Digitize: Rebirth of the Silver Death God

The Temple Arena was rather lively today as Nero and Ryo left the Blood Steel Temple. Jack and Bera had already escorted them towards what they termed as the Initiation Grounds.

Naturally, the Blood Steel Society's idle member that sauntered about the area had all come to enjoy the show, including those that carried a bit of fame. They had all been through this phase, and no one was going to pass up a chance to see it fall onto their juniors.

Looking around this area, one would notice that the arena seemed no different from an ancient battle colosseum; there were many war instruments scattered about along with a variety of weapons. However, by carefully observing, one could see that the floor paved with hard stone had a few areas with odd lines that formed a squarish pattern for a few dozen meters.

'Hm, there's more to this ring that it seems, I wonder, just what are they planning for this so-called Initiation.'

Nero thought while he looked around the arena field, his manner taking an on a cautious appearance, which caused a few of the onlookers to chuckle as a few spoke in suspicious whispers.

On the other hand, Ryo remained at ease as he played with his phone; it seemed that nothing else was worth his attention other than the Blood Steel Temple.

'Tsk, this guy. He's not even showing any interest in addressing our current predicament.'

Nero thought as he clicked his teeth in discontent, he wanted to curse at him, but before he could do so, a new change occurred.

"Bring out the chains!"

A resonant voice said from somewhere amongst the crowd of onlookers, following the voice, the eyes of all members flashed with excitement as they all started to shout.

"Chains! Chains! Chains! Chains!"

As if the shouts of the dozens of onlookers were no different from the battle cry of an army, the arena shook as if it were undergoing a quake that brought alarm to Nero. Even Ryo narrowed his eyes at this as he stared at the onlookers, noticing that their eyes gleamed in well hidden, but terrifying rays.

"They are all of the Expert Tier..." Ryo murmured, but as Nero was nearby, his eyes grew even more solemn when he heard this; he knew just what Ryo meant by being experts.

'No wonder they could create such an effect by simply shouting, I'm afraid that we won't be having it easy, especially against that darn duo,' Nero thought as he looked at Jack and Bera, who seemed to be held in high esteem by those monsters that surrounded the arena.

At this time, both Jack and Bera stood a few feet apart from each other as they stared at Nero and Ryo. They gave each other a look before Jack clapped his hands, causing a loud sound to scatter everywhere, bringing silence to everyone that gather to watch the show.

"Since our comrades have requested it, then it will be done! Today we will welcome our new brethren with our favorite challenge by chains!"

The onlookers went wild as she shouted in joy upon hearing Jack's words, causing a dark mood to fill the air.

Nero frowned as he looked at Jack and spoke, "Hey, I don't know what you're doing, but I think that you owe us an explanation? What's this nonsense about chains?"

Jack smirked as he replied, "Huhu... boy, you're a bit anxious, but don't be, it's all apart of custom, I did it, they did it, and as such, everyone must do it. You might not understand now, but trust me, someday you will and when you do, you shall naturally come to respect today's session."

Bera giggled at this as she gave Nero a teasing smile, but if one looked deep down, they would also see a tinge of pity.

'What the hell is all that nonsense? He didn't even answer the question!' Nero inwardly cursed angrily; even his eyes shone with a tinge killing intent.

"Heh, I'd advise you to save your anger, the test will be starting soon," Adult Nero said after another while of silence.

Nero wanted to say something, but suddenly, the entire arena began to shake again as the ground started to split; looking at it more closely, one would notice that the floor lines had started to part, revealing what seemed like a bottomless pit with a network of rattling chains.

"This... what the hell?" Nero complained as Ryo looked down with a deep look on his face.

In moments, the entire ground below their feet had vanished, forcing both Nero and Ryo to act quickly; they both employed their movement styles to land on top of two different chains.

Nero promptly calmed himself down and asked, 'What kind of test is this?'

Adult Nero snickered before he replied, 'Okay, I'll at least not let you suffer too severely, they normally don't explain much, and you have to figure everything out by yourself. You'll have to defeat that duo in a competition, but it's not by fighting as you know how that would end. These chains will link together with you and Ryu as a team, but you won't be able to move or utilize their functions unless you invoke your Digitize Bits. This is a team-based challenge, and your only goal is to try and get one object past your opponents, so long as that object reaches its target, then no matter what method you use, it will be your victory. However, if the opponent side counters and performs the same task, then you will have lost the challenge."

Nero had a sour look on his face and spoke, 'Hey, that's not enough, what object are you talking about? I still don't know the rules. How do you expect me to win by simply giving me such bland information?'

"I don't know, that's your and that kid's problem."

Adult Nero calmly said as if it had nothing to do with him. He broadened the screen showing all of the outside scenes before him as he leaned back, ready to enjoy some entertainment.

Nero gnashed his teeth in anger, but he knew he couldn't do anything as he said. He would have to figure out the rest on his own, or at least, with his unlikely teammate, Ryo.

After adjusting his footing on the rattling chain below him, Nero glanced at Ryo, who had a look that didn't even seem like he would discuss current affairs. He frowned, not even bothering to say anything to him.

Suddenly, a loud clap was heard, bringing everyone's attention back onto Jack and Bera; the duo was currently standing on intersecting chains that, oddly enough, met at what seemed like a circular convergence point.

"Haha, it's finally begun, I want to see what these little runts are capable of."

"Me too, maybe they'll be comparable to those rookies from last month."

"No way, those guys were already of a decent class; by now, they should even be more than ready for the Gate of Legends."

"I don't know, who knows we might just see something good this time?"

A few people observing couldn't help but converse amongst themselves, but one person watched with flashing eyes as he pondered.

'This should be a fun bout...' Ghostshade murmured as he watched from a nearby corner of the colosseum, his figure shrouded by part of the shadows.

By now, Jack had seen that everyone was at attention; he smiled as he looked at Ryo and Nero and spoke, "Kids, I'll be generous and tell you a few things, this game of ours is called the Devil's Chains, and all you have to do is one simple task."

When Jack said this, he snapped his finger, causing a bright light to shoot up from the ground, forming a golden ball at the center of the stage; four different sources of lights flew up from the abyss once more that latched onto one of Jack's, Nero's, Bera's and Ryo's arm.

The moment this happened, it formed into cuffs with illusory chains that linked the two parties together. Two stone pillars rose from behind the two parties with a rumbling sound, positioned at the very opposing ends of each side; the statues were of two savage-looking devils holding a bucket towards them.

Nero didn't like the looks of things, but Jack didn't give him time to think as he spoke once more.

"The task is to hit the ball into that bucket, so long as one side does it, the game will be over. There are no real rules to this game, and you can use any methods. Of course, we won't be using our full power and only limit ourselves to our abilities; I trust that you know what that means. Now then, huhu, let the games begin!"

The instant Jack spoke, the air within the room changed as only silence remained, Nero narrowed his eyes as even Ryo had a tinge of solemness on their faces, the tension rose, beckoning the start of a dreadful game.