The entire arena was at chaos by the clash.
Alex and Percy were still looking at the battle, they have not missed a single thing.
Alex was trying to see how they became this strong. Percy also thought the same thing.
Both were now intrigued.
They want power.
Percy felt its massive wave coming at them in full force.
WOOOSHHHH!
The crowds were holding onto the ground.
Crack!
The walls started to break slowly by the pressure from their clash.
The ogre fist was overwhelming his.
"Haha! You getting push back!" Ogre said. He was mocking him.
The executioner held to the very end.
His eyes filled with rage.
"Aaaaahhh...!"
The executioner wasn't going to back off.
He pushed his fist forward.
Crack!
Below his feet, the ground suddenly couldn't handle the pressure that he was giving off.
Ogre smiled while mocking him.
"Ahaha! It's hopeless! Now... die!"
The ogre pushed his fist forward and overpowered him.
The air around them started to crack limbo pieces.
At that very moment.
The orge sinister smile.
"You lost..."
BOOOMM!
It's a huge explosion in the arena.
The arena tremble by the aftermath.
Dust was everywhere.
Cough...
"Who won..!"
"I can't see..."
The dust slowly clears.
A shadow figure appears.
"No way..."
Baron looks at the arena.
"Who won...!" He shouted and desperate to know. He had a bet on the executioner, so he had to win or else.
Baron noticed a clear fear. However, it wasn't what he expected.
"No.. no.." He felt helpless seeing who won.
Back at the arena.
A loud sinister laugh.
The one who won the field it was no other.
Tohda says,"We have our winner..!"
The ogre says,"Ahahaha...! I'm still undefeated!"
He raised both of his hands at the crowds.
The entire stadium is all roar.
"Ahhhhhhhhh,"
"I won...hahaha."
"Damn it.. I lost my whole savings."
Some were cheering and glad they won the bet while the others sober by their lost.
"BUTCHER..."
"BUTCHER.."
The crowds went crazy. Calling out their warrior that they choose.
Ogre says,"Is there anyone else...!" He shouted out at the crowds.
Ogre wasn't even done.
He wants to challenge anyone. However, none was able to define or even step out of the stage.
Ogre spits on the ground.
"It seems no one dare..." He mocks the crowds.
Todha says,"I suggest you hold your tongue. You filthy beast or else." His voice was threatening. He eyes were cold and giving him a warning.
Ogre felt that terrified stare.
The ogre mocking grin falters as Todha presence appears. He stares at the ogre tremble with fear.
The ogre muscles are tense involuntary as Tohda cold gaze pierces through him.
He bow without looking at todha.
He knew what would happen if he talked back.
Tohda says,"Take him back to the cage. Make sure you treat it well for his next match."
The guards approached cautiously, spear ready but clearly imitated by todha command presence.
"And... give him his reward." Tohda said.
He turns to leave the arena, satisfied with his day's work. He signals to his guard his servants to prepare the human women for the ogre.
The ogre is dragged away, still feeling the lingering chill of todha presence.
Alex and Percy glance at each other.
"Did you see that.."
"The ogre felt fear by that guy..."
Both didn't know why would an ogre fear by tohda. They can't see why would a giant beast like that could fear by a human like them.
The young man says,"Of course the ogre fear todha."
Both looked at him.
The king says,"And why is that...?"
They were all curious.
The young man says, "Because. He has a slave mark."
Both were curious more about this mark he was saying.
The young man looked at them like they didn't know anything about the slave mark.
"No... you can't be serious. You don't know about the slave mark?" The young man was getting more curious of where are they from.
The group shake their heads.
The queen asked,"What is this slave mark?"
They don't even know what it was for.
"Wait... you mean you've never heard of Tohda slave mark? The black rune that brands his victims?" Young man said.
His gesture dramatically, trying to emphasize the gravity of the situation.
"Those marked by Tohda can't disobey him. They'll fight and die for him if command."
The young man also told them of how he got it in the first place.
"The king personally bestowed it upon Tohda. The slave mark was a sign of ultimate power and control."
Alex's eyes widen as he processes this information.
The king and queen were now unease by the information. They could tell this kingdom wasn't an average, it seem their is dark secret hidden in this kingdom.
They were planning to go to the castle to greet the king of this kingdom. However, there is some sort of secret that they don't know about this land and their king. Hearing what the young said was enough for them to be more cautious around this land.
Alex says, "Let's go meet the ogre then..."
Alex shifts uncomfortably in his seat, torn between his curiosity and unease.
Percy says,"Are you insane? Especially not after what you learn about Tohda."
The young man watches Alex with concern, recognizing the dangerous path his thoughts were taking.
Alex and Percy exchange uncertain glances, their earlier excitement now replaced with caution.
Percy says,"Maybe we should stay away from all of this. The castle, the arena... everything seems too dangerous. Especially we survive that horrified scene back at the castle."
Percy still remembers that necromancer. That terrified skeleton was enough for him to fear for what was out there.
Alex determination returns, through his face, show signs of internal conflict.
Alex says,"No, I still want to meet the ogre. There must be more to this than just Tohda control."
The young man raises an eyebrow, intrigued by Alex persistence.
They all sigh...
Percy throws his hands up in frustration.
Percy says,"You impossible, Alex. Fine, but if we get caught, I'm blaming you."
Percy looked at the young man.
"Young man... thank you.... ugh! What's your name?"
The young man straightened up, a slight smile appearing on his face.
"I'm Tobbi. And you're welcome..."
He adjusted his cloak, revealing a small dagger hidden beneath.
Alex said,"You don't have to come with us if you are not up for it." His voice filled with concern.
Tobbi, consider for this moment, then shrugs with a hint of amusement.
Tobbi says,"Actually, I think I'll tag along. Someone needs to keep you two alive, and I'm curious about what happens next."
He stands up, gesturing towards the arena exit.
"Lead the way to your death wish, noble adventure."
They went inside the hall where it is crowded.
The group navigates through the bustling crowd, catching snippets of conversation about special events for tomorrow.
Luscious says,"Looks like we're not the only ones with interest in the orge. This might be more dangerous than we thought."
A large noticed board displays details about the events- including Todha name prominently featured.
Alex approached the noticed board, reading the announcement with growing excitement.
Notice: The mighty ogre will be a spectacle unlike any other! Tohda will demonstrate his bet over other contested or beast at midday tomorrow.
The crowd around them murmurs with anticipation, some already placing their bets on the outcome.
Percy noticed the same guard that dragged the ogre away.
Percy nudges Alex and whispers urgently.
Percy says,"That's the guard who took the orge away. She might know more about what Todha plans to do."
The female guard stands near the arena entrance, her armor gleaming in torchlight. She seems to be deep in a conversation with another soldier.
The king and queen thought hard to get close enough to the guard conversation without being spotted easily.
Alex said,"Let's do this..."
Luscious and everyone were listening to Alex plan.
At that moment.
The group pretended to socialize with each other to get close to their conversation.
Tobbi is acting as if he's discussing weaponry.
Alex and Percy drifting closer to the guards.
They slowly heard their conversation.
The guard named Polina and Errah.
"I can't believe that monster is enjoying his meal." Polona felt disgusted by it.
"I still can't unseen it..." Errah felt sick to her stomach.
Both women were uncomfortable.
Polina spits on the ground in disgust.
Polina says,"That creature is more animal than human. Using women like that... it's disgraceful."
Errah nods in agreement, her hand tightening on her sword hilt.
Errah says,"Todha method are cruel. Even by imperial standards. The ogre should be put down quickly."
The guards lower their voices, speaking of secret plans to aid the ogre.
Alex finally got a way to get in.
He went ahead and greeted the politely.
Alex approached the guards with a confident stride.
Alex said,"Good evening, ladies. I couldn't help but overheard your conversation about the ogre. Such a... fascinating creature."
Polina eyes him suspiciously while Errah maintains a neutral expression.
Polina says, "And who might you be, sir? This isn't a matter of your concern."
Alex said,"It seems we both could help each other."
Polina raises her eyebrow, intrigued but cautious.
Polina says, "Help each other? What makes you think we need help from a stranger?"
Errah shifts her stance slightly, ready to draw her sword if necessary.
Alex noticed thier her stance, but he quickly came up with a good way. To solve their problems.
"You seem like you want to get rid of the ogre, right? Well... why not let me and my friends help."
Polina glances at Errah, then back at Alex with narrow eyes.
Polina said,"And what's in for you? No one does anything for free in this cursed city."
Errah speaks up, her voice low and warning.
"Be careful what you offer. The king guards have eyes and hear everywhere."
Alex was now sure of them.
"Here, I thought it would be hard. It seems we are on the same side after all."
Polina exchanges a meaningful look with Errah before responding to Alex.
Polina says,"Perhaps we are. But we still need to know exactly what you're capable of first."
She steps closer, lowering her voice even further.
"And what makes you think you can actually help free the ogre from todha grasp?"
Alex still hasn't thought about it.
"Show us free tour tonight without being scene by others, and I'll figure the rest out."
He wasn't sure about it yet...
Polina considers the proposal and then nods slowly.
"Midnight. Meet us back here at the gate." She said.
She pulls out a small mark that shows a secret path.
"Follow this route. Don't bring any necessary attention towards yourself, and prepare to run if things go wrong." She said.
Alex said,"It will be me and a few others. If you don't mind."
Polina studies Alex expression carefully and then sighs.
"Ony two could come with you, and that's it. No more than that. It will be hard for us to come up with excuses, or we might as use you as scapegoat. Either way, it benefits us." She said.
Alex nods,"Alright, then."
Polina said, "We'll be waiting. Don't be late."
They separated.
Percy said,"Are you sure we can trust them?"
Percy thought that it was too simple and easy. It has to be a trapped. He felt like they were leading into their domain without realizing they got caught.
Alex thinks positively.
"I know it seems like it. But it's the only way to get in. We just need to figure our way out. Once we are being corner." He said.
Percy didn't but go with his word for it.
"Fine. I swear, if it is a trapped. I'll kill you first before they have a chance."
Alex smirked at Percy.
"Sure... be my guess."
Percy said,"So... who's going to go with us?"
They couldn't force them to go. They stared at them and waited for them to volunteer, but none were able to step forward.
"I'll go..." she said.
The queen stepped in and volunteered herself.
The king refused.
"No... that's not gonna happen."
King will not let his wife go on a dangerous path. However, the queen will remain tall.
"My beloved. I chose this path. I will remain on this path as I go." She said.
The king still refused, but he caught cut off.
"I already decided it. I won't go back on my word. Besides, I want to see this ogre." She was curious about it.
The king still remained unease.
But he knew his wife would not listen.
King looks at Alex and Percy.
"Please..."
He pleaded.
Alex and Percy nod.
"I'll make sure she is safe."
"I'll be by her side, your majesty."
Both knew they had to make sure the queen is safe. Especially they are headed to the enemy territory.
Midnight at Coliseum.
Three were wearing a hoodie.
Polina slowly guided them in.
"Remember. Follow the path we show you and don't cause anything that brings your attention." She warned them before they went in deep underground.
Alex nods.
Both headed down deep further into the abyss.
They are headed towards something more unknown.
Below, there is a dark cage.
"Ehehe...!"
Its laughs echo through the walls.
The ogre smells the intruders.
_____________________________________
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