"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

"That's odd. Number 12 is clearly stronger than Number 34. So, why hasn't he won yet?" Aurora wondered as she watched the intense match in the battle ring."Because he's holding back," Alicia replied.She narrowed her eyes and continued, "Look closely at Number 34. His fighting style is ruthless and aggressive, as if he has nothing to lose. "Even though Number 12 is stronger, he's struggling. As the saying goes, 'Fortune favors the brave.'"Everything changed when a match in the battle ring escalated into a fight for survival. In standard bouts, martial artists often held back. Winning was great, but losing wasn't the end of the world. With that mindset, most wouldn't risk their lives.However, the stakes were clear in a fight for survival—victory or death. Hence, martial artists would give their all to win the match. Number 34, Atlas, fully embraced this mindset, while Number 12, Miles, hesitated and didn't unleash his full strength."At this rate, aren't we going to lose our

"What's going on? Isn't that man supposed to be an ascetic priest? What is he doing at a Combat Tournament?""They say ascetic priests aren't interested in power or wealth. Yet, here he is, stepping into the battle ring. It's really strange.""Wait! I know him. He's the renegade among the ascetic priests, Thaddeus Savier.""What? Father Savier? Are you talking about the same guy who slaughtered an entire family in a fit of rage eight years ago?"The mention of Thaddeus' name caused a stir in the crowd. There were only a few ascetic priests in the world, and he stood out distinctly among them.No one knew what had happened. But rumors circulated that he had allegedly slain 17 members of the guildmaster's family from the Sable Order in one night eight years ago. Since then, Thaddeus had forsaken his vows entirely. He indulged in all sorts of vices—drinking, women, and money.His temper was notoriously explosive. Plus, he was quick to resort to violence at the slightest provocatio

After the referee signaled the start of the round, the crowd was cheering and rallying enthusiastically. Most were rooting for Thaddeus due to his formidable strength and put off by Dalen's appearance."Kid, you should just give up now," Thaddeus said while sipping his drink. "Otherwise, you're going to end up with broken limbs once the fight starts."He didn't take Dalen, a guy in his 20s, seriously at all. Thaddeus' goal was to defeat the top contenders in Group A. To him, the elites in Group B were just stepping stones."Father Savier, isn't it inappropriate for a priest to enter a battle ring against younger opponents?" Dalen smiled and lightly waved his folding fan."What's wrong with that?" Thaddeus countered. "Priests are human too, with the same emotions and desires as anyone else. Those you see claiming to be above it all are just hypocrites. "Sure, they act pious, but who knows what they're up to in private? At least I'm honest about my desires. Like they say, 'live lif

Amid the crowd's intense anticipation, Thaddeus' Palm of Justice finally crashed upon Dalen's head with immense force.A loud roar echoed through the arena as a tidal wave of terrifying energy erupted outward. The spectacle was awe-inspiring, and the pressure was unfathomable.A sudden gust of wind hit the spectators. It caused their hair to stand on end and forced them to squint against the unexpected rush of air.As the tension settled and silence descended, all eyes turned to the battle ring, where a startling scene unfolded.They thought Thaddeus's strike had sealed Dalen's fate unless he dodged it. To their surprise, Dalen emerged from the attack unscathed, not a hair out of place nor a mark on his pristine clothes.The sight stunned everyone as they struggled to comprehend what had transpired in that crucial moment. Why was Dalen unharmed? Could Thaddeus have held back? Such thoughts raced through their minds, even as the lingering shockwave from their clash reverberated t