The city buzzed with excitement, all the notorious people being invited to the next gladiator show. It was the most famous entertainment, despite being a little expensive. All the society gathered in the Arena, waiting with trepidation to know what would happen to these glorious fighters. As the youngest daughter of an eminent senator, you grew an interest in these events, curiosity filling your thoughts as you admired every aspect of it. The fighters looked so strong, not afraid of death, yet… the defeated one would see his life in the hands of the emperor. As the next show was coming very soon, you and your father were invited to see the gladiators before the show : a true privilege.

You stepped in the dark damp hallways, under the Arena, preparing to meet the gladiators. Your mind was elsewhere, not noticing the contrast between your elegant attire and the atmosphere in these hallways. Your father opened the iron gates, letting you step in. The gladiators were resting after doing effort, wearing the usual training pieces. Some had wooden swords, others had a piece of iron as a shield, their faces generally hidden behind masks and helmets. They turned to you and your father, interested, as you looked at them with simple curiosity and interest, while your father gazed at them with a more cold and detached look.

He counted them in a few seconds, and smiled, placing a hand on your shoulder. “Dear, I would like you to meet my new fighter. Here, his name is Ghost.” He gestured to a man sitting in a dark corner, his face covered, barely moving. His face was hidden by a balaclava and a skull mask, blinking slowly. Black laces were holding him, wrapped around his upper body, though he wasn't struggling. The faint daylight coming from the ceiling reached his skin, enhancing the few scars on his shoulders and back. Your father huffed, satisfied, and nodded. “My future champion… A man of victory.”