Chapter 1 – Alone
It's been more than 3 months after the Crimson Witch event, and everyone was chilling because the world finally felt peaceful… almost too peaceful.
---
While returning from the market, Strom spotted a poster stuck on a wall.
The Blood Arena Gladiator…
His eyes lit up instantly.
Without wasting a second, he rushed home, dropped the groceries carelessly, and started reading the poster properly.
Rules… details… entry conditions…
Then he saw it—
> Participants must have a partner or a team.
Strom (grinning): "Easy!"
---
He walked straight into the main hall when everyone was there, chilling.
Zyphus and Sam are playing ludo when Wraith is watching them.
Astrid laying back doing nothing
Nia near the window watching ants.
Violet quietly reading a book
Dravyss was in the kitchen.
---
Strom (excited): "Hey guys, look what I found!"
He showed the poster and everyone saw but no one reaction.
Not even a little excitement.
---
Strom (trying again): "Hey Wraith, we can participate together. What do you think? Wanna spend some time with me?"
Wraith (calm, uninterested): "I fight for justice, not for glory. No gladiator."
Strom (smirking): "Dude, I know you're born for war."
Zyphus (stretching lazily): "Nah man, I'm on vacation. Away from violence."✌️
Strom (turning quickly): "I know Valkyries love gladiators… so Astrid?"
Astrid (staring at him): "You mean a fight where thousands of eyes are watching me?"
Strom (awkward): "Umm…Yeah."
Astrid (flat): "I'll kill the audience first before my opponent."
Strom (quickly switching): "My bro will help me, right Sam?"
Sam (not even looking up): "No."
Strom: "Come on—"
Sam (cutting him off): "No gladiator. And I'm not helping you in this type of thing again."
Wraith (confused): "The hell you mean again?"
Sam (sighing): "So… he didn't tell you?"
Astrid: "Tell what?"
Sam: "If he didn't tell you, forget it, I'm also not telling a single thing either."
Strom (giving him a dangerous look): "You coming with me… or should I tell them?"
Sam (laughing): "Blackmail huh? Nah. I'll tell it myself."
Sam (leaning back): "More than 10 years ago, when Strom was 14, he wanted to take part in a true knight challenge."
Zyphus: "Sounds normal."
Sam: "Participants needed an elder to join."
Silence.
Sam (dead serious): "And since he had no one… I became the elder."
Wraith (soft): "So you were like his brother?"
Sam: "…I hate this part."
After a Pause...
Sam (flat): "I was his granny."
Pure Dead silence.
Zyphus (slowly): "WTF."
Astrid (holding her laugh): "You… what?"
Sam (annoyed): "And some old man there was asking me to marry him."
Zyphus: "Damn single."
Sam: "That's why… no gladiator and No help. Never again."
---
Strom (shrugging): "Come on, it wasn't that bad."
Sam (staring at him): "Go away."
Strom (turning): "Okay fine. You guys are useless. Nia, let's go, only me and you."
Nia (calm): "Gladiator? Not interested, Sorry."
Strom (frustrated): "Come on guys—"
Everyone: "No."
Silence filled the room again then Strom walked into the kitchen for one last try.
---
Strom (trying again): "Mom… what about fighting in a gladiator? Imagine the fights—"
Dravyss (without even turning): "No."
Strom: "At least think—"
Dravyss (cold): "A dragon does not fight for human entertainment."
Strom (lower voice): "Please…"
Dravyss: "No, Strom."
He didn't stop there he kept asking.
One by one.
Again.
And again.
Different words come out but.
Same answer every time.
But however there is one person…
He never asked.
And By evening he had lost all hope.
Strom sat on the stairs alone,
Quietly looking at the horizon, defeated by words.
Strom (whispering): "My dream… will never come true."
He wanted to fight in the gladiator to stand there.
To win.
But in reality?
He couldn't even enter.
Because he was alone.
---
Time passed.
Footsteps approached and leave but he didn't even look up.
Someone stopped beside him.
He didn't even turn his head.
Violet (soft): "I think a knight might need a marksman backup… right?"
Strom (instantly looking up, shocked): "Wait… really?"
For a second…
He froze.
Because he knew why he never asked her.
Not because she is weak…
But because—
#1 She is Zyphus's sister.
#2 And Elesta's Queen.
Strom (hesitating): "But Zy—"
Violet (cutting him off): "Forget that diamond pouch."
She closed her book.
Violet (calm): "Let's win this gladiator."
Strom (smiling, relief hitting hard): "…Thank you so much."
For the first time that day…
He wasn't alone. Finally.
Chapter 2 – The Promise
Strom went to his cave and started collecting the things he would need for the battle. He couldn't fight as the real Dragon Knight, so he decided to take only the essentials.
Arms bracelet. Shoulder plate. A few blue blades. And his spear.
Strom (thinking): "Something's missing…"
He looked around for a second, then grabbed his cape and a different chestplate — the one he used during training.
Strom (nodding): "Perfect."
By the time he returned home, voices were already raised. Everyone had surrounded Violet.
Wraith (serious): "Don't be mad later. He's going there for blood fun. You'll get hurt."
Astrid (arms crossed): "Yeah, Violet. If we're not going, why are you?"
Sam (calm): "That guy will forget everything in battle. You'll be the one getting hurt."
Dravyss (cold): "I won't allow this."
Violet (annoyed): "Oh please, I'm not a kid. And I know him. Strom is responsible."
Zyphus (leaning back): "If you believe him, then go. No problem."
Silence fell instantly. If Zyphus had no problem, no one could stop her.
Strom walked into the hall.
Strom (casual): "Yo, what's going on?"
Violet (normal): "Nothing. Just about to pack my stuff."
Strom (looking around): "Why are you all making those 12 o'clock faces?"
Wraith (sharp): "Don't you feel shame?"
Strom: "And why the hell would I?"
Wraith: "You're taking this kid into a place full of monsters."
Violet (irritated): "Wraith, not again."
Strom (serious): "If she doesn't have a problem, why are you all snapping?"
Zyphus (smirking): "Alright, let them enjoy fights. What if we enjoy a picnic tomorrow?"
Astrid (instantly): "That's actually a good idea."
Dravyss (excited): "Yes, cooking in the forest. We can call Yelfa too."
Wraith (shrugging): "Looks like two people are missing a great event."
Violet (walking away): "Nah. We're going to enjoy something far better… a gladiator."
She left to pack her things, and everyone just watched.
Astrid (low): "That girl is insane."
Strom (calm): "No… she's strong."
Next day, the house was busy. Some preparing for a picnic, some preparing for a battlefield. Strom and Violet stood near the exit, ready to leave. As Strom walked down the stairs, Zyphus stopped him.
Strom: "Need something?"
Zyphus (cold): "A promise."
Strom (slight pause): "Promise?"
Zyphus: "If you mess up, don't play hero. Just bring her back."
Strom stayed silent for a second.
Strom (serious): "I'll keep her safe. And bring her back."
He turned to leave but he call him again.
Zyphus: "Strom."
Strom (annoyed): "Now what?"
Zyphus (smirking): "Don't come back defeated. Smash them."
Strom (grinning): "Yes, sir."
Moments later, Strom and Violet left the house. The door closed behind them.
Sam (looking at Zyphus): "How do you even trust this guy?"
Zyphus (calm): "I know he'll keep her safe."
Astrid (raising a brow): "And what makes you believe that?"
Zyphus (faint smile): "The man who can make The Demon Lord focus only on him… can keep a promise."
Wraith (shaking her head): "You guys are out of your minds."
And just like that, the house split into two paths.
One toward a picnic.
One toward blood.
Chapter 3 – All the Way
The gladiator was held in the Moon Elf Tower, and the journey itself took time.
Violet (looking at him): "Why didn't you bring your pendant?"
Strom: "Because it would be cheating if I fought with Dragon Aura."
Violet (low, serious): "Strom."
Strom: "Yeah?"
Violet (hesitating): "Have you ever thought about… D-Darkius?"
Strom's blood instantly started boiling.
Strom (cold): "Don't say his name again."
Violet (quickly): "Sorry… I didn't mean it. I was just thinking… what if there are more like us? I mean…"
Strom (cutting in): "Experiments."
Violet (quiet): "…Yes."
Strom (looking away): "Just forget him. The more you think about it, the more it hurts."
Violet: "One last question… Please?"
Strom: "What?"
Violet (slowly): "Do you ever get nightmares… where someone kills the people you love?"
Strom went silent.
No answer.
Because in every nightmare he ever had—
He was the reason they died.
And Darkius was always there…
Laughing.
After a long pause—
Strom (low): "Listen Violet there's a difference between us."
Violet looked at him confused.
Strom: "You're a successful weapon… and I'm just a failed experiment."
Violet (trying): "No, you're not a failed experiment, I—"
Strom (cutting her off): "Relax. I'm not angry."
He looked ahead.
Strom (calm, empty): "I'm just like that who have nothing to remember except the moment he killed my parents."
Violet (guilty): "I didn't mean to bring this up… sorry."
Strom: "Leave it."
After that—
Silence.
They didn't speak again until the voyage finally stopped.
After hours of travelling the destination is here...
Strom (exhaling): "Finally."
Violet (cracking her fingers): "Time to shine."
Inside the arena—
It was massive.
A giant sand battlefield in the center, surrounded by towering structures forming a perfect circle where thousands would sit and watch.
Rooms lined the inner walls—built for warriors.
Places to rest.
Recover.
Prepare.
Strom: "You wait here. I'll handle the entry."
Violet: "Alright."
Violet stood there, taking in the view, while Strom walked off.
Moments later—
He returned with two tickets.
---
Strom: "Let's go. We're in."
Violet (grinning): "Hell yeah. We're winning this."
They started walking toward the rooms, but Strom's mind wasn't quiet.
It replayed a voice.
Ticket Man: "You brought her here to die. She won't survive the first round. Take her away."
Then another voice—
Zyphus:
> "Don't play hero. Just bring her back."
Strom (in his mind): "I'm not failing her."
---
They reached their room.
It had everything.
Beds, weapons, books, even board games.
A place to rest between battles.
---
But both of them ignored the weapons.
They trusted their own.
Violet (looking around): "This place is actually nice."
Strom: "Yeah… not bad. Let's check our opponents."
Violet: "Let's go."
After dropping their bags, they walked out.
And saw them.
---
Fighters everywhere.
More than 25 participants with a team or partner.
Each one… different.
---
A man with red skin—
And two identical twins standing beside him.
A gunslinger… holding a weapon built to pierce demon skin easily.
Violet (eyes widening): "That's Granger."
Strom: "You know him?"
Violet: "Training group. Marksman unit."
Strom (looking elsewhere): "Looks like we're not the oldest ones here."
Violet turned.
And froze.
A massive rock golem stood in the corner.
Violet: "That… big guy?"
Strom: "Yeah. That's Rocky."
Violet: "That sounds like a pet dog."
Strom: "Don't say that in front of him." 💀
More fighters filled the place.
A two-headed witch whispering to herself.
A knight with a chain sword and an eagle perched on his shoulder.
Twin assassin sisters moving in perfect sync.
A warlock with a giant snake wrapped around him.
A tribal warrior… standing beside a wolf.
Chaos.
Power.
Monsters disguised as warriors.
---
Strom (smirking): "This is going to be fun."
Violet (steady): "Yeah… no doubt."
Chapter 4 — The First Clash
For a moment, they both split up. Violet started wandering alone, watching new opportunities, while Strom was arguing with an old man in golden armour.
Strom (serious): "Gold isn't good for battle armour, your money is gonna break here."
Old man (calm): "Nah, you don't know me."
Strom (annoyed): "What knowing, huh? One impact and you are done."
Then suddenly a voice came out from the armor.
Golden Armour: "After victory, I'll eat chicken wings."
Strom (shocked): "WTF!!!"
Meanwhile, Violet was watching new people and trying to find Granger, when suddenly a familiar voice called her.
? (calm): "Didn't expect you to come here."
Violet (instant recognition, turning): "This voice is… Valika..."
She turned and saw Valika opened her arms for a hug, but instead she got a devastating punch on her face.
Violet (angry): "6 years and not even a single reply to my letters, where were you, bitch!"
Valika (rubbing her face): "Respect me, lady. I'm a princess here."
Violet (flat): "Yeah, I know."
Then after a long pause, they finally embraced and the reunion happened.
Violet (casual): "You know Granger is also here."
Valika: "Oh really, it's been a while since I've seen you guys."
They both took some steps and found Granger sitting beside a blind girl.
Violet: "Look who is here."
Granger (surprised): "Violet! Valika! Wow, what a pleasant surprise."
Valika: "Yeah, I didn't expect my friends to be here to fight gladiator."
Lily: "Granger, who are they?"
Granger (introducing): "Oh sorry, my fault. Meet my sister Lily… and Lily, meet my old friends Violet and Valika."
Violet: "Hello."
Valika: "Hi."
Lily: "Nice to meet you guys."
After that, they all started walking together, just wandering around, talking casual.
Valika: "So where is Zyphus?"
Violet: "In the house, enjoying vacation."
Valika (shocked): "That guy let you come here alone?"
Violet: "No, I'm not alone. I'm here with Strom, my partner for Gladiator."
She pointed towards him, and everyone followed her finger. The reactions were instant.
Granger: "Partner? Or a god damn bodyguard?"
Valika: "Let me guess, it's your strongest knight, that's why Zyphus sent him."
Violet: "No, you both are wrong. He is like my brother."
Valika (grinning): "Wow! Is he single?"
Violet: "Don't think about that, or a demoness will hunt you at night."
Valika: "Still worth it."
Later in the night, at the battle arena of the gladiator ground—
The first fight was between Rocky and a knight with an eagle.
At first, the knight seemed to dominate everything. His chain sword and eagle were fast enough to shatter small pieces of Rocky again and again.
Violet: "I'm sure that the knight is gonna win."
Strom: "No, he won't."
Granger: "And how do you know?"
Strom: "Just wait for 2 more minutes."
And after a few minutes, the knight started to struggle, because now his attacks were nothing in front of Rocky.
Each strike felt like a toddler hitting a mountain—just an arena edition.
Then came an earth-cracking punch that knocked the knight off instantly.
Granger (frustration): "How, man!... I bet 5 coins on that knight."
Strom: "Rocky is a stone-type beast, kid! The longer you fight, the stronger he gets."
And that's how Rocky won the frustration round, while the knight fell unconscious and couldn't even wake up again.
Round 2 — Strom & Violet vs Three Red.
Before the fight even started.
Violet: "I have a plan."
Strom: "What?"
Violet: "Just look at all three of them. Did you find anything strange?"
Strom looked at them, and after a brief moment, he noticed something suspicious.
Strom: "Yes, there is only one who is moving freely, and the other two are like they're following his orders."
Violet: "Yes, it means only one has a brain, and those two are just clones."
Strom: "Okay, what is your plan?"
Violet: "You keep the main one busy, then I'll shoot countless arrows at him. He'll get distracted, then it's your job."
Strom (instantly): "Okay."
And so it happened. Strom moved forward, tanking all three at once while Violet prepared the real attack.
She launched one arrow, but in mid-air it multiplied, and Strom kicked one and ran away. All three got distracted trying to dodge.
But then came a solid uppercut from Strom, straight to the jaw of the real one.
The impact was so brutal that he didn't stand again, and round two was cleared.
Round 3 — Old man with golden Armour vs warlock with snake.
The warlock didn't hesitate and attacked first he don't want to give a single chance, but his strikes were absorbed by the armour.
However, he didn't stop, and then the snake rolled its body around the old man's arm, trying to crush him—
But still Nothing worked.
It felt like the armour was tanking everything for real.
Old man: "Now my turn."
Then came a golden flash of light, followed by punches from the armour, and the warlock fell.
Armour: "Weak dude, go drink some beer."
Round 4 — Granger and Lily vs two-headed witch.
Because Lily was blind, she stood in the corner while Granger faced the witch alone.
Granger shot bullets rapidly, but the witch was fast enough to dodge them, and her spell casting kept Granger from aiming perfectly.
Then he looked at Lily.
Her hands were closed.
After that Granger just stood still—no movement, no aim, like a statue.
Witch (confused): "Give up?"
Lily touched her ring finger with her thumb—
And without a single second, Granger shot behind him instantly.
The bullet hit the witch's shoulder and tore it open. She staggered—
Then came a quick kick from Granger that knocked her out.
The fights didn't stop. No killing, but no one was being let off easily.
Tribal warrior vs assassin sisters.
Metal jester with talking hammer vs dwarfs.
Flame mage with alive staff vs shaman with clones.
More and more fights, back to back till midnight.
Chapter 5 — Whispers
Gladiator fights start at 5 pm and end at midnight. After that, everyone returns to their rooms—some after winning, some after losing.
2 AM…
A sudden scream cuts through the silence and wakes everyone up.
Violet (low): "Did you hear that?"
Strom (calm): "People do this for attention. Don't pay attention."
Violet (hesitant): "…Okay."
In the next room
Granger (low): "Should I check?"
But he refused to leave Lily alone and just like that everyone heard it. But no one moved. No one wanted to.
Next morning, Strom wakes up yawning. As he steps outside, he sees a crowd gathered near a room. A strange uneasiness hits him and he quickly pushes through the crowd. Inside—nothing. An empty room. No belongings. No signs. Witch's gone.
Rocky (shrugging): "Maybe she left after losing."
Everyone nods, and just like that, the discussion ends.
Later in the afternoon, as everyone prepares for lunch, the organizer of the gladiator arrives—the Elf King, Aelvarion.
Air turned cold, everyone went silent in his respect.
King Aelvarion (calm): "It was a great event. Thank you all for your precious time."
Old man (annoyed): "What kind of gladiator is this? We can't even kill our opponents."
Aelvarion (light smile): "A game turned into death by humans. In our history, gladiators are for dominance and worthiness, not for blood. Enjoy the event."
Valika (cheerful): "There are varieties of food prepared. Follow me."
Aelvarion (raising a finger): "One more thing. The next gladiator fight will take place after two days."
Rocky (confused): "Why?"
Aelvarion: "You all may be tired. Rest, interact, explore our town, then return to fight. Remember—it was never about blood."
Granger (impressed): "First time seeing something like this."
Old man: "Yeah, first time joining an Elf gladiator. Feels new."
Violet (turning): "So what are we doing in those two days?"
Strom (shrugging): "I don't know. You tell me."
Valika (smiling): "If you don't mind, can we take Violet with us?"
Granger: "You can join us too if you want."
Strom (nodding): "Sure. Thanks."
Later in the eating section—
Violet (looking around): "Where is Lily?"
Granger: "Resting in her room. She doesn't like public places."
Violet: "Why?"
Granger (low): "People make fun of her. Because she can't see… they harass her."
Strom (serious): "That's shameful."
Granger (bitter smile): "But still… we are the same. Humans."
Valika (laughing): "Thank God I'm an Elf."
Everyone laughs. Soon, Strom gets pulled away by Rocky and the golden-armoured old man, while Violet stays with Granger and Valika.
Strom (confused): "What do you guys want from me?"
Rocky (staring): "Why does it feel like I've heard your voice before?"
Strom (casual): "No, I don't think we've met."
But in reality, Rocky had crossed paths with the Dragon Knight before many times—and every time, he was spared. Just a small punishment for smuggling alcohol.
Armour: "Hey young man, have you tried the beer here?"
Rocky (jocking): "It's not for minors."
Strom (offended): "Hey, I'm 24 already."
Old man (laughing): "Looks like you came out of an egg yesterday. Lying about your age?"
Strom: "I'm not lying."
The argument about age and drinking continues like it actually matters.
Meanwhile, the marksman trio explores the deeper parts of the gladiator. Valika leads while Violet and Granger follow like tourists.
Granger (looking around): "Last time I visited, this was a mountain. Now it's a gladiator… WOW!."
Violet (thinking): "Wait, so this place is carved under a mountain?"
Valika: "Yes. Don't know why, but father said it would look great with natural stone texture."
Granger (looking at statues): "He isn't wrong actually."
They keep walking, talking casually—until they stop.
A tunnel. Deep in the basement. Dark. Silent. Almost whispering.
Valika (uneasy): "Wait… this place?"
Violet: "You know where it goes?"
Valika: "No. I've never been here. Father said I shouldn't come here alone."
Granger (stepping back): "New place. We definitely stay out of this."
Violet (smirking): "Nah. Places are meant to be explored."
Valika (grinning): "She's right."
Granger (sighing): "Ladies first."
Violet (stepping in): "Why not."
Valika (following): "Such a gentleman."
Granger (muttering): "And they say women live longer than men…"
They step inside. Violet summons flaming arrows for light. The tunnel is cold and dark. They walk deeper until it suddenly ends—a stone wall, unfinished, with pickaxes scattered around.
Valika (disappointed): "Come on…"
Violet: "So our adventure ends here."
Granger (looking around): "What happened to the workers?"
Valika: "Nothing. They're all enjoying the gladiator."
Granger: "Really?"
Valika: "Yeah. Father gives holidays during this time. We celebrate because one of our ancestors won a great war."
Violet: "Against demons and humans, right?"
Valika: "Maybe. I don't know everything. Father avoids war. He says war is the path to peace… but we've already reached our destination."
Granger (nodding): "Sounds good."
Violet (soft): "Yeah… war only brings loss."
Valika: "Let's go."
They walk back. Nothing found. Nothing suspicious. Just an unfinished tunnel.
Granger (stretching): "Elf Town is a place I always wanted to visit. But being human… I never tried. This event gave me a chance."
Valika (smiling): "You're my friend. You can come here anytime."
Granger (laughing): "Yeah, until your people snipe me before I say your name."
Violet elbows him.
Violet: "Idiot."
Later, everyone gathers in the main hall. Music, dance, laughter—but Strom is missing.
Violet (looking around): "Where is he?"
They search, then spot a figure standing alone on the rooftop.
Granger: "Maybe that's him."
They climb up. Strom is standing there, silent.
Violet: "Strom?"
Strom (soft): "Hey… look."
They follow his gaze. Greenery everywhere, stone monuments, ancient statues, a massive structure in the center, rivers glowing blue under the sky—the entire Elf Town.
The living Heaven on Earth...
Chapter 6 — Second Clash
After enjoying the festival of Elf Town for 2 days, all fighters come back to prove worthiness over everyone. The gladiator breathes again, and people hold their breath with it.
Round 1 — Rocky vs Old Man with Armour
People argue about who is going to win because both have the same abilities.
Last hit…
Rocky attacks to get stronger while the golden armour keeps absorbing pressure. Both attack slowly, and the fight isn't about who will step back, but about who can absorb more pressure.
Rocky: "Come on, attack me!"
Old Man: "You attack me."
The crowd starts yapping, "Fight! Fight! Fight!"
But it's more like watching two turtles fighting in the sand. Strikes are slow as hell, and no one is getting stronger because the impact is too low.
Rocky: "Enough!"
He slams his foot to summon rocks, but only vibrations come out, like something solid has stopped his strike.
Old Man: "Sorry, but it's my turn now."
A golden flash appears again, followed by a rain of punches, but Rocky doesn't even flinch.
Strom (frustrated): "I'm gonna kill both of them."
Granger: "This is very boring."
Violet: "I'll come back when it's our turn."
Strom: "Where are you going?"
Violet: "To talk with Valika."
She leaves the waiting fighters' area and goes to the upper section where only important people are allowed. She reaches the gate, and no guard stops her because they know who she is.
Violet: "This is very boring."
Valika: "Yeah, I took two naps, but these two just keep fighting."
Violet: "Where is Uncle Aelvarion?"
Valika: "He had some work. He said his friends are coming soon, so he went to meet them at the main town gate."
Violet: "Okay."
Back in the fight between Rocky and the old man—
Finally, both of them reach their peak abilities, but Rocky is tanking hits with pure raw strength while the armour absorbs his pressure effortlessly.
Rocky: "Now time to end this."
He grabs him by the collar, and after a brutal punch that gets fully absorbed, Rocky rips the chestplate off in pieces.
The armour can absorb almost anything, but it can't repair itself, and since gold isn't very strong, Rocky doesn't struggle much.
After a final strike, he wins the round.
People don't celebrate much because everyone is half asleep.
Round 2 — Granger & Lily vs Twin Assassin Sisters
As usual, Granger faces both of them alone while Lily stands in the corner.
The fight isn't fair—or they won't let it be.
Granger needs time to aim, but both sisters are too fast. They dodge everything effortlessly, strike with claws and daggers, then vanish.
Poke and run. Again and again.
Still, Granger doesn't give up. He keeps trying while Lily gives him signals, but they have something that counters him completely while aiming.
Agility.
Then suddenly, one of them claws Lily across the chest. She falls, trying to get up, but there's nothing to hold.
Granger (snapping): "Hey, not her!!!"
Selena (casual): "She's standing on the battlefield. She's our opponent too."
Granger (angery): "Stay away from her!"
He shoots in anger, but she dodges, and the bullet misses inches from Lily. That makes Granger's blood run cold.
Granger (shouting): "Time!"
He gets permission. Preparation time.
He rushes to his bag. First, he bandages Lily. Then he tightens the screws of his gun and switches to bigger bullets.
Selena (smirking): "Changing bullets won't help, handsome!"
Granger (smiling): "Yeah, I know. Thanks."
He hands a small double-sided drum to Lily along with a stick. She stands in the corner while Granger walks to the center of the arena.
Granger: "You should have stayed away from her."
Then he covers his eyes with a cloth. A Blindfold.
The crowd starts whispering—
"He has lost his mind."
"He is mad."
"He isn't going to survive."
Lily hits the drum hard. After a moment, she hits the other side four times—three slow, one slightly fast.
Granger shoots instantly.
The bullet misses… just an inch away from Velena.
But this time it's different. The shot is closer than every previous one. More precise. More dangerous.
Lily hits one side hard again, then taps the other side two times quickly.
Granger fires.
This time, the bullet doesn't miss. It pierces Velena's leg. She groans in pain and falls.
Because of that, Selena stops attacking, she adapts. Moving quietly and slowly, making no sound, giving Lily nothing to read.
Then—
Lily hits the drum two times lightly.
Granger smirks and removes the blindfold from his eyes.
Granger (instantly): "Sorry… but I can see."
BLAM!!!
Selena falls, bleeding.
Both sisters are defeated—not because they were weak, but because they forced Granger to become stronger.
Round 3 — Strom & Violet vs Twin Hell Demons
Beasts of flame, with area destruction, capable of moving under the ground—and because it's sand, it gives them a perfect advantage.
Violet stays at the back, trying to aim, while Strom takes the front line. But both struggle as the demons vanish and reappear again and again, making every strike useless.
Demon (laughing): "Careful… this ground isn't as soft as it looks."
Demon (2): "Yeah… something solid beneath. Feels annoying."
Then Violet notices a pattern.
She aims at the point where one will appear—and she's right.
An arrow hits directly on the horn of one demon. He struggles for a moment, and Strom instantly delivers a kick to his face.
Both demons smile at Violet.
Then vanish into the sand.
Strom realizes the target has changed. Violet needs time to aim, and they won't hesitate.
One demon attacks Strom directly, but Strom doesn't fall for it. He already knows the second one will go for her—and it does.
But before he could even touch her, Strom throws his spear with full force. The impact forces the demon to retreat. If he hadn't, he would've been dead.
Demon: "Hey, this game isn't about killing."
Strom (walking forward): "Yeah."
He picks up his spear, still burning with a violent flame.
Strom (calm): "Sorry… my bad."
Both demons share an evil smile and vanish again. Violet runs, dodging possible attacks.
Nothing happens.
No movement.
Like they're gone.
Strom (alert): "Wait…"
Suddenly, both demons appear from different sides at a distance and throw fireballs simultaneously.
Strom instantly pushes Violet away, but in this act, one hit lands on his forearm. He doesn't even flinch—but the second one burns his cape.
In moments, it turns to ash.
Violet (low): "Strom?"
Strom (cold): "That was my favourite one."
Something snaps inside him.
His strikes change.
Faster. Brutal. Relentless.
Both demons realize instantly—if they don't dodge, it's over.
One demon gets caught when Violet lands another arrow, and Strom grabs him but…
The second demon appears and grabs Violet. Her hands are locked, claws sharp like razors.
Demon (2): "Leave him, or she won't be able to pick a bow ever again."
Even the crowd stop celebrating, everyone went silent.
Strom goes still for a moment.
Strom (cold): "How much do you believe in me, Violet?"
Violet doesn't answer by words but dhe just drop her weapons.
Both demons get confused for a second.
That's enough.
A blue blade comes out of nowhere, then Sharpness meets hardness.
Flashes straight through the horn of the demon holding her.
The horn snaps, he grabs his head in pain, then another demon crashes onto him.
Strom doesn't stop here.
Strike after strike—
Until both collapse.
Strom (cold): "Wrong move, mates."
After that, more fights continue to be more intense and more struggling, the game isn't about blood but no mercy either and most people have stopped caring about it.
Because now, the entire arena is talking about only two warriors—
Strom.
Granger.
Chapter 7 — The Unfinished Path
Midnight, after the gladiator ends…
Half of the fighters gather at the dining table while the rest are too exhausted to even eat and collapse straight into sleep. The remaining ones eat, laugh, and enjoy the rare peace.
Armour (cracked but still alive): "This food tastes a bit odd…"
Old Man: "Shut up and eat. It's delicious."
One by one, they fall asleep. Some don't even make it to their rooms, slumped over the table.
Rocky (half-asleep): "This arena feels weird… the ground is too stiff… not natural…"
Old Man: "Then sleep on air."
Rocky: "…shut up…"
---
Next morning, Strom steps out and sees a crowd again—but this time, it's bigger.
More than five fighters are missing: the Twin Demon brothers, the Twin Assassin sisters, the Shaman, the Orc knight, the Spearman with Barbarian… and their belongings are gone too.
It looks like they left—but something feels wrong this time. Some of them weren't even badly defeated.
Strom (thinking): Something isn't right…
Then he notices Granger walking out of his room without even glancing at the crowd, just leaving like nothing happened.
Strom (thinking): Missing fighters… and he doesn't even care?
Then something clicks.
Two-headed witch. Twin Assassin sisters. All his opponents. And Granger is… a slayer.
Most of the missing fighters are non-human.
Strom (low): "Yeah… it's clear."
---
Later, when Violet and Granger go out to find Valika, Strom takes his chance. He checks both sides and quietly enters Granger's room, spear in hand. Lily sits there, unaware.
Strom (thinking): Let's see…
He swings his spear with full force. The blade stops just a centimeters from her eyes.
No blink.
No reaction.
She's truly blind.
Strom freezes for a second, realizing he was wrong. He slowly sits beside her.
Strom: "Hello."
Lily: "Strom… right?"
Strom: "Yeah. How is your injuries now?"
Lily: "I'm fine, thank you. What about you?"
Strom: "Nothing… just thought I'd check on you. Granger's out, so you won't get bored."
Lily (soft): "Thanks… you didn't go with them?"
Strom: "Not really into wandering."
Lily: "Hmm… can I ask something?"
Strom: "Go ahead."
Lily: "This place feels strange… like something is happening and we just can't see it, right?."
Strom: "Why?"
Lily: "Last night… I heard something beneath us. Like someone sharpening a blade."
Strom: "Sharpening… a blade?"
Lily: "I didn't tell Granger. He'd say I need rest. But I feel like you'll understand."
Strom (low): "Yeah… something here is wrong."
---
At lunch—
Violet: "People are leaving after one defeat? That's pathetic."
Granger: "And they call themselves fighters."
Strom: "So… you guys enjoyed wandering?"
Granger: "What wandering? We couldn't even find Valika."
Strom: "Where is she?"
Violet: "No idea but without her, this place feels boring."
Strom: "Did any of you hear something last night?"
Both give same answer — No!
Granger: "After dinner, I felt like I'd collapse if I didn't sleep… then I woke up directly in the morning."
Same for everyone. Too sudden. Too heavy.
Strom: "Let's find Valika then."
Violet: "Why?"
Strom: "We need her."
---
They search new areas and finally find her feeding a chained old woman.
Strom: "Valika?"
Valika: "Yeah?"
Strom: "We need your help."
She gently hands the bowl to the woman, then leave.
Valika (softly): "Take care, okay?"
As they walk—
Strom (asked): "Who was she?"
Valika: "Her name is Meeno."
Strom: "Why is she chained?"
Valika: "She gave birth to a dead child… and when she woke up, it was already buried. She never recovered."
Strom: "So they chained her?"
Valika: "They say she's dangerous… but she isn't. That's why I take care of her secretly."
---
Later, all gather in Granger's room, the discussion is alive.
Strom: "Tell me what you found."
Violet: "Nothing."
Valika: "No proof of anything."
Granger: "Actually… there's one place."
Violet: "That tunnel again? It's nothing."
Strom: "What tunnel?"
Valika: "An unfinished one in the basement."
Strom: "Where does it lead?"
Valika: "Nowhere."
Lily (soft): "You should check again… maybe something changed now."
Strom: "We should."
Lily: "I don't want to go…"
Strom: "We need you."
Granger: "She should rest."
Strom's gaze sharpens. Violet understands.
Violet: "Fine. We all go."
---
Evening.
On the way, Lily stumbles slightly. A man laughs—until he sees Strom's spear igniting with violent blue flames. Silence follows instantly.
They reach the tunnel.
Strom: "Let's go."
Darkness greets them again. Violet's flaming arrows barely help. They reach the same dead end.
Violet: "See? Nothing."
Lily: "It feels like something is here…"
Strom: "Everyone step back."
Granger: "Why?"
Strom: "Just do it."
They step back.
Strom clenches his fist—
BAM!
The wall shatters, revealing a dark hidden path forward.
Valika: "wait...What?"
Granger: "How? We missed this…"
Violet: "How did you know?"
Strom: "Unfinished tunnels end concave. This one was convex."
---
They move deeper.
Darkness thickens. Violet's flames feel like a dying candle. Shadows grow heavier, the air itself feels wrong.
Granger: "Something smells…"
Strom (cold): "Blood."
Violet: "What?"
Valika: "This is scaring me…"
CRACK!
Valika (panicking): "I stepped on something—"
Strom (sharp): "Don't move."
He ignites his spear. Blue flames rise, lighting the truth.
Bodies.
Everywhere.
Broken. Torn. Blood soaking the ground—yet strangely disappearing.
Some bodies still kneeling.
Weapons still in hand.
Blood being drained into cracks
Or silence being unnatural.
Pieces of flesh scattered.
And every single one—
Headless.
No one speaks.
No one moves.
No one breathes.
Even fear stands still.
---
Welcome to the real Arena.... Where no one wins.
And no one leaves whole.
Chapter 8 — The Ritual
Blue flames flickered at the tip of Strom's spear, but even that light felt hesitant, like it didn't want to see. No one moved. Not by choice—their bodies simply refused.
Violet (slowly lowered her bow, her hand trembling): "…This isn't a gladiator…"
Valika staggered back, eyes locked on the bodies—the same armor she had seen days ago, now empty.
Valika: "No… this is wrong… this is our arena… this can't—"
Her voice broke.
Granger stayed silent, grip tightening around his gun as his eyes scanned everything, not counting the dead but the pattern.
Granger (whispering): "They didn't fight back."
Lily stood completely still, fingers curling slightly.
Lily (low): "What have possibly happened… here"
Silence tightened.
Strom stepped forward, boots pressing into blood that didn't behave like blood, his face empty of fear or anger.
Strom: "This wasn't slaughter…"
A pause...
Strom: "This was a preparation."
Violet: "…Preparation for what?"
No answer came.
Valika's breath broke and she collapsed.
Violet: "Valika! Vali—open your eyes!"
Granger: "We move. Now."
They rushed back through the tunnel, Strom glancing back once before following. Outside, Granger splashed water on her face. She woke, trembling, raising a shaking hand forward.
Violet: "Granger… what?"
Granger: "Why is she pointing at me—"
Strom looked past him.
The sky.
The Blood Moon.
Violet: "Valika… how are you feel right now?"
Valika: "…Something is inside me… pulling me…"
Suddenly Lily dropped, hands crushing against her ears.
Lily: "STOP—PLEASE STOP—!!"
Granger: "Lily! What's happening?!"
Lily: "Too many sounds… it hurts…!"
Blood slipped from her ears as her body shook. Granger pulled her close, covering her ears.
Granger: "You're fine… I'm here…"
Violet: "What is happening?!"
Strom (shouting): "Move. Now."
They ran.
The village twisted around them. People stood still, then turned—eyes glowing red, movements unnatural.
Strom: "…This isn't normal."
Valika (whispering): "…Dad…"
At the arena center stood Aelvarion, motionless. Beneath him, the sand sank, revealing a silver platform.
Valika broke into a run. Strom followed instantly.
Valika: "Dad! Run! Something's wrong!"
Aelvarion turned, eyes glowing with something deeper than red.
Valika (slowed, fear caught up): "…Dad?"
Aelvarion: "Now… I will change everything."
Everything snapped.
Civilians attacked. Fighters fought back. Elves turned on each other. Screams tore through the air.
Aelvarion: "I'll make this… eternal."
CLANG! Strom's spear struck his armor. Sparks burst.
Strom (ordering): "Stop this. Now."
Aelvarion (cold): "Big mistake… boy."
A cold blast exploded outward like the moon itself had fallen, but Strom didn't move, dragon blood can survive things easily.
Strom: "Now…this is big mistake."
He lunged forward as chaos swallowed everything—
Hands tearing skins apart, blood flooding the ground.
Lily buried her face into Granger's chest, screaming louder as gunshots echoed and made it worse.
Granger: "Lily! Hold on!"
Violet fired arrows, but her rhythm was breaking slowly.
Valika tried to stop people, only to be attacked.
At the center, silver and blue clashed—Moon vs Dragon.
Aelvarion struck hard, throwing Strom across the ground. He crashed, rolled, and forced himself up just as the sky cleared, clouds vanishing and the Blood Moon fully revealing itself.
A red beam slammed into the platform, and every elf froze before their veins lit up red, their bodies shifting into something more hostile.
Granger: "We can't win this!"
Strom: "Then run!"
They ran—no one looking back—as everything behind them collapsed into madness. Up the stairs, through darkness, through screams, through shadows that didn't feel human anymore, until suddenly—
Silence.
Strom stepped out, breathing hard, alive.
He turned.
No one.
No Violet. No Granger. No Lily. No Valika.
Just him.
For one second, the world froze, then a voice echoed in his mind—
"Bring her back."
He remembers that he has promised someone...
He closed his eyes briefly.
Strom: "My sister… my responsibility… my promise."
He turned and ran back toward the arena, not away from hell but straight into it.
Because for Strom hell is easy to walk through—but heaven is too heavy to carry alone...
Chapter 9 — The Cruel World
Strom ran back and reached the arena. It was ruined, burning, people fighting for their lives—killing the ones they once loved.
Then—STRUCK!!!
An arrow pierced his chest near his heart. Strom staggered and turned.
Violet.
But her eyes… weren't hers.
Another arrow flew—THUD! It struck his shoulder. He dodged late.
Strom (low): "…Violet?"
For a moment, he believed the first shot was a mistake.
It wasn't.
A third arrow came. Strom dashed behind a pillar, breathing hard, ripping both arrows out as blood ran down his arm.
No time. He hurled his spear in another direction—CLANG! A distraction. In the same instant, a blue blade flashed and cut Violet's bow in half, disarming her.
—but chaos didn't wait.
Granger stood firm. Lily clung to him, hands crushing her ears, trembling. The Blood Moon turned sound into torture—heartbeat, screams, whispers, everything tearing through her mind.
Valika lay beside her, bleeding, barely conscious. Granger tried to protect them—but there were too many.
His hands trembled… but his aim didn't.
BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!
Each shot dropped someone. Clean. Brutal. No hesitation.
Granger (low): "Stay down…"
A flicker—an elf alone, swinging a broken stick, surrounded. No chance.
BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!
Bodies fell. A path opened.
Granger (shouting): "Hey! Listen! Protect them!"
(he pointed at Lily and Valika)
"I'll handle the rest!"
Elf (panicked): "O-Okay!"
They moved. The elf guarded them, barely holding the line while Granger stepped forward, dragging the swarm toward himself. Gunfire echoed fast, precise, lethal. He wasn't fighting—he was buying time, so others could escape.
Then—a strike from behind.
Granger stumbled. "Tch—!"
Before he could recover, they were on him. Claws, hands, weight crushing him down.
Behind him, the elf froze. Surrounded. Breathing shattered.
Fear took over.
He grabbed Lily and Valika—and threw them into the swarm.
Then ran.
Granger's vision burned red. With raw force, he pushed bodies off, barely gripping his gun—
BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!
Point-blank. One bullet tearing through many.
He broke free. Turned.
Something inside him snapped.
Granger (whisper): "…You…"
Gunfire erupted again. Faster. Wilder. Not control—rage. Anything that moved fell.
Then—he saw him.
That elf cornered again. Begging without words.
Granger walked forward, slow and steady, shooting everything in his path until silence carved a circle around them. He placed the gun on his head.
Granger (cold): "I trusted you."
Elf (shaking): "I-I'm sorry… please… I was scared… there were too many…"
No response.
Granger's eyes shifted—Lily, torn badly, still clutching her ears, blood running down her arms. Valika, broken, barely breathing.
His grip tightened.
Then—he lowered the gun.
Elf (relief flooding): "Thank you… thank you…"
Granger reached into his coat, pulled out a heavy round, and loaded it slowly. Then he raised the gun again on his head.
Elf (confused, terrified): "Y-You forgave me… right…?"
Granger (cold): "Sorry… I forgot to load."
BOOM!
Point-blank. The impact was so brutal that his head shattered in pieces.
Silence.
Granger stood still, gun smoking, eyes empty.
Because here—kindness comes after survival. And survival… doesn't show kindness.
Meanwhile, at the center, Aelvarion stood untouched. A red beam from the Blood Moon struck the silver ground crystal, feeding him.
Power flooded into his body.
Fighters attacked together—he tanked everything at once, struck back, and kept absorbing more absolute powers.
Then clouds covered the moon.
For a moment, some cursed elves turned normal—and instantly became targets. Chaos shifted, but death didn't stop.
Strom stood still.
Three paths but he must choose one—
*Save Violet
*Save Granger and the others,
*Or attack the King.
Around him—innocents. Helpless, and dying.
Strom (low): "I'm not failing this time."
He moved, rushing toward Violet—
Then hundreds of blue blades erupted from every direction. Not random—but judgment.
Every blade hunted those who tried to harm, and not a single innocent was touched.
Strom reached Violet, catching her before she fell. Her body was weak, because as a half-elf body the curse worked on her also.
He lifted her and ran straight toward Granger, cutting a path, clearing everything, survivors gathering behind him.
Step by step—turning chaos into escape.
He reached them and opened a path.
Strom (sharp): "Move! Now!"
They ran.
Midway, Strom stopped and handed his spear to Violet.
Violet (hesitant): "But… it's yours—"
Strom: "I don't need it. As long as it's glowing, I'm alive."
She understood and took it—because he would find her.
They split.
Granger carried Lily, still shooting, leading the survivors. Violet held Valika, gripping Strom's spear, following close.
Behind them—hell remained.
And Strom turned back.
Alone.
Toward the King.
At the silver ground, Aelvarion stood against everyone. Fighters attacked together—he didn't step back.
Aelvarion: "You mortals can't defeat me."
Then—
A shadow crashed from above.
THUD!!!
Hundreds of blue blades followed.
Strom landed in front of him.
Strom: "What about me!"
Everyone attacked again. All remaining fighters rushed the King at once, trying to stop him—but an aerial slash erupted and threw everyone aside like dust. It didn't even feel like his full power.
Strom was still stabilizing himself—
CRACK!!!
A brutal kick smashed into his knee.
His leg broke instantly.
Strom collapsed, pain tearing through him, but Aelvarion didn't stop. He grabbed him effortlessly.
Aelvarion (firm): "You think I'm the real monster? Then go… save them."
He threw Strom away. His body crashed hard across the ground. He tried to get up—
But couldn't.
Aelvarion (cold): "Save them… without killing."
Strom looked ahead.
An elf child crawled, trying to escape—
A hostile lunged and tore him apart.
A blue blade came but it's late.
Too late.
Strom went silent.
Because he had no answer.
And for the first time—
The King wasn't wrong.
Aelvarion: "We were once the best of this world."
Rocky charged at him—but Aelvarion dodged, then unleashed punch after punch until Rocky shattered where he stood.
Aelvarion: "My great grandfather once won a great war… but lost too many. He swore never again. He reached for endless power through the Blood Moon… and cursed our entire land."
Strom (strained): "What curse…?"
Aelvarion: "The Blood Moon doesn't give power… it demands blood. He thought losing soldiers was enough—but it wasn't. It always wants more. That's why I created this place."
A pause...
Aelvarion: "This was never an arena. It's a harvest. Pain. Struggle. Desperation. That's why I force teams… partners… the more bonds, the more suffering."
Strom: "So you used us… to feed it?"
Aelvarion: "Yes. I let you all fight eachother. Then I execute the ones who struggled the most… because the deeper the pain, the stronger the rise."
Aelvarion: "Those who are born under the full white moon are untouched by the curse… like me… like Valika and some more. But the rest are… cursed for centuries. Every month… this apocalypse takes hundreds."
Strom (rage): "You call yourself a victim while doing this?!"
Aelvarion struck down another fighter, no mercy.
"I'm done bearing this curse."
(Another died)
"I'm done paying the price."
(Another fell)
Aelvarion (cold): "I'm done losing my people."
Silence began to creep in.
The arena emptied.
One… maybe two fighters left.
And then—
Only Strom.
And Aelvarion.
Aelvarion (quiet, heavy): "My wife died from this curse. My father. My mother. My friends… tell me—what was my fault?"
Then—
The clouds broke.
The Blood Moon returned.
The red beam struck the crystal again.
Aelvarion's aura flared—stronger, brighter, burning red.
Strom (thinking): I have to break that crystal…
Aelvarion didn't attack him. Instead, he moved to finish the remaining fighters—but Strom's blue blades intercepted, locking the King in place.
Strom grabbed a small rock—
And threw it high into the sky.
Then—
He began to crawl.
Toward the beam.
Toward the source.
Every movement tore through his broken body.
Memories flooded him—fights, laughter, food, new bonds…
Violet's voice—
"You're the best."
Everything… at once.
Strom (low, shaking): "I'm not… a failed experiment…"
He dragged himself into the beam.
And stood—
Between the light and the crystal.
The moonlight burned him. Not heat—cold. A freezing fire eating his skin.
The beam fractured.
Aelvarion's power dropped—
Slightly.
But not enough.
Too late for everyone else.
They were already gone.
The sky shifted.
Something massive… blue… falling.
Like a star.
Strom (shouting): "I AM THE DRAGON KNIGHT!!!"
BOOM!!!!!
The rock returned—
As a burning metro, wrapped in blue flames—
CRASHING DOWN—
Erasing everything in seconds.
And far away—
Strom's spear glowed.
Brighter and brighter.
Then flickered once.
Again.
Again.
Fading.
Violet (whisper): "Strom…"
Meanwhile Back in the ruins—
Aelvarion stood.
Unharmed.
Because Strom had forced him to use everything just to survive the impact.
The ritual ground—
Fully Destroyed.
His plan—
Ruined.
His harvested powers—
Wasted.
Aelvarion's rage ignited.
He walked toward Strom.
Slow But heavy...
Aelvarion (anger): "You ruined my plan… now you will die."
Strom couldn't respond. His body was done. Broken bones. Torn flesh. Burned skin. Even breathing felt like a battle.
Aelvarion: "You should have left with them… now it's too late."
STRUCK!!!
The Dragon spear pierced through Aelvarion's chest.
Strom's eyes widened.
He didn't call it.
Slowly—
He looked behind the King and saw her running toward him.
She reached him, dropping to her knees.
Violet: "I'm here… you'll be fine…"
Her cold hands touched his burned skin.
For a second it was relief.
The same hands that once shot him—
Now holding him together.
She lifted him, supporting his broken body.
He couldn't walk alone anymore.
So she became his strength.
They moved away from the ruins, in a different direction from other, toward the forest.
Behind them—
The arena breathed again.
Survivors returned.
And then—
A scream.
Valika fell to her knees beside her father's body.
Valika: "Dad… please… please don't leave… please not you…"
Her voice shattered the silence.
From the forest edge—
Strom watched.
Quiet and Broken.
Strom (low): "Why… is this world so cruel…"
Violet said nothing.
Because there was no answer.
They kept walking.
Until a passing merchant gave them a ride.
Night carried them forward—
Slowly—
Until, at last—
Their home appeared in the distance, a hope.
Aftermath
It was nearly 5 AM when they reached the house. No one was asleep. Before entering from the backyard, Strom stopped and looked at Violet. She was injured too—not as badly, but still.
He feel that he failed to keep her safe.
The door creaked.
Dravyss saw them first. Her eyes widened. "Oh my God—!" She rushed forward, and everyone followed. The moment they got close, everything broke.
Sam: "What happened to you both?!"
Astrid: "I told you not to go."
Her voice carried heat, and then it spread among all.
Dravyss: "You always step into danger, risking everyone's life! How careless are you, Strom?!"
Wraith: "Look at Violet… you promised to keep her safe!"
Astrid: "If you never went there, none of this would've happened!"
Zyphus said nothing. That silence hit harder than words.
Sam: "Strom… you're...."
(He has no words to describe)
No one stopped. No one listened. Not even when Violet tried to speak.
And Strom… said nothing.
Because he believed they are right this all is his fault.
Then something snapped.
Violet stepped forward, tears falling, rage rising. She grabbed the Dragon Spear and shoved everyone back with full force.
Violet: "Say one more thing about him and I'll kill all of you myself."
Silence...
Heavy. Immediate.
She had never sounded like that. Never looked like that.
She grabbed Strom's hand and pulled him inside. No one followed.
They saw injuries, thinking they from gladiator battles but..
She saw him breaking, they both survive hell together and it's not only the fight.
Inside —
Strom (low): "You shouldn't have defended me…"
Violet (no hesitation): "Then stop giving me reasons."
Time passed. Morning turned to evening, but the house stayed tense. No one dared to approach Strom, and even if they tried, Violet shut them down instantly. Sharp. Cold. Final.
For the first time, they were afraid of her.
The quiet archer they once thought was soft now stood like something that could cut.
Helping Strom felt impossible.
Because as long as she stood there—no one could reach him.
Later, she walked up to him and held out a small box.
Violet: "This is for you."
Strom (a small smile): "What is it?"
Violet: "A thanks."
Strom gently pushed it back. "You don't need to—"
She pushed it toward him again, softer but firm.
Violet: "Take it. You need it."
He hesitated then finally opened the box.
Inside was a cape. Dark blue, lined with silver.
Simple.
But complete.
Strom didn't speak.
Because it wasn't just a gift.
It was something he didn't realize he had lost—until now...