Victor watched the guards enter the arena and drag the monsters corpse out. But even they had apprehension in their expressions as they gazed at Caelum leaving the arena.
He walked out towards the slave entrance of the arena– where they all stood, like a warrior god descending from battle.
The thick, dark green blood of the monster still clung to his knuckles, dripping slowly unto the red-stained sand with each unhurried step. His fists hung loosely at his sides, his brown hair, tousled and damp with sweat, caught the soft breeze and swayed gently behind him, framing his sharp regal features like the Heroes of legends.
Not a single scratch on his skin. And not a trace of panic could be seen in his expression.
His hazel eyes were distant, but carried that silent confidence in them that Victor had come to recognize. It was as if the slaughter he'd just delivered wasn't worth another moment of his attention.
He truly did look like a hero portrayed in those action movies or a protagonist from those novels Victor usually read from his former life— other life?
'Ah whatever previous, former, other, who cares, it's not like anyone's asking . Focus Victor'.
SMACK!!!
He slapped both his cheeks, to drag his thoughts back to his current situation and to keep his mind grounded. But maybe he did it a little too hard, because it definitely stung a bit, or maybe, he had underestimated his current strength.
Calming himself and keeping his thoughts grounded in the current situation was not an easy feat for Victor.
Thanks to his empath ability, he always knew what he was feeling at any given point in time. With his ability seemingly amped up since coming to this world, it was all the more clearer, so he tended to try too hard to avoid any negative feelings, by keeping his mind occupied with useless thoughts.
But that was not what he needed in the present moment.
Opening his eyes after calming his thoughts. He looked up to find an amused Caelum looking down at him.
He stood half a head taller than Victor at 6'1", while Victor was just roughly 5'8" in height. Which was still pretty tall for his current age.
But Victor quickly looked away from him to look around. After several seconds of turning his head left and right, he scratched the back of his head and let out a nervous chuckle, then turned back to look at Caelum, that had a confused expression on his face.
Looking at Caelum's face, he couldn't help but smile wryly.
This dude was really too handsome.
'Is it his charisma stat. Tch, lucky bastard must have been a serious lady magnet before he got captured.'
Not like Victor was jealous, not by any stretch of the imagination. Not really… well maybe a little.
Sure he hadn't seen his reflection since waking up in this world, and his physical features from his life on earth wouldn't be called Casanova-level, he still had decent looks and what he didn't have in looks he made up with overwhelming charisma…
We'll that was a lie, technically he wasn't really charismatic. He just knew how to read people, especially women. Their emotions were always easier to read and manipulating their emotions was second nature. He'd manipulate it in just the right ways, to get them in his bed. So although he wasn't the best looking guy, he wasn't sleeping alone either.
'I can't imagine dying a virgin,' he shivered at the thought.
Coming out of his thoughts once again he discovered that Caelum was still staring at him– but this time Caelum had on a tiny smirk.
He gave Victor a light pat on the shoulder, then moved to sit cross-legged beside him, leaning back against the wall.
Victor returned his gaze to the arena just as Jeffrey's voice rang out again, announcing the next match.
A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
The others didn't know why– but they noticed. Caelum had smiled. The same guy who usually wore a face of stone had just shown a reaction.
They didn't know what to make of it.
Caelum rarely talked to anyone. He kept to himself, didn't socialize, and certainly didn't emote. But seeing him destroy a top-level Tier 0 monster with ease made it all make sense.
He was strong.
Overwhelmingly so.
What they didn't know was that Caelum had done that to reassure Victor. Over the past few weeks since their discussion on escaping, Victor had continuously worked hard to build rapport– closing the gap, day by day. Though it was going slower than what he was used to, he knew he was making progress.
And now? That simple gesture– patting his shoulder, sitting beside him– spoke volumes. He was glad since what Caelum did helped a lot to keep him calm and grounded.
While he watched the match before him, beside him Caelum was having thoughts of his own.
'How did he notice them watching us. He didn't even acknowledge my presence in front of him. Instead he addressed their gazes. That's some impressive perception, and without mana no less'.
His gaze shifted back to Victor.
'I think I'm beginning to see what made him so special in the Baron's eyes. I just hope you're special enough for my plans'.
What he didn't know was that Victor had suddenly sensed a surge in emotions all around him. The most highlighted being 'confusion and surprise', all directed towards them.
Several hours passed.
Four more matches came and went. Only one ended in victory and even then, the survivor was barely clinging to life.
The rest? Brutal, unforgiving deaths.
The crowd roared, cheering for blood.
The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the arena.
Dusk was fast approaching.
And then—
"Hey."
A deep gruff voice called out from behind him.
Victor turned to see one of the guards looking at him with a bored expression.
The guard stationed with them, looked at him with a bored and lazy look.
"You're up"