"...This is not in keeping with the rules," the host wiped the sweat from his forehead, wanting to decline.
For the arena, duelists with high popularity were essential for attracting viewers and could not easily be allowed to die.
However.
"Let them fight!" a well-dressed woman in the audience, her face crimson, shouted without regard for her image.
"Whoever wins tonight, I will offer ten thousand Gold Coins to have dinner at my home!"
"I'll offer a hundred thousand Gold Coins!" a red-haired strong man also shouted excitedly, his eyes filled with intense anticipation.
Regarding such sensational remarks, the audience did not seem surprised; instead, many shouted high bets.
"It seems everyone is eagerly anticipating the fight with Greis," Xi Mu, carrying his heavy sword on his shoulder, turned and walked toward the duelist rest area.
"He will definitely agree to our duel."
"..." The host frowned tightly, looking at Ahtal's back with a conflicted expression, then summoned a guard to urgently contact the boss.
Today's events were clearly unexpected.
Some time later.
In the duelist rest area.
"The boss will never agree to your duel," Norma leaned against the wall, watching Xi Mu walk in. She knew the arena's boss very well—a guy driven by money, like Ahtal and Greis, such popular duelists.
He would surely advertise in advance, trying to attract as many viewers as possible, and use the life-and-death of Ahtal and Greis for betting, drawing in gamblers.
The event must be grand, filled with as much ceremony as possible.
"Don't worry, today I will definitely fight Greis to the death," Xi Mu said, sitting on a dilapidated wooden chair, placing his heavy sword on the table.
"In the future, I might not continue to be a duelist."
"Ha... then there's nothing that can be done," a light laughter came from outside the door as a young man wearing glasses and a suit elegantly walked in.
He adjusted his glasses, maintaining a polite, insincere smile.
"To make this money, we can only advertise urgently, hoping that Lord Ahtal can grant us some time."
"I hope the duel can start before nine o'clock," Xi Mu stated succinctly, and the bespectacled man promptly nodded in agreement.
"No problem, the duel will definitely begin before nine," he said, and then suddenly clapped his hands, as several attractive women walked in.
"They will help you pass the time."
"No need, let them leave," Xi Mu decisively refused. This game did not allow for mischief, and there was clearly no need for these women to stay in the same room with him.
It would be better to take the time to refine Magic Power.
"Is that so," the man adjusted his glasses and waved the women who had entered to leave. He observed Ahtal and laughed, "It's rare for someone to refuse such temptation. You are a true duelist, undistracted by beauty before victory."
"Many capable duelists have died because they wasted too much energy on frivolous matters."
"You are doing well."
Xi Mu did not respond, closing his eyes to refine his Magic Power; he was just a game player, without any of the restraint typical of duelists.
It was purely because the game did not allow it.
As the man watched Xi Mu's aloof demeanor, he became even more convinced that Xi Mu was a pure duelist.
"I won't disturb you further as you gather your strength," he said as he turned to leave. To Norma, who was too nervous to speak the whole time, he didn't even spare a glance.
He never had any interest in casting his gaze on insignificant people.
"I didn't expect the boss to come see you personally," Norma patted her chest, looking at Xi Mu who was still refining his Magic Power, and asked.
"Lord Ahtal, will you win?" After speaking, she self-mockingly shook her head, knowing as an Astrologer, he must inevitably win.
Even though Greis was considered the uncrowned king among duelists, merely a practitioner of physical techniques, compared to those truly skilled in using Magic Power, his strength was not on the same level.
Wait… since Ahtal was bound to win.
Norma hurriedly ran out the door, anxiously going to place her bets, seeing this as a clear opportunity to make money that she would regret missing for a lifetime.
...
...
Time passed.
News of the duel between the rookie Ahtal, who had nineteen consecutive victories, and Greis, who had a hundred victories in a hundred battles, quickly spread throughout the city, attracting many eyes.
The reason people were drawn was simply the purest physical duel, a contest of skill.
The evening was not yet upon them, but the arena was already packed with people.
In the audience.
"You were the attendant who received Ahtal yesterday, right?" An elegant woman, looking at Norma sitting next to her, inquired unabashedly.
"How does he feel about it?"
"Sorry, madam, I didn't do anything with Mr. Ahtal," Norma explained softly.
To this, the lady slightly frowned, not entirely believing what this commoner said, and upon seeing this, Norma showed a sincere expression.
"Mr. Ahtal doesn't have much interest in women; his entire focus is on pursuing power."
"The boss even got several beauties to help Mr. Ahtal pass the time, but he didn't keep any of them around."
Saying this, she joked,
"Perhaps Mr. Ahtal is still pure-bodied, never having been touched by anyone."
"Is that so?" The lady hid her face behind her fan, her eyes revealing anticipation, not bothering to pay attention to the fierce battle in the arena.