Whispers of Betrayal: Unveiling Secret in the Arena (47)

The board stood as a haunting reminder, challenging us to navigate this treacherous realm where combat was inevitable, yet the act of taking another's life was forbidden. It was a test of skill, strategy, and restraint—a stark contrast to the brutal nature of the battles we had encountered thus far.

Behind the imposing black gates, a maroon sunset cast its ethereal glow. Centuries-old trees stretched toward the blood-red sky, their imposing presence housing a myriad of creatures.

Some soared through the air, while others slithered and crawled along the forest floor. There were those who burrowed deep into the earth, seeking refuge closer to the roots, protecting themselves from the aggression that lurked above.

"It's an extraordinary location," I remarked, raising my voice to be heard above the cacophony of the forest.

Right before our eyes, a peculiar scene unfolded. One creature forcefully ejected another from a cozy hole, and the expelled individual awoke mid-fall, unleashing a torrent of expletives. The other two defiantly assumed aggressive stances, their muscles tensed and ready for an attack. Meanwhile, the third monster swiftly claimed the space, hastily conjuring a protective barrier as a shield against any potential harm.

In a whirlwind of less than a minute, we swiftly maneuvered past the ongoing battles, venturing deeper into the chaotic landscape. Yet, it seemed that every available spot was fiercely contested, with intense skirmishes erupting every ten meters, fought over coveted shelters.

"Stay here," I said, taking to the air to gain a vantage point from above, surveying the area below. From my elevated position, I surveyed the tumultuous scene below, my gaze scanning the area for any signs of vacant spaces.

The struggles for accommodation were relentless, with only those possessing exceptional strength or wielding powerful magical abilities managing to secure temporary respite. It became increasingly evident why this place was predominantly inhabited by those new to the realm of combat and survival.

"Follow me," I gestured, extending an inviting hand to my companions. Together, we pressed forward.

After a short while, we stumbled upon two unoccupied "rooms" positioned fifteen meters above the ground. The rustling of red grass beneath our feet indicated that the creatures were drawing closer.

Swiftly, we managed to evade their encroachment, splitting into two groups. The Lycan opted to remain by my side. Hayd summoned his arrows, swiftly piercing the shoulders of the first approaching creature. The second, resembling a mantis, poised its threatening paws for an imminent attack until I halted its advance with Dark Threads. It strained against the bindings, nearly breaking free, until a sudden surge of blue flames engulfed its entire torso.

A piercing, agonized squeal resonated through the air, serving as a warning to the other creatures who promptly retreated. Releasing my grip on the mantis, I peered into the distant outlines of the crimson trees where the battles raged on.

The novice nodded gratefully and retreated into his wooden refuge.

With a wave of my hand, I encased our makeshift refuge in a protective shroud of Dark Threads. Settling down against a sturdy wall, I allowed myself a moment of respite, contemplating the enigmatic nature of this place and how it managed to sustain such a ceaseless cycle of life and death.

"Reveal your true form," I demanded, fixing an unwavering gaze upon the Lycan.

The dull, faded green luster in his pupils transformed into an intense, pitch-black hue, radiating an aura of ancient power.

"Oh, I didn't expect anyone to see through my disguise," he remarked, a silver earring flickering with a faint yellow light. In an instant, the Lycan's form underwent a metamorphosis, standing before me was a young man with rounded animal ears and a lustrous, fluffy tail. His long black hair cascaded over his slender frame.

Had it not been for the warning from 605, I might not have suspected anything amiss.

"What is your ultimate goal?" I asked, locking my gaze with the creature's black eyes devoid of whites. With the mission long over and being processed by the system, I could maintain my composure.

The Lycan's sinister and freedom-loving nature was unmistakable even from a hundred meters away when he responded, "Can we establish a connection first?" Without any hesitation, he observed as I summoned dozens of bones.

I had no intention of engaging in a fight with him. His anomaly could only bring more trouble, and he offered no apparent usefulness. However, if my imagined control over the situation proved futile, I would do everything in my power to regain a solid footing.

The Lycan's smile faded, replaced by a chilling glare. "I thought you would be interested in understanding my motives, but it appears you are not prepared for a truly meaningful conversation."

I made no haste in lowering my guard. "I simply desire a straightforward answer to my question. However, if I find your response unsatisfactory, do not blame me for resorting to cruelty."

I was aware of my weakness. Given the current circumstances, what I lacked most was information. Not just in terms of quality, but also in quantity. The system's understanding and explanations were often contradictory. There were instances when the system withheld further details, cutting off potential opportunities.

"Are you not afraid that by discovering my goal, you will be entangled with me until death? You have no inkling of my true strength," the creature transformed into a hyena, taunting me. "Since I find myself in a benevolent mood, instead of answering your question, I shall share more recent and valuable information. What do you think?"

This arrangement was even more to my liking. "Good."

---

"You see, the Arena is more than just fights and spectacles; it encompasses the entirety of existence. It is a realm where beings of all natures and forms have the chance to find a true sanctuary, as long as they possess knowledge, understanding, and demonstrate unwavering obedience to the formidable forces that govern the Arena. Because... behind the Iron Island, the probability of death remains alarmingly high..."

I paused for a moment, deep in thought. Regardless, my focus needed to be on the Arena. The concept of survival and the timeline within which I had to complete my journey through the Arena seemed hazy at best. Consequently, I refrained from delving deeper into the world beyond these metallic walls.

"The arena has claimed more lives than those who still walk upon it," I stated with a grin. "If you have useful information to share, let's cut to the chase."

The Lycan chuckled. "Don't discard goodwill and extra caution due to your overconfidence. What may seem insignificant to you now could ultimately save your life. Well, alright. You probably already have a basic understanding of how the Arena operates, as well as the fundamental rules governing the creatures and beasts. However, little is spoken about alternative paths, beyond the main road paved with death and bloodshed," the beast remarked, extending a claw and etching a grid onto a nearby tree trunk.

"You can become stronger and more powerful by establishing your own connections within the levels. Like a spider's web, weaving through all parts and supporting a unified system. Only nine creatures have managed to achieve such a feat. And now, the most crucial part," the Lycan drew a spiral within a square.

"Orestes. The Lord of the Bloodthirsty Alliance. He is one of the nine creatures who control the Arena from within. A living legend whose name resonates throughout the Fourth Level and beyond, as only the oldest fighters of the Arena reside there. In just two years, he ascended to the Third Level, and in three years, he forged his own Alliance, consisting of the mightiest creatures and beasts."

"The power of Orestes, the fearsome warrior, lies not only in his exceptional combat skills but also in his unique connection to the beast kingdom," the Lycan explained, his voice filled with excitement. A wicked grin stretched across his face, revealing sharp, pointed teeth. "You see, Orestes possesses a rare ability known as his Spiritual Weapon—a manifestation of his beast superiority. It grants him an unparalleled advantage in battle."

Leaning closer, the Lycan continued, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "In the Arena, the Nine beings are revered as the ultimate leaders, the esteemed Lords who command the strongest fighters. Those in turn hold dominion over the weaker combatants, ensuring order and maintaining the delicate balance of power. However, should any of the Nine show signs of weakness, it would ignite a chain reaction of conflict that extends far beyond the confines of the Battlefield."

A shiver ran down my spine as I imagined the chaos that would ensue. "What would happen?" I asked, my voice filled with apprehension.

The Lycan's grin widened, revealing his razor-sharp fangs. "Residential areas would be engulfed in turmoil," he explained, his tone laced with a hint of excitement. "The delicate equilibrium of power would be shattered, and the strong would seize the opportunity to challenge Orestes' position. It would be a ruthless battle for supremacy."

The fate of the Arena hung in the balance, and the repercussions would be far-reaching. "And what of Orestes himself?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

The Lycan's expression turned grave, his excitement momentarily fading. "Currently at the Sixth Level, Orestes has less than half a year to prepare for his upcoming battle with the Boss of the Fifth Floor," he revealed. "However, there's a twist... He has lost his Spiritual Weapon."

"I don't know much about Spiritual Weapons," I admitted, a tinge of awe in my voice, "but I never would have imagined that it would be so easy to lose touch with such a powerful ability."

The Lycan's eyes narrowed, and he nodded in agreement. "Indeed, the bond between a warrior and their Spiritual Weapon is usually unbreakable. It is a profound connection forged through years of training, discipline, and unwavering dedication. Losing touch with one's Spiritual Weapon is a rare and dire circumstance, as it signifies a rupture in the very essence of their power."

He paused, a somber expression clouding his face. "For Orestes to have lost his Spiritual Weapon, it is a grave misfortune. It raises questions about his abilities, his training, and the strength of his resolve. Losing such a vital aspect of his prowess will undoubtedly affect his upcoming battle with the Boss of the Fifth Floor."

As the gravity of the situation sank in, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Orestes. To have come so far and face such a formidable opponent without his Spiritual Weapon was a daunting prospect.

Seeing my nervous gaze fixed upon him, the Lycan's smile widened.

"Regardless of the outcome," the Lycan concluded, his voice tinged with anticipation, "the Arena will undergo profound changes. The balance of power will shift, and new contenders will rise to prominence. It is a pivotal moment that will shape the future of the Arena... Oh, and speaking of valuable information, once you reach the Third Level, you can sell this knowledge to influential entities. They will undoubtedly enrich you."

With a slight step backward, the Lycan transformed into a shadowy figure, vanishing from sight and leaving me bewildered. It was clear that the information imparted to me held great immediate value. But it also seemed to me that I was a mere listener to someone's emotional revelations, devoid of any actionable insights. Unfortunately, at this moment, I was unaware of the true cost and significance of the information I had received.

---

[A notification has arrived that your last mission has been approved by the Source. Do you want to see the rewards?

Yes. No.]

After carefully placing the dozens of Spiritual Stones on the ground, I observed as a coupon window materialized before me.

Without hesitation, I clicked "Yes."

[Mission: Survival Crossroads: Kill and Survive.

Conditions:

Hold out for 18 hours and 59 minutes.

Kill 10 enemies and obtain 17 tokens.

All conditions have been met:

Rewarded with 75,000 System Points.

Received 6,500 experience points.

Bonus for exceeding enemy kills: Instead of 10, killed 27 enemies.

Received a new skill: Shadow Strike.]

[Tokens Remaining for Rank 5: 42/100.]

[Received 42 tokens instead of 17. (+ Bonus: Increased duration of skill Acceleration in random Missions to 2 hours).]

[Do you wish to learn the acquired skill?

Yes, No.]

As I pondered, I stroked my chin and once again pressed "Yes."