Sacrifice: Time of Mine

After Avion finished his treatment, he met Jemer again.

'So this is how it felt to be healed. Elementals are really wonderous and mysterious.'

This time, he was invited to lunch.

Of course, he was still chained and was still inside the colosseum, more specifically, on the VIP area. At this time of the day, the mortal arena to the Rank Eeh arena has breaks.

If it's too hot, coupled with a clear sky, even Rank Dih would have a break until the temperature lowers.

"Food that is finally not doubtful." Avion commented as he feasted on the meal given to him.

"You're not scared that it might be poisoned?" Jemer asked with a smile.

"Nah, it's fine." Avion shrugged it.

"Hmm... you should be careful next time. Good thing I have no intention to poison you or you may be gasping for air by now."

Avion paused before nodded, "Thank you for the warning." while he was still swallowing the meal left and right.

Of course, he wouldn't be scared of poison. It would bum him out that he couldn't eat the meal but he could just Revert himself. However, if there is a poison potent enough to instantly kill a mortal upon touching his lips, that would be horrifying.

"Is there are a poison that can kill me instantly?" due to the fear, Avion actually asked.

"Hm? Of course, there is. However, those are high-ranking compound essence that would be used to stronger targets instead of a mortal." Jemer explained.

"But... is there any poison that will kill you without you knowing?" Avion mused.

"Hmm... what do you mean?"

"A poison that has no signs or symptoms even when you die?"

"What? Hahaha!" Jemer laughed until he responded, "That's ridiculous. Although I don't know every poison there is in Flasse, there shouldn't be. As long as it is harmful to your body, you would feel pain or some symptoms."

Hearing this, Avion sighed in relief before continue eating.

Jemer just sat there while staring Avion gobble up the food like some kind of a monster.

Only after Avion finished did he speak, "Actually, the reason why I called you again is that I have another offer to you."

After gulping the water given to him, Avion asked, "What is it?"

"It's just like last time. Would you like to go to the upper stadium?" Jemer smiled, while inwardly, 'Actually, you have no choice. You're a prisoner, after all. I only said that it was an offer to make you feel you have the control.'

'When people think they are in control, they would likely risk it and take the offer. It is tons better than caging you against your will and bring you to the upper stadium.'

"..." Avion's expression soured when he heard this, "What do I gain up there?"

Jemer smiled, "There are better rewards there. Also, you will be fighting an Elementalist... imagine, a mortal fighting against an Elementalist. If you lose, it is understandable. If you win, you will gain great benefit and fame! It's a win-win."

However, Avion didn't immediately bite the offer. He was skeptical about the higher levels. The mortals here seemed promising.

They have limits that makes Avion confident even without using his time abilities. At the same time, they were strong. Although he have only battled one opponent this time, the Demolisher was just rank 27th, right?

This is a great opportunity to hone his battle skills.

'Eh...but I wouldn't always be using my martial skills to battle real fights though.' Avion felt a little awkward since he knew that the next real fight he would encounter involves Rank Es.

'I guess this is just for fun...' he thought which greatly lessened the choice of refusing the offer, 'Is there any more good things at the higher levels?' at that thought, he remembered something.

"Oh yeah, can I see someone named Tamya at the Rank Eeh's stadium?" he asked.

"Tamya...?" Jemer was very familiar of this name, "You mean the Playful Demoness?"

"Playful Demoness?" Avion tilted his head.

"Oh... sorry... of course you don't know about that." Jemer then found something strange, "Tamya, do you mean the brown-haired Rank Eeh girl?"

"Yes"

'Why does he know Tamya?' Jemer then asked, "Do you know Mettany and Edora too?"

"Of course!" hearing Mettany's name made Avion smile but hearing Edora's name made him roll his eyes which created a unique expression.

'What does that mean?' Jemer noticed that he was always raising his eyebrow ever since yesterday he met Avion.

Yesterday, he fought that Avion is just like everyone else who thought they were strong. His initial impression was that Avion is an arrogant noble.

That would explain why he's handsome and why the higher-ups had their eyes on him. But the chain thing messed that thought up.

Now, he realized that Avion is more mysterious than he seemed.

'If he knows them, does that mean he is together with the Penta Elementalist?' Jemer suddenly clutched both of his fists, 'That would explain why a mortal like him have such strength! However, why did no one tell me?! Good thing that I'm tolerant in the beginning and didn't offend him in the beginning. What sloppy colleagues do I have!'

After that thought, his expression became milder and became more polite. At the same time, Avion asked.

"Can I reach the Rank Dih's stadium and meet a Mett- meet them?"

"Of course, as long as you prove yourself." Jemer responded while inwardly thinking, 'So that's why they were giving him offers like this. They knew that he can go up and above as a mortal. But let's calm down... even if he is part of the Penta Elementalist's group, he may be just guinea pig that met success. Still mortal... there's no way that he could go against elesps, right?'

"Sure, I'll try to reach the highest stadium with them!" Avion finally agreed.

Meanwhile, on the healer's room, the Demolisher woke up.

"I was never defeated before, much less fair and square! I need a rematch!"

But after a few inquiries, he learned that Avion was raised to the upper stadium. With a persistent attitude, he demanded to challenge the Ascension Battle where he will fight all the Top 10 starting from the weakest to the strongest by himself!

If he could do it, that would mean that he is overqualified for the mortal arena which gives him the qualification to enter the Rank Eeh's stadium as an irregular fighter.

Prisoners with fame, much like gladiators, were given much freedom for entertainment purposes as long as they are still within a bigger cage, the Colosseum.