Commercial Division of Royal Capital…
Commercial division is the most crowded business area of the capital with all types of stores, Inn’s and trade centers. King Ragnar, along with Lily, had been dwelling in this place for a long time.
“Uncle, where Are we going? Since morning, you have met so many people. What is this all about? Also, it’s almost time for the Honor Justice fight.” Lily asked impatiently as she felt burdened.
King Ragnar paused for a second and said, “You wait here. I have an important matter here. Just a few more minutes.”
Lily nodded and moved in a different direction.
King Ragnar moved forward, swiftly passing through the crowded streets of the commercial division, his dark cloak pulled tightly around his form to hide his identity.
The bustling Royal Capital was more alive than ever, with citizens swarming the shops in anticipation of the Honour Justice Fight. Farther down the street, Lily wandered through the stores, her presence commanding the attention of curious onlookers.
But King Ragnar’s destination was elsewhere—beneath the surface of this seemingly orderly world. He entered a small, unmarked tavern, giving a subtle nod to the barkeep. With a quiet glance, he was led to the hidden door at the back, which opened to a winding staircase leading to the underground illegal betting palace.
As he descended, the distant roar of the crowd grew louder, and soon he emerged into the smoky, dimly lit betting den. The underground palace was electric with tension and excitement. The Honour Justice Fight had drawn not just casual bettors but the wealthy and powerful who preferred to operate outside the constraints of the Royal Arena’s official systems.
This place, far more intense and dangerous, thrived on secrecy and ambition.
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Ragnar pushed through the groups of people until he reached a roped-off area, reserved for those with influence and wealth. He sat at an empty table in the corner, casting a watchful eye over the room.
After a few moments, a hunched, ragged old man made his way through the crowd and sat across from him. His clothes were tattered and stained, but a golden ring bearing the fox symbol—the mark of the illegal betting palace—glinted on his finger. This was Old Ma, the master of this hidden underworld betting palace.
“Ragnar, old friend,” Old Ma greeted him, a crooked smile forming on his face. “What brings the Frost King to such a place? Surely not just for the thrill of a bet?”
Ragnar smiled, forgetting his status for a moment. He reached for a bottle of wine and poured a glass for Old Ma. “It’s been too long, Ma. And who can resist the allure of the games you run here? You’ve always known how to keep the capital entertained.”
Old Ma chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief. “It’s good business when men like you show up in disguise. But tell me, are you really here to gamble?”
With a sly grin, Ragnar slid a storage ring across the table toward Old Ma. “The returns are better here than in the Royal Arena. 3:1, Your odds are clearly favoring the Doom family. Interesting, considering the nature of your business. Don’t you fear loss?”
Old Ma took the ring placed by Ragnar, examining it briefly before leaning back with a smug look. “What can I do, Ragnar? The Doom family are clear favorites here. It’s three against one fight. The Doom family’s champions are no pushovers, and that 7th son of theirs—Goom Doom—just finished Abyssal training. I don’t see how your masked boy stands a chance.”
Ragnar only smiled, his confidence unwavering. “The ring contains my betting amount. But if I were you, I wouldn’t put all my eggs in one basket, old friend.”
Old Ma paused, curiosity flashing in his eyes. “You seem to have a lot of faith in this masked man. Who is he? Don’t tell me that he is just a man brought by Lily Frost. You can’t fool me.”
Ragnar’s gaze turned sharp and he stared into Old Ma’s eyes with a serious face.. “That’s a heavy question, Ma. How about we make this more interesting—a personal bet, just between us.”
Old Ma leaned in, intrigued. “What do you propose?”
Pouring another glass of wine for the old man, Ragnar replied, “If the Doom family wins this Honour Justice Fight, I’ll reveal the identity of the masked man. But if my side wins, you’ll tell me everything you know about the upcoming Trident Summit.”
Old Ma’s eyes narrowed, the weight of Ragnar’s words sinking in. He realized now that Ragnar hadn’t come here for a simple wager. There was more at play. After a long, thoughtful pause, he nodded. “You’ve always been one for games, Ragnar. Fine, I accept.”
“That’s the old Ma I know. Very well… I will meet you after the fight is over. Get ready to reveal all your secrets. Hehe…” Ragnar smiled gleefully as he stood up.
Old Ma observed the confident state of Ragnar. He really doesn’t understand how one guy can win against three powerful fighters. Old Ma shook his head and gave a send off nod.
With that, Ragnar turned, his business complete. He gave Old Ma one last smile before slipping away, disappearing into the crowd as quickly as he had come.
—
By the time King Ragnar and Lily were at the Royal Arena, the sun was beginning to set, casting an eerie glow over the already darkened skies. The dark clouds crackled with energy, a storm waiting to unleash its fury.
Ragnar and Lily made their way to the underground training rooms, where they found Kent in deep meditation.
“What the?!!” Both Lily and Ragnar felt surprised by the sight before them.
Kent sat atop the Eternal Sacred Lotus of the Milk Sea, its pure white petals glowing faintly in the dim light. This was gifted by God of Music to Kent during Immortal beast spirit gathering.
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