Chapter 246 [Bonus chapter] Winning Fights
Being there in the coliseum stirred memories within Damian, reminiscent of the time he had participated in similar fights to get closer to Miller and raise much-needed funds. But this experience was markedly different. Inexplicably, his powers had been sealed within this particular floor of the Skyfall Tower, rendering him nothing more than a feeble human, unable to tap into his extraordinary abilities that once set him apart.
The coliseum itself proved to be more than just an arena for bloodsport; it was an entire city, teeming with human inhabitants. To them, the coliseum served as a twisted form of entertainment, a grim spectacle that thrived on the darkest aspects of humanity. The realization sent a chill down Damian's spine. How could people find solace and amusement in such a macabre display?
As Damian stood there, absorbing the grim reality of his situation, a soldier approached him, breaking his thoughts. The soldier casually tossed a sword in Damian's direction and uttered, "People will start pouring in a few hours, and they want to witness a remarkable fight. Eat something; you need to put on a show, at least."
The soldier handed Damian a meager meal, mostly consisting of stale bread and a soup that tasted more like shoe leather than nourishment. Damian's stomach churned at the unappetizing sight and aroma. Nevertheless, he understood the importance of keeping up his strength, even if it meant enduring the unpalatable sustenance.
As Damian nibbled on the tough bread and forced down spoonfuls of the bland soup, his thoughts were consumed by a mix of resignation and determination. He knew he couldn't escape the imminent spectacle. Instead, he needed to bide his time, gathering information, and seeking any opportunity to reclaim his lost powers and free himself from the shackles of this oppressive floor.
With each bite, Damian's resolve solidified. He would use this stage, this cruel theater of violence, to his advantage. The coliseum may have stripped him of his supernatural abilities, but it couldn't suppress his resourcefulness and indomitable spirit. He would find a way to turn the tide, to rise above the constraints imposed upon him.
As the time for the first fight drew near, Damian's heart pounded in his chest. The arena was filled with a restless crowd, eager for bloodshed and the thrill of combat. He stepped into the center of the colossal arena, his eyes scanning the surroundings, searching for any sign of weakness or opportunity.
The gate on the opposite side swung open, and a massive beast lumbered forward. Its hide was thick and adorned with spikes, its menacing growls echoing throughout the coliseum. The sight of the creature sent a shiver down Damian's spine, but he refused to let fear consume him.
With a deep breath, Damian gripped the sword tightly, feeling the weight of the weapon in his hands. He had trained extensively in various forms of combat, relying on his powers to enhance his skills. Now, stripped of those abilities, he had to rely solely on his human strength and cunning.
The crowd erupted into a deafening roar as the fight commenced. The beast charged toward Damian, its immense power evident in each thunderous step. Damian deftly evaded its initial onslaught, his movements precise and calculated. He danced around the creature, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
The beast's ferocity was matched only by Damian's determination. With a swift, well-timed maneuver, he sliced through the air, landing a shallow cut on the beast's flank. A surge of adrenaline coursed through his veins as he realized he had drawn first blood.
But the creature's reaction was swift and savage. Enraged, it thrashed its massive tail, sweeping Damian off his feet. He crashed onto the dusty ground, the impact rattling his bones. The crowd erupted in a mix of cheers and jeers, reveling in his momentary defeat.
Gritting his teeth, Damian pushed himself back up, his eyes never leaving the formidable foe. He refused to let pain or setbacks deter him. He circled the creature once more, analyzing its movements, searching for any weakness he could exploit.
With renewed determination, Damian engaged the beast once again. His strikes became more precise, his footwork more agile. Each clash of sword against scale sent sparks flying, signifying his unwavering resolve. He aimed for the creature's vulnerable spots, testing its defenses, wearing it down bit by bit.
Minutes turned into hours as Damian's fights against the various beasts continued. Some were agile and cunning, striking with lightning speed. Others were massive and resilient, requiring relentless persistence to overcome. But through it all, Damian adapted and strategized, drawing upon his human instincts and honed combat skills.
Each victory he claimed within the coliseum fueled his resolve, reminding him that even without his supernatural abilities, he possessed an indomitable spirit. The cheers and boos of the crowd became a constant backdrop, driving him forward with an unwavering determination to survive, to prove his worth, and to unravel the mysteries that lay within the Skyfall Tower.
Damian knew that these fights were more than mere spectacles; they were his path to redemption. With every beast he defeated, he inched closer to regaining his lost powers, closer to uncovering the truth behind the tower's enigmatic design. And he vowed that when the time came, he would rise above this coliseum's grim embrace, ready to face the next challenge that awaited him on his perilous ascent.
Damian could sense a glimmer of hope amidst the relentless battles. After each fight, an unfamiliar surge of power coursed through his veins, his body growing stronger with every passing moment. Could it be that the attributes of his dormant system were finally awakening, revealing themselves in this dire situation?
A mix of excitement and trepidation welled up within Damian. This newfound strength hinted at a chance for redemption, a means to turn the tables on his oppressors. It seemed his resilience and determination had not gone unnoticed, and now he yearned to prove himself against any adversary that dared to stand in his way.
Yet, just as Damian's confidence began to solidify, a cold shiver ran down his spine. The crowd's anticipatory hush only intensified as the gate on the opposing side swung open. Emerging from the shadows, the figure he had encountered on the tower's staircase made their haunting presence known once more.
The cloaked figure exuded an aura of malevolence, their chilling smile etched upon their face like a twisted mask. It was a sight that sent a wave of unease crashing over Damian, threatening to extinguish the flicker of hope he had nurtured.