"Hmm, these battles are really impressive. I can't help but be entertained by them." As Eric thought. "I should consider signing up for a match now."
As the stage battles progressed, the fight's level also increased dramatically with the fourth match featuring warriors of level 40. The intensity of this match was truly breathtaking, as the fighters moved at an incredibly fast pace that left many spectators struggling to keep up. But it was not just the speed that amazed the crowd, but also the sheer strength and skill of the warriors that left many in awe.
Athena said, "Hey, Uno, I'm going to try to find a match too. I should head out now."
"Hey, Athena wait, I should also find a match now. I want to experience some battle." Eric replied.
Athena was shocked and said, "What? You're planning to participate too? Did you see the fights? They're intense. Your opponents may not show you any mercy."
Eric replied seriously, "Hehe, you might not know this, but I am also very strong. I can handle it."
Athena was not overly concerned with Eric's confidence, as they were only acquaintances. They were not close enough for her to try to stop him. "Alright, follow me. I won't bother with you if you end up injured when you leave the arena." Athena replied.
"Hahaha, I won't be injured," Eric replied confidently.
Athena couldn't help but smirk at Eric's confidence, she knew that the arena would be intense and challenging, but she didn't want to dampen his spirits.
As they walked towards the registration area of the arena, Athena turned to Eric, "I hope you know what you're getting yourself into, the competition is fierce and maybe your opponent will not show any mercy."
Eric smiled confidently, "I know what I'm getting myself into, I've also trained hard for this."
Athena nodded, "I'm glad you're confident, just remember to stay focused."
"Thanks for the advice, Athena. I'll make sure to keep my cool and stay focused," replied Eric.
As they reached the registration area, Athena pulled out a small, round medallion to show it to the attendant.
The medallion was made of a dark, polished stone and had the word "Novice" engraved on it in bold, elegant letters. The edges of the medallion were smooth and rounded, with a small hole at the top for a chain or cord to be threaded through. The medallion looked like it had been crafted with great care and attention to detail. The word "Novice" carved on it, suggests that Athena is a Novice expert of the Arena.
"Hey Athena, what's that medallion you have there?" Eric asked, pointing to the small round medallion in Athena's hand.
"Oh, you didn't know about this? This medallion is your identity token inside the arena," Athena explained, surprised that Eric was unaware.
"I didn't know about this. Actually, this is my first time here. I only learned about the arena this afternoon," Eric said, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.
"What? This is your first time here and you already want to fight? I can't believe someone with your physique would be interested in fighting," Athena said, surprised.
"Well, I just want to try the arena out. I saw earlier that it looked like it would be fun to fight against guys my own age. Hehe," Eric chuckled. "Can you help me get one of these medallions? Please?" Eric asked, looking to Athena for assistance.
"Actually, it's easy to get one of these. Come follow me," Athena said, leading Eric toward an attendant.
Athena approached a young woman who was working at a desk. "Hello, miss. I have a friend here who wants to register and get an identity token for the arena," Athena said, gesturing toward Eric.
The girl nodded and directed them to follow her to a small room nearby. Inside, the room was dimly lit, with a single desk and a man sitting behind it. The walls were lined with shelves filled with medallions of different colors and engravings. The room had a musty smell and the desk was cluttered with papers. The man sitting behind the desk was busy with his work and didn't seem to notice their presence.
"Sir, someone here wants to register for the arena," the attendant informed the man at the desk.
Eric couldn't help but be curious about the man who was in charge of registration. He appeared to be middle-aged, with a thick beard that was neatly groomed. He was not overly handsome but had a rugged charm about him. He had deep-set eyes that seemed to hold a wealth of knowledge and a stern expression that conveyed a sense of authority. He wore a simple tunic and pants, with a leather belt cinched around his waist. He had a quill in one hand and a scroll in the other, he seemed to be busy with paperwork.
"This man is incredibly strong, I've never encountered a level 150 warrior who specializes in strength like him before," Eric thought to himself as he observed the man. "One punch from him could probably destroy the entire arena." Eric couldn't help but be impressed by this seemingly unassuming man's power.
"Hello sir, my name is Uno, and I plan to sign for the arena." Eric respectfully said to the man.
The man, who was still sitting at the desk, looked up at Eric and studied him carefully. "Hmm, you plan to enter the arena with that physique? I believe you'll be bullied there, but who am I to judge, right?" The man said, looking down on Eric with a critical gaze as if assessing his potential.
Eric didn't let the man's words affect him, he knew he could handle himself. "I just want to experience it for myself. If I get crippled, then that's my destiny and I'll accept it," Eric replied confidently.
"Okay, that's your choice," the man said, nodding. He reached into a drawer and pulled out a wooden medallion. The medallion was made of smooth, dark wood and was roughly circular in shape. It had a small groove around the edge and was plain, with no engravings or markings.
The man handed the medallion to Eric. "Just touch this medallion and it will register your age and win streak in the future. It can't determine your name, so you'll have to engrave it down on the medallion."
"To engrave your name on the medallion, just think of your name and it will automatically be engraved there," the man said.
Eric immediately focused on his name and soon, the word "Uno" appeared at the bottom of the medallion. As well as his age and his current win streak of zero. He was now officially registered and ready to enter the arena with his own identity medallion.
Eric thanked the man and the attendant, as they left the room.
As they walked out, the man behind the desk sat back in his chair and thought to himself, "That young man must be the son of Thiago Blueleaf. I can't believe he would let his third child wander around the empire like this. I should keep an eye on him, I've heard he's not particularly accomplished." He continued to ponder as he watched them leave the room.
The man didn't want anything to happen to Eric. He knew that if Eric's father, Thiago Blueleaf, found out that his son had met his demise while on his ship, it would not bode well for him. He knew that Thiago Blueleaf was a powerful figure in the empire and if he were to be enraged, it would cause ripples that would be felt throughout the land. He decided that he would keep a close eye on Eric during his time in the arena and make sure he was safe, as much as he could.
Although everyone knew that Thiago Blueleaf never provided protection for his children when they were outside of his domain, and never really kept an eye on them, no one really knew what might happen if a powerful figure like him were to become enraged. Many feared that if something were to happen to his children, he would unleash his full wrath on anyone he held responsible. It was better to be safe than sorry and the man knew that he had to keep a close eye on Eric during his time in the arena. He didn't want to risk the wrath of a powerful monarch and the consequences that come with it.