Inside the City Combat Hall, the bald monk sat cross-legged beneath a shrine while slowly turning the pages of a worn scripture.
The night was peaceful, and the sounds of the city had already faded into the distance. Normally he would have spent the evening preaching to warriors and drunkards about patience, peace, and self-control, but tonight his attention had been stolen by a single piece of information.
A young fighter hurried into the hall carrying fresh news.
"Master, tomorrow's official duel has already been announced. The entire city is discussing it. Young Master Tony Clark of the Clark Family will fight Magistrate Peter Jaint in the city arena."
The monk's hand stopped.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Tony Clark?"
The young fighter nodded enthusiastically. "That's right. Apparently he's become extremely famous recently."
After the young man left, silence returned.
The monk slowly closed the scripture.
A smile appeared. "Interesting… Very interesting."
