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The faint glow of healing magic filled the infirmary beneath the Colosseum, washing the room in shades of green and silver. Damien sat on the bed, his upper body wrapped in fresh bandages that couldn't quite hide the angry marks of battle. Riveria's magic circled around him, threads of light weaving over torn flesh and bruised muscle.
He exhaled, tired eyes flicking to the ceiling.'I leveled up twice in that fight… and I still look like I got run over by a juggernaut," he thought grimly. "Guess I'll have to fight with this handicap. Can't exactly go out grinding monsters mid-tournament…'
Riveria's soft voice broke the silence."Are you sure you still want to continue?" she asked, her tone calm but edged with concern. "The wounds on your side and shoulder could reopen easily. You've already proven yourself. Withstanding twenty enemies, all stronger than you… no one would call it shameful to withdraw. You've caught the attention of all the gods already."
Damien gave a tired grin. "Nope. I didn't come this far to quit. I'll win it… even like this."
Riveria sighed but smiled faintly, as if she expected that answer. "That is your choice to make."
Ais, who stood quietly beside her, spoke up. "You… are strong. Be proud."
Damien blinked, then chuckled. "You… too… very… strong," he said, mimicking her tone deliberately.
Ais frowned, confused. "Why are you… talking like that?"
He laughed under his breath. "Just messing with you. Needed a laugh. Thanks for the backup out there."
Ais crossed her arms, humming irritably as she turned away.
"Hey, don't be mad," Damien teased, grinning. "I like messing with beauties."
She turned her head back, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "Me? Beautiful?"
"Oh please," Damien said, raising a brow. "You ever looked in a mirror? You're basically perfection with legs."
Ais's blush deepened, and she turned her face away again. "...Thanks."
Riveria raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Well, seeing as you still have enough energy to flirt, I'd say you're healing fine. Our goddess will be needing us soon, Ais."
"Wait, wait," Damien said, smirking. "Don't think I didn't notice you, Riveria. You're perfect too. But since you're an elf, you probably already know that. I'm thinking I'll have to win your heart another way."
The High Elf gave a light laugh—rare, melodic. "Many have tried. All have failed. But if you want to improve your chances…" she glanced back over her shoulder, eyes glinting with mischief. "…join our Familia."
Damien chuckled. "Ah, a recruitment pitch disguised as a challenge. Clever. Tempting offer, but… I haven't made up my mind yet."
Riveria nodded gracefully. "Then I hope you choose wisely."
With that, she turned and walked out, her long hair swaying like a banner of green silk. Ais hesitated a moment, glancing back at Damien. Her golden eyes lingered on his bare chest before she blushed again and hurried after her vice captain.
When the door closed, Damien leaned back on the bed, a sly grin tugging at his lips."Damn…" he muttered. "Didn't know this face had that kind of effect on women. Maybe being stuck in this pretty-boy body isn't so bad after all."
....
The underground hallway buzzed with noise from above — the roar of the Colosseum shaking the walls like thunder. Damien adjusted his gauntlets, tightening the strap around his right arm when a sudden wail broke through the noise.
"My boy, don't go!!"
Karmac, the flamboyant old man with half-smeared makeup and a heart of gold, threw himself at Damien's leg, clinging to it like a toddler refusing to let go of a toy.
"Relax, old man," Damien said, giving a small chuckle. "I'll be fine. You saw how strong I am, didn't you?"
"Yes, but—" Karmac sniffed loudly, tears spilling as his painted eyeshadow began to run. "I don't want to see you hurt anymore!"
Damien sighed, gently patting the older man's head. "Hey… I know my limits, okay? But I'm not the kind of guy who gives up halfway. I want to win this, no matter what. So please… don't ask me to drop out. That'd hurt my pride more than these wounds ever could."
Karmac froze, his lips trembling. Then, slowly, he stood upright, wiping the streaks of makeup from his face. His eyes, red but steady now, met Damien's.
"Fine," he said softly. "But promise me you'll take care of yourself… alright?"
Damien smirked. "You got it."
The sound of divine laughter echoed across the entire Colosseum before a familiar booming voice rang out.
"GODS AND GODDESSES! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!"
The crowd erupted at once. Lord Ganesha's voice carried easily, rich with excitement.
"We apologize for the earlier incident! But rejoice, for I bring you good news!" he declared. "The rookie, the falna-less warrior, the talk of the tournament — our Number One Rank from Round One — Damien Ardent, SHALL CONTINUE FIGHTING!"
The audience roared like a tidal wave, chanting Damien's name. The stands shook as mortals and deities alike shouted in excitement, their divine auras flickering in flashes of gold and flame.
"Of course, that's not all!" Ganesha continued. "I am here to announce the matchups for Round Two! However, there have been… developments!"
A hush fell as he spoke.
"The eight remaining members of Ishtar Familia have all been eliminated! Thus, the tournament will now proceed with twenty-four participants only!"
The air shimmered with magic as glowing glyphs formed above the arena, unraveling into a massive bracket made of golden letters and dancing runes.
Bracket A
Damien Ardent (Independent Adventurer)vsRina Vale (Demeter Familia)
Aldric (Takemikazuchi Familia)vsGoro "Ironjaw" (Ganesha Familia)
Selka (Miach Familia)vsTaku (Ganesha Familia)
Jiro (Takemikazuchi Familia)vsVila (Demeter Familia)
Kaleen (Hermes Familia)vsBrann the Boulder (Ganesha Familia)
Adi Varma (Ganesha Familia)vsRugha (Independent Adventurer)
Bracket B
Noga (Freya Familia)vsWelf Crozzo (Hephaestus Familia)
Lio Verden (Miach Familia)vsDaska (Ganesha Familia)
Aisden (Apollo Familia)vsTirn Fal (Ganesha Familia)
Finnel (Hermes Familia)vsMina Argo (Demeter Familia)
Nate (Ganesha Familia)vsRoux (Dian Cecht Familia)
Lara Ennis (Dian Cecht Familia)vsKorin (Ganesha Familia)
The crowd's cheers returned with full force, voices rising in anticipation of the battles to come. The golden runes began to shift, and Ganesha's booming tone grew even more vibrant.
"Now then! Without further delay—LET US BEGIN ROUND TWO!"
He raised his hand, divine energy rippling outward as his words echoed through every corner of the Colosseum.
"First match! Damien Ardent—versus—Rina Vale!"
The audience roared louder than ever.
Damien stepped into the light of the arena once more, his black cloak fluttering behind him. Across from him, Rina Vale of the Demeter Familia approached with calm, confident steps — a graceful warrior with emerald eyes and a golden staff in hand.
The air between them shimmered with power.
The next round… had begun.
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If you Like this story! Check out my other story's ! Sukuna in DC! and Dragon Slayer in Marvel!
AND
If you wish to read more or simply support me just because ? than check out my patreon at
"https://www.patreon.com/Riadooo"
You can Get Access to 3 More Chapters OR 7 More Chapters if you want !