As everyone looked on in confusion, Gene snorted, whipped out his checkbook, and wrote a dazzling number."Hmph. In that case—I'm betting a hundred million on the mysterious martial elite to win."Though Gene stated that number very calmly, the bookie dropped on his rear in shock.But that was Gene Pearce for you—he really went all out from the first stroke.In fact, the total bets at the moment totaled up to just 500 million, which means Gene bet made up a fifth of it!Everyone around him gasped, but they soon came to their senses."Wait… Which bet did he make?""The fourth!""What? Has he gone senile?""Yeah, how could he believe that Jaden Favoni would lose?""You don't get it. The man doesn't care who wins—the money spent is just to flex.""Flex? Really? Throwing away all that money would only convince everyone that he's stupid."While everyone kept yapping around him, Gene remained nonchalant as he continued his jovial chat with Walter.The vibes around them were cert
If they lost all that money and Jaden's father pressed the issue…Jaden, however, could not care less. He was even sneering darkly, "Don't worry. Just get it done! I will show the city of Zamri that the Favonis are the strongest martial arts clan on the East Coast!"The servant quickly left, afraid to disobey.Still, seeing that her brother was getting impulsive, Stella quickly reasoned, "Please calm down for a moment, Jaden. Frank Lawrence really isn't someone to be trifled with! You need to really think about this!"Chelly glared at her in annoyance right then. "Whose side are you on, Stella?! Do you still consider yourself our family?!" "But…" Stella murmured."No buts!"Jaden stopped Stella coolly, clenching his knuckles as he bellowed, "Everyone on the East Coast believes that I, Jaden Favoni, will win, but my own sister thinks that Frank Lawrence will crush me?! People would be laughing if they knew! Just watch, Stella—I will destroy that prick in ten blows, so you don't
The emcee breathed his vowels long and hard the way Michael Buffer would hype up his ring announcements.Jaden soon emerged from backstage, his form straight and towering, his expression cold and his glare sharp.He was the image of an heir to a clan of martial artists, his long hair the picture of the graceful martial artists of old.Many a maiden were screaming in excitement as if seeing their idol, and some even fainted and were quickly carted off to waiting ambulances."This gentleman of impeccable appearance is the second in Skyrank and the great heir to the illustrious Favoni family of martial artists!"The emcee was absolutely generous with his praise, and Jaden certainly measured up.He stood, his expression sharp and his posture elegant, and the spectators could actually feel the palpable sense of superiority he carried himself with.And when the emcee was done introducing Jaden, he turned to the other side and paused awkwardly. "Um… it seems that Mr. Favoni's challenge
"Eh?"Troy turned to find a figure vaulting over the shoulders of the spectators toward the ring."Hahaha! He really came!" he exclaimed in surprise and delighted—more delighted than seeing his own family, in fact.Thud!As Frank landed steadily in the ring, everyone turned toward the giant clock in Zamri Square.Ten minutes as the emcee announced, no more, no less—Frank arrived just in time.Jaden's eyes narrowed, as he could at least see Frank was skilled. "What, finally made up your mind? And here I thought you bailed," Jaden said with a scoff.Frank simply beamed, flashing his bright white teeth. "Heh. Just had to make a detour and wasted some time. Thankfully, I made it.""Hmph!" Jaden snorted and said nothing else.Meanwhile, Frank turned towards the emcee and asked quietly, "So, shall we get started?""Oh, uh…"The emcee looked between Frank, Jaden, and the clearly relieved Troy below stage.Seein Tory nod at him, he said, "Since you're both here, let's get ready
"Hey, that's too much!"Frank was protesting at the emcee. "Why are all the bets predicting my defeat? Can't I bet on myself beating Jaden Favoni in ten strikes?"The emcee was taken aback, as was Jaden despite his impatience.Still, Jaden soon snorted and stared Frank pointedly from head to toe. "Who do you think you are, brat?! You, defeating me in ten strikes?! I could let you have them for free, and you still wouldn't reach my sleeve!""Now, now. That might not prove to be the case." Frank wagged his finger, grinning in amusement.Then, shouting below the stage, he said, "Anyway, I bet 500 million that I'm winning!"The hall was sent into a frenzy, even as Frank's bet was shown on the electronic board as he announced it.Nodding in approval, Frank exclaimed, "Now, that's fairness!"On the other hand, Jaden had lost all patience watching as Frank kept wasting time and snapped icily, "Are you going to fight or not?!""Yeah! Start the fight!"The spectators were getting upse
Frank could certainly block Jaden's kick directly and counter by breaking his leg right then, but he did not do it because he had his plans.Jaden was strong, and Frank could see he was halfway into Ascendant rank.But that still meant he was no threat to Frank.Moreover, Frank did not accept the challenge because of Jaden—his real targets were Troy and Kilian with him.Pow!As Frank shimmied to the side, Jaden's foot struck the floor, sending half the ring crumbling, making his sheer power all too evident."What?!"Jaden, however, was taken aback.Was Frank actually that good, easily dodging the signature techniques of his family?!His scowl soon turned savage, as he was reminded of that fight two years ago when he thought the world of himself.That was when Ehud Lionheart showed up, and the Demon of Volsung Sect kept dodging his blows like Frank was doing now, treating Jaden as if he amounted to nothing!"Argh!!! Boulderbreaker!" Jaden bellowed even as he felt humiliated,
While the crowd was still left shocked by Jaden's defeat, his raging below left them silent again."What? Jaden was poisoned?""No way… When?""So that brat really is a cheater, poisoning Mr. Favoni while we weren't watching!"However, Frank seemed to expect the audience's outrage and simply shrugged at Jaden and smiled. "Don't try to slander me now. I really don't need poison to beat you.""Bullshit!" Jaden bellowed furiously. "How else would you know I'd be beaten even before the fight?!"Then, as his agitation overwhelmed his nerves and with the poison kicking in as well, he coughed another pool of black blood and passed out."Jaden!"Chelly leapt on stage right then, shaking Jaden while snapping at Frank, "I knew it! You're a cheater, poisoning my brother!""How dare you, Frank Lawrence!" Troy Bearson shouted below stage before Frank could argue, pointing at Frank and snapping, "Poisoning the heir of the Favoni family? The Bearsons will not let this rest!"With Troy takin
Glancing at Stella, Frank said earnestly, "Someone poisoned your brother, and it's a poison that only takes effect after a precise period of time. In other words, someone is trying to scapegoat me and incite a war between your family and myself."Stella, seeing Frank's vague smile and the way he was staring at Troy, turned toward Troy too.She realized right then that Troy must have planned all this!She was already suspicious when Troy was on hand to receive them at the airport, and that premonition came true!"You're lying!"That was when a tearful Chelly shrieked hysterically at Frank, "You poisoned my brother, and you're still dressing it up with pretty words?! You're lower than scum! I'm telling my dad about this, and he'll bring all his men to kill you and everyone around you!""Calm down, Chelly!" Stella ran up, intent on stopping Chelly's irrational ravings—but it was already too late.She could feel the air stirring around Frank, and his smile turned into a glare."W