Chapter 18: A Man's Pride

We enter a building that looks new. My feet stepped past a lobby with grey walls with bright coloured marble floors and neatly arranged sofas.

Two receptionists immediately stood up and gave a slight nod when they saw Franz and Bern.

"Good evening, young master," they greeted politely. Meanwhile, Franz and Bern only passed them indifferently when I and Olivia followed them.

'Young master? What the hell ?! Am I the only poor one here? '

Now I understand with their annoying arrogant attitude. A rich young master who is good at martial arts is the perfect scenario to oppress a thin and poor man like me.

We entered the elevator to the 2nd floor.

* Tring! *

The elevator door opened and we stepped out. I swept my gaze around me, a large room with a light grey wall with a hexagonal-shaped arena in the middle of it, a 2-meter high net partition surrounding the arena. Around it were GYM equipments, large barbells and neatly lined punch bags. About more than ten people were busy practising in the room. From their body and muscle, I estimate that all of them at least are pro fighters.

Looking at them, I can already expect this to be an unfair fight for me, as I had previously predicted. My fears seized me, but I tried to stay calm. I see this as an opportunity to test my fighting skills and my ability to control myself, control my alter ego. Yes, since they challenged me in the cafe I decided to let my demonic side take over this battle, but this time I won't let it devour my consciousness. I will make Ethan and Damian as one, I will control this system.

-Clap! -Clap! - Clap!

Franz clapped loudly several times. Everyone stopped their activities and turned their attention to him.

"Today, we have a guest!" Franz said, stepping into the middle of the room while they immediately gathered toward him.

Franz put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me roughly to him. Seeing my thin body which was easily carried by him, the others immediately gave me a disparaging look.

"This is Ethan! He will be my sparring partner today. Prepare the arena!"

Without saying anything, they dispersed and prepared the arena for us while holding back their laughter. I could even hear one of them say I could not last more than ten seconds.

Olivia's face turned worried, she pulled the hem of my sweater and I turned my head to her.

"Ethan ..." she whispered followed by a slight 'no' head shake, asking me to cancel this fight. Her brow wrinkled and her worries clearly visible on her face.

I held her hand.

"I can handle it," I said, giving her a reassuring smile. Although my body is thin, I still have my pride as a man and a man must not give up without a fight. That is my principle.

Franz realized we were holding hands and he immediately separated my hand from her with a displeased face.

"One more thing, a fight will not be exciting if there are no bets. How about we bet on something?"

"A bet?" I asked. I heard usually people like betting money in a duel but seeing our wealth difference I think money is not his goal.

He turned to Olivia and gave her a smirk.

"The winner will become Olivia's boyfriend."

Olivia's face went red with anger.

"You-"

"I disagree!" I interrupted in a firm tone, my eyes looking at him with seriousness.

"You shouldn't treat a woman as an object, let alone make them as a bet prize. They have their own desires. Whoever is Olivia's boyfriend must be the man she loves," I continued.

Olivia's eyes widened in surprise after hearing my words.

While Franz snorted and looked at me in disdain.

"I knew a coward like you would not dare to do it. But whatever you like or not, this bet remains valid. If I win it's better you stay away from Olivia or you will know the consequences."

"The arena is ready!"

"Come on!" Franz said as he walked into the arena.

I put down my bag and took off my sweater, making my thin body even clearer.

"Olivia, can you record our fight?" I said.

"Why?"

My eyes point to the CCTVs around us.

She immediately understood my reason once she realized that none of the CCTVs was on.

"I understand," she replied. I wonder what their purpose is for turning it off.

"Hey skinny! Hurry up!" Franz snapped. Bern and the others already circling the arena couldn't wait to see my defeat.

I paused for a moment as I let my wild side take over me, my demonic instinct controlled me. Damian took over me, but I did not let him dominate me completely. Instead of feeling like I was drowning in a pool of dark mud like last time, this time I felt like I was in a dark ocean and I surfed the waves while keeping my balance.

"Ethan, are you okay?" Olivia asked worriedly.

A smirk spread across my face as I turned my gaze to her. She was surprised to see me. My eyes are like a wild beast ready to fight to defend his territory. My fear is gone, if they want to fight, I will serve them until they are satisfied.

I swayed my hand from her cheek up to her hair slowly. Strands of her hair fell from between my fingers and I brought my lips closer to her ears.

"I will protect you, Olivia," I whispered, then I turned and walked towards the arena. While Olivia stunned with what I just did.

As soon as I entered the arena, the door closed, making sure I could not escape. The lights above the arena flashed towards us. Bern and the others smiled cunningly as they were able to ensure Franz's victory. Our feet stepped circling the arena as our eyes locked, staring intently at each other.

'Observation.'

I checked his status to make sure I didn't kill him. Since the demon's HP reaches 0 they will turn to ashes, so I concluded if human's HP reached 0 then they would die.

[Observation skill succeeded.]

[Name: Franz Fullhorn] [Age: 20]

[Level 5] [Race: Human]

[HP: 143/148] [MP: 30/30]

[Skills: Power Boost lv 2] [Emotion: Confidence]

[Love meter: 0/10]. [Condition: Normal]

[Relationship: Single]

[Profession: Master of martial arts]

'Power Boost? This is interesting. '

He threw his fist at me, I swiftly dodged and turned around behind him. Unlike Bern, who immediately lost his balance after I dodged, he quickly threw his spinning kick at me, but I could catch his leg and hold it. Even though I can feel his strength over Bern but with my current STR, my grip is even stronger than yesterday.

A surprise expression was visible on his face as he tried to pull his feet but I could hold it without any difficulties as a sarcastic smile adorned my lips. Not only Franz, but Olivia, Bern and the others were also surprised to see it.

He quickly backed away after I released it, while his expression did not change.

"Looks like I underestimated you."

[The enemy has used Power Boost on himself.]

[Enemy's attacks and defence increase by 20%]

He threw a high kick aiming at my head, I backed away to avoid it, then he turned around and threw another high kick. At the same time, I also threw my high kick, making our legs clash in the mid-air.

[You have hit a human for 5 HP.]

Because of our strength difference, he was still taking damage even though he was holding back my attack.

He pulled his legs as he grimaced in pain, while I quickly turned, ducked down and swept my kick to his feet.

[You have hit a human for 17 HP.]

He fell.

While I retreated a few steps while staring at him sarcastically. From my expression and gaze, everyone who sees can judge that I am just playing with him.

"Come on, I thought you're better than this," I mocked him.

After he returned to his feet, he charged at me while raising his fist with a face full of anger.

"Damn it!"

I did not budge. When his fist almost hit my face, I brushed it off and punched him in the neck.

[Critical hit!]

[You have hit a human for 38 HP.]

* Cough * * Cough * * Cough *

He coughed as he staggered backwards.

Before Franz could fight back, I caught his hand, turned around and slammed him to the floor.

[You have hit a human for 30 HP.]

"Arggg!" He groaned in pain.

"Just give up Franz," I said. I estimated I could only give him one more critical hit, more than that his life will be threatened.

He returned to his feet while panting.

"In your dreams!" he shouted as he stormed into me rashly. I'm sure he must be embarrassed and angry since I played with him in front of his friends and Bern.

Seeing that he was overcome by anger while he moved recklessly, I simply threw my kick at his head before he crashed into me.

[Critical hit!]

[You have hit a human for 37 HP.]

He fell and passed out on the floor.

[The enemy has been defeated.]

[You have gained EXP!]

"Brother !!!" Bern screamed angrily as he opened the door and entered. But instead of helping Franz, he threw his fist at me.

I brushed his fist aside and pushed him. He staggered backwards.

"You are still injured from our fight two days ago, it's better not to force yourself," I said.

He clicked his tongue in annoyance then threw his gaze at the others who were still standing outside the arena.

"What are you doing ?! Hurry and attack him!" he said.

They stormed into the arena, while Olivia reflexively called my name and ran towards me.

"Ethan !!"

One of them hurled his punch at me. I pulled his hand and threw him at the other.

[You have hit a human for 36 HP.]

[You have hit a human for 37 HP.]

A kick flew towards me, I caught his leg and punched his neck.

[Critical hit!]

[You have hit a human for 40 HP.]

Two fists greeted me after the enemy before me fell, I brushed it off with both of my hands and grabbed their heads. In one pull I banged both of them against each other.

[You have hit a human for 30 HP.]

[You have hit a human for 28 HP.]

A low kick came from my side, I backed away, but two enemies locked and caught my hand from behind. I stomped on one of them.

[You have hit a human for 10 HP.]

"Arghh!" he screamed in pain while I took my hands off him and punched the other in the face.

[Critical hit!]

[You have hit a human for 41 HP.]

Then I kicked my previous enemy's stomach.

[You have hit a human for 31 HP.]

My three other enemies invaded me, I dodged behind one of them and hit the back of his neck.

[You have hit a human for 35 HP.]

Bern tried to hit me from behind, I shifted my head to the side, avoiding the blow, grabbed his hand and threw it at two of my enemies who stormed at me from the front.

[You have hit a human for 26 HP.]

[You have hit a human for 30 HP.]

[You have hit a human for 32 HP.]

*Ting!*

[All enemies have been defeated!]

[Level Up!] [Level Up!]

[You are now Level 8.]

[You have 25 unused stat points.]

[You have 4 unused skill points.]

[You have earned a new title: Beast. Beat more than ten enemies in a row. VIT + 2 AGI + 1]

Seeing all my enemies whimpering in pain around me, including Bern, I approached Olivia who was still stiff in shock after watching my fight. Her hand was still holding her cellphone recording everything. My finger pressed the stop button on the cellphone screen and whispered to her.

"I want to take my prize." My eyes looked at her with an alluring gaze.

A swallowing sound could be heard from her throat and her face turned red.

"Didn't you say you didn't agree?"

"I changed my mind ..." I say in a sweet voice with a slight smile on my lips. I brought my face close to her and she closed her eyes. But no, I turned my face closer to her ear.

"I'm just kidding," I whispered.

She opened her eyes as I pulled my face away from her.

"You-"

She was just about to get angry at me but I placed my index finger in front of her lips and gave her a teasing smirk.

"I won't be kidding next time." I can see her face getting redder.

I walked past her and took my bag.

"Let's go," I said, staring at Olivia who was still stiffened.

My voice startled her.

"Ah, okay." Then she approached me.

"Ethan! I will report you to the police for everything you have done today!" screamed Bern.

"I dare you to do it. I have asked Olivia to record our fight. If I give the recording to the police or spread it to the public, everyone can see you clearly gang up on me and you still lose. It's not just jail that awaits you but I'm sure your fighting studio's credibility and reputation will be ruined, "I replied.

Bern was speechless, unable to reply to my words. Ten pro fighters losing to a skinny student do look like a joke.

I turned and walked to the elevator while Olivia walked beside me.

"Ethan, I didn't know you were a good fighter."

"Keep it as a secret," I said, glancing and smirking at her.

She paused to look at me for a moment before answering.

"Okay..."