Trial of Death – Part X

Anna led the champions down the next hall, which opened into an awe-inspiring arena, known as the Celestial Coliseum. It was a magnificent spectacle that rivaled the divine palaces of the gods themselves. The arena was a testament to the grandeur of the heavenly realm, with its vast expanse and celestial architecture.

The Celestial Coliseum was a colossal circular arena with tiers of golden seats that spiraled upward, offering a perfect view of the central battleground. The seats were adorned with shimmering gemstones that radiated a gentle, ethereal light. The entire structure seemed to glow with a divine luminescence.

The arena floor was a masterpiece of celestial artistry. It was made of a translucent, crystalline material that shimmered like the surface of a pristine lake. Beneath this crystal floor lay intricate patterns of constellations that shifted and twinkled, creating a mesmerizing celestial display.

At the center of the arena was a raised platform where champions would engage in their battles. The platform was encircled by a shimmering barrier that protected the spectators from any stray attacks. The boundary was invisible yet unbreakable, a testament to the divine craftsmanship of the arena.

As Anna guided the champions to the center of the arena, they couldn't help but be overwhelmed by its grandeur. The gods themselves were seated in the highest tier, their thrones made of divine metals and encrusted with gemstones of unimaginable value. The gods observed the proceedings with an air of regal authority.

Anna addressed the champions from above, her voice echoing throughout the arena. "Champions, welcome to the Celestial Coliseum," she announced, her words carrying the weight of the divine. "Your next trial is the Tournament of Champions. The rules are simple: fight your opponent until they accept defeat or death. A champion may substitute their guide twice in a fight. However, in the final match, champions must face their opponents directly. Starting tomorrow, we will have one fight each day. You are now free to leave the arena unless you have a scheduled match. The fight schedules will be displayed on the screen in the arena. Additionally, the arena offers rooms, training halls, and viewing areas for matches. Good luck."

With these instructions, Anna gracefully descended from the arena, leaving the champions to prepare for their upcoming battles.

A massive screen appeared in the center of the arena, displaying the names of the champions and their pairings for the first round of fights:

Round 1

Fight 1: Augustus, Champion of War, vs. Azikeal, Champion of Death

Fight 2: Darlyn, Champion of Love, vs. Erza, Champion of Hunt

Fight 3: Chrys, Champion of Wisdom, vs. Midas, Champion of Wealth

Fight 4: Arzoth, Champion of Shadow, vs. Liath, Champion of Lightning

Fight 5: Sephir, Champion of Wind, vs. Blaire, Champion of Flame

Fight 6: Marsh, Champion of Mercy, vs. Gladius, Heavenly General Ten

Sephir retired to the chamber allotted to her within the Heaven's Arena, a luxurious and celestial dwelling that provided all the comforts a champion might need. The room was adorned with intricate celestial motifs, and the view from the window overlooked the splendor of the arena.

The arena complex featured two training halls: one enclosed and the other an open training field surrounded by divine gardens. Sephir chose to stay at the open training field, allowing her to meditate, train, and observe other champions simultaneously. She realized that returning to the goddess's palace would be a waste of valuable time, especially considering the presence of returning champions.

With her first fight scheduled for the fifth day, she felt some relief. However, she knew the importance of preparation. Her goal was to master the Tempest Vase's first combination attack, the Soul-Reaper Tempest. This technique involved merging two Soul-Shredding Tempests, a challenging feat that required precise control over wind flow and timing. Combining the tempests at the right speed while preventing wind clashes was essential. Sephir was determined to achieve mastery, despite the higher soul power cost associated with slower progress.

The following morning, Sephir ventured out to the training field, where the morning sunlight bathed the serene surroundings. She positioned herself in the center and focused on channeling her soul power through the Tempest Vase. With her eyes closed, she began summoning and attempting to create the Soul-Reaper Tempest. It was a complex process, and initially, it seemed that the tempests might collide. Yet, through perseverance and unwavering concentration, she managed to merge them. However, as she attempted to compress the winds, a powerful surge of air blasted her backward, pushing her to the entrance of the training field.

Meanwhile, Augustus and Azikeal prepared for their upcoming battle near the arena. Champions were permitted to wear divine armor for their matches, each set custom-made by the gods themselves. Augustus, the Champion of War, stood majestically in armor that transcended mortal craftsmanship. His divine gift, an otherworldly metal alloy, displayed a breathtaking blend of crimson and gold hues, mirroring his blood scythe. His regal helmet concealed his face in enigmatic full-face visor, bearing intricate engravings of war gods locked in eternal combat. A crimson-gold plume cascaded from the helm's crest, symbolizing his divine connection. The breastplate, adorned with ornate patterns and symbols, narrated his allegiance to the war gods. His gauntlets and greaves, snugly fitted and adorned with celestial scrollwork, enhanced his martial prowess. Augustus appeared as a living legend.

In stark contrast, Azikeal was clad in an armor that exuded an aura of darkness and mystery. His sinister black armor seemed to absorb light, a celestial gift from the God of Death. It was as if a shadowy mist enshrouded his form, creating an unsettling contrast to Augustus's radiant ensemble. Azikeal appeared as the harbinger of night, embodying the essence of death itself.

As the Tournament of Champions was about to begin, the destiny of these champions hung in the balance. Their battles would not only determine their fates but also shape the destiny of all realms. The question remained: Who would emerge victorious in this crucial trial?