Chapter 9 Explosive Entrance (1/2)
A deep frown appeared on the manager's face, it wasn't the first time someone cockily tried to skip ranks. To ask for the highest rank was either a sign of dementia or excessive cockiness.
”Elite rank is already full of Hardening User” blurted the eccentric old man, ”It's also one of the highest rank available in Gladiator's Heaven, falling just behind the Master Rank!”
Gladiator's Heaven's ranking system had three different steps. Mortal, Elite, and Master. Those three ranks served as a way to make matchmaking easier, the first Mortal Ranker not even capable of taking a hit from the worst Elite. This huge difference was explained by a simple fact, Mortal Rankers were not capable of executing Hardening. They might have more or better fighting experience than Elite but their chances of winning cease the moment they have to face Hardening.
”If it was me, I would have put you in the Mortal Rank, starting from the bottom and gradually fighting your way to the top! Giving you the best foundation possible.” Explained the manager.
”It's not really a possibility for him anymore” blurted Moha, not bothering to hide the pride in his eyes, ”Fell, show him!”
Hearing that Moha wanted him to show his talent, Fell leisurely took a step in. Shifting his weight from one side of his body to the other, the image of Anzar's first use of Hardening still fresh in his mind. His elbow drawing to his hip like a bow, his muscles relaxing and turning softer with less consistency than a liquid, a relaxed expression appeared on his juvenile face. Everything changed the moment he finished taking his step, Fell's extreme state of relaxation immediately changed and turned into a huge wave of muscles contractions, followed by a fist flashing in the air.
-Snap-, everyone in the Gladiator's Heaven main entrance heard that sound, it was similar to a bamboo log splitting in half.
”Interesting, magnificent use of Hardening, hiding it till it burst the last moment” an obscene look appearing in the manager's eyes, excited to see how this new challenger will fare against his best fighters.
”You are definitely qualified for the Elite Rank, as for the Master Rank, I'm only a little manager that runs this branch of Gladiator's Heaven, I don't have a say on the advancement of fighters” explained the old man, ”But… I can put you against the stronger Elites!”
”When can you fight?”
”Is it possible now?” asked Fell, excited to finally put what he learned to practice.
”Let me go check if there is an empty spot in today's schedule!” turning back, the eccentric old man started running to his office, he was preparing Fell's debut as if it was his own, Fell could swear that he even saw the man shiver with excitement as he searched through his computer.
”FOUND IT!” running back as fast he went, his eyes shining from the excitement of having a new contender for his fighters.
”You have thirty minutes before your fight, follow me I'll show you around!” taking Fell by the arm, his powerful grip clenching around Fell's arm like a snake coiling around his prey.
The passionate manager showed Fell around, he began with the spotlight of the Coliseum. A spacious fighting arena appeared in front of Fell's eyes, a smell of rust and blood hitting his nose. The floor was full of sand mixed with sharps fragments of teeth's and nails, fighting intent mixing with the atmosphere as if it was oxygen. Fell was sure of himself, this place gave birth to an incredible amount of martial artists.
Following the arena, they went around and did a complete tour of the Coliseum, moving from the training grounds full of muscular and youthful men lifting barbells and howling like mad beasts to the calm cafeteria, where the only noise was the sound of people wolfing down on food.
Fell quickly came to like the atmosphere, he saw something that he rarely got to notice in New Casablanca, pure honest passion. To Fell who rarely enjoyed the company of others, Gladiator's Heaven started having another appeal than just fighting.
The group quickly followed their tour, passing from the empty barrack to the checkroom where fighters could meditate and focus themselves before their fight.
”Rest here young man, you still have 10 minutes before your fight, don't disappoint us for your grand debut”
”Good luck with your first fight Fell!”
While leaving, both of the old men's faces were full of expectation, in their eyes Fell was a rough diamond that needed some cutting and polishing before shining like the brightest jewel.
Alone in the peaceful room, Fell changed his clothes, wearing some purple shorts Moha gave him and sat cross-legged. Calming his nerves, he quickly attained a meditative state where only the fight mattered. Fighting intent was gradually forming in his mind, he wanted to prove to everyone that he changed, proving to the entire world that even he, who was born in the worst place, can accomplish something in his life.