For example, there are abilities like 'Weakness' and 'Disintegration' that emit a dim light, 'Earth Manipulation' that can manipulate the earth, and 'Metal Skin' that can turn the skin into metal. The remaining abilities that can be used to a limited extent are those that won't attract attention, such as 'X-ray Vision', 'Eagle Eye', 'Regeneration', 'Pain Resistance', 'Strength Enhancement', and 'Speed'.
Secondly, the monster form must absolutely not be used. While Todd could indeed defeat most enemies in his monster form, this would inevitably expose his identity and attract a lot of attention. If that were to happen, not only would his identity be exposed, but he might even face unexpected and powerful enemies.
Finally, there's the matter of 'acting' in every possible way. Having heard Rachel's account of Boyle's life, Todd has a certain understanding of this Northern man. What he needs to do now is to portray Boyle's loyalty and righteousness, his wit and courage, and of course, most importantly, to demonstrate the strength that matches the character.
Just as Todd was pondering his role, footsteps echoed from the end of the prison corridor.
A gladiator and two Ulster soldiers approached Boyle's cage.
The former was startled when he saw the 'prisoner' who had broken free of his restraints and was sitting calmly on the ground.
"How did you untie these ropes?!" (Northern dialect)
Todd, who couldn't understand the Northern dialect, gave him a cold glance, perfectly portraying Boyle's unruly nature.
Enraged, the supervisor unlocked the cell door with a key, pulled out a wooden stick he carried with him, and struck Todd hard on the back.
Having undergone the tyrant's transformation in the Shadow Kingdom, such attacks were like a tickle to Todd.
But the play had to go on, so Todd let out a scream, fell to his knees, and curled up weakly.
"You ungrateful bastard, today is your death day!" (Northern dialect)
The supervisor, feeling relieved, kicked Todd on the ground again and then winked at the soldiers behind him.
Two soldiers from the Kingdom of Ulster grabbed Todd from either side and dragged him toward the arena.
At eight o'clock in the morning, nearly three thousand spectators were sitting in the huge venue.
There are two reasons why so many people have gathered here. First, the King of Ulster is here to watch the gladiatorial combat; second, the infamous rebel leader Boyle will decide his fate here today through gladiatorial combat.
As King Ulster rang the war bell, a warrior stumbled out of the Gladiator's Gate.
A buzz of discussion arose from the audience.
"Is this Boyle? The rumors say he's five meters tall, with arms like barrels, and can breathe fireballs?"
"Look at his physique, he's as skinny as a skinless rat!"
"What is that thing he's wearing? Leather armor? Judging by its condition, could it be an antique from the ancient god era? Haha!"
"And that sword in his hand! Judging by the color, it's made of wood?!"
Standing in the center of the arena, Todd looked around and immediately spotted Rachel glaring at him from the crowd.
Not long ago, Todd spent two seconds in the real world and ten minutes in the soul space explaining his plan to Rachel.
After that, Todd spent a full hour calming Ritchie's anger.
The announcer's voice from the arena interrupted Todd's train of thought: "Today's duel is a clash of titans!"
"Today's gladiator is the vicious and brutal rebel leader—Boyle! He once single-handedly defeated the kingdom's commander of the Madchi Legion and led the rebels to conquer the Medya prison..."
As the host recounted Boyle's past deeds one by one, Todd realized that Boyle had accomplished so many great things and had such a significant influence throughout the North.
"As for the gladiator's opponent! It's none other than the well-known... the Skinner!"
A burly man, two meters tall, slowly walked into the arena from the other end. He was dressed in armor made of human skin, held a thick but sharp scythe in his hand, and had a ring of shriveled human heads hanging from his waist.
"A demon from the northern forest! Undefeated in nineteen gladiatorial combats! He is every opponent's nightmare! He is also the undefeated legend of the 'Red Circle'!"
As the colossal giant slowly approached him, Todd glanced at the human skin and head on its body with disgust.
"In the name of the King, I declare the gladiatorial combat open!"
Before he could finish speaking, the skinner launched the attack first.
The massive scythe slashed down toward Todd's shoulder.
The latter instinctively made a defensive counterattack move: first, it sidestepped the attack, then kicked out, and finally jumped backward to increase the distance between them.
However, Todd forgot one thing.
His kick landed on his opponent, sending the two-meter-tall giant flying into the air and sliding backward for more than ten meters.
The entire arena fell silent instantly because of that kick.
Hearing the gasps and gasps from the stands, Todd grinned, his face showing the expression of someone who had accidentally broken an antique.
He glanced at his opponent, who was struggling on the ground, stuck out his tongue, and muttered, "Holy crap, I think I used a bit too much force..."
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