125 Clearing the table 4 (1/2)

Ed stepped out and was met with the stern face of a bald referee.

”Step onto the table.” the referee said and Ed frowned slightly for a second. He looked to the stage the referee was pointing and wondered why he was calling it a table. Nevertheless, he did as asked.

He immediately felt the feasting eyes of the crowd upon him. Many were gauging his cultivation, others did not wish to miss a thing so as to make good bets. When they saw his face was new to them, some sighed.

”A newcomer?”

”No need to bet. One knows how dangerous it is to bet in a newcomer's fight.” another said and many nodded in agreement.

”The challenger is here. Plate, announce the opponent!” the referee said to no one in particular. But one could see him looking towards the bronze plate and the looking away with disinterest, only to look back in shock. He was not the only one. The entire crowd went silent for a second, as ten names appeared on the plate under Ed.

”What?” many exclaimed.

”This list of ten names is all over the place.”

”It is obvious that this is a newcomer. He is not on the top ten ranking, how can this be done?” someone asked.

”Look at the list. Bold letters. This was picked by the tower.” another said.

”Who is this?”

”This will be an interesting fight. Look, Ephiom and Hammer head are on the list!” someone said excitedly.

”There are Ephiom is in the top ten too. I should bet on this fight.”

”What is the tower thinking, could it have malfunctioned and wanted to kill a newcomer?” the audience was abuzz with speculations.

”A rankless, huh? They exist?” the referee asked Ed as though he would know the answer. At this another round of talks ensued in the audience. Seeing Ed's stoic face, the referee looked to the crowd.

”Opponents, step unto the stage!” he ordered and the crowd cheered as ten fighters jumped unto the stage. Two women were amongst the line up. One walking through the air, down to the stage and the other flipped in without care for her exposed legs.