Chapter 169: Finding a Fight (2)

Approaching Dama, I walked beside her as she led me into the tunnel, which descended down under the ground.

Fighters walked with us or past us, each one minding their own business and keeping distance between themselves and everyone else.

The air inside the tunnel was slightly stale and filled with the scent of sweat, blood, smoke, and...

Frowning, I glanced at Dama, who smirked at me as we walked past a small room, loud moans echoing inside of it.

"Those are the 'playrooms' for the fighters; win or lose, fighting builds up stress, and the Arena rents pleasure slaves from the brothels to fill those rooms with various girls to help the fighters - us - release any pent up stress or emotions. Though, sleeves are mandatory in there - for sex, anyways - and you can buy some at the stalls inside."

Giving her a nod, I continued to walk beside her as we reached another large, open hall, where dozens of benches provided spots to rest for the fighters.

Most spots were occupied, and I frowned at the sheer amount of people getting ready for fights.

"How many people participate in these fights?"

"Hm... anywhere from a one on one to a ten on ten. Sometimes the organizers bring out monsters or animals for the fighters to kill. Though, for us, it will all be one on ones. Ah, and another rather fun tidbit I just 'forgot~' to mention is that we have to fight barehanded~!"

Stopping for a moment, I glared at my Dama as she grinned back at me, her amber eyes filled with amusement as she added "You can earn weapons if you take them from your opponents though~!"

Shaking my head, I sighed as I resumed walking, muttering "You are insufferable sometimes, Dama..."

"Only sometimes~? Damn, I gotta do better then..."

Letting out a half sigh, half chuckle, I swatted her arm as we approached another desk at the back of the room, where a bored looking Doe lounged against the counter.

Seeing us approach, she raised a brow as we placed our medallions on the counter, the surprise in her eyes showing for just a moment before she coughed, asking "How many fights did you wish to do today?"

Dama smirked, leaning on the counter as she tapped the medallion, whispering "Dionysia drinks from the chalice of entertainment... so maybe three, since that is her favorite number~?"

The Doe nodded at that, her eyes turning serious as she grabbed each medallion and turned towards the back desk, where she grabbed a few more things.

Writing down something on the paper, she glanced over her shoulder and asked "Three fights for each of you, correct? Also, is this your first time inside the Tusk Arena? Or do you have an alias already on record?"

"Three fights, yes. And no, we haven't ever been to Tusk before."

Nodding, she turned back towards the desk behind her, which made Dama nod in appreciation.

Leaning towards me, she kept her eyes glued to the Doe's ample rear as she whispered "You like Doe don't you? What about this one? Want to spend a night with this one? Share her?"

Raising a brow at her, I ignored her words as the woman turned back around, placing a paper in front of each of us.

On it were seven lines with boxes beside them, and she explained "Before each fight, present this to the organizer and have them write down the names of your opponents. If you win, a green square will be stamped into the box. If you fail, a red circle will be stamped instead, and the paper will be filed away with the other failed challengers. Additionally, these three lines at the bottom are to put your reward into writing, should you succeed. Depending on the opponents selected and optional 'challenges' the organizers give you, you could earn items, weapons, materials, or additional coin."

Dama and I nodded at her words, and she slipped the two papers over to us.

"Now, before we begin, please place a thumbprint in this bow here, and sign your name here."

Doing as she asked, the papers shone for a brief moment, and she nodded to herself at that.

"Alright, you both are now set. Today you have three fights scheduled each, and we will call you by the number on the medallion. If you wish to watch the current fights, viewing areas are on that side of the hall, but please do not push or pull people that are already there. Doing so will result in warnings, and if you reach two warnings, you will be thrown out for today. Finally, if you need to... 'relieve' yourself, the playrooms are back that way; sex must be with a sleeve, but anything else is as you please. Good luck."

Bowing to us, the Doe turned her attention back to her own papers, sorting through them as she waited for us to leave.

Seeing that Dama was about to say something to her, I rolled my eyes and pulled her away, towards the viewing areas that the Doe had pointed out.

"I want to see the fights, so come on. Besides, I do believe the agreement between you and Mama goes both ways, no?"

Sighing, she nodded as we approached the small raised platforms for viewing, with us looking through small slitted windows at ground level.

A wide field of sand greeted our vision as we peered through the window, and we saw an ingoing fight happening above us; four women were sparring in the center, using only their hands as they grappled and punched on another.

Their technique was crude, but they were all muscular women, so they each had power behind their swings; a Boarkin slammed her fist into the jaw of an Orc, who spat blood and growled at the woman, reaching forwards to grab her shoulder.

Beside the Orc was a Catkin, who was ducking under a punch from an Elf, only to kick the Elf in the stomach and send her rolling away, spittle coating her lips.

With the Elf down, the Catkin turned towards the Boarkin and swept a kick towards her knees, while the Orc threw a wide punch towards the woman's cheek.

With two solid thunks of flesh against flesh, the Boarkin went down next, her cheek swollen.

A roar of applause swept through the crowd, and the Orc and Catkin grinned at one another as they paraded around, declared the victors of the match.

"So? What'd you think, Aethisia?"