Chapter 13: Weekend (3)
The waiting lounge was a magnificent display of luxury and grandeur, where heroes, mercenaries, and adventurers could keep their identities hidden from others. The walls were decorated with intricately woven tapestries that depicted legendary battles, and the floor was a polished marble mosaic, reflecting the soft glow of concealed lighting.
To the left, a group of stoic mercenaries crowded together, exuding an air of battle-worn experience. On the right, a pair of mysterious figures conversed in hushed tones, wearing dark, hooded cloaks with a strange symbol on their back. It could be one of the cults participating in a certain item for the arena.
In the center of the lounge, a leaderboard stood tall, showcasing the most victorious duelists and tournament champions on its holographic display. Names flickered and shifted in real-time, a testament to the ever-changing hierarchy of the arena.
[Global Elite - League: 1. CelXste1, 2.NXExplorer30, 3. BlackCainSSS, 4..., 5..., ...]
[A- League - 1. StormBreaker, 2. BladeXdrainer, 3. Frostbite, 4. VoidWalker99, 5. TyphoonShinobi, EclipseFury42]
[B- League - 1. LunarRanger, 2. TidalBard, 3 ..., 4 ... ,5 ...]
[C- League - ...]
[D- League - 1.JasperTheStrongest
As I scanned through the list of top performers, my eyes rested on the D-League group. While I recognized most of the names in the top group, I was curious about the person on the top spot in the D-League group. My mind raced to identify the name of the person who held this position - Jasper, Jasper, Jasper? Despite my familiarity with the novel's lore, I sometimes struggled to remember the characters who made a come back later in the story. Strangely, I couldn't even recall writing a character by the name of Jasper.
Beep! Beep! Beep!
[Setting Intervention has been created!]
[Character: Jasper [Background Villain] has been changed - Background Villain -> Minor Villain]
[System has now received an update... Update Completed!]
[You're now being adapted and perceived into the main storyline. To increase your impact on the story, you must increase your influence on the main characters and the major plot points of the storyline. Intervening in main events can also lead to great rewards, but be aware that saving a character from certain death or changing an event that cannot be changed will have significant consequences.]
[The Intervention System Guidelines:]
1. **Saving Characters:**
- Characters can be saved, but challenges or conditions must be fulfilled.
- A ripple effect occurs, leading to unintended consequences elsewhere.
2. **Canon Events:**
- Major events should be carefully treated. Changing them comes with significant challenges or sacrifices. The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))
The corridor leading to the rooms was adorned with holographic displays showcasing the participants' chosen names and their past achievements, creating an atmosphere of friendly competition.
The attendants guided me to my waiting room, a futuristic chamber equipped with minimalistic furnishings. The walls displayed a serene backdrop of a virtual landscape, providing a calming contrast to the imminent battles. As I entered, the room automatically adjusted its lighting to a comfortable level.
"Your weapon selection interface is ready," one of the attendants informed me. "When you're ready, you can choose your preferred weapon for today's matches."
I nodded in acknowledgment, and with a wave of the attendant's hand, a holographic display materialized in the center of the room. The options ranged from swords to staves, but my eyes lingered on the bow category. It seemed fitting for my preferred combat style—swift and precise.
As I made my selection, the holographic interface shimmered, confirming my choice. The attendant smiled and gestured towards a teleportation pad in the corner.
The waiting room I found myself in was surprisingly comfortable and equipped with the necessities to ensure the challenger's well-being during the waiting period. A compact but cozy bed beckoned in one corner, offering a moment of respite for those seeking rest before their matches. The adjacent desk held a holographic screen displaying the ongoing matches, providing a means to strategize and scout potential opponents.
A fridge stocked with an assortment of foods and drinks stood against the wall, ensuring that the participants remained energized throughout the tournament. The room was a haven of tranquillity amid the impending chaos of the battles.
As I settled into the room, a voice emanated from the hidden speakers. "Welcome to your waiting room, ShadowWriter. Please make yourself comfortable. There is a waiting time before your scheduled match."
I nodded, appreciating the chance to gather my thoughts and observe the ongoing matches. The holographic screen displayed various people engaging in fierce duels, each showcasing unique styles and abilities. It was a fascinating.
"There she is once again the one that remains undefeated amongst all ranks across, 350 Wins 5 Draws and 0 Defeats! Ladies and Gentleman it is CelXste1.!!!!!"
In the midst of a crowded arena, a single figure stood out from the rest. Argh, with her short white-silver hair glinting under the bright arena lights, moved with a fluid and graceful quality. Her small, agile frame suggested a concealed strength, and her piercing dragon-like blue eyes constantly scanned her surroundings, betraying the power that emanated from her every calculated move.
Despite standing at a mere height of 5 feet 2 inches, Argh possessed an undeniable force that surrounded her. Her identity was obscured by a mysterious mask that concealed the finer details of her face, adding to her intrigue. Nevertheless, I was able to recognize her as Aurelia Draxen, also known as The Celestial One. Her reputation as the Heroes Association's number 1 seat preceded her, and as the author of the novel, I was familiar with her abilities and powers just by her appearance. It was a reminder that I was now an integral part of the world I had once only created.
As I switched from each league match the TV mounted on the wall also allowed me to switch between different perspectives, providing a comprehensive view of the arena. The cheers and roars of the audience in the background added to the atmosphere, creating a sense of immersion.
Time passed, marked by the countdown displayed on the screen. As the moments dwindled, the anticipation in the room grew. I found myself engrossed in the matches, And I found out that I could bet money o. The fridge offered a convenient distraction, and I selected a few snacks to accompany the unfolding spectacle.
Eventually, a notification blinked on the screen, indicating that my match was approaching. The voice returned, "ShadowWriter, your duel is about to begin. Please proceed to the teleportation pad for transport to the arena."
With a final glance at the ongoing matches, I made my way to the designated area, ready to step into the arena and face whatever challenges awaited me in the D-League tournament.
The worker pointed towards the IDS station and said, "Step on the IDS, and you'll be transported to the inner gate of the arena. Your match awaits."
With a determined nod, I stepped onto the IDS platform. The world around me distorted, and in an instant, I found myself at the inner gate of the arena, bow in hand and a sack of arrows on my back.
"What are the odds of the bet today?"
"Who knows, but there's no way that scrawny-looking fella is winning."
"He's holding a bow; there's no chance he's winning against that guy."
"I'll put $165 on the feller with the flaming sword."