With his grandma's encouragement, the uncertainty in Myah's heart subsided.
However, before his thought could fully calm down, the referee, a well-clad man standing on battleground number 6, suddenly beckoned in a booming momentum.
"For the next match— we have contestants numbers 36 and 47!"
His voice was deep and solemn— it reverberates in Myah's ears.
Nevertheless, after taking a deep breath, Myah tried adjusting his state of mind to the most optimal condition. Without further ado, he left the waiting area, gradually followed Bumpkin's lead, and walked up the stage.
Simultaneously, in contrast to the opponent's inconspicuous black light, the lone streak of gleaming green light revolving around Bumpkin effortlessly attracted the attention of many spectators like a powerful magnet.
In that second, Myah could sense numerous eyes fell on his body and flinched.
Furthermore, this familiar sensation subtlety reminded him of the day he walked up the awakening platform, the awakening ceremony inside the Braveheart Clan.
Now, it felt just as suffocating.
Upon remembering the point where everything seemed to take a swift turn, Myah's resolution subconsciously wavered as his heartbeats hastened.
Then,
Without any warning, fresh blood unknowingly flowed out from the corner of Myah's eyelids little by little, making the red ribbon wrapped around his nonexistent eyesight vibrant than ever.
Under his large wizard hat's cover, no one seemed to notice the bleeding, and a cheer broke out from the masses.
In the middle of the battleground, the referee looked at the numerous audiences and continued.
With an enthralling voice, he exclaimed,
"On the left, we have contestant number 36, Liu Ming, a student of the Combat Academy, one of the two most thriving institutions of Yellow town.
"Cultivation: Three-stars Warrior with his War Soul, a Mid-stage Rank 1 Water Monkey that normally lived near jungle's creeks and clear lakes, well known for its trickery, and swiftness agility."
"To the right—" Delaying for a split second, the referee quickly addressed with increased volume, "We have contestant number 47, Myah, an unknown genius. Cultivation: One-star Warrior, C-grade talent and his War Soul, a rarely seen Mid-stage Rank 1 Wasteland Earth Steed, lived in some of the most demanding environment and is blessed to have impeccable raw vigor and superb defense!"
"Everyone, let us welcome the two new contestants!" When the referee finished his sentence, he briefly turned and looked at the eager spectators.
Woahh!*
In an instant, the crowd broke out in a fiery discussion.
But then again, in this town, it wasn't every day that they get to see someone with a C-grade talent appear on stage.
From the stand, all eyes were drawn as the roars and clamor poured down endlessly.
As for Myah, he has already reached the edge of the battleground.
Meanwhile, standing on the other side was a teenage boy of around 14 years old. He clad in a green uniform and battered leather armor made of unknown beast hide.
Both of Liu Ming's hands encased inside two large beastly metal gauntlets—the tip of each finger as sharp as a Dire Wolf's claw and fang. Reflecting the burning sunlights, they glistened with a harsh glare as if thirsting for blood.
And, of course, there was also his War Soul!
Standing behind Liu Ming was an athletic-looking monkey with no tail. The creature stood upright on its two legs, arm crossed, and is estimated to be a little over two meters in height.
The Water Monkey's overall body proportion was well distributed.
It has two large hands full of hard calluses that appear to be way more prominent than a human's. But that is not the end. What's even more astonishing was those four fibrous limbs, which revealed defined cutting muscles that silently speak of power and unbelievable dexterity.
If not for the silky pale blue fur that wholly embraced the beast's entire body and dark shade skin tone, one could easily mistake it for a man on an overcast, rainy day.
Gruff!
It grunted.
A taunting, unfriendly smirk appeared on the Water Monkey's face as it directly stared at Bumpkin in the eyes. The next second, obviously used to this noisy atmosphere, it unceremoniously waved at the audience.
Then, once again, its attention shifted back toward Bumpkin before emulating a throat-slitting motion with its thump.
After the Water Monkey's straightforward gesture, tensions quickly filled the air of the battleground.
"Everyone, as we concluded with the short introduction, please place your bet if you haven't done so—this is your chance!
"But choose wisely. The odds of Liu Ming is 1:1, while the odds of Myah winning reached 1:3!
"Now, there are still thirty seconds remaining. Place your bet!" The referee announced loudly with a broad smile, fully showcasing his golden teeth.
His words carried a unique charisma, and it aroused the crowd's interest even more as they broke out in wild guesses and various reactions.
"That's peculiar. The gap between each star of the Warrior Realm is not meager but not unsurpassable. Even as a One-star Warrior, why would they rate number 47's chance be so low?"
"That's true. For someone with a C-grade talent, it's not impossible to battle against those of a higher star, not to mention number 37 is solely two stars higher."
"Is there some hidden information?!"
"What do you know, looked up there!" An audience informed, his finger aimed at the transparent projection elevated above the number 6 battleground.
The projection fully displayed everything on the battlefield, including Myah and Liu Ming's vivid images.
"That kid appears to be blind!" Someone exclaimed, noticing the red ribbon wrapped around Myah's eyes.
"Huh? No wonder..."
"Damn!"
"So the kid's sight is fucking crippled. Why would he even be here? Tsk, and here I thought the Arena would give out easy money for a second. What a damn pit! I almost fell for it."
"These scoundrels!"
——
Back on the stage, above the battleground, the timer kept ticking.
<10>
<9>
<8>
<7>
...
The referee watched the count down continue to lower expressionlessly. As it undeviatingly approached the last 5 seconds, he quickly looked at the two contestants and yelled, "Get ready!"
<5>
<4>
Liu Ming smiled coldly at Myah while watching the countdown, "The War Soul's Arena has no rule.
"When the match starts, just put down your weapon and surrender. Even if you are a child, don't expect me to show any compassion."