Mage's Rebirth

3. Time is a Fickle Mistress

The Scar was aptly named for many reasons.

One for the scars it left on all who came seeking glory. The other was plain to see.

Walking through the entranceway, I nodded to the ogre, who opened the door. I had no idea when they had transitioned away from purely ogre security. Budget cuts during the war was the only reason I could think of.

The jagged stalactites were holding onto the mismatched ceiling, threatening to fall at any second to the vast crowd below.

I had never seen the Scar in its heyday. It was awe-inspiring. The rows of stone, once predominately empty, now were filled with people.

What had been for me a refuge for the impoverished and infirm was nowhere to be seen. Here was a place of wealth and luxury. They were betting away more than most common folk would make in their entire life, in a few seconds. Here would be a great place to begin my journey.

Sammy grabbed my arm as we got to the railing overlooking the arena proper. I had no idea a ganglord who ruled the streets in my past life was such a scaredy-cat.

"How did you know how to get here? We have to leave."

The fight had obviously spooked him. We came at a bad time for a first-time arrival, I must admit. The battles between Alpha beasts were terrifying for master mages, nevermind people who had never seen a monster before. Suddenly coming within meters of a creature that could rip most of the city apart if let loose wasn't the most calming experience.

I looked for my seat. It was filled by a fat man chewing on a feast. I felt unbridled rage fill me, but that would be for another time. The place I had sat through every speculative bet. Each time thinking this was going to be the moment, my life would change. I learned a lot about mage battles in my time here.

I also learned that I was terrible at gambling and a real bad luck charm for whoever I bet on.

That was in the past. Something I didn't have to worry about now. This time I was going to make my own luck.

"Sammy, I am going to go register for the battles. When you see me come onto the arena, bet all the money you have on you on me."

It took him a few seconds to move his focus from the giant beasts doing battle below us.

"What are you talking about? There is no way you can go out there."

I couldn't see his face behind the mask. If I could, I might have slapped him.

"I'm a big boy now, Sammy, you don't have to protect me anymore. Just make sure you place that bet. It will be the start of something great."

I left him behind before he could shout out any more complaints—all moans evaporating behind me as I entered the heart of the noise.

The walk down to the registration box was much the same as always. It was only this time I wouldn't be registering to bet.

I would be going for a much bigger prize.

I didn't recognize the man behind the desk. The silence charms blocking out all the noise as I passed through them.

"Hello Sir, How can I help you?"

Why had the guys who had run the desk before always been so mean to me? This man was simply a delight.

"I would like to register for the apprentice mage battles."

His handsome face twisted.

"Sorry, my friend, we only have one spot left in the matches for today. That is against the reigning champion. You would have very little chance against him"