Chapter 656

Chapter 656

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Chapter 656

Beneath its sign, adorned with red dice, the tavern named "Black Orca" was quite renowned in the vicinity.

The red dice symbolized the ownership of the Nukijo gang, who proudly claimed dominion over the nights in Charloin, the largest trading city in the south. The Nukijo's reputation was so formidable that even knights and soldiers tasked with maintaining order in Charloin would turn a blind eye to any incident under the sign of the red dice.

Among these establishments, the Black Orca had risen in fame over the past few years by providing the newest form of entertainment – a direct and successful venture into the world of 'nightlife.'

This was the 'Random Combat Gambling.'

"It's truly amusing. Contestants, strangers to each other, are randomly chosen and sent to the arena. Have you ever seen a child struggling against an adult, or a burly man weeping as he runs from one even larger? It's hilarious. The randomness makes it all possible. We draw numbered beads from a jar."

"Hmm."

‘Mustache Jack,’ the doorman of the Black Orca, watched with disinterest as the barrel manager enthusiastically explained the random combat gambling to the new guests.

'Today brings new fish to the net,' the doorman thought.

The rules of the random combat gambling were simple: anyone could participate, and there were no complex rules to follow. The only objective was to win against whoever the opponent might be, earning money based on the number of victories.

"The prize starts at a minimum of one bronze coin per win. The highest tier? Don't be shocked. Just one win earns you a gold coin! One! Win ten times, and that's ten gold coins!"

In the lower tiers, where the rewards were meager, fights often involved children or the weak, easily winning with a single punch. Although these matches lacked the thrill of a tightly contested battle, they were amusing in their own right, with inexperienced fighters clumsily brawling, providing sufficient excitement and laughter.

However, the atmosphere in the arena where one could earn a gold coin was entirely different. It was said that each match in this tier often ended with a corpse, underlining its perilous nature.

One might be lucky and face a scrawny child, driven by desperation for money, and win easily. But misfortune could also bring an encounter with a creature or monster far stronger and larger than any human, leading to a swift and gruesome end.

Any weapon was permissible, or none at all.

There were no cowardly tactics in this place. Whether throwing dirt in an opponent's eyes, striking a vital spot, or feigning defeat only to suddenly rise and stab an overconfident foe, victory was all that mattered.

Thus, the number of long-term participants in the fighting, known as 'bet horses,' was exceedingly low. But this was of no concern. The lure of easy money was not unique to the empire alone.

The advantage of a maritime trading city was the constant presence of foreigners who arrived by ship, always filling the city.

Every day brought new participants to the fights, ensuring that the gamblers placing their bets always had fresh excitement and opportunities to wager.

'But these days, simply winning in random combat isn't enough to make money. The newer arena downstairs is far more interesting.'

As the doorman was lost in his own thoughts, a newcomer, seemingly aware of his musings, inquired, "I heard there's something more intriguing than simple random combat here. Is that not the case?"

The barrel manager, startled by the question, quickly scanned the surroundings and then leaned in to whisper to the guests, "How did you come to know of it? Who told you?"

"It was at the Braddock Inn... I believe that was its name? Anyway, some folks there mentioned it while we were playing cards."

The first guest, whose features were somewhat indistinct, chuckled in response. His companion, shrouded in a black hood, remained silent. The doorman suspected this silent figure to be either a particularly sinister character or a noble in disguise.

'He looks young, but he's hiding his face, and his posture has an air of nobility... I've seen plenty like him. Perhaps the large companion is his servant?'

"Ah, Braddock. I see. You've come to the right place," the manager said, relaxing a bit with a knowing smile.

"Indeed. Simple random combat is just an old-fashioned game from years past. The hottest game nowadays? It's 'that one' where creatures more monstrous than monsters fiercely battle and jostle, drenching the floor in blood as spectators place their bets."

A bright smile, incongruous with his cruel words, spread across the manager's face, mirrored by a similar smirk from the doorman.

'Whoever thought this up is a genius at finding ways to make money.'

Two years ago, when the Awakeners first appeared and the initial chaos had subsided, the Nukijo gang began to realize the impact these new beings could have on their random combat fights.

"Hmm. It seems that tonight is the night for that 'more interesting fight', isn't it?"

"No, it's tomorrow. It's not held every day; we need time to prepare."

"What were the conditions to participate again? I seem to have missed your answer earlier."

"Ah. If you wish to bet and watch, you must first pay an entrance fee. It's about five silver coins, and you need to take an oath to enter. It's for the safety of our guests, you could say. You can choose not to take the oath, but keep in mind that the entrance fee will be much higher then."

"I see."

The first guest nodded his head.

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