"We look like hooligans that stick out like a sore thumb." Charlton told Kylo as they entered the lobby of a renowned gambling den.

"That's the purpose. How can we be approached by the scouts if we didn't look like we're looking for a fight?"

At 3 in the afternoon, he and Kylo went to the pawnshop to pawn off his shoes inlaid with diamonds. After much haggling Kylo was able to raise the price to 20 grand. However, as interest must be paid immediately even when they plan to redeem it only after just a few hours, they only received 19 grand. After, they bought some ordinary looking clothes and masks to hide their identities.

Inside, the den was gigantic and imposing. Contrary to popular belief, Charlton observed that the place was brightly lit. The floors were even covered in thick, exquisite carpet. The place was lively, buzzing with well-dressed people of different social status.

After a while, as Kylo predicted they were approached by a scout.

"Are you guys looking for the arena?" a man asked them in secrecy.

"Yes. My friend here would like to test his skills in a fight." Kylo replied.

"You're at the right place at the right time. Our top fighter, Rocky, is in today. If you want to, I can lead you both underground."

"Alright, please lead the way."

Kylo and Charlton followed the scout who led them to an inconspicuous area that has a mechanized hoisting device which was better known as the elevator.

Kylo whistled; he didn't know that they actually have such an expensive device in the den. The scout entered and pressed a button.

They followed the man quietly not raising any questions. When the elevator stopped and opened, they were led to a dimly lit place with the smell of cigar.

"Welcome to the arena. Please follow me as I introduce you to our manager."

When they reached the manager, he was pleased to welcome them.

"Good evening gentlemen. I am Bryce, the manager of the Arena. My scout here informed me that one of you wishes to fight with our Rocky."

"Yes, it's my friend here" Kylo said.

Charlton meanwhile was observing the area. He saw that in the middle of the room, there was a cage lit by spotlights with two fighters inside.

"That man with the bald head is Rocky. He is our top fighter and uses a hatchet and a hammer as his weapon. But don't worry, it has been dulled as to not cause too much damage on his opponents. Although the fight is until you knock out your opponent, we can't let fighters lose their limbs, much worse their lives. At most, you will just have to recuperate for a week or two." The manager, afraid of losing a new contender, explained. They have been having trouble finding Rocky an opponent as of late.

Suddenly a man shouted "Come on Creed! Stand up! I've bet everything on you! NO!!!!!!!" a man who looked like his world just fell apart screamed.

Charlton winced.

"Don't mind him. We're doing things fair and square. He just bet everything because he was lured by the high stakes. If you bet on Rocky's opponents, it's one is to five or more. It depends who the opponent is. Looking at your friend, Mr.?"

"Floyd, you may call me Floyd. Meanwhile you may call my friend here as Manny." Kylo introduced, lest Charlton blow up their cover.

"Floyd, I would say that the stakes if Manny is to fight would be one is to ten. Meaning if you bet 1 grand, you'll win 10. But we need you to pay 3 grand to enter the fight. I'll leave you to discuss first." The manager said, hoping that the two young men will be tempted. Their boss was here today with an unknown man. He can't afford not to have anything for show.

--

"Hey, you think you can beat him? He looks scary." Kylo asked Charlton who was busy observing Rocky.

The man looked like he was in his 30's. He was heavily muscled and was only wearing his pants. He had a hammer and hatchet at the sides as he was seated on one corner of the cage.

Charlton wasn't able to watch enough to be able to gauge his skills. But what he did saw was that the man's attacks earlier were wild and unpredictable. Showing that he was not formally trained to be a warrior.

"I think I can handle him." Charlton assessed.

"You think? How confident are you?" Kylo asked again. If they lose, then well, they will be left with nothing.

"Quite confident."

"How much should we bet? We should leave at least a or two grand for insurance. You know, so that if you lose, you will still have your check-in money for tomorrow?"

Charlton laughed as he shook his head. "No, put it all in. I need the prize. We'll leave just after this one fight."

Kylo who was not as confident as Charlton went to talk with the manager. His heart bleeding with apprehension.

"My friend will fight. Here is the 3 grand for entrance fee."

The manager eagerly received the money. Well, another loser took the bait, anyway the two looked like they can afford it. The were dressed like hooligans but their shoes and manners gave them away. Another pair of overconfident pampered brats "Thank you, I will announce the betting open. By the way, it you win, you get the entrance fee back."

After a while, the manager returned and told Kylo that the stakes turn-about were indeed one is to ten. "how much would you like to bet?"

"16 grand." Kylo replied as he handed him the money.

The manager smiled, if he assumed that they would win, he would not easily accept such a large bet. 160 grand is almost about the same amount as their net income in a month. However seeing Manny who did not look much of a promising fighter, he gladly accepted the money.

"Alright, the fight will start in 15 minutes. Manny should choose a weapon over there" he said pointing at the side near the cage. "All the weapons to be used in fighting should come from us to ensure that they are dulled. However, the fight may still turn ugly, so he may wish to wear some of the armor. Also the fight has no time limit. It ends when one gets knocked out."

Kylo nodded his head. "Alright, I'll tell him that."

--

Kylo went over to Charlton and relayed what the manager said.

"Okay, got it. Let me pick a sword." Charlton replied as he went over the weapons area. He settled for a transitional, also known as multipurpose sword.

"Won't you be wearing an armor?"

"no, that would only slow me down." Charlton replied as he walked towards the cage.

--

TBC