Betting time had ended, and Han Se-yeon and I sat in the audience, waiting for the match to begin.
It was a boring wait. Identifying the villains here in advance would have been useful, but with everyone wearing masks, there was no way to tell them apart.
Meanwhile, Han Se-yeon’s expression hadn’t been good for a while.
She kept glancing at me with a dissatisfied look, and it was starting to get on my nerves.
“Got a problem?”
“…No.”
Han Se-yeon trailed off at the end of her sentence.
It was obvious she had something to complain about.
“What is it?”
“…The money you bet. It’s your money now, but a few days ago, it was our company’s money. It’s just a shame to see it wasted like this.”
“Come on, don’t worry. I never lose money.”
“…Tsk.”
Clicking her tongue, Han Se-yeon glanced at me and asked,
“But did you bet knowing something?”
“Of course I did.”
“I mean, the odds are too high. A 6x return… that’s not just a simple underdog bet.”
“A 6x return means 3 billion. That’s a good deal. Liang Liang is going to win.”
“They say it’s his debut match today, and his opponent is a champion undefeated for three years.”
I hadn’t expected today to be Liang Liang’s debut match either.
All I knew was that after debuting in this underground arena, he would go undefeated for the next two years.
‘Lucky me. If Liang Liang’s debut had been delayed even a little, I wouldn’t have been able to place this bet.’
Thinking about it again, it was an incredible stroke of luck.
“Just watch and see what happens.”
At that moment, the sound of the microphone echoed through the arena.
[Thank you for waiting! Now, for the first match, Jang Hyuk-won versus Kim Tae-jin!]
A small cheer erupted from the audience.
With everyone wearing masks, the sight felt somewhat eerie.
A moment later, the two competitors entered the arena, each holding a spear and a sword.
[Let the match begin!]
The two began an intense close-quarters battle, enhancing their bodies with magic.
Unlike official magical sports tournaments, the underground arena had no safety systems in place.
As a result, the fight was both dangerous and suffocatingly intense.
Time passed.
— “Argh!”
Eventually, one of the fighters sustained a critical wound and collapsed to the ground.
The deep gash on his body made the spectators grimace.
“Ugh.”
It was hard to watch, but the audience only grew more excited and entertained by the sight.
True to its illegal nature, the organizers showed no intention of stopping the match despite the gruesome scene.
— “I… I surrender!”
Finally, the wounded man declared his surrender, deciding the match’s outcome in an instant.
Those who had won money cheered, while those who had lost cursed and yelled at the fighter.
— “Damn it! Kill him!”
— “What are you waiting for? Finish him!”
The victorious fighter looked down at his defeated opponent.
For a moment, he seemed to consider the audience’s demands to kill him, but eventually, he shook his head and left the arena.
[The first match ends with Jang Hyuk-won’s victory! The second match will begin in 20 minutes!]
At the same time, in his hideout, the dark mage Baek Kang was resting.
The door opened, and one of his subordinates entered.
“Sir Baek Kang, Kim Jin-woo has been seen meeting with Han Se-yeon and attending the underground arena event.”
“…Kim Jin-woo at the underground arena?”
Baek Kang’s eyes widened in surprise at the sudden report.
Kim Jin-woo.
The man who killed his close friend, Jang Han.
Despite extensive investigation, little was known about him—where he lived, what he did, or his background.
The only piece of information Baek Kang had was that Kim Jin-woo had some sort of deal with Han Se-yeon.
That’s why he had ordered his subordinates to keep an eye on her.
But he hadn’t expected much.
He never imagined that someone like Kim Jin-woo could sustain a long-term business relationship with a powerful figure like Han Se-yeon.
And now, after three days of surveillance, they had finally tracked down Kim Jin-woo’s whereabouts.
“The underground arena…”
Baek Kang knew the event was hosted by Ha-ryeong, an S-rank dark mage.
And Ha-ryeong was not one to tolerate interference or any damage to his reputation.
If he stormed into the event and killed Jin-woo, Ha-ryeong would undoubtedly have him executed.
“When does the event end?”
“We found out that it will conclude at 10:30 PM.”
“…That gives us enough time.”
Baek Kang’s blood boiled with anticipation.
He didn’t know why Kim Jin-woo was at the underground arena, but now was the perfect chance to kill him.
There was no need to rush.
If he couldn’t kill him inside the event, he would strike when it ended.
“Get the car ready.”
Baek Kang hurriedly dressed and stepped outside.
Time passed quickly.
The second match ended, and now only the match between Yang Hong-ju and Liang Liang—the one I had bet 5.3 billion on—remained.
As I absentmindedly waited, I overheard some people chatting nearby.
“Heh, who was it that bet 5 billion on Yang Hong-ju’s opponent?”
“I know, right? Everyone saw that and went all in on Yang Hong-ju.”
“Same here. But with so many people betting on him, I doubt we’ll make much even if he wins.”
“Well, easy money is still money.”
“True. But Yang Hong-ju won’t lose… right?”
“No way.”
I looked up at the screen displaying the betting amounts.
A whopping 2.8 billion had been placed on Yang Hong-ju, while only 530 million was on Liang Liang.
By placing my bet on Liang Liang the moment betting opened, I had drawn in a flood of wagers on Yang Hong-ju.
But the winner was already decided. Liang Liang would take the victory today.
[Now for the third match, Yang Hong-ju versus Liang Liang!]
At the announcer’s call, both fighters entered the arena.
At first glance, their physical differences were striking.
Yang Hong-ju was built like a tank, exuding raw strength, while Liang Liang looked scrawny and weak.
‘So Liang Liang was really this skinny back then.’
Honestly, my visit to the underground arena wasn’t just to make money.
I wanted to witness the combat skills of “Villain Liang Liang,“ who, two years from now, would become a core figure in the villain organization Zawon, playing a major role in the main storyline and developing a deep grudge with Lee Seo-jun.
But for now, before his full growth, he still looked weak.
— “This is over before it even starts.”
— “Heh, who’s the fool that put 5 billion on him?”
The spectators were already convinced of Yang Hong-ju’s victory.
But the fight would end with Liang Liang’s win.
After all, in the original story, Liang Liang was described as having never lost a single match in the underground arena.
[Let the match begin!]
At the announcer’s cry, Yang Hong-ju charged at Liang Liang, strengthening his body with magic.
His movement resembled that of a raging bull. I couldn’t help but be impressed.
To be honest, Yang Hong-ju was never mentioned in the original work.
The only thing stated was that Liang Liang became famous by defeating the champion of the underground arena.
But judging by his skills, it was clear there was a reason he’d held the champion title for three years.
Just as I was admiring Yang Hong-ju’s movement, his shoulder crashed into Liang Liang’s body.
— “Kuh-heok!”
Liang Liang let out a cry of pain as his waist bent halfway.
— “That’s it!”
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Not missing the opportunity, Yang Hong-ju grabbed Liang Liang and slammed him onto the floor without mercy.
— “Kuaaaah!”
Liang Liang screamed in agony.
Watching him, I felt a slight sense of unease.
‘…Can he really win this?’
Yang Hong-ju’s strength exceeded my expectations.
It was hard to believe that Liang Liang had actually won in the original work.
At this level, Yang Hong-ju had to be at least A-rank.
I couldn’t understand why someone with such skill would choose underground fighting over becoming a professional mage.
Puk! Puk! Puk!
Yang Hong-ju relentlessly punched Liang Liang, who, due to the vast difference in physique, could do nothing but take the hits.
After about ten seconds, Liang Liang collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
Considering his frail body, this was an inevitable outcome.
— “Waaaaah!”
Yang Hong-ju roared triumphantly at the crowd, certain of his victory.
The audience cheered wildly as well.
Of course, his opponent was just a rookie having his first match today.
With nothing special about him, it was natural to believe Yang Hong-ju had won.
Even I was starting to think Yang Hong-ju had actually won.
But then—
Pook!
— “Hhuek!”
A small hole appeared in Yang Hong-ju’s chest, and blood trickled from his mouth.
The once noisy arena fell silent in an instant.
— “What… what just happened?”
— “Wasn’t he knocked out?”
Liang Liang staggered as he slowly stood up, his battered body trembling.
Despite the severe damage, he forced himself upright with sheer willpower.
He stretched out his hand and conjured another spell—lightning-charged spikes materialized in his grip.
It was exactly as described in the original work.
— “You coward…!”
Yang Hong-ju tried to ready himself for another fight, but the wound in his chest was already too severe.
With his strength failing him, all he could do was fall to his knees.
Liang Liang launched another round of attacks.
Unable to defend himself, Yang Hong-ju’s body was mercilessly torn apart.
— “Kuhhhuek!”
One after another, holes started to appear in Yang Hongju’s body.
Though he soon lost consciousness, Liang Liang showed no intention of stopping.
At this rate, Yang Hong-ju’s life was in danger.
At that moment, five individuals wearing white masks stormed into the arena.
They were agents of the event organizers, tasked with preventing such severe incidents.
They swiftly restrained Liang Liang, and thus, the third match came to an end.
“…Yang Hong-ju lost?”
Ha-ryeong couldn’t believe his eyes.
There was a large bet placed on Liang Liang, but he never imagined Yang Hong-ju would actually lose.
More importantly, he was curious about the man in the rabbit mask who had confidently bet 5.3 billion on Liang Liang.
‘Did he know about Liang Liang beforehand?’
Sometimes, there were cases where gamblers gathered information on new fighters before betting big.
‘…No.’
Even though Liang Liang had won, to Ha-ryeong, he was nothing special compared to Yang Hong-ju.
Knowing about Liang Liang’s abilities in advance wouldn’t have helped much, as his skills were far inferior.
Liang Liang’s victory was purely because Yang Hongju had been careless.
‘Could it be just a coincidence?’
But it didn’t sit right with him.
The way the man placed a large bet on Liang Liang right at the start, luring others to bet on Yang Hong-ju…
And how the biggest bet ever placed on Yang Hong-ju just happened to be on the day he lost…
It was all too perfect, as if orchestrated.
‘Something’s off.’
Ha-ryeong gazed down at the rabbit-masked man below the window.
Despite winning a fortune, he showed no signs of excitement—just calmly leaving the arena, as if he had expected this outcome.
Seeing that, Ha-ryeong was convinced.
That man knew Liang Liang would win.
But could he have even predicted Yang Hongju’s complacency?
“Director Jung.”
“Yes, sir.”
A man in a white mask entered the room.
“Find out who that man who won big today is.”
“You… just what are you?”
Inside a car outside the underground arena, Han Se-yeon asked in a tired voice while gripping the steering wheel.
“Ah, thanks for your hard work today. Want a tip? I earned more than expected.”
“…No, that’s not it. How did you know Liang Liang would win?”
“You wouldn’t believe me even if I told you.”
“What is it?”
“Instinct.”
“…Seriously? You’re not going to tell me anything?”
Han Se-yeon grumbled and started the car.
I smirked and checked my bank account.
[₩3,010,200,000]
After deducting fees and other expenses, I had 3 billion won in my account.
Since my account was created using the point shop, it couldn’t be traced, so no one would ever know I was involved in illegal gambling.
I had expected to earn at most twice or three times my bet, but…
I never imagined I’d end up with six times the amount.
‘What a jackpot.’
And money wasn’t the only thing I gained today.
There was an additional profit.
I activated the Outsider’s Privilege.
[Unique trait, ‘Outsider’s Privilege’ activated.]
[Reviewing previous messages.]
[Achievement unlocked: ‘Gambler of the Century’.]
[Reward: 3,000 points acquired.]
[Character ‘Han Se-yeon’ feels a strong curiosity about you.]
[Interest level in you has increased.]
[Character ‘Han Se-yeon’s interest level: Lv 1.]
[Reward: 2,000 points acquired.]
I had earned a total of 5,000 points from achievements and increased interest.
My points were nearly depleted after purchasing the Killing Intent Detection trait recently, so having a surplus was quite satisfying.
“Heh.”
Feeling good, I laughed quietly.
Then—
Thump.
A chilling sensation washed over me.
‘What is this…?’
An ominous premonition gnawed at me.
And in that moment, I instinctively knew the source.
Killing intent.
The Killing Intent Detection trait had detected someone’s murderous intent directed at me.
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