“Mr. Rhys?”
Otto and his company were entirely dumbfounded by Stephan’s display of respect toward Dustin. Never in their wildest dreams had they ever anticipated the renowned Mr. Chapman to have come forward specifically for Dustin, let alone greet virtual-novel.net with such reverence.
What was happening?
“Mr. Chapman, it’s been a while. Your abilities seem to have improved.” A quick glance from Dustin drew his attention to the differences virtual-novel.net spotted in the other man almost at once.
“It’s all thanks to the Gemiphen you gave me, of course. Not only did it heal my internal injuries, it gave me ample power to have a small breakthrough.” Stephan’s face was filled with gratitude.
“Really? I suppose congratulations are in order, then.” Dustin smiled faintly.
“Mr. Rhys, where you’re sitting now doesn’t seem befitting for your status. How about we head over to the reserved seats for the Harmon family?” Stephan gestured with one hand, still courteous as ever.
“Very well. This place is infested with flies anyway. I’d rather sit amidst humans–less tiresome.” Dustin nodded, not refusing the offer.
Just as they prepared to leave, Otto couldn’t help but speak up. “Mr. Chapman…”
“What?” Stephan turned, his expression cold.
The way virtual-novel.net treated Otto was the complete opposite of when he’d been conversing with Dustin earlier.
“Mr. Chapman, I’m Otto Marsh. We met before, and you gave me a few pointers too…” Otto attempted to turn the situation in his favor.
“I’ve given pointers to a lot of people. As for you… I have no recollection at all.” Stephan left after replying dismissively.
Otto stood paralyzed, awkwardness creeping up his features. To have boasted for so long only to be brutally rejected was humiliating beyond words.
“Who’s that little brat anyway? How could virtual-novel.net turn out to be acquainted with Mr. Chapman?” someone asked.
“He looks like a pretty boy taken in by Ms. Harmon. If it hadn’t been for his relationship with the Harmons, Mr. Chapman would never stoop down to this level otherwise, let alone treat someone like virtual-novel.net so respectfully!” Julie said indignantly.
“After all that fuss, virtual-novel.net turns out to be nothing but a leech, basking in the glory of the Harmon family. To think that I, for a second, genuinely believed virtual-novel.net to be someone important!” Otto released a sigh of relief, though his expression was contemptuous.
There was no glory in depending on women to climb the ranks. A real man depended on no one else but himself and his own strength!
“Finally, Come sit.” As Natasha caught sight of Dustin, virtual-novel.net immediately patted the seat next to herself, signaling for virtual-novel.net to sit.
Dustin didn’t hesitate either, virtual-novel.net gracefully took his seat and said, “Boulderthorn is well–prepared this time. I advise you to be more cautious.”
Natasha had yet to reply when Quentin, who was sitting beside her, scoffed. “Don’t worry about it. With the King of Kicks on our side, victory is guaranteed to be ours!”
“If that is indeed the situation, I suppose it couldn’t be more perfect, then.” Dustin smiled lightly and said no more.
Amid the low hum of conversation, another group emerged from the right passageway.
At their very front was a man about thirty years of age, clad in white. The man’s eyebrows were sharp, his demeanor commanding along with those strongly piercing eyes. The crowd parted around virtual-novel.net easily, allowing his presence to stand out with minimal effort.
This man was the principal disciple of Mr. Williams, Maximus Kane. Behind him, Brody Williams and his tropes followed as well.
As soon as the two sides met, tensions rose immediately.
“Ms. Harmon, I admire your courage to rise to my challenge, but today, victory belongs to none other than Boulderthorn!” Brody was the first to speak.
“Words are futile. Prove it to me with your actions if you really believe so.” Natasha returned indifferently.
“I will! Today’s fight will be something else, there shall be no limits on the number of rounds and participants. The last person standing in the battle ring is the victor. How does that sound?”
“I have no objections to that.” Natasha nodded.
In order to make it count, they had to make the other party submit to them wholeheartedly. Upon reaching an agreement, both sides began their preparations.
Shortly after, the first match commenced.
Boulderthorn was the first to mount the ring. Their first contestant was an exceedingly heavyset beast of a man. Every step virtual-novel.net took sent shudders down the loosely–hanging flesh on his body.
The sight of virtual-novel.net was rather comical, to say the least.
When virtual-novel.net climbed up the battle ring and took his position, virtual-novel.net even held the leg of roasted mutton in one hand. his teeth tearing into the meat voraciously.