Chapter 499 "Glory Arena" - Establishment of the Arena Rules

Bang!

With a loud bang.

A black stone statue at the corner of the maze transformed in the blink of an eye into a living gargoyle, its face contorted in a ferocious grimace, baring its sharp black teeth, and lunging forward.

"Four-Strike Gun - Block!"

Captain Shenren gripped the gun barrels on both sides with both hands, parrying from the inside out, and immediately stopped the suddenly appearing gargoyle monster.

Then.

He moved his palm downwards, grabbed the spearhead, and swung it sharply: "Four-Strike Spear - Circle!"

A cold glint flashed in Captain God's eyes. He used the tip of his spear to create a circle, deflecting the gargoyle's attack while simultaneously striking the monster's head with a heavy blow.

A snapping sound.

The gargoyle's head was smashed open and sent flying, crushing the numerous low-level undead crowding the road into a bloody pulp.

Hehe~

Zesshi Zesshi laughed wildly as he swung his cross-shaped scythe, the black blade transforming into a streak of black light in mid-air before striking a reptilian monster that resembled a ladybug but was dozens of times larger.

"Die! Die!"

"Gah!"

A piercing scream rang out as the ladybug monster's body was cleaved in two.

Boom! Boom!

The sounds of violent collisions echoed between the city walls on both sides of the maze.

The captains, Zesshi Zesshi and Shenren, wielded their weapons with impenetrable precision, protecting Tang Zheng, who was positioned at the center as the magic chanter.

"The number of these monsters is truly endless!"

Tang Zheng glanced around and saw a group of three warrior-type monsters, each wielding a shield and a longsword, charging towards him at the end of the road, hacking away at the low-level undead around them.

"Dragon Thunder!"

A torrent of dragon-shaped lightning shot out from Tang Zheng's arm, transforming into blue electric light in mid-air. It pierced through layers of low-level undead and exploded upon striking the three demons.

Boom!

A deafening explosion of lightning rang out, and blue arcs of electricity flashed everywhere in the sky.

To conserve magic power.

Most enemies were dealt with by the two of them, Jue Si and Jue Ming. Except for some special types of monsters, Tang Zheng rarely took action.

Faced with a multitude of types of monsters, Tang Zheng was too lazy to recall their information, as their levels were generally below level 50.

They are numerous and serve as one of the main forces to deplete the invaders' strength!

Monsters are mainly divided into three categories:

Plant-type monsters, animal-type monsters, and stone-type monsters!

These monsters mainly come from three places, which are also three of the 12 areas in the core of the "Outer City": "Eternal Celebration Venue", "Hut Howling Nest", and "Fertile Nursery".

To put it simply...

It was the celebration square in the outer city, the biological breeding garden, and the plant breeding garden.

When invaded, these three locations will release monsters between level 30 and 50. If you have a "guild weapon", you can forcibly raise all monsters to level 50.

While continuously spending game coins.

In theory, there is no limit to the number of these monsters; however, they will only be generated continuously under the premise of "invasion".

"Severed?"

Tang Zheng suddenly sensed that the negative energy fluctuations and vibrations emanating from low-level undead in a certain direction ahead were being blocked by some kind of invisible wall:

"...This is the first area building, follow me!"

Jue Si Jue Ming and Jue Shi showed their joy, not expecting to find one of the twelve district buildings in the outer city so quickly.

The two immediately followed Tang Zheng's movements.

It has a "negative energy shielding" effect, so the densely packed low-level undead around it cannot form an obstacle.

Ahead was an intersection exactly the same as before; judging by appearance alone, it was no different from the surrounding routes.

However!

As the three of them reached the center of the intersection and turned left, the seemingly ordinary road suddenly underwent a blurry change.

The next moment!

The surrounding view suddenly changed, as if by magic, and the view brightened up.

A replica of an ancient Roman arena, seemingly floating in the clouds, came into view of the three.

The entire ancient Roman-style arena is supported by a cloud-like structure beneath, made of massive, weathered marble and granite blocks, some of which are even cracked.

The arena was slightly tilted, and its surface was carved with patterns of griffins, pegasi, and dragons. A seven- or eight-meter-high open stone gate stood facing the three of them!

Zesshi Zesshi's gaze sharpened as he looked ahead warily, his expression clearly showing vigilance.

"This is... one of the twelve architectural areas, the 'Glory Arena'."

Tang Zheng recalled the information in his mind and said in a relaxed tone, "It's a little troublesome."

As soon as he finished speaking!

Tang Zheng strode into the arena, with Jue Si Jue Ming following closely behind. Although they felt somewhat solemn, they were not afraid at all.

The shadow of the stone gate swept across the heads of the three!

The group stepped onto the arena surface, which was made of fine sand mixed with silver gravel. The arena was very clean, but there was a faint smell of blood in the air.

Look up.

The audience seating is divided into three tiers, with fewer seats at each level, until the top tier, which surrounds the entire arena with eight seats.

However, these seats are now completely empty, giving off a desolate atmosphere.

Thump!

A tremendous roar.

The stone door behind Tang Zheng and his two companions, which had been open, suddenly slammed shut with a huge boulder.

rumble--

Directly opposite, a stone gate with a fence slowly opened, making a dull creak as it scraped against the ground.

"Slap! Slap!"

Clear applause rang out from the darkness within the stone gate.

The next moment.

A black-haired girl dressed in a black tube top and leather skirt, holding a black whip, with a fighting style, walked out clapping her hands with a gloomy expression.

"Intruders! You've finally arrived!"

The black-haired girl looked only sixteen or seventeen years old, but her eyes were filled with a cold, ruthless glint.

"Where is Lord Horned Nu!"

"Forget it, directly questioning you probably won't yield any useful clues. I will tear you lowly creatures to pieces."

"—My name is Sparta! It is a name bestowed upon me by the Supreme God-King."

Welcome!

"Your death ground, the 'Glorious Arena,' I am its guardian and protector!"

Captain Zetsu and Captain Kamui narrowed their eyes, a hint of surprise flashing in their gazes:

"So weak?"

That's right.

The black-haired girl opposite them, who called herself Sparta, had a very weak aura, only slightly stronger than an ordinary person.

"You talk too much nonsense."

Tang Zheng showed no intention of responding and began chanting: "Dragon Thunder!"

The blue lightning emitted a blinding light and instantly blasted towards the Spartan girl.

Bang!

Lightning exploded, sending fine pebbles and sand flying everywhere.

"Inferior beings are inferior beings!"

"You have no manners at all!" A cold voice came from the smoke and dust.

All I saw was...

The Spartan black-haired girl disappeared, and in front of everyone appeared a man over two meters tall, with a bare upper body revealing bronze muscles.

Wearing a cloak in the style of ancient Rome and a helmet with bull horns, he is a strong warrior with a simple style.

"Transformed?"

Captain Godman's eyes widened in astonishment.

"Shut up, you inferior creature!"

The tone was clearly angry, and the voice did not come from an untrained Roman warrior.

The black-haired girl, Sparta, emerged from behind the ancient Roman warriors with a grim face, glaring fiercely at the God-like captain: "Open the cage."

Click! Click! Pull!

The sound of dense metal cages opening echoed from all directions.

The next moment.

The earth trembled.

Each one is about 3 meters tall, with a strong appearance, a face like a dragon and a tail as rough as a tree, as if the bones of humans and dragons have been combined.

A monster with tangled muscles and scales harder than steel, wielding a rough, shield-like double-edged sword that was half its body high, emerged from all around in a circular pattern.

There are a full 10 of them!

Dragon's Bloodline (L55)

A dragon-shaped monster that has no special abilities but possesses inexhaustible stamina, enough to rival higher-level monsters.

Information about the Dragon's Bloodline flashed through Tang Zheng's mind, and then his gaze fell on the Spartan warrior.

Honor Gladiator (Level 85)

Proficient in various combat techniques, their combat skills are comparable to those of players of the same level. They can freely switch styles in conjunction with the "Glory Arena" to gain additional advantages.

"Despicable creature!"

"You intruders, die!"

The black-haired girl, Sparta, spoke loudly with venomous resentment, almost like a curse, her gaze sweeping over Tang Zheng and the other two, a glint of shrewdness flashing in her eyes:

"A magic caster, a warrior skilled with a gun, a staff... skilled in slashing?"

They roughly discerned the fighting styles of Tang Zheng and the other two.

"Arena Rules Established!"

The black-haired girl, Sparta, spoke with a hint of smugness, spreading her arms wide and shouting loudly:

"Today's theme—blunt weapon combat!"

Thud! Thud! Thud!

In an instant, flagpoles emerged from the high platforms around the arena, with hammer-shaped weapons appearing on the black flags.

"Victory is certain! Victory is certain!"

The previously silent gladiator raised his hands and slammed them heavily against his chest, shouting a declaration of certain victory. At the same time, a giant hammer appeared in his previously idle hands.

"—For the supreme and great God-King!"

Buzz—

The entire arena trembled slightly, emitting an invisible pale blue light.

Captain Zetsu Shiki and the God-like figure suddenly felt a chill run down his spine, a look of surprise on his face, as if his body was being restricted in some way.

"The theme of the gladiatorial contest has been determined."

"These are the rules of the Honor Arena. A certain way of fighting can be determined according to the requirements set by the person in charge and the guardian."

Tang Zheng noticed the change in Jueshi and Jueming, and calmly reminded them:

"For example, in the blunt weapon duel we are in front of us, those who use blunt weapons will receive a certain bonus, while those who do not use blunt weapons will be weakened."

Upon hearing this!

"You can do this? This is too much of a cheat!" Captain Shenren exclaimed, both shocked and furious.

"Shut up!"

"Desperate Death," he said coldly, twisting his neck and making a cracking sound.

“This is their territory. To describe it as ‘cheating’ is too shameful.”

"Let's end the discussion here!"

Tang Zheng said, "You two eliminate those 10 Dragonbloods, and I'll take care of the Honor Gladiators on the other side."

"Ara~"

Zetsuki blinked and suggested, "How about I take him on? He seems like a worthy opponent."

"Proceed according to plan. This won't be the only battle ahead," Tang Zheng said calmly.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The ground shook.

The dragon bloodlines from all directions were the first to raise their massive, double-edged shield-like swords, almost half their body height, and charge towards Tang Zheng and the others.

"Ability increased!"

"Ability skyrockets!"

"Steel Wrist Strike!"

"Super Penetration!"

"...!"

Both Zesshi Zesshi and Captain Kamui activated their martial arts techniques simultaneously, moving at the same time.

In terms of level, they are indeed higher than the Dragonblood, but it will still take some effort to take down 10 level 55 Dragonbloods in one go.

"High-level teleportation!"

Tang Zheng's eyes were fixed on the location of the black-haired girl, Sparta, and he quickly chanted:

"Sparta? What an awful name!"

Whoosh!

With a flash, he disappeared from the spot.

Although there is a "no teleportation" sign inside the [Floating City], it only restricts long-distance teleportation. As long as you are within sight, short-distance teleportation is still fine.

"A magic caster versus a warrior?"

"Was your brain affected by being too scared?" The black-haired girl, Sparta, immediately discerned the intruders' division of labor and spoke with a mocking tone.

As for Tang Zheng, who suddenly disappeared into thin air, she didn't care.

Suddenly.

The Glory Gladiator's eyes gleamed blue, and he slammed his giant hammer heavily into the ground, roaring:

"Cloudburst Shockwave!"

Boom!

The moment the hammer hit the ground, a visible shockwave instantly spread outwards, carrying fragments of air in all directions.

The entire region experienced a shock-like impact.

Whoosh!

Tang Zheng's teleported figure appeared out of thin air on the ground in front of him, and the strange shockwave directly interrupted the "teleportation" spell.

"A hammer falling from the sky!"

The Glory Gladiator quickly looked up at Tang Zheng and viciously swung the hammer in his hand.

Whoosh!

The heavy force shattered the air, and the hammer, like a silver streak, instantly slammed into the location where Tang Zheng's teleportation had been interrupted and who had appeared out of thin air.

"Oh, is it possible to interrupt the teleportation skill?"

Tang Zheng glanced at the information that appeared on the attribute panel and found that he was not affected by the restriction effect of the shockwave: "Skull Wall".

A magic circle appeared.

A wall made entirely of bones rose up in front of Tang Zheng.

With a loud "boom".

The flying hammer shattered the skull wall, but also blocked the attack; the hammer vanished in mid-air.

The Glory Gladiator gripped the vanished hammer once more, pushed off the ground with both feet, and charged towards Tang Zheng at incredible speed, roaring, "Die, intruder!"

"Sand Domain - All!"

Splash~

A large amount of sand appeared out of thin air, quickly enveloping the charging honorary gladiators like quicksand.

"Echo of the Storm!"

The glorious gladiator roared, raised his two giant hammers, and slammed them together with all his might.

when--!

A terrifying shockwave spread out.

The piercing noise and impact dispersed the large amount of sand that was wrapped around him, but the effects of the magic still restricted his movements.

(End of this chapter)