Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1342 Cruel World

Guided by those very words, the fresh arrivals moved toward the arena's edge, their steps softly resounding on the stone ground as they stepped into the expansive area. A few seasoned fighters trailed after them, some loosening their limbs, others sporting casual grins that hinted at eager excitement.

For these veterans, the spectacle was pure diversion. Fresh faces always showed up brimming with optimism and assurance, and predictably, the majority would get broken by the day's close. This idea alone entertained the battle-hardened warriors as they positioned themselves along the arena's border, sizing up which novices would drop first.

The Divine Colosseum buzzed with vibrant energy. Rows of seats climbed steeply upward, crammed full with onlookers whose shouts merged into a thunderous surge of noise. Certain fans yelled out names of preferred combatants, some debated fiercely about wagers, and a handful just observed quietly with keen, battle-wise stares.

Divine Essence floated in the atmosphere like a subtle haze, responding gently to the throng's feelings. Beneath, the arena's ground stretched wide and battle-worn, its face carved with endless scars from previous clashes, each mark a quiet proof of violence and endurance.

Up in one of the higher viewing platforms, a pair of women occupied adjacent spots, exuding a quiet dominance. One boasted rich red locks cascading down her back akin to flowing flames, whereas the other had tresses in soft amber tones that gleamed softly in the arena's glow.

Their allure was captivating, yet even more notable was the clear void around them. In all directions, three or four chairs stayed noticeably empty, even though the entire colosseum was jam-packed.

Nobody had the nerve to take a seat close by. Some steered clear of even glancing their way, while others stole brief looks before averting their eyes, as if scared of attracting notice.

"Jaden, your picked fighter has to triumph today," Lucia stated, her red eyes locked on the arena while a slight smile played on her mouth. "He claimed three wins yesterday, and thanks to that, we cashed in on the bet for a good sum. I've wagered even bigger on him succeeding now. I'd love to watch him pull off another victory."

"Lucia, you're fretting excessively," Jaden answered with a laid-back grin, her form at ease as she reclined a bit. "My selected warriors seldom let me down. Even during a rough patch, he'll secure at least a single bout. I can assure you of that."

"I hope you're correct," Lucia responded with a smirk, her look keen and shrewd. "Should that occur, I'll stake even larger amounts next and leave with greater gains."

"Truthfully, Lucia," Jaden remarked, shooting a side-eye at her friend with gentle surprise. "You practice more intensely than almost anyone around, but your fixation on gambling just keeps intensifying."

"Hehe, don't fret over it," Lucia shot back casually, her grin stretching a touch wider.

"If that's what you think," Jaden said, shifting her focus back to the arena where initial combatants started advancing, her face serene and hopeful.

Along the arena's borders, combatants assembled in scattered rows, both old hands and rookies positioned under the massive barriers surrounding the combat zone. The atmosphere hung heavy with Divine Essence and strain, the far-off clamor of the audience crashing over them in unending surges.

Rookies held themselves stiffer, their eyes wandering to the arena surface and then to the tiers above, where hordes of watchers eagerly awaited the flow of blood.

Max watched the scene quietly for some time until his interest compelled him to ask. Facing a cluster of experienced fighters close by, he inquired steadily, "Who exactly are we battling in this colosseum?"

Among the veterans, a man in his middle years burst into boisterous laughter at the query, his tone rough as he scanned Max from head to toe. "Lad, since you inquired so politely, I'll let you in on it," he declared with a smile devoid of warmth or spite, just seasoned in harshness. "Us ascenders battle one another in this place. So when your moment arrives, if fortune doesn't favor you, you could very well confront me."

He laughed once more, obviously tickled by the notion. "That's the way of the colosseum. We're pitted against each other until one drops or yields."

Next, he nodded toward the tiers, where the spectators' din swelled sharper as warriors moved onto the arena ground. "See them there," he added, his voice chilling as he pointed at the ocean of onlookers filling the seats. "They couldn't care less if we survive or perish, if we're maimed or ripped to shreds. To those folks, it's mere amusement. We're just tokens they bet on, root for, and discard as soon as the following match starts."

Max gave a steady nod to the veteran's explanation, his features steady as though the details barely touched him. Clashing with fellow ascenders stuck at Divine Rank's top didn't faze him one bit.

Against the threats he'd met on Acaris, foes like these scarcely qualified as tests. For Max, such fights would merely serve as short diversions, a light gust he'd pass through effortlessly.

Something different fully captured his mind, though. Instructor Virelia. His eyes flicked momentarily to the colosseum's upper levels, not hunting for a rival but seeking a known figure who hadn't surfaced yet.

He'd anticipated her spotting him soon after his ascent, and her prolonged absence only deepened the concern in his thoughts.

"Am I leaning on her too heavily in this place?" Max pondered to himself, giving his head a slight shake to brush off the idea.

Maybe so, but he couldn't ignore his circumstances. In this strange domain, encircled by powers vastly mightier and fiercer than the mortal world's, no other ally felt dependable. Instructor Virelia stood as the sole superior being he believed in, the only one who'd offered aid without concealed harm.

Back in Obsidian Dragon City, she'd backed him when he was still clawing his way up, spotting potential in his struggles, and Max understood that such supporters didn't casually drop their stakes. Nothing justified her overlooking him now that he'd reached the Divine Realm at last.

That realization bolstering his determination, Max refocused on the arena, enduring calmly until the opening clash ignited.