Deal

In a luxurious box overlooking Stadium 1, several nobles lounged on plush chairs. Servants moved silently between them, refilling wine glasses and offering platters of food. The nobles barely noticed the servants, their attention fixed on the arena below.

"That last match was quite interesting," said Lord Bellamy, a portly man with a thick mustache. He dabbed his forehead with a silk handkerchief. "This Luther fellow fights unlike anyone I've seen before."

Lady Karine nodded, her jeweled fingers tapping against her wine glass. "He moves strangely. Did you notice how he kept changing his style? First those direct punches, then those spinning kicks."

"I've placed three thousand gold on him to reach the semifinals," said a younger noble with sharp features. "After seeing that performance, I think my money is safe."