Kealin walked through the dimly lit corridors of the underground arena, sounds of clashing steel and cheering crowds echoing through the air. He had been drawn to this place like a magnet. He watched a group of fighters take the stage, their movements a blur of speed and agility
"Damn"
'Hey Kea-kun, over here "
Turning to his right Kealin could see Max and Lena waving for him to come over.
"Hi guys"
"Looks like you made it just in time, c'mon I wanna introduce you to someone" Max said as he walked to the front of the stage with Lena and Kealin behind him.
After the match, a red haired teenage boy with a muscular body and sharp eyes approached them.
"Yo Max, long time no see" The red haired teenager said as he grabbed a towel.
"Konnichiwa" Max said as care free as ever.
" It's been a while Axel" Lena said as she stretched out her hand for a handshake.
"Indeed" Alex said as he took the hand shake.
"Kea, this is Alex, Alex - Kea" Lena introduced the two guys to each other.
"Nice to meet you Kea" Axel put out his hand with a smile.
" You too " They both shook hands and Axel gestured for them to sit on the edge of the stage.
"So what brings you to the arena, Kealin" Alex asked out of curiosity.
" Oh you know just looking for a challenge, l guess" Kealin answered.
Alex gaze lingered on him and for a moment, Kealin thought he saw a glimmer of interest. Alex smiled and finally said
"Well I might have a challenge for you"
*********
The underground arena was a maze filled tunnels and chambers, each one filled with fighters honing their skills, it even had a sector filled with stalls. Kealin followed Alex with Lena and Max behind him through the winding passages, feeling a sense of excitement building in him.
As they reached the main chamber, Kealin's eyes widened in awe. The arena was massive, with fighters clashing in the center ring. The air was electric, charged with anticipation and adrenaline.
"This is the main arena, pretty cool right?" Axel said as he led them to the edge of the ring, where a figure awaited them.
"This is Marcus" He said "He's one of the arena's top fighters"
Marcus eyed Kealin and then looked at Alex
"Hey Alex, you said you had a challenge for me, but all I see is a shrimp"
Alex smiled and said
"Don't judge a book by its cover"
Marcus then looked at Kealin again. "You think you've got what it takes to fight here" He said.
Sweat was dripping from Kealin's forehead
"I said I wanted a challenge but this is too much" Kealin inwardly cursed himself
"Um ..."
"Of course he does, mock him all you want but don't come back crying after he kicks your ass" Max said patting Kealin's back
Marcus smiled and said
"Well then what are we waiting for, let's get the show on the road"