Spending time with these two Southern "fellow countrymen," especially the talkative Ackerman, allowed Todd to learn many secrets of the gladiatorial arena.

While the actual owner of the arena was the King of Ulster, and Conchuber himself did indeed love gladiatorial combat, he was too busy to attend, only spectating important battles. Therefore, the arena's actual manager and controller was a royal appointee. Hmm… that corpse hanging in the high-hanging cage in the center of the arena.

Gladiators' status and treatment were divided into four levels based on their record and number of matches.

The lowest tier consists of newly joined fighters and elderly or infirm veterans. Their fights are less competitive and less entertaining, naturally failing to attract a large audience. Arenas mostly schedule them for off-season performances or use them as "appetizers" before major battles.

The third tier consists of survivors who have survived one or two battles. Whether through luck or skill, these individuals have endured the most dangerous first round of "tests," and have one foot already in the gladiator's arena. Some exceptionally talented individuals among them will gradually gain the attention of the audience and administrators.

The second tier consists of regulars in the arena, whose battles are legendary, their brushes with death time and again earning them the title of true gladiators. These individuals form the backbone of gladiatorial combat and are among the most skilled fighters.

The finest gladiators are extremely rare within the "Red Circle." Each one is a veteran of countless battles, with a loyal following among the audience. Every fight featuring them guarantees a surge in ticket sales. Even the arena's administrators must treat them with utmost respect.

According to the talkative Ackerman, Todd has been promoted to the top tier thanks to his two astonishing combat performances. Besides him, there are three other top gladiators in the "Red Circle".

Todd looked up at Ackerman: "There are three more?"

The latter said excitedly, "That's right, these three people are not only the pinnacle of gladiators, but also the leaders of their respective factions."

Todd, looking puzzled, asked, "Factions?"

Upon hearing this, Ackerman closed his eyes and slapped his forehead hard: "I forgot to mention the most important thing."

“Within the ‘Red Circle,’ the gladiators are divided into four factions based on their homelands and beliefs: the Northern Islands, the Northern Kingdoms, the Barbarian Tribes, and the Southern Parish. Each faction has a top-tier gladiator who serves as its leader, governing all members.” Ackerman began counting on his fingers: “The leader of the Northern Islands faction is ‘Mountain-Splitter’ Cotton; the leader of the Northern Kingdoms faction is ‘Lady of Pain’ Deirdre; the leader of the Barbarian Tribes faction is ‘The Skinner’ Korchi; and the leader of the Southern Parish faction is ‘The Cunning Fox’ Bessen.”

Silently memorizing these four names, Todd suddenly remembered something and asked Ackerman, "'The Skinner'? The opponent I defeated in my first match?"

The latter nodded: "That's right, it's him. After the death of 'The Skinner,' the barbarian faction lost its leader, and with your prestige and power, it's only natural that you become the leader."

Todd recalled their "aid" during the second duel, speculated about their purpose for coming here, and finally asked directly, "Tell me, what exactly do you want from me?"

"We want to join the faction you lead."

Upon hearing their words, Todd asked expressionlessly, "You're from the Southern Parish, shouldn't you be following 'The Cunning Fox' Besson?"

Ackerman and Casper exchanged a glance, and the former said awkwardly in a low voice, "Well, there are some special reasons..."

Seeing that the other party was unwilling to elaborate, Todd did not press him further. He dusted off his clothes and said, "Tell me, how can you guarantee to me that you are not spies sent by other factions?"

"A spy?!" Faced with Todd's accusation, Ackerman seemed deeply insulted. He righteously defended himself, saying, "I have always been a champion of justice and loyalty! I swear by my father's spirit in heaven, I would never touch such dirty deeds..."

The usually taciturn Casper suddenly interrupted Ackerman: "He seduced Bessen's mistress."

Ackerman's hand froze in mid-air, his expression a picture of utter brilliance.

Todd suddenly realized why these two had come to him seeking refuge. The real reason was that they couldn't stay in their original faction.

“If that’s the case, why should I accept two people who might bring me trouble?” Todd stood up from the ground and turned to leave.

Seeing this, Ackerman could no longer care about anything else and shouted anxiously, "We know how to escape from here!"

Todd froze, paused, and turned to look at the young man: "Do you know how to escape?"

Ackerman bit his lip and lowered his voice: "On the second level beneath the arena, there is a secret passage leading to the forest to the south."

Why don't you escape on your own?

"We can't move around freely; the second basement level is a restricted area."

How do I know what you're saying is true?

“You can ask around about someone named Old Earl. The arena claims he’s dead. But almost everyone knows he escaped three years ago. The two of us moved into his old room and stumbled upon the escape route map.”

After going over Ackerman's words from beginning to end, Todd was starting to believe them, so he asked one last question: "Why did you come to me?"

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