Cassel looked at the woman who was said to be humming a tune with a strange feeling.

The distance was too far, and she had a mask on, so he couldn’t tell what kind of voice and expression the woman had while humming.

However, for some reason, looking at that woman reminded Cassel of a conversation he had with Ibi before.

―During the appointment ceremony for the Saintess, Hujaknim won’t be there.

―I understand being upset about what happened yesterday, but risking your life like this?

―Risking my life and taking risks is the right thing to do. I’ve always been like that.

‘No way…’

A ominous premonition slowly rose within Cassel.

In his mind, thoughts of “there’s no way” and “maybe it could happen” clashed fiercely.

In the midst of this conflict, Cassel, using Si-jong’s voice, asked the arena owner, “Are the identities of those fighting in this arena certain?”

“Identities?”

As if hearing the question for the first time, the arena owner retorted. Then, shortly after, he answered nonchalantly, “We don’t bother with identities here. They only fight with luck and skill.”

“So, you don’t know?”

“Well, we don’t precisely investigate their identities… but guests staying in the castle can’t say anything. So, rest assured.”

Misunderstanding the intent of the question, the arena owner explained and justified himself.

However, those words didn’t register in Cassel’s ears.

It felt incredibly awkward, as if this situation was absurd beyond belief. It was a similar feeling to when he saw the child trapped behind bars earlier.

Something felt off and unpleasant. However, he couldn’t accurately explain the reason.

“Then, what kind of people usually come here?”

“Well, those with ambition.”

When Cassel borrowed Si-jong’s voice to ask again, the arena owner answered half-heartedly.

As if that statement was a signal, ten new mercenaries entered the arena, leaving only the masked man.

Watching this, the arena owner leisurely spoke, “The rules here are simple. Trials for challengers, and everything for the victors. If you win, you become a hero.”

The mercenaries surrounded the masked man, as if they had discussed it beforehand. The spectators shouted in excitement, and the arena owner, satisfied with the fervor, laughed.

“In the outside world, fate is predetermined, but here, you are treated based solely on your abilities. For those in need of an opportunity, there’s no better place than this.”

Proudly boasting, the arena owner closed his mouth. His voice was drowned out by the noise from the stands.

As he had said, this place was filled with those with ambition.

The mercenaries, merely by entering the matches, received money, and if they won, they got even more. So, as long as they survived, anyone could expect a substantial reward. Therefore, despite frequent deaths, this place was overflowing with those seeking victory.

Amidst the deafening cheers, Cassel and the arena owner looked down at the arena.

The confrontation seemed to continue, but the masked man slammed the ground.
The mercenaries fell frighteningly when he touched them, and another match ended.

The atmosphere in the arena became even more heated with the overwhelming victory of the masked man. Those who had been causing a commotion because they lost money were now ecstatic over this overwhelming scene.

Even amid the pouring cheers, Cassel’s gaze was fixed not on the masked man, but on the woman standing on the outskirts of the arena.

And watching from the side, the arena owner, Viscount Brick, subtly signaled to the arena manager.

For challengers, trials, for winners, everything.

With these powerful words, the ruined arena attracted vibrant mercenaries.

Therefore, the appearance of such a powerful figure was truly troublesome. It was like a fisherman disliking a fish that escapes without taking the bait.

So, Viscount Brick ordered his subordinates to take action, and the masked man with consecutive victories secretly observed the scene.

‘Finally making a move, huh.’

That man, Dias, slowly caught his breath among the fallen mercenaries.

‘Been a while, it’s tough.’

Having lived as a servant for nearly two years, Dias, who had never experienced such intense work before, breathed heavily in this harsh labor.

Then he sent a signal to Ibi, who was standing at the end of the arena.

―Let’s finish it now.

Viscount Brick, the owner of the ruins, appeared. This meant that the actions of this unwelcome guest had reached the higher-ups. Thus, today’s goal was achieved.

As Cassel had anticipated, Ibi couldn’t be invited to observe. Not only an invitation, but she couldn’t even approach the vicinity through conventional means.

So, true to Cassel’s concerns, Ibi found another method cunningly. If she couldn’t be invited as a spectator, she decided to become the attraction to enter.

This overwhelming victory was the first step toward that goal.

Having directly compelled Viscount Brick, today could end here, but Ibi’s ambition knew no bounds.

―Not yet. Fill twenty more.