Chapter 157 A Whalers Strait* (2/2)

The rules were pretty simple, the hundred or so crew members would be matched up randomly for the first round, with names being drawn out of the hat until none were left. Those who lost would be eliminated. Starting from the top 25, the competition got more intense. This was because those left were often the younger and/or more skilled crew members who took their fighting ability quite seriously. Five groups of five would be created, and they would all fight each other in one-on-one battles. The top two scorers from each group would advance to the top 10, this resulted in another random draw, the winners of the five matches would create a top 5 and a follow-up five that would compete much like the top 25. The final match was when the top 2 scorers from the top 5 would compete for the number one spot.

This number one spot always received a bonus from the Captain. Sometimes it was extra pay, sometimes it was a rare item, it depended on what Jeremiah had on board at the time.

It was at this stage that Rassa became aware that Jeremiah was not the greatest fighter on board. Jorl had stated that though Jeremiah was a fierce swordsman, his age had impacted on his ability greatly in the last decade or so. Hence, he was often within the top 25, and sometimes in the top 10, but not necessarily in the top 5. This only made Rassa curious to see who would come out on top.

”Alright, first round,” Ebony announced, taking a name from the hat, ”Isaac, come and pick your opponent”.

Isaac stepped forward, rubbing his hands together with a grin as he dipped his hand into the hat and withdrew a slip of paper. He eagerly unfolded it, and his smile dropped immediately.

”Tank”.

The huge man in question guffawed, stepping forward to slap the back of poor Isaac.

”Want to give up now you chicken-legged beanpole?” Tank taunted.

Isaac frowned, ”My ass!”

”Clear the way!” Ebony called, and the crew stepped back.

A circle had been drawn in chalk on the deck, and Tank and Isaac stepped into it.

The rules were simple, first to step out of the ring, or tap out, lost. There were no hits allowed above the shoulders or below the knees, the rest of was a free for all. Their weapons? Most elected not to use them as in the small circle they often became a hinderance, but there were wooden training staffs of various sizes for those who wanted them.

”Alright, remember the rules?”

The two nodded as they faced each other.

”Alright, ready...fight!”

Rassa rolled his eyes at Ebony. She was enjoying this a little too much.