Final destination

The last place of the day was full of energy, a place which was filled with excitement in the air. The halls were filled with excited voices debating bets, odds and whispered rumors about the contenders. Devon led Melch and Leif to an enormous building that towered over the other buildings near it: a vast arena, grandeur beyond compare in all of Rakllan.

"This" Devon declared with proud "is the largest arena in the city, well maybe even the entire dukedom. Here, gladiators battle demonic beasts captured from the untamed wilderness. Not just a fight but a spectacle."

The arena loomed like a fortress of stone and iron with towering walls bedecked in colorful banners displaying past champions, legendary beasts and epic battles. The hum of anticipation vibrated through the crowd as clinking coins signaled the frenzy of betting before the matches.

Devon pulled out three tickets with a smirk on his face. "I got us the best seats you can ask for without selling your soul. Trust me, you're going to thank me the minute you see the view."

Melch raised an eyebrow and sent a quick look around at the madness that surrounded them. "You seem pretty excited about this" he said.

Devon smirked. "Why wouldn't I be? It's a tradition, a thrill and besides…"His grin spread wide. "You might learn something."

They stepped through the grand archway into the thrumming interior of the arena, where a wave of energy hit them like a physical force. The stands were a sea of people from commoners packed into the upper rows to nobles lounging in private boxes draped with silk. The smell of roasted meats and spiced drinks filled the air, blending with the metallic tang of anticipation.

Their seats were in the middle section, providing a great view of what was happening but not too close to the sandy battlefield below.

Leif whistled taking in the view. "This place is huge. They could fit an army in here."

Devon chuckled. "You're not wrong but you'll see soon enough why it's packed to the brim. Matches here aren't just fights, they're history in the making. The best gladiators, the deadliest beasts and rewards that could turn anyone into a legend."

Melch's gaze watched the arena floor, his expression contemplative. "And the fighters? What drives them to risk their lives here?"

Devon sat back and crossed his arms. "Glory, survival, greed-take your choice. Anyone may enter. Knights, mages, adventurers, mercenaries, even rogues with something to redeem or a new lease on life. Royalty and higher races are excluded. Anyone else is in play."

Leif leaned to one side. "What do they gain besides not dying?"

"Good question" Devon replied. "First, they take everything from the beasts they slay from the bones, cores, scales, whatever. Second, there's the duke's bounty and third, they receive a share of the arena's profit of their match, which is enormous if the match is big and then there are private bounties from precious relics, special contracts but those are mostly kept under wraps."

Leif grinned. "So fame, fortune, and glory. No wonder folks take risks like that."

Their conversation was interrupted by the deafening cheer of a booming voice echoing through the arena. A man floating above the battlefield, his figure faintly aglow with magic was clad in ornate robes.

"Ladies and gentlemen" the announcer began with his voice effortlessly carrying over the noise, "Welcome to today's grand event! Prepare yourselves for a spectacle of strength, skill and survival"

A great gate at one end of the arena groaned open, and number after number of fighters came pouring out onto the sandy battlefield. Melch and Leif were leaning forward with all their weight, riveted to the spectacle below.

The fighters looked like they formed a ragtag company: a longbow man, two wand-wielding wizards, two behemoths clad in armor of impenetrable steel, two lithe adventure-seekers, four old veterans and one lone figure with a black cloak whose face was obscured and even his hands were gloved.

"They've got some quality players." said Devon surveying the opposition.

"And an opponent?" he asked Leif who began to get excited.

The opposing gate crashed open and the announcer's voice thundered: "Facing them today, the undefeated legend of this arena Taz Fang!"

The crowd let out deafening cheers as a tall, towering figure strode into the arena. His long black hair flowed down his shoulders and his sharp features exuded confidence and danger.

"Taz Fang" Devon whispered, his voice low and full of reverence. "Fifty-six matches. Fifty-three wins, only three losses. He's a monster in human form."

The fighters on the field fidgeted uneasily, their nerves readable even from the stands. Taz's reputation alone was enough to intimidate even the bravest of challengers.

The battle's core started to quiver, an enormous iron cage was drawn from the earth whose sides were torn asunder. Metal grates fell upon this as its hinges grated with the full swinging open wide enough for everybody to see whatever it contained.

The creature stepped forward and a collective gasp rippled through the audience. It was a reptilian monstrosity walking on two legs with a grotesque, bone plated face and jagged exoskeletons protruding from its body. Its eyes glowed with malice, and its guttural growl sent shivers down spines.

Leif's eyes widened as he instinctively began counting the visible bones on its exterior. "Nine bones…" he muttered his voice barely audible. He turned to Galen in alarm. "Nine bones, If it grows just one more it'll evolve into an adult seascale beast. Are they insane?!"

Melch's expression darkened at the mention of the beast's name. His hands clenched into fists as he stared at the creature, a shadow of something unspoken passing over his face.

"Melch?" Leif's voice broke through his thoughts.

"I'm fine." Melch said curtly though his eyes never left the beast.

The announcer's voice rang out once more. "Let the battle… BEGIN."

The fighters leapt into action forming a loose formation as the seascale beast roared and charged forward. Taz Fang remained still, observing the chaos with a predatory smile. His calculated calmness was more unnerving than the beast's raw power. The match had begun and the crowd roared in anticipation of the bloodshed to come.

Melch sat silently, his gaze unwavering as the battle unfolded. His mind was now a jumble of thoughts after learning the beast's name and the shadow of something much more sinister, that could not be left alone for long.