Chapter 171: Finding a Fight (4)

Words : 798 Updated : Sep 29th, 2025

Chapter 171: Finding a Fight (4) Walking back inside with Dama, I frowned slightly as we made our way back to the viewing platform. Eyes followed us as we walked, and I could tell that many of the fighters were both confused and wary. Leaning against the window, Dama continued to look outside and observe the upcoming fight, ignoring the scrutiny we had been placed under. Joining her, I continued to frown before whispering "Wasn't... wasn't that against the contract?" Smirking, Dama looked over at me before shrugging, her amber eyes filled with amusement as she replied "Most definitely. However, consider whether or not that was a severe breach of contract or not; to the Goddesses overseeing our matches, was that a worthy match or not?" Seeing that I was still frowning, Dama rolled her eyes as she continued on, her voice slightly exasperated. "Two sets of fighters wishing to take on the Gladiator's Gauntlet at the same time? Both in the early stages of their seven fights? The organizers were doing themselves a favor as well as the Goddesses. Knock out one group and leave one remaining; whoever lost was obviously not worthy enough in the first place. Of course, that means the organizers understood they were breaching it, but the 'consequence' will likely be something like a reward to us, and little of a detriment to them. Maybe a bonus amount of coin, a new weapon, materials... Something that we need, but the organizers can afford to lose. The breach itself wasn't severe enough to be considered... impactful, or terrible enough to warrant intervention. It's a rather common tactic, albeit a rather ticky-tacky one. Understand? The Goddesses have their precious time saved from needing to watch unworthy challengers, and the organizers get to hype up the rest of our fights. Especially with our showing..." Grunting quietly, I nodded as I turned towards the ongoing fight, mulling over her words. It... was an odd train of thought, to say the least, but understandable to some degree. Besides that, I could understand the hype that a match like that would produce, and with how we won so one-sidedly... most likely our upcoming matches would be much harsher as the organizers searched for a weakness to exploit. With that in mind, I wondered if I should continue to hold back a little for the upcoming matches, so that I lower their evaluation of me before blitzing through the last match or two. It was a valid strategy, and the more I thought about it the more I liked it. Swinging with her free hand, the Boarkin tried to punch me, while she created some distance between us to give her some breathing room. Instead I pressed forwards, allowing her fist to sail over my head before I slammed my fist into her stomach. When she doubled over from the hit, I smacked my other fist into the same spot, the Boarkin coughing out in agony as I hit her once again. Glaring at me, Miana raised the club and whacked it towards my body, forcing me to jump back a few steps to avoid the blow. Holding her stomach with her free hand, she snarled angrily as she held the club up in a guarding stance, waiting for me to make another attack. Pursing my lips, I ignored the excited shouts of the crowd and slowly moved around her, observing the woman for a moment before lunging forwards. Seeing her raise the club, I backed away instantly, before repeating that feint one more time. Snarling again, Miana watched me warily as I continued to prance around her, searching for an opening. Miana tried to keep turning with me, wanting to keep me in her sight, and that was when I noticed that she had troubles keeping up with her left turns. Holding back a smirk, I feinted to her right before switching to her left, watching as the Boarkin grunted at the sudden pain of twisting in such a way, leaving her open for another punch straight to her oblique. Grunting, Miana sputtered out once before gasping as I punched her once more, dropping her to the sand. Reaching forwards, I yanked the club from her hands before punching one final time, getting her to gasp in pain before her eyes rolled into the back of her head. Hefting the short wooden club, I nodded to myself before glancing out at the crowd, who were once again roaring and booing the outcome of the fight. "It seems we have a real challenger on our hands folks~! Aethisia has one more fight left today!" Waving towards the crowd, I smirked as I made my way back to the waiting room, where Dama stood frowning.

Chapter 171: Finding a Fight (4)

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