Ahh, and there is the problem as to why you received no book when opening the chest, the book that takes you to the Arena of Heroes is part of the NC, (New Content) version. Myself I always go with the NC version and just don't play the extra content when I'm looking for a more traditional TOEE experience.
Ahh hah, that explains it then. I'll start a new game and use the NC version then. Thanks for the help!!!
Thread necromancy- how appropriate for the Arena of Heroes! I have to say, I've always considered that the reward for the Arena was a particularly challenging (and therefore fun) battle, and the chunk of XP resulting from it, rather than the items.