575 Exposition Time
Explanation is in order on this archery coliseum rules.
Gladiators are to shoot down ten targets placed behind their opponents.
Those targets are situated quite far compared to Japanese style archery targets. Not like I know the precise numbers. I only base it from what I saw in TVs.
There's a line drawn in the middle of the arena, which neither gladiators can cross.
Gladiators must shoot down opponent targets while protecting theirs. It's a competition for numbers. They're also only given limited arrows, 50.
It's also a defensive battle. Gladiators are allowed to shoot down their opponent arrows. All while aiming for the targets as well. That's quite a rule. How do you even supposed to shoot high speed flying arrows. Your reflex and agility must be monstrous. No wait, it might be normal in this fantasy world.
There's also a safety measure for the gladiators' life put in place. After all even a single stray arrow could prove fatal.
It's by way of a magic gear. But the effect expires after five arrows. The gear can be recharged with mana to allow more uses, but this is done by a professional mage and not during a battle by the gladiators themselves. Once the bracelet-shaped magic gear loses its effect to put up magic shields, gladiators will be under constant pressure.
Hence, gladiators tend to go with this strategy through feints and reading feints as they engage in a deep physiological battle during the match.
What surprising is how lax the rules are, the only mandatory one is gladiators must use ranged weapons. This is quite weird. Won't it turn into a mess with gladiators bringing in whatever they want.
Throwing weapons are allowed thus you can bring in stuff like ten throwing knives as your sub weapons. A shield is OK. Wearing armor is OK. You can't hit your opponent with magic directly but you can use magic as long as you don't. It's so chaotic I question them calling this archery.
The one unbending rule is that the match is only over once both gladiators have used up all their arrows and the winner is decided by the number of shot targets.
Some things of note. Most gladiators only shift to throwing knives once they've used up all their arrows, but some others prefer using them early on to destroy their opponent's shield.
Of course, those who stand on this stage are not naive enough to let that strategy work. However, that strategy can be effective as a decoy, or to mess up their opponent's pace.
Some gladiators show up deploying such novel strategies to an incredible result every now and then, thus you can't always just brush it off.
Yet, it's still a fight between veterans. It's not uncommon for the opponent to turn the tables, only for the other party to then throw those tables back.
In short, it's a coliseum made for experts.
Selram, the female merchant I just got acquainted with gave me that explanation. She looked so proud as she gave me the rundown while sitting next to me.
"And the current top gladiator of this coliseum is ours. What do you think? Amazing right?"
This seating area has the best view of the ring complete with a roof and luxurious chairs.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"Hey, Saito? How come you get to arrive with Bal here?"
"Quit sniffing around. We're not close enough for you to ask that. It's always about business with you. And it's too late by the time your mark realizes. Quit it with that."
Balga interjected. I endured asking him how come the other party not realize. Some things are better left in the dark. This is one of those things.
Nevertheless, it doesn't matter how hard I try to run away, events will come to me one way or another.
I shouldn't pry needlessly. My intuition is telling me this topic will only bring me more trouble.
"Ah, it's time for our cutie pie to enter the ring. This is your first time here right, Saito? I can't wait to see the look on your face, fufufu..."
From the red corner, where the targets are painted red, the champion slowly made their way into the arena alongside announcer's speech.
Posts
