No one knew when the massive free-for-all proposed by Giant Shark had begun.
All anyone knew was that the moment the first axe went flying, its explosive payload roaring as it slammed into Giant Shark's gleaming forehead, the "Victory Gladiator Games"—held in the name of victory and sparked by the power armor—had begun in perfect harmony.
Mrs. Triss, who had prepared well in advance, flew into the sky and slammed a psychic ritual for "boxing tournaments" into the ground. Any player whose health bar hit zero would be whisked out of the melee. They'd used this trick plenty of times in the underground boxing matches run by the Blood Rats, so it was easy enough to bring out now.
With that in place, the players didn't need to worry about holding back.
The soldiers who'd come from elsewhere were still bewildered, but the local Transian soldiers were already cheering.
They loved this kind of thing!
The barbecue was great tonight, the soda was just about drinkable, and the atmosphere of victory was intoxicating—but none of it could beat a thrilling, blood-pumping boxing match! The barbarians immediately crowded around Mrs. Triss's gladiatorial ritual, waving food and drinks and shouting their support for the Godslayers fighting in the two-hundred-person melee.
The Blood Rats were even more practiced at setting up a temporary betting stand nearby. They had the odds ready in just a few minutes, proving their incredible talent for this sort of thing.
Profiles of several hot favorites to win were posted for all to see.
At the top was Cat Bro, a three-time champion of the Crimson Keep Boxing Tournament. Sister Pomegranate, who'd won the monthly trophy twice, was right behind him. Giant Shark, nicknamed "Flathead Bro" by the locals, was on the list too, along with players who'd made