Vernon was stunned, staring at the transparent screen that appeared in front of him.
'What is the Card System?'
He hadn't had the chance to ask it to System yesterday because Robinson had suddenly shown up.
[The Card System will give you instant power, which you can use in fights or other situations.]
'Instant power?' Vernon's eyes lit up with a spark of hope.
'Yes, I want to use it.'
[Request accepted]
Suddenly, a message appeared below the card.
[Warning! Usage time is limited to 5 minutes]
Vernon grinned. 'That's more than enough for me!'
With newfound energy coursing through his veins, Vernon stood up. His movements were quick and deliberate, shocking the referee and the entire spetactor.
"Impossible!" someone shouted from the stands. "How is he standing after getting pummeled by Mico?"
"No one's ever survived Mico's death punch before!" another person yelled.
Whispers of confusion spread among the spectators about the illogical event.
Mico just looked at Vernon coldly, seemingly intrigued, though clearly shocked. "I didn't expect you to still be standing, Vernon," he said coldly.
"Is that a compliment or an insult, Coach?" Vernon chuckled, confidently.
"I've got to admit, you're tougher than I thought," Mico continued, grinning slightly. "But that doesn't change anything. In the end, you'll still lose."
Vernon chuckled, seemingly unfazed by the threat. "This time, I'm going to win."
Mico let out a small laugh, joined by his teammates. "Confidence won't help you, Vernon. Determination means nothing if your body can't keep up."
"I admit I'm weaker than you, but I never give up, even if my opponent is as strong as a monster."
Vernon narrowed his eyes, feeling the energy from the Card System flowing into every muscle. He knew this was his last chance.
Vernon tried to raise his injured left fist, though the pain was excruciating. But it was the only way for him to win this fight.
"Let's see who the real loser is between us," added Vernon.
Mico grinned slightly. "If you want to boast, look at your situation first, kid. You're dying right now. I don't want to kill you."
"Stop talking and let's prove it." Vernon spread his feet, preparing to receive Mico's attack.
The two fighters stared each other down, both filled with resolve. The crowd held its breath, waiting for the next move.
Vernon had to make his coach attack him first.
Mico sighed in disappointment. He regretted Robinson's decision to choose an amateur fighter like Vernon. He was only leading the young man to disaster.
Black Death tournament was dangerous, involving former boxers who had retired, been fired, or failed to become successful fighters and wanted to rekindle their dreams.
There were no rules holding the boxers back, so they wouldn't hesitate to kill their opponents.
He pitied Vernon because his future would end today. Even though he had no intention of killing him, he wanted to crush Vernon's arms and legs for hurting his younger brother.
"Don't blame me if you die." Mico's voice was filled with hatred. He stepped toward Vernon with determined strides. "Honestly, I'm a little annoyed that you didn't give up. So this time, I won't hold back."
Vernon trembled slightly, but his pride wouldn't let him retreat. Had his words offended Mico?
"I won't hold back either, Coach!"
Vernon tried to stay calm, even though his heart was pounding. He only had one chance. If he failed or missed, everything would be in vain, and he would die.
Without wasting any more time, Mico dashed forward, throwing a lightning-fast punch aimed at Vernon's jaw. But with reflexes far sharper than before, Vernon ducked, dodging the attack with ease.
Mico's eyes widened in disbelief. 'Impossible!' he muttered, shocked by Vernon's newfound speed. 'How is he moving this fast?'.
Vernon didn't waste the opportunity. With all the strength he could muster, he landed a powerful punch on Mico's jaw, sending his opponent flying into the air before crashing hard onto the floor.
The room fell silent. The spetactor gaped in shock, watching their champion fall.
Every eye was fixed on Vernon, the man who was thought to be defeated, now standing tall in the middle of the ring, while Mico lay motionless on the ground.
Vernon was also frozen, stunned by the drastic increase in his strength, which had sent Mico flying.
Despite Mico weighing 90 or 100 kilograms, Vernon had knocked him down.
'This power is incredible!' Vernon smiled with satisfaction, looking at his blood-covered fist.
He glanced at Mico, who remained motionless as the referee began counting.
When the count ended, a transparent screen appeared in front of Vernon.
[Congratulations! Quest accomplished!]
Vernon smiled proudly. Then, a stats screen appeared before him.
"What is this?" He furrowed his brows, trying to understand it.
[Host Profile]
Name: Vernon Baxlor
Age: 27
Nationality: New York, United States
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 143 pounds
[Physical Stats]
Punch Strength: D - (C) UP
Punch Speed: E - (D) UP
Agility: E - (D) UP
Stamina: F - (E) UP
Endurance: E - (C) UP
System Evaluation: Your body is weak
Advice: Train harder or complete daily quests to improve your stats
'Weak?' Vernon was annoyed at the system's evaluation, but he couldn't argue with it.
[Achievement Stats]
Wins: 2
Losses: 0
Opponents Defeated: 2
Rank: Nothing
[Mental State: Down]
[Card System Collection]
Nothing
[Skills]
Boxing
"Vernon."
He turned to Mico, who was sitting weakly by the edge of the ring. Blood poured from his mouth, and his teeth were missing. Medical staff were busy treating him.
"I'm sorry I hurt you, Coach." Vernon bowed, remorseful.
Mico smiled. "Don't worry about it. I hurt you too. Now I understand why Mr. Robinson chose you as his fighter."
Vernon listened curiously.
"Because you're strong and don't give up," Mico added. "Now I know why Ryan lost to you. I'm sure you'll be the next Monster of Boxing."
"Monster of Boxing? What's that?"
"The Monster of Boxing is a title given to the boxer who wins this tournament consecutively. Everyone sees him as a god because he's so powerful and unbeatable."
"Who is he?" Vernon was deeply curious.
"You have to win and reach the semifinals, then you'll find out who he is."
"So, every boxer who makes it through has to fight him?" Vernon was surprised.
"Of course. Everyone here wants to take that title from him."
Vernon was even more motivated to train after hearing that. He wanted to replace his past filled with humiliation with praise.
Mico smiled, seeing Vernon's growing enthusiasm. It was a good start, even though he knew Vernon could beat him.
---
"Vernon, what happened to you?! Why are you so beaten up?" Ellen was shocked.
Vernon smiled. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me. How are you feeling? Any better?" He sat beside Ellen's hospital bed as she lay weakly.
"Did you fight again?" Ellen scolded him.
Vernon chuckled, thinking how beautiful she looked when she was angry. "No."
He was forced to lie, afraid of worsening Ellen's condition.
"Don't lie to me, Vernon. Now that we're safe, you don't have to join that weird fight. It's dangerous."
Vernon sighed deeply, lowering his head. How could he explain to Ellen that he desperately needed the money to pay rent and survive?
Unlike Ellen, Vernon didn't have a decent job because he never finished high school, making it extremely difficult to escape poverty.
"I'm sorry, Ellen. I can't." Vernon looked at her sadly. "Being a boxer is my purpose in life. You know that."
"But that fight isn't official, Vernon. Don't be stupid!"
"You can't help me, so don't try to control me! Besides, I wouldn't be here if you hadn't come to my apartment!" Vernon shouted.
Ellen's eyes filled with tears. She hadn't expected Vernon to treat her so harshly.
"Fine. I won't interfere in your life anymore—"
"Vernon. What are you doing here?"
"Xander?" Vernon's anger flared, but he held it back.
"I didn't think you'd still be alive after I beat you." Xander laughed mockingly.
The flashback of that event made Vernon's chest burn with rage.
"Xander?"
"Hello, Babe." Xander kissed Ellen's forehead, causing Vernon's eyes to widen. Though Ellen looked uncomfortable, she didn't stop him.
"Since when did you two become close?" Vernon was shocked. His heart ached.