2nd Floor.

My name is Bart," he introduced himself, his light brown fur glistening with a golden sheen. His lion-like ears twitched without any signs of tension, while his folded wings rested behind his back. Extending his formed fingers with short claws towards me.

Shifting the tin badge to my left hand, I reached out with my right hand to shake his.

"And i am Achias," I replied.

"A shadow, huh?" The lion pointed towards the bustling crowd of creatures and continued speaking in a cheerful baritone. "Reaching the second level is no easy feat. Some perish in battles against one another, while others meet their end in encounters with Bosses. Most casualties occur on the 5th floor. What did you think of the Dragon?"

Recalling the epic battle, I tugged at the corners of my lips.

"I understand," Bart said, looking at me with a paternal gaze. He nodded towards a two-story structure. "There are seasoned veterans of this level residing there. Come, I'll introduce you to someone."

A tall weasel with a white collar blocked our path and whispered in my ear.

"Psst! Kid, interested in learning about secret passages in the Arena?"

I gazed into the whisperer's eyes, observing their vertical pupils. While the system had provided me with some knowledge about the passages within the Arena, I knew that my understanding was only superficial. I could even sketch a map that might guide someone to the depths of the Arena, but it would be futile. The system had warned that there were traps in those passages, ones that no one could survive.

The second floor harbored the greatest number of scammers, making it the safest haven for their deceitful schemes. With that in mind, I made no effort to remove the sharp needle-bones protruding from my whitish skin, serving as a deterrent to keep the weasel from approaching any closer.

"Pay him no mind," the lion interrupted, pushing the weasel away. He growled, and the weasel, with his tail tucked between his legs, scurried off, disappearing amidst the moving silhouettes.

"Don't pay attention to such distractions. And don't even think about escaping," Bart shook his massive head. "They try to deceive newcomers and swindle Spiritual Stones. That's why I'm here to accompany you."

I couldn't sense any hostility from Bart, but his unwavering sense of justice surprised me. I wasn't well-versed in such relationships between beings, and while I didn't want to put all my trust in him, gathering firsthand information with details seemed far more preferable than relying solely on the system. Survival necessitated assimilating into this atmosphere to some extent. As we navigated through the motley crowd of creatures, I couldn't help but anticipate some sort of trick lurking amidst the throng. To lighten the atmosphere, I offered a smile and posed a question:

"So, are there really secret passages in the Arena?"

Bart swiftly responded, dismissing the notion, "Absolutely not. These are just baseless rumors concocted to swindle naive fools."

We weaved our way through the living tapestry of beings, maneuvering around tails and wings that threatened to jostle us at every turn. I continually found myself bumping into yet another obstacle in the form of the local inhabitants who appeared to live at their own unhurried pace.

"Haha, don't worry. Soon, you'll embrace this place with your entire being and come to realize how truly heavenly it is. But every paradise has its flaws," Bart explained. With those final words, he stopped in front of a wooden house and scratched the door adorned with runes three times. "Oh, and mind your head."

Before I could inquire further, a weight suddenly descended upon me.

"Carr-carr," a three-headed bird announced, its six yellow pupils blinking alternately as it searched my face.

Lying on my back, I studied the bird's blue feathers protruding from its agile triple necks.

"What is this?" I asked, taken aback.

"It's the alarm system. Don't move, they'll remember you and won't bother you in the future," Bart explained, perching himself and swaying his tasseled tail. He then gestured towards the open door of the apartment building. "There are many prying eyes in there, so be cautious with your words."

After a couple of minutes, the bird retreated and climbed back up to its straw nest on the dilapidated roof, freezing in place.

Damn guards.

As I felt the lingering ache at the back of my head, I followed Bart inside and was struck by the interior decor.

The musty air compressed the already cramped but elongated space, with crooked chairs barely supporting the weight of massive bodies. The unmistakable scent of cheap alcohol mingled with the distinctive aroma of cigars, permeating the space.

Suppressing a sneeze, I gingerly massaged the area above my upper lip and contorted my face in disgust.

Something slimy scuttled past me and settled into an almost broken chair with a single wobbly leg, emitting gurgling sounds as it placed an order for itself.

The bartender, covered in festering ulcers, poured a noxious liquid from an old bottle with a shattered neck, its foul stench permeating the air. To my surprise, he added a piece of moldy... lemon?

"Don't just stand there, let's go," Bart urged, suddenly moving swiftly through the narrow space crowded with sweaty bodies. Their skin tinged blue from intoxication or perhaps adhering to some collective dress code.

Ceiling-mounted chairs hung precariously, while bat-like creatures themselves huddled together in a sea of black-cloaked bodies, leaving no gaps between them except for the occasional empty seat.

The cacophony of voices and clamor assaulted my eardrums like a thunderous drumroll. I had already regretted following Bart countless times, and as another wave of slimy, sweaty bodies brushed against my wings, I lost my balance and stumbled onto a soft, plush carpet.

The noise abruptly ceased, and the intoxicating aroma of tobacco mixed with various fragrances dissipated.

Nestled into the comfortable fabric, I wiped my face against the carpet and allowed my muscles to relax. I allowed my muscles to relax, finding solace in this temporary reprieve.

"Get up," a voice commanded. Squinting my eyes, I caught sight of bare feet adorned with pink toes, their thin-soled shoes wrapped in delicate ropes that extended up to the knees. Slender legs formed an enticing arc, promising a momentary respite for my weary thoughts.

Raising my head and bracing myself on my palms, I raised my gaze to complete my appraisal of the young woman's body. The rounded hips were accentuated by a sheer blue garment tied in intricate knots. A sandy complexion traced a shallow indentation at the navel, while faintly outlined ribs gracefully curved, leading to substantial breasts that strained against the confines of the garment, seemingly yearning to escape and find solace in my open mouth.

Swallowing, I focused my gaze sharply on the neck and... The face concealed beneath a veil of cascading long hair.

"That's always the way, isn't it? Who's teasing me over there?!" I muttered to myself, feeling a mix of frustration and curiosity.

However, if I closed my eyes and relied solely on my sense of touch, my mischievous thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the melodious voice of the enchanting figure before me.

"Don't even entertain such thoughts. In Alhonce, you can find drinks, entertainment, and even information, but leave physical pleasures to the workers of the Flower Fairies," she warned, revealing emerald eyes amidst her feline-like features. Her red, twitching nose added an air of playfulness as she turned away and gracefully made her way toward the polished columns.

"It's true," Bart chimed in, seated and sipping a beverage from a ceramic vessel, emitting tendrils of aromatic vapor. He slapped his tail against an empty seat and gestured for me to join him. "Take a seat. More newcomers will be arriving, and we'll continue our journey together."

The chairs provided a surprising level of comfort, adorned with plush red upholstery. Their square shape and sharp armrests stood out amidst the room's decor.

Next to Bart sat an alligator dressed in a suit, a gleaming gold ring adorning his middle finger. The cane upon which he leaned exuded an aura of danger.

"This is Roma. He's the senior figure and oversees the Alhons establishment," Bart introduced with a hint of admiration. "An enviable groom with one hundred and eight wives who reside beneath the pub." He emphasized the last words and glanced towards the beast-girl.

So she's one of his wives?

Without sparing a backward glance, I walked toward an unoccupied chair. Tiny spiders with black bellies scurried over, presenting a tray adorned with a delicate cup, within which a fragrant herbal concoction gently splashed.

"Give it a try," the lion suggested, taking another sip. "It's relaxing."

I couldn't help but wonder how he managed not to shatter the cup with those formidable fangs.

[Verification completed:

Alhonsa Pub Tea:

20% water.

50% Root Ash.

4% Red Vine.

3% Juice of the Rose Tree.

...

All ingredients pose no threat to the life of Participant 137. Three auxiliary additives have been identified.]

Savoring the contents of the cup, I detected a cloying taste with a prominent herbal note.

Disgusting. Well, I've tried worse.

[Participant 137 has fulfilled the condition of raising the level of the Iron Stomach skill.

Iron Stomach has raised the level to medium-yellow.]

[How exactly?]

I was internally tense from the sudden increase in the level and at the same time rejoiced, because I remembered that by raising the level of this skill, I could not worry about a large number of types of poisons.

[The additives of this drink consist of 47% spiritual vibrations. At the moment, spiritual fluctuations may be present in some plant species. Their absorption can lead to poisoning, but since your skill neutralized the poison, the side effect of the spiritual fluctuations was reduced to zero, and at the same time, all the absorbed energy of the Fluctuations went to increase the skill.]

That's how it goes.

We sat in complete silence for three hours, intermittently interrupted by noisy sips from our round cups.

I had already consumed five cups, licking my lips in satisfaction and shaking my head in refusal when the spiders attempted to bring me another.

No matter how much I drank, the level did not rise any more.

From a dark crevice in the opposite wall, a set of runic symbols materialized, resembling the teleportation doors I had encountered earlier in the corridor from the dining room.

The space beyond was bathed in light, and other creatures began to emerge.

Newcomers accompanied by their escorts. Menacing figures exuded a poisonous aura, while bloodthirsty eyes assessed us—the seated individuals—as potential threats.

"Alright, everything is in place," Roma, who had remained silent all this time, surveyed the now filled room and exhaled a plume of fog as he spoke.

A depiction of a towering structure materialized in the air.

Wide-eyed, I recognized the features I had recently observed while seated atop on the back of Maledictus.

It was a replica of the Arena.

"No one has taught you about the Arena. At the first level, only the strongest survive, and the same holds true for subsequent levels. However, it is only from the Second Level onward that the so-called mentors are revealed. Allow me to provide you with the most basic knowledge," Roma explained.

The depiction was divided into seven parts.

"The Arena consists of 36 floors and seven parts, excluding the tower itself," Roma explained, pointing to the glowing red dot at the very top, reminiscent of a star atop a Christmas tree.

"You have already conquered five floors, and that's only within one level. Each level comprises five floors, totaling seven levels. However, the seventh level is an exception. It consists of a single floor, yet there is no beast or creature in my century who has managed to reach its pinnacle. But let's move on. If you lose three battles, you'll be devoured by the plants, in other words, you'll die. If you experience two losses in battles, you will be teleported to the Redemption Plaza, a place where you will face further challenges to prove your worth. However, if you suffer a single loss, you will find yourself at the Survival Crossroads. Should you emerge victorious in three battles, you will be transported to the Refinement Station, where you can leisurely absorb Spiritual Stones in a serene environment," Roma elucidated.

The various sections aligned horizontally, displaying an array of countless eyes scattered across different locations. As the depiction drew closer, hundreds of battlefields materialized before us.

"At any given time, 20,900 creatures and beasts can engage in combat. If you were to fight opponents every four days, now you have the opportunity to choose the timing within a week, and the draw will determine your opponents, rather than the people's vote. Of course, various bribes can influence the selection process, especially from the arrogantly wealthy. So, be careful not to reveal your weaknesses. Failure to start surviving means certain death," Roma explained, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

An intersection zone for the levels materialized before us.

"At the First Level, the bosses are influenced by the power of specific creatures, meaning they can be tailored. However, at the Second Level, they possess equal strength against both the weak and the strong," Roma continued.

The depiction shifted, separating the First Level from the others, revealing a scene filled with small figures of the dragon Maledictus, a Stone Golem, a Metal Beast with snow-white horns, and a Cyclops wielding a club. Meanwhile, a menacing Black Fog blanketed the ground floor.

"As you may have already gathered, the Second Level has its own distinct characteristics and unwritten rules. Fighting outside the designated Battlefields is prohibited. Alliances are not allowed until the Fourth Level. If you fall victim to scammers and deceit, the Arena and its residents bear no responsibility for resolving your problems," Roma explained, his words riddled with gaps and uncertainties. However, I refrained from asking any questions, as my stomach churned with tremendous force. Cold droplets of sweat cascaded down my back, trickling around the needle-like growths. I needed to use the bathroom urgently.

"Each level is separated by residential areas, and upon completing each level, you will gain better prospects but face stronger opponents," Roma concluded.

Below the First Level, I recognized the tunnels leading deep into the earth and the earthen cages that were all too familiar to me. I had resided in one of them. Suspended beneath the Second Level, an island loomed, divided into sections of white, green, and red.

"I will now enlighten you about the advantages of the Second Level," Roma declared, pointing towards the white zone. "Here lies Alkhons, a haven for relaxation and revelry after intense battles. You can indulge in a state of drunken bliss to your heart's content. Nearby, you'll find the pavilion of the Colored Fairies, a brothel that caters to a diverse array of creatures, highly sought after by the denizens of this level. Along the Eternal Wall, you'll discover entertainment halls offering various games and even secluded meeting places for lovers."

His sharp claw then descended upon the red zone.

And here we have the Forest of Nightmare, where all newcomers reside until they have achieved their first victories," Roma continued, withholding further details on the matter and swiftly redirecting his focus to the green zone.

"Now, let's delve into your training. The green zone houses shops stocked with elixirs, armor, food, and essential supplies. You'll also find gravity fields and shadow soldiers there, both of which will aid you in strengthening your abilities. Additionally, it is the only designated area where you can officially challenge and engage in combat with those who have crossed you." Roma elaborated.

The room buzzed with excitement and commotion as the newcomers reacted to Roma's words.

The currency used within the Arena is Spiritual Stones," he proclaimed, attempting to regain control of the unruly crowd. "With just one Spiritual Stone, you can purchase an hour of companionship from a courtesan, savor a cup of herbal tea in Alkhons, or acquire an Elixir of Fasting. Your escorts will guide you to your designated accommodations. Now, are there any specific inquiries?"