Scene 1 - Day One Descent

The air contained a musty atmosphere, making it difficult to breathe, as it held a heavy sense of dread. Small gems were placed inside the cobblestone walls, as pale blue vines grew in the cracks that accentuated on the walls, the ceiling, and floor. The moss that laced the walls gave off a soft blue glow, while the small lights created enough light to clearly define the room and show its ancient features.

While Nena and Jao were shaking hands, unbeknownst to them the purple-haired youth was grinning evilly, as his thoughts bounced in his mind and he quickly came up with a plan.

He thought to himself, ‘How stupid these two are! Make friends? Ha! Then they would need double the talismans. Who knows…? That Jao guy might backstab me! Maybe even that little girl as well? I better steal those backpacks before they can steal from me! Hahaha, I’m such a genius! I wish I could see their dumb faces while I run away!”

The purple-haired youth had already started to move toward the backpacks. A glint of greed flashed in his eyes as he went for the three backpacks, walking slowly and noiselessly behind the two.

Suddenly, out of thin air, a silver talisman appeared in front of the three youths, as well as for the rest of the competitors. In a flash, the silver talismans flew towards them and stuck to the side of their left arm, branding them with the number ten in silvery ink.

Information on how to remove and add talismans at will, flooded into all 3000+ contestants in just a brief moment of time. Shaking off his daze, Jao noticed out of the corner of his eye that the purple-headed youth was already halfway to the bags.

His eye’s turned cold, running towards purple-haired youth, unsheathing his sword in a flash. Jao was quick and silent, quickly pulling the thief back mercilessly. In a swift motion, he placed his sword on Purples neck, ready to slit his throat from ear to ear. It’s red and black luster gleamed brightly in the room and the shadows cast seemed to be drawn toward it brilliance.

Coldly, Jao whispered into Purples’ ear, making the greedy youth’s shake in his boots and his hair standing on end, “What do you think you’re doing?”

Purple was scared witless, “I was just getting those bags for us! Honest!”

Nena watched on and opened her mouth, surprising even Jao, “Throw him out Jao. He’s lying, don’t give him anything.”

How could she not know he was lying? After all, he was guilty in her eyes from walking away without talking to them. He didn’t even put them in his eyes! This type of man was worse than scum.

Jao smiled turning head back to Nena, “Why not just kill him now and take his talisman points? We split it even, 50/50, what do you say?”

Nena's eyes narrowed, Moving her hand to her waist, she pulled out her seemingly small sheathed dagger and pointed it at Jao. It expanded into the greatsword Solitude (Abyss form), the black blade gleamed in coldness, overshadowing Jao’s sword aura.

Jao’s eyes widened in surprise, he never thought this little girl would pull a sword on him. And even a sword that could change its size… He instantly recognized it was a powerful blade! At least a Gold level blade! Maybe… it was even stronger…

Nena spoke with an icy coldness, surprising for her age, “I’d rather not stain my blade with your blood Jao… Let the thief go, he is of waste to your blade. There will be more and better things to use your blade on than him for the trials ahead. Don’t take his life and fall to his level or I shall look down upon you.”

The air went deadly quiet between the two. One, a youth named Jao who had killed from a young age, that had killed countless people on the battlefield. Two, a girl who came from the slums, only knowing death, lies, and starvation. Two different ideals clashed when they differed in opinions.

Jao stood motionlessly without a word, his eyes held shock from Nena’s words and presence, as right now her aura had surpassed even that of his old captain! He laughed, he laughed at himself in which Nena tilted her head cutely waiting for his response to whether he was an enemy or an ally.

That this little girl, at the age of his sister, could make even him, a warrior of the battlefield, bow his head with her strong charisma. He grabbed the thief ruffly in hand and walked towards the door, before shoving him outside.

Coolly, he said to purple-hair, who had turned to him, “Leave or I’ll kill you. Thank the little girl that she saved your little life. Now move, before I change my mind and cut you down from where you stand.”

Gritting his teeth, the purple-haired youth ran away and yelled back at them when he was a good distance away, “If I get the chance, I’ll kill the both of you! I swear on my name, Sid!”

After his footsteps moved away off into the distance; Jao turned to Nena who was smiling at him. She strapped her sword to her back, shrinking its size to a long sword.

Nodding her head in praise, she moved towards Jao with a warm smile, “Hehe~ I’m glad you listened to me~”

Sheathing his sword, Jao scratched his nose; it was one of his bad habits he picked up in the army when he was flustered.

Sighing, he moved towards the front of the small girl, “You're wrong about me, I’m not such a nice guy. Still... I guess I can make an exception for you… Now shall we check what’s in those bags?”

Her eyes glittered as she ran towards the bags. Jao also moved towards them with a smirk on his lips over her sudden change in attitude. Nena placed one of the bags on the ground and pulled out its contents for both to see.