Chapter 32: The Sparring Arena (1/2)

Chapter 32: The Sparring Arena

The Beautician gathered two badges from the staff, handing them to the others. “Let’s go on in. I can’t wait.”

Peering at Lan Jue, the Barber pressed the badge in his hand. Instantly a silvery light enveloped his body, and he stepped through a barrier of light with the number 23 above it.

Lan Jue, in turn, bowed towards the Beautician. After giving his regards he employed the badge and entered the arena.

With a flash of light, the scenery changed before his very eyes.

The arena was circular, with a diameter exceeding three hundred meters. The Barber had already made his way to the far ends of the arena. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, smiling.

As it was Lan Jue’s first visit to the Reaper’s Arena, he took it all in earnestly.

The circular arena’s floor was fabricated with a special material. It was surrounded by walls that rose a hundred meters in to the air. It was like the entire arena was covered in a some sort of case.

A robotic voice filled the air.

“Welcome to the S-Rank Sparring Arena. There are no rules: surrendering, or activating your Arena Badge will terminate the match. Whoever terminates the match is declared the loser. The results will be entered in to record.”

“Participants are; the Jewel Master; the Barber. This match will not exceed sixty minutes.”

“Match, begin!”

The series of announcements repeated, going over the rules.

“From the look of you, it really is the first time you’ve been here Jewel Master,” the Barber said, in no hurry to attack.

Lan Jue nodded in affirmation. “That’s right, first time.”

The Barber smiled. “I’ll make sure to leave you with a good impression. No crying, though!”

Lan Jue returned the smile. “We are nobles; fair, modest, astute, intelligent. We certainly aren’t puerile.”

He stood about a hundred and fifty meters from Lan Jue. The smile fled from his face. “Are you calling me childish?”

“Heh.”

The Barber glared at him, and lifting his right hand palm upward. Without any clear motion, the Barber caused the entire arena to warp , and a strange buzz issued forth.

Boom! A violent blast was heard. All that could be seen was an orb of crackling blue light that surrounded Lan Jue. The barrier undulated like it had been struck by some great force.

It flickered, undulating like choppy seas, and shimmered from the pressure.