The crowd outside the private box grew more frenzied, their thunderous cries making eardrums tremble.
The one-armed warrior's chest rose and fell slightly. A small round shield was strapped to the stump of his missing arm, while his good hand gripped his sword. Its blade pointed toward the ground, the approaching pride of lions reflected along its back.
Sweat dripped onto the sand. His soles hissed against the grains as the distance between them narrowed...
"It's only natural for him to be afraid when he meets someone as impressive as you." In the private box, the owner of the Golden Arena smiled to smooth things over. "He was a slave before he became a champion, so some old habits have stayed with him."
The former legendary gladiator lowered his head and gave Xia Lun a slight bow.
Xia Lun smiled and asked casually, "I use a spear myself, though I'm probably not as good as you. Could you share a few pointers?"
"Roar!"
In the arena, a lion that had seemed lazy a moment ago sprang forward, its sharp claws aimed straight at the gladiator's throat!
"..." The handsome former legendary gladiator fell silent for a moment, shook his head, then pointed at his throat.
"His throat was scratched while he was training the lions yesterday, so he won't be able to speak for a while." The owner of the Golden Arena raised an eyebrow. "Lord Xia Lun, let's get back to the matter at hand. How many Perth Coins do you think would be fair?"
Xia Lun narrowed his eyes. "I know a dancer named Ossis. She's mute too. Do you know her?"
He had noticed that this handsome former legendary gladiator looked remarkably like the crooked referee he had met in his first special dream.
The former legendary