Growth and Trials
Late at night.
Two days and one night had passed since Zhang Heng led the Patrol Team to collect protection money from Iron Shackles.
Iron Shackles had also figured out Zhang Heng's identity and background. In truth, it had not taken nearly that long. The Flavian Amphitheatre's gladiatorial champion had been the hottest topic in all of Rome lately.
That Easterner had captured the hearts of countless young women and noble ladies.
Everyone now somewhat regretted restoring Zhang Heng's freedom so soon, as that meant they would no longer see his heroic bearing. Fortunately, Macrus's Gladiator School promptly advertised that Zhang Heng would perform at Victor Arena once every month from now on, and reservations were already being accepted.
Ticket sales for Victor Arena immediately exploded, making Macrus practically stride on air these days. Zhang Heng's return had not only greatly increased Victor Arena's exposure, but also gradually given him the upper hand in negotiations over The Giant Theophilus.
Yes, Theophilous had not yet been sold. His owner had received dozens of offers. Basically, every Gladiator School capable of exploiting Theophilous's value had made bids, and each had submitted more than one, each higher than the last. Yet the more this happened, the more hesitant Theophilous's owner became, because if he waited a little longer, someone might offer an even higher price.
After all, it was a seller's market. With Zhang Heng gaining his freedom, Theophilous, who had performed spectacularly in the final match, had become Rome's most marketable gladiator. He was a rare commodity.
However, after Victor Arena announced Zhang Heng's imminent return, the sale of Theophilous finally began to cool down. None of the Gladiator Schools made new offers. It was clearly their turn to hesitate now. After all, putting too much money on a