novelraw Chapter 57: Reasons to Stay
Chapter 57: Reasons to Stay
"Why?"
Facing his companions' questions, Henwil smiled: "Why? Why did he hint for you to surrender? Or why didn't I give him the chance to speak? Actually, these two questions have the same answer - because he doesn't want us to leave, at least not alive."
"If we leave, we might be recruited by rival gladiatorial arenas, which is an unacceptable outcome for Bloodhorn. Some things, you can accept not having yourself, but you can't accept the result where your opponent possesses what you lack."
Henwil didn't elaborate further. Whether they could comprehend this depended on their own understanding. His current advice was only given because of their two years fighting side by side.
After Scorpion Tail was killed despite surrendering, Henwil had understood what was happening. That's why he had broken four of his own ribs, pretending to be seriously injured. That's why he didn't take the full prize money, instead generously giving it to the families of his two dead companions.
Bloodhorn had already reached a settlement agreement with the five major gladiatorial arenas. The other side used two hundred thousand gold coins to buy these young gladiators' lives. Because of this batch of young gladiators, Bloodhorn had amassed enormous wealth over two years.
The gladiatorial industry was a special business with a limited market that wouldn't experience massive growth. If someone earned more, it meant others earned less. Bloodhorn was formidable, having seized wealth from other establishments for two years. But he couldn't seize it forever.
Bloodhorn himself was under considerable pressure. Today, the five arenas united and threw out two hundred thousand gold coins to make their stance clear. If Bloodhorn didn't back down, they would truly unite to overthrow him and redistribute the shares.
Bloodhorn had realized this too, so he went to negotiate with several arena owners. He would make the young gladiators withdraw, allowing the industry to return to "healthy" competition. In return, the other arenas would stop targeting Bloodhorn and cooperate with him in organizing next year's gladiatorial games.
Thus, after simple negotiations, the fate of Team Insect's members was sealed. Bloodhorn's so-called anger was all an act, but what he hadn't anticipated was Team Insect's actual strength. If Scorpion Tail hadn't thrown the match, their opponents couldn't have won at all.Scorpion Tail's death had also put psychological pressure on Tarantula, causing some mistakes during the combat. Now that three members of Team Insect remained alive, this presented a hidden danger for Bloodhorn.
Although Henwil and the others' situation appeared dangerous, if they chose to stay now, it would create even more difficulties for Bloodhorn. During their recovery period, the three Team Insect members couldn't fight, and they certainly couldn't die at Bloodhorn's place before buying their freedom.
Everyone clearly understood that if these three youths, who had their freedom money, died now, Bloodhorn's reputation would be ruined. It would also serve as a loud warning bell for the adult gladiators currently under Bloodhorn's command. If he couldn't tolerate these children, how could he tolerate them?
After they recovered from their injuries, Bloodhorn couldn't send them to participate in gladiatorial combat due to his agreement with the other arenas. For Henwil, this was practically the best possible situation.
A safe place to grow, his wealth wouldn't be coveted because of his youth. He could even access resources ordinary people couldn't obtain through Bloodhorn's connections, such as Knight's Body Tempering Potions.
With so many benefits, why wouldn't Henwil stay here a few more years?!
Half a month later, both Mishir and Flying Ant decided to stay temporarily. Although Bloodhorn appeared happy on the surface, he was already cursing inwardly. But he still honored the agreement, providing the three with free body tempering potions and waiving their food and accommodation costs.
Henwil knew Flying Ant and Mishir wouldn't stay here too long. They were already fourteen years old - they would leave within a year at most. But he had just turned twelve and planned to stick around a few more years!
Six months later, Henwil had fully recovered, but as he predicted, Bloodhorn never arranged for him to participate in any gladiatorial combat. During this period, many young gladiators had been killed by Bloodhorn using various methods.
Only thirteen young gladiators remained now, and soon these youths would all be dead. During this time, Henwil had wandered around the city several times and formulated a plan. He needed some helpers now, and these young gladiators were excellent choices.
This city was called Hidden Sin City, located just a hundred miles from Billie's royal capital, Sacred Dawn City. Since many great nobles of the kingdom maintained estates outside the capital, they often came to equally distant Hidden Sin City for entertainment.
Compared to the capital, this place had a distorted prosperity - many businesses that operated on the edge of legality in the capital had taken root and flourished here. A city of sin in the truest sense. The population wasn't small either, numbering over three hundred thousand.
Half these people served the nobility, while the other half served various criminal organizations. Several major powers operated in the city: the Gladiatorial Association, the Brotherhood, the Rat Gang, the Joy House, and the Meat Stall.
The Brotherhood was a protection racket gang, the Rat Gang handled sneaky operations, the Joy House naturally ran brothels, and the Meat Stall dealt in murder and robbery. These five forces assisted the city lord in managing the entire city.
The city lord was called the Titless Marquis, a noble without noble title who supposedly had some connection to the royal family. Henwil had taken interest in some businesses and wanted to make early arrangements now, ideally getting involved later.
Therefore, he needed some people he knew well. Perhaps Henwil had softened, not wanting to watch those youths die, but they also suited his plans perfectly.
So Henwil approached Bloodhorn: "Sir, I want to buy freedom for the remaining young gladiators!"
Bloodhorn narrowed his eyes at Henwil: "Oh? Can you tell me why?"
Henwil didn't hide his reasons: "Because they're useful and shouldn't be wasted in arena battles."
Bloodhorn didn't press further, just smiled and said: "But you don't have enough money! I remember you only have over twenty thousand gold coins. For thirteen people, even if I give you a discount, it would cost a hundred thousand gold coins! How do you plan to convince me?"
Henwil said: "I can continue participating in gladiatorial combat!"
Bloodhorn stroked his cane: "Qin, you're a smart person. You should know I'm phasing out young gladiators. Your condition seems like a joke!"
Henwil: "They'll continue living here for one year. During this period, they won't participate in combat, but they can help train the young slaves you purchase. Young gladiators won't be eliminated - only we are being eliminated. Our existence creates unfairness for other arenas, but if the arenas develop their own, they can't complain."
"And I will continue participating in gladiatorial combat, with restrictions lifted - I can fight adults. As long as they're not champion gladiators, I can accept any opponent. The other arenas won't oppose this either. And me, as a youth, fighting against adults - that's obviously very attractive and will definitely earn you more money."