The Price of Life

Dash, who was observing the people in the restaurant, was startled when he heard a voice beside him. When he turned his head, he saw a man very similar to Colin Farrell but with a very unkempt appearance.

"Mr. Santiago, is it really you?"

Santiago mocked a bit and said, "I've lost muscles and aged in five years, how can I not be the same one who chose you before leaving the country? No matter, you and the idiot who hasn't taken his eyes off me, sit down, eat something since you must be hungry."

"The food on airplanes sucks..." Dash sat down in front of Santiago without any hesitation, and Santiago ordered more food.

"What's your name?" Santiago asked, looking at Dash's assistant seriously.

"My name is Elliot, sir..."

"All right, Elliot, you'll see and be silent once we're inside. No microphones are allowed, and definitely no cell phones. Stay by my side at all times and do what I tell you, or they'll get rid of you. Those people don't like questioners, nor those who stare at them."

Santiago had dealt with those people many times, and it can be said that he has experience. So, knowing how temperamental those who would be observing the private tournament exclusively created for their entertainment could be, the way to treat them is very simple.

"I understand. I'm here only to be Mr. Hale's interpreter and ensure he doesn't join a tournament where his life is at risk," Elliot said, a little nervous about what this tournament really was.

Santiago nodded and said, "Then there won't be a problem; no one will die. Those rich folks just want to see fights between real martial arts masters. Many are Chinese, Filipino, and Japanese. There's the occasional Russian. You're an American, so they'll pay a lot of attention to you since there's only one man who comes from that country and has a lot of money."

"I'll be attentive, Mr. Santiago. Now that you mention the details about this tournament, although it isn't what I thought it was, it feels darker than it appears." Dash was totally sincere with his words as he believed it was a darker tournament than it really was.

But as if waiting for it, Santiago's next words made it clear: "You'll feel bad; they'll treat you as if you were a king if you stand out, but you'll be just like a dog in their eyes... You'll witness firsthand how powerful the high society of the world can be. But if you're here with fixed objectives, the rest won't matter, right?"

"Of course not." Dash said much more excited than he was before.

"Very well, then listen carefully." Santiago looked around and pointed, "The Hidden Dragons tournament is a very exclusive one that only organizers of illegal fights worldwide know of its existence. But don't be alarmed; this tournament is not illegal; it's just very bloody."

"Those millionaires believe that real martial artists are hidden, and that's why they organize these tournaments. Similar to haute cuisine, to men of true power, if you tell them you've been preparing a sauce for a hundred hours and end up serving them instant soup broth, they'll believe it. The same happens here, not necessarily all are hidden martial artists."

Santiago's gaze evaluated Dash, who was indifferent, and he said, "I'll be your representative, and the idiot your parents put to watch you will be my assistant. Neither of you says a word without my consent."

"How strict is this tournament?" Dash, who had thought it was about illegal fights, was surprised.

Santiago smiled and said in his raspy voice, "Kid, you'll be fighting in front of the most bizarre and powerful people in the world. They'll fill your pockets with money, but they can also erase you from the world if you anger them."

Understanding what he meant, Dash nodded and knew that as long as he won the tournament, he shouldn't worry. If he gets a sponsor, the rest doesn't matter. For this reason, he had to mentally prepare himself for the tournament.

"The preliminaries will start in a week; I registered you as the Dragon Warrior, and your martial arts school is Sakura Bushido. Now remember, you represent a name and a prestigious martial arts school, act like a true warrior," Santiago said while drinking an alcoholic beverage.

"I understand, sir," Dash responded seriously.

Santiago was satisfied with Dash's attitude, so he asked, "Do you drink or smoke?"

"I don't do any of that. Things that harm the human body are something I try not to consume much, especially tobacco. Damaging my lungs would be a sin." Dash was serious with his answer. The last thing he wanted to do was harm the lungs that had been so crucial in his past life.

"Then let's get out of this place; let's go to a five-star hotel." Santiago said as he stood up.

"Is there such a thing?" Elliot didn't know that there were such exclusive hotels in this place.

"They have a hotel for participants. My only recommendation is that you don't talk to anyone because everyone there is a rival you'll defeat." Santiago said as he left the restaurant.