The news of winning celestial stones sent a wave of excitement through the crowd of martial artists. If they were only mildly interested before, now they were practically buzzing with anticipation.After all, chances to win celestial stones were as rare as finding a four-leaf clover. Plus, the chance to double their earnings was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.There was no way they would let this opportunity slip through their fingers.Furthermore, any lingering doubts disappeared when they saw Dustin and the others win the celestial stones. So, some of the more daring martial artists started to step forward when Abigail beckoned.Despite the Mystic Arts Order's less-than-stellar reputation, the irresistible allure of celestial stones outweighed any reservations. They were ready to take the risk.After all, they were at the Sacred Wrym Summit. Hence, they wondered if anyone from the Mystic Arts Order would be bold enough to stir up trouble over the payout."Can we place the bet
Abigail explained, "The more the merrier, right? I'm just here to amp up the excitement for everyone."After all, betting adds some thrill to the mix. Let's have fun with a few rounds while we watch the tournament matches. Doesn't that sound like a blast?"She was busy counting the treasures handed over by the surrounding martial artists. Despite her pleasant words, she couldn't hide her greedy expression.After all, she was a bookie, not running a charity. There had to be some perks involved, or else why would she be so eager?"I'm just watching your back, kid. I don't want you to lose all those celestial stones you brought along in a bet," Dustin reminded him.In a casino, the odds were always stacked in favor of the house against the players. Even with a slight edge, the house always won as long as there were plenty of betting rounds.So, the casino wasn't sweating bullets about players pocketing some cash, but its biggest concern was an empty house.But with Abigail's bettin
The second round of matches soon began. Fights were underway simultaneously across the eight battle rings.Among the audience sections, Abigail's side was undeniably the liveliest. Nearly a hundred people gathered around a large table, with most of them having already placed their bets.As the matches commenced, the excitement among the spectators eclipsed even that of the contenders in the battle ring.The venue reverberated with cheers and chants, with each successive wave amplifying the intensity.The crowd who had placed their bets passionately cheered for their selected fighters. Their shouts reverberated through the air, echoing at the top of their lungs.As the matches progressed, it became evident that the stakes were much higher than mere entertainment.It was all about personal gain now. Victory promised a hefty haul of celestial stones, while defeat spelled utter loss and disappointment.Given the high stakes involved, it was no surprise that emotions ran so high. As
Gambling was a slippery slope, especially once they tasted victory. For those lacking restraint, it was easy to get sucked in."Congratulations on your wins! Here's your stash of celestial stones." Abigail beamed as she handed over the winnings."I just bet with my darksteel sword and get five celestial stones, right? Can I redeem it?" Ruby asked."Sure." Abigail nodded and motioned for someone to retrieve Ruby's sword, which had been used as a bet earlier."Not so fast!" Miles intervened just as Ruby reached for her sword. "Ruby, hold up. The real action is yet to unfold. "If you redeem now, we'll have less to play with later, meaning fewer wins. Let's stack up some more celestial stones first, then redeem your sword. Sounds good?""Hmm…" Ruby hesitated.He reassured her, "What's the matter? Trust me, betting with me is like finding cash on the sidewalk. Win a few more rounds, and we'll have enough stones to make a breakthrough.""Okay, Miles, I'll go along with your suggesti
After the second round of betting concluded, there was a mix of joy and frustration at Abigail's betting table.Winners were on cloud nine, feeling like they had struck gold, while losers were kicking themselves for their choices."Damn it! I didn't think that guy would lose so badly. I should've gone with Number 36 from the start!""I only have myself to blame! I lost a whole bottle of Zen Pellets for nothing!""Same here. I lost all my loot in one fell swoop!""Hmph! I told you to bet on Number 36, but no one listened. Now we've got to pay the price!"Amidst the collective groans, a jarring voice broke through the noise. All heads turned toward a man dressed in gray. He strode arrogantly with a longsword strapped to his back. In his hand, he tightly gripped a fistful of celestial stones he had just won from his bets."Hey! Looks like you made quite a haul earlier," someone piped up."Nah, just a dozen or so. But if I had more capital, I'd have gone all in. I could've won ev
At that moment, Abigail's voice rang out.After the second round of betting, many martial artists were drawn over. Initially, there were bystanders just there to watch. But as they got caught up in the excitement, they found it intriguing. Eventually, they decided to jump in and participate.As more and more of them racked up celestial stones, those who hadn't joined in yet were getting envious.After all, chances to snag celestial stones were rare. So, when the opportunity finally presented itself, they couldn't resist.As a result, the betting pool attracted an increasing number of gamblers. Abigail kept accumulating rare treasures, even as the celestial stones in her box decreased. Regardless, she remained content and unfazed as long as people were willing to bet."The contestants are in the battle ring, and the third round is about to begin. Hurry up and get those bets in before it's too late!" Abigail continued to shout.Nearly half of the crowd relied on their gut insti
"Miles, do you think we should trust the man in gray and bet on Number 33?" Ruby whispered. She had intended to follow Miles's lead in placing her bet. But to her surprise, he went with the man in gray's recommendation and chose to bet on contestant number 33.After all, she didn't trust strangers. Despite Miles' assurance, she only bet half of her celestial stones just to be on the safe side.He assured her, "I've looked into Number 33. He's really strong and with a high chance of winning. You can bet on him without any worries." He wasn't the type to blindly follow others. But after listening to the man in gray hype up Number 33, Miles took a closer look.Despite Number 33's unassuming appearance, anyone skilled enough to wield a shadowsteel whip was far from ordinary.A whip, being such an unconventional weapon, was tough to master. Just getting the hang of it wasn't easy, and becoming a true expert required dedication far beyond the norm. Those who had truly mastered it c
When the shadowsteel whip was swung, it crackled with power and delivered precise strikes that were impossible for anyone to dodge.Despite the strength of Number 33's opponent, he was forced to retreat and unable to close the distance.In mere minutes, the opponent endured a relentless barrage of lashes. His body was marked with bloody welts.He gritted his teeth and persevered for another two minutes before being knocked off the battle ring by Number 33's whip.The sight sparked cheers at the betting tables as many people jumped up excitedly."Haha… I won! Number 33 is the winner!""Heh… Awesome! I finally picked the right horse!""Damn it! If I'd known, I would've gone all in. This measly payout is hardly satisfying!"Number 33's win had the whole crowd cheering and celebrating. Most of the gamblers were thrilled by their newfound winnings.But for some, there was a pang of regret for playing it too safe. When they held the celestial stones in hand, that regret only intensi