The startling spectacle forced him to fully comprehend why it earned the name “Colosseum.”
“Kill him! Hurry up! Damn it, Ao!”
“Mr. Bai! What on earth are you doing, you fool! Are you out of your mind? Get up!”
Within the confines of the structure lay a complete amphitheater, with spectators encircling what resembled a grand stage.
Approximately thirty individuals occupied the second and third floors, all fixated on the center below. Historically, the Colosseum had been notorious for hosting battles between prisoners of war, gladiators, and ferocious beasts—a brutal contest that persisted until one side met its demise, eliciting frenzied cheers from the Roman spectators. The unfolding scene before Hyun-seong’s eyes vividly brought to mind the tumultuous Rome of yesteryear.
The resounding thud of the iron gate closing echoed behind Hyun-seong and Yi-soo. Hyun-seong, who had silently witnessed the harrowing scene, turned to meet Yi-soo’s gaze.
Even through the mask, her expression mirrored shock.
“…This is insane,” Hyun-seong uttered in a hushed tone. ‘Insane’ was the only way to describe this situation.
In the heart of the arena, capturing the undivided attention of the spectators, two men clad only in shorts engaged in a brutal duel with daggers. Their upper torsos bore the grim evidence of numerous stabbings and slashes, adorned with streaks of blood.
With every forceful movement, droplets of darkened blood fell incessantly, creating an unsettling rhythm that permeated the air with the thick, metallic scent of gore.
Adding to the eerie atmosphere was the impassive audience, donned in an array of masks, treating the savage combat as just another form of entertainment. Their collective encouragement intensified the gruesome spectacle.
Each piercing thrust of a sharp blade was met with fervent cheers, creating an unsettling harmony of sadistic approval. As the onlooker observed, a shiver ran down his spine.
What the hell…
The man with the shaven head swung his blade with relentless force, carving a long, crimson line across his opponent’s exposed chest. A cry of agony escaped the wounded fighter, swiftly drowned out by the crowd’s disapproving jeers. Those who had placed bets on him nonchalantly puffed on their cigars.
Although the muttered profanities were indistinct, their disdainful tone added another layer of discomfort to the already chilling scene.
“First of all… Seo Yi-soo, gather yourself. Are you okay?”
“It’s… If we stay here, we’ll attract attention.”
Beneath her mask, Yi-soo’s complexion was pallid as she fought to maintain her shaky composure.
Ascending the spiral staircase to the second floor, she noticed a series of couches spread at intervals. Two figures occupied an empty space, catching their breath.
From her elevated vantage point, the two struggling men below appeared even more diminutive. The stadium floor, now drenched in blood, bore witness to the grim intensity of the battles. A gasp escaped Yi-soo’s lips, and she involuntarily swallowed.
“Gah!”
At that moment, an eerie sound pierced Yi-soo’s eardrums. The man with short hair hunched forward, leaving only the echo of the terminal’s scream. Thud. The bloodied combatant collapsed to the ground. Simultaneously, an energetic voice resonated from the speaker.
“Wow, that was a close match, and the victor of this round is Bai!”
It became apparent that both men were tethered by leashes.
The man who met his demise with stoic indifference was clad in black, while the one struggling for breath, sword abandoned, donned a once-white attire now drenched in blood, rendering it unrecognizable.
Approaching the victorious figure with a microphone, a diminutive man in a bow tie assumed the role of a judge.
“Congratulations, Mr. White! Remarkable performance against a formidable opponent, wouldn’t you say? Those who placed their bets on Mr. White’s triumph will be duly rewarded, so be sure to check the machine!”
“Hah, quack… Ha.”
“Ah-ah, you must be exhausted. Let’s get you some water—grab that bottled water over there. Excellent work, and isn’t 300 million for a match well worth it? You’ve emerged victorious.”
The emcee patted the blood-soaked man’s backside, a grotesque and repulsive sight that turned the stomach of the onlooker.
Yi-soo clenched his eyes shut, hands on his chest, while Hyun-seong, too, frowned beneath his mask.
A sinister gamble unfolded before them. Who in the world constructed this Colosseum? It became evident why Min-yeol and Su-jeong had risked their lives to uncover the truth.