Chapter 151 The Stakes Are High



"Nathan Oppa," Linda said, her voice filled with concern. "Why are you facing them alone? I want to help you."

She followed Nathan when he stepped into a room that was about the size of half a football field. It was surrounded by a tall barrier and dozens of people who were eagerly awaiting the fight that was about to take place in the stands.

"Do you think you're so strong, Nathan?" Gydarra demanded, jabbing a finger in Nathan's direction. "I'm more than willing to lend my hand in taking them on. Why are you bearing this burden by yourself? You fought for them, but when I asked you to fight me, you refused." He growled with frustration.

"Listen!" Nahan said to her colleagues, his voice firm and resolute. "I know they did this to Yudan because they want to mess with me, okay? I understand we have to work together at times, but please let me finish this business alone this time."

Nathan then paused, his expression conveying his annoyance. "I want to be able to teach them a lesson without any interference. So let me do this alone, please."

Nathan comprehended that his choice might have seemed arrogant, but he was only doing this to liberate himself from the restraints of not wanting to cause any difficulties for others. A faint smile graced his face as he entered the arena. Five people were already there, ready to battle him.

He had no other choice but to move forward. As Nathan slowly approached Titus and his four companions, he tried his best to be respectful. However, he was aware that some people were always looking for a fight, and he knew that it would not be enough even if he offered them forgiveness. Thus, he decided that a swift slap was the only way to show them that he was serious and ready to take on any challenge that came his way.

"Do you think Nathan will beat Titus and the other four?" Someone asked, incredulous.

"Are you crazy? No, I'm sure the answer is a definite no!" his friend replied, shaking her head. "Nathan was alone while Titus brought a complete team - a Tanker, an Assassin, a Healer, a Magician and a Fighter. What can Nathan do? Do you think he's a raid boss?" 

"But I saw that Nathan really had potential," Another one said. "It's a shame he was too arrogant - he chose to take on Titus' challenge and he did it alone? I would think a thousand times if I was in his position." 

"At this point I can no longer tell the difference between the brave and the brainless! I think Nathan is more into the latter category."

The arena was completely still; all eyes were watching, waiting to see what would happen in the imminent battle. Memories of the CEHA Entrance Exam still haunted them; the many casualties and the extraordinary feat of Nathan defeating the final boss in the pocket dimension. 

Yet, they were aware that this was no ordinary person they were up against. Titus had a reputation for his deviousness, and as an Assassin, he was trained to kill without a sound. Plus, he had a formidable team backing him up, a team that was sure to guarantee his victory.

The result of the battle was practically a foregone conclusion. Some even began organizing wagers on who would win, and Nathan's odds were a dismal 1:12 against Titus and his team.

"Are you kidding me?!" Gaem smacked Gydarra on the head in disbelief when she found out that he was also betting on who would win. "Have you lost your mind, Gydarra? Mr. Nathan is in a difficult situation and yet you are gambling?"

"You fools? I suggest you better bet on that bitch right away. I'm sure he'll easily beat those five idiots," Gydarra answered with a snappy tone.

"You really are an idiot, Gydarra!" Linda also responded. But then she paused for a few moments. "But, I'm also sure Nathan Oppa will win, so why don't I put up a wager too?"

Yudan clicked his tongue at the behavior of the two of them, unable to comprehend why they still had time to talk about the bet when Nathan was fighting alone. He shook his head in disbelief.

"Can't you see, Yudan? Nathan is also placing a stake! A monster soul stone!" Gydarra exclaimed firmly. "Do you think I'm not aware of what's going on in his mind? He's trying to make a fortune by taking advantage of the foolishness of those stupid humans!"

"But, what if he loses?" Gaem interjected, then turned to Meriel, who shook her head slowly in response.

Gaem could tell that Meriel was worried, looking at the expression on her face.

"I'm sure Mr. Nathan will win, but I still can't help but feel anxious." Meriel said.

In the middle of the arena, an unexpected figure appeared, weaving his way between Nathan and Titus' group. Kim Yejun, a man in his early thirties, with blue hair tied back and draped over his left shoulder. He had previously been seen on Max's tv show during the opening of the CEHA entrance exam and was admired by many of the female attendees.

"Good evening everyone!" Kim Yejun's face beamed from the jumbotron in the corner of the stadium as he spoke softly, his words reverberating throughout the arena. 

The women erupted into cheers, joyously welcoming his presence, whereas the men looked on with disgruntled expressions. 

"What an asshole!" one man muttered.  I think you should take a look at

"Oh, Mr. Kim...he is so handsome," sighed another.

Kim Yejun flashed a warm smile at Titus and Nathan, then said again, "I'm truly honored to have been selected as a judge for this incredibly funny duel today."

He had a slight smirk on his face as he continued. "On one side, we have Titus, the renowned assassin whose killing prowess is unmatched. He needs no further introduction as his reputation precedes him." 

The crowd erupted in applause in response to Kim Yejun's words.

"Titus is joined by four of his colleagues, all of whom have incredible potential as hunters. I'm so proud of CEHA for having such skilled individuals here with us." He concluded by softly clapping his hands in appreciation.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Kim Yejun looked at Nathan and paused for a moment. "Um, sorry, what's your name again?" he asked. 

Once again, thunderous applause filled the room as Kim Yejun finished speaking, but he quickly added to his words. "Oh no, no," he shook his head, a big smile on his face. "Of course I know this talented young man. Ethan Gardner," he said, clapping his hands softly.

"Who's that idiot?" Gydarra asked firmly as soon as he heard Kim Yejun's words.

Linda was angered to hear that Kim Yejun had deliberately humiliated Nathan in front of many people. "What an asshole," she said, her voice rising with anger. "I want to get in the arena right now and slit that stupid man's mouth."

Meriel, sensing panic, quickly grabbed Linda's arms and patted them lightly. "Linda, hold yourself..." she pleaded, her voice filled with worry. She was really afraid that Linda would turn into her 'virtue mode' at such an inopportune moment like this one.

There was a loud protest from the audience when Kim mispronounced Nathan's name. Confused, he asked, "What? Did I say the name wrong?"

He then cast a glance around the area before turning to Nathan. "Isn't your name Ethan? Or Arthur? Or Evan? Ah... sorry..." he trailed off, embarrassed.

He gave a sheepish smile and added, "I'm sorry because you're not a very important person, so I have a hard time remembering your name."

Kim Yejun then scanned the audience, searching for an answer.

He finally said, "Ah, Nathan... Nathan Gardner." He clapped his hands lightly and continued, "I'm sorry I said the wrong name of someone from the Gardner family. Hahaha... I know he was kicked out of the Gardner family, but he still uses the Gardner name. Hahahaha..." His light applause had a calming effect on the crowd.

Nathan, who had been silent until that moment, heard Rowena whisper in his ear, "Master Nathan, I will kill this man for you if you so desire."

He nodded slowly, thinking to himself, "You don't need to worry Rowena, I won't stay silent. I will treat him the same way, humiliating him in front of the crowd. Killing him is still a very good thing when we do it for people like him."

Kim Yejun then took out a black metal cube with intricate carvings adorning its surface. He lifted the cube, and it hovered above his hand, its size roughly the same as a football. With a snap of his fingers, the complex mechanism of the cube whirred, and one side opened.

"Alright, let's secure the bets of our duel today first," he said cheerfully as he placed the cube in front of Nathan.

Nathan, however, still held his Monster Soul Stone.

"Let me see his Monster Soul Stone, first," he said, turning to Titus.

Titus, clad in all-black leather clothing with some armor covering his body, strode towards Nathan. His black hair partially hid his face. "Do I look like I can't place a bet with just this Monster Soul Stone?" he inquired, revealing a fiery red crystal in his palm.

The camera swiftly focused on the Monster Soul Stone in Titus' hand as Kim Yejun declared, "Monster Soul Stone Elite Fire Wyvern Lv. 85".

The audience erupted into a round of applause upon realizing that Titus was carrying the incredibly elite Monster Soul Stone from a monster wyvern, which was only found in the far-off land of Yunatea. Nathan smiled slightly, his voice barely audible as he murmured, "I think Geen will be delighted with its new meal."