Chapter 17: Battle Arena (4)

Chapter 17: Battle Arena (4)

[Sifters LTD Foundation underground base of operations]

5 Weeks Before the Tournament...

The underground lair of Sifters LTD Foundation emanated an eerie ambience, with dimly lit corridors leading to various nefarious corners of the clandestine base. In the heart of their covert operations, nestled in the clandestine planning room, Jasper, a loyal operative, stood before his enigmatic boss.

The planning room, adorned with high-tech surveillance screens and holographic displays, buzzed with an air of secrecy. The walls, clad in dark metal, absorbed the faint hum of machinery. The central holographic table flickered as Jasper's boss, concealed in shadows, outlined a mission of utmost importance.

"I have valuable intel, Jasper," his boss began, eyes gleaming with malevolence. "The D-League tournament holds a coveted prize—a relic of immense power. We need it, and you're our best chance to secure it."

Jasper, his silhouette merging with the dimly lit room, listened intently. The boss continued, "You're an official dueler at the arena. You'll participate, and you'll win. At all costs."

A holographic image materialized on the table, displaying the coveted item. It glowed with an otherworldly aura, its significance known only to those of higher power.

"We also offer you our latest doping equipment," the boss added, tempting Jasper with an edge. "It will enhance your abilities, ensuring victory."

Jasper, however, exuded confidence. "I don't need it. I'll win, with or without your enhancements."

His boss nodded, acknowledging the unwavering determination. "But remember, Jasper, failure is not an option. If you can't win it, steal it. Bring it back to us."

With a silent nod, Jasper exited the Base of Operations room...

emerging onto the west side of the entrance, shrouded in the shadows of impending darkness.

The information provided by Infra Tech's Guild wasn't so useful in the least. The traces led to an academy student, a mere appearance profile in the extensive database and with close to no reports on this person actual identity couldn't be revealed either. Yet, the privacy protocols of Dawn's Org shielded the true identity of every participant that entered Dawnblade's Arena even "Shadow Writer."

As I stood at the entrance, I couldn't help but wonder about my opponent. Archers were usually considered as support for the front lines, so why was one participating in a tournament meant for one-on-one combat? I began to have doubts about this guy but I'm one of the successors to the boss's guild there was no way I was losing to someone like him.

On the other side of the gate, my opponent was also waiting. I tried to detect any sign of energy emanating from him, but my usually sharp senses failed me, leaving me uncertain. I focused on the arena gate, hoping to catch a glimpse of Shadow Writer, but there was nothing to see. This made me question the true strength of the "Shadow Writer", and whether he was strong or too weak to conceal his aura. However, I knew that he had beaten BadAzz, who was one of the favorites to win the tournament. Although I might have had some trouble dealing with BadAzz, I was confident that I would emerge victorious.

As I stood waiting for the gates to open, the sound of the crowd murmuring enveloped me like a distant symphony. The air was electric with anticipation, and every spectator held their breath in expectation of the upcoming duel.

Just before the gates opened, giant screens lit up the perimeter, displaying the animated faces in the crowd. One of the screens showed the real-time fluctuations in the betting ratios, revealing the excitement and speculation that flowed through the spectators.

[Shadow Writer Vs JasperTheStrongest]

"Hmm, you're right. But why the fascination? Oddly, he takes hits he could've easily dodged." Fredrick turned to Aurelia, who remained fixated on the Archer in the distance, her intrigue evident.

"For all we know, he might be intentionally letting them hit him. Human or superhuman, we all have limits.

The damage here is recoverable, but fatal blows are prohibited. If someone were to kill intentionally, the match would end instantly. But I can't decipher his motives.

I had to find out who he was. Even with Infra Tech intel, the top archer is Gallagher, but it can't be him."

"Maybe you're overthinking this."

"What do you mean, overthinking?" Aurelia's aura vibrated, accidentally knocking out spectators nearby. "Do you dare call me wrong, <anno data-annotation-id="5d104226-effa-9479-0cb6-72b13edbc937">Fredick</anno>?"

"Aurelia, calm down! I was kidding." Fredrick, initially standing tall, struggled under Aurelia's rage.

"Good. Now be quiet; the match is starting soon." Aurelia's aura subsided, tension easing. "Oh, and put 10 million on Jasper."

"Yes." Fredrick feigned a cough, attempting to downplay the earlier incident.

Somewhere on the other side of the arena...

"Eh? How pitiful. Can she do as she pleases in this place?" With quiet authority, he leaned back, his steel-grey hair lending wisdom to his presence.

His stormy grey eyes keenly surveyed the scene below, dressed in a well-tailored navy blazer and comfortable beige chinos, striking a balance between style and elegance.

"Sir Navi, you're on vacation. I'd advise against causing a commotion; enjoy your week off."

-> [Navi Columbus: Adventurers Organization's President] <-

"You're right. I was here to bet a few million on talents that wouldn't disappoint, but that Archer displayed tactical brilliance on the field." Navi sighed, gazing at the ceiling with an iced coffee in hand.

"Assistant, how much have I spent in the past two days?" Navi inquired.

"Yes, Sir Navi, you've spent 8.9 million dollars on bets alone in the last two days," she replied, presenting the expenditure records.

"Interesting. Perhaps I should go on solo dungeon raids to recover all the money I've lost. But there's a special event coming up, so no time for that now." Navi sipped his iced coffee, eyeing the announcer introducing today's fighters.

"Are you betting on today's candidates, Sir Navi?" the assistant asked.

"Yeah," Navi answered swiftly. "Put 100 million on the Archer," he smiled, captivated by the mysterious figure known as Shadow Writer.

<annotations style="display: none;"><li>Aurelia purposely calls Fredrick, Fre-dick in her fit of rage.</li></annotations>