Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 142: Cheater x Corruption - Bahawin's Scheme

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another fight in the 200 class!" the cute, sassy moderator announces, her voice brimming with excitement. "This one is special, for sure! One of our fighters, Bahawin, has a stellar record of 7-1! He lost his debut fight in the 200 class, but after that, he won 7 times... You may be wondering why you've probably never heard of him or even seen him fight. Well, none of his 7 opponents actually showed up, so he won every single match by default!

"I can't tell you much about this man, aside from his creepy robe and his unsettling, unpleasant appearance. But you can see that for yourselves, can't you? Look at him walking into the ring... This guy gives me the chills," she says, her voice dropping slightly in discomfort.

"Now! Opposite him, we have Alex Kerber, currently boasting an insane record of 9-0! It seems like he's been targeting a group of so-called 'rookie hunters'—fighters notorious for luring newcomers into scheduling fights with them. Alex has won 3 of his matches through convincing victories, while the remaining 6 wins were earned thanks to his fearsome reputation, which scared the rest into forfeiting!

"If Alex wins today, he'll earn the right to challenge a Floor Master! Look at him walking into the ring now—confident as ever. But don't be deceived. This fighter may look normal and unassuming, but he is a vicious competitor capable of taking down almost anyone."

Alex listens to the moderator's words while sizing up his opponent. This guy gives me the creeps, he thinks. He's exactly the type I hate the most. Nen combat isn't just about fighting skills, Aura, or even strength. Some abilities can instantly win a fight, especially if you don't think carefully. You can lose against the wimpiest-looking enemy if you let your guard down.

Alex focuses as he steps into the ring. I need to play this smart but decisive. I can't drag this out, but I can't blindly rush in either. If his ability looks like a manipulation ability, I'll take the risk and go for him before he can fulfill his activation conditions.

"Now, you both know the rules!" the referee announces, stepping into the center of the ring. "I want to see a clean fight. Are you ready?"

Alex nods silently, turning to walk toward his corner of the ring. But before he can take more than a few steps, his opponent speaks up.

"I am forced to explain my ability before I can use it," Bahawin declares, his voice slow and deliberate.

The robe drops from Bahawin's shoulders, revealing a horrifying sight. On the right side of his chest, where one of his lungs should be, there's a massive, gaping hole. Inside the hollow cavity sits a large, empty orb, glinting faintly in the arena's lights.

Alex's eyes narrow, his thoughts racing. This bastard wants to use Heavens Arena's rules against me. His ability probably requires him to explain it, and he knows I can't attack him until the referee officially starts the fight. He's stalling for time to activate it!

He shouts at the referee, his frustration boiling over. "START THE FIGHT NOW! HE'S ACTIVATING HIS ABILITY ALREADY!"

"For every breath you take, in comparison to me, a number will appear above your head. Once the number..." Bahawin continues speaking calmly, completely ignoring Alex's outburst.

The referee, still standing in the center, turns back to Bahawin. "Are you ready, Bahawin? I need your answer now."

"...Once the number hits 100, my ability—"

"FUCK THIS!" Alex roars, unable to hold himself back any longer. He draws his sword and charges at Bahawin, determined to stop him before the ability takes effect.

But just as Alex closes the distance, the referee steps into his path, revealing a slight smirk as he blocks Alex's advance.

"I haven't started the match yet! STOP!" the referee warns, his voice firm.