The Path To Eternity

Chapter 2: The Strongest Unawakened!

The roar of cheers echoed through the combat arena as the students eagerly awaited the impending match.

"Keith!"

"Keith!"

"Keith!"

"Keith!"

"Big bro Keith!"

"Kick his ass!"

"Show him who's boss!"

It was clear that Keith had the support of the majority of the crowd, especially those with a stake in the outcome.

The arena, resembling a modern-day Colosseum, teemed with students eager to witness the spectacle.

Daniel surveyed the crowd, estimating roughly 2000 spectators.

Only a fraction came to cheer, while others analyzed the combatants' techniques, seeking to enhance their own skills. The vast majority, however, had a singular motive...

His thoughts were interrupted by a vibration from his AID bracelet, signaling a notification.

A feminine voice emanated from the device. "Master, do you wish to engage in betting?" Daniel sighed. "Sure, why not?"

They had come to bet.

A screen materialized before him, displaying his AI's face in the bottom right corner.

The webpage featured the school's betting platform, bustling with activity as people wagered on various ongoing matches.

'It makes sense. With five arenas in play,' he mused in response to the bustling activity.

Combatants could also partake in betting for their own matches, provided they bet on themselves winning. Betting against yourself was strictly forbidden.

As he glanced at the odds displayed, Daniel was taken aback.

{Do you wish to make a bet?}

[Y/N]

{Y}

[Please select the betting event.]

{Battle: Walker vs Davon}

[Total bettors: 1761]

[Odds ratio: 350/1 (in favor of combatant Keith)]

[Please place your bet.]

(Please note minimum betting amount: 100 Credits)

He was baffled.

'What the heck? No wonder the school encourages betting! The average monthly wage is 500 credits! If students are betting this much, and the school takes a 10% cut from all winning bets, they must be raking in a fortune!' he thought, utterly surprised.

Nonetheless, he entered 100 credits and confirmed his bet."It might be from my savings, but the winnings will make it worthwhile," he reasoned, refocusing his attention on the opposite side of the arena.

As Keith stepped onto the platform, he finally positioned himself opposite Daniel. "Sorry for the delay. Had to place my bet," he explained.

Daniel simply nodded, his exhale accompanied by a faint hiss. While some interpreted it as nerves, the referee, Sir Vincent, recognized it for what it truly was.

"Is he employing a breathing technique?" Sir Vincent pondered, intrigued.

Nevertheless, he addressed both combatants."You know the rules. The match ends when one of you either forfeits or is unable to continue."

With both fighters seemingly ready, Sir Vincent began the countdown.

"3..."

Keith assumed a fighting stance, while Daniel stood motionless, his demeanor relaxed.