For the people of Septimont, gladiatorial combat had become part of their lives.
Therefore, whether it was a formal tournament or an exhibition match for entertainment, gladiatorial events garnered significant attention everywhere in Septimont.
Even this relatively amateur match in Cliff Harbor.
Though professional gladiators couldn't participate, many locals from Septimont had still signed up.
"Are there... this many spectators?"
Standing outside the arena, Ray looked at the surging crowd around them and couldn't help but whisper in awe.
"In Septimont, the warrior spirit prevails. So, no matter the scale, any gladiatorial event always draws a crowd. But the number of people here today... is indeed more than expected."
Carlotta offered a slight smile, though her gaze thoughtfully swept over the crowd, finally settling on the young woman surrounded by a throng.
She tilted her head, a knowing smile curling at her lips, her voice soft.
"It seems... most of them, came for Lupa."
Lupa, the rising star of Septimont's arenas, the widely recognized favorite to win this year's Grand Tournament.
Even though there were murmurs from outsiders about her frequent changes of teammates, no one could deny that she was the unequivocal core of the entire team.
It wasn't so much that she was looking for teammates, but rather that she was screening for supporting actors capable of matching her combat rhythm.
In Septimont, strength was the ultimate criterion. As Lupa claimed more and more championships, the controversies surrounding her gradually drowned beneath the cheers.
Reporter: "Gladiator Lupa, regarding your upcoming match against the Shadow Wolf Team, do you have any particular strategy in mind?"
Lupa: "Strategy? Just win the usual way."
Reporter: "Gladiator Lupa, outside opinions widely consider the Shadow Wolf Team to be strong and also have championship potential. How do you view this perspective?"
Lupa: "Shadow Wolf Team? Oh, I remember now. I think the Heart of the Beast Team can consider themselves lucky just to hold onto their own points. Actually, I've even started watching matches from other teams lately, studying potential opponents for the Grand Tournament. So I don't really need to answer this question."
Reporter: "The Sharpbeak Team recently issued a challenge to you and the Verdant Branch Team. What is your response?"
Lupa: "I'll bring them back to reality."
Reporter: "Finally, regarding the upcoming Grand Tournament, what would you like to say to the other competitors?"
Lupa: "The farce should end."
Reporter: "Gladiator Lupa, saying so many harsh things, aren't you afraid of them coming back to haunt you?"
Lupa: "Do you think I'll lose?"
Reporter: "For those who have always hated and envied you, what would you like to say to them?"
Lupa: "Hate me. I don't care about your opinions!"
Only after struggling free from the crowd did Lupa finally make her way back to Carlotta and Ray.
The latter handed her a bottle of mineral water he was holding. The young woman took it, deftly twisted off the cap, and took a long, refreshing gulp.
Ray teased, "You're quite popular, aren't you?"
Only after finishing the water in the bottle did Lupa let out a long sigh, a bright smile spreading across her lips. "Well, that's part of being a gladiator too. On and off the stage, it's all about getting the audience to come watch the matches!"
She casually tossed the empty bottle into a nearby trash can, then turned to the two of them, her eyes shining with anticipation. "Let's go, your match is about to start too. I'm really looking forward to seeing how you perform!"
...
...
After parting ways with Lupa, Ray and Carlotta arrived at the rest area prepared by the event organizers for the contestants.
Calling it a lounge was generous; it was really just an open-air area sectioned off. All participating contestants gathered here, in small groups of three or five, either sitting or standing.
To Ray's slight surprise, the atmosphere here was far more relaxed than he'd imagined. There was no tension or pre-battle gravity. Most people chatted casually, bursts of laughter erupting now and then, as if attending an ordinary gathering.
"Seems everyone's pretty relaxed," he remarked quietly to Carlotta.
Come to think of it, this was an exhibition match after all. Even professional gladiators couldn't participate, so naturally it lacked the life-or-death seriousness.
"Being relaxed isn't necessarily a bad thing," Carlotta said, lightly tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, a faint smile on her lips.
This way, victory is within easy reach!
This wasn't blind confidence on her part. Long accustomed to walking the knife's edge, dancing with death in her daily life, she had faced dangers far beyond what these arena gladiators could imagine.
Even against a true professional gladiator, she was fully confident of victory, let alone the amateur fighters before her now?
The young lady was already starting to fantasize about the cohabitation life with Ray to come.
"You're contestants here for the match too, right? You don't look like locals."
A voice with a distinct Septimont accent interrupted her thoughts.
Ray looked up to see a tall local man standing before them.
"Ragunna? It's rare to see people from Ragunna come to Septimont." The man nodded thoughtfully. "But don't worry, this match is mainly for fun, participation is what matters. Even if you lose, it's no big deal. Just treat it as experiencing our local customs."
"Thanks, we'll give it our all." Ray responded with a smile.
"Good luck to you. Though professional gladiators aren't allowed in this match, plenty of people are still here to 'pad their resume'."
"Pad their resume?" Ray was surprised. "Gladiators need that too?"
"Of course. Gladiatorial combat is never a one-person game. You need sponsors, you need to build momentum. Without a decent track record, those nobles and investors wouldn't even give you a second glance." The man sighed helplessly. "If it were you, would you be willing to hire a gladiator with zero track record?"
Why did this feel somewhat familiar?
So, in the end, even becoming a gladiator requires two to three years of experience from a recent graduate, huh?
"So, are you here to pad your resume too?"
"Uh, this is a bit embarrassing to admit..." The man awkwardly looked away. "But yes, I am here to build my resume. I've prepared seriously for this match for a long time."
"..."
Ray was momentarily at a loss for words.
Even the gladiator profession was this competitive now?
"But don't worry!" The man quickly turned back, patting his chest reassuringly. "If we meet in the arena, I absolutely won't let you get hurt." His friendly gaze shifted to Carlotta beside them. "Of course, that includes this... little lady."
Carlotta, who had been immersed in her own fantasy world, instantly turned gloomy upon hearing that strange address.
A dragon has its reverse scale; touch it, and it will rage.
Her noble upbringing kept her from losing her composure on the spot, but her eyes had already frosted over. Her gaze was like a cold blade, firmly fixed on the outspoken brawny man.
'What did he just...
Call me?
Little lady?
Who are you calling little?!'
"Oh, the matchup list is out!" The man remained completely oblivious to the nearly tangible icy aura beside him, still checking the information on his terminal by himself. "Let me see who the first opponent is... Team Brilliant? Which team is that?"
Ray: "..."
I see you have already chosen the path to destruction.
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