This is for the strong. The weak won't survive here. That's why I gotta grow stronger. To fight for myself, and… "To fight for the weak!"

"Battle Arena…" I scratched my head at her vague explanation. "… Wait, you mean-"

"Yep" Argo interrupted. "Here you fight NPC's to gain money and experience, who prove to be more difficult with each level. You bet the pre-determined amount and get back double if you win. If you're losing, you can yield, conserving your life, but lose your money."

"I have finally found-" I stared at the Coliseum with a light sparkle in my eyes. "-my sanctuary."

"You gotta be kidding me." Kirito and Asuna said in unison as they stared at me.

"Don't you see the greatness that stands before us!" I responded. "The great Roman Coliseum, the place where the strongest gladiators would battle with all their might to the death!" My eyes sparkled again. "This is truly a place where only the strongest would gather." Sachi giggled while Asuna and Kirito continued to stare in disbelief.

"Ahem." Argo cleared her throat, bringing me out of my trance. "Now then, I take it that Blake will be participating in this tournament. Anyone else want to give it a shot?" Sachi shook her head innocently and Asuna just looked away. Before Kirito could refuse, I gave him a quick elbow to the gut, making his hand jerk up.

"Alriiight, Kirito, lets do this!" I started pushing him towards the Arena.

"Wait, what. I didn't agree to any-"

"Hey, now, wouldn't want to disappoint the girls now, would we?" I interrupted as Sachi cheered and Asuna just giggled. We were at the entrance before he could continue protesting.

"Now then," Argo started, "for PVP battles, it'll be in One hit Mode, but against NPCs, its a battle to the death. Got it?"

"Right on!" I agreed enthusiastically "Hey, Kirito, what's up with that gloomy face?"


"ALRIGHT, EVERYBODY, WELCOME TO THE BATTLE ARENA! THE ONLY PLACE IN ALL OF AINCRAD TO HOST DEATHBATTLES AS AWESOME AS THESE!" We heard from the commentator while we were in the participant waiting area.

"Kuh, I can't believe the crowd are as enthusiastic as him about this." Kirito grumbled as I got ready for my first match against an NPC. The tournament was mixed, with Player vs. NPC Deathbattles, and Player vs. Player One-Hit duels. Today was different from what Argo explained. You would win a set amount from each match, and you only required to pay the admission fee.

"It is quite the event." I responded, stretching in anticipation. Still, since its a tourney, the enemies will probably be stronger. I grinned widely. Not that its a problem. "Well, I'm up." I drew my sword as the match was starting.

"Good luck. Try not to die out there." He said as I made my way, scoffing at his remark, towards the classic gladiator gate. I walked out as it opened up, being greeted by dozens of cheers.

"AND HERE WE HAVE OUR FIRST CONTESTANT. THE SILENT SWORDSMAN, BLAKE!" At this the crowd went wild, probably due to Argo and her rumor making. I was able to make out a distinctive cheering right behind me.

"Yaaay Blake-kun! Go and show them who's the best!" The Sachi that was standing and screaming amongst the crowd was very different from the Sachi I met more than a month ago. I wonder why she wasn't shy at all when it came to me. My relaxed attitude broke down into a nervous fluster as she 'innocently' blew a kiss my way. W-W-W-W-WHAT IS SHE DOING?!

"OH, AND WHATS THIS? A SPECIAL FAN AMONGST THE CROWD SEEMS TO BE QUITE CLOSE TO THE SILENT SWORDSMAN." At this, I felt the glare of jealousy come from the whole Arena. Ahahaha... If looks could kill... I thought to myself as I turned around, noticing my opponent at the other side of the Arena. A typical roman gladiator, burly, dressed in very light armor, with a round shield and a small sword around his waist. From the looks of it, he was an NPC, although he seemed to be a crowd favorite. "NOW EVERYBODY GIVE A ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO OUR ARENA'S FAVORITE, SPARTAACUUUUUUS!" I drew back a bit in shock. So in the first round I'm up against THE Spartacus. The most fearsome gladiator in roman history? I chuckled under my breath and drew my blade. Now this is getting INTERESTING!


Hey there everybody, Codename here. First of all, my most sincerest apologies for the lack of publishing. I´ve been real busy the last 2 months, and I´ve been dying for a chance to keep the story going. I´m sure to start posting again soon, though. Thanks to all you awesome readers for understanding