While everybody was focusing on the bet between Simon and Jorra, Merath had the urge to strangle Jorra and beat him blue black.
She could not believe that Jorra had so easily fallen into Simon’s trap.
Anybody with a working brain, who took a step back, who calmed down, and took their time to ponder on Simon’s words would realize that this bet worked in Simon’s favour.
For Simon to be so confident in making a bet of one thousand merits, the probability of him failing was very, very, very, very slim.
’Blackmoon knows we’re both Daemons, but he still has the confidence to make a bet where we’ll need his ’protection’ from something.’
’It’s obvious that he has planned what we’ll need his ’protection’ from. I won’t be surprised if it’s those worthless Iron Fangs.’
’Since he knows we’re Daemons, does he believe that because we’ll want to hold back and not reveal our full strength, Jorra would be helpless and would have no choice but to ask for his ’protection’ from whatever he has planned?’
As soon as she had these thoughts, her expression became dark and ugly behind her mask.
’The chances of that happening is very high. Blackmoon already knows our secret all thanks to me. He knows that we can’t expose ourselves so easily, especially for something as foolish as this.’
’He’ll use that against Jorra till Jorra has no choice but to ask for his ’protection’... Unless Jorra decides to be even more foolish than he already is, and he exposes us.’
Merath could not help but shake her head while releasing a frustrated sigh.
’And a thousand merits is equal to a thousand hell stones. For fuck sake, hell stones are not normal stones that can be picked on the floor, Jorra.’
She really wanted to smack and beat the shit out of Jorra, but she couldn’t.
That would cause a rift between them.
And she couldn’t show her displeasure at Jorra’s decision since it would have no effect on him.
She knew with certainty that everything she thought of, Jorra had also thought of them.
But he still decided to agree to the bet.
Why?
Because of pride.
He believed that no matter what Simon threw at him, he would come out on top.
He truly saw Simon as an inferior demon who should not even be in his sight, and the fact that Simon was so arrogant infuriated him the more.
He wanted to teach Simon a lesson, and he wanted to kill him.
His pride would not allow him to be so cautious and to have thoughts of him needing Simon’s ’protection’ because what he planned for them was something he could not handle.
He would crush whatever plan Simon had, and he would show Simon the difference between the two of them.
Simon shifted his gaze from Jorra to Merath, then back to Jorra.
A light smile was on his lips behind his mask, and he was in a good mood.
"Do you have any questions regarding the bet?"
He decided to ask just for fun since he knew that this arrogant child would have no questions.
However, somebody unexpectedly responded to his question.
"I have a question."
Simon blinked, then he turned with a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
He recognized that voice.
’Storm Reaper?’
He narrowed his eyes slightly at this Stormborn demon.
"What is your question?"
Storm Reaper stared coldly at him, his red eyes flashing with burning red lightning of revenge.
"Can I join the bet? I have the money."
Simon’s eyes flashed with visible surprise. He didn’t expect this at all.
Sunless, Jorra, Merath, and the others were also surprised by Storm Reaper’s request.
What was going on?
How did things turn out like this?
Weren’t the top three Initiates meant to fight Blackmoon?
Why is it suddenly about a bet?
Are Simon’s words true about the protection they’d need from him?
What’s going to attack them or threaten their lives?
Are they safe?
Why is everybody taking Simon’s words of protection seriously?
Many of the average Initiates had these thoughts and could not help but wonder what in the world was going on.
Meanwhile, the gears in Simon’s mind spun, but before he could even make his calculations and simulations, three more Initiates requested to be part of the bet.
"I also want to join the bet."
"You need to be put in your place. I’m joining the bet."
"I’m also interested in the bet."
Everybody’s eyes widened in surprise, and Simon’s eyes flashed with a cold and calculating glint.
This... was completely unexpected.
Simon looked at the three Initiates who requested to join the bet.
’Rank six- Tempest Strider. Rank eight- Ice Tyrant. Rank fifteen- Flaming Star’
Simon instantly recognized the three Initiates, and his lips curled up slightly behind his mask.
However, he remained silent.
Many believed that Simon was thinking of ending the bet or was thinking of how to escape the bet since it looked like it was against him.
If he lost the bet, he would not only have to give one thousand merits to four people, he’d also have to fight a life and death battle with four of their classmates.
And these four were not weak in the slightest.
Jorra had a frown behind his mask as he stared at the three Initiates.
He was displeased with them for interfering in their bet.
This was his chance to kill Simon, and these bastards wanted to take it away from him by scaring Simon.
How could he not displeased?
He wanted to talk, but Merath held his wrist and squeezed it tightly while giving him a cold glare.
He already knew that Merath was displeased with his actions, but he didn’t care.
However, he decided to just take a step back and wait for Simon’s response.
If he decided to back out because of these three bastards, then he wouldn’t mind having three more future cursed spirits in his collection.
However, to his surprise and the surprise of nearly everybody, Simon agreed.
"Alright. All of you can join the bet. The more the merrier." Simon said with a light smile.
How could he refuse free money from these three fools?