“Dr. Rhys, don’t worry. Even if Number 12 loses, no one’s going to blame you,” Alicia said with a reassuring smile.
“Yeah, we’re just here for the fun of it. Winning or losing doesn’t really matter, “Aurora chimed in.
“That’s a relief.” Dustin nodded.
Gambling could remain harmless if one didn’t become too engrossed in it. However, once addicted, it was easy to lose one’s rationality. Therefore, it was wise to clarify matters beforehand to prevent unnecessary complications.
“Fenley, do you want to join us?” Alicia suddenly turned to Fenley beside her.
“No thanks. You guys go ahead. I’m not into it.” Fenley smiled and shook his head. He was passionate about martial arts. Aside from training and fighting, nothing else piqued his interest.
“What about you, Dr. Rhys?” Alicia asked Dustin.
“I’ll just watch the match,” he declined politely. He knew that Abigail’s role as the dealer could manipulate the outcome. Plus, those who placed their bets would eventually lose everything.
“Come on, place your bets. The match is about to start,” Abigail shouted as she urged more gamblers to place their bets.
When the referee in the battle ring announced the start of the match, the betting was officially closed.
“Go, Miles! You have to win and make our guild proud!” Ruby’s voice echoed through the crowd. She cheered on Miles as he fought on the second battle ring.
Crystal and Dalen sat nearby. Their expressions were calm as they watched the match with minimal reaction.
Upon hearing Ruby’s voice, Dustin turned his head toward her direction. Dalen, sensing something, swiftly turned to Dustin and greeted him with a nod and a friendly smile.
Miles stood confidently in the center of the battle ring. His expression was serious as he gripped his sword with determination. He exuded an impressive and poised demeanor.
His opponent, a burly man named Atlas Brude, was quite the contrast. Standing six feet three inches tall and with a big, muscular build, he brandished two battle axes. His exposed, hairy chest gave him a resemblance more akin to a gorilla than a man.
On the contrary, Miles, though in good shape, looked slender next to ATlas’ imposing figure.
“Hey kid, what’s your name? I don’t spare any nameless spirits under my axes.” Atlas swung his two battle axes onto his shoulders with an arrogant stance.
“I’m Miles Young from Sword Union,” Miles replied coolly.
“Oh? You’re a Sword Union disciple?” Atlas raised an eyebrow, and his fighting spirit grew stronger.
He continued, “I’ve heard they only accept elites. All their disciples are tough martial artists capable of taking on 100 opponents. I wonder if those rumors are true.”
Atlas had heard about the Sword Union’s reputation but hadn’t expected to encounter one of their disciples so soon. If he could defeat Miles in the ring, it would add another impressive notch to his belt.
“Why don’t you find out for yourself?” Miles slowly raised his sword and pointed it straight at him.
“Great! Today, I’ll see just how skilled you Sword Union disciples really are!” Atlas sneered. Then, he charged forward like a human tank. Each step sent tremors through the battle ring.
“Take this!” He roared as he closed in and swung his axes down on Miles’ shoulders with tremendous force. Given Atlas’ strength, even a rhinoceros would be torn apart on impact.
Seeing the axes descending, Miles knew he couldn’t take the attack head- on. So, he twisted his body and swiftly dodged the blow.
A loud explosion echoed through the arena. Two axes crashed down simultaneously onto the battle ring, which sent the sparks flying in all directions. The once-solid surface of the battle ring now bore two deep jagged marks.
“Go to hell!” Atlas wasted no time after his initial strike missed. He swiftly transitioned into a sweeping motion instead.
His axes scraped along the ground for about 15 feet before slashing upwards at an angle. Miles was caught off guard with his astonishing speed.
“Hmm?” Miles’ pupils constricted as he quickly raised his sword to block.
A resounding clash rang out as Atlas’ axes forcefully struck against Miles’ sword. Sparks flew from the impact, and the force of Atlas’ blow sent Miles staggering back several steps. He barely managed to regain his balance.
Atlas’ immense strength surprised Miles. His grip on the sword trembled involuntarily, and his knuckles throbbed from the sheer force of Atlas’ strength, which far surpassed his expectations.
Since confronting Atlas head-on wouldn’t work in his favor, Miles knew he had to change his fighting strategy.
“Heh… Looks like you Sword Union disciples aren’t as impressive as I thought. You’re weak. How disappointing!” Atlas shook his head and smiled mockingly.
His earlier probing attacks had already revealed Mile’s weaknesses. So, Atlas felt confident in winning the match.
“Strength isn’t everything. A bull may be stronger than a tiger, but it still ends up as the tiger’s prey,” Miles retorted.
“Hmph! You think you’re a tiger, but you’re just a sickly cat? You’re really overestimating yourself! Today, I’ll teach you a lesson you won’t forget! Take this!”
Atlas lunged forward. His axes, one on the left and one on the right, swung like giant crab claws toward Miles’s head.
