Back to the present

  I heard the cheering and jeering above me. Heard the yell of thousands of angry spectators chanting for blood and death.

  I looked over the bars and saw all sorts of creatures in the stands of the sandy colosseum. The crowd was enchanted by the sounds of clashing blades and roars of pain. From my position all I could see were 2 shadows entangling and separating, as if they were dancers. I heard one final roar of pain, before one of the creatures stood above the other. I could finally see the face of the victor. It was a tigerling, ( A creature who is half man, half tiger.) He roared ferociously then pressed his mightily blade against the neck of the vanquished. The creature looked up at a man. This man's appearance was as clear as day. His roughish appearance and rogue like clothing stood out from the rest of the crowd. Beside him stood a man that possessed the aura of an aristocrat. The man donned a purple cloak, that concealed his face. The Rogue like character looked down at the two fighters, then rose his thumb in the air. The tigerling swung with all his might and decapitated the foe. The crowd's chants rose to a new level.

  Terrified that I would meet the same fate, I quickly hid in the corner, away from the barred ceiling.

  I was very interested to find out that you could generate skill this way as well. Curious on what race I had chosen, I yelled, "Status Window!"

  "Wait a minute."

  Why the hell don't I have any mana. Open Race window.

  "Oh well could have been worse"

  I was thinking of ways to optimize my character's growth, when suddenly, the man with the purple cloak barged into the cellar.

  He was accompanied by 2 guards who were wearing metal armour that covered their entire body and halberds to fend off any unruly prisoners.

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  They yelled, "Attention Beast, you are in the presence of the wise and noble Duke Valcherion."

  "Any rude behaviour towards this noble man will be thought of as a criminal offence and will result in swift and painful punishment.

  I laughed.

  The guards yelled at me and asked me why I was laughing in front of a man far more noble than I.

  I told them that I was already a prisoner, so committing a criminal offence wouldn't change much.

  One of the guards said,"You think you are so funny aye.'

  I nodded.

  As soon as I nodded the guard struck me with the back end of his halberd. He continued to rain blows down upon me. The guard was careful to maximize the pain while ensuring that the blows weren't lethal. After several minutes he stopped. I saw a popup and checked what it said.

  "Sick" I thought, so being a sadist has it's benefits. Increasing this skill will be quite troublesome as it hurts like hell, but it sure will come in handy.

  Once again the annoying guard interrupted my thoughts.

  "Hey punk, are you even listening to me ! Say hello to your new master!"

  I then saw Duke Valcherion hand the guard 2 coppers. At that moment I was infuriated. Not only was I being sold off as a slave, but for a mere 2 coppers. At least value me properly idiot guards.

  Although I was pissed mad, I realized nothing good would come out of complaining. I wanted to avoid them same fate as the other beast and was eager to escape with this Duke.

  I then saw the Duke take out a paper and write my name down on it.

  The Guards laughed and said, "Are you sure Duke Valcherion, you are really going to use this weakling as your gladiator representative,

  "Yes" the Duke replied coldly, sending shivers down everyone's spine.

  The Duke then proceeded to put a collar around my neck. I promptly used the basic skill identify. A skill everyone was born with.

  "Shit, now I'm just a damn puppet."

  The Duke looked at me and said, "I have but one command using your own martial prowess and skill, win this year's Gladiator Tournament Agnea, taking place in 6 months. If you succeed I swear I will release you from the chains of slavery. Only you can decide if you can liberate yourself. Also Note that I will feed you and provide you with shelter, but nothing more will be given to you. You must earn it by your own merit."

  "I accept"

  The Duke smiled for a moment and then, accompanied by me, we left the dingy cellar.