The central arena was covered in a thick layer of yellow sand, where two competitors faced off, their footsteps creating a counterclockwise spiral in the sand.

"Wind Blade" Yaso drew his long sword and launched the first attack, moving gracefully and swiftly. He stepped forward, aiming his strike at "Iron Blood Hand" Deus.

Deus swung his double-bladed axe to block, his powerful arms driving the weapon down towards Yaso with an intimidating force. But Yaso had already evaded, the axe slicing through empty air.

True to his name, Yaso moved like the wind, his blade circling around Deus, slashing from all directions.

The burly Deus struggled to keep up, his heavy swings wide and powerful, but he never managed to land a hit on Yaso. Thankfully, his sturdy armor protected him, the steel encasing vital areas, preventing Yaso from dealing a fatal blow.

"I told you, once Yaso toys with this big guy a bit longer and wears him out, it'll be game over," Barrett said, looking relaxed. He had noticed Yaso's higher odds when he placed his bets, and most gamblers were putting their money on "Wind Blade" to win.

The host's hoarse voice, amplified by magic, soared with excitement as he narrated the duel, his voice echoing off the arena walls, barely drowning out the crowd's noise.

"As most seasoned viewers predicted, Yaso's martial arts are as nimble as a slippery eel, and Deus simply can't keep up with his pace!"

"The connections in Deus's chest armor have already been shredded! Wow! Yaso's swordplay is not only fast but incredibly sharp! I've heard his glimmering blade was a treasure found in the Eight Greed Kings Desert!"

"Yaso is launching a forward slash! Has he found an opening? He's about to unleash his signature move—'Raging Wind Decapitation'!"

"Oh my god! Yaso missed the strike completely! Deus dodged his furious sword wind!"

"Beautiful counterattack! 'Iron Blood Hand' Deus finally has a chance to unleash his martial arts, hooking Yaso with his axe!"

"OH NO! Yaso's leg was scraped by the axe! Blood is splattering! Is 'Wind Blade' unable to move?"

"One strike! Two strikes! Three strikes! A smooth combo! The tide has turned! Deus is using his strongest martial art! His body is enveloped in a bloody glow, executing a fierce jump slash!"

"Wow! Yaso's sword has been chopped in half; he's down on the ground, surrendering! How will our Iron Blood Hand treat this pleading loser?"

The audience erupted in boos, many standing and shaking their fists, thumbs pointed down.

Deus menacingly swung his axe a couple of times, then slung it over his shoulder and turned to leave. Yaso crawled a few steps to pick up his broken sword, stumbling away in embarrassment.

"Well…" The host's voice had a hint of regret, like a broken drum, "They're not gladiators fighting for their lives; they're just competitors for the next rank of the Warrior Captain."

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"Then I announce! The winner is—Deus Lefia!"

Cheers roared from one side of the audience like a tidal wave, while the other side erupted in curses, spitting, and insults, a cacophony of foul language.

"Hmph!" EeDeChi glanced at Barrett, smugly saying, "Don't ignore the wisdom of the elders; you'll pay for it! Gambling—harmful to both others and yourself."

Barrett buried his face in his hands, his heart bleeding. He had bet 40 gold coins, and now it felt like they had vanished in an instant. He sensed something about the duel felt off but couldn't pinpoint what it was; all he knew was that his money had evaporated for real.

"After a brief break, the next duel features the talented swordsman under the Golden Princess—Brain Unglaus! He will face the elite warrior from Verol County, Carlo Weyting! Let's see what happens!"

The host's laughter grated like sandpaper on gravel. "Hurry up with your bets! But I believe most people will wager on Brain, haha!"

…

"Boom!" In the center of the arena, a muscular warrior collapsed to the ground, kicking up a cloud of yellow sand. His war hammer shattered into two pieces, while a blue-haired swordsman slowly breathed in and out, sheathing his sword.

"Beautiful! As always, Brain has won the match again! Truly the top favorite; the only one who could really compete with him is probably the other super favorite, Schroeve," the host shouted hoarsely.

In the audience, EeDeChi crossed his legs, commenting, "Brain has gotten a lot stronger in such a short time. I wonder how he did it."

Barrett still wore a pained expression, speculating, "He might be motivated to catch up to you, pushing himself hard in training."

"Catch up to me?" EeDeChi replied, puzzled. "What does he want to catch up to me for? I can tell his physical condition hasn't improved much; he's probably wearing some rare high-tier equipment, which has significantly boosted his combat power."

Barrett watched the blue-haired swordsman's proud silhouette and shook his head with a sigh.

After a few more matches concluded, the rankings for tomorrow's advancement were determined. As the sun set, the arena was about to close, and four adventurers joined the bustling crowd exiting the arena.

"Hey, Uncle, you took quite a hit today. How much did you lose?" Sean quietly asked Barrett.

"40 gold coins." Barrett still looked gloomy. He wasn't a gambler, but this was the first time he misjudged a situation. He never expected his former strong ally, "Wind Blade" Yaso Abel, would let him down at a critical moment.

"Stop moping; money is only valuable when spent," Sean comforted him. "As an old saying goes, a miser's treasure trove is no different from a pile of dirt. Let's go grab a drink and drown our sorrows."

"Still want to drink?" EeDeChi, walking in front, replied coldly. "He brought this on himself!"

Seizing the rare chance to mock the seasoned adventurer Barrett, EeDeChi didn't hold back.

"Come on, Captain, don't be so harsh. The uncle's had a rough day," Stella chimed in. The young cleric, probably due to her years in the temple, had a much softer heart than EeDeChi.

The group crossed several streets until they spotted a quieter tavern, where they turned in. As they pushed open the oak door, Barrett collided with a young man wearing a leather cap.

The young man lifted the brim slightly, revealing a long scar across his nose, his eyes bright and sharp.

"Barrett!"

Recognizing Barrett's face, the young man gasped.

"Yaso!"

Barrett also recognized the face beneath the cap—the same one he had seen from a distance in the arena, it was "Wind Blade" Yaso Abel.

"Old buddy!" The two adventurers, excited by their reunion, called out and embraced tightly in the tavern.

Then Barrett grabbed Yaso by the neck and lifted him off the ground.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Yaso, his feet off the ground, pressed his cap down tightly, covering his face. "Is this how you greet someone? I don't remember this being a team tradition."

"You little brat," Barrett set him down and leaned in close, growling in his ear, "Have you fed your martial arts to the pigs? Where's your Gale Slash? Your Wind Barrier? I believed in you today and bet 40 gold coins on you, and now it's all gone!"

"Okay, okay, buddy, that's on me. Let me explain inside," Yaso chuckled awkwardly, pointing to a private room in the tavern. The four adventurers exchanged doubtful looks and followed him inside.