An Understated Dominance - Chapter 238
“The King of Kicks?” “The one who’s ranked ninth on The Hundred Immortals?”
Everyone gasped when they heard the name. The King of Kicks was well-known, and being in the top ten of The Hundred Immortals meant he was an incredible talent!
With someone like the King of Kicks present, even a small guild would feel like a powerful force. Not even the Boulderthorn disciples could overshadow him.
“Wow! I can’t believe the Harmons got the King of Kicks! They must be really rich!” someone exclaimed.
“With the King of Kicks on their side, the Harmons are sure to win this battle,” another person added.
“He can take on every opponent here with ease!” someone else chimed in.
After the initial shock, the crowd began to look forward to the fight. They were excited to say they had seen the King of Kicks in action.
“Ms. Harmon, your fighters don’t seem very strong. Why not send in your best?” Brody taunted, a smug look on his face after winning two rounds.
“Sir Cavaliere, I’m counting on you,” Natasha said, looking at the elder with a hawk-like nose.
“Hmph! Didn’t I tell you not to waste my time? What are those two useless fighters doing here?” he replied with disdain. His words annoyed Stephan and Mr. Wangley, who were resting nearby with injuries, but they knew better than to respond.
“Sir Cavaliere, you’re right. Those two can’t match your level. They’re just here to fill space,” Quentin quickly agreed, trying to flatter the King of Kicks.
“Please, Sir Cavaliere,” Natasha said, wanting to move on. She pointed toward the battle ring.
“Fine! Since I’m getting paid, I’ll take a stroll around the ring!” He grinned and confidently stepped into the ring, causing a stir among the crowd.
The audience was buzzing with excitement.
“Wow! Is that really the King of Kicks? Am I dreaming?” someone exclaimed.
“This is surprising! The Harmons must have spent a lot to bring him here!” another fan added.
“When one of the top ten from The Hundred Immortals steps into the ring, it’s almost unfair, isn’t it?” someone else said.
“I thought the Harmons were going to lose, but now everything has changed!” another voice chimed in.
The atmosphere in the guild was electric with the arrival of the King of Kicks.
“Even though this cost us a lot, it’s worth it just for the surprise factor,” Jessica said, a rare smile forming on her lips.
“That’s right! Once the King of Kicks beats Mr. Williams’ team, no one will dare mess with us again!” Quentin nodded in agreement.
“Too bad the King of Kicks is a bit of a lone wolf. We won’t be able to team up with him for long,” Natasha said, shaking her head in disappointment.
“Oh, come on! Legends are unique and do things their own way. That’s what makes them special!” Quentin said, sounding like he knew everything. Natasha rolled her eyes and ignored him.
“Quiet!” the elder with the hawk-like nose shouted as he stood in the ring. Once the audience settled down, he announced, “I’m feeling unwell today, so I’m surrendering and forfeiting this match!”
The crowd erupted in chaos.
“What? He’s giving up?”
“That can’t be! He’s the King of Kicks, ranked ninth on The Hundred Immortals. How can he quit because he’s sick?”
“Seriously? This isn’t a real surrender. He must be up to something!”
The audience was shocked and confused. They didn’t expect the King of Kicks to give up before the fight even started. What was going on? Was there something fishy happening?
“Why did he surrender?” Jessica and her friends exchanged bewildered looks. The King of Kicks had surprised everyone.
Kicks had taken the payment but backed out before he could deliver his services. He had crossed a line!
“Did he switch sides at the last minute?” Dustin asked, narrowing his eyes in anger. He hadn’t expected the King of Kicks to pull such a stunt.
“Sir Cavaliere! What was that?” Natasha exclaimed, standing up from her seat with a cold expression. She had agreed to participate in the battle because she thought he would be her secret weapon. His sudden change of heart had thrown her plans into chaos.
“Ms. Harmon, you hired me for the battle, but you didn’t say I had to win. Isn’t it normal to get sick and give up?” he replied with a half-smile.
“Sir! You are a respected figure in the martial arts world! Aren’t you worried about being the laughingstock if you go back on your word?” Natasha scolded him.
“The laughingstock? I am an honorable man. No one dares to joke about me.” He looked around, and those who met his gaze quickly lowered their heads in respect.
“Sir Cavaliere, I thought I had treated you well. Why would you do this?” Natasha frowned. She realized she had been tricked. The King of Kicks had agreed to join the battle only to surrender at a crucial moment, leaving her blindsided. It felt like a harsh betrayal!
“Ms. Harmon, I have no reason to hide the truth from you.” The old man straightened his shirt and continued, “I play fair and work for the highest bidder. This time, someone offered me more money. So, I can’t help you. But if you’re willing to pay more, I might reconsider.”
“Are you serious?”
“Are you really going to raise the price now?” Natasha asked, her eyes cold and piercing.
“Well, it’s only fair to increase prices at the last minute during a deal,” he replied, showing no remorse.
“You’re unbelievable!” Natasha snapped, disgusted by the greed of the King of Kicks, the very person she had hired with great effort.
“Ms. Harmon, if you don’t offer a higher price, I’ll just walk away,” he warned, ready to leave.
“Wait! We’ll do it!” Jessica exclaimed, panic spreading across her face. If the King of Kicks left, the Harmons would surely lose the competition. They had no choice but to accept his last-minute demand, even if it felt wrong.
“Sorry, but your response is too late,” he said with a smirk, turning to join the Boulderthorn guild gang in front of everyone. The Harmons turned pale at the sight.