C752
The referee, dressed in a blue suit, stepped onto the blood-soaked sand of the arena.
"Thank you for your patience!"
As he playfully bowed, the audience in the arena howled like monkeys, demanding that the duel begin quickly.
"As always, so impatient, I see. Very well. I don't like to talk too much either, so let's get started right away."
The referee spread his arms and curved his lips, seemingly enjoying the crowd's reaction.
"Let me introduce our first duel of the day. With three consecutive victories since entering the arena, the fighter of monstrous strength! The Lion Fighter, Gamurin!"
As the introduction finished, the iron door to the left opened, and a muscular young man over two meters tall stepped out.
With each step, the sand beneath his feet sank deeply, revealing how heavy he was.
"Graah!"
Gamurin let out a fierce roar, his face contorted. Even without any aura, a palpable wave of energy emanated from him, making the flesh tremble.
"And his opponent, making her debut in the arena today, the one who tore the hand of a fighter, the Blood Tooth Woman, Maran!"
As the referee raised his right hand, the iron door to the right opened, and Martha, with her hair dyed red, stepped out. Unlike Gamurin, she walked calmly towards the center of the arena.
"Booooo!"
"The outcome is too obvious!"
"Why did they pair them like this?"
"Are you trying to fool us again?!"
"Who would bet on this?!"
The audience hurled insults towards Martha and the arena, throwing their liquor bottles.
"This is going to be completely bland today."
Gamurin frowned as he looked down at Martha.
"Why do these bastards have such big mouths?"
Martha snorted, expressing her displeasure at the loudmouths.
"Are you just a little bitch?"
"Yawn…?"
She didn't fall for Gamurin's provocation but let out a long yawn instead.
"Hey!"
Gamurin gritted his teeth and called for the referee.
"Start already! I'll give you the show you expect!"
He clenched his fist, his veins bulging, promising to crush Martha's throat.
"Then, let the first duel of today begin!"
As soon as the referee lowered his hand, Gamurin charged. He threw his enormous fist with all his might, as if he wanted to annihilate Martha. Bam! Martha didn't dodge Gamurin's punch; instead, she stood firm and took the blow head-on.
"Eh…?"
Gamurin's jaw trembled as he saw that Martha hadn't moved an inch.
"Did a mosquito just bite me?"
Martha wiped the blood dripping from her lip, showing a long smile.
"Now it's my turn, right?"
She gritted her teeth and threw her punch. Bam! Unlike Martha, Gamurin, hit squarely on the right cheek, flew backward like a kicked ball and rolled on the ground.
"Ughh..."
Gamurin groaned, unable to get up, apparently in great shock.
"We're not done yet, are we?"
Martha revealed a blood-stained smile as she struck the entire body of Gamurin as if she were washing clothes. The sand turned a deeper red, and Gamurin sank, a bloody mess. The once chaotic arena fell silent as if it had become a library.
"M-Maran is the winner!"
The referee, seemingly surprised by this outcome, raised his hand toward Martha with trembling lips.
"Wooooaaah!"
In that moment, those who had lost money, those who had won, and even those who were throwing insults cheered together. It was a praise from those addicted to the fight, regardless of money.
"Shut up, all of you! It's too noisy!"
Martha waved her hand dismissively and headed back to the door she had entered.
'Impressive.'
Raon shook his head as he watched Martha's back. He had hoped she would do well, but this exceeded expectations. Especially considering that Gamurin, her opponent, was from the Beast Union. Defeating a monster from the Beast Union, known for its physical prowess, without using aura— it seemed likely to attract the attention of the Sword Lord of the Holy Sword Alliance and the Floor Master of the Black Tower.
-Did the meat girl choose the wrong profession?
Wrath blinked, suggesting it suited her better.
'Maybe so.'
Martha seemed fit to become the queen of this place and rule over Hollam.
"Hey. Take this."
As Raon chatted with Wrath, a staff member from the arena handed him a black glass bottle. It was the poison Denning Rose had spoken of, the one that erased the aura.
He nodded and swallowed the poison. In less than a minute, he felt nothing, as if his aura had completely disappeared.
'However…'
He could neutralize it. With just the ability of the Ring of Fire, without needing to rely on Wrath, he could erase this poison itself.
'I could attack right now.'
In this state, it seemed possible to ambush the Floor Master and the Sword Lord, who might let their guard down thinking he had no aura.
"That will be enough."
The arena staff confirmed that Raon's aura had been erased and nodded to the referee.
"As the excitement is still high! We'll start the second duel! With a sword technique at another level. With a streak of six victories, the Light Speed, Karam!"
With the referee's announcement, a thin old man resembling a grasshopper entered the arena. Despite the description of his speed, his steps were slow, but they were the movements of a master.
"I wonder what this newcomer will show us! The Black Fox who plays with his opponents like a fox! Amun!"
Raon entered the arena upon hearing the name Amun mentioned.
-Pehehe!
Wrath laughed at seeing Raon's hair dyed black.
-A fox, indeed! It's a fitting name for you.
He wondered how he could have such an appropriate nickname.
"Hmm…"
Raon clicked his tongue as he touched his black hair.
'It reminds me of my past life.'
With black hair, he felt as if he had returned to his previous life. He rotated his wrist, deciding to move in a slightly more aggressive manner.
"Boy. Why don't you go drink more of your mother's milk?"
Karam stuck out his tongue in a teasing tone.
"Old man. Have you chosen your grave yet?"
Raon curved the corners of his mouth as he looked up at Karam.
"Ah, I suppose it doesn't matter. You'll wither away if you're buried here anyway."
"YOU, brat...?"
"YOU, old man?"
As Martha had been so taciturn, Raon deliberately rolled his tongue to mock his opponent.
"Grr..."
The expression on Karam's face turned pale, as if resentful for being psychologically outmatched.
"Ahahaha! It's heating up even before the duel starts!"
The referee laughed, clearly entertained, as he raised his hand.
"Then, let the second duel of today begin!"
As soon as he lowered his hand, Karam moved. Even without using aura, he glided across the sand with footwork faster than most swordsmen.
"It's too late for regrets now. I will strip the flesh from your bones and bury you in this sand."
Karam smiled like a demon as he pushed his hand towards Raon's left chest. Whoosh! Raon effortlessly dodged Karam's punch, instead standing firm and taking the blow head-on.
"Eh?"
Karam's eyes opened wide in disbelief, unable to comprehend how his wrists had been caught.
"The next time, choose your opponents more carefully."
Raon displayed a smile before hitting Karam in the chin with his toes. Bam! Karam spat blood as he flew backward, landing face-first in the sand.
"A-Amun is the winner!"
Perhaps because it was the second time, the referee regained his composure faster than before and announced Raon's victory.
"Woooooah!"
"This is even more exciting than the main event!"
"These newcomers are incredible!"
"Where did these guys come from?"
The audience cheered, raising their fists in approval. Even those who had lost money smiled, showing that they were truly addicted to the fight.
-This is allowed?
Martha bit her lip and shook her head.
"When will they come?"
"You're already the champion in popularity."
Raon tilted his head. Thanks to his aggressive fighting style and attractive appearance, Martha was enjoying even greater popularity in this arena than the champion.
"The same goes for you!"
Martha wrinkled her nose as she looked at Raon.
"There are even crazier fans who like you for your sharp tongue!"
"But not as much as you. Your fights are always sold out."
Raon shrugged.
"Ah, the champion or whatever! It's annoying! I just want to swing my sword!"
Wrath trembled at the sight of Karam being dragged away with his teeth shattered.
'It's okay. They're all villains anyway.'
Raon moved his hand, saying there were no healthy people here.
-Don't look at it that way...
He frowned.
-It seems you're the biggest villain here, aren't you?
It had been a month and a half since they entered Hollam. Thanks to the ample time, the Light Wind division had settled in without raising suspicions, but the Sword Lord of the Holy Sword Alliance and the Floor Master of the Black Tower showed no signs of appearing.
"If we keep going at this rate, we really will become champions!"
Martha ruffled her hair in frustration, saying she wanted to train properly.
"Rimmer! Why is that guy having fun in the bar while we're stuck here?"
She bit her lip, envious of Rimmer, who was enjoying drinks and bets while disguised as a human.
"We don't have much time left. If they don't show up in two weeks, we'll retreat."
They couldn't wait here indefinitely, so it was scheduled for them to be replaced by the next sword team in two weeks. Whatever happened, they'd have to leave soon.
Knock knock. Just as Raon was trying to console Martha, a knock came at the door.
"Are you there?"
It was Dorian. Employed as a staff member of the arena, he bowed deeply.
"What’s going on?"
Martha hardened her voice coldly, aware that others might be outside.
"The manager asked me to take you both."
Dorian laughed, saying there was no need for them to move separately.
"Understood."
"Another duel?"
Raon and Martha patted Dorian's shoulder and climbed the stairs.
"Welcome."
Oberin, the referee and manager of this arena, bowed his head.
"What’s happening?"
Raon nodded to Oberin.
"The Master wishes to see you."
Despite his winning streak, they still hadn't met the owner of the arena. It seemed that something was finally changing.
"Are you asking us to go to him?"
Martha frowned, expressing her discontent.
"Haha, you won't regret it if you go."
Oberin bowed carefully and pointed to the upper floor of the arena.
"Let's go. I don't like wasting time."
Raon said curtly and began to ascend the stairs first.
"Hmph."
Martha snorted and followed him reluctantly.
"Please, come in."
As Oberin opened the door to the upper floor, a huge and luxurious room was revealed, unimaginable for a lawless zone. The walls were covered in pure gold, paintings and invaluable swords adorned every pillar, and countless jewels were scattered like flowers in a garden.
It felt like witnessing the royal palace of a country rather than an arena in a lawless zone.
"Welcome."
A man sitting at the center of the room stroked his chin. Each of his fingers wore a ring, each shining with a different gemstone.
"I am Tugui."
The man introduced as Tugui exuded a fierce aura like a wild beast, in stark contrast to the luxurious objects filling the room.
'So this is Tugui...'
Once a promising knight of Owen, this criminal who betrayed his comrades and fled in search of money had become a monster known as Tugui—the Greedy Demon—in this desolate land.
'He's strong.'
Raon had thought he might have weakened due to indulgence in pleasures, but the aura he perceived surpassed his expectations. Although he couldn't measure it precisely without using aura, Tugui was at least a high-level Grand Master or higher.
"Why did you call us?"
Martha tilted her chin as she looked at Tugui.
"Please, take a seat first."
Tugui offered them seats, gesturing for them to make themselves comfortable.
"Tch."
"You're being a nuisance."
Raon and Martha sat on either side, frowning.
"Thanks to you two, I'm gaining an abundance of money, so I thought it was appropriate to greet you. And..."
Tugui licked his lips and extended his hands.
"I have a proposal to make."
"A proposal?"
Raon narrowed his eyes as he looked at Tugui.
"I'm planning to hold a large-scale duel this weekend. I would like you two to be the main event."
Tugui twisted his lips into a smile as he pointed at Raon and Martha.
"A full-on all-in battle where the winner takes everything. Many people, including VIPs, will gather."
He laughed, saying that the money would accumulate endlessly.
"That happens every day, right?"
"No, the reward is different. The winner of that duel will receive 10% of the profits."
Tugui stroked his jewel-encrusted ring, saying it was enough money to live comfortably for a lifetime.
"Ah, so that's why you haven't paired us up until now."
Martha frowned, finally understanding why they hadn't been matched against each other.
"I smelled money on you two. I couldn't allow you to fight in some miserable arena."
Tugui nodded, saying he was right.
"I don't like the sound of those VIPs."
Raon looked at Tugui, lowering his eyebrows.
"Are you asking us to act like circus animals in front of those well-dressed, arrogant applauders?"
"They're different from that rabble. Real people with money will come."
"Real money?"
"Well, the duel isn't the main purpose, but I hate being looked down upon."
Tugui slammed his massive hand on the platinum table, saying he wanted to show these important people a proper fight.
'It's safe. It's them.'
Hearing Tugui's words, Raon felt confident that the VIPs who would come this weekend were the Floor Master of the Black Tower and the Sword Lord of the Holy Sword Alliance.
"I'm in. Either way, I've been wanting to kill that guy with my own hands."
Martha's eyes burned with bloodlust, seeming not to be an act but genuine intent.
"I agree too. There's no reason to do this if it's not for the money anyway."
Raon nodded, observing Martha's fierce expression.
"Let’s toast to commemorate this, let me invite you two today!"
As he clapped, the door opened, and a variety of food and drinks were brought in.
-Oh, he seems like a nice guy!
Wrath licked his lips, saying Tugui seemed like a good person for providing free food.
"Please, enjoy."
Tugui took a drink of alcohol first, letting out an exaggerated laugh.
'Good guy?'
Raon scoffed after tasting the suspiciously glowing food and drinks.
'As expected, he’s not a good guy, but someone who deserves to die.'
He had been suspicious from the moment he offered to share the profits. He expected both Raon and Martha to die during their duel.
'I’ve decided.'
Raon savagely tore into a chicken leg, allowing a sinister smile to spread across his face.
'I’ll also erase this Greedy Demon.'
As dawn broke after the drinking session ended, Raon explained the situation to Denning Rose.
"That's right."
Denning Rose nodded quickly.
"Given the detected movements of the Holy Sword Alliance and the Black Tower, it’s definitely that day."
She said confidently as she placed markers for the Holy Sword Alliance and the Black Tower on the map of Hollam.
"Who’s coming?"
"Well..."
Denning Rose let out a long sigh as she pointed to the markers of the Holy Sword Alliance and the Black Tower.
"From the Black Tower, Marang is coming, and from the Holy Sword Alliance, the White Demon Swordsman is moving."
She bit her lip as she continued.
"Both are high-level Grand Masters or higher."
Denning Rose exhaled deeply, saying the situation had become extremely dangerous.
"We didn’t know monsters of that caliber would be moving. Maybe we should request reinforcements even now…"
"No."
Raon shook his head calmly.
"We can handle this ourselves."
"What? But with the Greedy Demon included, they are three high-level Grand Masters or higher! Their subordinates are no ordinary fighters either, and there are countless…"
Denning Rose's fingertips trembled as she pointed out this was the biggest problem.
"Those two…"
Raon placed his hand on the hilt of the Heavenly Drive. His eyes burned with an intensity that surpassed the rising sun.
"I'll take them down."
-
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