Chapter 64

Chapter 64

Bernard walked me up the stairway back to Bri’s room, or better yet, her lair.

“How was your shopping trip? Find anything good?”

She walked towards us as I stepped into her office. Bernard stayed back and let me approach.

“Yeah, I got a few things!”

I lifted the new necklace off my chest while kicking up my right foot to show the new boots.

Bri nodded and walked towards her desk. A large black rectangular box rested in the middle of it. She glanced over at me, then back to the box.

“Come open it, I think you’re going to be happily surprised.”

A mischievous grin appeared on her face. I didn't care, I walked over to the case with a smirk of my own.

I stood over the box with both hands hovering over either side. Bri stepped back and I gulped to calm my nerves. The box hummed quietly, it must be some sort of containment item.

*Click*

I grabbed both sides of the box and opened it in one swift movement for a grand reveal.

The room felt different the moment my eyes met the blade. It’s almost like it has a mind of its own and it just found its new owner... I can't shake the feeling it's watching me.

It’s a long sword with a very similar shape that I’m used to, but it’s jet-black and glimmers blood red depending on how you look at it In the light. I can already tell it's a one-of-a-kind piece.

I reach towards the handle and that feeling of being watched becomes stronger and stronger.

I tighten my face and got into a sturdy stance, it only feels natural. I grab the sword and hold it high up in the air.

It began to glow a dim crimson shade the moment I grasped it, but the color returned to black a few seconds later. The blade’s handle feels warm to the touch. Initially, it felt like there was foreign energy flowing into my body, but now it feels very natural like the energy belongs to me. There’s a significant strength stat boost, I feel incredible.

I looked the sword up and down as I brought it back down to my side. The feeling of being watched is totally gone now. I didn’t just imagine it out of excitement, did I?

Next, I check my status.

____________

Name: Jay Soju

Level: 211

Hp: 1060/1060 [+500/500]

Mp: 1060/1060

Strength: 512 [+384]

Speed: 606 [+364]

Agility: 630

Defense: 451 [+180]

Mental Strength: 512 [+102][+128]

Skills:

Absorption

Swordsmanship

Combat Magic [Fire Summoning]

Inspect [Special Grade]

Enemy Detection

Body Hardening[Special Grade]

Self Regeneration

Spacial Magic[Item Storage]

Plunderer

Telekinesis

Items Equipped:

Golden Wolf Ring [+20% Mental Strength]

Cyclops Eye Pendant [+40% Defense]

Dark Elf Boots [+60% Speed]

Extra Life [Bonus 500 HP]

The Flame Emperor’s Sword [Fire Aspect][+75% Strength][+25% Mental Strength]

_____________

“The... Flame Emperor’s Sword...?”

I gripped the handle tighter and smirked. Bri walked towards me.

“I thought you’d like the name, I came up with it myself. I think you have great potential.”

I spun around to look at Bri, she just happily grinned at me.

“Come on, this way.”

She motioned for me to follow her.

“Hey! What’s this about?? I only need to win 1 fight right?? What’s all this about a main event.”

Bri kept walking and didn’t turn around.

“Correct, forfeit your second match if you wish. You have to win your first one before we can talk about that though.”

“Fine.”

I followed her to the opening in the cage and watched an amateur medic carry the dagger user out of the cage.

A worker approached us.

“Welcome, Ms. Briana! We haven’t seen you in a while, glad to see you back with a new fighter. You’d like to use the name listed here?”

He turned a paper to her and she nodded. I tied to get a look but he folded it in half and faced me.

“All right, please take out all the necessary items you’ll need for this match. HP and MP potions are prohibited, anything else goes. I’m going to have to ask you to take that item box off your waist. Items concealing potential banned items are also prohibited, this is more of a common sense ruling.”

I nodded and took my sword out of my item box. It didn't glow red this time, the blade just felt normal. I scratched my head for a moment, then untied the pouch and handed it to Bri.

“Uhh could you hold this for me?”

“Sure, but I want you to wear this.”

Seemingly from out of nowhere Bri handed me a dark black mask. There are red marks over the eyes that appear to be flames and small horns that come off the top, it's almost like a demon’s face. I guess it looks cool... but...

“W-What is this? Why?”

She grinned.

“It’s just a good luck charm. You might not want any more people to see your face down here, especially while you fight. Wouldn’t you say so?”

I gulped and looked around. She’s right... Not a bad idea.

I took the mask and place it on my face. It magically fit like a glove. There aren't any holes in it, but i can see and breathe fine. I didn’t feel any different, and there's no change in my status.

“Thanks. Appreciate it.”

“No problem. Best of luck out there. Again... Remember to not die, I’ll look bad.”

With a smile, Bri turned and made her way to the back of the room into one of the VIP high roller seats.

I grinned and rolled my eyes.

The worker spoke up and pointed inside the ring.

“All right kid, get to the back corner. Your opponent should be here shortly.”

I nodded and walked to the back of the ring as he asked.

The crowd began to chatter.

I stood there in all black head to toe with a demon mask and holding a jet-black sword. I hope I look cool.. this isn’t overdoing it right?

Less than a minute later a tall man with long flowing white hair approached the cage door. He wore lightweight silver armor from his shoes up to his neck. His face carried a blank expression as he looked at me with crystal-clear blue eyes. His skin is pale white and he glides gracefully as he walks.

What kind of outcast is this? I was expecting a grunt with a club.... Not some noble knight.

He talked to the worker and pulled a long silver sword from an item box before nodding and entering the ring.

The door shut behind him and we stared at each other as the metal cage rumbled the ground below.

A loud voice echoed above us.

“Thank you all for waiting! Our first U250 fight of the day is about to get started! Please welcome our two brand-new fighters!”

The crowd went wild.

I looked around to see all eyes on me. It’s nerve-wracking but also exhilarating.

“I’d like to introduce our first fighter, the proud 11th son of our very own underground trade commissioner Mr. Solace. 21 years old, 186cm tall, and 93kg. His overall fight record in the Rumble Dome is 0 Wins, 0 Losses, and 0 Ties. It’s all going to change today, let’s hear it for Xavier Solace!”

He let out a thin smile and waved to the crowd as they clapped and cheered.

“Next, we have a new recruit being sponsored by the one and only Ms. Briana. It feels like a lifetime ago since she dominated the Rumble Dome herself, we can’t forget a legend!”

The crowd jumped and screamed erupting into madness.

I looked around in awe. I had no idea she was such a big deal....

“Could this new recruit continue her legacy? Only time will tell! Coming in at 20 years old, 181cm, and weighing 84kg. With an overall fight record in the Rumble Dome of 0 Wins, 0 Losses, and 0 Ties. Please Welcome, The Flame Emperor!”

I froze.....

She really submitted my name as the Flame Emperor....

I guess I have to go with it now....

I slowly raised my sword up into the air and let my MP flow through it. It glowed light red as I activated my fire magic.

A massive eruption of flames ignited around the blade as I pointed it to the ceiling.

The building shook and ear piercing cheers came from the audience. The crowd went absolutely wild!