Chapter 131: The Grand Arena of Lanahl
Thinking about this, Celia and Aurora shot fiery glares at Arthur.
Noticing them, Arthur glanced back, feeling overwhelmed.
He really didn’t mean for Airael to end up like this.
At the same time, a pang of guilt rose within him.
Even though this wasn’t the outcome he desired, it was a result of his own actions.
He sighed, looking at Airael helplessly and said, “Ailia, you can be part of what I’m about to do, but you must listen to me, no nonsense, no causing trouble, and definitely no ignoring my words.”
“Okay! Okay! I promise you.”
Hearing Arthur’s agreement, Airael happily responded.
In this moment, she didn’t care about any conditions; she simply wanted to agree first.
Besides, if something went wrong later, they could always discuss it.
Airael’s mind buzzed with calculations.
Of course, she wasn’t looking to stir up trouble.
It’s just that sometimes, if she had no choice, she hoped they wouldn’t blame her.
Looking at the energetic Airael, Arthur’s inner conflict gradually faded away.
As long as she was happy, that’s what mattered.
To be fair, with Airael’s current strength, as long as she wasn’t as careless as before, she’d be more than capable of handling many troubles.
With this settled, the group naturally set off on their return journey.
Upon returning to the city, they did not head back to the inn.
Instead, they followed Arthur to the location of the Grand Arena within the city.
Entertainment options in this world weren’t plentiful, and the arena was one of the few, being the absolute most popular activity.
From nobles to common folk, everyone enjoyed such events.
Especially since this world allowed for cultivation.
Naturally, the strong garnered much admiration.
And the arena was a marvelous place to showcase one’s strength.
“This is the Grand Arena of Lanahl!”
Airael gasped at the sight of the grand circular structure in front of her.
She had heard of this building for ages.
It had existed for hundreds of years, built during Alexander’s reign.
Over the years, many heroes had emerged from this arena.
Many of the army leaders under Alexander came from here.
You could say this was a gathering place for talent.
Many capable individuals chose to come here to display their skills and earn the appreciation of those in power, aiming to fulfill their own grand ambitions.
This was definitely an excellent place for advancement.
Many high-ranking officials would truly recruit those who triumphed in the competitions, offering them generous treatment.
“Axi, what are you doing here? Are you participating in the competition?”
After her moment of awe, Airael hurried after the already-moving Arthur and asked.
Celia and Aurora quickly followed suit.
“Partly to compete, and partly for someone.”
Arthur replied.
Airael had already grasped Arthur’s intention from these words and ceased further questioning.
If one didn’t understand what the Grand Arena represented in private, it would be difficult to comprehend Arthur’s words.
But once you understood its underlying significance, everything fell into place.
Arthur had two purposes for coming here: to make a name for himself and to recruit someone.
He was cleverly taking advantage of the two hidden qualities of the Grand Arena.
Though Axi, his mercenary identity, was quite famous, he had always come off as indifferent, nothing could ever move him.
However, after Arthur competed in the arena, everything would change.
This would send a signal to those around him.
Arthur might be entering politics.
As for recruitment, it was simply a matter of catching someone’s eye and extending an offer, with success depending on their negotiation.
Thinking this, Airael looked at Arthur again and asked, “I didn’t delay you today, did I?”
A slight sense of guilt lingered in Airael’s heart.
If she had indeed held him back, she would feel genuinely at fault.
“No!”
Arthur looked back at Airael and replied.
His light tone lifted Airael’s spirits once more.
She didn’t press any further.
As she surveyed the grand arena, it was truly impressive for a building that had stood for hundreds of years, exuding a weighty, timeless aura.
However, no matter how impressive it was, it couldn’t compare to the structures of the Elven Race.
The elf buildings had stood for millennia without faltering.
Even now, human society retained numerous relics from the Elven Race.
Without further chit-chat, they missed the entry time.
Thus, the exterior felt particularly quiet, but the lively sounds from inside the arena could be heard.
That was the audience driven by the excitement of the competitors, be they humans, beasts, or other creatures.
In the Grand Arena, not only humans competed but also beasts and orcs.
As long as they could enter, the arena welcomed everyone.
The clashes between these different creatures added to the spectacle.
Every time such events occurred, the arena’s profits were never disappointing.
In human society, duels between people weren’t uncommon, even if the combatants were strong and stylish; they simply lacked the allure of competitions involving beasts or orcs.
Especially when the participating beasts were dangerous, with some classified as colossal beasts.
Such contests were a rarity.
Before even starting, the visual spectacle was captivating and left people irresistibly guessing the outcome.
Would the humans win or the colossal beasts?
Would humans prevail over sheer size, or would they be easily slaughtered by the beasts?
Though they were late, under Arthur’s lead, Airael and her companions easily entered the Grand Arena.
Not long after entering, a robust man with a full beard, appearing to be around forty, approached them.
He was followed by two attendants.
“Axi, welcome! And this lady is…?”
After greeting Arthur, the newcomer turned to Airael.
Celia and Aurora were ignored; it was clear they were just attendants and not worth mentioning.
They didn’t mind, as that’s essentially what they were.
Though, it should be noted, even the Queen’s attendants were special individuals.
“I’m Ailia.”
Before Arthur could introduce her, Airael took the initiative to say, “I’m currently a companion of Axi.”
The visitor glanced at Airael and Axi, a look of understanding crossed his face as he smiled and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, there are still open spots in the arena; allow me to escort you there now.”