The Stellate Vortex

"What the hell..."

Vasil groaned as he woke up, clutching his head. A sharp pain throbbed in his temples, and as he glanced down at his thin, white clothes, his eyes fell on the massive scar running across his body.

The memory of his fight with Haliberd rushed back like a flood. His fists clenched tightly, trembling with frustration.

I couldn't win... again. I'm just a sore loser. Always dreaming big but never getting anything right. Can't even help—

"Stop reading my thoughts," he snapped, looking up to see Kieth lying next to him, smirking.

"Oh, shit, I was right?" Kieth teased.

"No... well, kinda," Vasil admitted reluctantly. "Still, why are you here?"

"Can't you see?" Kieth gestured to his wrecked body casually.

"You killed Haliberd, though," Vasil muttered, his voice tinged with guilt.

Kieth sighed. "You're waking up about two days later, i already had the first match so in total 2 matches done."

"Oh..." Vasil lowered his head. "Sorry to let you down."

"Want me to read your inner monologue again?" Kieth quipped, his grin widening.

"What? No!"

"Then shut up," Kieth shot back.

Vasil sat up slowly, groaning as he adjusted to the soreness in his body.

His gaze shifted to the side and settled on Akane, who was slumped over in a chair, her head resting on the edge of the bed. She was sound asleep, her breathing soft and steady.

"What was she doing?" Vasil asked, his voice hoarse.

"Oh, well, she kept crying," Kieth replied with a shrug.

"Rita went back to the room to sleep, but Akane stayed here."

Vasil frowned slightly, his expression softening as he glanced at her again.

"Hey, Vasil."

"What?"

"I think..."

Kieth hesitated before smiling slightly.

"I might have a crush on Akane."

Vasil turned to him, eyebrows raising slightly in surprise. Then, to Kieth's annoyance, a knowing smile spread across Vasil's face.

"What's the grin for?" Kieth asked, frowning as his cheeks flushed slightly.

"Nothing," Vasil said, leaning back against the bed. His grin only grew wider. "I just expected it, is all."

"What do you mean?" Kieth asked, clearly embarrassed.

"You think I didn't notice every time you kept trying to keep Akane away from danger?" Vasil teased, his grin widening.

"That's not called a crush, dumbass," Kieth retorted, crossing his arms. "Besides, I saved your ass too. Does that mean I have a crush on you too?"

Vasil raised an eyebrow and looked mock-serious. "Wait, do you?"

"NO!" Kieth shouted, his face turning red.

Vasil burst out laughing. "I'm just joking, come on."

Kieth frowned, muttering under his breath, but his eyes drifted to Akane. She was still peacefully asleep, her face turned slightly toward him. Unable to help himself, he reached out and lightly touched her cheek. It was soft and warm. He'd had crushes before, fleeting and meaningless, but this time, he felt something deeper. He decided he wouldn't let this one slip away.

"Vasil," Kieth said, his voice low but resolute. "Once we get out of here, I'll confess."

"What? For real?" Vasil asked, a little surprised.

"Yeah," Kieth said, his cheeks flushing, but his expression was determined.

Vasil grinned. "Well, I'll be rooting for you."

"Yeah," Kieth replied, his voice steady.

---

It was evening, and the group—Kieth, Vasil, Akane, and Rita—were all gathered in their shared room. They had left the medical ward earlier after Akane woke up.

"Well then," Vasil began, leaning back in his chair, "this will be your last fight. If you lose... we'll most likely not be let go, and..."

"I might die. I know that," Kieth finished grimly.

Akane reached over and nervously held his hand. Kieth tried to act unaffected, but his face betrayed him, turning slightly red.

"Well, do you have a plan?" Rita asked, her tone sharp and serious.

"I don't," Kieth admitted, his voice tinged with frustration. "It could be an ability user, but Sen hasn't informed me yet."

"Damn that fucker," Rita snapped angrily, slamming her fist on the table.

Vasil chimed in, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, when even is your match?"

"Around a day," Kieth replied.

"Then why don't we try and enjoy ourselves a bit?" Vasil suggested."They provide a lot of stuff here, and we can even visit the different stalls around the colosseum.

They've got food, trinkets, entertainment... and I'm pretty sure gladiators don't need to pay. Kieth, you're one, so..."

"Yeah, maybe we should," Kieth agreed, his voice softening.

Akane jumped up, her eyes sparkling. "Yeah! Let's do that!" she said cheerfully.

The four walked out of the room, greeted by a maid who handed them a small coin.

"Show this anywhere, and you'll be allowed to buy what you want—just don't go overboard," she instructed before leaving.

The group made their way to the bustling market, where the atmosphere was lively and colorful. Kieth couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia—it reminded him of Makar. People filled the streets, laughing, drinking, and dancing as though it were a grand festival.

Curious, Kieth approached an old man sipping wine and asked, "Hey, is there some kind of festival going on?"

The old man grinned. "Festival? Nah, kid. It's like this every day here. Every day is a celebration!"

"Wow!" Akane exclaimed, standing behind Kieth. "But... why?"

"Well," the old man chuckled, "everyone here is destined to fight in the arena someday. The lords want us to live every day like it's our last—because, for many, it just might be." He laughed heartily before taking another sip of wine.

Kieth glanced over to see Rita and Vasil enjoying some food. Vasil was laughing uncontrollably, while Rita, her face red, seemed to be shouting at him. It looked like she had eaten something too spicy, and Vasil wasn't letting her live it down.

Kieth smiled at their antics but soon realized he was alone with Akane.

Whoa, calm down, Kieth, he felt his nerves kicking in.

"Hey, Akane," he finally said, turning to her.

"Hm?" She looked up at him with a warm smile that made his heart skip a beat.

"D-Do you want to do something in particular?" he asked, trying not to sound awkward.

She tilted her head, thinking for a moment, before her eyes lit up. "Let's dance!"

"Wait—what?!" Kieth stammered, but she grabbed his hand and pulled him into the center of a crowd.

People around them were dancing with wild, carefree energy. Kieth felt a wave of anxiety at first, but he soon realized no one was paying attention to him. They weren't dancing to impress; they were dancing to enjoy themselves.

That's what dancing should be for, Kieth thought, smiling as he let go of his insecurities. He matched Akane's steps, watching her radiant joy. For the first time in a long while, he felt free.

---

The day was filled with laughter and adventure. They ate delicious food, played games, and explored the vibrant stalls. Kieth marveled at the trinkets while watching his friends enjoy themselves.

In a quiet moment, Kieth found himself reflecting.

In the past, life always felt like an unfair game. Connections mattered more than hard work, and talent wasn't always rewarded. Society was relentless, and I could never escape its expectations.

But now...

"I feel... free," Kieth said aloud, watching his friends examine a stall.

"That's so random," Rita said with a roll of her eyes.

But Akane and Vasil both smiled knowingly, as though they understood.

"Well, I mean..." Kieth scratched his head, realizing he'd spoken out loud. "I'm just having fun. Whatever happens tomorrow, I hope we can keep enjoying this."

Vasil laughed. "Dude, you're so awkward."

"Hey, don't laugh at him!" Akane said, smiling at Vasil.

Kieth wasn't offended; instead, he chuckled along with them.

---

It was midnight when Kieth woke up, lying on the floor. Vasil was asleep on the sofa, and Akane was in the bed with Rita—but Rita wasn't there.

He stepped outside and soon found Rita standing alone, gazing at the sky through a large hole in the cave ceiling.

"Hey, what are you doing out here?" Kieth asked.

Rita flinched, turning to him. "Why are you up?"

"I don't know," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "Maybe i am kind of nervous about tomorrow—or today, since it's past midnight?"

"Just shut up," she muttered, looking back up at the stars.

Kieth joined her, gazing up at the beautiful night sky. The stars shimmered brightly, casting a serene glow over the cavern.

"Hey... Kieth," Rita said softly. "When you said you felt free earlier..."

Kieth looked at her, slightly embarrassed that she remembered. "Yeah?"

"Do you think I'm free too?"

He studied her for a moment. She was still looking at the sky, her expression unreadable.

"I think you are," he said honestly.

She glanced at him.

"I don't know much about your past," he continued, "but I can tell one thing—you're more open here. Am I right?"

For the first time, Rita smiled at him, a genuine, heartfelt smile.

"You know," she began, "I always wanted an adventure. I wanted to get away from my family—they were so strict, always obsessed with reputation. They never listened to me, always blaming me for things I didn't do. I was compared to other kids constantly, and they said it was to motivate me, but... all it did was crush me. I felt like I could never measure up."

Kieth stayed silent, letting her speak.

"It was exhausting, Everywhere I went, I felt judged. And eventually... I just couldn't take it anymore." Her voice broke slightly. "I... ended my life. It was stupid, I know. Still I am satisfied not being tied to anyone before and I don't wish to remember anything, But there's maybe one thing I miss—my younger brother. He was annoying as hell, but he made me laugh, even when I wanted to cry. He believed in me when no one else did."

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she quickly looked back at the stars, refusing to let them fall.

"He loved stories about reincarnation," she said, smiling faintly. "He always dreamed about being reborn in some fantasy world. And now that I'm here... I hope he'd think I'm living that dream."

She paused, then added, "You remind me of him, Kieth. And with Akane and Vasil... it feels like I finally have the family I always wanted."

Kieth smiled gently. "Me too. I miss my parents and my younger cousin, but... I think they'd want me to be happy. And I think your brother would want you to live the best life you can. So, let's make this life count."

Rita smiled softly as she and Kieth continued to watch the stars, the quiet moment comforting them both.

---

Later, Kieth was summoned to a room by Sen. Upon entering, he saw Sen seated alongside three unfamiliar figures.

"Ah, nice timing," Sen said, getting up and walking close to kieth. "We were just discussing your match for today."

Kieth crossed his arms. "Sen, you said you'd inform me earlier about my opponent—and you didn't."

"Well, that's the thing," Sen whispered, leaning in close. "These guys are the other lords—Hannibal, Fredrich, and Amun."

Kieth's eyes scanned the room. Fredrich, a man in his forties with an unkempt beard and royal attire, sat with an air of entitlement. Amun, younger and dark-skinned, was muscular and intimidating. Hannibal, seemingly in his thirties, had curly hair and a calm yet cold demeanor.

"Have a seat, Sir Kieth," Amun said, his voice deep and commanding.

Kieth took a chair hesitantly as Sen took his seat back. He noticed one seat at the table remained empty—it was likely for Aina, the missing lord.

Hannibal spoke first. "Kieth, was it? You're aware you killed Haliberd, correct?"

"Yes," Kieth replied cautiously. "And that's why I was penalized, wasn't it?"

Fredrich chuckled, stroking his beard. "Well, yes... and no. No one can truly die in these caves, you see."

Kieth's heart skipped a beat. "What... what do you mean?"

"Exactly that," Amun said with a sharp grin. "Gladiators don't die. They're left to suffer the wounds inflicted on them, but their lives persist."

Sen interjected with a smirk. "Haliberd isn't dead, Kieth. We'll be throwing him to the surface soon, though, so he can finally perish."

Kieth stared at them in disbelief. "Wait, how is that even possible?"

"It's because of me," Hannibal said, his tone flat and emotionless. "This effect only applies to gladiators in the colosseum. But as part of tradition, if a gladiator wishes to escape their eternal suffering, we cast them to the surface."

Kieth's mind raced as he tried to process this revelation. "Is this... your ability?"

"Yes," Hannibal confirmed. His calm demeanor only made Kieth more uneasy.

Fredrich leaned forward, his grin widening. "And because of that, we've decided on your next opponent."

Kieth's nerves began to spiral. The lords' piercing gazes weighed on him, as if they were enjoying his discomfort. "Who?"

Sen chuckled. "There are... special conditions this time, too, to secure a victory."

"Just tell me already!" Kieth snapped, his patience wearing thin.

Fredrich chuckled again, stroking his beard as if savoring the moment. "Your opponent will be Aina, the lord who wishes to retire."

Kieth froze. "What... A lord?"

The room fell silent as the weight of the words sank in.

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