Chapter 66: Ghost Veil Poison
The coliseum was loud as usual as Grim made his way through the competitors’ entrance. Today’s matches featured several high-profile contenders, and the arena was jam packed with peopke who wanted to see the day’s matches.
Grim’s white robes drew attention immediately. Since his match against Jin Tao, his appearance had become something of a spectacle. People whispered as he passed, their expressions a mixture of awe, fear, and morbid curiosity.
"That’s him. The Ambrose heir."
"They say he cut a man in half with a single stroke."
"I heard he took Lord Terras’s ear last night."
The rumors grew more outlandish with each retelling, but Grim paid them no mind. Let them talk. Let them fear. It served his purpose.
The competitors’ preparation area was a large chamber divided into sections. Grim’s assigned space was at the far end, marked with the Ambrose crest that had been hastily painted on a wooden placard.
A small table held refreshments. Water, fruit, and a basket of freshly baked bread. Tournament custom dictated that the organizers provide basic sustenance for the day’s fighters.
Grim set Echo aside and reached for one of the rolls, his stomach reminding him that he’d eaten little since his intensive cultivation session the previous day.
"Lord Van Ambrose," a voice called. A tournament official approached, clipboard in hand. "Your match is scheduled third in today’s lineup. Approximately two hours from now."
Grim nodded, taking a bite of the bread. It was still warm, with a slightly unusual but not unpleasant flavor.