Jin broke the silence: "There is no need for Captain Harold to bet his life. After all, his life is worth more than ours as an esteemed Captain of the Palace. It would be a great loss for the Nation!"

Since he was already being pushed to become that man's enemy, he would go all the way. He once killed a kid in fear that the kid would grow and retaliate later on. Now that he was faced with a similar situation but as an adult facing another and one of higher standing, he could only continue forward.

He would kill this man before he became a true new and formidable enemy.

With these words, Squad Captain Harold did not have much of a choice. Or so Jin believed. He never expected the man to be shameless enough to say: "You're right. I will bet everything I own instead, including my precious grade 3 sword. I believe that such a treasure has a worth even higher than any of our lives after all"

The soldiers thought he was being shameless, let alone Ame and Jin.

Ame wanted to refute but before she could, Jin spoke: "Very well. I agree to this bet. However, Captain Harold, I do believe that for fairness, we should have the soldiers here as our witnesses!"

Ame pondered for a moment. She did not understand why Jin was fine with that. Wouldn't it be better if they pushed him to bet his life? After all, it would not be too difficult from the situation they were in. That man could only be shameless for so long... Unless...Ame's eyes brightened. She understood Jin's intention.

From the start, he did not care about that man's life as he planned to kill him during their fight!

However, if he did, would he be able to claim the man's belongings? No!

They would either be retrieved by the Royalty or by the man's family!

How cunning!

She had to admit that he was truly an evil snake of a man. To think he would have thought so far ahead...

Unfortunately for Ame, he had not. Jin's thoughts were far simpler. He did not care about the bet at all. He only saw his need to end this man's life and his best option was now. The bet was to agitate the man and create a parachute in case the spar was stopped mid-way. He could still go for the kill without it.

Right now, it was the best time as there would not be anyone stronger than Ame around! And she had his back! She had no choice but to!

It was the perfect situation.

Unfortunately, it did not go as expected as an old man came down from the skies. It was the man who brought Ame to the King previously. He chuckled as he landed and stated: "I shall be the referee!"

All of the three involved frowned.

The presence of this man meant a variable they did not expect. If he decided to act, they might not be able to achieve their goals. And considering that he decided to appear at this timing, he likely would interfere.

Jin sighed internally but thanked the old man politely on the outside. So did the other two. The man chuckled. He was quite aware that they did not like him meddling in their affairs. He could not care less though. As the Captain of the first squad, he would be held responsible if something happened. Both Squad Captains were precious resources and so was the grade 3 sword.

...

Moments later, Jin faced Harold on the arena. Sword in hand, he was calm. He observed the opponent. His stance, his weight and height, his center of gravity, his micro-movements... He was capturing it all within his sight.

And then, both moved.

They rushed at each other ferociously.

As they began to engage and the sword clashed, many people rushed over. They wore golden armors. They were the royal guards under the different Squads. They received notification of the battle and hurried over to spectate. This was not the kind of drama that happened every day. Especially for those of the seventh squad that belonged to Harold.

They had to support and cheer for their Captain.

However, no one was blind.

It was obvious from a spectator's point of view. The Captain was doing his best while his opponent was relaxed. The ending was predictable. Yet, that man remained on the defensive, not making a single move even when there were plenty of openings. Openings that he made himself at that.

So why? Why was he not acting on them?

The first Squad Captain stood next to the arena. Ame was to his right. He told her: "You found quite an interesting one, Captain Ame"

Ame was smiling. Of course she did. She witnessed this man's abilities herself many times. She had been a little fidgety at first but after witnessing this sight, she regained her composure. After all, it was so obvious that Baem was stronger...

The first Squad Captain continued his praise though: "He will make a very good vice-captain. I shall approve of it"

Ame thanked him politely more out of courtesy than out of gratitude. He understood that much but did not take it to heart. Instead, he continued on a more serious tone: "However, if he truly does kill Harold as he seems intent on doing... You know that I can't let such a thing happen, right?"

Ame frowned. She turned to see the old man's smirk. It seemed like what came next would be quite a pain to deal with. Because she was sure that Jin would go for the kill. Otherwise, he would not have waited so. And it was quite obvious that this old man would only act after it happened.

She did not know why though and had no way to find out. She shamelessly asked him directly: "What's your agenda, old man?"

The old man chuckled heartily as his answer.