The Gladiators

The day of the arena battle had arrived. Merlin had trained tirelessly for three days to face Eidrin.

In the prison

Romero: Eidrin, you know what day it is today.
Eidrin: Yeah, I know.
Romero: You better not take him lightly. We don’t know what he’s capable of.
Eidrin: Understood.

Suddenly, several guards arrived and opened the iron prison door. They freed Eidrin and Romero, then led them toward the arena.

In the arena

The seats were filled with people — nearly a thousand spectators had gathered.
Eidrin stepped forward, entering the arena.

Romero: Hey, Eidrin, don’t you dare lose. If you lose, you’ll have to face me next.
Eidrin: Understood.

Eidrin then walked into the battlefield and looked up at the roaring crowd.
Merlin stood on the opposite side, fully armored.

Lucaris: Big brother, be careful.
Merlin: I know.

At the royal balcony, Marina stood beside the king and queen. She didn’t know whom to support — she wanted Eidrin to win but also wanted her brother to stay safe.

High above, man in red cloak stood at the edge of the stadium where no one could notice him.

A referee stood between the two combatants.

Referee: Today is the day we’ve all been waiting for — the gladiator battle between our prince, Merlin of Groacia, and Eidrin of Francia, Francia’s mightiest warrior!
Let the battle begin!

The crowd erupted as the battle started. Eidrin and Merlin stared at each other.

Eidrin: Hey, you attack first.
Merlin rushed forward with his sword and tried to strike Eidrin, but Eidrin blocked the blow with ease.
Eidrin: Nice try. Now take this—
Eidrin countered with a light attack, which Merlin blocked quickly.
Merlin: Then get serious.

Both warriors began to fight seriously. Their swords clashed with powerful strikes that echoed through the arena.

Merlin (thought): This guy… he’s just as tough as I imagined.
Merlin unleashed a series of rapid swings, but Eidrin dodged every one of them.

Eidrin: Is that all you can do?
Lucaris (thought): This isn’t good. That man is too strong… I don’t think big brother can handle him.
Merlin (thought): I can’t lose in front of my people!

Merlin gathered all his strength and launched a furious attack. But no matter what he tried, his tricks were useless against Eidrin.

Eidrin (thought): He’s not as skilled as I thought. I could defeat him in seconds… but humiliating him in front of his people will only cause hatred. I’ll make the battle last a little longer.

Eidrin continued dodging Merlin’s attacks, deliberately avoiding any finishing blows.

Merlin (thought): Then I have no choice…
Lucaris (thought): What!? He’s doing it — he’s going to unleash his Warrior Madness!

Merlin’s eyes flared with energy as he released his Warrior Madness.

Eidrin (thought): What—! Warrior Madness?!
Romero (thought): Oh no! He also has Warrior Madness!

Merlin’s attacks became much faster. One strike cut across Eidrin’s back.

Eidrin (thought): He’s getting stronger now… but it’s still not a problem.
Merlin (laughing): Now how do you feel?
Eidrin: Nice.

High above, the man in the red cloak continued to watch silently.

Romero (thought): Why isn’t Eidrin using his own Warrior Madness?

Eidrin started counterattacking. Merlin dodged several strikes and slipped behind him, but this time Eidrin anticipated it and shoved Merlin back with his sword.

Eidrin (thought): Even though he’s using Warrior Madness, it’s not as powerful as mine. He’s probably been using it for one or two years — I’ve mastered it for ten.

Romero: Eidrin! Why aren’t you using your Warrior Madness? Just finish him already!
Eidrin: I don’t need Warrior Madness to stop him.

Merlin overheard.

Merlin: What?! You’ve been holding back this whole time? I don’t want your sympathy! Fight me at your full power!
Eidrin: Are you sure about that, boy?
Merlin: Yes! Come on!
Eidrin: If you wish so… then okay.

Eidrin unleashed his Warrior Madness. His aura burst forth with immense energy.

Merlin: Now come on!
Eidrin: Yeah.

Both charged at incredible speed, clashing swords. The shockwave of their collision sent dust and energy rippling through the arena. The crowd roared wildly.

Lucaris: What’s happening?! I can’t even follow their movements — they’re too fast!

Eidrin and Merlin fought toe-to-toe, their blades colliding like thunder.

Romero (thought): What’s happening with Eidrin? Why is he still holding back? If I were him, I’d have already finished Merlin by now.

Eidrin: You’re pretty good now.
Merlin: Thanks. But you’re on another level… still, I’ll defeat you and earn everyone’s acknowledgment!
Eidrin: We’ll see.

Merlin used his full power to strike Eidrin, but his attacks barely left a scratch. In return, Eidrin swung his sword and unleashed a powerful energy slash, striking Merlin across the chest.

Merlin: What—!?
Lucaris: Oh no… Big brother!
Marina: Oh no…
Romero: That’s what I expected from you, Eidrin.
Eidrin: Playtime’s over.
Merlin: I won’t lose to you! I’ll kill you if I have to!
Eidrin: I’m not interested in killing you. But show me what you’re capable of.

They charged again. When their swords clashed, an enormous burst of energy surrounded them, forming a bright, swirling field of light from their combined Warrior Madness.

Suddenly, visions flashed in both of their minds.
Eidrin saw memories of his younger brother, Jonas.
Merlin saw memories of his older brother, James.

The crowd looked confused as both fighters stood frozen in the arena.

Romero (thought): What happened now? Why are they standing still?
Lucaris (thought): Why is big brother not moving?

Eidrin (emotionally): You… You’re my brother Jonas?
Merlin (tearfully): So you’re my big brother James… aren’t you?

Merlin dropped his sword and ran to Eidrin, shouting:
Merlin: Big brother…!

Eidrin’s eyes widened, then he embraced him tightly.

The crowd was speechless. No one understood what had just happened.

Romero: What?! What’s going on?!
Lucaris: What’s happening?!
Marina: What is this?!

Merlin turned toward the audience, tears in his eyes.
Merlin: This man… he’s my lost big brother! I want you all to see him as you see me!

Lucaris (shocked): What?!
Marina (shocked): What?!
Romero (confused): What?!

At the top of the arena, the man in the red cloak quietly turned away and walked off, unnoticed by anyone.
The battle was over — but a new truth had been born