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Chapter: Spartan Arena

Forseti frowned slightly.

Listening to the middle-aged man's description, he couldn't help but suspect that the Spartan arena was perhaps a way for Apocalypse to test individuals, and the middle-aged man's friend was likely long gone.

"By the way, you mentioned two individuals being received by the Gods in the last twenty years. Besides your friend, who was the other person?" Forseti inquired.

The middle-aged man responded, "A man with abilities similar to my friend, impervious to swords and firearms, incredibly strong. I heard he came to the Spartan Arena, slaying all in his path to win the heart of a girl in Megara City."

"Forseti asked, "Is his name Diops?"

"Yeah, you heard of him?"

"Well, I've heard others talk about him on the road," Forseti casually replied, his mind on Diops, the Asgard warrior he sought.

After a brief conversation with the middle-aged man, he left for the Spartan Arena in Sparta City.

As one of humanity's most martial civilizations, Sparta's gladiatorial arena was built to its pinnacle. Every day, a large crowd of spectators, gamblers, and gladiators filled its precincts, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

"You think Howlett can break the ten-match win streak?" asked a passerby.

"Absolutely. Howlett is the mightiest gladiator!"

"Hmm, I have my doubts. Ten matches is a colossal threshold. His opponents are undoubtedly formidable, not the kind to have perished in the past."

"Indeed, from the ninth match onward, each opponent is tougher than the last. Most gladiators who aimed for a ten-match streak in history have failed. I'm betting he loses, wagering half a month's salary."

The bystanders chatted away as Forseti entered the arena with them.

The gladiatorial arena was a circular, open-air structure with the combat arena in the center, surrounded by ascending tiers of spectator stands.

At that moment, the arena buzzed with excitement. The crowd cheered fervently for the impending battle, chanting the name "Howlett."

Forseti found a seat and asked the person next to him, "Who is this Howlett? Is he truly that formidable?"

"Of course. Haven't you seen his previous nine matches?" the man replied.

"Howlett is sure to surpass the ten-match win streak."

Forseti probed further, "Why did he join the gladiatorial bouts?"

"Honor, wealth, need I say more?"

But another nearby person interjected, "I heard it was to save his son... If he achieves a stellar record in the arena, he might be received by the Gods, who could cure his son of a terminal illness."

Several people nearby joined the conversation.

Before long, a bald man in robes stepped into the middle of the arena, his voice booming like thunder, "Today, our indomitable warrior, Howlett, will face his first battle after a nine-match winning streak!"

"Let's see if he can break the ten-match record!"

"Howlett! Howlett!" The crowd roared along with the robe-clad announcer, reaching a fever pitch as a man in leather armor emerged from one end of the arena.

He had jet-black hair, steely eyes, and a cold demeanor, gripping a longsword in his hand.

Soon, Howlett's opponent, a slender youth wielding twin daggers, appeared from the opposite side.

The two combatants approached, their eyes locked.

"Battle begins!"

With the signal, Howlett charged forward with a thunderous roar.

However, the agile young man easily dodged, his nimble physique allowing him to evade with grace, initiating a swift counterattack.

Clearly, the slender youth was a seasoned fighter, honed through relentless training, showcasing exceptional skill. In contrast, Howlett's fighting style seemed more brute force, akin to a novice.

Consequently, after some time, Howlett endured multiple strikes from the nimble youth, even taking a stab to the abdomen.

Yet, he appeared undeterred, maintaining his aggressive assault, wielding his longsword like a whirlwind, gradually gaining the upper hand.

"Howlett! Howlett!" The crowd's roar intensified.

Forseti couldn't help but ask, "Does he possess an immortal body?"

"Yes, that's why we call him the undying warrior," the man beside him affirmed.

In the climactic moments of the duel, each move was fierce. Howlett's leather armor was nearly pierced in several places, while the agile youth also sustained wounds, gritting his teeth in determination.

With a roar, he turned swiftly, thrusting his twin daggers towards Howlett's neck.

Gritting his teeth, Howlett grasped his longsword with both hands, plunging it into the slender youth's chest.

Blood spurted forth as both combatants struck simultaneously—the youth's daggers piercing Howlett's neck, while Howlett's sword found its mark in the youth's chest.

"Boom!"

Both collapsed onto the arena floor, leaving the audience in stunned silence.

Moments passed before Howlett miraculously removed the dagger lodged in his neck, rising to his feet despite his injuries.

"Howlett!"

"Indomitable warrior, ten consecutive victories!"

The arena erupted in jubilation, the crowd unified in chanting his name.

After his victory, Howlett briefly tended to his wounds. Once the grievous injuries miraculously healed, he departed the arena without uttering a word.

From start to finish, Howlett's only vocalization was his battle cry; otherwise, he remained silent.

After observing the arena and gathering some information, Forseti left, securing accommodations at a nearby hotel.

"Make a stone." Forseti patted Shilut's head.

"Wow—" Shilut opened its mouth, generating a flow of debris that swiftly coalesced into a large stone.

Forseti promptly wielded his blade, carving diligently. Slowly, the form of a demon began to emerge—a winged demon adorned with massive, bat-like wings.

After hours of practice, Forseti's carving skills had noticeably improved. The demon statue finally resembled its subject, recognizable as a demon rather than a child's plaything.

Crafting two more demon statues, Forseti decided it was time to rest.

"Buzzing." Shilut glanced over at that moment.

"Is the stone all used up again?"

"Om." Shilut nodded earnestly.

Forseti sighed softly, producing a gem. Shilut's eyes gleamed upon seeing it, "Buzz!"

"You spend all day eating stones. Look at your plump belly." Forseti handed the gem over and patted Shilut's stomach.

Shilut gleefully nibbled on the gemstone.

In the dead of night, Forseti retired to bed, while Shilut lay by the window, silently gazing at the stars.

However, not long after Forseti had drifted into slumber, a tremendous noise jolted him awake.

"Ah-ah!!" A hoarse, agonized cry emanated from the neighboring room, sending chills down his spine.