The Legendary Mage novel Chapter 64

"Place your bets! A little gamble for a little fun, just for entertainment's sake, ha!"

"Bets on Galos to win are even. Bets on Alavin lasting till the end are ten to one."

"I'll hold the stakes, so bet with confidence, my friends."

Balder swaggered through the crowd, calling out boisterously. His rotund body, adorned in a lavish robe, made him look like a skewer of meatballs garnished with herbs, an amusing sight that drew much good-natured ribbing. Following him were several male and female Protégés he had recruited, holding signs, clutching ledgers, and carrying bags, enthusiastically explaining the rules to the other Protégés, clearly experienced in such matters.

Many Protégés casually wagered a few gold coins or some Elixir Herbs, considering most present were Senior Protégés with some means to spare. They were quite willing to partake in this seemingly surefire small gamble.

After making his rounds, Balder found not a single person betting on Alavin to win; it was all on Galos. Though Alavin had brute strength and had begun training in Goliath Force, it was simply impossible to master it within a mere month without being overwhelmed by its backlash.

Who was Galos? An elite of the upper circles! And who was Alavin? A madcap from the lower circles.

Who would win? One need only think with their toes to know.

"I bet on Alavin!" A pretty young maiden approached Balder.

"Miss Carlys? You've come on your own," Balder's plump face immediately beamed like a well-stuffed dumpling, finding no room for frowns.

"Lady Carlys." The Protégés behind him promptly smiled and bowed respectfully.

Carlys flipped through their signs, clearly dissatisfied. "Why is the bet for our Alavin at ten to one?"

"Well... it's the voice of the crowd, my lady. The odds are based on the feedback from the scene, not intended to belittle Alavin," Balder said with a harmless grin that nearly forced a laugh out of you, even if you wanted to be angry.

"I bet three Pearlworts that Alavin will last till the end. You'll really pay me thirty if he does?"

"Of course, of course," Balder signaled to his assistant to take note.

"We shall see," Carlys huffed, turning to leave.

"Ah, Miss Carlys, the Pearlworts?" The Protégé, ready to collect the bet, hesitated. You have to provide collateral for a wager.

"Our Alavin will surely last till the end. I'm certain to win, so just prepare thirty Pearlworts for me when the time comes. I need not place any now."

Balder's face soured. "A wager without stakes?"

"I'm sparing you the trouble. Hey, make sure it's noted; I'll come to collect the Pearlworts," Carlys called to her companions, leaving with a giggle.