Chapter 365 - See Through

Still, Sylvia and Zalvo are nowhere to be seen.

Docor and Mehos have to help each other because the remaining fighters are attacking them at once using their weapons, but they don't have to do much because Sylvia and Zalvo finally reappear and finish the rest of the opponents using their weapons and skill. Sylvia developed a good strategy to paralyze the enemy with her spell while Zalvo delivers the final blow with his spear. Together they're a great team, undefeated and unparalleled.

Now there are only five of them left.

The fighters eyed each other, analyzing their strength and weaknesses.

Docor, Mehos, and the other soul named Uter looked at Zalvo resentfully, they envied him for getting Sylvia's support and protection.

It's now time for the showdown, the remaining five surviving fighters are ready to battle it out 'till the end!

<<<0>>>

The crowd is getting restless, cheering and chanting for their favorite fighters.

The gong sounded, signaling the start of the final battle.

Suddenly... Sylvia and Zalvo kneel on the ground, facing the podium where Rades, the God of Death was watching them. They surrendered and no longer wish to fight anymore.

Sylvia was gasping for breath and her body crumbled to the ground.

The crowd gasped in shock, they can't accept the truth that their favorite heroine fell before the final fight even start.

"Oh, mighty God Rades. Hear my plea. We no longer wish to fight, we want to surrender because we are already tired with fighting. We have come this far, but alas, our strength are dwindling and we are exhausted more than we can ever admit. Please forgive us, because we can no longer fight..." Zalvo said, his body crumbling into the ground beside Sylvia.

The arena was submerged in a deafening muttering by the crowd.

Above the podium.

Rades and the three custodians of the netherworld were in a deep discussion.

"We can postpone the final battle. Just allow the two exhausted fighters to rest for a bit then resume the fight tomorrow," the custodian of the Soul Mast tower suggested.

"I agree to your suggestion, the ending is not satisfying to me. I want that woman to fight the guys to the very end. I'm actually rooting for her to defeat the men and win the battle!" said the custodian of the Pinnacle Tower.

"Actually, now that the two fighters have already surrendered, we can finally declare the three apprentice of the custodian position. We have Docor, Mehos and Uter... they are the ones standing still while Sylvia and Zalvo were already down. We only need three winners who can stand undefeated 'till the end of the tournament," the custodian of the gate of the netherworld proposed.

Rades was silent the whole time while listening to the custodians' conversation.

After a while, Rades spoke and addressed the custodians. "If we continue the fight tomorrow, the woman might win. I don't think that's a good idea. We never have a woman custodian since the very beginning! The job, always belong to a man. I think we should just end this tournament today and declare the remaining fighters as the apprentices, they will be the next custodian after they completed their training..."

"But... your higness, the crowd was clamoring for the final battle," the custodian of tower 1 said.

Rade smiled. "The truth is... the woman and that guy who fell down planned this all along. They don't want to win the battle because they don't want to be the next custodian. They wanted to be reborn together in the land of the living," he explained.

The three custodians looked at their God in shock and murmured to each other.

"I see... that's why..."

"Interesting..."

"They should give us a better ending! I can't accept their scheming!" the other custodian said.

"Enough!" Rades stood up, he already had the final decision. "Alright, we will continue the fight tomorrow..." he finally said.

"Awesome!" the custodians cheered brightly.

Rades announced to the crowd his decision. "You want to see a good fight to the death, right?" he asked the crowd.

A loud chanting and cheering erupted from the crowd, agreeing to his statement.

"Fight to death!"

"Fight to death!"

"Fight to death!"

A few minutes later, the cheering and chanting stopped.

"Everyone listen! I have an announcement to make. Since you asked for it then I'll give it to you! The fight will continue tomorrow!" Rades declared.

The crowd erupted into deafening chanting and cheering, very much pleased with the God of Death's decision.

Rades ordered the guards to bring the five fighters to the special holding cell. He wants to talk to them.

Rades and the custodians vanished from the arena to retire to their quarters.

The entertainment was over for the day and the crowd returned to their cell, looking forward to the final event happening tomorrow.

The fighters were brought to the holding cell.

Zalvo was holding Sylvia in his arms, acting like a doting boyfriend to her.

Docor and Mehos watched the couple with their nostrils flaring in jealousy, anger, and envy.

On the other hand, Uter was standing in the corner not caring about the couple or anyone else in particular.

A few minutes later.

The door opened, and the mighty Rades entered the room.

The five fighters kneel on the floor and greet the royal highness. "Greetings, your highness..." the fighters spoke in unison.

"Stand up and make yourself comfortable," Rades ordered and settled himself on the chair behind the table.

The fighters lowered themselves on the chairs and looked at the God of Death.

Rades addressed the fighters. "I would like to congratulate everyone for a job well done. You give me and the crowd a good show today, especially Sylvia and Zalvo!" he said, smirking.

Sylvia and Zalvo looked at each other, bowing their heads, they knew they were caught in the act by his highness.

"Do you think I didn't know that you plan to surrender and fell in the ground pretending to be suffering of exhaustion because you don't want to win the tournament. You guys don't want to be a custodian here in the netherworld, you just want to be reborn back in the land of the living, together, am I right?" Rades stated. Nothing can escape his ever-knowing eyes in his kingdom where he alone reigns supreme.

"We're very sorry, your highness. We don't want to become custodians, we just want to be reborn together!" Sylvia apologized.

Rades raised a brow. "You two are amusing to me! Everyone wants to be a custodian, and yet you guys are the exemption! Anyways, since you want to be reborn together so badly then I can give you your wish, but on one condition, give me a good show tomorrow! The final fight will continue tomorrow! I want you guys to die in the hands of the future custodians, then your wish of getting reborn will finally be granted by me. But, make sure you fight till your last breath. I don't want fake deaths, I want a real one!" he declared.

Sylvia and Zalvo nodded their heads. "Yes, your highness!" they replied in unison.

"Good!" Rades said. He looked at Uter, Docor, and Mehos. "You guys are on the same cell together and happened to be friends with each other. If you think you will find it difficult to fight and kill your friends then tell me right now, I can erased your memories so that you can give me a good show tomorrow. What do you think of my offer?" he asked them.

The five fighters shook their heads, not wanting their memories to be erased forever.

"No need? Are you sure?" Rades asked them.

"We don't want our memories to be removed, your highness!" the fighters replied in unison.

Rades smiled. "Okay... just give me a good fight tomorrow and everything will be alright," he said.

"We will do our best, your highness!" the fighters replied loudly.

Rades looked at their faces. "The rest can leave the room now, except for Sylvia and Zalvo," he said.

"Yes, your highness," the fighters said.

Uter, Docor, and Mehos exited the room.

Rades looked at Sylvia. "I am amused by your performance in the arena, Sylvia. I would like to offer you a position in my kingdom. I can make you an assistant of the custodians of your choice, or you can work directly under me, choose what do you like best..." he said.

Sylvia shook her head. "I'm sorry, your highness. I still want to be reborn in the land of the living together with Zalvo," Sylvia said adamantly.

Rades chuckled in amusement. "Wow! You dare to refuse my offer? It' the first time I encountered someone like you!"

"I'm so sorry, my lord. I apologize for offending you again and again, not truly my intention to offend you, my lord! I'm just telling you what I really want for myself," Sylvia apologized.

"It's okay. I'm not angry nor offended by your refusal to accept my offer. As always, I find your peculiar attitude amusing," Rades said. "Because you caught my fancy, I will grant you the ability to visit the netherworld anytime you like," he offered.

"Thank you so much, your highness! Can I make another request, please?" Sylvia begged.

"Sure, let me hear it first," Rades replied.

Sylvia looked at Zalvo, her eyes shining with affection for him. "Can we reborn as vampires over and over again every time we die? Wear the same image and reborn close to each other?" she expressed her greatest desire, feeling hopeful that Rades will grant her simple wish.

"Okay, I'll grant your request... anything else?" Rades asked.

"No more, your highness. Thank you so much for granting our last wish," Sylvia said.

"Your wish will be granted as long you will give me a spectacular show tomorrow. I want it to be a tragic ending for the two of you, so heartbreaking and sorrowful that can bring tears in my eyes. Guys, can you do that for me?" Rades asked.

"Of course, my highness. We will give you a good play tomorrow!" the couple replied.

"Great! I'm looking forward to see your amazing performance tomorrow. Don't disappoint me!" Rades said. He smiled broadly, staring at the couple with amusement flashing in his eyes.

A few seconds later, Rades vanished from the room.

The couple hugged each other.

"Tomorrow we will reborn on the land of the living, exciting isn't it?" Sylvia looked into his eyes.

Zalvo smiled lovingly at her. "Here or anywhere, I don't care as long we will be together forever. I will follow you to the ends of the earth," he said, totally smitten by the incredible woman lying in his arms.

Sylvia giggled happily. "Alright, let's give them a good show tomorrow!" she beamed wickedly.

Back in the cell.

Docor, Uter, and Mehos were already discussing their plans on how to attack the couple tomorrow.