Ryan sneered mockingly, stretching his fingers as he saw Vernon's legs start to tremble. "Scared to fight me, dude?" he taunted.
Vernon stayed silent, trying to keep his composure. He knew Ryan was attempting to break his confidence. From Roy, Vernon had already heard that the bulky man, who looked like a monster, had been the undefeated champion for several consecutive matches. Many wealthy men had lost their money overnight because Ryan always defeated their fighters without mercy.
Ryan had become a cash cow for his boss.
"Are you so desperate that you hired a homeless man to fight my subordinate, Ricardo?" Joshua, a handsome 45-year-old man, taunted in a soft voice, wearing a luxurious tuxedo that gleamed under the lights. Ten bodyguards stood in formation behind him, like shadows that never left his side.
Joshua, one of the richest men in the United States, was infamous for his ruthlessness in the underground fighting world.
"You don't know him, Mr. Joshua," Roy interjected calmly, noticing his boss's embarrassment. "Today, I'm willing to bet that your champion will lose!"
Mocking laughter immediately filled the room. The spectators laughed heartily at what sounded like Roy's insane claim.
"Even the audience thinks you're out of your mind, Roy!" Joshua chuckled. "This is a boxing match, not a comedy show. Everyone knows your fighter doesn't stand a chance!"
Despite the insults, Roy remained calm. He had complete faith in Vernon.
However, Vernon's confidence was steadily eroding. Everyone around him underestimated him, and Ryan was clearly no ordinary fighter.
'Damn it! Why is my luck like this?'
Vernon had just decided to return to the boxing world after being inactive for so long, but unfortunately, his first match had to be against a monster like Ryan.
'Calm yourself, Vernon. Don't let yourself get intimidated!' he whispered to himself, trying to stay focused.
"How many million dollars are you betting with me today, Ricardo?" Joshua grinned, his eyes gleaming with slyness. This was his chance to drain his opponent's wealth. He was certain today would be an easy win for him.
"Five hundred thousand dollars," Ricardo replied.
"What?!" Joshua's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you joking?! I came here to win millions, not some pocket change! Are you trying to insult me?"
Ricardo remained silent. He knew the stakes were high, and if he lost, his boss would be furious.
Joshua laughed bitterly, his eyes twinkling with contempt. "You don't even believe in your own fighter, Ricardo. Today, you don't seem like your usual self."
"Don't underestimate me, you bastard!" Ricardo suddenly shouted. "Fine! I'll bet five million dollars!"
"Deal?" Joshua smirked wickedly.
"Deal!" They shook hands, their eyes filled with hatred.
Meanwhile, the crowd was growing larger, filling the stands and cheering enthusiastically for Ryan.
"Break his neck!"
"Kill him!"
"Don't forget to kick his ass!"
Amid the chaos and shouting, Vernon was sweating profusely. The bright lights were blinding, and the wild chants only deepened his fear.
The referee stepped into the ring, standing between Vernon and Ryan. "I'll explain the rules," he said firmly, glancing at both fighters. "There's only one rule: kill! The match won't end until one of you is dead!"
Vernon was shocked. This was insane! Had everyone lost their minds? This fight had turned into a slaughterhouse, as if the fighters' lives were worth nothing.
The bell rang loudly, signaling the start of the match.
With both fists raised, Vernon kept his eyes on Ryan, watching him closely. Ryan began with a fake punch, but Vernon wasn't fooled, staying focused.
Thud!
"Argh!" Vernon cried out as Ryan suddenly kicked his ribs, the sickening crack of bone breaking echoing through the ring. He dropped to his knees, writhing in pain.
The cheers from the crowd grew louder. Ricardo and Roy tensed up, sensing that the situation was spiraling out of control.
Not wasting any time, Ryan delivered a brutal kick to Vernon's face, sending him crashing into the ropes. Vernon collapsed, and Ryan immediately started pummeling him with relentless blows.
"You must die!" Ryan cursed in the middle of the fight.
Vernon was trapped, unable to escape. Ryan's punches hurt far more than those of any ordinary fighter.
'He really is a monster!' Vernon thought, his vision blurring. His body felt drained, even though he hadn't had a chance to attack yet.
"Vernon!" Ellen's tearful voice caught his attention. His eyes widened as he saw the water rise to Ellen's chest, almost drowning her.
'Forgive me, Ellen,' Vernon whispered sadly, feeling guilty for putting her in such a terrible situation.
[System Warning: Attack Now!]
A transparent screen appeared before Vernon, flashing red with warnings.
"Vernon! Get up, you idiot!" Ricardo shouted in panic.
But Vernon ignored him, his gaze still locked on Ellen, who was barely staying afloat.
'I can't just stand by. I have to win!' With the last of his strength, Vernon blocked Ryan's punch and landed a blow on Ryan's forehead, forcing him to stumble backward.
The crowd gasped, shocked that Vernon had found the strength to fight back. How had he managed to do it?
Ryan, momentarily dazed, quickly recovered. "You bastard!" he growled, throwing a punch at Vernon's jaw. But this time, Vernon dodged and struck Ryan in the gut with all his might.
Ryan barely flinched, grinning as if unfazed by the attack.
"Your punch feels like a gentle caress!" Ryan jeered.
He grabbed Vernon's arm, twisting it until it snapped with a sickening crunch.
"ARGH!" Vernon's scream echoed through the arena.
Despite the excruciating pain, Vernon refused to give up. He knew the only way to survive was to keep fighting.