I started the day early. I put my new earpiece and the device on my lip since the Atri gave it to me, and after a short stroll through the garden, I ended up in the mansion, where all of us had breakfast. Yagg finished eating first and insisted everybody else would hurry up, then we all met in the cinema hall. The Calludin told us to sit comfortably while he hung at the back, as he took on operating the AI responsible for managing the display on the large screen.
They left the lights turned on.
There were a few rows of seats and a massive flat-screen of a very good resolution. Better than anything I saw on earth. Sits were quite comfortable, cushioned. The fabric was black, just like the material from which the rest of the frames was made.
I decided to sit close to Druoag at the front, on the side, where a special alcove for him was prepared, so he wouldn't block the view for anybody else. Bashan took a spot next to me.
- There are three main opponents you should be concerned about. Let's start with the most troublesome, Sevva. A Calludin just like me.
A picture of the mentioned individual showed up on the screen. The physique was similar to what I already saw, with a few small differences. Black eyes with golden pupils, and deep, dark-green skin.
- He is a former member of a death squad, who had a short history as a gladiator but ended up returning to military life. Hearing about your participation, he also decided to join.
- Did you fucking set me up? - I asked immediately turning towards him.
- All my brothers and sisters are well aware of your whereabouts. Although the High Queen provided a solution for them to live alone, some still didn't want to. Maybe the direct confrontation is not possible, but participating in the same tournament is not against rules set by her majesty.
- Yeah, I head. She gave them a bunch of innocent humans to torture, didn't she?
Yagg immediately turned his attention from me to Bashan. The old man just smiled.
- He had the right to know - he explained himself.
Calludin sighed.
- It is what it is, but just for your information. I did not set you up.
- Don't worry, Peter - said Druoag. - There are ways to fight Calludins. I'll show you. You will be well prepared.
I just shook my head and switched my attention back to the screen.
- Since you are familiar with the powers my race holds, I won't go through what he can do - said Yagg. - Instead, let's watch the few fights he had when he was an active gladiator.
After that, we watched a few fights. I had a keen eye for those things, but clearly, both Bashan and Druoag had more experience than me, as they quickly started exchanging some insights, and discussed a few things while I focused completely on the duels.
Sevva seemed quite strong. I would place him on a similar level to Nall. Maybe a bit more powerful, but something was telling me that Yagg was still way stronger. It was hard to say definitively since I only experienced the power of one of them, but my gut was quite confident about that.
It took us a few hours to go through all the footage, but eventually, we did.
- The next one is the current champion Na'Tikki - said Yagg.
Then on the screen appeared a picture showing a large creature. Not as big as Druoag, but probably around three meters tall. The alien was very slim, with well-defined muscles, and dark brown skin. Even his head was thin, with a sharp V-line for a chin and slanting black eyes. No pupils.
He was wearing protective armor on his chest.
- He uses an energy spear as a weapon. He is very fast. Probably as fast as you, if not faster, which combined with his equipment makes him quite deadly. His rase is also very good at resisting mental attacks, which combined gave him the title - explained the Calludin. - One mistake against him might be fatal, so we will need to work very hard to prepare you to face him. Now lets through some of the footage I brought. There is plenty, but we will focus only on the title matches when he was showing his best.
After those words, another fight started playing on the screen. There was much more activity in those duels, and I noticed that Yagg's words were actually true. The alien was incredibly fast, and agile. He also was a master at handling his weapon. Considering my current state I could definitely have some problems while facing that guy.
Just like previously Druoag and Bashan had many insights to share, and held a few short conversations, as I focused completely on watching.
Another couple of hours passed, and finally what the Calludin had prepared for us finished.
- The last one you should be wary of is Vazasse - the picture of a large crocodile man shown on the screen.
He was massive. Just a little bit smaller than Druoag himself. His skin was deeply green, with slightly more yellowish patches. His jaws were filled with sharp protruding teeth. On the image hi was wearing thick armor, and had a large cleaver in his hand, with a blade shining with light.
- Although he has never challenged Na'Tikki, he remains second in the whole league, refusing to take on the champion. Many say he is stronger, but don't want the fame coming from the title, because it's too troublesome. There are rumors he never shows his true strength during the duels, but you can see for yourself - continued Yagg.
Then he turned on the footage, and I actually had a similar feeling to what he said. There were some questionable moments during his fights, when he showed some moves, clearly displaying that he held himself back.
Bashan and Druoag only confirmed my thoughts during their exchanges.
When we finished it was already dark, and everybody seemed quite tired, so we only ate a quick dinner, and went to sleep, to finally focus on practice tomorrow.