Lucas' teammates laughed. They were all elite fighters, but Lucas was the best among them. Reinhard was nothing—or so they thought."Ready?" Reinhard asked.Lucas shrugged. "Do I need to get ready?"Reinhard put his right hand behind his back and attacked.Lucas' face turned pale. He saw a blur, and before he knew it, his chest was hit.The crowd heard a thud and saw him stagger several steps backward. He crashed into the wall, clutching his stomach in disbelief.He retched!He could no longer fight.The crowd was stunned.They had barely seen anything—and already, Lucas had lost."How dare you use a sneak attack!" yelled the Kravate team member who had fought Rex.He lunged at Reinhard with a punch.With one hand still behind his back, Reinhard easily dodged and tapped the man's abdomen with a light slap.The man screamed and flipped, landing sprawled on the floor.His teammates were enraged and rushed in all at once.In the blink of an eye, they were all on the floor,
Lucas was bewildered. Reinhard had just lifted him with one hand!Reinhard stared into his eyes. "Time to do what you promised to do!"Lucas shrank back. He had agreed to Reinhard's terms because he hadn't thought he would lose.But now? He was thoroughly defeated, yet he didn't want to follow through on his promise.He could apologize, but slapping himself in public felt worse than death. He wanted to back out, but one look at Reinhard's face sent fear crawling through his mind.Those eyes looked like they came from hell.Lucas had never seen eyes like them before. He was sure that if he broke his word, this kid would turn into a demon.The sound of cheeks being slapped reverberated through the gym.The crowd was stunned—Lucas was actually doing it!"I'm sorry!" he cried out to Clover and the crowd as he slapped himself.When he finished, Reinhard released him and gave him a scornful look. "You're not pleased with this, are you? Fine. You want to challenge me again? I'll tel
"Well, since you're here… I suppose we can pay for your meal. Eat with us," she finished.Amelie had gotten so used to being an heiress that she could not help but default to acting haughty and superior."You saved our lives, Reinhard. So we owe you this. Come on, let's eat somewhere else," Aria added.Plenty of students from Luchenstad City High dining in the restaurant overheard the conversation and shot Reinhard looks of envy.Amelie and Aria were beauties, and the former was seen as equally gorgeous as Clover. Only the popular young men like Rex could be near them.They had never invited anyone to dine with them before. Reinhard was somehow the first!Just as everyone thought he would agree, he declined."Nope." He waved dismissively. "I saved you because you're Mrs. Skye's daughter. That's all."He then looked at Aria. "As for you? You were just there."The air gelled.Amelie and Aria froze. His response was outside their expectations.It just seemed so ridiculous—they
At the city of Luchenstad, Kolva.A young man in tattered clothes and a worn-out knapsack walked alone down the street. His pace was steady and firm, his face coated in dust and dirt.Yet his eyes shone with the intensity of a king's. His back was straight, and he walked with purpose, as if he were destined to rule the world one day.Luchenstad's towering skyscrapers finally came into view."It's been eight years!" he muttered to himself. "Caleb… Richard… I bet none of you ever expected me to survive."He clenched his fists.It was a cold and stormy night on his tenth birthday. It should have been a day filled with joy and celebration, as it had always been.But instead, he lost everything—his family, his prestige, and his Animus Circuit, the vital system that enabled mastery over martial arts at a superhuman level.And his own father had been the one to destroy it.Reinhard had once looked up to his father as a role model and a goal to surpass. Yet, on that fateful day, the s
Amelie crossed her arms, her expression cold. At first, she hadn't wanted to sound harsh. But when she saw Reinhard showing no sign of declining Helena's offer, she realized she had to be direct. There was no way Reinhard could stay here.Even the most talented elites at her school had never been in such proximity to her—how was she supposed to accept some homeless stranger staying in her house?Reinhard may have helped her mother in the past, but she remembered Helena giving him money in exchange for his help. They owed him nothing!So how could he show up at their door again?Helena had even given him a set of new clothes and 150 dollars when they no longer owed him anything.Now he looked like he would stay just because Helena had said he could. How shameless was this fellow?Amelie had no respect for men who threw away their dignity for a free meal.Reinhard remained unfazed. He had detected the contempt in Amelie's eyes as soon as they met.So what? His true status far
Britney Tanks—the woman with the alluring figure—had started as a receptionist too.However, she was exceptionally beautiful, skilled at dolling herself up, and well-versed in the ways of seduction.She had carefully orchestrated several chance encounters with Edwin until, eventually, he succumbed. She had slept with him and managed to secure a promotion.Britney was likely Edwin's most intimate associate, yet even she had never heard of a teenage benefactor.And this brat thought he could summon Edwin with just a phone call? Edwin was so high up in the hierarchy that even the mayor had to respect and accommodate him.No one could ever demand the reverse!Britney's smile hid the threat in her tone. She was certain Reinhard would leave now.Unexpectedly, he didn't."A receptionist's job is to do as I ask and inform him with a call!" Reinhard said firmly."She was about to do just that before you showed up. She didn't do anything wrong. What's there to criticize? How is she unsu
"My deepest apology, Mr. Castell!"Edwin's words sent a shockwave through the hall.No one expected the most influential man in Luchenstad to humble himself before a 18-year-old in casual attire. If word of this got out, it would cause an uproar throughout the city.No one was more stunned than Britney and Bianca.Britney was terrified. She had insulted Reinhard and ordered the security to throw him out. Now the man whose authority she had relied on had just made it clear who was truly in charge.A small smile flickered in Reinhard's eyes. "You've done a good job managing Skycastell."It was a genuine compliment. Reinhard hadn't expected Edwin to build an empire from this business in just five years, with nothing more than Reinhard's initial investment.Meanwhile, Edwin was breaking out in a cold sweat.To him, it felt like a backhanded compliment. After all, the money that had launched Skycastell came from Reinhard. Without him, there would be no company.Edwin was merely an
Reinhard had noticed Amelie early on but ignored her as he would a stranger.He arrived at the mall after leaving Skycastell, planning to pass the time there.The coffee shop's aesthetics had drawn his attention, but he didn't expect Amelie to be there as well. She seemed to be sipping coffee with her friend."Caramel macchiato," he ordered.He passed Amelie's table without offering any greeting and took a seat in a more secluded corner.Doll Face saw him and gasped in awe. "Oh my God, oh my God?! Girl, are you seeing what I'm seeing?!"Aria Lydic—Amelie's best friend and Doll Face's real name—had always been a proud member of the Lookism Club. Reinhard was exactly the type to make her eyes sparkle.Amelie snorted. "He's a fraud, sis. You're looking at a hobo who's wearing the clothes my mom gave him!" She was sure Reinhard had noticed her—he was just pretending not to, which honestly pissed her off even more. He thought too highly of himself.Aria reeled. "That's the hobo?!"
"Well, since you're here… I suppose we can pay for your meal. Eat with us," she finished.Amelie had gotten so used to being an heiress that she could not help but default to acting haughty and superior."You saved our lives, Reinhard. So we owe you this. Come on, let's eat somewhere else," Aria added.Plenty of students from Luchenstad City High dining in the restaurant overheard the conversation and shot Reinhard looks of envy.Amelie and Aria were beauties, and the former was seen as equally gorgeous as Clover. Only the popular young men like Rex could be near them.They had never invited anyone to dine with them before. Reinhard was somehow the first!Just as everyone thought he would agree, he declined."Nope." He waved dismissively. "I saved you because you're Mrs. Skye's daughter. That's all."He then looked at Aria. "As for you? You were just there."The air gelled.Amelie and Aria froze. His response was outside their expectations.It just seemed so ridiculous—they
Lucas was bewildered. Reinhard had just lifted him with one hand!Reinhard stared into his eyes. "Time to do what you promised to do!"Lucas shrank back. He had agreed to Reinhard's terms because he hadn't thought he would lose.But now? He was thoroughly defeated, yet he didn't want to follow through on his promise.He could apologize, but slapping himself in public felt worse than death. He wanted to back out, but one look at Reinhard's face sent fear crawling through his mind.Those eyes looked like they came from hell.Lucas had never seen eyes like them before. He was sure that if he broke his word, this kid would turn into a demon.The sound of cheeks being slapped reverberated through the gym.The crowd was stunned—Lucas was actually doing it!"I'm sorry!" he cried out to Clover and the crowd as he slapped himself.When he finished, Reinhard released him and gave him a scornful look. "You're not pleased with this, are you? Fine. You want to challenge me again? I'll tel
Lucas' teammates laughed. They were all elite fighters, but Lucas was the best among them. Reinhard was nothing—or so they thought."Ready?" Reinhard asked.Lucas shrugged. "Do I need to get ready?"Reinhard put his right hand behind his back and attacked.Lucas' face turned pale. He saw a blur, and before he knew it, his chest was hit.The crowd heard a thud and saw him stagger several steps backward. He crashed into the wall, clutching his stomach in disbelief.He retched!He could no longer fight.The crowd was stunned.They had barely seen anything—and already, Lucas had lost."How dare you use a sneak attack!" yelled the Kravate team member who had fought Rex.He lunged at Reinhard with a punch.With one hand still behind his back, Reinhard easily dodged and tapped the man's abdomen with a light slap.The man screamed and flipped, landing sprawled on the floor.His teammates were enraged and rushed in all at once.In the blink of an eye, they were all on the floor,
The crowd gasped. They might have been glad to see Reinhard standing up to Lucas, but no one believed he could succeed where Jake and Rex had failed.Carrie snickered to herself. "Oh God, this guy is delusional. He's just asking for it!" Jake was the man of her dreams—irreplaceable and unsurpassable. If even he had lost, this idiot would have no chance."You're going to beat me up until I apologize?" Lucas leaned in scornfully. "Is it worth simping for a girl like that, dude? You really think you deserve to fight me?"He pointed at Rex and his team. "They couldn't match me. What makes you think you're different?"Clover looked worried. She grabbed Reinhard's arm and shook her head."Hey, we should back off. I wasn't hurt, right? We don't need to get on his bad side," she whispered.Reinhard smiled but didn't answer. Instead, he stepped closer to Lucas.Lucas shrugged. "Fine, I'll humor you. Gotta let the girl see how manly you are, right? If you beat me, I'll apologize—not jus
Many in the crowd—including the Art Club—wanted to catch her, but they were too far away!No one could reach her in time.The thought that their beautiful goddess was about to fall sent the crowd into a panic.Before Clover could even cry out, however, she felt a strong, firm arm catch her in midair. She snapped out of her shock and met Reinhard's handsome smile."Ryan!" she cried out, touched.It felt just like old times—whenever she was in trouble, her Ryan would always save her."Are you okay?" Reinhard asked with a gentle smile.He released her only once she was steady on her feet.Clover nodded and stood next to him, acting like a docile little wife."I'm bored. Let's leave this dump!" Lucas announced, not even realizing what had just happened to Clover.He simply waved at his team, beckoning them to leave with him.Jake slammed his fist on the floor in helpless frustration. The gap between them was too wide! Even if he had a rematch, he was sure he wouldn't last more t
Who else could that indifferent young man at the corner be?Amelie hadn't expected to see Reinhard watching the match.Aria noticed him too. "It's him! I knew I saw him by the gate this morning!"She met Amelie's gaze, and they exchanged a silent understanding. "Could he win if he goes up against Lucas?"Aria remembered clearly how skilled Reinhard had been against the armed thugs the day before.One of them had even knocked Rex out with a punch, but Reinhard had defeated them all in record time—one against four. He could win."I'm not sure, but I think even in the worst-case scenario, it would have to be a draw. It's just… he didn't look interested in challenging him at all!" Amelie replied, guilt rising in her chest again.Reinhard simply gazed ahead, unaware of the girls' presence.Amelie was right. Reinhard couldn't be bothered. To him, both sides were as good as pretend fighters. Who cared who won? He was just there to wait for Clover."Man, I thought I'd be learning some
The MMA Fight Club had been confident—they didn't expect to be defeated with a single kick.Jake's expression darkened.For the second round, Rex was chosen to fight.The Kravate team retained their first fighter to face him.Rex willed himself to stay focused. From that one kick, he could tell his opponent was strong. He would have to give it his all.He stepped into the ring and launched a flying kick.The Kravate fighter evaded it with two quick steps backward.Rex spun, preparing a follow-up backthrust. But his opponent suddenly struck the bend of his thigh with a sidekick.It felt as though his leg had been hit by a wrecking ball while he was mid-turn.Rex lost his balance and crashed to the ground. His head spun so violently, he could no longer continue the fight.The crowd was stunned.Amelie frowned. She hadn't expected the MMA Fight Club to be so pathetic."Fuck!" Jake cursed, leaping to his feet.The girls immediately cheered and clapped.The others could suck i
Carrie's retort was so fierce and sharp that it made Caspian shrink back.The others' attention shifted toward them. They disapproved of Reinhard's comments too.The match had barely started, and this edgelord was already spouting armchair prognoses. Talk about irritating.Reinhard, however, remained as cool as ever."Whatever I say or do has nothing to do with you. I don't need your commentary," he said, turning to her with a dismissive glance.He looked away and chuckled. "I was just stating my opinion. You could've ignored it. What's the point of arguing with me?"He wasn't interested in quarreling with a fangirl.But Carrie wasn't letting him off that easily."Aww, scared of an actual debate? It's not as fun when the person listening isn't a sheep, is it?" she taunted."How about a bet? If the MMA Fight Club gets completely defeated, I'll do whatever you ask—as long as it's within reason. But if even one of them wins, you lose, and you have to apologize to the MMA Fight Cl
Reinhard knowing Clover personally had already been a shock, but learning that he knew these other two girls as well? That had to be an exaggerated bluff, right?Reinhard was just a normal fellow from the countryside.Caspian knew Clover's background was similar, so it made sense for these two to know each other. But Amelie and Aria were wealthy heiresses from the city!"Yeah. We even had coffee together the other day!" Reinhard said matter-of-factly.Caspian, still in disbelief, let the conversation drop.Compared to the fanfare on the Luchenstad City High side, Jamerson High's section of the gym was quieter.A young man who appeared to be their leader smirked as he looked at Jake and his team.Jake took the mic. "Good afternoon, Luchenstad City High! We're honored to have the Kravate team from Jamerson High here to meet and spar with the MMA Fight Club. In the spirit of sportsmanship, we are all friends! Thank you for coming!"There will be three one-on-one duels. Your suppor