Evan POV:

As Aisha led me forward, my eyes beheld a sight reminiscent of the grandeur and magnificence of the coliseum that looked similar to the ones built by the Roman empire. The colossal structure before me stood proudly, commanding attention and awe. Its circular form dominated the landscape, reaching towards the heavens with an imposing presence.

Constructed from a rich brown material, the coliseum exuded a sense of timelessness, its architecture evoking memories of ancient glory. Yet, there was a notable deviation from its Roman counterpart. The Roman coliseums were adorned with numerous archways, creating a rhythmic pattern of entrances and exits. In contrast, this coliseum seemed to possess a scarcity of such door-like apertures, an intriguing departure from tradition.

“Huh… The Coliseum looks just like those Roman ones from our world.”

“That's true,” Aisha said as she waved her hand at me but kept looking straight ahead, “you think those previous heroes also made that?”

“Well the possibility is there. But that matters on when it was built.”

“What do you mean?”

“The Heroes left around a 100 years ago, so if this Coliseum was made before that, then sure.”

“Ohhh,” Aisha said as she realized what I meant, “On that note, you said before that everyone who met those heroes forgot about them right?”

“Yea?”

“Then doesn't that mean that we would be forgotten as well?”

I shrugged my shoulders, “Don't know, but it seems highly possible.”

Aisha nodded as we had reached the coliseum’s entrance. Before us stood an imposing entrance. The colossal wooden door, fortified with a sturdy steel foundation, stood open before us, exuding an air of strength and power. we joined the ranks of other formidable and awe-inspiring wizards, entering the coliseum with a sense of purpose and anticipation.

Once inside, we were greeted by a vast, open hall adorned with towering pillars that reached towards the heavens, supporting the weight of the grand roof above. The hall gracefully branched into three distinct paths, each offering a unique destination. In the center, an alluring closed door, standing tall at an impressive ten feet, caught my attention. Its iron fence-like structure allowed a glimpse of the coliseum's beating heart—the pristine white marble stadium where the thrilling matches would take place. The sight was enough to ignite a spark of excitement within me.

To the left and right, two additional pathways beckoned, promising a different experience. Curiosity got the better of me, and I turned to Aisha, seeking her guidance. She explained that these paths led to the seating areas, where spectators would gather to witness the forthcoming spectacles. The promise of mingling with other enchanting souls, united in their shared love for magic and competition, filled the air.

Most of the people were going into those two pathways while Aisha and I walked towards a guy in iron armor holding a check book next to the closed iron grate door.

When he saw Aisha he immediately stood straight as if to give respect. “Welcome to Coliseum again, Madam! How may I be of service to you?”

“Ah, Hello!” Aisha said she put her hand on my shoulder, “My Good friend here, Evan, wants to join the ranking ceremony and become someone like me.”

I could tell what she was doing, she was using her authority to make sure I don’t get any trouble.

The dude seemed bewhildered for a moment, not knowing what to do but he seemed like a professional as he only needed a moment to recollect himself, “A-Ah, Of course. The ceremony is opened to all Magicians. The match of Saul and Ilta will begin in a few minutes, Mr. Evan can join in right after them. W-Would that be good for you?”

Hmmm… I feel like we used some kind of fast pass like the ones in disney, but instead of getting to your ride fast, I get to beat the ever-living shit out of someone much sooner.

“Well, can I fight the matches in a row? without any brakes till the… whatever rank Aisha is at now?”

“Professional Grandmaster.”

“Yep, that.”

The person looked at me with trouble on his as he looked at Aisha trying to get help from her but she just looked away.

“I-I’m sorry but there’s rules, you can only fight one by one and slowly reach the top. There’s many magicians here who wants to show their prowess and I can’t help you in this regard.”

“Wait.” Aisha interrupted us, “When it was my time, I got to beat up 12 opponents in a row and reached my rank in about an hour.”

The dude was getting more nervous as he explained, “I-I’m sorry but it was the King’s command, I can’t really break the rules for you unless the King also gives us an order.”

“Welp, I tried.” Aisha said as she shrugged her shoulders.

“Looks like I can only do this slowly huh.” I said with a bit of frustration.

“I’m so sorry for this, the guy apologized but nothing we can do about it. Walter will have to wait until I get my flippen skill books and achieve a form no mortal man should possess.

The man swiftly recorded my name in his checkbook, ensuring our entry into the coliseum. With a polite gesture, he directed us to the designated seating area where we would witness the upcoming spectacle. Following his instructions, we made our way towards the seating section, walking along a pathway that led us to a magnificent sight.

Before us, a grand staircase encircled the perimeter of the stadium below, serving as the seating arrangement for the spectators. People had already claimed their spots, comfortably seated on the steps, their eyes alight with anticipation. As I scanned the area, I noticed that one particular point of the staircase stood taller than the rest, adorned with a protective roof. It was clear that this elevated section catered to the distinguished few, the privileged guests who enjoyed a VIP experience.

Amidst the bustling crowd, a familiar voice called out, and I turned to see Faith, perched on Luna's shoulder, waving excitedly in my direction. She was not alone—Tifa cradled Hope on her lap, while Lucy and Oswald joined them in a secluded area, creating a small sanctuary within the larger gathering.

Reuniting with my loved ones amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the seating area filled me with a sense of warmth and belonging. We found our place within the collective energy of anticipation, ready to share in the upcoming magical display and revel in the company of dear friends and family.

I walked towards them and Faith suddenly jumped from Luna's shoulder to me and I caught her mid-air.

“Hello there my naughty little fellow, how are ya?”

Faith was too excited, even though I was holding her up, she giggled as started rambling on, “Hehe, you took a long time to come here. Did you know!? There was a fight that happened! He used some magic and a big ice spike came out from the ground like Vhoosh!”

I looked towards the platform where Faith continued telling her story of how everything was destroyed, but the stadium looked okay to me if any of what Faith told me did happen then how did they fixed the platfor-

Oh Right, Magic.

“Sounds like you had a lot of Fun.” I said as I put her on top of my shoulders. While I sat down beside Luna. “So… What I miss?”

Luna gave me a side long look as if she was mad at me, “What took you so long?”

I couldn’t really tell her the truth about Walter dying and our hero plans so I had to make something up, “Ah, well, Aisha and I were just doing some, uhh, hero planning?”

She looked at me suspiciously. “Planning What?”

“I, Uhhh.” I looked towards Aisha for help and she gave me a wink

“You know Luna, we were planning about the things that a papa and mama usually plans.] (Aisha)

Aisha came in Between us to save me but I think her statement made everyone present here question me.

“Wh-What are you Talking About!? You two aren't even husband and wife yet! Evan Asked you to be Faith and Hope's Mom because he Couldn't see them sad and There was No other Reason!” Luna Panicked as she screamed whatever thought that popped in her mind.

“Aww~ You're just jealous that you couldn't be their mama.”

Aisha sure loves fanning the fire.

“I'M NOT JEALOUS!”

Luna and Aisha were just dishing it out and I know that Aisha would win because she just loves when people become salty.

… Just like me.

Well anywho, Lucy approached me now.

“Shishou, will you participate as well?”

“Yea, I'm gonna try going for the Pro Grandmaster.”

“…It's quite strange that I know you will be able to do that.”

As our conversations and light-hearted banter continued, the anticipation in the air grew thicker. Within a few short minutes, the moment we had all been waiting for arrived—the commencement of the match. The crowd's attention was instantly captured as a referee, donning an imposing suit of iron armor, made his way into the stadium. Accompanying him were a young man and woman, emerging from the sturdy iron grated door that had been held closed until now.

The young man possessed a boyish countenance, his wavy short brown hair adding to his youthful appearance. Clad in a vibrant red magician's robe, he held in his hand an intriguing Topaz Staff. The staff, crafted from a yellowish metal, boasted a magnificent topaz gem prominently placed at its peak, sparkling with an enchanting allure.

In contrast, the woman exuded an air of maturity, her face displaying the wisdom and experience of her years. Her hair, intricately braided and black as night, cascaded down her back. She, too, wore a robe, elegantly draping herself in black fabric. Grasped firmly in her hand was an Amethyst Staff, a symbol of her magical prowess and authority.

Together, the duo stood at the center of the stadium, capturing the attention of the eager audience. Their contrasting appearances hinted at the intriguing dynamics that would unfold in the match, promising a captivating display of skill, strategy, and the magic that bound them.

Suddenly, Lucy eyes narrowed as if she knew one of the two in the arena, “It’s her…”

“Someone you know?” I asked her and she nodded.

“Yes... She's Ilta, Ilta Rodney. Her Family and my Family… well, we don't have a good relationship.”

Duly noted and ignored. I don’t want extra problems so I’ll make sure not to learn more about your families so I don’t feel compelled to help-

“Her Family is quite notorious for a spell they created, it's called "Nightmare". It works in such a way that it will summon whatever the target is afraid of the most and make him face it. I don't know much about it but be careful.”

Oi! Stop talking I don’t want anything to do with both your families.

“Gotcha”

The Girl or "Itla" Looked around the stadium until she looked here and became immensely happy.

“Was it just me or was she happy that we were here.” I asked Aisha

“I thought she smiled after looking at me.”

I saw an opportunity and quickly messaged her.

Evan: That means She has the BIG GAY!

Aisha quickly covered her mouth so that she doesn't accidentally laugh and look like a crazy woman.

I looked back at the stadium and the referee shouted.

“Begin!”

The Dude, whose name I’ve already forgotten, attacked first as he raised his staff towards Itla, a burst of fiery brilliance erupted from its tip, forming a blazing ball hurtling through the air towards its intended target.

In a display of quick reflexes and magical finesse, Itla swiftly conjured a translucent shield, shielding herself from the oncoming fiery projectile. Undeterred, she began chanting an incantation, her voice carrying a tone of focused determination.

Not to be outdone, the young man slammed his staff down, causing a circle of roaring flames to encircle both combatants. Within the fiery ring, he continued his incantation, weaving a spell of his own, further escalating the intensity and suspense of the magical confrontation. The atmosphere crackled with the raw power unleashed, as the spectators leaned in, captivated by the unfolding display of skill and enchantment.

In a surprising turn of events, Itla's voice echoed through the arena as she unleashed a powerful incantation. The air grew thick with an eerie darkness, swirling and coalescing into a dense black fog that materialized between Itla and her opponent.

The fog expanded rapidly, growing in size until it abruptly dissipated in a burst of energy. Emerging from the dissipating mist, a colossal blue slime adorned with a regal crown materialized before the astonished spectators. Within the translucent form of the slime, a skilled ninja stood poised and ready, prepared to execute Itla's commands.

Isn't that the King Slime?

Gasps of awe and whispers of amazement filled the arena as the unexpected summoning unfolded before their eyes. The giant blue slime exuded an aura of mystique and power, its presence commanding attention and respect. The crowd eagerly anticipated the ensuing battle, their eyes fixed on the extraordinary duo poised for action.

As the dude frantically cast his spell, a barrage of fiery projectiles materialized, hurtling toward Itla with alarming speed. However, the formidable King Slime stood as a protective barrier, intercepting each fireball with ease. Its gelatinous form absorbed the flames, rendering them harmless.

Overwhelmed by the unexpected turn of events, the dude's composure shattered, almost as if he was terrified of the King slime as he let out a terrified shriek, fleeing from the stadium in a desperate bid to escape the impending defeat.

With a calm and collected demeanour, Itla raised her hand, signalling the King Slime to withdraw. The majestic creature obediently dissolved into a swirling black fog, leaving the arena as mysteriously as it had appeared.

“Winner! Itla!” Taking charge of the situation, the referee stepped forward, his voice booming through the stadium, commanding the attention of the spectators and participants alike.

The resounding cheers of the crowd filled the air, echoing through the coliseum and blending with the exhilaration of the moment. My friends, caught up in the excitement, joined the chorus of jubilant voices, their enthusiasm evident in their expressions and gestures. Yet, amidst the celebration, Aisha stood there, her mind seemingly preoccupied by something of great importance.

I also realized that Itla's gaze was never on me, but her eyes were fixed on Aisha instead. There was a flicker of recognition and curiosity in her expression, as if she had stumbled upon a puzzle waiting to be solved. The connection between them, whatever it may be, hung in the air, adding a layer of mystery to the unfolding events.

Curiosity sparked within me, urging me to uncover the secret that seemed to bind Aisha and Itla together, a secret that had gone unnoticed until now.

“Do you have some beef with her?”

“First time seeing her.”

Itla Bowed down while looking here and gracefully walked away.

“Well, it definitely has something to do with you.”

“We'll see.”

The referee said something about the next match starting with a mysterious stranger approved by the Hero Aisha herself so I knew it was my turn next so I stood up and waved goodbye to everyone as I made my way downstairs.