"Need help with anything?" Santiago saw Dash warming up and asked as he approached with a tray of food.
Dash shook his head and said, "I won't need it, but I want you to take care of analyzing the strongest opponents."
In normal situations, he didn't like analyzing his opponents as it made the fights more interesting. However, now he was not only fighting for himself but also for Devon's mother, his sponsor, and to earn a good sum of money. Many might prioritize this, but Dash didn't want to miss any details about his enemies, making him more comfortable in the fights.
"Don't worry; we have people from your sponsor analyzing all your opponents moments before, and we know exactly how to act. Also, we'll give you a proper list of the strongest opponents you might face." Santiago said as he looked around.
At this moment, there were twenty-five fights scheduled for today, with fifty fighters scattered all over the place, training. Many were excited to continue competing, knowing that each victory could earn them hundreds of thousands of dollars.
For normal fighters, this money is an impressive amount, but if you think about it, that amount isn't much considering what it takes to fight here.
"Do you know my chances for my next fight?" Dash asked, looking at Santiago, who was currently checking the schedule for today to know when their fight was.
"As you only fight once every three days to improve the fighters' performance and give them room to rest, it doesn't matter much if you fight now or later..."
Dash looked at Santiago but insisted, "I need to prepare mentally. Have you ever fought in your life? If you're an organizer of illegal fights, you must know something about this..."
"Kid, I'm not a damn fighter. In school, even the first-year kids kicked my ass, but then weapons started circulating, and the story changed. When you bring a gun to a fight, you can beat any martial artist."
In the face of these words, Dash didn't have much to say. Bullets were indeed more effective than any punch, and getting a gun wasn't complicated at all depending on the country.
"It seems like it's about to begin."
Upon hearing Santiago's words, Dash lifted his gaze and then noticed the arena, which was a high stone platform that wasn't there yesterday.
"Competitors from around the world, all have been gathered here for a purpose, and that is to become this year's Hidden Dragon. Are you ready for the glory that entails?" The presenter was making an excellent opening, but many didn't care about this.
"All have obtained a sponsor; some have had the right to talk to them, while others still need to earn their trust. Remember, each fight will give you several hundred thousand dollars, and that will be increased as the competition progresses."
Dash looked at this whole scene under his own judgment and felt like he was in a movie; everything seemed so unreal because many things didn't make sense in this place.
But his only job was to win as much as he could here to return home and focus only on his own public championships. Winning here, besides recognition and money, wouldn't bring him anything else. Therefore, once he wins this tournament, he will go back home and share the glory with Devon.
"You don't think you've won this tournament already, right?" Santiago looked at Dash's confidence in his eyes and asked just to be sure.
"I don't know what kind of motivation you take in a fight, but in each of them, I know I'll win the match." Dash looked at Santiago and shook his head.
Dash had never been defeated, but that didn't mean he always came out as the winner. For example, in his many confrontations with Cheng, he had lost a few, and with Dre as well. They were freaks, so he had to be very careful when facing them.
It's true that in real competitions, he was undefeated, but these weren't two very separate things.
"In this tournament, everything is valid; the only rule is to have the forgiveness of life!"
"Welcome to this tournament, and may the most skilled warrior win."
When the tournament opened, the fights began, and truly, all the warriors in this place were extremely skilled. Perhaps this would help Dash get closer to the final, as many powerful rivals would face each other in a way.
"Dash Hale vs. Takashi Yamamoto!"
When they announced his name, Dash closed his eyes for a moment before stepping forward and facing his opponent, who seemed ready for the showdown.