Foreboding

                                                                                   Chapter 3

Headmaster's Office

Inside the headmaster's office, a middle-aged man with neatly combed silver hair, a thin moustache, and narrow brown eyes sat at the middle of an oak desk at the centre of the room. Dressed in a butler suit, his dignified posture and calm presence exuded authority.

This man is Hereward Smith, the headmaster of Edinlodge's Ludus Gladiatorius.

The walls were lined with shelves overflowing with ancient tomes and scrolls, each serving as a testament to centuries of wisdom. Rich tapestries depicting legendary gladiators adorned the walls.

At one end of the sturdy oak table, Klaus Wagner leaned back in his chair, one boot propped against the leg of the table. He absentmindedly tugged at his signature red scarf, his messy green hair falling over his eyes as he exhaled in boredom. Beside him, Jean Daulonie sat upright, arms crossed over her leather jacket. Her chin-length dark purple hair framed her face and her narrow eyes sharp with quiet patience.

A soft knock broke the stillness.

"Come in," Hereward called calmly.

Tallia opened the door, stepping inside with a warm smile. "Good morning, everyone!"

Jean looked at her with a neutral expression. "Hi, Tallia."

Klaus leaned back in his chair, grinning. "Took you long enough to arrive."

Tallia rubbed the back of her neck, smiling sheepishly. "Sorry for keeping the three of you waiting."

Hereward motioned toward an empty seat. "Glad you made it. Take a seat, and we'll begin."

Once Tallia settled in, Hereward clasped his hands atop the table, his voice measured and steady.

"First and foremost, congratulations on graduating from the Ludus Gladiatorius of Edinlodge. It's no small feat to endure the rigorous training here, and each of you should be proud."

The three young graduates nodded, though a quiet seriousness filled the room.

Hereward leaned forward, his serious expression settling over the room. "While I know the three of you are skilled gladiators," he began, "I must warn you that the challenges you'll face in the League are unlike anything you've encountered here. The arena demands not just strength, but also wit and adaptability."

He continued, "Your coaches have imparted the necessary fundamentals, but it's in the League where you'll truly grow and thrive. Remember, a gladiator's journey of improvement never ends."

Tallia and Jean responded in unison with firm voices, "Understood, sir." Their expressions conveyed a mix of determination and resolve as they absorbed Hereward's warnings.

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "Another crucial piece of advice: the world outside can be brutal and unforgiving. During my time as a gladiator, I witnessed both cruelty and injustice all around the world. It's important to bear in mind that Edinlodge has been one of the most peaceful countries, standing as a beacon of harmony in a tumultuous world."

His eyes rested on Tallia. "Especially you, Tallia. You're the only one among your peers born and raised here. The world outside might come as a shock to you."

Klaus shot her a reassuring grin. "Don't worry. Jean and I have seen our share of hardships. We've got your back, Tallia."

Hereward gave a small nod, still watching Tallia. "That's the spirit. But keep in mind-attachments, no matter how meaningful, can become distractions. As gladiators, you'll need to be prepared to leave some things behind."

Tallia felt a pang in her chest at his words, knowing the truth in them yet dreading what she might have to sacrifice.

Jean's expression turned serious, his voice steady. "Understood."

"Got it," Klaus added confidently.

Hereward leaned back in his chair, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "That's all I have for the three of you. Go forth with valour, and may the path ahead lead you to greatness."

Tallia, Jean, and Klaus stood and bowed in unison. "Thank you, Headmaster."

***

The trio strolled through the spacious crimson corridors of Ludus Gladiatorius, their voices echoing against the ornate walls.

"Are you both looking forward to entering the League?" Tallia asked, a polite smile gracing her face.

"Absolutely!" Jean replied enthusiastically. "It's been my goal for as long as I can remember."

Klaus grinned widely. "HAH, you bet! The League is where I'll become a legendary figure, known to women far and wide. I'll have my own harem and live the life of a king!"

Jean rolled her eyes.

Tallia laughed. "Klaus, always the dreamer."

"You'll have the best time of your life trying to impress women," Jean said seriously, "but it won't save you from losing in the Arena."

Klaus smiled, though a hint of uncertainty flickered in his eyes. "You're right, I have my fun. But honestly, I find myself wrestling with doubts about entering the League."

"What's causing your doubts?" Tallia asked, concern creeping into her voice.

Klaus sighed. "The idea of encountering cruel individuals and having to fight them in the League fills me with anxiety. It's like my past is echoing the headmaster's words."

"Honestly, I struggle to accept the notion that the outside world is as grim as the headmaster depicted," Tallia said. "People are kind and gentle in their own unique way."

The corridor fell silent for a moment as both Klaus and Jean glanced at Tallia, their expressions revealing a hint of scepticism at her words.

Jean finally broke the silence, turning to Tallia. "Back to you, Tallia. Are you looking forward to entering the League?"

Tallia paused, her expression momentarily hesitant before she regained her confidence. "Indeed! It's the reason why we worked so hard to pass our examinations."

Jean nodded, her sharp eyes seemingly piercing through Tallia's façade.

As they continued down the corridor, the trio finally arrived at the rear exit of the Ludus Gladiatorius.

***

Royal Palace of Edinlodge

In the lavish meeting hall of the Royal Palace of Edinlodge, a discussion unfolded between the renowned tycoon Tessy Bazos and King Charles IX. The chamber was a spectacle of grandeur—towering marble pillars, golden chandeliers casting a warm glow, and a long table carved from ancient oak.

Tessy leaned back in his chair, idly flipping open a Swiss Army Knife, the polished steel glinting in the light. His presence was impossible to ignore; tall and broad-shouldered with a slicked-back blonde hair and dark blue suit, he carried himself with the easy confidence of a man who had conquered the business world.

Across from him, King Charles IX sat with the quiet authority of a man who had spent a lifetime ruling. He was tall but lean, his frame draped in an ornate brown robe trimmed with white fur, layered belts cinched tightly around his waist. Long, wavy grayish-white hair cascaded past his shoulders, blending into a thick beard that reached his chest.

Tessy snapped the knife shut with a casual flick of his wrist. "He is thankful to you for giving him the Lantern of Desolation," he said, his tone light but laced with something unreadable as his gaze met the king's.

"It's not a big deal. Though I am surprised that the 22nd-ranked Olympian, the Spartan Fury, Areus, is affiliated with you," King Charles replied. "I may have handed the Lantern over to him, but I must warn you, it is a treacherous relic."

The title "Olympian" is awarded to the top 30 strongest gladiators, representing the pinnacle of strength and skill in the arena.

"It's Areus we're talking about. He will handle it well," Tessy continued, waving off the concern. "More importantly, how are your negotiations going with those troublesome villagers living under Edin Hill? If I'm not mistaken, your final meeting with them is scheduled for today."

"They are persistent and unlikely to obey my decree of relocation," King Charles replied, his tone laced with frustration.

"Quite the stubborn little village, aren't they? Is there even anything worth clinging to in such a worthless settlement?" Tessy pressed. "What will you do if they refuse to budge?"

"You've previously mentioned that the optimal location for the Celestial Pyramid is where the Cliffdecorps village now stands. Are there no viable alternatives?" King Charles asked, a hint of hope in his voice.

Celestial Pyramid is an advanced energy infrastructure powered by Celestia.

"Rode, enlighten our King," Tessy instructed his employee.

The employee explained, "Your Majesty, the Celestia Pyramid functions optimally where Celestia converges and the constellations align directly above. If Cliffdecorps is not suitable, only two alternative sites remain: Whilstand Woods and Goltude Meadows. However, constructing the pyramid in either of these locations would lead to inefficiencies."

Tessy interjected, "To put it simply, Cliffdecorps is our sole option. Charles, your devotion to Edinlodge is admirable. This endeavour holds immense potential for your economy. It promises advanced technology that can elevate Edinlodge's industries, transforming your nation into a hub of innovation-much like the grandeur of Babylonium."

"So, what actions do you suggest?" the King asked.

"If Cliffdecorps refuses to relocate, invade them and force them off their land." Tessy declared confidently.

King Charles's eyes widened at those words, a look of dismay crossing his face. Such a hideous action was unthinkable.

Tessy waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, don't worry about it. I know it is impossible for you to use Edinlodge's soldiers for this. I will handle it for you. Fifty troops from NebulaTech, along with two gifters, are currently stationed at Goltude Meadows. I brought them here to carry out this invasion, fully anticipating that the villagers won't be willing to leave."

Two commanders of the NebulaTech troops stood behind him as he spoke. 

Dober and Bradcular stood side by side in their NebulaTech uniforms. Dober, broad-shouldered with deep X-shaped scars, had a hardened gaze that spoke of countless battles. Beside him, Bradcular's auburn mullet framed his sharp features, his eerie purple pupils gleaming unnaturally. 

An army of NebulaTech troops had set up camp at Goltude Meadows, their tents scattered across the vast grassland on the outskirts of Edinlodge, near Cliffdecorps. Among them, three figures stood out.

Prest Bazos lay sprawled on the grass, arms folded behind his head, exuding an air of careless defiance. His long orange hair, tied back with a black hairband, shifted slightly in the breeze, exposing sharp eyebrows and piercing red eyes.

Beside him, Mea Bazos sat with quiet focus, her delicate fingers working methodically as she knitted a small doll. Her flowing pink hair, swept into a side ponytail, cascaded over the shoulder of her pink-accented NebulaTech uniform.

A short distance away, Mitoko knelt by her open bag, meticulously organizing her weapons. Her sleek black uniform hugged her slender frame, silver accents catching the light as she worked. Dark brown eyes focused, mid-length black hair framing her face without getting in her way.

Tessy leaned in, her voice smooth and confident. "You know my ways-whenever I commit an act like this, I surely have ways to hide it well. My influence extends to the media. I can shape a narrative that tells a different story-one of a tragic, accidental fire. That way, your reputation will remain intact."

King Charles abruptly stood, his hands clenched at his sides as he walked toward the exit, each step reflecting a storm of emotions and conflicting thoughts raging within him. 

The King's advisor, Hugues, followed him to the exit.

"Don't forget, Charles!" Tessy urged, his smile carrying a hint of warning. "The world is moving forward with Celestia technologies. Refuse this, and your kingdom will be left behind-until it perishes."

King Charles halted for a brief moment but said nothing. Then, with clenched fists and a storm brewing in his eyes, he turned and exited the room.

The heavy door shut behind him.

Tessy leaned back in his chair, exhaling a slow, knowing breath. "He won't refuse for long," he murmured to himself.