The nine chosen fighters stood in the center of the silent arena. Forest Guardian, Voice, Misterious X, Stone Sentinel, Deathblade Dancer, Iron Knight, Keen Observer, Water Master, and Zero—all waited tensely.
The large door on the side of the arena opened. Marcus Thorne entered with steady steps, followed by a figure that made everyone fall silent: Zenless Mammon, with his thin smile and folding fan.
Marcus saluted Zenless, and the nine fighters immediately followed suit, bowing their heads.
"Welcome, finest combatants," said Zenless, his voice echoing.
"The reason you have all been gathered here is because you possess extraordinary abilities," Zenless said in an authoritative voice.
"For a great honor—to become part of the guard that protects something very precious to this city." His eyes shone with ambition, making everyone present feel curious and intrigued.
Keen Observer, unable to contain his curiosity, stepped forward and asked, "What is it that we must guard, Your Excellency?"
Zenless smiled mysteriously, then turned to Marcus. Marcus nodded, then stepped into the center of an invisible circle.
Marcus immediately commanded, "Stand in the center of the arena, everyone! Including His Excellency!"
Once they had all gathered, Marcus drew a ritual knife across his palm. Drops of his blood fell onto the stone floor—
Drip...
WHOOSH!
A mysterious magic circle flared brightly, surrounding them with intense light. The air around them vibrated with powerful magical energy. And in an instant, they were teleported to an unimaginable place, leaving the arena silent and empty.
Here is the revision:
In an instant, they now found themselves on a high plateau hidden behind the city. Before them, a majestic and ominous building soared into the sky, as if reaching for the clouds.
Sharp, pointed spires and walls of black stone that shimmered like obsidian made the structure look like a demonic fortress. And above it, dozens of demonic archers with glowing red eyes watched every corner, as if ready to attack. The atmosphere around the building was intensely tense and eerie.
"Welcome to the Nexus," said Zenless proudly. "This is where we guard this city's most valuable,and most dangerous, possession."
"Follow me," ordered Zenless.
They walked towards the main gate. The black iron gates opened on their own, and dozens of demon soldiers stood lined up in perfect discipline, saluting Zenless.
Then they proceeded to the second gate. Strangely, there was not a single guard here. Only a long, dark, and silent corridor.
They arrived at the third gate. This gate was different—made of metal that pulsed with magical energy. As it opened, two figures greeted them.
One of the figures immediately exclaimed, "Zero!"
Leon was shocked. It was the woman he had met before—Celestia!
"You know him?" Zenless asked Celestia.
"Of course! He's one of the two men I told you about, who helped me defend the slaves that time!" Celestia answered excitedly.
Zenless chuckled. "Oh, so that's him?"
Leon was confused. "Your Excellency... you know Celestia?"
"Who doesn't know this troublesome princess of the Asmodeus Kingdom?" Zenless replied with a smile.
Leon was stunned. "P-Princess? Celestia Asmodeus?!" He immediately saluted.
"Please forgive my previous impertinence,Your Highness."
"Enough, no need for that," said Celestia, stepping closer.
"Raise your head.You did nothing wrong."
"But what is Your Highness doing in a place like this?" Leon asked, still bewildered.
"I am one of the guardians of the Nexus," Celestia answered proudly.
Zenless then introduced the figure next to Celestia. "And this is Raven Leraje, one of the Five Core Guardians of the Nexus."
Raven gave a cold nod, his eyes sweeping over each fighter with an appraising gaze.
Keen Observer spoke up again, "So, what exactly are we guarding here, Your Excellency?"
Zenless walked over to the pulsating metal gate. In its center was a magic circle.
"What you will guard," Zenless said in a low voice, "is behind this gate.Something immensely valuable... and immenselydangerous if it were ever set free."
He then explained that the nine fighters would be stationed at the second gate—the one without any guards.
Suddenly, Celestia interrupted. "I want Zero to be stationed at the third gate with me."
Zenless frowned. "That's impossible. He has just joined."
"He's strong! I've seen it myself!" argued Celestia.
"No. The decision is final."
"Strength alone is not enough to guard the Nexus,"Zenless snapped.
Marcus stepped forward. "How about we test his strength, Your Excellency? I will be the one to test him."
Zenless looked at Leon. "Zero, are you willing?"
Leon nodded. "I am willing."
"Good. But remember, no killing. Raven, you will be the judge," instructed Zenless.
Raven nodded, then raised his hand. A small fighting arena formed between them.
Marcus removed his robe, revealing a muscular body covered in scars. "You may use your new sword, Zero."
Leon shook his head. "No need. To make it fair, we will fight unarmed."
Marcus gave a sharp smile. "Don't regret it later."
The two faced each other, ready to fight.
=== CHAPTER 29 END ===