Chapter 9 - CH 009: Dave vs Ajax

Following the system's prompt to defeat his opponent, Dave resolved to face Ajax. Having recently tested his beast-taming abilities, Dave confirmed he could indeed tame and control beasts with ease, just as the system had stated.

Emboldened by this discovery, he decided to test out his skills, despite them being maxed out.

Following after Ajax, they had ended up in a training room located in an open space area in the casino. The room boasted an elevated platform, cleverly converted into a makeshift fighting ring. The air vibrated with anticipation.

As Dave followed Ajax into the training room, he could see the other contestants promptly halting their matches, their eyes fixed on Ajax. They hastily retreated, vacating the platform with an air of urgency. Dave's curiosity piqued; he didn't understand why they surrendered without hesitation.

Ajax's formidable reputation preceded him, Dave realized. The onlookers' apprehensive glances and hushed whispers confirmed his suspicions.

Behind Dave, a cluster of five individuals conferenced, their murmurs carrying forward. Dave's acute hearing allowed him to discern their conversations with ease, since he was outrightly standing in front of them.

One of the onlookers initiated the hushed conversation, eyes fixed on Ajax. "What's he trying to do? He's not going to ask someone here to fight him or something?"

Another individual shook their head vehemently. "No way I'd dare face him! Yesterday's match was gruesome. That poor guy couldn't land a single hit before passing out cold."

A third spectator chimed in, alarm etched in their voice. "And the worst part? Ajax barely broke a sweat! His skills are terrifying."

A nearby observer nodded in agreement. "It's cruel. Someone with his abilities should be taking on the most ferocious beasts, not innocent people. Besides, shouldn't he be among the executives?"

"I don't know, it's been so long since they chose an executive, they might choose him in the next selection process though." One spectator whispered.

Another nodded thoughtfully. "That explains why he's relentlessly challenging everyone. He's undermining potential opponents' confidence and also showcasing his strength to the board."

"I thought he's been here for long?" A curious onlooker asked, "Why didn't he join the board earlier? He's obviously qualified."

A knowing voice responded, "Rumor has it that Simbi defeated him in the last selection process."

"Wow, she's that skilled." A fellow said in awe.

"You bet." Someone breathed.

The whispers continued, filling Dave in on Ajax's history. He realized that his aggressive behavior stemmed from a deep-seated desire for validation and power.

Now he could understand why everyone was so scared of him. Ajax's ruthless tactics reminded him of Tyler, the notorious bully from his past. The two both have the same domineering nature.

As Ajax stepped into the ring, he beckoned at Dave to come over, with a commanding gesture. The group behind Dave ceased their whispers, their eyes widening in alarm.

One of them had then rushed forward, grasping Dave's arm. "You're not actually planning to fight him, are you?" he asked, voice laced with concern.

Dave turned, meeting the worried gaze. "I am," he affirmed, his tone resolute.

The group exchanged uneasy glances. "Are you aware of Ajax's reputation?" another spectator asked.

Dave nodded calmly. "I've heard."

Undeterred, he climbed into the ring, the group's anxious murmurs fading into the background. Ajax's piercing gaze awaited him.

The group of five watched in dismay as Dave stepped into the ring, their heads shaking in pity. "Isn't he the newcomer from today?" one asked.

"Isn't he the new member that came in today?"

"Yes he is." Someone had said, approaching the group from the side.

The fellow was one of the executive members named Jim. He had previously informed Ajax about Dave, and whatever he might have said to him was why Ajax had asked Dave to come to fight him.

"I feel bad for him. Ajax will definitely kill him." Another person from the group claimed.

"Of course, he stands no chance against Ajax. Ajax's skills far surpass even our weakest member. This will be a slaughter." Jim said, quite confident in his claims.

The group's voices dropped to sympathetic murmurs, anticipating Dave's impending defeat.

As Ajax and Dave faced off, Ajax sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "I summoned you here to settle one thing: who's the strongest. And to show you your place. You think associating with Simbi elevates you? Please. A weakling like you doesn't deserve to breathe the same air as her."

"I guess that's why you've been unconscious for the past two weeks." Ajax revealed, his taunts striking a nerve in Dave, causing his eyebrows to shoot up. He was surprised by Ajax's revelation.

Dave's curiosity turned to alarm as he wondered how Ajax knew about his two-week coma. Simbi was the only person he had confided in, and he trusted her implicitly. Ajax's sudden approach moments after Simbi's departure only deepened the mystery, leaving Dave perplexed.

He replayed their conversation in his mind, ensuring he hadn't mentioned it to anyone else. Their discussion had taken place before arriving at the casino base, and he was certain Simbi wouldn't betray his trust.

His only thought was that someone must have been listening to their conversations. But the possibility of eavesdropping seemed unlikely, given the distance and whispered tones.

Yet, Ajax's words echoed in his mind: "A weak nobody like you doesn't deserve to be with her. I guess that's why you've been unconscious for the past two weeks."

Dave's gaze locked onto Ajax, searching for answers. How did he uncover this intimate detail? Was there a hidden camera implanted on Simbi, or did Ajax possess unimaginable surveillance capabilities?

Ajax could see the shocked expression on Dave's face. It had went further to prove that his intel was right. A triumphant smile spread across his face as he exchanged a knowing glance with Jim, who mirrored his smirk.

"If you want to keep on staying by Simbi's side, then you have to fight me." Ajax declared, his voice dripping with malice. "If you manage to defeat me, you get to stay by her side for as long as you want. But if otherwise, then only I get to stay by her side!" His eyes gleamed with sinister intent.

Dave's understanding of the fight's true purpose crystallized. Ajax's motivations were twofold: domination and impressing Simbi. This battle had become a twisted competition for her affection.

Since he arrived at the casino base, he could see the biased attitude of Ajax. It was evident due to how he had reacted when the two had first met. And now that he asked them to fight, he was now sure of his aim.

"Well, I can't let you do that." Dave said, causing Ajax's eyes to furrow our in surprise. "First, I've known Simbi for a long time before you knew her. I can't let anyone take her away from me, and guess why? Because she's my girl."

"Secondly, you don't look like the type of person Simbi would be interested in. I heard she defeated you in the last selection process, which comes to show how weak you are. You're a shame to the brotherhood, and a shame to yourself. You think you know everything about me? I'll show you how shameless I could be." Dave said, his eyes blazing with confidence.

Although neither party were aware of the other person's strength, Dave had it in his mind that he wasn't going lo lose this fight. This is the battle between two rivals to find out who is the strongest, and both parties were ready to face each other.

"You weakling, you think you can defeat me with those words of yours. Let's fight and see who's stronger." Ajax said.

"Okay." Dave replied.

It was at that moment that the board of executives had arrived, only to find Ajax and Dave ready to face off against each other. Simbi had planned on stopping the fight between the two, but she was hindered from acting.

After hearing Dave's bullying experience with Tyler, she couldn't imagine he would be facing another bully after he had just narrowly escaped one.

"Alright kiddo, let's see what you got." Ajax said, readying his fists as he signaled for Dave to come at him first.

Right then and there, a certain message had popped up above Dave's face, displaying the stats with Ajax name on it.

[Name: Ajax]

[HP: 10/10]

[~Stats~]

[Speed:10]

[Strength:10]

[Stamina: 10]

It was impressive on how the system was created. It had even showed him the information about his opponent, making it easier for him to gauge their strength.

Not many characters he had read about in stories or mangas had this type of feature in their systems. But he was glad he had this one.

[Comparing Stats]

[Below is the User's stats]

[Speed: 50]

[Strength: 50]

[Stamina: 50]

[Dear user, opponent is way out of your league]

'Well, that's okay.' Dave said with a smile.

He then turned to face Ajax who had been waiting for Dave to charge at him.

"Do you have cold feet or what?!" He exclaimed, laughing as he watched Dave stand in the same position.

Suddenly, he could see Dave getting into a fighting stance, his gaze locked on him with his fist clenched and placed forward.

"Brace yourself." Dave warned, before exploding into a lightning-fast charge. This was probably the last thing Ajax would hear.

Ajax, anticipating a clumsy attack, underestimated Dave's speed. A powerful fist smashed into Ajax's face, sending him flying out of the ring. He crashed onto the unforgiving ground, battered and dazed. The crowd gasped. Simbi's eyes widened in shock.

Jaws dropped, eyes widened, and gasps filled the air. The crowd's stunned silence was palpable.

"What?!" Jim exclaimed, incredulous. "How did he...?"

Simbi's eyes sparkled with surprise and admiration. "Incredible!" she breathed.

The executives exchanged bewildered glances, quickly assessing Dave's potential.

Everyone had a shocked expression on their face as they watch one of the formidable members of the base get defeated by a stranger with just a single punch.

"What the??"