Kids remember: "Gambling is wrong!"

   The day of the duel had finally arrived. Even from inside the waiting room, the anticipation pressed down on us like a heavy fog. The muffled roar of the crowd echoed through the stone walls, a constant reminder of what awaited outside. This wasn’t just any duel—it was taking place in the largest arena in the capital, with countless spectators. The duel between Liam Silverbane, the prodigy heir of the Silverbane family, and me, the long-lost son of the Naberius clan, had become the centerpiece of the city’s gossip.

   I leaned back in my chair, listening absentmindedly to the noise seeping through the walls. Across the room, Finn and Bel were pressed against the window, their breath fogging the glass as they tried to glimpse the massive stands and sea of faces outside. Their excitement was uncontainable, practically buzzing off them like static.

   “I have to admit,” I said finally, “there is much more people here than I expected.”

   Luna, ever composed, stood with her arms crossed. “I did a little reconnaissance earlier. Some are here for the spectacle of the duel itself. But mostly… they came to see you, Master. They’re curious about the son of the Naberius clan’s current head. They want to judge your strength for themselves.”

   I smirked faintly. “Figures.”

   But before I could dwell on it, another thought struck me. 

   “By the way, what are the betting odds?”

   Luna’s expression darkened. “At this moment, Liam sits at 1.24. And Master…” She hesitated, as if reluctant to say it. “…you’re at 5.31.”

   I chuckled. “Pretty good I would say.”

   “How can Master say that?!" Her frown deepened immediately. "They’re practically mocking you.”

   “I don't think so. It was to be expected,” Lilith interjected calmly, her crimson eyes steady. “Liam’s reputation precedes him. He has never lost a duel and has dominated every combat-related event he’s participated in. Meanwhile, no one knows anything about Noah. Naturally, the odds would be stacked against him.”

   Luna clenched her fists, but she didn’t argue. She knew Lilith was right.

   I ran my thumb along the edge of an Arcana card idly, letting my thoughts drift. 

   Because of all the things that happened in last two days, we didn’t really have time to make a research on him. But from what we managed to get, we know that Liam is very popular for taking part in many events connected to combat and duels. Turns out he didn’t lose even one match, since he started his career. He is well known for fighting with golems and overwhelming his opponents in the starting phases of the game. He is good, that is for sure… 

   Luckily, I have a plan.

   “Wait… Don’t tell me..." Lilith turned to me, narrowing her eyes. "Are you actually planning to bet on yourself, Noah? That’s technically illegal, you know?”

   “Don't worry, I know what I am doing.” I stood up and stretched my arms. “Now, time to get down to business.”

   Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out my phone and dialed Sakura.

   “Sakura,” I said when she picked up, “are you there?”

   “Yep!" Her cheerful voice ringing through the line. "I’m waiting in line. According to our deal, I get 20 percent, right?”

   “Of course,” I said smoothly.

   “Great! Better don't lose!” she replied, and the call ended with a faint click.

   Lilith blinked in surprise, the disbelief fading into reluctant understanding.

   “I was wondering why Sakura wasn’t here. Now it makes sense.”

   "I mean..." I replied. “I can’t bet on myself. Luna didn't want to miss any second of my duel. Bel and Finn are too young. And I couldn’t exactly ask you to do it.”

   Lilith sighed hearing that. “So... How much did you bet?”

   “I borrowed from Zephyra—five hundred thousand Vermillion dollars.”

   Her eyes widened, nearly glowing in shock. “Five hundred thousand?! Are you insane?!”

   I grinned, unfazed by her reaction. “Why would I be? I’m just confident in my victory.”

   Every territory has its own currency, and here in Vermillion territory, the Vermillion dollar reigns supreme. It’s a strong currency thanks to the territory’s economic focus. 

   I borrowed money from Zephyra without many problems, or to be more specific, she was the one who suggested it first. She said that, since I will win this duel at the end, I should at least try to get some money from it. 

   I have to say, that was the first time, I have seen her thinking about money so much. I mean, we don't really have financial problems after all, so there was no need to do it. Maybe her life in poverty, in her childhood made something awaken in her...

   Anyway, after a long negotiations, we decided to split 50-50, minus what I give to Sakura. 

   Stretching once more, I turned toward the door. “I’ll head to the toilet before the match starts.”

   As I stepped into the corridor, the noise of the arena seemed to grow louder, as though the entire city was holding its breath for what was to come. My mind was focused on the fight ahead, and perhaps that was why I didn’t notice the faint echo of footsteps—belonging to a particular figure who slipped into the hallway behind me, shadowing my steps.