HPDBC Chapter 181: The Arena's Pathway
Chapter 181: The Arena's Pathway
The old man, leaning back with an air of nonchalance, replied after a brief pause, "Oh, I harbor no intentions of fleeing. There exists no adversary I cannot vanquish. My plan? Triumph in this year's Arena of Life, reclaim my former stature, and perhaps, as a bonus, relieve that man of his other eye." His laughter boomed through the cell, echoing a blend of confidence and a hint of vengefulness.
Ty, one eyebrow arched in skepticism, questioned, "Really? If your power is as formidable as you claim, how did you end up losing an eye, becoming a captive, and resembling a disheveled hermit confined in this cell for months on end?"
The old man let out a hearty laugh, his voice resonating with the wisdom of hard-earned experiences. "Being the strongest in the room isn't merely about muscling through every obstacle," he said. "There's a limit to what one can achieve in solitude. It's a lesson well worth learning," he added, his eyes locking onto Ty's with a penetrating, serious gaze.
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a loud bang, reverberating through the cell. The distinct sound of a door swinging open resonated in the air, breaking the rhythm of their exchange.
Ty, with a tinge of annoyance in his voice, remarked, "Great, just when I was contemplating having the fairy attempt to shatter these stones."
A moment later, the cell door creaked open, revealing four guards uniformly clad in attire marked by purple masks with golden eye coverings. One of them, exuding an air of officialdom, stepped forward, unrolling a scroll with a practiced motion.
His voice was formal and cold as he announced, "Demon Child, you are hereby summoned to the Testing Arena to demonstrate your abilities. Any refusal will result in immediate execution. Likewise, resist us or engage in misconduct en route, and you will face execution."
The guard cleared his throat slightly before continuing, his tone unyielding, "Should your abilities be deemed inadequate for the benefit of The Heian Kingdom, your execution will be carried out promptly. Do you have any questions, bottom tier?"
Refocusing his attention on Ty, the guard said, "Yes, she may accompany you. But refrain from making unfounded accusations against others unless you're prepared to substantiate them."
Ty nodded, offering a slight bow. "My apologies, I'm not well-versed in your rules. Where I hail from, words often provoke action with scant regard for proof," he said, smirking slightly at the guard.
"Mind your words here, lest you wish to lose your tongue," the guard warned sternly. "Now, follow us."
The old man, with a sly grin, called out, "Farewell, Demon Boy. Try not to meet your end too soon. I might have use for you later." His voice carried a hint of amusement mixed with intrigue.
As they stepped out of the cell, the fairy alighted delicately onto Ty's hair, her tiny fingers gripping gently. Her presence, light yet reassuring, was a small solace in the midst of uncertainty. They moved from the cell's harsh, stone floor into a corridor that contrasted sharply with its sleek, polished surface.
Each step on the glossy floor sent a chill through Ty's bare feet, the cold, smooth texture a vivid reminder of his exposed and precarious situation.
Glancing downwards, Ty observed his feet, marred with the grime of the cell. "Will I get shoes at some point?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of hope and resignation.
The guard cast a brief, dismissive look at Ty's dirt-streaked feet. His voice carried an undertone of scorn as he replied, "Shoes, along with the rest of your attire, will be decided by your designer, should you be chosen. Your immediate concern should be to make a lasting impression on the retainer."
As they continued walking, Ty felt the stark difference between the dungeon's oppressive confinement and the corridor's open expanse. The shift in the atmosphere was palpable, the air less stale, yet the feeling of being trapped lingered, a stark reminder that freedom was still far beyond reach.