Training

"In the Arena, you will be allowed to help yourself to some melee weapons in a box outside just before you enter," Alfhild said. "But I since we can't take them back in our cells, I won't be able to train you with them."

It was ten long months. But I was getting stronger. I learned that some slaves are given auto axes.

This included Gatar. The rotating blades meant that autoaxes were closer to chainsaws than actual axes. Gatar's broke down one time and I repaired it. Alfhild and Julene both taught me how to fight.

This was on top of the numerous Crawlers I had to fight in the new cavern. Of course, I didn't know to use any weapon other than a pickaxe. I was also a big help, treating any slaves that got injured under these unsafe working conditions.

"There's gonna be another Arena challenge this month," Julene said. "I heard they're bringing Crawlers in this time."

To be honest, I was grossed out when I first killed a Crawler, though I've gotten better at not being sick afterwards.

I've never killed an actual person before.

"The tournament will have 18 fighters, barring the Crawlers because they're just animals. In the first two rounds, you'll fight three opponents but the final match will be against just one opponent."

Gatar started doing some hand signals I only partly understood to be something about it not being so easy.

"Gatar is saying that the final match will be against someone who survived that far so you shouldn't underestimate it just because you'll only have one opponent." Julene said.

"Are there are exemptions to the kill your opponent rule?" I asked.

"Yes, if the masters deem a **** too useful to kill, they'll be spared even if they lose." Julene replied.

"So it's possible that two of us can enter and I can throw the match once we fight each other." I suggested. "My ability to treat injuries is unique and I was able to repair Gatar's auto axe."

"That's a good point." Alfhild.