Extra's Descent

"I'll see you next time, Evelyn."

"....When are you going to refer to me as 'Miss'...?"

Evelyn breathed out a sigh.

Honorifics were very important to her for some reason.

Brandon knew that and for that reason, he had always teased her. As if they were of the same age.

"Whatever. Be sure to contact me using the Twilight Device."

The Twilight Device.

The device that all patrons used inside the blackmarket. With the device, they can use their blackmarket accounts.

It had everything. From their credit banking, to surfing the deep web, and is even used to handle transactions.

Underground, the signal was blocked. However, the Twilight Device was still in operation.

"Sure."

Brandon nodded his head and left.

Seeing Evelyn was a breath of fresh air. He hadn't seen her for a year.

The change she underwent had taken him aback.

He had asked her to teach him swordsmanship. Thankfully, she agreed. But only after the operation.

Apparently, Evelyn was appointed to become an instructor for the Imperial Academy.

Though the offer was still on hold. But it seemed like due to Brandon's appearance, and the fact that he had told her he would attend, Evelyn seemed to be on board with becoming an instructor.

"Ah."

It was then when he remembered.

"Matthew!"

He had completely forgotten.

With such thoughts, he retrieved the Twilight Device from his pocket and opened Matthew's blackmarket account.

Just below his account, there was a description of his identity scripture.

[124636969]

And so, Brandon typed down the exact numbers.

Ring…. Ring…. Click.

—Ah, Boss! Where are you?!

"Just met up with an old acquaintance. Are you still at the colosseum?"

—Boss…! They're looking for you here!

"What do you—

—Is that him? Can we borrow your phone….?

A different voice chimed in. A woman's voice.

—Hello…? Is this Codename: Moriarty…?

Listening attentively, it seemed to be the receptionist.

"Speaking."

—Your match is up. It's been ten minutes. If you don't show up in the next five or so, you'll be disqualified.

"...."

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What in the world.

'Since when did I—Ah.'

He realized.

'Zed, huh?'

The man set him up again.

The edges Brandon's lips twisted upwards.

Though it wasn't exactly to plan. It was still going in that direction.

*

Brandon arrived at the colosseum. Walking towards the receptionist, Brandon gave a curt nod and opened his mouth.

"Am I disqualified?"

"Codename: Moriarty?"

"Yes."

"4 minutes and 39 seconds. A close call. Please insert your card here for confirmation.

Brandon shrugged his shoulders and did as instructed.

"Codename: Moriarty confirmed."

Receiving his card, Brandon tucked it back inside his pocket and raised his head.

He looked around first before meeting the receptionist's gaze.

He pursed his lips.

"Where do I need to go? And who or what am I fighting?"

"That's the surprise. Please go to area number five. Someone will be on standby to guide you."

"Okay, thanks."

Brandon nodded his head and left.

Wandering around the hall, Brandon looked ahead.

"Hmm…. area number one… area number two… area number four—Ah."

And after a while, he blinked his eyes.

"Area number five."

Swallowing, Brandon beckoned inside, pushing the door. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

Clank—!

Looking around, it was a hallway. The hallway stretched out wide, and there seemed to be light at the end of the tunnel.

"Codename: Moriarty. Before you start, I'll debrief you on the rules."

A deep voice rang. Brandon fixed his attention to the side.

A robust man who was significantly taller than him, with a beard and bald hair, stood at the dark corner, crossing his arms.

Tattoos seemed to be engraved on his rather muscular arm, and he spoke with a deep voice.

"Since this is more for entertainment, you'll be given a leeway of five minutes to adapt to your opponent. If you think you can defeat your opponent in less than a minute, please refrain from doing so."

The man turned his head to the side and continued.

"If you think you're about to die, don't worry. We've put shock collars on those beasts. Just one press of a button would disarm them."

Then, he looked at Brandon and narrowed his eyes.

"I heard you've been recommended by a Twilight. I hope you don't dare disappoint."

"Heh."

Brandon scoffed and walked ahead.

From behind him, he could hear the man mutter, 'Arrogant bastard.'

Brandon couldn't blame him. He had to keep up the arrogant facade, especially inside the blackmarket.

The light permeated from the exit of the hallway.

—Wooooh!

—Wew~ Wew~

Brandon could hear the cheers erupt from the audience chamber. Holding the hilt of his blade, Brandon took confident steps.

Step— Step—

Light casted down on his face, and he took in the sight of the entire colosseum.

—Woooooh!

—Codename: Moriarty? Doesn't that name sound familiar?

—Could it be that guy?

—I heard he was recommended by a Twilight.

—In that case, it has to be him.

As soon as he walked out of the hallway, he could already hear the murmurs and chatter that echoed.

And indeed. It seemed like the Moriarty moniker was still somehow relevant in the blackmarket.

For however that came to be, Brandon had no idea.

He looked ahead.

There, he could see a huge beast with chains all over its figure. Chains wrapped themselves around both of its legs, arms, and neck.

Standing nearly seven feet tall, its muscular body was covered in deep green and mottled brown scales, as if it were natural armor.

Its head, crowned with bony ridges, featured glowing amber eyes and a snout full of sharp teeth.

"Lizardman, huh?"

Brandon crossed his arms.

A guard seemed to be atop the chamber, acting as a referee from a safe point.

"Are you ready, Sir Moriarty?"

The guard spoke.

"Sure."

Brandon nodded his head as he held the hilt of his blade.

Clank! Clank! Clank! Clank!

A loud metallic sound rang out, and all the chains on the lizardman's body fell to the ground.

However, despite its rough appearance, Brandon could sense a certain regal exuding from the lizardman.

It stepped forward and massaged its wrists, twisted its neck, and stretched its legs.

Then, it stepped forward and calmly spoke.

"You. Warrior."

"....?"

"Come."

WHII—

A blaring horn echoed throughout the entire colosseum, signaling the start of the match.