Chapter 2: Life in the Arena
Akira woke up in his cell after his victory in the first fight left a mark in the form of severe bruises and fatigue. But the pain was less than he expected. It felt strange, almost as if his body was recovering faster than it should have.
He looked at his hands, and it seemed to him that they had become a little stronger, a little more powerful. My gaze fell on the chains that were still chained around his wrists. The damn chains that wouldn't let him go. But this time, Akira felt like he could pull them out. There was something about his body that made him think he could become more than just a slave.
There was silence in the cell, but it wasn't the same as before. The silence in this place was filled with menace. The lives of the slaves here were worthless. Every day is a struggle for survival, and every battle brings you closer to death. It was a cruel reality, and Akira knew that he couldn't stay weak in this hell for long.
A few hours later, as the lights began to dim, the cell doors opened and one of the guards entered the room, with a cruel grin on his face.
"Get up." His voice was dry and lifeless.
Akira didn't answer, but stood up. He knew that no amount of resistance would save him. There was something in the guardian's eyes that made him feel trapped. But it was all temporary. A fire was burning inside him, a fire of revenge and a desire to survive.
He was led down a long corridor, along walls dotted with commas of bloody footprints, which he almost stepped on. Akira understood that every next step was bringing him closer to a new brutal death in the arena. There was a huge metal door at the end of the corridor, and they went through it.
When the door opened, the arena itself opened in front of him — a huge space surrounded by high walls. The smell of blood and sweat hung in the air, and a crowd gathered in the stands, ready to enjoy every moment spectacularly.
His opponent was already standing in the arena, a giant man with scarred skin and arms that seemed too long and powerful for a normal person. This gladiator was already famous for his cruelty and victories, but for Akira he was just another obstacle in the way.
There was a semicircle of other gladiators around them, and they were waiting to see who would attack first. Akira watched his enemy, analyzing his every move. He didn't know how his opponent would act, but he knew that he didn't need to be the one to start.
A moment later, the giant rushed at Akira, stomping his feet on the sand of the arena with a crash. His fists flew towards Akira with terrifying speed. But Akira was ready. He dodged to the side, feeling the air split by his body. He managed to notice how a powerful blow swept past, leaving a trail in the sand.
In the next instant, Akira lunged forward, crashing into the giant's side with such force that he flew back several steps. He felt his own body becoming more and more powerful. His muscles exploded, and every cell seemed to be filled with endless energy. It wasn't just a physical enhancement. It was a power he had never possessed, a power that had been in him even before he came here.
The giant jumped up, growling furiously. He lunged at Akira, his hands like giant hammers this time, ready to crush him. But Akira has already learned to see every movement, every little detail. He punched the giant in the stomach, and he bent over in pain, but immediately responded with a powerful blow to Akira's shoulder. He felt his bones crack, but that didn't stop him.
"You're too weak!" The giant growled.
Akira felt his body start to pound, but he didn't give up. He jumped back, using his speed and stamina to land a series of punches. It wasn't just a battle. It was a test. He had to survive.
Despite the pain, despite every blow, he continued to fight. He broke through the giant's defense and finally got to his feet to deliver the final blow. His fist met the enemy's stomach, and the giant collapsed, exhausted.
The crowd burst into applause, but Akira remained unmoved. He looked at his defeated opponent and realized that his life in the arena was not over yet. He knew that each new fight would be more difficult, and he needed to prepare for it.
"You've won again," said the commander from the high chair on the podium. His eyes sparkled in the shadows. —But remember, you won't survive unless you get stronger." No one complains in the arena.
Akira held back a smile, his face serious. He knew that his path was just beginning. And there was no place for weakness along the way. He had to become strong to find a way out of this hell.