Chapter 507
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Chapter 507: Platinum and Gold
It was nighttime, around nine o’clock.
Europa, the Roman city arena, was about to host an extraordinary match.
The Allied Nations always took pride in their historic capitals. Among them, the ancient city of Rome stood as a symbol of enduring legacy. With over two thousand years of history, it predated the empire itself, emerging from the remnants of the Dark Age. Rome, the heart of the largest empire in European history, bore witness to countless eras of glory and tradition.
A peculiar passion coursed through the veins of Romans—an obsession with gladiatorial combat. They were drawn to the thrill of watching fights, even weaving this tradition into their most solemn moments. Some would host gladiator battles at gravesites to honor the departed.
The ancient Roman amphitheater, with its storied history spanning over two millennia, stood as a testament to this legacy. While no longer in use due to its fragility, its spiritual successor—the modern Roman arena—was constructed nearby. Taking thirty years to complete, the new arena combined ancient architectural spells with modern advancements, under the supervision of three legendary wizards and the approval of the emperor of the time.
The Bloodline of Gold, known for their love of the hunt, found great joy in the brutal spectacle of gladiatorial combat. For centuries, slaves seeking freedom fought valiantly in the arena, leaving their blood, souls, and fighting spirit behind. Esteemed gladiators earned not just wealth but the favor of emperors, ascending to unimaginable heights.
This gladiatorial fervor persisted into modern times, evolving into a cornerstone of Roman culture. Even during the alliance’s reign, many disputes between wizards were resolved through combat, a practice mirrored across the globe. In Rome, the competitive spirit thrived, attracting warriors eager to make a name for themselves in the arena.
Gambling, too, was a vital part of this tradition. Rome, like Macau, permitted legal betting. Weekly matches drew massive crowds, with skilled gladiators amassing loyal followers. Gamblers placed high-stakes bets, reminiscent of World Cup fever, though regulation by alliance authorities tempered the chaos over time.
Despite these changes, the college league, modeled after Roman gladiatorial style, rose as a cultural phenomenon. Friendly matches between colleges served as its prelude, drawing enthusiastic audiences.
For this particular match, Tulip Academy faced Mayflower Academy, a second-tier school from the Swordflower Alliance. The Mayflower team, though lesser-known than the top-tier Blue Iris University, represented their city proudly.
The Roman Colosseum overflowed with fifty thousand spectators, eager to witness the event. Unlike typical college tournaments confined to campus grounds, this match embraced the grandeur of Roman culture, transforming into a citywide spectacle. The excitement was palpable as citizens gathered to cheer not for the home team but for exceptional performances.
The day began at three in the afternoon, continuing until late at night with a mix of individual and team matches. By nine o’clock, the crowd swelled to fifty-seven thousand as more joined to experience the electrifying atmosphere.
Finally, the host announced the climax:
“Thank you for your enthusiasm! We’ve reached the final match of the friendship games. Let’s welcome our first competitor from Tulip Academy—Michelle Hope!”
The spotlight illuminated the entrance. The audience erupted in cheers as a 360-degree holographic projection displayed her face.
Michelle, clad in custom battle attire, exuded quiet determination. Her delicate beauty contrasted sharply with her formidable reputation. A first-year student at Tulip Academy, she was the team’s star player, reserved for this decisive moment.
The host continued:
“She may be young, but her strength surpasses expectations. And don’t be fooled by her beauty—this stunning competitor is a force to be reckoned with! Please give a warm round of applause to Michelle!”
Thunderous applause filled the arena, though Michelle’s heart was weighed with nerves and longing. Despite her honor at being in the spotlight, her thoughts lingered elsewhere.
“Why hasn’t he come to find me?” she wondered, her expression betraying a mix of vulnerability and pride.
The host introduced the second competitor:
“Next up, representing Mayflower Academy, we have Linda Hepburn!”
The spotlight turned to a local Roman girl with striking platinum eyes. Linda, a silver-ranked gladiator, was a seasoned fighter with sixty-nine battles to her name. She was an expert in elemental magic and martial arts, wielding a pair of Eastern staffs. Her commanding presence and record-breaking achievements ignited wild cheers from the crowd.
As the stage prepared, Linda turned to Michelle and said, “Have you heard about the gladiator rankings in the arena?”
Michelle shook her head.
“There are five levels: Uninscribed Wood, Fragile Bronze, Hundred-Forge Steel, Starry Secret Silver, and Flawless Gold,” Linda explained, tracing the engravings on her weapon.
Their conversation delved into the legends of gladiatorial history, culminating in the tale of Linda’s ancestor, an undefeated warrior blessed by gold itself.
As the arena shifted into a swamp terrain, Linda smiled with a hint of challenge. “Let’s see if you are truly golden or just a fake.”
Michelle, unperturbed, nodded calmly.
The host’s voice echoed:
“Let the competition begin!”
Linda struck first, wielding her staff with elemental precision. But before she could gain the upper hand, a golden-scaled dragon erupted into view, its energy rippling through the arena.
The crowd fell silent as Linda collapsed against the barrier, unconscious, overwhelmed by the golden aura.
Michelle turned, her hair flowing behind her, and declared:
“The competition is over. It seems, in the end, I am the one chosen by gold.”
