When Ash walked through the coliseum, he entered a long, dark hall lit only by torches that burned crimson instead of orange.
The flames hissed softly against walls of polished bloodstone, throwing shadows that writhed like living things across the vaulted ceiling. Each torch was held by a stone gargoyle carved in the likeness of a screaming vampire; mouths open wide enough to swallow a man's head.
Ash moved without hurry, hands in his pockets, tails swaying behind him like lazy banners. The air tasted of iron and old wine, thick enough to coat the tongue.
'Hmm, I wonder what this world is truly like…'
He had never been one to wait and play by someone else's rules. He needed the full board in view... not just for himself, but for the family and companions still training inside the Haven. Before he brought them out, he wanted to know the real threats, the real powers, the real monsters.
'I'll hit Calamity in a week. Then I'll see this world with my own eyes.'
