A month has gone since I resigned. For the past month I've been doing everything in my power to find out more about that lady.
Going through city, after city just to find more clues about her, yet I've found little to none
'There's got to be a clue somewhere.'
I continued to dig deeper into my searching until I finally got a small lead, where I was introduced to this underground fight tournament.
It was held in secret, and the purpose?
A ticket to join a certain organisation call "The Confluence."
At first, hearing this didn't spark any interest in me. I was even about to leave, when that individual showed me something that caught my attention. The organization's symbol.
Back when I got a glimpse of her she had a ring on her middle finger.
It was dark and I was only able to catch a glimpse of the ring's design just a moment,
If my memory didn't fail me, then there is no mistake, it was the same exact symbol.
This could very well be the only clue I will ever get to find her.
"Fine, you got my attention… Since you provided this information, I would assume there wouldn't be a problem for me to enter this tournament ."
The informant stared at me for a bit, before he broke into laughter.
It goes on for quite a while until he looks at me again. Catching his breath as he speak
"That tournament is no place for individuals like you."
...
Well, his words weren't completely wrong. With this kind of secret event being held by such organisation, it would certainly bring troublesome people to participate.
'Not that I cared much thought'
The informant's laugh gradually turns silent after a while, it seems he has finally caught up with the fact that I'm being serious.
"… If you are so keen to throw away your life then that's fine by me. I can put you in… But the participants aren't the only thing that matt-"
Abruptly, before he could finish his sentence, I slid a bag full of goods across the table, stopping in front of him.
"That won't be a problem." I said while putting my hand on the table.
The informant's expression turned into a smile as he dragged the goods into his arms.
"Oh well, whatever you want, dear customer. The tournament will be held two days from now, after midnight under the Great Cri Bridge. I'll meet you there. So, don't be late."
After hearing all he had to say, I left the tavern.
Sigh,
"Looks like this is my only lead to find the whereabouts of the curse lady. I didn't think it would take me this long to gain any significant lead."
Oh well, that doesn't matter anymore. I just had to focus on the tournament.
Speaking of which, should I try any weapon? or should I just go with the old fashion way.
***
Two days later, midnight.
Even though this place was called the forgotten city, it sure wasn't as quiet as one might think. In fact, it was still full of people even at this hour.
I quickly made my way under the bridge.
As I arrived a voice spoke to me from the shade.
It was the informant and he was already waiting for my arrival.
"You weren't late, arriving right on time."
"..."
"… Going straight to business huh?... Come, follow me."
His hand brushes against the wall before stopping at a certain brick.
He then pushed it and suddenly, the stone beside us began to contract and split apart. A hidden passageway formed, leading down into the depths.
I followed him, and the entrance closed behind us.
'Look like some form of magic, maybe advance tech'
My brief thought lingered at the entrance as we descended deeper.
"I forgot to mention this last time, since you left in such a hurry. The tournament requires a name to enter, any name. So, I had to pick one for you and since you never provided any, you will go by the name of Mori for the tournament. How does that sound?"
Unfazed, I only gave a small nod, and we continued walking down the stairs.
Soon, the sound of distance shouting and cheering can be heard.
By the time we reached the bottom, we were hit with the deafening roar of the crowd.
A massive underground arena stretched before us, with countless spectators watching a match between two fighters.
As we made our way through the crowd, I watched the match unfold.
One fighter conjured up a ball of flames in the palm of his hand, before hurling it to his opponent. The opponent seemingly caught off guard, unable to react in time, and the fire struck him directly, and the remain was blackened ash.
The informant let out a small chuckle, noticing I was observing the fight.
"That's the kind of opponent you'll be facing. This battle isn't some kind of walk in the park or friendly battle. So I really would advise you to back down when you still have the chance."
He waited for my response but I left him without one.
I already made up my mind and I am not backing away.
Seconds later, we reached to the side of the arena.
The informant spoke to who looked to be the tournament organiser.
As they conversed, I turned my gaze toward the other participants.
They all carried a serious, murderous intent while some looked outright terrifying. And from the looks of it, they all possessed some kind of power.
'Troubling but not something that cannot be dealt with'
In this world, humans have two forms of power. Either magic or curses.
The two can be similar or different depending on how they're used, but as far as I know, those are the only types of power humans can wield.
Lost in thought, I was brought back to reality when the informant returned.
"... Your turn… Try your best to survive a bit longer alright. We don't want the audience to be left bored."
He patted my shoulder before leaving the place.
It seems he isn't staying to watch. Probably had other business to attend to, I presume.
My focus shift to arena once again.
The tournament organiser gave me the signal, and before long, I was standing in the center of attention.
While the crowd turn silent.
Such a reaction is normal, I am a newcomer afterall. But then, here came my opponent.
Each step he took shook the arena.
The once-silent crowd erupted into waves of cheers.
With a massive battle axe in hand, he made his way in front of me.
I had to tilt by head up just to see my opponent face.
'Can this even be consider a human anymore? I mean his axe alone is almost the same lenght as me'
The world is full of mysteries, so many it is possible to be born this big. Whatever,
"This won't end nicely, will it?"
My opponent just kept his eye on me. Like a predator looking at it prey..
Funny, because I can say the same for myself.
And it's been quite the time since I had a proper fight. That's why I came here empty handed.
'Maybe I should put a bit more effort this time around.'
With empty hands, I bring my arms up, taking my stance.
The crowd roared even louder.
My opponent readies his axe and the match soon commence.