Clearing The Table (4)

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.