Chapter 1227:

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“You’ve got skills, I’ll give you that. Honestly, nobody else here comes close. But you’re up against me tonight, and that’s where your run ends,” the man said, giving Maren an almost admiring glance.

He wasn’t just talking big. He knew Maren was the best fighter Delley could offer. Still, when measured against someone of his caliber, she just didn’t stack up.

“I’ve lost count of how many cocky challengers I’ve faced, but they all ended up defeated. You’ll be no different,” Maren shot back, cool and unfazed.

“Tck! Don’t lump me in with the others. I’m on a completely different level,” the man scoffed.

“I’ll be real with you. I come from a world most people wouldn’t even believe exists. Stick with me, and I promise you’ll make it out of here alive,” he said, his tone more assured than arrogant, confident in the power he possessed. Breaking the rules wouldn’t even slow him down. He was sure he could escape any situation without so much as a scratch. That was the confidence of an international fighter.

Too bad Maren had never even heard his name. How great could he be if he were a complete nobody to her? At best, he was just another face in the crowd of international fighters.

“Can we stop with the empty threats?” Maren’s attention drifted to Orlando, who was still deep in conversation with the announcer.

If not for that delay, the match would be underway, and Maren wouldn’t have to waste another second on his pointless bragging.

“Empty threats?” the man snapped, visibly offended by Maren’s remark.

о𝘳𝗀𝗮𝗻i𝘻е 𝗒𝘰𝘂𝘳 𝗅і𝘣r𝖺𝘳𝗒 𝗈ո 𝗴𝖺l𝗇оvе𝘭𝗌.𝖼о𝗺

“Ladies and gentlemen, I have an announcement,” the announcer said after finishing his talk with Orlando. “Since the Dark Hills have raised their stakes, the Axe Gang must match them if the match is to continue. If they refuse, the Dark Hills will be declared the winner.”

“I can’t believe someone actually pushed the stakes higher!”

The spectators traded glances, surprised by the sudden escalation.

“Raising the stakes hadn’t even crossed my mind. The Dark Hills must be furious if they’re willing to risk everything just to take down the Axe Gang.”

“That’s not surprising. Didn’t the Axe Gang call them arrogant earlier? No wonder the Dark Hills want to hit back.”

“Those two have always been at each other’s throats. Feels like things are about to get out of hand.”

“All I care about is seeing who comes out on top. Do you think that woman can pull off another win?”

“I wouldn’t bet on it. The Axe Gang’s guy is no pushover. She’s in for a real fight.” The arena hummed with voices, each person eager to share their own predictions.

“You’ve saved me the trouble of chasing you down.” Jovanni laughed, certain he had the upper hand. “Didn’t expect you to walk straight into your own defeat!” With two renowned fighters at his side, he felt invincible. Victory was practically guaranteed in his mind.

“We accept the challenge!” he shouted, making it official. “The Axe Gang is raising the stakes as well!”

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