Victory in the Arena (26)

[Increased Attack Power: + 190 points.]

[Decreased defense: - 200 points.]

[Increased critical Hit chance: + 500 points.]

[Increased risk of damage: - 200 points.]

[Endurance: 100%]

[Health: 100%]

[14 minutes and 45 seconds left until the potion expires.]

I stepped into the thick fog. The dampness stuck to my body , muffling my sensations. I knew I was in danger, and my heart raced with the anticipation of the upcoming battle. The fog impeded my vision, but my bloodshot eyes scanned the surroundings, ready for any threat.

Out of nowhere, a dark tentacle emerged from my right. Despite the fog, I could see my opponent's every move. The environment began to vibrate, and my vision became clearer. I reacted instantly, grasping the tentacle with my claws. I sensed the mana oozing out of it, and it disappeared into the mist.

As I progressed deeper into the fog, I noticed a small ball of wool, which seemed to sense my presence. It disappeared into the dark mist, and I lunged forward, only to meet a barrier of dark light. The fog around the creature constricted into a circle, and tentacles sprouted out of it. I dodged the tentacles as they flew past me, agile and quick.

My body surged with adrenaline as I fought my opponent. The mist was in constant motion, and it was hard to keep up. I could feel my strength growing with every passing moment. I destroyed several dozen tentacles, but they transformed into mana and dissolved into mist, which made me despair.

Anger boiled in me as I struggled with my opponent's seemingly endless supply of strength.

[11 minutes and 25 seconds left until the potion expires.]

The tentacles came closer, but I felt them before I saw them. With a flick of my tail, I summoned many needle bones and attacked with quick precision.

I noticed the potion's duration dwindling, and and realized that I had to kill the enemy as quickly as possible.

Finally, I noticed a pattern in my opponent's movements. The mist approached the destroyed tentacle to regain mana before moving away.

My opponent could not immediately replace the tentacles.

I caught the moment when the largest number of tentacles headed in my direction. I focused my attacks and sent needle bones simultaneously. It was a dangerous game, but I was determined to win.

[8 minutes and 2 seconds left until the potion expires.]

The fog grew thicker as I dug my claws into the barrier. The enemy's lack of mana made it vulnerable to my blows, and the impact point exploded with dark energy. Thick steam entered my eyes, causing irritation and tears to form at the corners.

Breathing heavily, I heard the voice of the system.

[Participant 137 has discovered a Nebula's cub. This type of creature has almost disappeared in the Empire. The system advises Participant 137 to conclude a blood contract with the cub.]

Feeling victorious, I waved my hand at the system's words and pulled my opponent out of the broken barrier.

"A cub?" I couldn't help but grin. "I was fighting with a cub of some exotic creature?"

My guttural laughter was interrupted by the system's words.

[Participant 137 is weaker than 97.8% of the Empire's inhabitants. When a Nebula becomes an adult, they become stronger than 50% of the inhabitants after awakening their bloodline. They are ancient beings who eventually become the true strongest. You need to raise a cub and sign a contract with it to acquire a strong subordinate.]

The system's words made sense, but I couldn't help but question its logic.

[What is the probability of my survival without resources?]

[0%.] the system replied.

[I am at a stage where others are stronger than me. How can I contract those who are weaker than me? If I let it go now, what is the probability that it will remember me? A blood contract? Subordinate? Your words are just a pre-reference to a non-existent future, when I'm wallowing in the shit of the present.]

[Participant 137, at the moment you are hidden by the Nebula's fog, if you make an attempt-]

[Enough.] I interrupted.

I looked at the small ball of fur and noticed its big black eyes staring at me with hidden aggression. It was probably sold to the arena just like me, but I had no right to pity. If I killed it, I would get an additional spiritual stone.

[If you make a contract with it, you will get more experience points!] the system added.

It seemed the system didn't want the cub to die. Did it have feelings of pity? Or was it pursuing its own benefit?

Examining the cub from head to toe, I couldn't find any relationship with the system's words. The little lump had sharp ears and a small face, and its body was covered in fluffy fur.

My hands sank into the downy fur, and I exhaled wearily.

[3 minutes and 7 seconds left until the potion expires.]

---

As the fog cleared, the audience's excitement grew louder. The ruined area that was revealed was a testament to the fierce battle that had taken place.

I stood in the center of the cage, my body trembling from the intensity of the fight. The taste of victory was still fresh in my mouth as I devoured the remaining flesh. A drop of blood slid down my chin, and I savored the moment as the crowd erupted in applause.

"The White Shadow emerges victorious!" cried the announcer, his voice booming over the cheering crowd. "He defeated a creature that was a head superior to himself. Support the creature with your loud applause!.."

As the effect of the potion began to wear off, I could feel my body returning to its beaten state.

The system's voice echoed in my mind,

[Participant 137 has successfully created a Pocket Dimension. The dimension has been added to the inventory. Thank you for trusting the 605 system. The points earned are being counted.]

I had participated in three battles with a score of 2:1. The system's data processing was underway, and the number of points earned was announced,

[105 points (+75 for the first blood contract).]

As my points were being calculated, I struggled to remain conscious. The world around me began to spin, and I felt a portal opening before me. With a last burst of strength, I forced my eyes open to watch my own movement with trepidation.

When I emerged in a new location, relief washed over me. At first glance, the place seemed safe. But little did I know that it was only the beginning of another unfair story.