As night fell, the arena was brightly lit, and the stands were already packed. Aeldari nobles, various merchants, and even many alien races had gathered here, awaiting this epic Gladiator match, dubbed "Caine's Gambit."
In the center of the venue, a circular arena displayed its grandeur and bloody history under dazzling light beams. The ground was covered with old sword marks, scorched traces, and some faint, dried bloodstains, as if narrating the cruelty of countless life-and-death battles from the past.
In the stands, some excitedly discussed the stakes of this gamble, while others speculated about what kind of warriors each side would send. In the VIP section, Li Feng and Malys sat on one side, while Victor occupied the other, a confident smile on his face.
Beside them, "Dr. X" Magnus, sitting in a wheelchair, had also emerged slightly from his prolonged self-isolation. He had obtained many Aeldari historical anecdotes from Malys's mansion and was engrossed in reading them.
Upon entering this arena, he also looked with great interest at the runes and symbols within the Commorragh arena, comparing and analyzing them with the content of the books, attempting to translate the meaning of those runes.
This was Magnus's true nature. Li Feng and the others had deliberately ignored him for the past few days, letting him wallow in his self-isolation. If they had paid attention to him then, he would have become even more extreme.
Seeing that no one paid him any mind during his self-isolation, Magnus also began to study again. Why did Magnus return to being a "good, studious child" so quickly?
One can only say... "Loves to learn? Holy crap, you can't stop him!" (Mimicking a famous quote from a certain painter)
Li Feng now took a white sheet from Eliette and draped it over himself. He placed the golden laurel wreath on his head; since he was in a Roman-style Gladiator arena, it had to have Roman characteristics.
(Guilliman: Exactly! Uncle Li! You must wear a sheet!)
Victor stood up, raised the scepter in his hand, and motioned for silence. His voice, amplified by Aeldari high-tech speakers, reached every corner:
"Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come to witness history! A friend from the Imperium of Man dares to challenge the authority of our Commorragh here!"
Murmurs erupted in the crowd, but they were no longer filled with ridicule as before. Li Feng's identity and background had instilled awe in many; even if they harbored doubts, no one dared to underestimate him.
Victor continued, "Today's rules are simple: a five-on-five Gladiator match. One warrior is sent out per round. The Victor is king, the defeated lies prostrate. And the ultimate winner will determine the fate of this city!"
With a wave of Victor's hand, the arena floor slowly opened, and several hidden lifts rose from underground, bringing various weapons and combat tools, including even several miniature combat mechs. These weapons were placed in the center of the field for participants to choose from.
Victor looked at Li Feng with a mocking, taunting tone: "So, is the challenger's team ready? Let's see what kind of miracle this 'friend from the Imperium of Man' will bring."
Li Feng stood up and clapped his hands: "Of course. Since it's for everyone's enjoyment, I won't hold back either."
Soon, the Gladiator arena's gates opened, and a team entered the arena. At this moment, Grefax in the team clearly noticed that the sand in the sand-covered ground was mixed with a large number of biological teeth and bone fragments.
Celestine, clad in golden power armour, spread her white wings, tightly gripping the longsword that emanated holy light. Her gaze was resolute and fearless.
Grefax coldly swept a glance at Victor, then calmly wiped the rosary beads on her chest.
Yvraine stood at the very back. As an excellent graduate of Commorragh, this was the grand hall of her graduation ceremony, so she was naturally familiar with it.
Asuryan, on the other hand, seemed at ease. He leaned on his Aeldari staff, looking entirely like an elderly Aeldari gentleman out for a stroll... but this gentleman was quite handsome. (One can imagine him as an Aeldari 'uncle-circle heartthrob')
Upon Asuryan's appearance, many Aeldari Misses in the stands threw roses into the arena. Some Female Aeldari even wanted to rush into the arena and have children with this handsome uncle in front of all the spectators.
Seeing only four people, everyone looked at Li Feng on the VIP platform with confusion. Li Feng, clutching his sheet-robe, walked over to Victor.
Victor looked puzzled... "Is this guy trying to attack me directly right now?"
But Li Feng merely extended his hand and made two dismissive gestures at Victor, signaling him to stand aside... Victor nodded blankly, then obediently moved to the side.
Li Feng approached the microphone, coughed, cleared his throat, and confirmed the microphone was working.
As for the last person... "I will be the final 'axis,' personally entering as the last Gladiator."
Li Feng's voice echoed throughout the arena, causing an uproar. The spectators' expressions shifted between surprise, confusion, and excitement, some even beginning to whisper, discussing whether his arrangement was confidence or arrogance.
Victor stood aside, his expression fluctuating. He quickly reacted, revealing his cold sneer once more:
"Heh, typical arrogant mon-keigh. Your confidence might be your greatest downfall."
However, Li Feng ignored Victor's provocation and instead looked down at his team in the arena, a relaxed smile playing on his lips:
"Everyone, remember today, you are not fighting for power or status. Our main goal is just to have fun."
Grefax snorted coldly: "Stop with these useless platitudes. I stand here for the Emperor."
Despite her harsh words, she cast a resolute gaze at Celestine, clearly fully prepared for this battle.
Celestine gently patted her shoulder, a warm smile on her face: "No matter what it's for, we will win together."
Asuryan casually waved his staff, seemingly unconcerned by everything around him: "Sigh, what a bother. However, since I promised you all, this old bone will just have to make do."
Yvraine, on the other hand, seemed a bit speechless. She probably already guessed who Victor would arrange as her opponent. She muttered under her breath: "Again?"
Just then, Victor waved his hand, signaling his team to enter. The gates on the other side of the arena slowly opened, and five figures walked in, accompanied by grating metallic sounds.
First to appear was a Drukhari / Dark Aeldari Succubus, Remien, covered in revealing runic armor. She was Victor's strongest female assassin.
Next was a Drukhari Nightmare Berserker, as massive as a mountain, wielding a huge two-handed warblade, exuding a suffocating pressure. A cheer erupted from the audience; he seemed to be an old acquaintance.
Following him was Lelith, wearing her battle-armor style underwear and battle-armor style thigh-highs? Anyway, most of the areas that should be protected were exposed. She held two daggers, her movements agile and graceful. Despite being the arena manager, she had to answer the call of her black-hearted boss, Victor.
The fourth to appear was a captured Tyranids / Tyranid Hive Tyrant, shackled and restrained, led by countless Drukhari / Dark Aeldari. Its crimson eyes gleamed in the darkness.
And finally, a strangely shaped Daemon Engine appeared, burning with chaotic runes, its massive body seemingly capable of crushing any opponent at any moment. Its appearance drew gasps from the audience.
Victor looked at his team and smiled triumphantly: "Since you're so confident, then let your team pay the price for your arrogance!"
Li Feng still maintained a calm expression, turned, and waved to his team: "It's up to you. Try to win a few rounds."
The referee automaton in the center of the arena emitted a mechanized prompt: "Round one, Gladiator match begins!"
Accompanying the referee automaton's prompt, the center of the arena suddenly fell silent, and all eyes of the spectators focused on the warriors of both sides.
Celestine slightly spread her wings, and a golden glow emanated from her, illuminating her team, making all the spectators hold their breath.
Who would be the warrior for the first match? In Li Feng's team, everyone exuded a unique aura, while Victor's warriors on the opposite side were also eyeing them fiercely. This battle was destined to become the most thrilling in Commorragh's history.
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