Chapter 132: The Lion and the Man

Chapter 132: The Lion and the Man

“Not just yet, because we’re not only here to watch the match, but to take part in it.”

Arthur said, looking at the middle-aged man before him.

The middle-aged man was taken aback, staring at Arthur in surprise.

Clearly, he had some understanding of Arthur’s usual behavior; otherwise, he wouldn’t be so shocked.

The Grand Arena was also a major force, essentially on par with the Tower of the Archmage in terms of significance.

The Tower of the Archmage gathered many outstanding mages, while the Grand Arena was home to numerous remarkable warriors.

Of course, there were also some mages among them.

Their grasp of certain intelligence was top-notch, as well.

“Am I not allowed to participate in the match?”

Arthur asked the dazed middle-aged man.

“Of course you can! If Lord Axi wishes to partake in the competition, we at the Grand Arena wholeheartedly welcome you, Lord Axi.”

The middle-aged man snapped back into reality, responding in haste.

He still looked somewhat astonished.

This was really too shocking.

It wouldn’t be surprising if Axi, that guy, had gotten himself a companion, especially a female one; after all, they were all men, so it was understandable.

He might have refused past women he found unsuitable, but upon meeting someone fitting, he certainly wouldn’t decline.

However, this current action was completely out of character for him.

He even started to suspect whether the Axi in front of him was an impostor.

But thinking of the identification proof Arthur had shown earlier, he felt it was impossible.

So, indeed, the person standing before him was the “unwilling lone wolf” — Axi.

“Ailia, do you want to watch the match first?”

After communicating with the middle-aged man, Arthur turned to Airael for her opinion.

“I’m fine with whatever, it doesn’t matter to me.”

Airael indicated that she was entirely agreeable to the arrangements.

“Then you three go to the audience seats first, and I’ll find you later.”

“Okay!”

The middle-aged man quickly assigned a follower to take Airael and the others to their seats.

“Lord Axi, please follow me.”

Then, he turned to Arthur and said.

Under the guidance of the middle-aged man, Arthur soon arrived at the registration area for participants.

“Lord Axi, all you need to do is register here. However, we’re afraid we can’t arrange your matches for today, as they are all fully booked. You will have to wait for the next match.”

“Not a problem!”

Arthur nonchalantly replied.

He just wanted to leverage the Grand Arena’s reputation, the exact timing didn’t matter much.

After saying this, he looked at the middle-aged man, who seemed to have more to say, and asked, “Is there anything else? If you need my cooperation, just let me know.”

“Uh… Lord Axi, can we promote events under your name?”

The middle-aged man asked through gritted teeth.

With Axi as the selling point, the middle-aged man could easily envision how bustling the Grand Arena would become next.

At that time, the boss would surely appreciate him more.

Promotions and salary raises would be well within reach.

Arthur pondered for a moment and nodded, “Do as you see fit, as long as it’s not too excessive.”

“Alright!”

The middle-aged man instantly lit up with joy, feeling that perhaps he could take a gamble.

His luck was really too good.

On the other side, under the lead of the attendant, Airael and her companions settled into some vacant seats.

Once seated, Airael focused her attention on the combat unfolding below.

In the arena were two humans engaged in battle.

At this moment, the two humans were trading blows, wielding their sword and shield, blocking and attacking in a lively fashion.

Of course, this scene was merely entertaining for the average audience.

Most of them lacked significant martial skill, leading to a brawl that looked just like a street fight.

However, from Airael’s perspective, these two weren’t too shabby; it was fair to watch, and it also had practical implications.

Yet, she couldn’t help but suspect that their fighting might have been pre-arranged or subject to some unwritten rules.

Otherwise, how did they seem to have such a well-coordinated rhythm?

You attack, I defend; I’ll defend while you attack.

Airael thought it best not to delve too deep into this matter. After all, it didn’t concern her.

Perhaps this was merely a unique aspect of their presentation?

It was better to stay out of some issues if possible.

Especially since she had just assured Arthur that she wouldn’t cause any trouble.

Not long after, this somewhat dull battle came to an end.

Airael didn’t particularly pay attention to who won; her mind was already focused on the next match.

She listened to the buzzing discussions around her. It seemed the next participant was quite the rising star.

Everyone appeared eager for his entrance.

Soon enough, our rising star made his appearance.

He was a young-looking man, seemingly of a similar age to Arthur.

With blue short hair and matching blue eyes.

He wore flexible and simple protective gear.

It safeguarded some crucial areas while not overly hindering his agility.

This balance was essential for a warrior.

Focusing solely on defense made one a tank, while concentrating on output turned one into an assassin; the middle ground was pretty much where warriors fit in.

“Warrior” could be considered an umbrella term.

Aside from looking about the same age as Arthur, he exuded a strong presence.

Though he didn’t quite have Arthur’s overwhelming aura, he still seemed formidable.

His opponent, however, was a commanding lion.

Standing several feet long and over a yard tall, it looked just like a small mountain.

The lion, once released from its cage, fixed its gigantic eyes onto the young man.

Though the young man appeared weak and unthreatening, he felt an intense sense of danger.

“ROAR—!”

Realizing he was backing down before the battle even began, the lion lifted its head and let out a mighty roar to bolster its own intimidation.

“Kill! Kill! Tear him apart!”

Many captivated by the lion’s intimidating aura began cheering for it.

It was as if they were eager to see the young man being ripped to shreds right before their eyes.

That sight, though shockingly bloody, was quite common here.

Between humans, there might be opportunities for understanding, avoiding total annihilation, but beasts were different.

They didn’t think that way and had no such concerns.

Having been starved beforehand, the beasts were ready to pounce on any human, eager to rip them apart and feast.

Thus, reconciliation was completely out of the question.

It was foolish—if not downright silly—to try reasoning with a starving wild beast.