Reindeer! Reindeer!

The metal platform slowly descended, and the Earl of Flames disappeared from the arena.

Not long after, a new metal platform rose between the edge of the venue and the audience seats—clearly where he, as the referee, would stay once the match began.

Meanwhile, Nicholas and the Prisoner rose from their seats at the same time.

"Roar, roar, roar—I'm off!"

Nicholas grinned and greeted the people around him.

He paid special attention to Gao Shan, who was standing not far away beside him.

"I'll help you bring the item back!"

Gao Shan nodded. "I'm deeply grateful."

Nicholas then turned and walked toward the passage he had come through.

A moment later, he emerged from one of the passages on either side of the arena below. At the same time, Old Zhou walked out of the other passage, dressed in a black bodysuit.

The two of them walked toward the calm arena and stood on opposite sides, sizing each other up.

The white-bearded, chubby old man in red smiled cheerfully at the muscular man in a black bodysuit, whose arms were long like a gibbon's, whose waist was narrow, and whose expression was proud. Neither side said a word.

"Are both contestants ready?"

Referee Earl's passionate voice rang out as flames surged around his entire body.

"Ready! Roar, roar!"

Nicholas replied with a loud laugh.

Old Zhou raised one hand above his head and gave a thumbs-up, indicating that he was ready as well.

"Then... begin!"

Earl shouted with fervor, and the flames on his body exploded with a bang.

The deafening sound was like the crack of a starting pistol, and the venue instantly began to change.

Metal plates rose, the floor flipped open, and a storm surged forth!

The venue rapidly transformed into the "Storm" theme from earlier.

Nicholas