Chapter 37: Sparring
Gabby finally arrived at the arena for his second subject.
The arena was massive. Its circular structure stretched nearly a thousand feet in diameter, with tiered seating that spiraled upward like a coliseum, capable of holding tens of thousands of spectators.
As he was about to enter, he noticed Yin leaning casually against the wall.
Yin said, "I’m feeling overwhelmed today. I have a presentation with merchants and alchemists from across the East. They’re offering eighty thousand gold coins just for the formula. I think we should accept the offer."
Gabby replied, "We can’t. Just stall them—tell them you’re still refining the medicine. How’s the patient doing?"
Yin answered, "She’s doing fine. I already guided her through several intense aura cultivation sessions. She’s reunited with her spouse, and I think Jin Claye sent them to his barony."
Gabby remarked, "By the way, be careful when meeting Professor Odel. He has a divine blessing—eyes that reveal the truth."
Yin said, "I think we should drop this lie. The truth will set us free."
Gabby looked at him, calm but firm. "And then what? You’ll be hated again. Labeled a liar and your criminal record will just pile up."
He paused, then added, "The medicine saved her life... but the lie saved yours."
"You were a criminal, Yin. But now, they see a genius alchemist—a future hero. If they knew the truth, they’d never let you become the man you’re trying to be. So let them believe the lie... because sometimes, belief is more powerful than fact."
Those words struck Yin Farrock hard. He had walked into a mess so deep, so tangled, that there was no clear way out.