Within the Undercity of Chrimoria, there was a large, open space beneath an abandoned building on the south side of Chrimoria which had become a location for underground fighting. Fists fight, unsanctioned sword tournaments, and magic battles were all held in this space, which was aptly named the Undercity Arena. Skilled fighters in Chrimoria looking to make some extra digmata would flock to this place to fight. They would each put an entry fee into a pot, and the winner of the entire tournament would receive every digmata inside. Even if the money wasn’t what one was after, it was a good venue for fighters to test their skills. There was also a betting ring for spectators, which had only increased the arena’s popularity.


    Holden knew the location of the Undercity Arena because he had a few cases that led him there. The crowds that gathered also made it a good place for pickpockets to steal a few purses. Holden couldn’t emphasize to Mathias enough how important it was to stay close to him and Sable.


    “I’ll be fine,” Mathias said, rolling his eyes. “I’ve traveled the world on my own for weeks now. I’m not ignorant to the dangers of the world.”


    “Yet you still have this country bumpkin look about you.” Holden pointed out.


    “And let’s not forget the reason we’re here is because you couldn’t keep your hands on your sword,” Sable added.


    “Alright. Point taken.” Mathias surrendered and started scanning the arena for any signs of his sword. The sword itself would stand out because of its quality, and the artistry of its hilt. It was made for the Balester family generations prior. It was a magic sword too, which meant it was both powerful and valuable.


    In a den of thieves, like the Undercity, a sword like that would’ve been highly sought after. Anyone carrying it around would’ve drawn a lot of attention to themselves. Holden was aware of this fact, so he kept his eye open for anyone who might’ve been drawing a crowd, especially over in the corner of the arena where the sword tournaments took place.


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    Calling the Undercity Arena an arena was actually a misnomer, because it was just a wide-open space without any stands, stages, or walls to separate the different fighting spaces. There were just spaces that those who came here all knew were reserved for different types of fights.


    Holden and the others shoved their way through the crowd until they arrived at the designated area for the sword tournament. This ‘designated area’ was simple a thirty-by-thirty magic barrier created by a mage to prevent the audience from getting too close to the fight.


    There were around a dozen fighters waiting for their turns, along with several losers who had stayed to watch the tournament. Holden shoved his way through the crowd until he could get a good look at all of their swords. Unfortunately, none of them were the sword Holden was looking for “I’m afraid none of these people have your sword, kid. Might be time we call it quits. Can’t think of anywhere else where it might be.”


    “We can’t leave yet,” Mathias insisted. “You said it yourself, if my sword is looking for a worthy wielder, this is the best place for it to find one.”


    Holden just shrugged his shoulders and decided to stay. Regardless of whether or not Mathias’s sword showed up, Holden would at least be able to enjoy a good show. “Fine, kid. I like watching sword competitions anyway.”


    Sable jumped onto Holden’s shoulders so he could see the fights. The two of them watched with vague interest for a couple of fights until the mage who was maintaining the barrier stepped into the middle of the fighting ring after one of the fights ended. This mage was carrying something wrapped up in a cloak, and raised his voice as high as he could to get the crowds attention. “Listen up. We’re going to have a special reward for tonight’s tournament.” The mage than removed the cloak and raised a sword up in the air, but it wasn’t just any sword; it was Mathias’s sword. “here will be a higher entry fee for this tournament. Triple the usual digmata. But whomever wins the tournament shall also win this magic sword.”


    The crowd erupted in applause. Word quickly spread throughout the rest of the arena, and people started swarming the sword tournament. More competitors signed up, greater numbers of bets were placed, and there were even those who usually would only come to watch who decided to participate on the off chance that they might be victorious and acquire the grand prize.