781 Checking the Colosseum
{We will be taking a one-hour break to assess the Colosseum’s structural integrity before resuming,} the AI referee announced, immediately initiating a thorough diagnostic of every corner and component. Its analysis focused on identifying any damage that could compromise the Arena’s safety or functionality. Wherever damage was detected, the AI determined if repairs were necessary or if backups could seamlessly replace compromised parts, ensuring minimal downtime.
The break served as a breather for viewers witnessing an extraordinary, high-stakes fight—the likes of which they had never seen before. Typically, wars between civilizations either end swiftly or drag on as wars of attrition until one side surrenders or a ceasefire is reached. But here, events had unexpectedly spiraled into a one-on-one showdown between representatives of both sides.
This situation was something entirely unique, born from a rare combination of circumstances that couldn’t have aligned if even one factor had been different. This
The Astral Conclave arrived with powerful fleets, but due to the mana oath, they were forced to act within a strict timeline. This constraint limited their ability to assemble all available forces in one place for coordinated wormhole travel. As a result, they couldn’t bring their full power to bear, setting the stage for a more even confrontation than they had anticipated.
The discovery of mana stones added urgency to the Astral Conclave's actions. They feared that if they delayed to gather more forces, other civilizations might reach the star system first, claiming territories—and with them, control over the mana stones. This would force them to either remain buyers or face challenging battles against other powerful civilizations, a scenario that didn’t sit well with anyone in their ranks.
{I don’t have to remind you, but they are one of the most dangerous people to fight against,} Nova said. {We still don’t know if they can also do what their bombs, which can go through anything, can.} She reminded Aron, unwilling to let him forget, no matter how improbable it seemed. Operating on the ethos that if something goes without saying, it still needs to be said, she wanted to ensure he was fully aware of the threat.
"I know. If there is nothing I can do, I will just surrender," Aron said, acknowledging the risks of the current situation. His tone, however, was not one of resignation, but one that conveyed a resolve to give his best effort before considering surrender. He made it clear that, while he recognized the odds, he would fight until the was no other way, knowing the Empire had already won the majority.
Despite the fight not starting, He was already struggling to pinpoint the exact location of the enemy. Although the opponent wasn't moving at all, Aron could have sworn that the enemy kept appearing in different places, sometimes vanishing entirely before reappearing moments later. This unsettling behavior was raising the level of caution in Aron, as it hinted at something far more dangerous waiting to unfold.
"It’s going to be a difficult one," he muttered, followed by closing his eyes. His vision was only a hindrance now, as whatever the Shadari fighter was wearing or doing was directly interfering with the light itself, not just creating an illusion. Even the camera feed was struggling with the same distortion, showing fragmented and unreliable images. Aron knew that relying on sight in this situation would be pointless; he would have to depend on other senses and instincts if he were to stand a chance.
"Nova, thanks for the help ahead of time," Aron said, his voice steady as he focused on the approaching fight. The seconds ticked away, each one bringing him closer to the inevitable clash.
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