Darkness still clouded my thoughts as I tried to make sense of what had happened. Reincarnated? Into the world of Magi? It was impossible, yet the evidence was right in front of me. The red hair, the strength, the chains—everything pointed to the Fanalis tribe. My body felt different, more powerful, yet I was trapped in a situation that felt all too real.
Before I could contemplate further, a rough voice shattered my thoughts.
"Oi, bastard! Get up!"
A guard stood outside my cell, his expression full of disdain. Without another word, he unlocked the cell door and stormed in. Before I could ask a single question, he yanked the chain connected to my collar and hurled me onto the ground. My back hit the cold stone floor, knocking the wind out of me.
"Move!" he barked, dragging me forward by the chain. I tried to resist, but my body was still adjusting to this new reality. The iron links rattled as I was pulled up a stairway, my knees scraping against the rough stone steps. The light at the top of the staircase grew brighter with each step, and a terrible feeling settled in my gut.
Where am I being taken?
I kept silent, realizing that questioning my captor would do no good. The moment we stepped into the open air, my eyes widened in horror. Before me stood a massive coliseum, eerily similar to the Roman arenas I had read about. The roar of a crowd filled my ears as the sun shone down mercilessly.
No… this can't be…
The realization struck like a bolt of lightning—I was in the Reim Empire's gladiator arena. My heart pounded as I took in the horrifying sight before me. A beast, massive as an elephant, snarled in the center of the arena. Its monstrous face, sharp fangs, and thick hide made my blood run cold. The ground beneath it trembled as it stomped forward, ready to tear apart anything in its path.
A voice boomed across the coliseum, signaling the start of the next match. The crowd roared in excitement, anticipating a bloodbath. The guard next to me sneered.
"Your luck's run out, kid. Last time you survived, but that luck's gone now. Let's see how long you last this time."
I stared at him, confused. Last time? What the hell is he talking about? Before I could ask, two soldiers stepped forward, shoving a rusty sword and a battered shield into my hands. Then, without warning, they pushed me forward—off the ledge and onto the battle-scarred sands of the arena.
The world slowed as I hit the ground, dust rising around me. I barely had time to steady myself before a deafening roar filled the air. The beast had spotted me. Its eyes locked onto mine, filled with the instinct to kill. My breath hitched, my mind raced, and I gripped the sword tightly.
This was real.
And the only way out was to fight.
To be continued...