"State your reason for coming," a large ugly female guard named Hex, who had curled horns and red skin, asked me as we reached the first arena.
We had just arrived at the first section of the layer that was built like a massive tunnel. It was blocked off by coliseums every mile or so until you reached the fifth layer. The only way to get past them was to participate in some way, but depending on how strong you were. The weaker demons were set to be spectators or canteen workers. The stronger, like us, would be forced to fight in the arenas, but the one saving grace is that people hardly ever died, but that didn't mean we were safe.
Because there was no currency in the Underworld, the price of failure was paid for with favors to the winner. Incidentally, this was a breeding ground for Demons trying to rally troops to fight with the other Demon factions. That, or we would be turned into toys to be tortured and abused until we died or the victor was bored. Either way, losing was not an option I planned on choosing.
"Can I go around?" I asked, and the guard shook her head. "Then, that is my reason for coming."
The guard looked at me and then grinned. "Been a while since you have walked this layer, Galio? You know that she and someone the others are here, right? Bellazibub even went down to the first three layers and grabbed a few others that have a bone to pick with you! Geisha and Toto are here are the Grand Pax," Hex said, and then she looked at the other two. "You brought a Upworlder with you? And why is Martha here? Are you two back together?"
"No, she is just tagging along. I figured that I would need all the help that I could, considering that I pissed off Bellazibub before even coming here by taking her Demon Generals," I said, and Hex nodded.
"Yeah, she is in a fight with three other factions, but she lives in Grand Horde, so you are guaranteed to see her no matter what if you are on your way to deal with the Black King," The Demons said.
"First of all, King implies he, like me, which she is not, whoever it is. She is the Black Queen, not King. Why even bother with calling her that?" I asked.
"Never been a Black Queen, so no one would have taken her seriously if she didn't, and that is the only way you can become the Black King. You have to be accepted by a majority of the Demons, or you won't be able to control them," Hex said as loud cheering came from inside, making the guard look over her shoulder. "Sounds like a fight just finished. You had better get in there."
The crowd roared as I stepped into the arena, the sound echoing through the stadium. I stood confidently, my grace and determination etched on my face, ready to face my opponents.
The first round was just to be me, but I didn't mind the warm-up. Grande Pax Arena was not a place where a strong Demon would be caught, so I was fine with Geisha's request.
"Ladies and other things," boomed an announcer from the center of the arena, "we have a special treat for you today! Behold! The godly power of Galio, the Cat God!"
The crowd cheered and jeered as I stepped forward and squared off against my two imposing female Demons that seemed to radiate a menacing air about them. Dressed in armor and grasping weapons dripping with dark magic, they stared back at me without showing any emotion.
"Introducing Geisha, Demon General of Bellazibub of the Grand Horde Arena, and Toto, up from the 7th layer, and Demon Lord of the Black King herself! Geisha, you are up first, so I will let you introduce the girls you hand-picked for today's fight!" The announcer said, and Geisha stepped forward with a smirk.
"This fight is between me, Geisha, The Demon General, and my opponent Galio, the Cat God. Go get him, girls!" She said in a smug voice as her minions stepped out to face off against me.
The crowd erupted as I stepped into the arena with grace and determination while my opponents glowered from the opposite side. Steeling myself, I faced off against my opponents, feeling their dark magic radiating off of them like heat waves.
In the first fight, I jumped around, evading their strikes with agility and grace as I delivered swift punches and kicks targeting vital areas. My movements were precise, my blocks and parries accurate, and my counters executed with lightning-fast reflexes. When the odds seemed stacked against me, I used feints and redirection to momentarily confuse my opponents and gain an advantage. I ducked under their swings, spun around them, and even flipped onto their backs to avoid their attacks. The crowd cheered as I showed off my skills and outmaneuvered my opponents. "You're no match for me!" I yelled taunts at them, daring them to try and hit me again, while they responded with insults of their own. "You think you're so smart? We'll see about that!" Time seemed to slow down as I leaped into the air, flipping and spinning in a dazzling display of acrobatic skill, dodging multiple strikes at once. One of the demons attempted to cast a spell, but I countered it swiftly with a magical shield. "You call that a spell? Ha! I've seen better from small children!" After exchanging several more blows, I finally managed to land a stunning combination which knocked out one of them.
In the second fight, my strategy shifted. Anticipating Geisha's moves, I used defensive tactics such as shields, barriers, and other magical defenses to protect myself from her onslaught. I also employed strategic mixed martial arts techniques such as throws, takedowns, and joint locks to take control of the fight. I exerted more pressure on her, using every trick and technique that I knew to stay one step ahead of her. As we continued to move around the arena, I hurled insults at Geisha, hoping to distract her and weaken her resolve. "Your moves don't scare me, Geisha! You can't put a dent in my defenses!" She retaliated with her own powerful spells, causing the ground to quiver beneath our feet. I swore a few choice words as I had to use all my skill and strength to defend myself. "Come on, Geisha! Think you can get past this?" I charged forward, calling upon the power of my enchanted weapon to give me an edge over my opponent. Our weapons clashed in a blinding flurry of sparks, and I felt my energy waning. With a mighty bellow, I made one final push and managed to break through Geisha's defenses. "So that's how it's gonna be, huh?! Come on then!" She surrendered, leaving me victorious.
"Is that really the best you have? Is this truly the ferocity of the Underworld?!" I called out as Geisha limped off, and the crowd cheered like crazy, but the massive Demon Lord, Toto, slammed down in front of me.
Toto was an imposing figure, standing at least seven feet tall with a broad, muscular frame. Her skin was a deep, glossy black, and her eyes glowed a deep crimson red. A pair of curved horns adorned her forehead while long, jagged claws extended from her fingertips. Her face was a mask of rage and hatred, and her scowl added to her terrifying appearance. She wore a heavy suit of armor emblazoned with the symbol of the Underworld, seeming to absorb all light that touched it. She carried a massive ax in one hand and an enormous shield in the other, both dripping with an eerie purple energy that seemed to pulse with power. Everywhere she stepped, the ground quaked with the raw force of her presence. With a single, wordless growl, Toto commanded the attention of everyone in the arena, and all were filled with dread in her presence, making everyone go silent.
The crowd watched in stunned silence as I faced Toto, my blood pumping with raw excitement coursing through me. This one was actually strong, and it was getting me hot with excitement! The first two were just some warm-ups, but this would be with a real Demon Lord! Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, and the ground cracked as my hair started to lift. "You are really tough, but I think this is the first time we have met, yes?"
"Yeah, I was in my Rebirth Cycle, but I know who you are. I would normally ignore Bella, but the Black King is interested in you, and I am curious why," Toto growled in a deep and menacing voice. This woman was a proper Demon, and I was totally digging it!
"That makes two of us, but since you came all the way up here to see little ole me, why don't we trade a few blows?" I asked, and a golden aura burst from around me as a red one burst from Toto.
"I am glad that you understand," She said and vanished.
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