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"Contestant number five, 'Wolf Slayer,' wins!"

The dwarf's tone was more excited and enthusiastic than the previous contestants. He stepped onto the dueling platform, raised Lindsay's arm, and announced the final result of the competition to everyone in the camp.

Linsel covered his shoulder with his other hand. Fortunately, the monster ability of the [Insect Shell] cushioned his pain, and the orc's desperate attack did not cause him too much damage or trouble.

The camp erupted in cheers, with most of the spectators rising from their seats to applaud and celebrate, pushing the intensity of the match to its highest point since the start of the tournament.

Linsel did not rush to celebrate his victory, nor did he choose the newly acquired monster ability. Instead, he turned to Ink, the "Tower Shield" beside him, and raised a question.

"You saw the condition of my weapons during the battle just now, right, and take a look at this two-handed axe in my hand."

He showed the dwarf the two-handed axe he held in his right hand. After slicing off the orc's head, the blade of the axe had become loose and looked like it was about to fall off.

"All participants are using weapons provided by the tournament organizers; they shouldn't be damaged so easily, right? In the first four rounds, everyone else's weapons were working perfectly. I suspect there's something wrong here. Please have the guild investigate thoroughly!"

The dwarf, who had initially looked cheerful, began to ponder after seeing Lindsay's predicament.

"...Even the axe is broken, huh? This is a headache, a bit of a hassle! But don't worry, 'Wolf Slayer' kid, I'll pass your report up to the higher-ups."

After hearing the dwarf referee's guarantee, Lindsay stepped down from the dueling platform. After changing back into his clothes, he walked towards his two teammates.

It's still unclear whether it was a coincidence, a deliberate act of sabotage, or something else entirely. In any case, this matter will be put on hold for now, and we'll see if the Adventurers' Guild finds anything later.

As Lindsay walked to the stands closest to the stage, he saw "Broken Arrow" waiting for him.

"Captain, I knew you'd win, but I never expected you to win so spectacularly!"

Several young boys, hiding behind "Broken Arrow," surrounded Linse with great enthusiasm.

"Big brother is so strong, he's so cool!"

"That's amazing! I want to become a powerful adventurer like you someday!"

Lindsay also heard some spectators nearby praising him. He looked around and saw that almost everyone in the camp was looking at him.

"Well played! That's how you should play!"

"Finally, I get to see how adventurers usually slay monsters!"

"It's only interesting when there's bloodshed! I haven't seen such an exciting match in ages!"

Surrounded by compliments and praise, he tried his best to ignore them: "Where's Claire?"

"Oh, she went to collect her gambling winnings. She seems to have won a lot of money from the bets. It's right near the camp entrance."

The surrounding noise grew louder and louder, and Lindsay began to feel a little uncomfortable: "Brinan, let's find a less conspicuous place to rest."

"Sure, but wait a minute. Two of your acquaintances came over earlier and said they want to see you, Captain."

However, I can't remember their names; they're currently in the back two rows of the audience.

"See me?"

Linsel couldn't think of any other acquaintances he knew well, but the two men were already heading his way.

It turned out to be Eric and Camilla, a brother and sister.

"Brother Lindsay, congratulations on advancing!"

"Yes, my brother and I have been watching your match quietly from the stands. You're getting stronger and stronger..."

Just as the two siblings were about to continue speaking, Lindsay interrupted them.

"Thank you for your support. I have to go now. See you later."

Lindsay just wanted to leave this place temporarily, because he had noticed that more citizens and spectators were flocking towards him, and some of them had strange looks in their eyes and seemed to be hostile towards him.

"Captain, many people already knew your name as an adventurer before the competition even started. Now that so many people are interested in you, your popularity is soaring!"

Lindsay pushed his way through the crowd and hurried toward the entrance of the training camp, not only because of the complicated situation around him, but also because he saw Claire standing at the camp entrance.

"Captain, what's wrong?" "Broken Arrow" asked, not understanding what was going on, and followed behind him.

"This isn't the time for this, Broken Arrow. Let's hurry and meet up with Claire."

The two left the area on their own initiative. After running a short distance and confirming that no one else was following them, Lindsay stopped.

"That spot was crowded and noisy, it's much better here now."

"Broken Arrow," panting, glanced back and said, "Captain, I've also noticed that a small group of people aren't too happy about your victory. I bet they're mostly the ones who lost money."

"Stay away from them... Anyway, the match is over, let's get out of here."

There were fewer people at the camp entrance. Claire was standing at the camp's wooden fence, carrying two bags that were about the size of her helmet, chatting casually with the guards at the gate.

Upon seeing the two approaching, she became excited and lunged at Lin Sai with two bags in her arms.

"Linse, look! This is the money we won from our bets—so many silver coins!"

"Claire, what's wrong with you...?"

Linssey's face felt hot; the female wanderer was so close that he could even feel her soft touch through her leather armor.

"Sister, I really don't know how to thank you enough. I made a huge bet and won so much!"

"Too close... How much money did you win?"

Claire took two steps back: "I roughly counted them, there are over 1,200 silver coins in total, Lindsay, you're really amazing!"

Lindsay took the two heavy money bags, opened the sashes, and saw that they were filled with gleaming silver coins.

"That's great, but it's a pity I only bet 20 silver; most of that money belongs to you and Brinnan."

"The odds have gone up, Captain, you now have 50 silver coins. By the way, to correct you, most of the thousand-plus silver coins in your purse should be considered 'Phantoms'."

"Broken Arrow" took the money bag and began counting it: "Going all in can sometimes be a kind of wisdom."

"Of course, Lindsay, I'll continue to bet on you in the finals in the capital next year."

Linsley smiled and waved his hand: "Let's not. Going to the finals in the royal city is really hard to say with my skills. Besides, gambling addiction is very dangerous."

"I know what's going on... Linse, two adventurers are coming this way soon."

Lindsay turned around, and the people who came were still Eric and Camilla.

"I'm sorry, Lindsay, I may have disturbed you, but we have to tell you something very important."