Ren laughed, cold and merciless, a grin twisting across his face. "Now… what should I do with you?"
The scythe rested casually on his shoulder, one end balanced there, the other pointing toward the beast, the blade still dripping with dark fluid.
The Dead Crawler's mouth split open wide, and a thick, bubbling stream of corrosive liquid erupted from within, steaming like molten metal.
FSSSSSZZZ—!!
Ren's eyes flickered, blankly aware. He rolled aside, boots skidding over the cracked ground as the boiling acid slammed into the arena floor, sizzling violently.
SSSSSSSIZZLE—!!
"Oh… still trying to resist, huh?" Ren muttered, tilting his head. The creature recoiled, then tried again, launching another blast straight at him.
Ren grinned wider, closing the distance in a heartbeat.
THWAP—!!
The blunt back of his scythe slammed square into the creature's open maw. The acid inside had nowhere to go. Flames of chemical fire licked the edges of its mouth, screaming from the inside out.
SCREEEEE—!! AHHHH—!! SIZZLE—!!
Ren's grin sharpened. "Goodbye… or not!"
He pulled back sharply, the scythe slicing clean through the grotesque body.
SHHHKK—!!
The Dead Crawler split in half, its twitching, ruined mass collapsing across the scorched floor.
SHHHKK—!! CRASH—!!
The announcer's voice boomed across the arena, dripping with excitement.
"So… we have our new—and first—winner of the second phase!"
The crowd erupted instantly.
"WHAT THE F—! He actually beat the Dead Crawler!"
"That guy's insane!"
"I was right to bet on him… I'm rich!!!"
Shouts, cheers, and disbelief mingled together. People were clearly shocked, awed, and impressed all at once, staring at Ren with a mixture of fear and admiration.
Ren was ready to leave the cage when something caught his eye.
He stepped closer to one of the Dead Crawler's remains.
Near its stomach area, nestled between twisted ribs and scorched flesh, was something unusual—a cocoon-like object, pinkish in color, not too big but not tiny either.
For some reason, it wasn't covered in gore or tissue, protected by the dense muscle around that part of the creature's body.
"What the hell is this thing?" Ren muttered, crouching down to pick it up.
[ I'm telling you… you should not pick that up! ]
"Like I'll ever listen to you, moron," he shot back, sliding it into his pocket. Somehow, it fit perfectly.
[ Don't say later I didn't warn you. ]
Ren waved him off without a care. "Shoo! Shoo! I have money to collect," he said, turning back toward the cage exit, completely ignoring the system's protests.
[ Oh! Looks like it's time for the show. ]
"What do you mea—". But before he could finish.
[ Battle ended. Deactivating the skill. ]
"What!?" he snapped, only to feel it hit him—the thing he didn't need right now—his fear, slamming back full force..
He staggered back, eyes locking on the scythe, dripping with that freaky spider thingh.
His stomach turned. "…Holy fuck… no way…".
CLANG—!!
Ren's hand dropped the weapon. It hit the ground, sliding a few feet away.
His face twisted, pale and tight, mouth opening in a harsh gasp. "…This… this is… disgusting…"
He didn't wait a second longer. Turning on his heel, he bolted, legs pumping with full force, boots smashing against the shattered arena floor—
THUD—!!
THUD—!!
THUD—!!
—he fled toward the cage exit, every fiber of him screaming to get the hell out of this place.
Ren wheezed, voice cracking. "…God… I'm done… done with that nightmare… no way, hell no…"
[ …Now that's what I'm talking about! ]
Ren finally burst out of the cage.
CLANG—!!
The cage door slammed shut behind him with all his force.
He took a shaky breath, forcing himself to cool down, chest heaving.
He muttered under his breath, "…Rule No. 25… fuckin' always… at all costs… avoid a spider."
He got to the counter and collected his winnings from the bet, a bright, satisfied grin spreading across his face.
"Now that's what I call money, baby!" he said, tossing the coins with a casual flick.
Suddenly, the system blasted a song out of nowhere—oddly… perfect for this exact moment.
[Oh money, money, oh baby money… cha-ching, cha-ching, ka-ching…]
Ren blinked, disbelief written all over him. "You… you can do that?!"
[Of course! Omni-talented, baby.]
Ren's eyes narrowed. He snapped, voice boiling over with anger. "FUCKING SHUT UP! YOU—"
After a moment.
Now… time for my other reward, he thought.
But a sudden realization hit him. "…Shit! I forgot to grab the scythe. It was pretty badass… I was actually thinking of asking if I could take it."
But a voice cut in. "No need for that, sir."
Ren turned—behind the counter stood a man in his mid thirties, pale skin, white streaks in black hair tied in a short ponytail. Calm, confident.
Ren frowned. "…And why's that? Am I not even allowed to take a weapon after winning?" His tone carried both curiosity and a hint of disappointment.
The announcer laughed confidently, a sharp grin spreading across his face. "No, sir. Because you deserve something better."
He clapped his hands. "Bring it!"
A man stepped forward, carrying a massive box sealed tightly with chains.
Ren glanced at it, face flat, unimpressed. Why the hell am I getting these gothic vibes from this thing…?
The announcer's said as he was confident in somthing certain. "Here's your reward for the second phase of the tournament!"
Ren tilted his head, curiosity sparking. "…What is it!?"
The announcer smirked confidently. "Something I'm sure you'll like."
The man set the box down carefully, muscles straining under its weight.
CLUNK—!!
The box hit the ground.
He lifted a heavy chain, dragging it across the floor.
SCRRREEE—!!
Another chain followed, falling one by one.
CLINK—!!
CLINK—!!
CLINK—!!
Ren stepped closer, leaning forward, eyes narrowing in anticipation. Come on… show me… what the hell is inside…
The man paused, gripping the lid with both hands.
GRRRAAANNNKK—!!
The hinges protested as he lifted slowly, metal grinding against metal.
CREAK—!!
CREAK—!!
CREAK—!!
Finally, the lid toppled forward.
THUD—!!
A faint plume of red dust rose from the opening. Ren's breath caught. His eyes widened, pupils flicking rapidly as his heart raced.
"…Holy… shit." The words barely left his lips, trembling with a mix of awe, disbelief, and excitement.