Chapter 3 ~New beginnings-III~

<Karma>

An elusive energy source that makes up the very multiverse. It is present in every structure and existence within the vast cosmos and through scientific research, can now be manipulated and harnessed in various ways.But even after countless research, no one has managed to pin the origin of this energy source.

It is so mysterious, even the great sovereigns, beings that are responsible for the creation of the creation of worlds, universes and life are said to have not been able to determine its true origins.

Hungry for an an explanation, mankind began to formulate their own 'origin theories', most of which were just too far fetched and implausible. Infact, the only 'origin theory' that recieved a moderately large acceptance was the 'soverigns created all' theory which explains that the sovereigns, who created the cosmos, created <karma> but even this theory recieved questions that it was unable to answer

"if the sovereigns were the ones who created karma, then who created them and how??".

An unending loop of questions, such is the nature of the purest energy source in existence <karma>.

"You have improved quite a bit in the way you harness your karmic stigmata, Arthur".

A stigmata, the way in which karmic energy manifests itself unique to every individual. Two stigmas may be alike in nature but it is never 100 percent identical.

"Thanks, kaizer"

My stigmata was named <Golden field> due to its nature.

Upon activation, it creates a golden coloured area which provides me optimal space for combat. It also provides a buff in my physical stats allowed me to do combat with maximum efficiency and skill. But of course it's flaw was just as bad as it's advantages. My <Golden field> can easily be breached from the outside, making it very inefficient in a fight against multiple opponents and just because I get stronger inside doesn't mean my opponent gets weaker. So fighting against a very strong and experiencend opponent may still end in my loss.

"I don't believe we have grown close enough for you to address me by my first name, Arthur".

"Right back at you, kaiser".

*twitch*

"stubborn king"

"I wouldn't have become king if I wasn't stubborn".

In preparation for the great contest which was to hold exactly one hundred and four days from the day I got here, the mid-level monarch kaineix assigned this douche to be my mentor and honestly we don't get along quite well.

"Alright, let's have you go another round with the practice dummies"

"what?! but I just finished going five consecutive rounds with the—"

"I don't remember asking for your opinion, I am your trainer and my words are final".

"is that so!?".

*twitches angrily*

Ever since I started training with kaizer, I lost all the respect I had for him during our first meeting.

"Get your ass off the floor, we don't have all day".

He was truly a douche.

"I see that Arthur's training is progressing smoothly".

"?!"

"oh, lord kaineix, I wasn't aware you were visiting the training grounds tod—"

"Do I require permission to stroll around my own castle".

"I-I apologize".

He bowed.

Arthur saw this and thought

'serves you right, you damn douche'.

"Arthur, keep up the good work"

"Thank you Lord kaineix"

kaineix smiled before he walked away.

When I first arrived here I was told that due to my late death, I was registered into the competition quite late and I didn't have much time

left so unlike the other participants my karmic abilities was awakened in a quite 'unusual way'. Instead of the normal method of awakening by a series of meditation which may take several months or even years before my karmic core completes. A karmic core is like the heart of the karmic structure that controls the way karma flow in the body it is responsible for the absorption and release of karmic energy. Because of this, I underwent a certain ritual where my karmic energy was forcefully drawn out or so am told.

And so my training continued with kaizer's slave driving and kaineixs' occasional visits to 'check up' on me, until.........................

DAY OF THE CONTEST

"are you nervous" asked kaizer

and I boldly replied

" Extremely".

Before today I was always anxious but the pressure of the actual event makes that seem as fleeting as a childs' worries and knowing that all my people's lives were dependent on this fight made the situation even worse.

"The fight will soon begin"

Kaineix said as he walked into the private room

"I hope you have finished your mental preparations".

"Hardly".

I replied

The event was actually well planned and prepared for as private rooms and other necessities such as food were made available to each contestant. There were even special training rooms made available for each contestant in case there was a need of some last minute warm up. I could sense the energies of some of the other contestants being released. Perhaps it was intended to shake up the weaker participants. But the one area that really worried me was a area somewhere in the center of the huge arena.

I looked out from my window at that area and was lost in deep thought.

Before the sensation of a hand touching my shoulder pulled me back to reality.

"Don't worry about that area. The ones there are not contestants".

'Not contestants' in other words spectators. From the aura emanating from there alone one could easily tell that they were not your run-of-the-mill spectators.

'All contestant are to report to the arena for teleportation. The fight will begin shortly'. A directive voice echoed throughout the arena.

"That's my cue"

I silently walked out of the room and towards the arena.

when I arrived, I discovered that I wasn't the only one who was nervous. Some of the other contestants were shaking violently as if they were convulsing while some others were getting spaghetti legs and we're on the verge of falling from where they stood. But who could blame them.

"Welcome all to the great once in a lifetime battle for <REGRESSION>.

the speaker stole a glance at us the participants before continuing

I am you host high monarch Malnark! and I wish to say to you all fight hard and make sure you die with no regrets. You have already prepared sufficiently under the tutelage of your sponsors so take up your weapons and ready your souls for an epic battle for a chance at redemption!!". The monarch then returned to his seat

""""""""ooooohhh"""""""""

the speech seemed to fire us up as the entire arena was filled with shouts and battle cries

'all contestants stand by for teleportation'.

And then a pure light shone from below us where we were standing, supposedly to transfer us to the field of battle.

I closed my eyes and said to myself once more

"I will be victorious".

And then the light engulfed us all.

~END~