Shiki had left.
Beneath the boundless night sky, Paros Island blazed with lights.
Hades took the elevator to the top of the luxurious Palace, where an open space served as a leisure area.
From the edge, he could take in the beautiful sights of Paros Island.
Even at night, the tests for the many swordsmen continued. One after another, they either passed or lost their chance to participate in the Swordsmanship Tournament.
If they could not even qualify for the Swordsmanship Tournament's elimination rounds, how could they call themselves true swordsmen?
Simply wielding a blade did not make someone a swordsman.
The Swordsmanship Tournament's tests were also redefining what it meant to be a swordsman.
The entire island bustled with activity, its thriving streets filled with a sense of order unseen elsewhere.
Although the Sky Arena's grounds had not opened yet.
There were arenas everywhere on Paros Island.
Temporary open-air arenas.
Highly cost-effective sky rings.
They sat atop Flying Clouds, with people there to maintain order as well.
However, the sky rings were somewhat smaller, resembling boxing rings. Spectators stood around them or sat on the ground.
Even underground, there were brutal, bloody colosseums for pirates who enjoyed a thrill.
Paros Island alone had four such colosseums.
They were located to the east, south, west, and north of the island.
Their entrances lay in central areas near famous establishments such as the luxurious casinos and the Witch's Banquet.
On Paros Island, the Sky Arena was merely one option. Certain other areas could cater to a broader range of desires.
This was Paros Island, a supercity with everything anyone could want, built around the Sky Arena.
He looked up at the sky.
Hades's thoughts were calm.
Shiki's questions had amused him.
"Seems he's getting a little impatient?"
Hades chuckled.
Meanwhile, on