As the day progressed, Zach built two piles. One was of the 'narrowly' defeated challengers lying down to rest and watch their future comrades suffer through fates similar to theirs.
The other pile was built from the offerings those defeated challengers had brought to buy a shot at earning one of Vera's treasures. It was already as tall as a human. It was a mix of currency, monster materials, and ores.
After the first five people were defeated, the rest started getting a little doubtful. Although Zach had made it look like he won by a fluke or narrow margin each time, the crowd wasn't full of idiots.
Zach didn't look tired at all. And those five challengers hadn't been on the same level. Things didn't add up.
This challenge wouldn't be as easy as defeating a cocky, unknown youngster from who knows where.
The people in the crowd started asking themselves if it was worth it.
