Chapter 126 - A Gambling Brawl

"Nature of our wager?", I asked aloud with a confused expression.

"That's right rookie, most binder on binder combat that happen on campus happen in one of three forms. Class mandated fighting, practice fights between students and duels. The first two are self explanatory, but the last one is a little different. Before the participants start the fight, we determine what's the prize for the fight", the announcer explained aloud, "be it suls, treasures or honor, we gotta give the fighters something for their efforts. So Mourga, as the instigator of the duel, what will it be"?

"This is a matter of honour! Nothing less!", the loud mouthed, small eyed, gorilla of a man shouted, "As such, once I win this duel, this wench must strip to her underwear and bow before Lady Diamonda and kiss her feet in forgiveness in front of the entire campus"!

"Oooooh"!

An annoyed, angry look crept up my face as I heard the crowd oohing and ahing at Mourga's declaration. Evidently, I could sense Voxea's and my other monster's annoyance growing as well.

"Acceptable! Silvia Rosewood, what do you desire?", the announcer said as he turned towards me.

[What a horribly rude gorrilla], Voxea suddenly chimed in my head, [I may not be able to trounce him directly, but if he wants to play like this, I have a suggestion].

[Oh]?

As Voxea detailed what I should ask for, a devious smile crept upon my face.

"Hey, just to be clear. I can ask for anything right?", I asked as loudly as possible.

"Short of asking for his life, yes".

"Well there goes that idea", I quipped sarcastically, "then how about this? If I win, the gorilla here will have to run around the entire campus n.a.k.e.d while singing several...let's say bawdy drinking songs".

I took a moment to enjoy the shocked and embarrassed gasps from the onlookers. Off to the side, I could hear Savina snicker at my wager, Albina stifle a laugh while Bori sounded a bit shocked about how bold I was being. I could already see the look of shock on Mourga's face and practically hear the beginnings of a refusal in his throat...just as Voxea predicted.

"I mean", I said louder than normal, effectively interrupting Mourga from voicing his disapproval, "unless the honorable Sir Mourga wants someone else to fight his battle for him like a coward...like 'Lady' Diamonda". I made sure to use exaggerated air quotes when using the word "lady". Predictably, Mourga became infuriated at my complete and deliberate act of disrespect.

"Fine, you detestable wench. I shall accept these terms, knowing full well that you'll be crushed in an instant", he said with a sneer and barely suppressed rage.

"And so on the wager has been placed"!

"WOOOO"!

"Now then, for the format we'll stick with one monster per combatant, sound good"?

"Alright", I said with a nod

"I'll only need one to take out her trashy monster", Mourga replied arrogantly.

"In that case, binders! Present drajules"!

At the announcer's word, I grabbed my hunting knife and felt my drajules hum with power...and rage. I guess they heard Mourga's insult and wanted payback...good. Across the way, Mourga donned a ring with a dark green drajule on it. As if to intimidate me, he cracked his knuckles as he placed on the ring.

"Now on the count of three, summon your monsters. One...".

A tuning fork made of aether began to form around my hunting knife while a small figure made of aether began to form in front of mourga.

"Two...".

Summoning circles representing our respective monsters began to form in front of us, from what I could see, Mourga was using a Water/Fury majimonster. Not exactly good but not unwelcomed.

"SUMMON"!

"Bring them to their knees, Budo"!

"Rakka! Rampage"!

"Moooo"!

"Croak~"

Rakka came rushing out of his summoning circle, antlers leveled while the powers of Ice, Fire and Lightning exuded from his majestic form. In the next moment, he had locked horns with...a giant toad with horns...what?

[What the heck is that thing]?

[Oh no...].

"Haha! It matters not that you have a fabled Ragnaceros at your side, none can stand before my mighty BullFrog, Budo"!

...what?