(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:red)[''WARNING: THIS GAME CONTAINS GRAPHIC DESCRIPTIONS OF VIOLENCE! PLAYER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!'']
Welcome to The Grand Colosseum Battle!
In this adventure you will play the role of Cassius, a slave in the Roman Empire. Your master has entered you into the Colosseum games and bet a lot of money on you. Your master never cared about you, he has always been a cruel and unforgiving man. You don't care what happens to his money, you only care about one thing: survival.
Do you have what it takes to win at the games and live to breathe another day?
[[Prove yourself, unfortunate soul.->Awakening]]
Hint: Time is against you. Think fast, or face the consequences.](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You open your eyes. You're gazing up at a dark, stone ceiling. You're laying in a rudimentary hammock. Groaning, you sit yourself up straight and look around. A cell, cold and empty, the only source of light is the fire of the torch on the wall opposite where you are sitting.
You have just awoken from a strange dream. In your groggy haze you try to remember what it was about, but all details have already fled your mind. As you try to recall the dream, you hear a voice on your left.
"Prisoner, the time for combat is nigh! Prepare to be transported to the arena!"
A guard is glaring at you through the door to your cell. He has come to take you away. [[Begrudingly, you get up.->Call to action]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You walk slowly to the door. The guard shouts at you impatiently to hurry up, though in your foggy mind it barely registers. You reach the door as you hear the sound of the locking mechanism opening and the door creaking open towards you.
The guard grabs you by the neck and pulls you out of the cell aggressively, throwing you on the dusty ground in the hallway outside of the prison. You land with a thud.
"Get up, scum! You will have time to lay on the ground when you're bleeding dry on the battlefield!"
[[You decide it's best to do as he says.->Up you go]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You stand up and dust yourself off a bit. You look disdainfully at the guard, who gives you an unimpressed look. He points in your direction and simply says "Walk."
[[You obey.->Walk of shame]]
(after:20s)["Hit your head, maggot? I said WALK!" The guard shouts and pushes you back. You stumble but stay on your feet. [[You decide to obey after all.->Walk of shame]]]
(after:30s)[(go-to:"Disobedience means death")]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You turn your back on the guard and begin moving through the passageway. As you walk you look at the walls around you, you hear the groans and wails of prisoners awaiting their turn in the Colosseum. You ponder if you should consider yourself lucky or unlucky to be picked in their stead.
After a minute of walking in uncomfortable silence, you reach a grand iron gate. No light comes through, but the other side you can hear faint cheering, and the sounds of metal clashing against metal. Beyond this door lies the battleground that will decide your fate.
"Select your weapon and prepare for combat, prisoner!", the guard bellows from behind you. You turn your attention to the weapon rack to the left of the ominous gate. You spot three weapons there, a [[spear->Spear chosen]], a [[bow with a quiver of arrows->Bow chosen]], and a [[short sword->Sword chosen]].
(if:$Blessed is true)[Upon closer inspection, there is actually a fourth weapon in the rack. A [[beautiful gilded sword, with an equally beautiful shield->Divine blade chosen]] sitting below it on the ground.]
This will be an important choice, what should you take?](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You once again fail to heed the guard's order. This time, he decides he has had enough of your attitude. He takes out the sword holstered on his hip and slashes across your chest. You fall down to the ground in agonizing pain, clutching your bleeding wound. A few short moments later, death welcomes you into its loveless embrace.
(text-colour:red)[''You died.'']
(set:$Death += 1)
(if:$Death < 10)[[[At the edge of your mind, you hear a noise...->Awakening]]]
(if:$Death >= 10)[[[You feel something tug at your soul...->Meeting with Ares]]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You pick up the spear and examine it. It feels heavy in your hands. The tip is slightly bloodied, clearly it has been used before. You consider this weapon's strengths and weaknesses.
The reach of the spear will allow for you to put distance between you and the opponent. Having the advantage of distance will give you an edge in battle.
However, because of the weapon's weight, it is quite heavy and clunky, and can only be used with two hands. Attacking with it may also prove to be slow.
You ponder if you should [[pick this weapon->Spear in hand]] or [[consider the other options->Walk of shame]].](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You pick up the bow and examine it. The wood it is made of makes it light and easy to aim. The quiver contains five arrows. You consider the weapon's strengths and weaknesses.
The bow will allow you to attack from a long distance, and a clean shot at a vital body part may secure victory in a matter of moments, if you trust your aim.
If an opponent manages to close the distance, however, you will be as good as defenseless to their attack. Furthermore, if you run out of arrows, you run out of options.
You ponder if you should [[pick this weapon->Bow in hand]] or [[consider the other options->Walk of shame]].](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You pick up the sword and examine it. The sword is easy to swing around and feels quick to handle. The blade is rusted covered in knicks and cuts. You consider this weapon's strengths and weaknesses.
The lightness of the sword allows for versatility in combat. Your attacks are quick, able to block opponent's strikes, and leave the least amount of openings out of the three weapons.
The shortness of the sword does however mean you will be forced to stay close to your opponent. Also, seeing how rusty the blade is, you wonder how sturdy it will be...
You ponder if you should [[pick this weapon->Sword in hand]] or [[consider the other options->Walk of shame]].](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You look up and down the gate. It is truly grandiose, fitting for one of the most popular buildings in Rome. Your master had taken you to see an event in the Colosseum in the past, and you remember being impressed by the massive gates back then too, each time curious what would walk through them with every match. Now, it will be you coming through that gate. Will your master be watching?
Before you can get lost in thought further, you are startled by a loud "CLANG!", as the grand gate slowy begins to rise into the ceiling. The light from outside suddenly floods into the room, blinding your eyes from having spent so much time in your dark jail.
You feel a push on your back from the guard, who you briefly forgot existed, and clumsily stumble into the arena. The crowd on the stands cheers, sneers and jeers at you, the sound overwhelms you. But then, a loud voice echoes through the arena and quiets down the cacophony all around you. [[You look up->Emperor's speech]] to follow the voice.](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You nod to yourself and grip the spear tightly with both hands. You are betting it all on this sturdy and deadly weapon.
With your battle companion in hand, you [[walk to the gate->Weapon in hand]] and await your turn.
(set: $Weapon to "Spear")
(set: $Broken to false)](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You furrow your brow and pick up the bow and quiver. You hang the quiver over your shoulder so you can grab arrows from behind your back. You are convinced your range advantage will win the battle.
With your chosen weapon in hand, you [[walk to the gate->Weapon in hand]] and stand ready to be called.
(set: $Weapon to "Bow")
(set: $Arrows to 5)](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You clutch the grip of the sword in your fist. You will not let its quality dissuade you, this is going to be the weapon that wins you your survival.
With your mind made up, you [[turn to face the gate->Weapon in hand]] and wait.
(set: $Weapon to "Sword")](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[Following the voice, you direct your gaze upwards to the top of the stands. The man standing on the balcony there is a man everyone would recognise: Emperor Solus.
"Let the next match commence! In the west corner, we have the next slave to face their fate in the ring, Cassius! And in the east corner, still standing after his fifth consecutive victory of the day, Asmodeus!"
You pry your eyes away from the Emperor and look to the opposite side of the arena. A hulking man stands there, his leather armor covered in the blood of his past five opponents. He looks at you and points his weapon, a sturdy-looking sword at you. Even from a distance you can see the twisted bloodlust in his eyes.
"Are both warriors ready? Then let the match begin!"
You take a battle-ready stance and [[draw your weapon->First action]].](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[As soon as the Emperor gives the signal, Asmodeus begins to menacingly walk towards you. His pace is slow, but his hulking build and bloodied clothing send a shiver down your spine.
(if:$Weapon is "Spear")[You consider your options. You can [[rush at him->Spear rush]], [[throw your spear->Spear throw]] at him, or [[wait for him->Spear wait]] to make a move.]
(if:$Weapon is "Bow")[You try to calm your shaking hands and ready an arrow. You look over his body and see some possible targets: [[his head->Bow head]], [[his sword hand->Bow hand]], and [[his exposed left knee.->Bow knee]]]
(if:$Weapon is "Sword")[You consider your options. You can [[rush at him->Sword rush]], or [[wait for him->Sword wait]] to make a move.]
(if:$Weapon is "Divine blade")[A voice rings through your head that you have heard before but cannot place. [["You know what you must do."->To victory]]]
(after:20s)[(go-to: "Death waits for no man")]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You took a lot of time deciding what the optimal move was. Unfortunately for you, Asmodeus did not have to do that. While you were lost in thought, the hulking gladiator had made his way to you. Before you can do anything, he takes his sword and disembowels you. Luckily your death is quick, your eyes fall shut as the roar of the crowd around you fades to nothingness.
(text-colour:red)[''You died.'']
(set:$Death += 1)
(if:$Death < 10)[[[At the edge of your mind, you hear a noise...->Awakening]]]
(if:$Death >= 10)[[[You feel something tug at your soul...->Meeting with Ares]]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You make a dash for your opponent, holding your spear out in front of you. In a matter of moments, you find yourself toe-to-toe with the large man standing before you. You have to make a quick decision now: either [[you thrust to attack->Spear thrust]], or [[try to knock his sword away.->Spear disarm]]
(after:15s)[(go-to: "Charged in without a plan")]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You chuck your spear with all your might. A valiant effort, to be sure, but sadly a vain one. Your spear makes a dissapointingly short arc before sadly plopping into the ground with a "//Shk!//" You look at Asmodeus approaching you, then dumbfoundedly at the spear that missed him by several metres, then back at Asmodeus again who is now practically right in front of you.
He picks you up by your neck and brings your face close to his. "Want to see how a real man throws, wimp?" Asmodeus says in a deep and grizzly voice. He throws you with all his might, and you are sent flying. After a couple of seconds, you make contact with the wall above the gate you walked out of, head-first. Yikes.
(text-colour:red)[''You died.'']
(set:$Death += 1)
(if:$Death < 10)[[[At the edge of your mind, you hear a noise...->Awakening]]]
(if:$Death >= 10)[[[You feel something tug at your soul...->Meeting with Ares]]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(if:$Broken is false)[You take a reactionary approach and let your opponent come to you. A bold move, since distance is your main advantage. You wait until your opponent is but a few steps away from you.
Now that he is in range, you can [[thrust at him->Spear thrust]] or try to [[knock away his weapon.->Spear disarm]]]
(if:$Broken is true)[With your spear freed, you have another chance to make a move. Once again, you can [[thrust at him->Spear action broken]], or try to [[knock away his weapon.->Spear action broken]]]
(after:15s)[(go-to: "Waited a bit too long")]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You boldly thrust your spear forward, blindly trusting in your ability to hit your opponent. Brave! You anticipated the sensation of your weapon piercing your opponent's flesh, the painful cries that would follow and the shocked gasps of the audience.
What you did not anticipate, however, was Asmodeus catching your spear with his free hand and snapping it like a twig. You would probably say "How in the name of Olympus did you do that?!", but before that sentence can pass your lips you find your vision falling to the ground, as your head now lies in the dust, decapitated.
(text-colour:red)[''You died.'']
(set:$Death += 1)
(if:$Death < 10)[[[At the edge of your mind, you hear a noise...->Awakening]]]
(if:$Death >= 10)[[[You feel something tug at your soul...->Meeting with Ares]]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You decide it's a good idea to first disarm your opponent. With a graceful motion you flip your spear and hit the underside of his blade and...
The blade is embedded in your spear's handle! You try to yank the sword out of Asmodeus' hand, but you overestimate your strength slightly, as you now find that your spear is stuck and the gladiator seems reluctant to let the spear go. You panickedly think if it's better to [[keep pulling->Help me stepspear, I'm stuck]] or [[free your spear->Spear disarm freed]] and try again.
(after:20s)[(go-to: "Help me stepspear, I'm stuck")]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You are not as reactionary as you thought you would be. Whether it was the noise of the crowd disorienting you, or the stress of battle messing with your head, nobody knows. Whatever the case, you simply stand there like a statue. Asmodeus laughs at you and punches your lights out. What a way to go.
(text-colour:red)[''You died.'']
(set:$Death += 1)
(if:$Death < 10)[[[At the edge of your mind, you hear a noise...->Awakening]]]
(if:$Death >= 10)[[[You feel something tug at your soul...->Meeting with Ares]]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[Asmodeus blinks in confusion at your plan. He shrugs, and yanks the spear out of your hands by pulling his sword back. Now disarmed and without option, you sheepishly stare up at the towering warrior. He sneers at you menacingly and holds up his blade, the spear still stuck to it, before bringing it down on your head and caving your skull in.
(text-colour:red)[''You died.'']
(set:$Death += 1)
(if:$Death < 10)[[[At the edge of your mind, you hear a noise...->Awakening]]]
(if:$Death >= 10)[[[You feel something tug at your soul...->Meeting with Ares]]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You luckily manage to free your spear by pulling it down to the ground. It's still usable, but there is a large gash in it now. You wonder if this will affect the weapon's stability, but [[shrug it off.->Spear wait]]
(set:$Broken to true)](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[What do you know, that gash in the shaft of your spear did matter after all! You try your attack, but as soon as your spear makes contact, the top half breaks off and falls on the ground before your feet. Now holding what may as well be a toothpick for a cyclops, you suddenly don't think you'll win this match.
Neither does Asmodeus.
(text-colour:red)[''You died.'']
(set:$Death += 1)
(if:$Death < 10)[[[At the edge of your mind, you hear a noise...->Awakening]]]
(if:$Death >= 10)[[[You feel something tug at your soul...->Meeting with Ares]]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[It seems you misunderstood the core value of a rushing attack, namely the attack. You kind of just stood there, seemingly surprised you managed to get this far.
"I will give you credit for your bravery, rat. But now let me show you how you attack!" Asmodeus' voice bellows above you. He kicks you hard in the stomach, causing you to gasp for air and fall to the ground in pain. A second later, Asmodeus flips his sword in his hand and thrusts it downwards directly into your skull, killing you instantly.
(text-colour:red)[''You died.'']
(set:$Death += 1)
(if:$Death < 10)[[[At the edge of your mind, you hear a noise...->Awakening]]]
(if:$Death >= 10)[[[You feel something tug at your soul...->Meeting with Ares]]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(if:visits <= 1)[You loose your arrow, aiming for the gladiators exposed head. Sadly it just barely misses him, whizzing past his head.]
(if:visits > 1)[You once again aim at his head. He doesn't bother dodging the arrow, but rather he snags the arrow out of the air with his teeth. You want to question how this is possible, but you have no time.]
(set:$Arrows -= 1)
You have (print:$Arrows) arrows left. [[You aim again.->Bow retry]]
(after:12s)[(go-to: "Aiming takes time")]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(if:visits <= 1)[You aim at his sword hand, hoping to pierce his hand and force him to drop his weapon. Sadly your aim is slightly off, as your arrow bounces off the sword's hilt with a small "//Tink!//"]
(if:visits > 1)[You once again try to disarm the encroaching gladiator with an arrow. He smirks, and deflects the arrow with his blade with minimal effort. For someone so brutish-looking, he is surprisingly deft!]
(set:$Arrows -= 1)
You have (print:$Arrows) arrows left, [[you aim again.->Bow retry]]
(after:12s)[(go-to: "Aiming takes time")]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(if:visits <= 1)[You try to cripple your opponent by shooting his knee, which would severly impair his movement. A good strategy, but one that needs to be backed up with good aim, something which you sadly lack. The arrow you fire goes right between Asmodeus' legs, sticking itself into the ground somewhere behind him as he continues his approach.]
(if:visits > 1)[You again try to damage the hulking gladiator's knee. Asmodeus laughs and deflects the arrow with his sword. So close!]
(set:$Arrows -= 1)
You have (print:$Arrows) arrows left. [[You aim again.->Bow retry]]
(after:12s)[(go-to: "Aiming takes time")]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(if:$Arrows >= 1)[You reach behind your back and grab another arrow from your quiver. You nock it and once again envision Asmodeus' weak poins: [[his head->Bow head]], [[his sword hand->Bow hand]], and [[his exposed left knee.->Bow knee]]]
(if:$Arrows is 0)[(go-to: "Counting is for suckers anyway")]
(after:12s)[(go-to: "Aiming takes time")]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[Math has never been your strong suit. If it were, you would have probably realised by now that you are out of arrows. Asmodeus, while also not a mathematician, has at least seen you grabbing at nothing behind your back, and knows you are out of ammunition. Seeing this, he makes a mad dash for you and grabs your head with his free hand. He smashes your head into the ground below you, and you briefly hear your skull crumble before your entire world goes dark.
(text-colour:red)[''You died.'']
(set:$Death += 1)
(if:$Death < 10)[[[At the edge of your mind, you hear a noise...->Awakening]]]
(if:$Death >= 10)[[[You feel something tug at your soul...->Meeting with Ares]]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[Aiming takes time, of course. With all the adrenaline rushing through you, not to mention the fear of death, it can take a while to steady that arrow on your target. Sadly you do not have that time here.
Asmodeus now stands before you, which you somehow did not notice while you were so focused on aiming right. He picks the arrow directly off your bow, looks at it for a second, and impales your head with it. How inventive!
(text-colour:red)[''You died.'']
(set:$Death += 1)
(if:$Death < 10)[[[At the edge of your mind, you hear a noise...->Awakening]]]
(if:$Death >= 10)[[[You feel something tug at your soul...->Meeting with Ares]]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You decide it is best to make the first move. You brandish your sword in what you hope is an intimidating gesture, and recklessly charge forward. It does not take long before you are face-to-face with your opponent. Unsurprisingly, he has seen your approach, and already has his sword ready to attack.
You have to make a quick decision in this moment whether to [[attack->Sword attack]] or [[block.->Sword block]]
(after:30s)[(go-to: "Rushed too recklessly")]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You think to yourself that it would be best to let your opponent make the first move, and decide what to do based on that. So you wait, standing ready with your sword out in front of you. Asmodeus takes his time to walk towards you, making all sorts of obscene and menacing gestures at you.
Finally, he is within attacking range, already very close to you. He readies his sword for an overhead strike. You hastily choose between [[attacking first->Sword attack]] and [[blocking.->Sword block]]
(after:30s)[(go-to: "Not a sword belonging to Damocles, but still")]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[An enemy cannot attack you if they are dead. That is the thought that lead you to attempting to make a large slash across your enemy's chest. You notice that upon doing so, your arm is stopped suddenly, accompanied by the loud "//CLANG!//" of metal hitting metal. As it turns out, the armor that Asmodeus is wearing under all that blood is not leather, but some manner of bronze. The more you know!
Asmodeus laughs as if you just tried to tickle him to death, and he continues to laugh as he slashes your head clean off your shoulders.
(text-colour:red)[''You died.'']
(set:$Death += 1)
(if:$Death < 10)[[[At the edge of your mind, you hear a noise...->Awakening]]]
(if:$Death >= 10)[[[You feel something tug at your soul...->Meeting with Ares]]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You hold your sword horizontally over your head to block the incoming strike. You feel so confident you have made a good decision in battle. For a moment at least, until Asmodeus swings his sword down and you feel your sword breaking into pieces from the impact. Perhaps you should have thought twice about its durability? Ah well, you will have plenty of time for such considerations in death.
Asmodeus brings you there shortly thereafter.
(text-colour:red)[''You died.'']
(set:$Death += 1)
(if:$Death < 10)[[[At the edge of your mind, you hear a noise...->Awakening]]]
(if:$Death >= 10)[[[You feel something tug at your soul...->Meeting with Ares]]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[Apparently you hadn't considered that rushing ahead might leave you very open to attack. Lucky for you, Asmodeus is happy to help you learn the error of your ways, with a quick and vicious slash of his sword. The raw strength of his attack splits your head cleanly in two, bloodying the sands below.
(text-colour:red)[''You died.'']
(set:$Death += 1)
(if:$Death < 10)[[[At the edge of your mind, you hear a noise...->Awakening]]]
(if:$Death >= 10)[[[You feel something tug at your soul...->Meeting with Ares]]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[What was that turn of phrase again? "The sword of Damocles hanging above your head"? Well, this sword did not belong to Damocles, and that perhaps explains why you did not feel the pressure to act. Asmodeus wastes no time pulverising your skull by bashing it in with the end of his sword's handle. you fall to the ground, and just before your consciousness fades to black, you hear a distant low "Disappointing..." from your adversary.
(text-colour:red)[''You died.'']
(set:$Death += 1)
(if:$Death < 10)[[[At the edge of your mind, you hear a noise...->Awakening]]]
(if:$Death >= 10)[[[You feel something tug at your soul...->Meeting with Ares]]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You awaken in a void. You see nothing. You hear nothing. You are floating here, in this empty world. You wonder where you are, but not for long, as soon a man appears before you. He is tall, clad in vibrant armor with a beautifully decorated sword and shield in his hands. The magnificence of his appearance almost makes you fail to notice the fact that the figure is wreathed in flame. As you take in this figure's baffling appearance, he begins to speak to you. His voice echoes through your mind.
"I am Ares, god of war. Do you desire power, you who has endured death after death at the hands of an unfair duel? Then accept my blessing, and may the next battle be your victory."
The man plans his sword in the non-existant ground and reaches a hand towards you, gesturing you to shake it. You decide whether to [[accept->Blessed]] or [[decline.->Blursed]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You shake the god's hand. You feel your soul being filled with power, with rage, with carnage. This is Ares' blessing. You feel as if a fire has been lit inside you.
"You shall know what to do next time, young Cassius. May strength bear your victory."
The figure fades. As the light of the flames fades, so too does your vision, and you pass out. Suddenly, [[at the edge of your mind, you hear a noise...->Awakening]]
(set:$Blessed to true)](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You decide not to shake the god's hand. You will do this by yourself, you do not need divine intervention.
"Very well. You will accept my offer in time. Until then, young Cassius, feed the battlefield more blood."
The figure fades. As the light of the flames fades, so too does your vision, and you pass out. Suddenly, [[at the edge of your mind, you hear a noise...->Awakening]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You examine the sword and shield. These seem familiar to you, though you cannot quite recall why. The blade radiates a faint heat. Staring at it somehow fills you with strength, as if you could fell armies all by yourself. You feel almost compelled to pick it up.
You ponder if you should [[pick this weapon->Divine blade in hand]] or [[consider the other options->Walk of shame]].](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You pick up the sword and shield. You affix the shield to your left hand with a strap and grip the blade's handle tightly. Power surges through you. You are ready.
With these weapons in tow, you [[make for the gate.->Weapon in hand]]
(set:$Weapon to "Divine blade")](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You ready the blade in your hand and point it towards the approaching enemy. The heat you had felt radiating from the blade intensifies, as the blade suddenly catches flame! You raise the sword skyward and slash it down. An arc of flame flies out and towards Asmodeus, who stares dumbfounded. As soon as the flames make contact with his body, he bursts into flames himself, immolating him in a matter of seconds. The battle is over, and you stand victorious.
The crowd around you is silent for a moment, equally as baffled as you are by what you just did. This only last a few seconds though, as suddenly a loud cheer resounds all around you. You look around at the cheering masses and feel proud. Your eyes meet those of Emperor Solus, who looks at you with interest.
The gate that you came through opens up once more, the guard who escorted you earlier still standing there. "You were the last match today, maggot! Back to your cell to fight another day!" You take in the crowd's cheering for a few more seconds, then [[walk through the gate.->Walk of fame]]](align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[You attempt to walk past the guard but he grabs your arm and stops you. "Not so fast, worm. First put those weapons back in the rack, can't have you pulling any escape plans with those." You groan but obey, and walk to the weapon rack. You place the sword and shield back where you found them. the moment they leave your hands, they catch flame and disappear, leaving the weapon rack slightly charred. You shrug and begin walking towards your cell, the guard following behind.
As soon as you reach the door to your cell, the guard shoves you through and locks the door behind you. Here you are, alone once more. You feel sluggish all of a sudden, and decide to lay in your hammock. Almost immediately, you feel yourself falling into a deep sleep.
Just before you drift off completely, a thought drifts through your tired mind. "[[What else could have happened in that fight?->Awakening]]"]