After the thick chains on his wrists and ankles were removed, Ashnamov led five of his clansmen and slowly stepped across the steel railings, each weilding a long spear. They faced the fifteen hungry Giant Komodo Battle Beasts, amidst the crowd's deafening cheers.
"The battle is about to begin. It will be too late if you do not place your bets now!" cried the black robed man, who had become increasingly anxious the longer Yang Ling went without placing a bet. Most of the nobles that attended these matches would bet at least once. A few didn't gamble at all, but they were in the minority. The black robed man thought there might only be one of those each year, not more. He was horrified at the thought of losing his cut if Yang Ling did not gamble. He had spent so much time and effort already!