When Ursula mentioned it was a wild Siberian tiger, Leo was astonished. According to statistics, there were only around three hundred wild Siberian tigers left in the world. Leo couldn’t believe that they managed to get a wild one here. It was a testament to the power controlling this place.
After Ursula briefly introduced the Siberian tiger, she pointed to the other side of the arena and exclaimed, “Now, please watch the second combatant!”
The large iron doors of the passage automatically opened, accompanied by an eerie sound, almost as if a snake were hissing in your ear. The previously buzzing arena fell silent, and everyone’s gaze fixated on the entrance of the passage.
First came the enormous head of a snake, followed by its dark brown, serpentine body. A colossal python slithered out of the passage.
“The second combatant, the Amazon Man-Eating Python!” Ursula’s voice broke the silence of the arena.
“The Amazon Man-Eating Python is the largest and most powerful snake species in the world. This python is already an adult, measuring 6 meters in length and weighing 150 kilograms! Known as the silent killer, the Amazon Man-Eating Python has a notorious reputation in the rivers and forests of South America, reigning as the apex predator of the Amazon.”
After Ursula’s introduction, she playfully patted her chest and said, “It’s a really long and big fellow, isn’t it? It gives people the creeps.”
Watching Ursula intentionally emphasize her chest and her captivating eyes, some of the younger audience members couldn’t help but whistle flirtatiously.
Ursula pointed to the top of the massive iron cage, where there were four large screens, each facing a different direction.
The screens lit up, and Ursula announced enthusiastically, “Everyone, please take a look at the screens. They display the odds and betting amounts for the first round of the combat. You can use your member cards to bet on your preferred combatant.”
Before Ursula could finish her sentence, people started taking out their member cards and began making their bets.
Leo looked up at the big screen, which displayed simple information. The odds for the Amazon Man-Eating Python were 1. 6, while the odds for the wild Siberian tiger were 2. 3, and a draw had odds of 4. 9.
From the odds, it was evident that most people believed the python had a higher chance of winning.
“In five minutes, the combat will begin. Please choose your favorite combatant and place your bets!” Ursula cooed in a sugary voice.
The audience’s attention shifted from Ursula to the massive cage, where they contemplated which combatant to bet on. Those who had made their choice pressed the confirmation button on the back of their member cards.
Leo couldn’t help but ask the guy next to him, “Hey, buddy, why are the odds for a draw so high? Is there a trick to it?”
The guy beside him glanced at Leo and explained, “You must be new here. A round of combat lasts half an hour. As long as there’s no clear winner within that half-hour, or if both combatants are equally injured, it counts as a draw.”
“I see.”
“I’ve watched in over thirty combat rounds, and I’ve only seen three draws. So the probability of a draw is low, hence the high odds,” the guy added.
Leo chuckled, “You seem like a seasoned veteran of this arena. How much have you made?”
The guy shook his head with a wry smile. “I haven’t made a dime, man. I’ve lost millions, and I haven’t even broken even yet!”
Leo was puzzled, “If you can’t make money, why do you keep doing it?”
“Quit? Don’t be ridiculous. I’m here for the thrill, money or no money. I don’t care!” The man sounded like quite the daredevil.
The owners of this arena loved people like him the most-those with money to burn and no qualms about losing it. Regardless of how the bettors played, the house always won. If the house also manipulated the fights a bit, the money flowed in like a river.
“Buddy, which combatant are you betting on?” the guy suddenly asked.
Leo replied, “I’m going with the Siberian tiger. How about you?”
“I’m betting on the Amazon Man-Eating Python!” The guy pressed the confirmation button on his card. “One million!”
These member cards had betting and recording functions. When the combat round ended, you had to settle your accounts at the service counter with your card. If you lost, the money would be transferred to the arena’s designated account, and if you won, the arena would transfer the money to your account.
“I’ll also bet one million. Let’s see whose luck is better!” Leo grinned as he pressed the confirmation button.
Ursula spoke again, her voice even sweeter, “Dear audience, you have one more minute to place your bets. Remember, time is money!”
One minute later, the betting time ended, and the screens at the top of the iron cage displayed the betting rates.
The Amazon Man-Eating Python had a betting rate of 68%, the wild Siberian tiger had 22%, and the draw had 5%. Five percent of the people chose to wait and see.
Clearly, most people believed the python had the highest chance of winning.
“Let me share a secret with you all. These two combatants haven’t eaten anything for three days. I’m sure they’re ravenous now, and the upcoming battle should be incredibly intense. Don’t forget to cheer for your favorite combatant!”
As Ursula’s voice trailed off, the dim lights inside the arena lit up again, with the brightest spot being the enormous central stage. With the sound of an electric motor, the iron bars separating the two massive cages slowly descended until they disappeared into the center stage.
The Siberian tiger lifted its head and let out a roar that resonated like the king of the jungle, once again sending shivers down everyone’s spine. Especially with that regal, disdainful gaze, it truly possessed the demeanor of a natural-born king.
Regardless of the circumstances, this Siberian tiger had an excellent appearance, although its support was lacking.
The python had raised its head high, continuously hissing with its forked tongue, and its blood-red eyes were fixed on the fierce tiger in front of it.
At first, the two combatants merely stood facing each other on the enormous stage, without making any rash moves. The stalemate tested the audience’s patience until someone took the lead, and the arena echoed with the cheers of the bettors.
“Go! Bite it! Go for its jugular!”
“Wrap around it and strangle its neck!”
Perhaps due to hunger, the two combatants soon overcame their initial hesitation and wanted to transform each other into their potential meals.
The Siberian tiger roared again and leaped toward the python, while the python didn’t retreat but advanced, opening its terrifyingly sharp fangs and aiming for the tiger’s neck in a single bite.