It was frustrating, but Walter could understand.Jaden's fame had lasted for quite a while, as he had been a young prodigy who had been fawned over since a child. As the heir to the Favonis, his innate talent for martial arts had shone, and he was once picked as the chief of the Martial Alliance provisionally.His fame alone was enough to intimidate anyone—who would ever dare stand against such a man?If the Ehud Lionheart, the Demon of Volsung Sect, never came to prominence seemingly out of nowhere, Jaden would definitely be the youngest Ascendant rank in Draconia's history.Anyone privy to such information and aware of Jaden's background would definitely not favor Frank.Even those around him think it would be forcing it, since Jaden was on a completely different level.After all, Frank had always kept a low profile and had not much fame to speak of.And following days of the Favonis and the Bearsons hyping up Jaden while slandering Frank as a cheater, no one was supporting
Gene's joke left Walter pursing his lips.Staring at the streaks of white hair above Gene's sideburns, he threw up his hands. "Surely you're joking, Mr. Pearce? We've yet to repay your grace for establishing ourselves in Riverton.""Oh, it's really nothing." Gene smiled, waving him off as he sat down beside Walter. "So, how is Vicky doing? Has she recovered?""Yes, she has." Walter quickly nodded.Gene nodded and sighed in admiration. "Well, Mr. Lawrence really excels in both martial arts and medicine—there's no malady he can't cure. The man even snatched my dying self away from the reaper's grasp."The bookie nearby seized his opportunity right then, asking, "Sir, may I interest you in a bet? The most favorable odds are how many strikes that mysterious martial elite would last against Jaden Favoni."The bookie was certainly sharply—knowing that those seated in the front row were all rich or powerful, it was the right choice to ask them to make bets.They would make a fortune
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,