After four days of the martial arts tournament, many had already been eliminated, including skilled fighters like Ferdinand.
Thus, the remaining contenders generally possessed greater strength and the discussions about who would ultimately be the champion became increasingly intense, with people arguing heatedly about it in every street and alley.
The happiest were undoubtedly the city's gambling houses, both large and small, as the number of bettors grew, and the houses were crowded daily, with servants from large noble families coming and going.
The amounts wagered by their masters would have made the average person's jaw drop, and as the contest progressed, there were those who rejoiced and those who were dismayed, with odds constantly changing.
Continuing to lead the pack was the Earth Bear, who maintained his near-overwhelming dominance.
But moving into second place was Ireya.
