Chapter 5
Read 5 chapters ahead on patreòn.com/stormlighter
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Fisher knocked on Mark's door and called out for him. Mark had switched rooms with a fellow gladiator who lived in the same floor. A few extra thousand berries were all that was needed to convince the man to switch rooms, he didn't even complain about the rough, cranky bed.
Mark heard Fisher and let him inside his room. He had a pleasant but slightly dry expression.
Mark sat down on his new, comfy bed, "What is it? I can see it in your face. Something bothering you?" He glared at Fisher, "Is it about the upcoming fight"
Fisher scratched his neck, taking a seat on a stool," That too, but I have something to confess."
Mark pulled out a wine from his stash that lay under his bed, and poured a glass for him and Fisher, "I can see it in your eyes. This isn't something light. Tell me what's going on."
Fisher bitterly drank the wine, his expression was contorted, "I've been fighting as gladiator for a few years. It wasn't because I chose to. Nobody else would hire me, the butcher, salesmen, or even the stall sellers." Fisher downed another glass, his face becoming red, "All because I had fishman blood running in my veins.
Mark glanced at Fisher with an understanding expression. He very well knew the bad blood between humans and fishmen.
Fisher was born part human and part fishman. Though his features resembled much more to that of a human's. After his parent's death, he was forced to work for his self, but was shunned by all because of his part blood.
"So, I've decided. This battle will be my final one. I'll be heading to fishmen island. That's where I belong." Fisher smiled at the end.
Mark understood Fisher's reasoning and nodded, "I wish you luck in your new life down there. But first we have a battle to survive."
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Moments after their talk, the duo went ahead to get ready at the gear racks. Many others were there too, picking a fitting weapon, though most chose swords.
Mark peered at Fisher who appeared a little disturbed, "I think our best chance will be by sticking together. Many others will have formed their own factions as well. It's the best way to last long."
Fisher nodded, "as long as people like chinjoa keep at bay, we should out last the timer."
At the gear racks, Mark picked his gear, this time choosing more durable armour. He picked a longer sword then usual but felt comfortable using it. He didn't arm himself with a shield, he decided to go on the offensive today.
Fisher wore full body armour while arming himself with a bronze shield and a mace.
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The sun shone brightly, decorating the plaza in light. The arena was packed full as people were excited for this yearly last-man-standing battle, some citizens watched from the entrance gate. Despite the scolding heat, the audience roared.
The battle platform was made out sturdy stone. It was 50 meters thick and 500 meters wide as it floated above a circle of water.
The platform slowly packed itself as the warriors walked to it.
The last person to reach the platform was Chinjao, and also the person the warriors wanted to avoid the most. Although, he wasn't here to fight for Ace's devil fruit, Chinjao had a passion for brawling, or so the rumors went.
As Mark stood in the arena, he felt the many eyes linger on him. The audience made him a little nervous, but didn't show it.
He looked at the many gladiators in front of him and took note of their levels. '20,20,19,20,23…, Most were pretty average.
A few moments later, Gatz announced "Ladies and gentlemen, let the battle royale begin!"
The arena went total chaos. The warriors slashed and punched one another without a second thought. The weaker warriors formed a mini alliance and pounced on stronger opponents. It looked an ugly dog fight.
At the back of the arena, Mark and Fisher stood in a defensive pose, back against one another.
"Remember the plan, stick close to each other and avoid the tougher opponents. We should out last the timer." Fisher looked back and Mark, then again at his front.
Mark nodded. He didn't plan to be the last man standing. Completing his quest was enough.
"Look what we have here, a bunch of cowards," a group of gaunt men walked up to Mark and Fisher. They tried to look intimating by flailing their swords around, but they looked clumsy.
Fisher and Mark turned to face their opponents. "Stop barking and get this over with."
The clumsy group charged the duo with uncoordinated attacks and poor formation. Mark and Fisher easily dodged their attacks and slashed back. Slowly, their confidence shattered and tried to scurry into the battlefield, but were interjected by Mark and Fisher.
The duo easily dealt with the group, knocking them out "What a weak bunch. I feel embarrassed they thought of attacking us." Fisher sighed in annoyance.
[ Current Quest!
A man's freedom lies in his own hands. Defeat 100 fighters and leave the colosseum.
Objective = 89/100
Reward = 10,000 EXP, Devil fruit
]
Mark swiped the little blood on his sword and looked at took a look at his quest. 'Eleven more. I wonder what devil fruit I'll get.'
He closed his window and took a look at the battlefield "they did outnumber us by a lot. Although they were pretty weak." Mark tried to rationalise their way of thinking.
Mark and Fisher once again took their defensive pose and tried avoiding as many tough opponents as possible. Luckily the stronger warriors didn't actively search for opponents. Chinjao stood in a corner, far away from the duo, defending against some mob warriors.
A few moments later, another group walked up to Mark and Fisher. They looked less clumsy than the previous. They wore decent armour and weapons.
It took a little more effort and time, but the duo managed to throw many of the group out of the arena in a brawl.
Mark once again glanced at his screen.
[Current Quest!
A man's freedom lies in his own hands. Defeat 100 fighters and leave the colosseum.
Objective = Completed!
Devil fruit added to inventory!
10 000 EXP gained!
]
[You have levelled up!]
[You have levelled up!]
[You have levelled up!]
Mark felt a warm glow envelop him, his strength and stamina returning.
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