Welcome to Nexus Prime!

[Alastor Ryden]

When joining this topic - This topic is reserved for two gladiators, Julio Marius and Goliath Oberon.

However, Everyone is free to join(if it makes sense for their characters to do so). Obviously a Paladin wouldn't be entering into an underground tournament. lol Also don't just jump into the ring at random, the tournament is set up on a one on one basis until the finale which will be a free for all so if someone else is fighting, wait, and I'll set up your fight immediately after.

For those who fight NPC's in the tourney, end them quickly. Think of these characters as a way to make your character look super badass by destroying them in spectacular ways with minimal effort. Parry back with them for one or two posts but don't let the fights stretch out.

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The blood thirsty roar of the crowd exploded and shook the stadium as a man stood up from the royal section of the rafters. Other prestigious members within that party grinned as the man raised his hand to the crowd to quiet them, so that he could make his speech. This man was one of the main organizers for the events held in the arena and held an honorable title within Elyon. "People of Elyon! We're gathered here today in the Bloodsand Arena for a competition of astronomical proportions! For the first time in Nexus history, we have two Titans in one tournament for your entertainment! The people's choice, The Head Hunter of the Sand and Destroyer of Souls - Julio Marias!!" The people's cheers ignited once more with thunderous applause from hearing the man's name. The announcer gave a satisfied grin as he awaited for the crowd to die down before speaking again. "And for your viewing pleasure, and Mine.. The only man to have ever lived long enough to earn his freedom and Champion of Nexus, The god of Blood himself.. Goliath Oberon!" The stadium resumed their enormous, lustful screams in anticipation for the epic confrontation to come.

"These two Gods of the Arena will fight their way through every single round of the day. And before sundown, they will face off with several other worthy Gladiators in a battle royal to rock the ages!!" The men and women of the crowd screamed with an almost sinful desire to see the games begin. Knowing he should not keep the crowd any longer, he quickly announced the first round of the games. "For the first round.. I give you, Cestus The Decimator!" The wide iron gates opened on one side of the arena, and a massive, beast of a man stepped forth wielding a giant two sided hammer with large spikes on each end. His face was concealed by a heavily armored, spiked helmet and the crowd ignited once more when they recognized him. "And his opponent, Julio Marius! Destroyer of Souls and Head hunter of the Sand!!" The former roar of the crowd was eclipsed by this new wave of screams, faithful and loving fans of the gladiator that was called forth. The iron gates on the opposite end opened, letting the warrior within emerge and begin the first round of the Dark Tournament.

[Julio Marius]

When the crowd roared and gave there cheers a smaller framed man walked from iron gates that made shrieks from rust as they were lifted before him. The skin of white had a few deep scars at his sides and back. His feet dawned with boots with a thin metal layer strapped over the leather. Etched in pictures depicting his victories from the past upon the metal. His legs covered by black cloth plants and held up by a simple leather belt. His chest revealed nothing covering it as he boasted his no need for armor at his chest and heart. Both arms were protected by knights armor like style arm protectors then went from shoulder too the whole hand. Again victories etched in pictures. Some showing strange demonic powers in the pictures of gore and victory.

He walked out slowly the dust kicking up at his steps. He was breathing heavy as he looked ahead at his enemy. The calm face shedding for snarls as his nose curled. Jagged teeth like a dog came into view as snarls turned into growls. he smacked his swords together and the clang almost sounded like a mixture of screams from the souls trapped within could be hear as well. He roared too the sky his sound like that of a monster or devilish creature. It didn't sound human and even caused fear in the crowd he could sense. He could feel all those who feared and loved him. It was energizing if not arousing. A strange sound from the fact his tongue was no longer in place was the cause of the horrid sound. his swords at his sides in a heroic pose too let the crowd know the beast was awake roaring too the sky. He jerked his head back down after his upward roar and locked eyes with his foe. He could sense fear. A small layer of it but fear nonetheless. Those black swords had ghostly faces moving about in the black steel. His eyes spoke for him. A chilling notion as he pointed his sword at the large man. His way of saying his soul would be mine.

With the red eyes looking at the metal helmet he knew the man saw those eyes. his sharp teeth gritted until he roared once more breaking off in hug sprint like a wild animal. Making the warrior think he would go for him head on. When the man would go too lift his giant hammer Julio would slide under him. As his back would slide on the dusty arena floor he'd swing both blades for the mans knees simultaneously. His hope too go under the man and slice at his legs and making it behind him and get too back too his feet before the man could smash his hammer down on him in his attempt. If he got back too his feet he'd waste no time lashing at his opponent in a weakened state. Saving the ending kill too be something special though. He knew what the crowd wanted.

[Alastor Ryden]

Cestus grimaced for a moment at the sight of those piercing bloody orbs, however he regained his composure and prepared for battle as Julio ascended towards him. At the very last moment he caught onto his facade, a tricky maneuver to be sure. The decimator jumped into the air while lowering the weighted end of his hammer onto the man's chest as he passed underneath him. This helped Julio to pass under him with no friction as Cestus launched above him, landing on his feet only to immediately perform a back swing with his mighty weapon.

"DIEE!!

The warrior let out a bloody roar as he slammed his massive weapon downward towards the grounded man, aiming to connect with his head and end the game quickly. Whether the blow connected or not, the man would then burst out into a fit of rage. Spinning his massive hammer with both arms as he twisted towards julio. A tornado of heavy steel came for him swiftly, and blindly as the crowd begged for blood on the sand.

[Julio Marius]

He flipped too his feet and leaped back up as quickly as he could a little dust kicking up from the maneuver. He soon after witnessed the ground crack and break up where the hammer crashed down a spike crushing the ground more. He grunted and growled as the man spun spinning like a tornado of steel. A crashing wave of spinning power. he ran toward the man though once more screaming as the hammer spun for him as he ducked low feeling the gust of wind nearly knock him over alone as the crashing hammer spun above his head. There was much strength in this mans attack. So he figured he'd have too find a way too use that against him.

Still pushing forward Julio rammed one sword straight for the mans side. That hammer was heavy and swinging it like that would be hard to just stop on a dime. The man would be coming around for another swing but if Julio's assault worked then the man would do most of his work for him. He stabbed forward with a stab to lunge the blade in the mans side but only about half way if it was successful. the idea was when the men kept spinning Julio would hold his blade securely in place and hold his ground. The man would spin and cut his own stomach open. Even if the hammer crashed into him there would be no way for a second attack when the mans innards lay before him on the battle ground. His second sword was ready too block some of the blow if the hammer hit him. HE'd be ready too block if his attack was successful or unsuccessful. But either way that hammer would do some damage even if it hit his blocking sword. He'd roar as he jabbed the sword forward.

He waited for a crashing blow too knock him back. He'd take the hit but hope for the spray of blood and organs after too make it all worth it. He knew this hit would take the wind from him so he waited for it. He'd have too think quickly if this failed.

[Goliath Oberon]

As Cestus spun, his blind rage and velocity left him wide open to the precision strikes coming from Julio. Unfortunately for the decimator, the blows were accurate and deep. The man unraveled like a Christmas present made of flesh and guts before collapsing to the ground. The crowd exploded with applause as the lifeless man was dragged away by the undertakers.

The announcer from the booth stood up once more and congratulated Julio's greatness as the gladiator was escorted to the waiting cells. "A fantastic start to the games! The first blood has been spilled, the first taste of many today!" The people in the stadium stomped, screamed, and cheered for another game to begin. "For the next game, the master of blades and quick strike assassin from Athens, JackalFang!" The iron doors reopened and a shadow of a man slithered from it's darkness. Moving like a black cloud across the sand as his tattered onyx clothing tossed back and forth with each sudden movement. JackalFang settled in one spot for a moment to reveal two identical blades extended past his elbows which he held in a back wards fashion.

"And his opponent! A man who needs no introduction, but I'll do it anyways! The God of blood, Goliath Oberon!!!" The opposing doors opened as a deafening wave of screams echoed through the stadium. The Titan soul emerged from the shadows with simplistic attire, bound with wrappings from his lower torso up to his face. His emerald hues shined with a brilliant intensity as they locked onto his opponent. His long onyx locks blew to the side as a gust of wind surrounded him, as if attracted to the power emanating from within. Goliath expressed no words to the quick and nimble man, only an intense stare and clenched fists. "BEGIN!!" The announcer yelled over the outrageous crowd. The Athenian warrior rushed for Goliath directly, jerking left and right in a zig zag motion towards him.

The man made a diagonal slash towards Goliath's chest, the Titan retaliated with swift and explosive force. The champion of Nexus back handed the blade, deflecting it to the side before connecting a powerful kick to Jackalfang's chest sending him several feet back. The quick strike master flipped backwards and landed on his feet with grace in his step as he leaped towards his opponent once more. Some of the wrappings around Goliath's forearm began to unravel as a hand ax materialized into his grip. Jackalfang landed on the ground once more only to jump high above Goliath in an attempt to land an aerial blow.

Again, at the very last moment before impact, The Titan made his move. He suddenly knelt to one knee as he spun in a 360 degree turn, lifting up his free hand as a small shield materialized around his forearm. Blocking the blow as he spun, then fluidly continuing the strike as he put the ax through the man's abdomen. The speedy attacker fell to his knees as Goliath rose above him, materializing twin blades, one in each hand. Emerald orbs looked up to the rafters, awaiting the approval to finish the man off. The crowd spoke for themselves, they wanted blood and they would have it. Goliath crossed both blades over one another, swinging them both in a powerful movement. The blades cleaved the man's head in clean slice.

The Titan soul turned from his headless opponent and began walking away to return to the darkness from where he came. His weaponry faded into dust as he adjusted the wraps over his forearm once more. The body of his opponent was dragged out of the arena as he returned to the holding cell to wait for his next battle.

The man in the booth stood up to quiet the crowd briefly once again, to announce the next round. He raised his hand and let out an amused laughter from the previous bout. "We all know of Goliath's exceptional skill in battle, but now it's time to show some fresh blood in the Arena! A returning gladiator, A highly lethal hunter from Valhalla the city of War! I give you, Elve!" The crowd ignited surprisingly well, whether it was from the building anticipation for the finale or the genuine excitement for another round. Both iron doors opened, one for Elve and one for her opponent, but a third door opened as well. "And Her opponent, the skull crusher of Tartarus! Bansee! And for the first time ever, we'll test the might and cunning of both warriors.." He paused for a moment as Banshee entered the sands and a barrage of roars echoed from the darkened cage.

"Release the Chimeras!" The announcer said as he took a seat and let the people in the stadium cheer until the sounds were deafening. Three abominations emerged from the shadows of the third iron door. They were nearly identical, with the head of a lion, claws of a griffin and a two headed snake for a tail. The ferocious monstrocities spread out and quickly drew their attentions to Elve and Banshee. Hissing and growling as they lurked closer towards them, in the center of the Arena.

[Elve]

As Elve heard her name announced and the door opened, she made her way out into the arena. Slow, even steps fell as she stepped out into the light and noise of the stadium. Another door opened and another opponent was announced, but Elve's eyes were drawn toward the third door. Even before it was announced, Elve could tell that there was to be something else to this fight, whether it was to distract them from each other or kill them while they were distracted by each other.

Until that third element was revealed, however, she could only watch and wait. Keeping one eye on the door, Elve checked and readied her weapons. Her two 2911s she had brought as always. Already they were ready to fire, with one round in the chamber of each even with no magazines. Elve inserted a full magazine into each, then pulled her third weapon off her back to inspect it as well. The Orion model assault rifle had been her favorite for ventures into the Outer Haven, when a pair of handguns just wouldn't always suffice. Elve wondered just how many future clients or hired thugs were in the audience today, and how many would make a point of not causing trouble for her today after seeing her use it.

Elve loaded the Orion as well, but slung it over her back again as she decided not to open with it. As she finished, the announcer shouted to release the chimaeras, and the chimaeras appeared. Three of them emerged from the third door and immediately caught sight and smell of the less monstrous occupants of the arena. One of them locked on her and made its way forward at the prospect of easy prey.

The mercenary from Valhassa stood still, closing her eyes and exerting her power on the air around her after catching sight of everything else on the battlefield. One each of the beasts had gone for her and Banshee, while the third lingered somewhere in the middle, possibly waiting for whichever presented itself as the easier target. Her opponent had been distracted by the chimaeras, allowing Elve to focus on them for the moment. And the one approaching her was...

...there!

She felt pressure change, and force push against force as the chimaera approached her. Sand was kicked up and scattered as Elve kicked off of the ground and landed on the beast's back. She turned immediately, putting two rounds through the base of the tail. The tail fell inert, nearly blown completely off by the shots. The chimaera roared and bounded about erratically, both in pain and in hopes of shaking its assailant off. It was all Elve could do to stay on, holstering one gun to grip a fistful of the chimaera's main and holding the other less than inch away from its head. She squeezed the trigger again, and again, and again, putting .45 bullets through the beast's skull, but still it kept moving, oblivious to the fact that she was in the process of blowing its brains out.

Or perhaps not oblivious, but simply not caring.

Finally, it shook Elve off, throwing her to the ground and turning on the spot to pounce on her. Claws dug into her chest, and it was all she could do to push back against them, to keep the cuts shallow. So instead of trying to keep up a constant resistance, she focused it all into one push. Thrusting her hands forward, she drove them into the underbelly of the chimaera, amplifying the force of the otherwise light blow until the beast was thrown off her and landed in the sand several feet away, dazed.

Elve picked herself off the ground and took a few steps toward the beast, still keeping her distance. She then raised her gun toward its head, and fired off one more shot into its open mouth. With that last shot, it finally stopped trying to move. Elve ejected the empty magazine into her open hand and replaced it, then turned her attention toward Banshee and the remaining two chimaeras.

[Goliath Oberon]

The first chimera had fallen, and the other two remained with one of them giving chase to the other gladiator in the arena. Banshee adjusted the katars on both his arms and extended the blades as the beast charged him. The skull crusher crouched and waited until a moment before impact to shift to the side, dodging the chimera as he cut into the creature's tendons. The blow successfully hit the left front and back ankles of the chimera, forcing it to limp on one side.

However, that didn't stop the beast entirely as it quickly retaliated against Banshee with horrifying speed. The Chimera hurled itself at the warrior, lunging with both claws extended at the man's jugular. Banshee was able to narrowly dodge the strike only to be hit with the backlash of the monster's tail. The serpent appendage latched onto his shoulder and dug it's fangs into the muscle tissue as the warrior began thrashing his katar at it's skin to sever the unwanted bond.

By this time the third chimera had become interested in the conflict and began pacing towards them with a curious but focused stare in it's eyes. Banshee took notice, seeing the beast looming closer towards him he became desperate. The gladiator formed his blades in a scissor formation and exerted all his strength to sever the snake's grip. The head of the creature was still clung to his shoulder but that didn't stop him, Banshee leaped over the wounded creature and retracted his katars before reaching for the two weapons on his back.

The skull crusher gripped the handles to the two mid length hammers on his back and slammed them downward on either side of the chimera's head. The hammers met in the middle and put a massive crushing blow into each side of the beast's skull, disorienting him as the third monster attacked. Banshee gripped the mane of the beast and jerked upward, and due to the trauma in it's head, the creature obeyed. The man then rode the chimera away from the third and towards Elve. The untouched monster gave chase immediately, annoyed at the meal that was denied, giving him a greater incentive to pursue faster.

Banshee launched off the creature's back before reaching Elve's location. The warrior landed roughly in the sand and skidded a ways off from the inevitable collision. Although he was unaware of his opponent's skill, he was sure she wouldn't make it out alive. He re-holstered his hammers and extended his katar blades again, preparing to rush in for the first available opening that he got.

[Elve]

"He's not bad," Elve said lightly as she watched her opponent deal with the chimaera that had attacked him and mount it for an attack on her. Elve didn't bother to move out of the way as the chimaera charged, and the so-called Skull Crusher launched himself from its back...then she dropped to the ground, letting the man fly right over top of him. No amount of flattening herself onto the sand would allow her to avoid a rampaging beast that had now shifted what attention it had left to her, though, and within a second it had pounced on her...

...only for Elve to stand up and take the chimaera's entire body with nothing more than a short stumble backward, and then hold it in place.

Some of those who knew her back in Valhalla had taken to calling Elve 'immovable', and for good reason. It was about time that these outer haven thugs learned it for themselves. As calm as could be, Elve stood in place as the second remaining chimaera charged her as well, following in the tracks of the first one after it had born away the prey that had escaped. With a couple seconds more to prepare, she was able to lean into the impending pounce and push the body of the chimaera she had already caught into it, sparing her the teeth and claws of its would-be companion. Even the momentum of its charge didn't sway her as she simply reduced the force it exerted enough to be shaken, but unmoved. Like a reinforced steel wall she shrugged off the both of them, then pulled the Orion from her back to shred them both with amplified assault rifle rounds.

The already injured of the beasts was put down with no extra trouble, but the other fought through the damage of bullets tearing through its flesh long enough to swipe at Elve, leaving parallel gashes across her thigh. Elve instinctively backed away, blocking out the pain. She could ignore it completely, so long as her leg could still move function. And so it could, so she continued to back away until .308 rounds pierced the beast's brain and finally put it down.

She then turned back around, training the Orion assault rifle on Banshee. One chance was all he would get to back down before she opened fire on him as well.

[Goliath Oberon]

Banshee stumbled onto his feet as the two chimera engaged Elve, he struggled to recover from the tussle before bringing his attention to his opponent. What he saw then was unexpected to say the least, watching in awe as the "immovable one" proved her name in full. The warrior began thinking of how best to approach the situation as he held his hammers firmly in his hands. The blades of his katars covered over the handles, creating a guard for the hammers. Just as Elve had finished off the last beast, Banshee made his move. The man lunged forward only to stop in his tracks as she drew her weapon onto him. He raised his hands defensively as if to surrender the match.

The gladiator slowly rose both arms until they were horizontal with the ground, his eyes transfixed on Elve as he initiated his trickery. Suddenly, Banshee twisted his wrists triggering a mechanism in the blades which caused them to eject from his forearms and spiral towards Elve. The man then barreled after the two projectile knives in order to follow up with a finishing blow with both hammers. Banshee let out a war cry as he launched into the air, rising and falling quickly on top of Elve aiming both hammers to strike with deadly force.

[Elve]

With her opponent's apparent gesture of surrender, Elve let the Orion rifle fall onto the sand below, in her own gesture of accepting it. When he didn't immediately drop his own weapons though, her hands fell to rest on the grips of her 2911s. One had seen almost no use in the entire fight thus far, while the other would seem empty to anyone who wasn't entirely familiar with that make of firearm.

One in the chamber. Always one in the chamber.

Sure enough, Banshee launched knives attached onto his wrists, and Elve instinctively ducked to avoid them. She stayed in a crouch as the man launched himself toward her again. At this distance, facing her and starting from the ground rather than the back of a rampaging beast, he wouldn't simply fly over her like he had the last time. He would easily land on top of her, striking downward rather than forward.

Fortunately, Elve had no intention of making him miss.

She shifted her body forward, out of the direct line of the hammers, and braced herself to weather what would hopefully now be glancing blows as if they were nothing. As the man fell on her, she sprung up to meet him, drawing her handguns in a single motion and pressing the muzzles into his stomach. She squeezed the trigger on each, and applied a little extra force to the bullets to send him flying.

[Goliath Oberon]

The gladiator collided with the sand several feet away from Elve, motionless and full of bullet holes. The crowd ignited and roared for the marauder's victory, begging and pleading for more. A few guards from the inner gates poured out and quickly carried away the bodies of the dead including the downed Chimeras. After only blood and the victorious marauder remained upon the sands, the announcer stood up once more to declare the finale.

"A spectacular display of skill and cunning! But how will Elve fair in a dog fight free for all round? The moment you've all been waiting for is here! Balin lionheart from Athens! Axel of blades from Tartarus! Taguro the dragon killer from Valhalla! Elve the bloody assassin from Valhalla! Julio the head hunter of the sand! And Goliath Oberon, Champion of Nexus! These six gladiators, these six Titans of the arena will face off against one another in a fight to the death anything goes round! Today, one warrior among them will earn their immortality in the arena!"

The announcer finished before sitting back down, followed shortly by a tsunami of applause and the sound of feet stomping hard against the rafters. All of the iron gates in the Colosseum opened up to let each gladiator follow in their respective places one by one.

Balin stepped forth first from his shadowy waiting place, a look of determination on his face beneath his helmet. His left arm was entirely covered in dense metallic alloy and his legs were both guarded with the same. Across his stomach he wore a thick hide pelt which was furry from whichever animal was slain to create it. In his left hand he wielded a large ax which, for most people would be hard to carry with both hands. In his right he held a massive tower shield which had a series of sharpened spikes around the border. His helmet resembled a lion's head, with it's open mouth and eyes being the only exposed parts on it. "Die like the rest.."

Axel emerged next, dashing out from under the archway carrying well over thirty bladed weapons. In fact his armor appeared to consist entirely of knives, short swords, or projectiles and the holsters, straps, and pouches to carry them. He wore only a face mask which was solid black in color with piercing red eyes glowing from beneath it. Orbiting around him magically were a set of six blades, ranging in size from three to six feet in length. "My blades are thirsty.."

Taguro the dragon killer walked out slowly, tall and muscular in his build, more so than any of the others. The man towered above the average gladiator and had a menacing appearance to go along with his scary size. From head to toe he was covered in a seemingly impenetrable armor which gave off an eerie white aura that permeated from the alloy like a fog. His right arm was equipped with a complex looking claw blade which stretched from his elbow down to his hand grip and continued on until it was a few inches off the ground. His left hand held no weaponry of any kind, just a naked hand free of armor with an intricate alchemic symbol in the palm. "I must break you."

Finally, Goliath rose from his shadowy waiting place eagerly anticipating the competition. The champion of Nexus walked across the blood drenched sands as metallic pauldrons materialized onto his shoulders. The pauldrons had large spikes protruding from the frames and as he walked further, the armor extended to his elbows as two twin swords formed in his grip. His shins developed a spiky metallic guard over them and the wrappings which cover his body began to unfurl as he came to a halt. "Roses are red.. Violets are blue.. This blood smells so sweet, I'm coming to kill you." Malevolent desire reflected behind his emerald hues as he spoke. A grin of satisfaction consumed him as thoughts of the battle and glory played out in his mind. Although Goliath was not sadistic in nature, the energy on the battle field always pumped his blood with rage. He flipped his twin swords over once, rotating them before sliding into a ready stance.

ooc: I'll be controlling the npcs so don't worry about them. Attack whoever you wish, up to you. Post order from this point on is - Julio, Elve, Goliath. When I make my reply as Goliath I'll also add a reply from the npcs if you've engaged them, or even if you didn't lol

[Julio Marius]

The rusty metal gates parted to let Julio enter the arena among all the other warriors. He walked in calmly his armor stained red. The metal boots and armor on his arms were covered in the blood of the his previous kill. His helmet was disguarded his face was painted with blood in strange tribal symbols. He looked around watching all those too enter. He muttered now growls or roars. He's eyes looked for the battles he found most interesting. Goliath was in this battle. A free'd Champion. He felt eager too taste the blood of such a warrior. He had a plan for this. He was also curious of the other warrior he'd never heard of. The strange woman. Two were not slaves and had their own reasons for being here. It made them more special targets too him. He would stay silent for now. He'd wait for and attacker. His goal was too get a chance to Either slay Goliath and take the crowd. Or slay the woman and take her flesh as a reward.

His swords twisted within the metal the dark ghostly shapes twisting and spinning within. Ghosts of the damned all energetic from the bloodlust stirring within him. They knew they would soon have new company. For now however he'd prepare for the coming battle. He knelt too the ground and stabbed each sword in the ground. He took a handful of white sand from the arena floor and covered his hands as he mentally prepared for battle. Soon he'd taste of the blood and flesh of those he wished too kill.

[Elve]

'Bloody assassin'? The announcers really had to stop exaggerating things. Elve let out a short sigh as yet another exaggerated story about the immovable maiden no doubt took hold in the colosseum. At any rate, she had intended to simply disappear after her first battle, and meet up with the man who had been so adamant about seeing her prove herself before hiring her. Being thrust into a six-way battle royale so soon after meant that she would not be able to do that. Complications. Always happened when she traveled.

As the gates opened to let the other combatants join her in the arena, she knelt down and picked the Orion rifle back out of the sand. She inspected it, shaking sand out of it and ensuring that none had gotten caught in the chamber, or any of the other working parts for the matter. Satisfied, she held it at the ready and waited for the other five to take their places. The strangely pale, sickly looking gladiator. The giant of a man who just made weapons and armor materialize out of nothing. The "lionheart" with massive weapon and shield. The man with enough pointy objects to make a swordsmith or a collector think he was overdoing it. And the so-called dragon killer who looked like he would have no trouble living up to his name. No doubt all of them would be terrifying opponents to a normal warrior. Even Elve hesitated, for only a moment, before returning to her perfect calm. One had seen so much of battle over her entire life as her had no place being nervous before more of it. She would either win in the way she always did, or find her way out in the confusion.

"I suppose I will be the one killing you today," she said to none of them in particular, but at the same time all of them. "It's a pleasure to meet you." She smiled, creating a stark contrast to the menacing glares or hungry stares of her opponents, then waited for the signal.

[Goliath Oberon]

Balin Lionheart took notice to Julio first, watching him kneel to take the sand beneath him into his hands. The warrior watched, then scanned over the other combatants before confirming his target. He twirled the ax in his hand in one rotation before lifting his tower shield with the other, sprinting toward Julian with deadly purpose. The gladiator would start by attempting a diagonal strike downward across Julio's body, performing a secondary slash immediately after in a horizontal hit. Whether or not the blows struck, Lionheart would quickly spin around and attempt to backhand the warrior with the blunt of his massive tower shield. Afterwards, Balin would tuck himself in a strong stance guarding with his ax held out and his shield protecting his front.

Axel the blade master was second to join in on the fun, targeting the one known as Elve. He bolted across the sands with demonic speed, shifting in a zig zag motion towards the marauder. The six blades which revolved around him expanded their orbit as he approached Elve. Axel leaped into the air and soared for a moment before descending upon her. Spiraling in a three hundred sixty degree rotation as each blade fell one over the other attempting to connect each sword into her. Whether the maneuver was successful or not, Axel would tuck and roll away from the female. Moving like a shifty snake along the sand before drawing back for another assault. Axel hurled the blade in his left hand, then the one in his right as the other six shifted around him spinning more violently. "C'mon bitch, gimme a good fight before ya die!" The gladiator said as he reached out and grabbed two of the six blades which hovered around him, before launching toward her again. The man sent a series of frontal jabs with both blades while the other weaponry around him moved around his form defensively.

Taguro stood as a monument of strength and physical perfection, still and patient as he watched the others engage in combat. The dragon slayer watched intently until his eyes fell upon Goliath, whom also stood motionless and calm a midst the battlefield. Divide and conquer was the law of this jungle, and Taguro would start with Julio and Balin. The hulking armored menace burst toward the two warriors doing battle, hoping to kill both while they were distracted. He moved with surprising speed considering his size and the armor he wore. Taguro lifted his massive claw blade as he approached the two and attempted a horizontal slash, aiming to cut through both men with one foul swoop.

And if it wasn't for Goliath, he may have succeeded in splitting the men in two. The god of blood converged on the scene with inhumane agility, suddenly wielding a massive club roughly twice his height with the thickness of a street lamp. Slamming the heavy end of the gigantic bat across Taguro's chest, sending him far far away from Julio and his opponent. His emerald orbs shimmered as a look of disgust plastered on his expression. "I will not tolerate such dishonorable behavior, Your fight is with me Dragon Slayer." Goliath commanded as he walked a good distance ahead of Julio and Balin. With titanic strength, the Champion of Nexus began to rotate and spin the massive club before it became a furious blur wood. Once he reached the final rotation, Goliath hurled the weapon towards the dragon slayer.

Taguro reached out his left hand and opened his palm toward the oncoming piece of timber. The alchemic symbol tattooed to his palm began to glow bright red as he lunged forward. The massive man caught the weapon with his bare hand, immediately vaporizing it as a shroud of red electricity poured out and enveloped the club. This did not at all stop his onslaught, as he quickly approached Goliath. The dragon slayer made a horizontal slash at Goliath, the tri-blade claw making a snake-like sound as it cut through the air.

Goliath's eyes widened as the man decimated the massive club in an instant, dragon killer sounded about right from his display of power. Instinctively, the god of blood raised both arms up to block the blow with his forearms. Thick, black, dragon scale armor materialized over his forearms just in time for him to take the hit. The sheer might of the slash was enough to throw Goliath off his feet, several yards away. His body hit the ground and rolled before he stopped himself, smashing his fists into the ground; he was angry and ready to draw blood. The muscles along his back began to enlarge before being covered by a fleece of thick animal hide, a truly barbarian look. The former gladiator rose from the sands as his attacker approached him menacingly. The wraps around Goliath's face and body were now completely gone and his long black hair had fallen to it's full length as he "rearmed" himself. His twin broad swords once again reformed into his grip as he lunged forward, performing an upward diagonal strike before jabbing the other blade directly into the dent in his armor.

The dragon slayer blocked the first strike but left himself open to the second, the blade pierced through his armor causing him to stumble backwards. Taguro knelt on one knee and placed his bare hand on the ground, using the same symbol on his palm as before. A large pillar of stone erupted from the sand aimed to hit Goliath in the chest, stone spikes protruding from the end as it connected.

Goliath caught the pillar head on, sliding on his heels as he fought to push back the stone. His onyx locks began to turn snow white as his eyes glowed a vibrant green, more so than usual. Suddenly an explosive surge of golden energy dwarfed over his form, shattering the pillar where he had gripped it. "You will not break me.." He said in an ominously dark voice, of which seemed to echo more than one vocal set within it. Goliath stepped forward as the rest of the pillar crumbled into the sand as soon as it touched his pulsating golden aura. His body was now close to over twice his muscle mass, his hair snow white and his eyes glowing a piercing shade of green. "I am a god of the arena.. and you.."

Taguro stood back up and lunged both hands forward, attempting to stab and disintegrate him in one hit. "Are just dust.." He finished, making Taguro's delusion of victory short lived as the god of blood stopped him cold with a ground shattering punch to the chest. The massive man was sent barreling across the sand and into the stadium wall, his frontal armor entirely destroyed from the blow. He was alive but unconscious, no longer a threat to the demigod or any of the other warriors there. Goliath turned to face the other combatants, his power reducing to a dim glow around his outline. "Who's next?"

[Julio Marius]

The sound of the man with hulking equipment gave him quick resolve too collect himself from the arena floor. As he'd raise from his knee he'd grip both blades with strong grips and rip them from the ground they were stabbed in. A small dust cloud of white sand kicking up from each blade. He'd clang the black metal as he raised his sword hitting the edge of his foes weapon knocking it upward with a spark collision. When the second attack was launched forward he jerked his arm to knock the ax too the side with a parry. He'd exert a massive push of strength to shove the attack too the side and the mans arm of balance for a moment. The shield bash that came after was a little wavered from the parries and Julio answered it with a bash from his shoulder. A bruised sensation would grow in his shoulder along with a light pain. But the showing of power as he shoved the man back would help show his superiority.

With red eyes he'd glare towards the man letting him jump back and take his stance defended and ready. He'd begin too snarl his mouth of fangs revealed as his lip snarled He'd begin too clang his blades together as he crouched a little lower too the ground one blade held out further then the other the second blade kept closer too his body for defense. He noticed one he wanted knock back the warrior that had tried too sneak up on him and his current enemy. He didn't want too waste time. Slaying someone of that status was the only way too achieve higher then what he already had. He'd turn toward the that was facing off against him once more.

He'd drop his left sword and stand back straight once more. The sword sticking in the ground upon collision. He'd raise his hold his left hand outstretching where the open palm was facing the warrior unstrapping the arm armor and letting his left arm go bare. As his right hand would raise too his left sword clenched tight the crowd would begin too roar. He'd slice open his palm and lightly trail a cut down his arm a few inches. Black blood would pour from the wound. Like the black waters of the riverstyx itself. Holding his sword still strong in his right hand he'd lower his arm at his side. The blood dripping from the blade as well.

After a moment his arm would shake and as if out of nowhere group of insects would begin too pour out of his wound. Bee's, wasps, mosquitoes, Locust, Some insects that had no name. It was like a small horde of black rushing toward the shielded man. Julio would begin taking a few steps back holding his arm steady as he did this.

Balin would hold strong but quickly be swarmed by the horde of black. Biting him and stinging his body all over. Some of the smaller insects would sting and struggle and fight too enter his body through the sting wounds. The man would scream and spin as wounds turned too boils and the pain took hold quickly. He couldn't see nor react well too what was happening. Swinging mindlessly trying too attack the horde of small targets.

It was after a moment or two more when Julio would lower his hands as the insect horde began too stop. A few small last few making there ways through open wound pushing out of the skin. By this time the man was on his back the insects still attacking. The sword and shield had been discarded so he could try and protect his eyes and body in a failing last effort too stop the stings and painful bites of poison.

Julio would approach slowly his insects slowly one by one falling too the ground and dying. A small pile building around the man. The man might live but it wasn't for sure. His eyes were swollen shut and body riddled with bites and boils of poison. Julio would place his foot on the mans left hand that once gripped the ax. With a downward stab he'd remove the hand jerking his blade too snap the bone and send the hand skidding away a few inches. He'd turn back too walk away and clam his sword as the man screamed hunched over curled into a ball taken by pain.

Julio would pull his blade from the ground and sheath the bloodied sword and keep the left one in hand. He'd walk over by the bloodied man and reach down picking up the tower shield that covered a man from nearly head too toe. It'd be of help for sure. He'd also cut a piece of cloth from his pant leg and use it wrap his arm. He couldn't risk losing too much blood. He'd have too be careful about using his power again.

He'd begin walking towards Goliath watching him launch the one fighter across the coliseum shattering the mans armor and spirit with a massive blow. He'd continue till he was within speaking distance ( about twenty feet) of the man or until he was attacked by another warrior. Tower shield in his right hand. In his left hand the black sword with many a warriors soul trapped within. His left arm bare and wrapped in a black cloth. His right arm under the shield still armor so he could be defended even if the shield was disgaurded. His metal covered boots still at his feet. A dark scowl upon his blood painted face.