Chapter 10: Fight! Fight! Ow

Chains binding the individuals come undone and all hell breaks loose as more venomous words are spit out from the watchers. 

The moment the chains fell, White Fang surged forward, his movements feral yet calculated, like a beast accustomed to bloodshed. The scars on his body seemed to come alive under the flickering torchlight as he closed the distance between himself and Fiery Beast in an instant.

Fiery Beast barely had time to react, his stance inexperienced but brimming with raw energy. He ducked under White Fang's opening strike, a brutal swipe aimed at his throat. Sparks flew as White Fang's blade scraped the arena floor, but the veteran didn't miss a beat, spinning to follow up with a wide, arcing slash.

Fiery Beast dodges once more and 

*Slice*

A clean, imperceptible cut slashes White Fang's head off. What just happened?!

Selina's mana sense is always on like some sort of automatic aim bot, so she noticed the disruption in the dirty, unfiltered mana that was flowing around the arena. For a split second, the nausea Selina had felt prior was replaced with a bright and warm feeling and the impure mana had a trace of something in it. Unfortunately, Selina wasn't high leveled enough to detect it, but this brown-haired individual was special. 

The crowd erupts into cheers, cries, and who knows what, disturbing Selina's train of thought and giving her a massive headache. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to her, a pair of pure, ruby-red eyes were staring right at her. Fiery Beast takes his leave and a pair of new individuals enter the ring systematically. 

Selina takes this opportunity to explore the colosseum. She took note of the nearest exits. Two masked guards stood at either end of the spectator section, their attention focused on the fight, casually chatting but not overly vigilant. Selina gets out of her seat and casually strides towards the guarded individuals. 

"Are you lost miss?" One of the guards questions.

"I'm here to see where the gold shines brightest." 

The guard straightened at Selina's words, his previously casual demeanor replaced with a sharp attentiveness. "This way, my lady," he said, gesturing toward a narrow corridor that led away from the chaotic arena. His companion gave her a brief nod before returning his focus to the crowd.

"I'm here to see where the gold shines brightest" is a code to enter the basement of the arena, where the "goods" are sold. Although regular nobles can buy slaves with enough cash, "where the gold shines brightest" is where the real "good" stuff can be found. The Crown Prince, managed to get the code somehow and that's where he meets the captured hero. 

Selina followed the guard, her expression calm under her mask despite the unease prickling at her nerves. The passage was dimly lit, torches spaced far apart along the rough stone walls, casting flickering shadows that danced like specters in the dark. The air grew colder as they descended a winding staircase, the distant roar of the crowd fading into a muffled hum.

The deeper they went, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. The narrow staircase opened into a larger, more refined hallway. Unlike the crude stone of the colosseum above, the walls here were lined with polished obsidian bricks, their surfaces gleaming faintly in the dim light. The air smelled faintly metallic, tinged with a bloody undertone that made Selina's stomach churn.

Selina noticed doors lining the corridor, each one heavy and fortified with intricate locks. From behind some of them came muffled sounds, whimpers, shuffling, and the occasional sharp clang of metal on metal. She could almost imagine what horrific sights were behind those doors. Well, she didn't have to imagine for long as they continued walking, a small, frail hand grasped Selina's ankle. 

"P-please help." A clearly malnourished child pleaded Selina. Her heart tightened, but there was nothing she could do now. She cruelly shook off his hand.

"My lady, please don't take offence! We'll make sure to train our stock to be more respectful, especially this little one." The guard's eyes glared harshly at the pitiful kiddo. She paused for a second, a heavy flicker of guilt piercing her composure before she steeled herself and stepped away.

Selina stares at the man, her beautiful emerald eyes cold as she walks away elegantly. "Lead the way."

At the end of the corridor stood an imposing set of double doors, intricately carved with a design of gold filigree that depicted twisting vines and blooming roses. It was a stark contrast to the rest of the grim surroundings, as if mocking the suffering hidden within. Selina expected there to be guards protecting the place, but it was barren. 

"There's no one here, strange. I'll tell boss about them slacking, my apologizes. I am no longer prohibited to walk pass here, wait here and the boss will arrive shortly to show you around. Have a good day miss." The guard walks away, leaving Selina alone with her thoughts and the cries of the misfortunate. 

Selina pushes the large door and enters, what greets her eyes was the same sights as prior. Handsome men muffled and tied up, beautiful women bound and tied up. "Disgusting" She murmurs under her breath. Selina looks around, there was no sight of the protagonist, obviously. She could try to let these individuals out, only the best of the best were reserved here. Maybe she'll gain the favor of a fallen noble who'll rise to power in the future or whatever common plot device character. 

Selina feels a particularly maliced glare at her and turns around. She meets a familiar sight, plain brown-hair but a pair of crimson eyes staring right back at her. However, as she walked closer, something seemed off, his eyes weren't shining as brightly and– 

*Whack*

The world around her turns dark as Selina falls down on the ground flatly.