Chapter 11
"Mama, what's Co-lo-see-um?" Elyra asked, her gaze drifting toward the murmuring warriors in the hall.
Before Elina could answer, Eldern spoke first.
"The Colosseum is the greatest warrior tournament in the Kingdom of Neltan," he said. "It is held once every two years."
Elyra blinked. "Evwy two years?"
Eldern nodded.
"Every warrior in the kingdom may try to enter. But only the strongest survive the regional selection battles and earn the right to compete in the main Colosseum at the capital."
Elina folded her arms lightly. "And the winner becomes famous throughout the kingdom."
"More than famous," Eldern replied.
His voice became slightly more serious.
"The champion of the Colosseum earns the right to challenge one of the Ten Strongest Warriors."
Elyra tilted her head.
"Any of dem?"
"Yes," Eldern answered. "They may challenge Number One, Number Four, Number Ten... or any seat they believe they can overcome."
A small pause followed.
"But almost everyone chooses Number Ten."
"Why?" Elyra asked.
"Because it is the most realistic path," Eldern explained. "The Strongest Warriors are monsters among warriors. Every one of them was once a Colosseum Champion. Reaching their level is already considered nearly impossible."
Elina's eyes narrowed slightly.
"And if the champion defeats one of them?"
Eldern shook his head.
"That has never happened."
Elyra blinked.
"Never?"
"Never," Eldern repeated. "Not a single Colosseum Champion has successfully taken a seat from a Strongest Warrior."
The words carried enough weight to make even Elyra fall silent.
That's why I never had the chance when I fought Damnern back then... Elyra muttered to herself. The memory of that battle replayed in her mind like a nightmare that refused to fade.
A Strongest Warrior was truly terrifying.
"Then why challenge them at all?" she asked.
"Because that is the only way to join them," Eldern answered.
He paused briefly before continuing.
"If a champion manages to defeat—or at least fight evenly against—the Strongest Warrior they challenged, the remaining Strongest Warriors will judge the battle."
"Judge?" Elyra asked.
Eldern nodded.
"They determine whether the challenger is truly worthy of standing among them. If the other Strongest Warriors acknowledge the challenger's strength, then His Majesty, King Arveth Neltan, officially grants them the seat."
Understanding slowly appeared on Elyra's face.
"So da odder Strongest Warriors gotta agree?"
"Exactly," Eldern said. "Because becoming a Strongest Warrior isn't simply about winning a single battle. It means being recognized as one of the kingdom's greatest warriors."
His gaze shifted toward the empty space where Damnern had stood earlier.
"But this time... things are different."
Elina immediately understood.
"The empty seat."
Eldern nodded.
"Yes. Lord Damnern's retirement has left one of the Ten seats vacant."
A faint excitement entered his voice.
"That means the next Colosseum Champion doesn't need to defeat a Strongest Warrior outright. If they can fight one of them to a standstill and earn the acknowledgment of the others, they may be awarded the vacant seat."
For the first time, Elyra noticed the anticipation in the surrounding warriors.
"So dat's why everyone looks excited?"
"Exactly."
Eldern smiled.
"This upcoming Colosseum will be unlike any before it."
His eyes sharpened.
"The strongest warriors across Neltan will all enter, hoping to claim the empty seat."
Elina exhaled softly.
"In other words... a war is coming."
Eldern chuckled.
"Not a war."
His smile widened.
"Something even more violent."
A brief silence followed.
Then he looked at Elyra.
"So remember this. The Colosseum does not merely decide who is strong."
His gaze became firm.
"It decides who is worthy of standing among the Ten Strongest Warriors of Neltan."
"...And one day, Eldern will become one of them," Eldern declared confidently.
Elyra stared at Eldern in silence.
The more he spoke, the harder it became for her to remember that he was only five years old.
The way he explained the Colosseum, the Ten Strongest Warriors, and the kingdom's traditions sounded less like a child repeating something he had heard and more like a scholar reciting facts he had studied for years.
A strange feeling settled in her chest.
Then a memory surfaced.
"Elyra, come listen to me read it!" Eldern said excitedly, carrying a book.
A few months ago, Eldern had happily carried a thick book over to her and asked if he could read it aloud.
At first, she had assumed it was a children's storybook.
Instead, it had been a book about world history.
She still remembered the surprise she felt when he began reading about ancient kingdoms, famous wars, and historical figures as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world.
"...This world is ruled by six great kingdoms—Neltan, Nor—"
But Elina quickly cut him off.
"Eldern, if you're going to read to Elyra, don't choose that kind of book," Elina said gently. "She's still too young for it."
Truthfully, she had enjoyed listening to him.
But unfortunately, after only a few pages, Elina had stepped in and insisted that Eldern read proper children's stories instead.
Looking back, it all made sense.
Of course he knew so much.
He looked completely normal, completely unaware of how extraordinary he seemed.
A small smile appeared on her face.
No matter how many times she saw it, she still found it unbelievable.
Eldern really was a genius.
After the ceremony concluded, the grand hall of Neltan Palace remained filled with lingering admiration and quiet whispers of approval. One by one, the nobles stepped forward to offer their congratulations to Damnern. Some bowed with genuine respect, acknowledging his new title as Count, while others masked their curiosity behind polite smiles, still adjusting to the sudden rise of Willowess's new ruler.
Damnern stood composed, returning each greeting with calm courtesy. Beside him, Elina engaged in light conversation with several noble ladies, her tone graceful yet measured. Though she remained soft-spoken, there was a quiet confidence in the way she responded—no longer just an observer of noble society, but someone now standing firmly within it. A few nobles even expressed admiration toward her composure during the ceremony, hinting that she would serve well as the Countess of Willowess.
News of Damnern's appointment as Count spread through Neltan with remarkable speed.
Within moments, palace messengers and servants carried the announcement beyond the grand chambers, rushing through corridors, courtyards, and administrative halls. By the time the nobles had begun to disperse, whispers of the new Count of Willowess had already reached every corner of Neltan Palace. Courtiers repeated it in astonished tones, guards exchanged brief glances as they processed it, and scribes hurriedly updated records to reflect the sudden shift in nobility.
After the final round of formal greetings, the atmosphere gradually shifted from celebration to departure. Servants announced that the carriage was ready, waiting just beyond the palace gates. At that moment, a group of ten elite palace guards stepped forward to escort Damnern and his family back to Willowess. Their armor gleamed under the torchlight, their presence firm and disciplined, forming a protective formation around the family.
This time, however, there was a noticeable absence among the escort.
The Fourth Strongest Warrior, Rayyan Bartos, was not among them.
"It's time to go home," Eldern said, turning to Elyra with a gentle smile.
With the escort fully assembled, the family made their way through the palace corridors toward the entrance. The sound of their footsteps echoed softly against the marble floors, gradually fading as they approached the grand doors of Neltan Palace.
Outside, the carriage stood waiting beneath the evening sky, its frame polished and elegant, ready for the long journey back to Willowess—the land that now marked the beginning of Count Damnern's new life, and the uncertain future that awaited them all.
End of Chapter 11