The Dome of Dust is infamous in Solmor for its cruelty. Here, thousands die to entertain others. In this city, if someone makes a name for themselves, the whole of Solmor knows it—because of their brutality. They create killing machines to amuse the upper society of Solmor.
This city exists as a buffer zone between the Magus and the Edges, also known as the Touched, living in endless chaos.
Now, Riven’s fate is tied to this place.
Will he rise through cruelty, or perish?
It all depends on him.
“Welcome, Clan Leader of the Black Sand, to the Dome of Dust. As usual?” the guard asked.
“No. Today I will sell some products,” the clan leader replied.
“It’s unusual for you to sell something here.”
“Hmph. I know. But on the way, I found them and made them slaves. Alpha brought them here for inspection.”
“Yes. Move to the gate.”
Riven and the others were led forward. Fear filled every face, including Riven’s.
Looking at them, the guard said, “Their condition is poor. There are no Touched here—just lowly humans. You won’t get a good price for them. They’re injured too.”
“Yes, a rank-two Thorny Devil attacked us on the way. One of touched died,” the clan leader said.
“That’s unfortunate, Clan Leader.”
Riven looked at the man and realized he was not just a bandit—he was the leader of a clan. Jack had been right.
Jack… don’t worry. I will avenge you one day.
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A burning fire rose in Riven’s eyes.
Alpha noticed and struck him on the head.
“Where are you looking? Keep your eyes down!”
The guard continued, “You are lucky the clan leader found you. He is gentle compared to others. If someone else had captured you, half of you wouldn’t have survived the journey. Be thankful.”
“Now tell me, how much will I get for them?” the clan leader asked.
“Given their condition, 100 gold coins. I’ll add 50 more since you’re a regular customer.”
That idiot shouldn’t have died, the clan leader thought. If he were alive, I could have earned 500 coins. At least attacking Black Spire made me some profit. Otherwise, I would have killed them all.
“Fine. Make it quick. I came here to enjoy myself.”
“As usual?”
“Yes.”
“Take them to Kem. Inspect them and choose who is fit for the arena. Today will be entertaining.”
Reality struck Riven hard.
He wasn’t even worth 100 gold coins.
He was worth only 3.33 gold coins.
The thought crushed him.
They were taken to the arena and met Kem.
“Kem, new products have arrived. Keh-lam told you to inspect them and decide who is fit for the arena. You know what to do after that.”
Kem nodded.
All thirty of them trembled. A terrifying pressure radiated from Kem. He was a channel user with a massive body and blood-red killing intent.
“Welcome,” Kem said. “I oversee this arena where rich clan leaders come for entertainment. If you can’t entertain them, you will die. I hope you all enjoy your stay.”
He turned to an old slave. “Take them to their rooms. If anything goes wrong, you know the consequences.”
Time blurred. Riven’s mind barely worked anymore. Everything felt like a nightmare.
They were forbidden from using their real names. Anyone who did was beaten.
His new name was Nak-132.
They wanted to erase who they were so they would never rebel.
No matter what happens, I am Riven Blackwood. I will never forget my roots.
Suddenly, someone shouted, “Nak-132! Nak-132!”
Lost in thought, Riven didn’t respond.
A guard struck him with a stick.
“How many times do I have to tell you? Your name is Nak-132!”
Riven stared coldly at him in silence. It was the fourth strike.
“Stand up and follow me.”
Riven rose and followed the guard.
Where are they taking me? Are they going to kill me? Is this where I die?
Then a voice echoed through the arena:
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our new fighter—Nak-132!”
The guard shoved Riven forward.
“Don’t disappoint them. If you survive, I’ll kill you myself.”
