The entrance to the Underground Arena was hidden beneath an old tavern in the city's lower district. Unlike the grand Colosseum, which operated under strict regulations, this was a place of lawlessness, where strength alone dictated survival.
No referees. No restrictions. No mercy.
Leon stepped inside, Nyx following closely. The moment he entered, the atmosphere changed—the air was thick with tension, the scent of blood and sweat hanging heavy.
Warriors, mercenaries, and tamers filled the underground chamber, some watching the battles, others placing bets. Everyone here sought something—gold, power, or bloodshed.
Leon?
He was here for experience.
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A Beast Worth Betting On
At the center of the arena, a battle raged—a massive Ironhide Boar clashed against a flame-wreathed hound.
The boar was a tank, its thick hide absorbing every attack, while the hound used speed and flames to wear it down.
But Leon barely paid attention.
His focus was on the tamers.
Some were professionals, their beasts well-trained and deadly. Others were reckless, throwing their creatures into fights purely for profit.
He needed to pick the right opponent.
Then, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"You looking to fight, stranger?"
Leon turned. A scarred beast tamer stood before him, a smirk on his face. Beside him sat a massive, crimson-eyed wolf.
Leon met the man's gaze. "Depends."
The man's smirk widened. "Newcomers don't last long here." His eyes flicked to Nyx. "But that's a fine beast you got. How about we test it?"
Leon glanced at the wolf. It was strong—not at Nyx's level, but close.
A perfect first match.
Leon smirked. "Let's make it interesting."
The man raised a brow. "How interesting?"
Leon reached into his pouch, pulling out a small silver coin.
A token of the underground arena.
A wager.
The man's grin widened. "Alright. One match. Winner takes both wagers."
Leon nodded.
The battle was set.
---
Nyx's First Test
The arena floor was cleared. Spectators gathered around, eager to see a new challenger.
Leon stood on one side, Nyx crouched beside him. Across from them, the scarred man and his Crimson Fang Wolf.
A match between speed and strength.
The air grew tense.
Then—
"Begin!"
The wolf lunged first, a blur of muscle and fangs.
But Nyx was faster.
Shadow Meld.
In an instant, Nyx vanished.
Gasps filled the arena.
The wolf skidded to a stop, confused. Its prey was gone.
Leon smirked. "Bad move."
A blur of darkness appeared behind the wolf—Nyx, emerging from the shadows.
Phantom Pounce!
The panther struck with terrifying speed, claws raking across the wolf's side.
A clean hit.
Blood splattered the sand.
The crowd roared.
But the battle wasn't over yet.
---
A Tamer's Strategy
The Crimson Fang Wolf growled, its body trembling. Then—flames erupted from its fur.
Leon's eyes narrowed.
A fire affinity ability.
The scarred man grinned. "You thought it'd be easy?"
The wolf snarled, flames surging around it. The heat forced Nyx to retreat slightly, its shadow-based abilities less effective against pure fire.
Leon didn't panic.
"Nyx—circle and wait."
The panther obeyed, moving fluidly around the battlefield.
The wolf tried to keep up, but it was tiring. Flames consumed energy.
Leon smirked. It was only a matter of time.
Then—an opening.
The flames flickered for just a second.
"Now!"
Nyx struck.
It weaved past the wolf's defenses, claws flashing.
A final, clean blow.
The wolf collapsed.
The fight was over.
---
Victory in the Shadows
The arena erupted in cheers and groans—some celebrating, others cursing their lost bets.
The scarred man sighed, shaking his head. "Damn. You're good."
Leon extended his hand.
The man laughed and placed his wager into Leon's palm. "You'll fit in here just fine."
Leon smirked. That was the plan.
As he left the arena, Nyx walking proudly beside him, he knew one thing for certain.
This was only the beginning.
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