Once Jared departed, a heavy silence enveloped the room. Miguel let out a deep sigh of relief and turned his attention to the two significant figures present. "That kid is way too full of himself to flaunt his wealth," he remarked, clicking his tongue in annoyance. His disappointment was clear. "Regardless of how much money he has, wagering such a large sum is simply excessive. He lacks self-control." Yet, despite his façade of composure, the stack of cash remained etched in his mind, leaving him utterly speechless. He had witnessed people gamble excessive amounts before, but he had never seen anyone treat betting like it was just a trivial figure.
The arena's boss couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "Are you absolutely certain you have that much money to wager? 100 million is quite a hefty amount. 100 million is not something to gamble on a whim. You should go after him and secure a final agreement. If you end up losing, those digits will ruin you. Money doesn't come by easily just to squander on a whim."
Although his words seemed to express concern for Miguel, he secretly thought of Miguel as a fool. It wasn't just him; the old man also considered Miguel a simpleton for falling for the young man's trick. They understood that Jared was merely goading Miguel into raising the stakes, but they never thought that Miguel would be ensnared by such a shallow provocation.
As for Jared, they felt some sense of disappointment. They couldn't comprehend what sort of confidence he possessed and where it stemmed from, allowing him to wager a sum so immense. Though Miguel's comments served as a way for him to portray himself as a good person and maintain his pride, they were undoubtedly accurate. However, the confidence and questionable daring that Jared exhibited was beyond their understanding, as taking on a professional fighter is no mere child's game and requires substantial experience.
An overabundance of confidence can be a poison that can destroy a person, and the disappointment of losing will surely take a significant toll. As for Miguel, he was simply an idiot who failed to grasp the implications of Jared's remarks.
"Hmp! It's nothing, I can afford that much, but I'm a bit concerned for that kid if he ends up losing such a large amount of money," he replied.
The boss and the old man exchanged disapproving glances. Miguel cleared his throat and directed his gaze toward the boss. "Could you possibly make an exception? At least waive the rules for the final fight. I'm not so petty as to let that kid waste his life and efforts. I just want him to fight without holding back." His tone suggested concern, but anyone could recognize that he was simply ridiculing Jared for his inexperience and relishing the idea of seeing him humiliated in front of everyone. This left the two individuals at a loss for words.
They thought he was shameless. Who really understands the meaning behind his words? He claims he isn't petty, but is he really?
The boss merely nodded, which brought a smile to Miguel's face. "Since we've reached an agreement, I'll take my leave."
Once he was gone, the boss laughed helplessly. The old man shook his head in disappointment. They never imagined someone as changeable as Miguel would associate with them, even for a brief period. Shameless and foolish.
"I feel sorry for that young man. How unfortunate he has to deal with such a capricious old fool," the old man said, feeling sympathy for Jared.
"I know, right? People like him crop up everywhere. I feel bad, but what can be done? Business is business." He took a sip of his drink and paused for a moment. "But I've never met anyone as generous as that young man. I've encountered many young masters who flaunt their wealth, but I've never met someone who would easily part with that much. And that watch he has on... I'm sure I've seen it before..." He thought for a moment and snapped his fingers. "That's it! That watch is a limited edition worth over 30 million!"
The boss nodded in realization. He's incredibly rich. The others looked on in shock. 30 million for a watch? How wealthy is he? So, it's not an exaggeration when Jared claims he isn't lacking in money.
"I believe he's not just ordinary. If he says that being alone in life is genuine, then I'm afraid that young man is not to be underestimated. With his knowledge and wealth, he's not someone to mess with. I don't know whom to feel sympathy for-the young man, who's been set up by that old fool, or the unpredictable man who doesn't seem to grasp that he's collided with someone extraordinary.
The old man's comment made the boss chuckle. He felt the same way. He was entertained and keen to witness more. Either way, the conflict between the two was not his concern. He just needed to sit back and enjoy the entertaining show.
A low chuckle escaped from his mouth.
Jared moved closer to the sound. An echos of cheers and shouts filled the air as he opened the door. Inside, he found a spacious venue arranged with chairs in a circular layout, while the center served as the battleground for fierce competition.
The commentator's voice resonated throughout the arena as spectators clenched their fists, pulled their hair, or leaped from their seats, passionately sharing their thoughts and describing the intense scenes unfolding in front of them, prompting everyone around them to cheer loudly in excitement.
The atmosphere was chaotic, lively, and uninhibited.
Within the caged ring, two fierce opponents were locked in battle, exchanging jabs and kicks. A few drops of blood could be seen from the cuts and bruises decorating their faces, but neither fighter seemed to care.
It was all about winning or losing.
Who worried about a scar or two? A small injury wouldn't be fatal, and fighting arenas had regulations. Contestants were trained to avoid targeting lethal areas, such as the neck, groin, or eyes, which were considered highly sensitive.
Jared observed until the fight concluded, with the victor being announced amid the crowd's roars. Throughout the match, he remained seated next to the vacant chairs beside him. As the final fight approached, Matthew and the others arrived and greeted Jared. They had come late, as they generally didn't enjoy watching fighting matches.
If it weren't for their close friend Jared's participation, Matthew and the others would likely have preferred spending their time at the club, handling business or engaging in car races rather than witnessing such a risky battle.
After a while, Jared said his goodbyes and prepared himself for the fight. He was alone in the waiting area, securely wrapping his knuckles. He donned the fingerless gloves he had received as a reward from the System.
[Ding!
The system detects that the host's heartbeat has risen above a normal rate.
Are you feeling scared? Nervous? Excited?
Warning! Professional fighters are known to strike with significant force. Please be careful.]
He felt a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth and took a long, deep breath. "I'm nervous and excited, but not scared. With you, my System that has granted me power, what reason do I have to be afraid? Maybe the old me, the one who once stood at the bottom of society, would have been paralyzed by fear, but that's not who I am anymore. The System supports me. Is there anyone more powerful than you who gifted me this unexpected ability?"
[The host is correct. This System is thrilled to receive such praise.]
Once the System finished talking, another notification chimed in.
[Ding!
Triggering a bonus reward for the day.
The host has shown recognition of the System's power, causing it to be delighted by your words.
Congratulations to the host. You have acquired 10x fighting power.
With each strike delivered to the opponent, the host can enhance physical strength up to tenfold.
It is up to the host to decide how to utilize this enhanced strength.]
Jared gazed blankly into the distance, his mouth slightly agape.
A praise could trigger bonus? That's great!
"Wow! System, you are incredible. I knew I could rely on you. Thank you so much. You are truly amazing!"
[Anything for the host.]
He couldn't suppress a grin. His excitement was so intense it felt like his heart might soar.
"I wonder how much power this could truly offer," he murmured.
[Put it to the test and you will find out.]
Given the martial arts skills he had gained, if the additional 10x power were applied, could it be lethal to his opponent?
Feeling the weight of his thoughts, his complexion drained as he shook his head to regain focus.
"No. It's too dangerous."
Given the System's capabilities, it could easily take lives. Jared resolved to restrain his full power and apply it gradually to observe the results.
Just as he was completing the wrapping of his other hand, a loud knock was followed by the door swinging open. Jared lifted his gaze and spotted Lucius entering... accompanied by others.
A group filed in, including a muscular man whose scrutinizing eyes bore into Jared's. His physique was clearly honed through rigorous training—and perhaps actual combat.
The man's menacing and piercing stare evaluated every aspect of Jared, and he jabbed a finger at him, saying, "You must be joking. Is this all there is?" He gestured toward the man holding the tobacco.
The man exhaled a puff of smoke and nodded casually. "A 'special' request," he elaborated, his tone laden with meaning, causing the other man's eyebrow to arch before he redirected his gaze to Jared.
He pointed his finger at Jared, who had just finished wrapping his knuckles. "You, a newcomer, shouldn't expect me to take it easy on you! This is my domain, and I'll show you what the King of the Ring truly is! I couldn't care less if your side involves dishonorable tactics," he sneered, thumbing his own chest. "Don't anticipate mercy from me, boy. I am Volka, the undefeated champion. I'll beat you into the ground. See you in the ring."
With that, he pivoted and exited the room, accompanied by several individuals clad in black shirts. Only Lucius and the Arena owner remained.
"That was Volka, my undefeated fighter. Do you think you can defeat him?" the man inquired, his voice tinged with skepticism and hope.
Jared glanced at Lucius, who shook his head in uncertainty, unable to provide an answer.
Jared adjusted his slender gloves, rose to his feet, and smiled. "Words don't have power, we'll see it in the ring. But i hope they won't disappoint me"
With the System supporting him, Jared is ready to face anyone.
No matter who's fierce enemy inside the deadly Octagon.