“If you fight with all your might, there is a chance of life; whereas death is certain if you cling to your corner.”

-Sun Tzu

"Golden droplets, a tale untold,

In this land where stories unfold.

Sir Shey, the legend we hold,

Shitting gold, a treasure to behold."

Mengus couldn't stop singing the stupid song. It became popular so much it seemed as every bard in the whole kingdom was singing it. The lyrics, simple yet captivating, echoed in his mind, and he couldn't resist the urge to hum along. As he walked through the bustling streets of the kingdom, the tune seemed to follow him, carried by the wind like a contagious enchantment.

The song was played far and wide. Every bard, it seemed, had sung about Sir Shey, the legendary chicken that shat gold. The chorus, with its catchy rhythm, became a familiar refrain in taverns, marketplaces, and even the quiet corners of villages.

The morning sun casting a warm glow over the dirty streets welcomed Mengus. He decided to go super early to get to Recujal in time for the next tournament. The city of Polifen slowly faded into the distance as he ventured into the rolling hills and dense forests that lay between the two towns.

As the day progressed, the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a warm and golden hue over the landscape. The road became busier, infantry moving all the time, fellow travelers and merchants, on their way to nearby villages.

Occasionally, he stopped at wayside inns and taverns, taking short breaks to replenish his supplies and enjoy a simple meal. The locals, recognizing the champion from Polifen, greeted him with a lot of respect and offered tales of their encounters with legendary warriors, though none could match the fame of Sir Shey.

The walls of Recujal grew larger on the horizon, a next chapter of his journey. The tournament awaited, perhaps another chance for glory.

As Mengus and Beron waited in the bustling arena lobby, the air thick with the anticipation of upcoming battles, Mengus caught sight of a familiar face amidst the crowd. A figure clad in darkened armor, their features partially obscured by a hooded cloak, moved through the gathered contestants.

Mengus felt a shiver down his spine.

"You seem to recognize someone, Mengus. An old friend, perhaps?" Beron asked when he noticed his reaction.

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Mengus hesitated, his eyes narrowing as he replied, "Not a friend, Beron. More like a nightmare, someone from a darker chapter."

Beron raised an eyebrow, sensing the tension in the air. "Care to share, Mengus? Or is this a tale better left untold?"

"Wait for me here." Mengus ignored his question.

"Reyan Blacktooth, isn't it?" Mengus greeted, his tone neutral but watchful.

Reyan, acknowledging Mengus's presence, looked at him with a steely gaze. "And who might you be?"

"Mengus," he introduced himself. "I've seen you before, back in another town. Our paths crossed before."

Reyan's eyes narrowed, a hint of recognition flickering. "Yeah, I think I remember now, you won the tournament that time. What do you want?"

Mengus took a measured breath before responding, "I'm here for the arena, just like you. I noticed you have a skill for combat. How about joining forces? Two strong warriors can achieve more than one."

Reyan Blacktooth remained silent for a moment. After a pause, he finally spoke, "So like traveling from tournament to tournament?"

Mengus nodded.

"Sure, it is dangerous traveling alone even for me, I'll join you."

"Great," Mengus smiled, "glad to have you!" They shook hands.

The atmosphere in the arena's lobby buzzed with excitement as Mengus found himself waiting for the tournament to start.

The pairs were randomly assigned for the initial 2v2 rounds, one person was given a bow while the other had a sword and a shield. Pairs had to work together for the win.

Mengus found himself partnered with a skilled archer, a lithe and nimble companion named Elara. Together, they faced off against other pairs, their strategy blending the ranged precision of the bow with the close-quarters defense of the sword and shield. He was lucky to get someone skilled with the bow, because many others struggled with their teams.

The initial rounds unfolded with a series of intense clashes. Mengus and Elara's coordination proved effective, as they strategically alternated between ranged attacks and close combat.

With the 2v2 rounds concluded, the atmosphere in the arena crackled with anticipation as the remaining four warriors prepared for the 1v1 battles. Mengus, Reyan Blacktooth, Elara, and Garrick stood at the center of the arena.

The opening 1v1 duel unfolded between Mengus and Elara. The archer proved to be skilled with a sword as well, her swift movements testing Mengus's agility and defensive skills. After a hard-fought battle, Mengus emerged victorious.

On the other side of the arena, Reyan faced Garrick. The crowd watched in awe as the two warriors exchanged blows, but in the end, Reyan's brute force secured his place in the final round.

And now, Mengus and Reyan stood at opposite ends of the arena, weapons at the ready. The herald announced their names, and the crowd fell silent, anticipating the clash between these skilled warriors. The echoes of their footsteps were drowned out by the beating hearts of onlookers as the duel began.

Blow after blow, parry after parry, the battle between Mengus and Reyan unfolded. Mengus exploited an opening in Reyan's defenses, landing a precise blow that sent his opponent staggering.

In the end, Mengus emerged victorious, his adaptability and strategic thinking proving to be the deciding factors. The crowd erupted in cheers, acknowledging the thrilling spectacle they had just witnessed. Mengus extended a hand to Reyan in a gesture of camaraderie, and after a moment's hesitation, Reyan accepted.

Victory

+3 Reputation

Bet won: 3700 gold

"Betting on myself sure is profitable while the odds are low." Mengus grinned.