The atmosphere in the arena was electric.
Spectators leaned over railings. Students clutched their arms to their chests. Even the professors—usually stoic or bored—were watching like their lives (or at least their finances) depended on it. No one looked away.
It was the final match. The match. Kain versus Serena. Rank One versus Rank One.
And right now, no one could tell who was winning.
So naturally, Elias saw an opportunity.
"Ladies and gentlemen, degenerates and professors," Elias announced, stepping onto a makeshift platform two rows above the arena's edge. He clapped his hands loudly, drawing far more attention than he had any right to.
"Welcome to your last chance at salvation: Oopsie Odds! The Second Regret Special!" He gestured dramatically to the tablet used to record bets that he dragged out of nowhere. "Two minutes only. Same payout as pre-match bets. No judgment, no refunds."
Around him, students gasped.
"Wait, we can still bet?!"
"That's illegal—probably!"
