**Chapter 145: The Second Epic Talent**
Tina, Oran City Arena, Tenth Ring.
It was only a short while ago that Tina dueled the knight Lill over a misunderstanding with Tima. Back then, she and Lill were only first-order, and the skirmish didn't draw much attention—just a modest crowd of two or three thousand.
But today was different. Tina had risen to the status of a Tier 4 powerhouse, and her opponent, Megan, was a well-known instructor at the peak of fourth order.
In Oran City, Tier 4 warriors held serious influence, akin to regional elites. Word of their upcoming duel spread quickly through the city, stirring excitement and curiosity. By the time of the fight, the arena's nearly 30,000 seats were filled to capacity, with countless onlookers standing in aisles or finding perches wherever they could.
The arena was buzzing with anticipation. Cheers and conversations filled the air as spectators eagerly awaited the arrival of the two combatants.
Three minutes before the duel, Tina, clad in brilliant golden armor, rode out from the east gate of the arena on her unicorn. The crowd's attention immediately centered on her as she emerged. Being in the spotlight before such an immense crowd made her a bit uneasy. But recalling the public humiliation Megan had put her through at the banquet, a fierce determination rose within her.
Clenching her fists, she muttered under her breath, "Today, I will beat you, no matter what."
Cheers and comments echoed from the stands:
"Look! That's the unicorn knight from a commoner's family!"
"Her armor is gorgeous!"
"What a magnificent unicorn! Just once in my life, I'd love to touch one."
"Tina, we support you! Show them what you're made of!"
But among the cheers, there were also dismissive jeers:
"Hah, that's the fourth-order fraud who probably used illegal boosters to level up!"
"She was a first-order last month and now she's fourth? I'd bet anything it wasn't natural!"
"She's facing an experienced instructor at fourth-order peak. If you're betting on her, good luck throwing your money away!"
"Yeah, I put down 2,000 psionic coins on Megan."
"2,000? Isn't that risky?"
"Not at all! The odds are 1.19 to 5.69. Megan's victory seems inevitable, so it's worth going big!"
Just as Tina entered, Megan, dressed in silver armor, appeared on the opposite side of the arena atop her own unicorn. The crowd erupted again:
"Go, Instructor Megan!"
"Teach that arrogant girl a lesson!"
"My money's on you, Megan. Don't let us down!"
"Show the prowess of the Unicorn Knights!"
Hearing the crowd's chants, Megan's face tightened. She despised being an object of entertainment for the masses, feeling that the atmosphere was no different from a gladiator's pit. But she brushed aside her disdain. Victory over Tina would not only bring her immense honor but also a hefty prize of 100,000 psionic coins. With this fortune, her family could rise in status and strengthen ties with the influential Windsor family. Determined, she pointed her lance toward Tina.
"Tina, today I'll teach you the price of disrespecting both your teacher and your seniors!"
Tina shot back, her voice cold and unyielding. "Then bring it on. I have no intention of losing!"
Inwardly, she added, *For the sake of my home, I won't lose!*
Before the match, Su Yu had advised Tina to mortgage her family's house for 200,000 psionic coins and place them all on a bet with Weiner Black Gold's gaming establishment. If she won, she would walk away with millions. But if she lost, she'd be left homeless.
Stealing a glance toward the highest stands, where Su Yu was observing, Tina gave him a small nod. She could not afford to lose this duel.
---
At the top of the grand arena, Su Yu stood, calmly watching the arena below. Beside him was the green-skinned goblin, [Weiner Black Gold].
Weiner, bowing respectfully, said, "Boss Nemesis, everything has been arranged just as you instructed."
"Good. Let's watch the duel unfold," Su Yu replied, gesturing for Weiner to join him.
---
Su Yu's alliance with Weiner Black Gold began just two days ago.
Previously, Weiner had lost his fortune to gambling, accumulating an overwhelming amount of debt. Under pressure from relentless creditors, he had resolved to end his life to spare his family further hardship. He stood by the banks of the Moonlight River, ready to jump, when Su Yu, informed of his plight by a mutual friend, Xiong DeAndre, intervened.
Su Yu saved Weiner and offered a simple proposition: "Weiner, you don't need to die. I have a way for you to clear your debts. But you must join my territory and serve me."
Thus, Su Yu gained his second epic talent for his domain:
**[Weiner Black Gold]**
*Epic*
- **Class:** Merchant
- **Trait 1: [Keen Sense of Smell]** – Weiner has a sharp sense for market fluctuations, allowing him to profit by buying low and selling high.
- **Trait 2: [Gambling Organizer]** – Able to set up betting games, his reputation attracts crowds and draws in substantial wagers.
- **Trait 3: [Goblin Trade]** – Can source rare Goblin Kingdom goods at low prices.
- **Trait 4: [Commerce Management]** – Expert in running and optimizing a Chamber of Commerce, increasing operational efficiency by 30%.
After Weiner Black Gold joined, Su Yu cleared all his debts, a sum of 2.3 million psionic coins.
Was paying 2.3 million worth it for an epic talent? Objectively, perhaps not. But Su Yu had a plan—he could leverage Weiner's *Gambling Organizer* trait to amass even greater wealth.
When Megan publicly insulted Tina at the dinner party, Su Yu seized the opportunity. He encouraged Tina to challenge Megan to a duel, strategically choosing the Oran City Arena for maximum exposure.
And to forge a bond of shared interest, he persuaded Tina to stake her house, channeling her funds into Weiner's betting platform.
This time, there was no cap on the maximum bet. With Weiner's skill, they could collect as much as the crowd was willing to wager.
Once Tina emerged victorious, they'd reap a substantial profit.
*(End of Chapter)*