The underground betting scene in Starport City was always bustling, with each match attracting numerous wagers. The betting pool mainly came from two sources: regular gamblers and the hunters' sponsors within Starport City. These sponsors would also bet on their hunters, hoping they would win and create more value.
In a dimly lit underground casino, neon lights flickered, and the air was thick with the mixed scents of tobacco and sweat. The constant clinking of chips and the shuffling of cards created a rhythmic backdrop, while the hum of hushed conversations filled the room. Gamblers sat around their tables, eyes glued to the screens displaying the match updates, occasionally erupting in cheers or groans. The cacophony of voices rose and fell with each turn of events, creating a symphony of anticipation and tension. In the corner, a group of sponsors whispered among themselves, discussing their hunters and the upcoming matches, their voices barely audible over the din.
Ryan carefully observed the match list. He could stay in Starport City for a maximum of four hours, and there were fewer than twenty betting options available. As a reborn individual, he smiled after browsing through the list, realizing his advantage.
Among these hunters, he recognized several familiar names. These individuals were not regular hunters in Starport City but would become renowned elites in the space military in a few years. For example, John Stryker, who was about to face off against a Ripple Wolf, currently had a comprehensive combat rating of H9. However, three years later, he would become the deputy commander of the 332nd Division of the Space Military, with a C8 rating.
This was an H-level match, and many had already overwhelmingly bet on the Ripple Wolf. With 54 million against 3.4 million, the odds were suppressed to 1:0.1, while the odds for John Stryker's victory were as high as 1:12. Clearly, no one believed in John Stryker.
Despite John Stryker's overall rating of H9, with the potential to reach G-level, he seemed incapable of fighting a beast without weapons, especially against the H5-rated Ripple Wolf.
Ryan didn't hesitate and immediately placed a bet of one million on John Stryker. This action instantly raised the odds to 1:10. However, the odds on the other side didn't fluctuate much, and the bets on the Ripple Wolf continued to increase.
The match began swiftly. In the underground octagonal cage, the Ripple Wolf was dragged in, bound by iron chains. On the other side, John Stryker, clad in combat gear, entered fearlessly.
The Ripple Wolf, with its powerful legs and sharp claws, was a terrifying sight. Its mouth split into six parts, revealing dense flesh spikes. As the chains were gradually loosened, the clanking sound of iron echoed in the cage, creating a heavy sense of oppression.
John Stryker felt immense pressure facing such a formidable opponent. He pressed his body against the metal mesh of the cage, his eyes hidden in the shadows. The Ripple Wolf growled menacingly, straining against the loosening chains.
Ryan, watching intently, noticed a crucial detail: John Stryker's fingers were gripping the metal mesh so tightly that blood trickled down from his fingertips. His knuckles were white, and his muscles were taut, every sinew straining with the effort to maintain his composure. His breathing was shallow and rapid, a clear sign of the intense stress he was under.
The clanking of the chains amplified the oppressive atmosphere. The Ripple Wolf's eyes glinted with a predatory gleam, and its growls grew louder, reverberating through the confined space. John's body language spoke volumes about his state of mind: his shoulders were hunched, and his stance was low, ready to spring into action at any moment.
This scene made Ryan witness the sheer desperation and fierce resolve that drove John Stryker in his early days. It was clear that every match was a battle for survival, and John's determination to face such a terrifying opponent head-on was a testament to his future potential as a C-level powerhouse.
Clank!
As the last chain fell away, the Ripple Wolf lunged into the octagonal cage with lightning speed..
Whoosh!
The Ripple Wolf vanished from its spot, its nose twitching as it caught the scent of fresh blood from a nearby wounded prey. Its eyes gleamed with predatory hunger, and it lunged towards John Stryker, claws extended.
John stood his ground, his body tense and ready. The Ripple Wolf's powerful legs propelled it forward with terrifying speed. Swish! Its claws swept out in a deadly arc. At the moment of the Ripple Wolf's close-range attack, John displayed astonishing agility. He sidestepped the initial strike, his body moving fluidly along the metal mesh.
With a swift motion, John's arms shot out, grabbing the Ripple Wolf's front paws with a vice-like grip. He suddenly exerted force, using the beast's momentum against it. The Ripple Wolf was hurled through the air as if thrown off a cliff. Its claws raked across its own face, leaving four deep wounds, and its mouth slammed into the ground, blood spurting instantly.
The crowd roared, a mix of awe and excitement filling the air. John's movements were a blur of precision and power, each action calculated to exploit the Ripple Wolf's momentary lapse in vigilance. His muscles rippled with the effort, sweat glistening on his brow as he maintained his grip.
The Ripple Wolf, stunned and bleeding, struggled to regain its footing. John didn't give it a chance. He moved in swiftly, his fists a blur as he delivered a series of rapid strikes to the beast's vulnerable spots. The cage echoed with the sounds of impact, the metallic tang of blood mixing with the scent of sweat and adrenaline.
This was truly a risky move. Spectators might see the excitement, but experts saw the skill. Ryan noticed this required precise calculation and physical fitness, with body movements perfectly synchronized to achieve such an impressive effect. Meticulous calculation and a calm mindset were key to survival. In this brutal match, any hesitation or delay could result in a fatal blow from the Ripple Wolf.
Ferocious! John Stryker's strength was far greater than it appeared.
"Damn!" Other members in the training center exclaimed, clearly watching the underground match.
"The Ripple Wolf is injured," someone said in disbelief.
"How did he do that?" another asked.
"Odds of 1:10!" someone regretted.
"They closed the bets!" someone shouted angrily.
"Why didn't I put a little in?!" they lamented.
The Ripple Wolf, now wary due to its injury, began to retreat. John Stryker didn't pursue but returned to the metal mesh, quietly observing his opponent and the spreading pool of blood at its feet.
Seeing this, Ryan knew the outcome was decided. Although the Ripple Wolf still had some fight left, its strength would quickly wane as it bled out. Its chances were slipping away.
A few minutes later, the heavily bleeding Ripple Wolf grew weak, its legs faltering. John Stryker didn't hesitate, rushing in to end the fight, declaring his victory.
Ryan smiled. With a one-million-dollar bet at 1:12 odds, he won 12 million, instantly becoming wealthy.
With this money, Ryan could immediately upgrade his chip and enhance his strength to match Carlos. But he knew this wasn't wise.
"Astra," Ryan instructed.
"Transfer two million dollars to the Starport City Training Center to become a lifetime member and activate remote information access."
"Allocate another million as a reward for John Stryker's victory."
"Yes," Astra responded.
Three million was spent just like that.
Ryan decided to stay and continue training to absorb the Lacertoclaweus pancreas. Soon, a team of uniformed, graceful Starport City receptionists arrived with exquisite fruit platters and snacks, bowing respectfully to Ryan.
"Honorable Mr. Ryan, we have processed your lifetime membership. It is our honor to have you at Starport City," the receptionist said politely.
They continued to explain Ryan's lifetime membership privileges: "As a lifetime member, we have automatically activated your remote information access. Additionally, we have arranged a personal trainer, YOYO, to provide one-on-one fitness training. If you have any other needs, you can always inform YOYO. We are committed to offering you the best service."
YOYO was a sweet-looking bionic robot, skilled in yoga, combat, fitness, wellness, and therapy.
Ryan was very satisfied with the lifetime membership services provided by Starport City. However, the receptionists seemed to have another purpose.
One of them stepped forward and respectfully asked, "Mr. Ryan, may we ask if you have any plans to upgrade your chip or purchase weapons and armor? The Starport City Training Center has special channels to procure these items for you at slightly lower prices than the market."