Chapter 96: Arena of Cosmos (7)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 96: Arena of Cosmos (7)
Jin’s match the following day was no different from Dante’s.
His opponent may have been called the Demon King of Helia, but whether he was the real deal or just someone with a grand title, it took Jin a mere seven seconds to cut him down.
Once again, a hush fell over the crowd as if they’d been doused in cold water. Just as before, the silence was immediately broken by Veradin, who led a wave of wild enthusiasm.
"Those two are definitely the favorites to win this year."
"That boy Jin Gray is impressive, but he’ll have a hard time against a Runcandel reserve flagbearer… Who are you putting your money on? Jin Gray? Or Paul Mick?"
"I’m still going with Paul Mick. The moment I saw his match the other day, I contacted my family and pulled in all the cash I could. You should bet on Paul Mick too. He’s a Runcandel. Who on earth can defeat a Runcandel in a duel?"
"Hmm, that’s true…"
Jin had displayed incredible skill, but the noble spectators were already convinced that Dante was a Runcandel reserve flagbearer. It was no longer just a rumor to them. Consequently, an overwhelming majority of the bets were piled onto Dante, while very few chose Jin.
As a result, the other participants were naturally relegated to the role of extras. Even the veterans and last year’s top performers, who were supposed to be the main attractions, were pushed to the sidelines.
"Damn it. Thanks to those brats, it’s not going to be easy to make a buck this year."
While most participants joined the Arena for the thrill of killing, the seasoned veterans were in it for the money. To them, collecting dividends from the gambling organized by the hosts was far more important than the winner’s prize of a thousand gold coins.
"Should we just round up the guys and bury them before the winners' tournament starts? If we veterans stick together, we should be able to handle them."
Since the gambling was structured so that dividends increased for those who weren't the favorites, Jin and Dante were nothing but eyesores to the veterans.
"Don't even think about it. Didn't you see the One-Eyed Pirates get slaughtered? This year's Arena is just a stage for those kids. If you want to keep your life, you'd better back off."
"Dammit…"
With even the veterans in such a state, the other contestants had no choice but to come to a mutual agreement.
"Let's just take it easy on each other when the winners' tournament starts. That’s the only way we’ll be able to stay in this business for next year, right? We need to keep enjoying the taste of devouring the small fry."
The veterans chose to fix the matches.
Their plan was to avoid killing each other once the tournament began, settling wins and losses among themselves so they could split the gambling pool.
The guide reported this entire situation to Cosmos.
"Ha! So those bastards are plotting, are they? To phone it in and just split the pot…"
"What should we do? If the matches become lukewarm, it could hurt next year’s business."
"Hmm!"
Cosmos toyed with his gold tooth with his index finger, then shook his head.
"Rearrange the entire bracket for the winners' tournament. Make sure Paul Mick and Jin Gray meet in the finals. Don't let them run into each other early in the round of sixteen or something."
"Will that be alright?"
"The most important thing in a show is giving the audience what they want. Right now, they want that more than a bloodbath, so we have no choice. Instead, stop taking any more bets on them and jack up the odds for the rest of the lot."
"Then who should we pit against Jin Gray and Paul Mick in the lead-up?"
"Put them against the One-Eyed Pirates. We can't let the other veteran participants die. We need to use them again next year."
"One-Eyed Joe is going to raise hell if he hears this."
At that, Cosmos burst into a hearty laugh.
"You idiot! If Paul Mick really is a Runcandel, do you think those pirates will even be breathing after the tournament is over? The moment they touched Paul Mick, the One-Eyed Pirates were already finished. So don't worry about it."
"I suppose that's true."
*
The winners' tournament proceeded at a brisk pace.
Of course, since the matches were rigged, they were rarely as provocative or brutal as in previous years. The veterans often ended their bouts after breaking a few bones, resulting in lukewarm performances that drew boos from the crowd.
Everyone could sense that the deck was stacked.
However, no one gave up their seats to go home. They knew that if they endured these boring matches, they would eventually witness the final between Jin and Dante.
Instead, whenever Jin or Dante stepped up for their matches against the One-Eyed Pirates…
"Oooooh!"
"Paul Mick! Paul Mick!"
Cheers erupted even if they didn't do anything special—there was no need for gruesome scenes or cruel executions.
Most of their matches ended in one or two exchanges. From the round of sixty-four to the semifinals, every single match Jin and Dante fought followed that pattern.
And finally, the long-awaited final arrived.
"Today is the day they finally face off."
Every spectator waited for the two to appear, their faces flushed with anticipation. Veradin, in particular, had come to the stands without sleeping a wink, his heart having raced all night.
"Who do you think will win between the two of them?" Veradin asked the knights he had brought as bodyguards.
"It's Paul Mick."
"I've been watching the matches as well, and I believe Paul Mick's swordsmanship is superior."
"Hmm, is that so?"
"Which side did you bet on, Young Master?"
"I… bet on Jin. About a hundred thousand gold coins…"
"Wh-How much?"
"One hundred thousand."
"You bet far too much. If Jin Gray wins, can Cosmos even afford the payout? The odds are three to one. I doubt a mere pirate would have that kind of money."
"Actually, they're a fairly large pirate group. They should be able to pay out three hundred thousand gold if they sell a few of the islands they own. Oh, it looks like it's starting!"
Cosmos was walking out into the center of the arena.
"You have waited a looooong time, ladies and gentlemen! It is a pleasure to see you again! I, Cosmos, the Pirate King, would first like to express my deepest gratitude for your support leading up to this final!"
Cosmos bowed deeply to the audience.
"Waaaaah!"
While many cheered for him, just as many shouted insults.
"Get lost and bring out the boys already!"
"That's right! Just get on with the final, you pirate bastard!"
It was a moment that couldn't help but leave Cosmos feeling a bit bitter. Normally, by the time the finals rolled around, he would be showered with thunderous applause for hosting such a provocative show.
These damn nobles. They were just giving me the thumbs-up, saying there’s no show like the Arena… I’ll have to jack up the entrance fees starting next year, hmph!
Cosmos stood up, hiding his displeasure.
"Yes, yes! I understand. You want to see the match between Paul Mick and Jin Gray as soon as possible… Then shall we all call him out together? Pauuuuuul—!"
"Mick!"
"Mick! Paul Mick!"
Dante’s popularity was overwhelming compared to Jin’s. It was inevitable, given the rumors that he was a Runcandel.
As Dante stepped into the arena, quite a few spectators screamed in a near-frenzy.
"And now, his opponent! The nameless young swordsman, Jin Gray!"
When Jin followed him into the arena, the cheering grew noticeably quieter. Instead, many people suddenly clasped their hands together in prayer. These were the gambling addicts who had pulled in every bit of available cash, betting everything on the 3x payout.
Even setting aside the rumors of Dante being a Runcandel reserve flagbearer, people naturally expected Dante to defeat Jin. While Dante had freely wielded ‘Sword Energy’ in every match so far, Jin had not.
That was why those who bet on Jin were praying.
"Jin Gray! Let's goooo!"
Veradin suddenly stood up and screamed, his eyes bloodshot.
"Let's goooooo!"
The other spectators who had put money on Jin followed Veradin’s lead, shrieking at the top of their lungs.
Where exactly are we going, you lunatics?
Of course, Jin didn't even spare them a glance as he calmly walked out of the waiting room.
In truth, Jin was feeling a subtle pressure. It wasn't because of the gamblers who had staked their lives on his victory, but because he wondered if he could actually defeat Dante.
Jin Runcandel and Dante Hairan.
The expressions of the two men facing each other were serene. Unlike their other matches, they deliberately maintained a distance of about thirty paces.
One more step forward and they would be within each other's striking range. Even though they were just standing there, a taut tension flowed between them.
As the stands gradually fell silent, Cosmos spoke again.
"My word, I never imagined I would see such a sight in my Arena. It feels like I'm watching a martial arts competition between prestigious families… Now then, let the final… begiiiiin!"
Bwaaaaa—!
As the pirates blew their horns, Cosmos exited the arena. Jin and Dante slowly drew their swords.
Simultaneously, their blades, imbued with aura, began to glow.
I can't see a single opening…
Jin couldn't launch a preemptive strike as easily as he usually did. Even without clashing blades, he could tell: Dante’s sword was definitely a step ahead of his own.
It was something he had been aware of since the moment he first saw Dante.
However, Dante was also hesitating to move in. It wasn't because he thought Jin possessed superior swordsmanship.
Strangely, I feel a sense of unease from you. For some reason, it feels ominous.
Since reaching the threshold of 7-star, this was the first time he had felt this way while facing someone at 6-star or below.
So, Dante was weighing his options. Should he go all out and end it quickly, or should he engage in a probing battle and gradually pressure Jin to the end?
He hadn't even considered the possibility of defeat. Dante, too, did not think he would lose to Jin.
This unease must be a vague feeling that you've prepared something to deal with me. In that case, it's better to end it by applying pressure slowly.
With the caution of someone testing a bridge before crossing it, Dante made his decision. He took a single step forward rather than closing the distance all at once.
At that moment, Jin smiled inwardly.
So you've decided to handle me with caution. That means the probability of me defeating you just went up by ten percent.
Jin had already devised a plan to defeat Dante.
Therefore, Jin hadn't considered the possibility of defeat either.