Stepping out of the portal, I found myself back on the balcony of the penthouse suite. It felt strange to be back, like this place was a distant memory. I guess spending a year in isolation will do that to a guy.

  “You have done well,” Diako said, he was once again inhabiting Jack’s body and I wondered if he even had a physical form in the mortal world. I guess I’d find out once I got to the tournament.

  I nodded at the man and took a moment to delve into my stats. Marvelling at my progress.

  Status Sheet:

  Name: Kaleb Akabane

  Race: Outworlder

  Class: Apex Predator (unique)

  Adventurer Rank: Bronze

  Level: 89

  Map Pieces 523/10,000

  HP: 1372/686

  Stamina: 1540/770

  Strength: 770 (1540)

  Agility: 300 (600)

  Perception: 300

  Vitality: 686 (1372)

  Intelligence: 136

  I was one rank away from becoming a phase four, silver ranked adventurer. Finally, I was about to be where Sally was when we’d met. I was catching up and it felt amazing. Over the course of the year I’d placed most of my free points into strength and vitality with the odd point here and there into perception and agility. I gained five free points with every level so that alone had boosted my stats plenty.

  Alongside those free points I also gained seven points into strength, five into vitality, three into both perception and agility, and one into intelligence. This was something that had been decided when I’d chosen my class all that time ago and I hadn’t looked back since.

  Overall I felt like my stats were a big improvement, but for me it had taken a year to get there. It was akin to starting weightwatchers then looking in the mirror every day. The changes were so gradual to me that I barely noticed them at all. With the exception of my three new skills of course. They were definitely noticeable.

  “Where is everyone?” I asked as I looked around at the empty space. I cast my aura out slightly, covering the apartment, and I couldn’t sense anyone either.

  Asmodeus had taught me that trick a little while back, it had been a huge help in the training zone as it allowed me to search for monsters from a greater distance. I was probably going to have to reign it in now I was back though. Not only was it considered rude in Celestia, but as I had no mana, my aura was linked entirely to my soul power and unleashing it as a sonar-like detector would tell everyone it touched exactly what I was capable of. Panda had advised me to keep my soul power a secret, so I needed to stop projecting it now that I was back. As part of my shadow armour’s full set bonus I could shield my aura from others when I put my hood up, but sadly that didn’t extend to the raging soul core buried deep in my sternum. To hide that, I had to practice diligently and make a conscious effort to hide it. Luckily, I’d been taught the basics already.

  “They’re already at the stadium,” Diako said. “The opening ceremony has just begun.”

  “Already? Fuck I’m gonna be late!”

  “Always the bridesmaid, never the bride, ay, kid?” Panda added unhelpfully with a snigger.

  “Worry not, I will open a portal for you,” Diako said, beginning to wave his arms.

  “That’s alright,” I replied with a grin. “I have a better idea.”

  ***

  “Welcome back!” Chrysus roared to a cheering crowd. Bell sat in the Regina’s private box overlooking the arena. Joining them were Lucas and his two aides, his father, Chonkers, Sally, and Rex. “After such a fine showing yesterday I am certain that my champion will claim victory. However, that will be decided in blood. Over the course of the next week we members of the pantheon shall pit our champions against one another until there is only one remaining. Each fight shall be to the death.”

  On the opposite side of the huge arena, there was a golden box. It was raised up above the stands and sat about halfway up the seating on the walls. Within the box, the members of the pantheon each sat on their thrones. It was quite the spectacle.

  “Where the hell is Kaleb?” Rex hissed, pacing irritably back and forth.

  “Yes son, please do tell me where your great protector is. Is he not supposed to be here, protecting me from assassination?” Havier Regina said.

  “That’s why you’ve got us in here,” Bell replied with the wave of her hand. She cast her eyes back towards the floating god. “Bit of a show off isn’t he?”

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  “Diako would agree with you,” Havier replied. “And speaking of him, where is Jack?”

  “He’ll be arriving with Kaleb shortly father,” Lucas said in a diplomatic tone.

  “Don’t presume to talk to me, boy. You may be a king now but you’re no son of mine.”

  Bell winced, but didn’t look back at the two of them, instead focusing on the opening ceremony before her. The crowd was voracious and the entire arena was full. There were numerous boxes dotted about which she assumed housed monarchs and rulers. It was quite the spectacle to behold.

  “The high priest tournament is one with a glorious history,” Chrysus continued. “Started eons ago by a much smaller pantheon, its goal was to promote camaraderie between the gods, settle disputes, and celebrate the rising of a new high priest in a god’s service. Today I hope to foster the former and delight in the latter.

  “Sitting behind me are the great and venerable gods of the pantheon. And though I know that they need no introduction, tradition dictates that I do them the honour of one anyway. Please give your warmest regards to Diako, god of shadows, Baccus, god of ale and wine, Phonoi, god of murder, Loki, god of trickery, and Nyx, the newest member of our pantheon and my good friend.”

  The crowd cheered fervently; however the cheers were at their loudest for Baccus. I’m not surprised they like him best, Bell thought. Who doesn’t love a good drink.

  “And now good people of Celestia, allow me to introduce our champions,” Chrysus continued. “This first champion needs no introduction, many of you watched her slaughter her way to the top of my worshippers. Please put your hands together for The Desert Samurai!”

  Cheering continued as the samurai walked out onto the arena without fanfare. Her samurai armour gleamed and she stood proudly with a hand on the hilt of her blade. A large wolf accompanied her onto the field.

  “Look, she has a pet,” Bell chimed.

  “It bears resemblance to you, Red Fist,” Gonzo sniggered and Taylor elbowed him hard in the ribs.

  “It’s Crimson Fist to you,” Rex replied. “And I would say that the creature more closely resembles your mother Gonzo, but I wouldn’t want to offend the poor wolf.”

  Bell and Taylor cracked up at that as Gonzo turned a deep shade of red. He looked like he was going to retort but a stern look from Lucas stilled his slack jaw.

  “Next we have a warrior famed in arenas all over the world,” Chrysus continued. “Representing Baccus, please welcome Brodir to the field.”

  The crowd continued their boisterous cheering as a giant of a man stepped out next to the samurai. He wore furs around his waist, but nothing covered his top half. He was a lycanid, the biggest Bell had ever seen. He towered over the samurai and his greying muzzle seemed to be twice as thick as Rex’s. He was well muscled, but mostly the man was simply a beast. Hanging peacefully from a belt made of skulls he had two axes, a much larger one hung from his back. It seemed that he too wore his weapons in the open.

  “Why do you all do that?” Bell asked. “You know there’s an inventory function right?”

  “A true warrior fights their enemies head on,” Sally explained. “Allowing an opponent to see your blade before you use it is a proclamation of your intent to fight honourably. And it looks cool.” Rex nodded along with her, his battle axe glinting fiercely on his back.

  “Loki’s champion is a new contender this year,” Chrysus continued. “But I am sure he will make a great showing. Please welcome, Aethis!”

  Strutting like she owned the place, a racoon dog walked onto the pitch. She was tiny and stood upright, keeping her weapons hidden, Bell hadn’t seen this race before and as she focused on Aethis a notification popped up.

  Racoon Dog

  Similar in size and appearance to the racoon dogs of Japan, this little guy loves trash. That’s probably why so many of them are low level merchants running pawn shops or any other cluttered store of crap you can think of. Some, however, become warriors. Most don’t last long.

  “Well that wasn’t very reassuring,” Bell muttered. “I’m sure Kaleb will have an easy time against her.”

  “Don’t be so sure,” Taylor said. “My spies tell me that she’s quite the fearsome foe. Supposedly, all who fight her die and as such no one has seen her fight before.”

  “Knowing Loki, she probably fights dirty,” Havier muttered.

  “Next we have a champion known to be the stuff of nightmares,” Chrysus continued. “Representing Phonoi, please welcome Mistress Labia!”

  Before the champion had stepped outside, Bell cracked up laughing. Holding her stomach as tears ran down her cheek. There’s no way that’s her name!

  “What is it?” Rex asked.

  “Nothing,” she replied, giggling slightly as she tried to focus on the pitch. Something walked onto it, but it seemed ethereal and was covered in a flowing cloak. No notification appeared in her interface so she had no information about it. It seemed that neither did Taylor.

  “This will be his first tournament since ascending,” Chrysus announced. “So let’s hope that his champion leaves a good impression. Representing Nyx, please welcome Adolf Von Silver to the field!”

  Bell’s eyes widened slightly, then widened even further as she realised who it was. The cloaked man with the silver eyes walked briskly onto the field. It was the same man they’d run into at The Morningstar Hotel & Spa, the same man who had captured her previously.

  “I hope Kaleb kills that motherfucker,” she said under her breath. “There must be something about that name that makes people evil.”

  Rex patted her shoulder calmly and nodded. “I don’t like him either, but for now let’s just hope that Kaleb actually arrives at some point.”

  “And last but not least,” Chrysus began as someone floated up to him from behind, cutting him off. It seemed the person had come from the direction of Diako. “Ah, apologies ladies and gentlemen,” he continued as the figure handed him a scroll and floated back down, disappearing into the crowd. “It seems that there has been a last-minute change to the line-up. Though I don’t see why he couldn’t have just messaged me this.” He muttered, unfolding the scroll as he spoke. “Please put your hands together for the champion representing Diako…” He stopped for a moment as he read the name, “Kaleb Akabane?”

  Chrysus looked genuinely shocked as he looked down at the field. However, Kaleb did not come from that direction. Bell heard the sound of heavy, beating wings as a black blotch dotted the skyline. She looked up, covering her eyes with her hand to try and block out the sun and see better.

  In a whoosh that blew dust up all around the arena, a huge black dragon flew past Chrysus and landed in the middle of the stadium. Lifting its head, it spewed a cyclone of lightning into the sky.

  “No. Freaking. Way.” Bell said.

  Riding atop the dragon was a familiar face, though he looked somewhat different from last time. Kaleb waved at the audience as Asmodeus circled like an unruly horse. Panda clung to his back and looked very uncomfortable.

  Kaleb looked broader than last time, and his hair had grown back with a vengeance. The sides were shaved, but it was long and braided on top and he had a beard. His eyes were dark and his weapons were not on show, but that same, familiar dark armour adorned his figure.

  “He looks good,” Bell said. “And Azzy got huge. Think he’ll let me ride him?”

  “Maybe,” Rex replied. “His level has increased exponentially. Most impressive. Though I bet he hasn’t taken that armour off for a second.”

  “I’m just glad he made it,” Lucas added. “He sure knows how to make an entrance.”

  “I can sense it from here,” Sally said. “It seems that he is close to keeping his promise to me.” She smiled a fangy, challenging smile as she gazed down on him.

  “Isn’t that?” Havier began. “This is ridiculous, how in the blazes is he supposed to guard me if he’s competing? Lucas, it seems you can’t even get your subordinates in line. Some king you are.”

  “Actually,” Jack said and the rest turned at his sudden appearance as a portal snapped shut behind him. “He’s competing at Diako’s request. But don’t worry, Sir. I will keep you safe even if you are the highest levelled one here.”

  “Ah Jack,” he replied. “I’m glad you’re back. I have an update on the assassination attempt that is about to be made. It seems to have originated from Chrysus’ camp.”

  “In due time, Sir,” Jack said evenly. “For now let’s watch that fool make a spectacle out of this fa?ade.”