Chapter 3: The Arena (Part 2)


Frostbite leaned in slightly, whispering words that only Jormund could hear amidst the ambient noise of the arena. "I've tried every possibility," Frostbite admitted in a hushed tone. "Unfortunately, the only way out of this place is through fighting. Scarlet's arena leaves little room for alternatives. Survival often demands overcoming challenges, and battles are the language spoken here."

Jormund absorbed Frostbite's words, a somber acknowledgment that echoed the sentiment he had encountered since arriving in Pyrrhia. The dragons were bound by the demands of their society, and the arena seemed to be the crucible where they either succumbed to the challenges or fought to overcome them.

A nod of understanding passed between the Human and the Icewing, a silent agreement that, for now, they were entwined in this struggle together. The revelation added another layer of complexity to Jormund's journey—a quest not only for the origin of the mysterious crystalline artifact but also a quest for survival in a world ruled by dragons.

As the tension in the arena heightened, both Frostbite and Jormund resumed their fighting stances. However, this time, there was a subtle shift in the atmosphere. The desperation had transformed into a sense of honor, a recognition that their conflict was not merely a struggle for survival but a dance between opponents.

Frostbite lunged forward with a swift attack, claws extended. Jormund, with newfound determination, summoned his Stand—Hypergenesis—to nullify the oncoming assault. The ethereal entity manifested with a subtle shimmer, and as its touch nullified the Icewing's attack, with cry of "Amplify Zero!". Frostbite skillfully evaded backward, anticipating the Stand's appearance.

Jormund, recognizing Frostbite's adaptability, adjusted his strategy. This time, he intended to surprise his opponent by manifesting Hypergenesis in a different manner. Instead of a direct approach, Jormund opted for a feint, as his Stand materialized with blinding speed, reaching for Frostbite's chest.

However, Frostbite, having anticipated the move, executed a nimble backward leap just in time to evade the Stand's touch. His agile evasion showcased a level of combat expertise that hinted at the Icewing's experience in the arena.

The two opponents circled each other, each awaiting the other's move. The arena, previously echoing with cheers and taunts, fell into a momentary hush, the audience captivated by the intricate dance of these unexpected combatants. As Jormund contemplated his next move, a realization dawned upon him—the battles in the arena were not solely about survival but also about the intricate interplay between adversaries, a dance that held both danger and respect.

In the midst of the arena, as Jormund circled Frostbite, his mind raced with thoughts of strategy. Then, a sudden idea struck him like a bolt of inspiration. If he could manipulate the traction of the arena floor, he might have a chance to gain the upper hand.

As Frostbite lunged forward once again, intending to close the distance between them, Jormund seized the opportunity. With a decisive motion, he manifested his Stand, Hypergenesis, and touched the ground beneath Jormund's feet. "Amplify Zero!" The effect was immediate—the arena floor turned into a surface akin to ice.

Frostbite, caught off guard by the sudden change in traction, slipped on the now slippery surface. His leap, intended to bring him closer to Jormund, turned into a precarious slide. Even Jormund himself almost lost his footing by how smooth the ground was, but regained his footing. Jormund, quick to capitalize on the advantage he had created, manifested his Stand once more. "Amplify 10!" This time, he focused on enhancing the traction of his own shoes.

With newfound stability, Jormund swiftly closed the gap between him and the slipping Icewing. Taking advantage of Frostbite's compromised position, Jormund extended his Stand towards his opponent. "Amplify 3!" cried Hypergenesis as he touched Frostbite, stopping his movement.

In an instant, Frostbite felt an overwhelming force pressing down on him, as if his body had become three times heavier. The enhanced gravity pinned him to the icy ground, rendering him unable to move even a single limb. The tables had turned, and the once agile Icewing found himself at the mercy of Jormund's Stand.

The arena, once filled with the murmur of anticipation, fell silent in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Queen Scarlet observed from her balcony, a glint of interest in her eyes as she witnessed the unfolding spectacle. The crowd of dragons watched in awe as the peculiar human showcased yet another extraordinary ability.

Frostbite, now immobilized under the amplified gravity, felt a surge of surprise and a hint of fear course through him. His attempts to move even the slightest bit were met with the unyielding force pressing him into the icy arena floor. Panic flashed in his eyes, realizing the gravity of his situation.

He struggled against the invisible force, his muscles straining, but the enhanced weight proved too much. The once-confident Icewing, who had fought like a warrior before, now found himself helplessly pinned to the ground by the mysterious power of Jormund's Stand.

Frostbite, still struggling under the intensified gravity, managed to gasp out a strained question. "What ....have you ....done?"

Jormund, standing at a safe distance, explained calmly, "I multiplied your body weight, making it three times heavier. You won't be able to move, let alone fight back. It's over."



A murmur of amazement swept through the crowd, as they witnessed the unconventional victory unfolding before them. Jormund had managed to defeat his opponent without dealing a lethal blow, showcasing a tactical prowess that left many in awe.

As Frostbite lay pinned, unable to move, Queen Scarlet's eyes narrowed. She wasn't pleased with the turn of events. "I didn't bring you here to play games, Human!" she growled, her voice echoing through the arena. "Finish him! The audience demands it."

The dragons roared their agreement, their bloodlust evident. Suggestions and cheers filled the air, all in favor of a more violent end to the battle. "Rip his head off!" "Crush his skull!" "Cut him open!" However, Jormund remained resolute in his decision not to kill, regardless of the pressure from the queen and the audience.

He looked directly at Queen Scarlet and declared, "I won't kill him. There's no honor in that."

The queen's expression shifted between frustration and irritation. "This is not a place for your scavenger notions of honor. The audience wants blood, and they will get it."

Jormund stood firm, refusing to succumb to the demands of the crowd. The arena was filled with a tense silence as the standoff between the human and the queen unfolded, each determined to adhere to their own principles.

Jormund's gaze wandered to Glory still perched on her white tree, watching the events unfold with a mix of shock and curiosity. He also spotted Peril on the pillar he would have been on under normal circumstances, and he shot her a warning glare. His attention, however, quickly returned to Queen Scarlet.

As the crowd grew restless, Jormund calmly picked up a handful of small pebbles from the ground. Though seemingly harmless to dragons, he intended to make a point. He declared in a firm tone, "No harm will come to Frostbite. I will stand beside him as long as necessary to ensure that."

Frostbite, still pinned to the ground, looked at Jormund with a mix of surprise and gratitude. It seemed he hadn't expected this level of mercy from the odd scavenger.

Queen Scarlet, however, was not pleased. "And what if I order otherwise? What will you do, human?" she challenged, her eyes narrowing.

Jormund met her gaze head-on, his resolve unwavering. "Try me." he said calmly, his hand gripping the pebbles tighter. The dragons in the arena held their breath, unsure of how the queen would react to this unexpected defiance.

Queen Scarlet, frustrated by Jormund's defiance, roared, "Kill the Icewing! NOW!"

As Scarlet's command echoed through the arena, a red aura surrounded Jormund's body. His red leather jacket fluttered in a low breeze of power, and his hair stood on end. Glowing red eyes fixated on queen scarlet above on the balcony, he began to tap into the true potential of his stand.

The sand in the arena slowly began to whirl upwards around Jormund, creating an otherworldly spectacle. Dragons around the arena watched with a mix of awe and fear as Jormund's power intensified.

In a calm yet deeper voice, Jormund uttered, "Maximum... Amplify." His words resonated threateningly through the arena, sending a chill down the spines of those who heard it. Suddenly, he flicked with his thump one of the seemingly harmless pebbles with incredible force, sending it hurtling towards the wall above the entrance to the balcony where Queen Scarlet stood.

The impact was explosive. The small pebble, now charged with Jormund's amplified power, struck the wall. The wall crumbled and shattered into pieces, matching the force unleashed by Jormund's stand. Debris scattered as a cloud of dust billowed, leaving a hole where the wall once hung above the tunnel.

The dragons in the arena were left in stunned silence, witnessing the raw power Jormund possessed. Queen Scarlet, still on the balcony, looked down at him with a mix of surprise and unease, realizing that she might be dealing with a force beyond her control.

The dragons in the arena were a mix of shock and awe as they witnessed Jormund's unparalleled display of raw power. Gasps and whispers spread through the audience like wildfire. The once boisterous and confident crowd fell into a stunned silence, the air heavy with tension.

Peril, perched on the pillar where Jormund would normally be, blinked her eyes in disbelief. Her typical fiery demeanor was replaced with a cautious wariness, a newfound respect for the peculiar scavenger.

Glory, still on her white tree, widened her eyes further, if possible. She felt a mixture of fear and curiosity, uncertain about the capabilities of Jormund's stand.

Tsunami, on her own pillar, stared at Jormund with a blend of amazement and concern. She had never seen anything like it, and the revelation that Jormund possessed such formidable power both surprised and intrigued her.

The black dragon, who warned him of the frost breath attack, had a twinkle of understandment and curiosity in his eyes. Not even phased slightly by the showcase of power, instead he watched with high attention to study the human and his mysterious power.

Queen Scarlet, standing on her balcony, had recovered from her initial shock. Her eyes narrowed as she assessed the situation, calculating the potential threat that Jormund posed. A spark of interest gleamed in her eyes, recognizing that the human might be more than he seemed.

The skywing guards shifted uncomfortably, exchanging uncertain glances as they tried to comprehend the extent of Jormund's abilities. The atmosphere in the arena had changed, and an unspoken tension lingered in the air.

Jormund, surrounded by the lingering echoes of his power, stood firm, his gaze fixed on Queen Scarlet. The message was clear – he was not one to be trifled with, and he would not let harm befall Frostbite. The stage was set for a confrontation that transcended the boundaries of the typical arena battles.

Queen Scarlet, though initially resistant, gave in to the display of power by Jormund. Recognizing the force he wielded, Scarlet decided to bring an end to the battles for the day. With a regal nod and a tint of annoyance, she announced, "The battles are over! Everyone, leave the arena!" Queen Scarlet turned around, vanishing into the tunnel beneath the destroyed wall. The dragons, still in awe and confusion, began to disperse, leaving the arena in a mix of emotions.

Jormund, feeling the strain of his amplified power, gradually released the energy surrounding Frostbite and the arena floor. The red aura that enveloped him slowly dissipated, returning the sand to its normal state. Frostbite, now free to move, stood up, his gaze shifting between Jormund and the departing Queen Scarlet.

As the skywing guards approached, ready to carry Jormund back to his pillar, he shook his head. "I'm staying here with Frostbite," he declared firmly. The guards exchanged uncertain glances, but Jormund's determination was evident. He wanted to ensure Frostbite's safety, and Frostbite, while surprised, appreciated the unexpected alliance.

Despite Jormund's initial insistence on staying with Frostbite, the skywing guards, under Queen Scarlet's orders, escorted them both to the designated cells for the prisoners. The momentary alliance between the scavenger and the Icewing was met with skepticism by the guards, but they followed orders nonetheless.

As they were led through the corridors of the Skywing Palace, Frostbite and Jormund exchanged glances. Jormund's eyes conveyed a silent promise that he would find a way to help the Icewing, despite the current circumstances. Frostbite, though still reserved, acknowledged the unspoken bond that had formed between them during the brief yet intense battle.

Once they reached Frostbite's cell, the guards ensured he was securely locked inside. Jormund, however, was allowed to linger near the entrance. He looked at Frostbite and said, "I'll find a way to help you, Frostbite. You won't be alone in this." Frostbite nodded, a subtle acknowledgment of the unexpected connection they had established.

Jormund was about to turn away when Frostbite suddenly spoke up. "Wait! What's your name?". Jormund stopped and looked back with a sly grin that said. "Jormund G. Joestart, nice to meet you." he answered as he continued to follow the skywing guards back to the arena.

Frostbite now alone in his small cell watched them go, seemingly thinking back to the events of his battle with Jormund. Recalling the moment before the battle started, he remembered the two jokes Jormund made, drawing out a small laugh of the normaly battle fierce icewing. "I liked the jokes actually." He murmured with a sly grin to himself before he laid down to rest.



As the skywing guards prepared to escort Jormund back to his pillar, he turned to them with a stern expression. "Listen," he said, his voice firm and resolute. "If anything happens to Frostbite while I'm not around, I'm holding you responsible. Got it?" His gaze bore into theirs, emphasizing the weight of his words.

The guards, though towering and imposing, couldn't completely conceal the unease that flickered in their eyes. They exchanged glances but remained silent, acknowledging Jormund's warning without verbal agreement. It was a tense moment, an unspoken understanding that the human wasn't one to be underestimated, especially when it came to the well-being of his unexpected ally.

Without a response, the guards continued their task, leading Jormund back to his pillar. The night settled in, casting shadows over the arena, and as Jormund glanced back at the tunnel where Frostbite's cell resides, a determined resolve lingered in his eyes.

As the guards escorted Jormund back to his pillar to put him down, Tsunami, intrigued by the display of power, couldn't help but inquire. "What was that power you used in the arena?" she asked, genuinely curious.

Jormund, with a sly grin, responded with a pun, "Just a little something to keep things amped up," before his energy depleted, and he collapsed face-first onto the pillar, unconscious. Tsunami exchanged a puzzled look with the guards, who shrugged in confusion.

The events of the day had taken their toll on Jormund, and now, in the quiet night within the Skywing Palace, he lay unconscious, his stand's power momentarily spent. The mysteries surrounding him and his unusual abilities continued to unfold, leaving the dragons in awe, fear, and anticipation of what might come next.



In the middle of the night, the tantalizing aroma of cooked chicken wafted through the air, rousing Jormund from his slumber. His stomach growled with hunger, and he jumped up, his eyes wide with anticipation. Following the scent, he discovered a plate of perfectly cooked chicken laid out on a nearby rock.

Without a moment's hesitation, Jormund pounced on the feast, devouring the cooked delicacy with unbridled enthusiasm. The sizzling sound of the meat and the satisfied noises from Jormund filled the air. The sudden revival from the dead startled Tsunami, who had been resting nearby, and she jolted awake, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Jormund, you were asleep a moment ago," Tsunami exclaimed, watching the human devour the chicken with an almost primal intensity.

Between bites, Jormund managed to mumble, "Can't resist good food, especially when you've got the hunger of a someone like me."

Tsunami, still bewildered by Jormund's sudden resurgence, couldn't help but chuckle at his unabashed enjoyment of the late-night snack.

Tsunami, still perched on her pillar, looked over at him with a curious expression. "Jormund," she began, "what exactly did you do back there to protect Frostbite?"

Jormund paused, setting the roasted meat down. "Oh, that? It's a move my stand can do. I call it Maximum Amplify. It's like pushing the abilities of my stand to the absolute limit, but it takes a toll on me. I can't realy move or do anything during it, and if the bluff didn't work, well, let's just say it would've been game over for Frostbite and me."

Tsunami's eyes widened, reflecting a mix of surprise and concern. "So, you risked everything on a bluff?"

Jormund nodded, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Sometimes, you've got to go all-in, right? It was a gamble, but it paid off this time."

Tsunami's expression shifted from concern to a thoughtful gaze. "You're certainly not like any human I've ever heard of," she remarked.

Jormund shrugged, "Not surprising. I gues because I'm the only human you've ever heard of?" He winked, taking a bite of the chicken.

Tsunami watched him for a moment before shaking her head with a smirk. "You're definitely odd, Jormund. But you're not as bad as I thought you'd be."

Jormund laughed, savoring the taste of the roasted meat. "Well, I'll take that as a compliment. Now, want some chicken?"

Tsunami declined with a gracious smile, "No, thanks. I'm more of a fish dragon."

Jormund shrugged, "Fair enough. More for me then." They both settled into a companionable silence, enjoying the quiet night

Swallowing the last morsel of chicken, Jormund wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and turned to Tsunami. "Who brought this delicious meal, anyway?" he asked, his voice slightly muffled.

Tsunami, still puzzled by Jormund's voracious appetite, replied, "Peril dropped by a few minutes ago. She mentioned she wanted to speak to you, but you were passed out, she seemed worried after that. So, she left the chicken for you."

Jormund raised an eyebrow, both surprised and intrigued. "Peril, huh? The fiery one with too much fire?" he mused, recalling the battle from last day. "Guess she's not as menacing as she seems if she's bringing me food."

Tsunami nodded in agreement, "Seems like it. You should probably talk to her when you get the chance."

Jormund nodded while he stared at the remaining bits of cooked chicken, pondering over the convenience of having his first proper hot meal in pyrriah. "Well, I appreciate the gesture. But why was it roasted this time?"

Tsunami chuckled at his confusion. "I told Peril that humans can only eat 'cooked' food. I think she was a bit confused about what 'cooked' meant, but she definitely tried to accommodate."

Jormund raised an eyebrow. "A dragon cooking for a human? Now that's a first. I guess I should thank her for her efforts, even if it wasn't what I expected."

Tsunami nodded, finding the situation amusing. "We usually consume our food raw, so the concept of cooking might be foreign to us. It's quite thoughtful of Peril to try, though."

"Where's Peril now?" Jormund asked Tsunami while looking around for himself.

Tsunami gestured with her snout to the opposite side of the arena. "There, talking to Clay. He's the MudWing over there."

Following her indication, Jormund squinted to get a better look. "Clay, huh? The MudWing?"

Tsunami nodded. "Yes, that's him. Seems like Peril has found herself a conversation partner."

Jormund sighed, realizing that despite the unusual circumstances, life among the dragons continued as usual. "Well, I guess she's got her own matters to attend to."

Peril suddenly turned and gracefully glided over to Jormund's pillar, landing with a flutter of her fiery wings.

Peril's sudden arrival took Jormund by surprise. His instincts kicked in, and he took a couple of steps back, realizing he wasn't well-rested enough to defend himself properly. He found himself dangerously close to the edge of the pillar.

"Whoa, easy there," Peril said, her fiery eyes observing his cautious movements. "No need to be jumpy. I won't bite unless you give me a reason."

Jormund managed a nod, trying to hide the unease he felt. "Fair enough."

Peril offered him a sly grin. "I came here to say you're not like any scavenger I've seen before. You put on quite a show in the arena yesterday. Even the other dragons are talking about it."

Jormund winced slightly at the term 'scavenger'. "Uh, thanks. I'm just trying to survive in this... unique situation... and I'd prefer it if you don't call me a scavenger. Just Jormund works fine."

Peril tilted her head, studying him for a moment before a sly smile crept onto her face. "Alright, Jormund.

Tsunami glared at Peril. "What do you want, Peril?"

Peril, catching the tension, quickly reassured, "Relax, Tsunami. I'm not here to incinerate anyone. Just wanted to tell Jormund he did pretty well in the arena yesterday."

Tsunami, who had been observing the interaction, couldn't hide her protective instincts over Jormund. "Peril, he's not here for your entertainment. He's trying to find a way out of this place."

Peril's gaze shifted to Tsunami, and then back to Jormund. "Finding a way out, huh? That's not going to be easy. But hey, good luck with that. And don't worry, I won't hurt you. At least not unless you give me a reason."

Jormund gave her a cautious nod, appreciating the reassurance. "I appreciate that. I'm just looking for answers and a way back home."

"By the way, thanks for the roasted meat," Jormund called out before Peril disappeared into the night.

Peril glanced back, offering a casual wave. "It was called cooking, right? I still don't get why you creatures prefer your food burned, but if that's how you like it, then I hope you enjoyed it"

With that, she flew off into the night, leaving Jormund and Tsunami to ponder over the peculiar dragon's departure and the mysteries of their current predicament.

With that, Peril took off, leaving Jormund and Tsunami with a mix of relief and lingering tension. 

Jormund yawned, feeling the exhaustion settling in. "Well, I think it's time for some more sleep. What do you say, Tsunami?"

Tsunami stretched her wings and nodded, her scales shimmering in the moonlight. "Agreed. We should rest while we can. Who knows what tomorrow holds."

With a shared understanding, they settled back onto their respective pillars, the arena now quiet and bathed in the soft glow of the three moons. As they closed their eyes. The night continued, now with an added layer of uncertainty and Peril's unexpected presence in their thoughts.

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