Chapter 265: The Duels and the Shop!
Kai’s expression darkened as Ralph shared the news.
"What blood duels?" he repeated... "Wait... You mean survivors fight each other to death... for gambling?"
Mei’s eyes widened. "That’s insane. People risk their lives just so others can place bets? Why is it happening here? Aren’t they supposed to work together to fight against the A.I. Army?"
Farrah shook her head slowly, unease written across her face.
"It explains the crowds we saw earlier. I thought it was just another market gathering... but if duels are drawing people in, then Cameron City thrives on more than trade."
Alfie chuckled as he could understand what they were feeling now. Then, he smiled despite the grim subject. "You should’ve seen it. Survivors clashing with Gene Skills, the crowd was cheering like it was a festival. You’re all probably inside the VR World when the battle was happening. Anyway, some fighters were throwing fire after putting oil in their mouth, others were using shockwaves or blades enhanced by their genes."
Alfie continued sharing what he saw in the duels. Then, Mei got curious and asked if the fighters were getting something from the duel.
"Yes... Organizers hand out rewards. It’s mostly money, but if they perform well, they can get a space where they can live permanently within the city. After all, most of the fighters were outsiders with only temporary residence."
"Ohhh... So that’s why they’re willing to participate even with the possibility of death." Farrah nodded.
"Also... if they really performed well, they may be recruited by the factions around the city. Still, the real money comes from the wagers. It’s brutal, but profitable."
Claire added...
"And it’s everywhere. Taverns, squares, even small arenas. The city treats it like entertainment. Some fighters looked desperate, clearly gambling their lives for food. Others were more polished or disciplined... almost professional, like they’d trained for this. Either way, the crowd didn’t care... they just wanted blood."
Ralph nodded. "We even heard jokes that a skilled fighter could earn more in a week of duels than in months of missions. Food, Energy Cores, and even rare items are wagered. It’s dangerous, but tempting."
Kai couldn’t help but feel curious.
After all, he might even join the battle if he found a reward that was worth enough...
"It’s tempting... But it’s also a trap. Once you step into that arena, you’re marked. People will remember your face, your skills. And not all attention is good. Anyway, is there a duel between robots? You know... like Atom."
Claire and the other two paused as they tried to recall if they had seen one but soon, they shook their heads.
"I’ve never seen one. Perhaps we haven’t explored... Who knows... We might fight one if we search further north of the city."
"Well... It’s ok." Kai replied with a chuckle. He wasn’t really being serious. After all, even if there was, he wouldn’t risk Atom... unless he was 100% confident that an A-Grade Unit could win.
Mei frowned, glancing at Kai. "Are you thinking of joining? It’s not like you’re short in supplies..."
"Haha! That’s true. I’ll keep it in mind."
Farrah sighed. "It’s a city of spectacle. VR World, Factions, and now blood duels. Everything here is about risk and reward."
Alfie smirked. "Well, if we ever run low, we could always bet on ourselves. Imagine the look on their faces when outsiders sweep the arena."
As someone with a Gladiator Talent, he was confident that he’d dominate a battle if they were all at similar levels.
The group laughed, easing the tension for a moment.
Yet beneath the humor, the reality was clear...
Cameron City’s duels weren’t just games. They were dangerous paths, offering fortune or ruin.
In any case, Alfie just continued sharing...
"We also saw exosuit matches, too. No Active Gene Skills allowed... just raw strength and tactics with your machine. Survivors strapped into heavy suits, slamming into each other like machines. It was quite entertaining to watch. The crowd loved it because it felt fair. No hidden powers, just steel against steel."
"Fair? I don’t think so. The one with better ironworks and engineers wins." Claire muttered.
Kai couldn’t help but frown after hearing this.
"Exosuits... That’s right, Claire. This type of battle means survivors with resources can dominate. Those suits aren’t cheap."
They had all seen the Iron Phalanx before and how they fought against the Beast Class units of the A.I. Army.
Those machines weren’t cheap to make... Anyone who participates in such gambling or duels must also prepare for the repair costs of these machines, and that wouldn’t be cheap.
Mei muttered, "So there are tiers of gambling. Blood duels for the desperate, exosuit matches for the well‑equipped... What? Is there also gambling on Perfect World’s duels or something?"
"That wouldn’t be surprising anymore, to be honest." Kai muttered.
Farrah shook her head as she believed that the duel in the Perfect World didn’t really matter that much.
"Ahem... It’s dangerous, but it’s also an opportunity. I think that with my Skill, I can actually win a few fights." She muttered.
Kai shook his head. "You just barely passed Level 30... You will have difficulty fighting against those Level 40 and above."
Alfie chuckled. "Oh. There’s actually a rule about that. Don’t worry. I’m actually thinking of participating in tomorrow’s event.
Claire smiled as she looked at Alfie. The two of them have already discussed this.
"What?" Kai frowned.
"Yes... Don’t worry. It’s restricted to survivors Level 39 and below. The prize isn’t just money or food... it’s a full exosuit."
The table went silent.
"A full exosuit?" Farrah repeated.
Mei and Kai nodded as they heard this...
"No wonder people risk their lives. An exosuit could change everything for a shelter. It’s protection, firepower, and status all in one."
He had seen the exosuits of the Iron Phalanx before and witnessed how exosuits turned battles against the A.I. Army. Owning one wasn’t just about strength... it was about survival.
"That’s worth the risk," Kai muttered.
Alfie laughed... "Haha.. That’s right. I knew you’d see it that way. Tomorrow’s duel will be brutal, if you join, Kai."
Just like that, Kai made a firm decision.
However, the next day, a messenger from the Aries Faction arrived, confirming that a store building and warehouse had been rented to him at a dirt-cheap price.
