… is just incredible," Elias thought, gazing at the grand city carved inside the mountain. The vast interior had been meticulously chiseled, walls smooth and flat. Intricate miniature murals etched onto them depicted the wars of 300 years past.
The city spanned about 1,000–1,500 square kilometers—a staggering testament to its size.
From above, the city unfolded in three distinct tiers. Every building, constructed of the same pristine white concrete, looked as though crafted by a single master architect.
As Elias was escorted toward the arena, he took in the view. The guards had mentioned the names: Upper Carvelyn, Central Carvelyn, and Lower Carvelyn.
Upper Carvelyn was home to slums, beggars, and the impoverished. Despite its reputation, even its worst hovels were built from that costly white concrete. Elias may not have known much of the city's layout, but it was easy to comprehend: the city leaders mandated white concrete for every dwelling.
Central Carvelyn housed better-off families and functioned as the commercial heart of the city. With over 400 shops and businesses, it attracted wealthy tourists thanks to its artistic charm. Homelessness here was nearly nonexistent.
Lower Carvelyn was where nobles and the rich lived. Marble-paved streets were lined with grand statues of knights and wizards. The homes were magnificent, the stone columns exquisitely crafted.
In its center rose a majestic structure called Lurde Monte—seemingly a temple, but Elias knew it was the arena.
---
Lurde Monte – Arena of Blood
Elias stared in awe at Lurde Monte. Each of its four towering staircases was draped in deep red carpet, leading to four massive, white concrete tiers. Intricate relief carvings adorned the walls—identical murals reflecting the creed and propaganda of the Moon Worship Order.
Though not fully versed in their teachings, Elias knew enough: legend claimed the goddess birthed humanity from blood, and hence people must offer her sacrifices—or blood.
What marked this as an arena was its open roof—temple-like yet hollow above.
---
Inside the Arena
Inside, mural after mural lined the walls: one showed people kneeling before a crescent moon; another depicted a woman shielding a city with her hands. Every fresco told the same religious tale.
The floor was polished marble, and colossal crystal lights—nearly Elias's own height—illuminated the space. He wondered what their worth might be in gold, calculating silently… until he bumped into the guard flanking him.
Chains were snapped on, and he was thrust into a pitch-black, windowless cell. A shackle locked around his ankle.
---
Outside in the Night
Meanwhile, outside the city gates, Hedric—his white-haired cloak flowing—and his steward observed a cart pulled by a beast and piled high with straw and one giant sack.
Hedric recognized the driver—a green-haired, blue-eyed elf who removed his white wig.
He said coldly, "This… is the royal gift for Your Majesty the Queen. If anything happens to it, you'll answer for it."
Hedric scanned the sack's air holes. "This it?"
"Yes." The elf opened it, revealing a grey-haired elf woman—Elias's age—bound and unconscious.
Hedric sighed, "This is going to be difficult." He inhaled deeply. "We'll take her. You may leave."
The elf nodded and disappeared into the dust. Hedric turned to his steward: "Take her to the holding area. Make sure no one sees. I'll go prepare for the Queen."
---
The Dawn Festival
By morning, Carvelyn's white stone had been bathed in red—festive drapings everywhere. Hector, one of the guards who had arrived with Elias but remained behind, remarked:
"Is all this decoration for a dogfight?"
The scrawnier guard replied, "It's not just any fight—it's holy celebration. The Moon Order holds sway here. Every five years, the Ludus Cruoris is a city-wide festival."
He continued: "To show the goddess's mercy, they give food, drink, and clothing to everyone in Lower Carvelyn. In return, people pledge loyalty and offer their earnings back to the Order."
Hector nodded thoughtfully. "I wondered why the nobles looked so… merciful today."
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The Royal Procession
Suddenly, the crowd fell silent as a booming voice echoed through the streets:
"Attention! Their Majesties, our gracious Queen and her children, have arrived in our capital, Carvelyn. Show them your respect!"
The people kneeled or fell prostrate. Two orderly rows of guards formed a walkway. On a golden palanquin carried by eight blinded slaves, sat three thrones—one for the Queen, one for the Prince, and one for the Princess.
The Queen sat center stage: black hair in a tight bun, cold black eyes, wearing a crimson gown embroidered with gold, and fanning herself with an ornate red-and-white fan (rumored to cost over 300,000 gold). She uttered:
"I expected you to meet us outside the city."
Hedric bowed deeply, one hand on his chest, the other at his waist, his left foot forward. The crowd parted like water. He gently kissed the back of her hand and replied:
"My apologies, Majesty. A slight complication—I trust you understand. The Ludus Cruoris is about to begin."
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Elias's Moment of Truth
Back in the cell, Elias meditated in the darkness when footsteps approached. The door swung open, and a guard unlocked his chains. They led him, along a corridor lined with murals, into the roaring arena.
The stadium consisted of four tiers:
The first two for commoners
The third for nobles, commanders, and high merchants
The fourth—the Royal Suite—reserved for invited guests and the royal family
Elias counted forty slaves, including himself. Then a voice roared:
"People of the Kingdom of Gravmire, welcome to the Ludus Cruoris—the Duel of Blood—in honor of our exalted goddess Selkarya!"