longer sword as he stood poised, with a stillness so precise that it seemed he might vanish into the mist.

To their side stood a tall woman, her slender frame wrapped in elegant, layered armor that was both practical and graceful. Crimson cloth lined her silver breastplate, and a single, delicate phoenix was etched into her armor—a symbol of honor and resilience. Her sharp gaze was cool but not unkind, watching the others carefully, her hand resting on the hilt of a slender, well-balanced sword.

The silence stretched taut between them, like a drawn bowstring, as each warrior measured the others, prepared to meet any challenge.

Before any could speak, the soft chime of the elevator broke the silence. The doors slid open, spilling a warm glow from within, revealing three figures standing shoulder to shoulder. Arthur stepped forward, his gaze immediately drawn to the three mysterious figures.

The bearded warrior's stance remained rigid, his eyes narrowing as he took in the newcomers. The swordsman's hand shifted slightly on his blade, but his gaze softened just a fraction, as if weighing their intentions. The armored woman's expression, however, was the most unreadable—a mask of quiet readiness, her grip loosening only by a hair.

Arthur felt the weight of their stares, but there was a quiet awe in his own gaze. He had not expected such legendary presences, nor the strange calm that pervaded the room despite the palpable tension in the air.

Taliesin took a step forward, his gaze appreciative, but Hecate placed a gentle, cautionary hand on his arm, her own eyes sharp and discerning.

For a moment, no one moved, each waiting for the other to make the first sign.

Arthur took a cautious breath before breaking the heavy silence that hung over the room. "Avalon… a little help here?" he murmured, his voice soft but audible enough for everyone to hear.

A familiar voice, smooth and lighthearted, echoed gently in his mind. "I assumed you'd be alright with your Conflict De-escalation skill," Avalon replied, a faint note of amusement coloring its tone.

At the sound of Avalon's voice, a flicker of recognition passed over the faces of the three newcomers. As if driven by the same instinct, each of them murmured a name, their voices overlapping in quiet unison:

"Tianyuan," the bearded warrior intoned, his voice resonant with respect.

"Kenseikai," the man in the simple kimono added, his gaze flickering with calm certainty.

"Baiying," the armored woman whispered, her tone laced with both nostalgia and curiosity.

They glanced at each other, the shared recognition altering the tension between them. Avalon's voice answered back, carrying a warmth that Arthur hadn't heard before. "It's great to meet you all again," Avalon said, as if greeting old friends, its tone holding a quiet depth, a history shared only by the four of them.

Seeing their stances relax, Arthur seized the moment, a gentle smile breaking across his face. "I know this must all be confusing," he said, addressing the three legendary warriors who now turned their full attention to him. "But Avalon called you here—and each of us in this room, well… we've all held this sanctuary in the past," he gestured to Hecate and Taliesin, who each inclined their heads in silent acknowledgment. "Except for me," he added, tapping his chest with a wry grin. "I'm the current one."

The warriors looked at him with interest, a trace of surprise breaking through their disciplined expressions as they studied this unfamiliar figure who now stood as Avalon's keeper.

The bearded warrior spoke first, his voice deep and commanding, yet laced with a solemn respect. "So you are the current commander of Tianyuan?" he asked, his piercing gaze fixed on Arthur.

Arthur nodded, offering a small, slightly self-conscious smile. "Yes… though I think introductions are in order first." He straightened, drawing himself up before the three imposing figures. "I'm Arthur Peterson, the current holder of Avalon. My role here is as its concierge—a guide, if you will—making sure that travelers from many worlds can find what they need most when they need it most."

The warriors regarded him with silent intensity as Taliesin stepped forward next, giving Arthur an encouraging nod before turning to the others. "I am Taliesin, once the keeper of Avalon when it was called Annwn." He smiled, his voice light but filled with memory. "In my time, it was a place of music and lore, a refuge for poets and seekers. I believed Avalon was where stories from all worlds could find a resting place, their truths preserved."

The swordsman in the dark kimono, his expression carefully neutral, listened intently, but a glint of curiosity flickered in his eyes. The woman's gaze softened, her stance shifting as she took in each word, her guard lowering as her interest grew.

Hecate followed, stepping forward with a calm, assured grace. "I am Hecate, guardian of Avalon when it was known as Erebos." Her voice was smooth and measured, her gaze steady as she continued. "In my time, Avalon was a place of magic and shadow, a sanctuary for those at critical crossroads. It was filled with ancient spells and energies, guiding those who dared seek transformation." She inclined her head slightly. "It seems we are not alone in having once called Avalon our sanctuary."

The three warriors exchanged glances, realization dawning upon them. The bearded man with the jade-green armor rested his hand on his large crescent blade, bowing his head slightly in acknowledgment.

"I am Guan Yu, the Saint of War," he said, his voice deep and resonant, carrying the weight of countless battles. "Once, I held stewardship over Avalon when it was known as Tianyuan—the Celestial Garden. In that time, Avalon was a sanctuary of martial honor, a place where warriors came to perfect their spirit and sharpen their loyalty." His gaze swept the room, pride evident in his stance. "Tianyuan was not just a training ground; it was sacred. There, warriors practiced under the cherry blossoms and breathed in the scent of iron and incense. The very earth held the values of righteousness and brotherhood, teaching each warrior that true strength lies in defending the just and protecting those who cannot protect themselves." He looked at Arthur intently, as if measuring his worth. "To hold Tianyuan is to honor the spirit of true warriors."

The man in the dark kimono nodded slightly, his expression focused but respectful. His presence exuded a quiet intensity, as though he were as much a part of the mist as a human figure. He stepped forward, his hands relaxed by his sides, yet poised with precision.

"I am Miyamoto Musashi, Master of Two Heavens," he said, his voice smooth but carrying a quiet power. "In my era, Avalon became known as Kenseikai—the Realm of the Sword Saint." He paused, his gaze turning inward, as though glimpsing memories far away. "Kenseikai was a place of solitude and inner mastery. There, one could understand the 'Void,' that which lies beyond all form. Warriors and scholars alike entered seeking perfection, not only of body, but of spirit. In the mist-covered gardens and tatami-lined halls, I welcomed only those who were ready to confront their deepest selves." His hand drifted toward the hilt of his sword, resting on it in a gesture of reverence. "Kenseikai taught that true mastery is in understanding both one's power and limitations, to see beyond fear and strength. It was a place of deep introspection, where those who entered left only with what they had earned through struggle."

Finally, the woman in crimson-lined armor stepped forward, her gaze warm but resolute. She stood with a warrior's poise, her movements graceful yet firm, reflecting her steadfast spirit.

"My name is Hua Mulan, the Warrior of Honor," she announced, her voice clear and assured. "I once guarded Avalon in the form of Baiying—the White Shadow." Her expression softened slightly, as if lost in a distant memory. "Baiying was a place of quiet valor and resilience, a refuge for those whose battles were not always seen. In my time, heroes came to Baiying not for glory, but for reflection and reprieve. White lilies grew in the courtyards, their petals falling like whispers of courage for those who faced not only external foes, but the burdens hidden within." She looked to Arthur, her eyes filled with both strength and empathy. "Baiying welcomed the weary, the misunderstood, those who carried silent struggles and yet still chose to rise. It was a sanctuary for the soul, where one could remember the purpose behind their sacrifice."

Each warrior finished with a brief nod, looking to one another with a new sense of respect. Their introductions complete, the room pulsed quietly with a shared reverence for what Avalon had once been for each of them. In each era, it had taken a different form, yet at its heart, Avalon had always been a sanctuary—for warriors, for scholars, for travelers lost to their worlds.

Arthur, Taliesin, and Hecate watched with a sense of awe, feeling the weight of Avalon's history gather around them.

Arthur looked between the three warriors, a steady but welcoming smile on his face. "The reason you've been summoned here," he began, "is to manage this floor. Each of you is now a manager of the Martial Training Hall."

Hua Mulan regarded him thoughtfully, then glanced toward Hecate and Taliesin. "So, Taliesin and Hecate… I assume they manage other floors as well?"

Hecate inclined her head, a small smile touching her lips. "Indeed. I oversee the Arcane Training Room," she replied, her tone calm and measured. "It's a sanctuary for honing magical and mystical arts, tailored for those seeking to unlock the secrets of magic itself." She paused, nodding to Taliesin. "And Taliesin here," she added with a touch of dry amusement, "is my assistant."

Taliesin bowed with a flourish, his eyes sparkling with humor. "At your service," he said cheerfully, his grin broad.

Hearing this, the three warriors' eyes gleamed with understanding. Musashi nodded thoughtfully before speaking. "If Arcane only has one manager, then it would follow that the Martial Training Hall would need one as well." A faint competitive edge glinted in his eyes as he looked at Guan Yu and Mulan. They, too, shared the look, and within moments, the three had shifted subtly, each taking a poised stance, as if waiting for the slightest signal to move.

"Well, then," Mulan said, a mischievous smile touching her lips as she addressed Avalon, "tell me, Baiying… have we weakened since our last summons?"

Avalon's voice filled the room with a light, knowing tone. "Sadly, yes," it replied. "But in time, you will regain your full strength. The bond grows with each moment you remain here."

"Full strength or not, that doesn't change the nature of skill," Guan Yu rumbled, the beginnings of a grin beneath his beard. He raised his polearm in a salute, his eyes fixed on the others. "It'll take technique—not just power—to determine who is most fit to lead this floor."

Hecate took a measured step backward, already sensing the inevitable. She turned to Arthur with an arched brow. "Arthur," she advised calmly, "you may want to step back for this. I can already tell it's going to get… chaotic."

Arthur nodded quickly, and he, Hecate, and Taliesin made their way toward the elevator, leaving the three warriors eyeing one another, their movements like those of coiled springs ready to snap.

As the elevator doors slid shut, the faint sounds of swords meeting echoed through the halls. Taliesin broke the silence, a twinkle in his eye as he glanced at the others. "Say, who do you think is going to win? I've got my gold on Guan Yu."

Hecate's expression was faintly amused, her gaze thoughtful. "I believe Hua Mulan has the upper hand here."

Arthur chuckled, shrugging as he chimed in. "My bet's on Musashi. He's quiet, but I get the sense he's the type to surprise you."

Taliesin laughed, rubbing his hands together. "Well then, may the best warrior win!"