Chapter 243
In the ring, Dustin stood tall with hands behind his back, exuding an imposing and majestic air. He no longer hid his talents and shone with the full display of his powers. No one dared meet his gaze. His one-move defeat of the King of Kicks filled everyone with awe.
"Surprising! The Harmons have an ace up their sleeve," Maximus narrowed his eyes, his face serious. Dustin's display of strength had earned his respect. Even Maximus couldn't easily beat the King of Kicks with bare hands.
"Weakling!" Dustin dusted and straightened his sleeve. Then, coolly, he announced, "Next?"
The Boulderthorn disciples exchanged furtive glances. They knew they were no match for Dustin, especially after his victory over the King of Kicks.
"Max, what do we do? That punk is wild!" Brody clenched his jaw, feeling aggrieved.
"Looks like I'll have to go," Maximus stood up slowly, his eyes shining with excitement. He had arrived as the ace, not originally planning to fight. He considered the battle child's play, offering no challenge. However, Dustin's presence shocked him, injecting some excitement. Maximus wasn't in martial arts for fame or wealth; he sought excellence in swordsmanship. He always engaged an ace opponent.
"Max, he's quite strong. Are you confident in beating him?" Brody questioned cautiously.
"I am no match for him in a bare-handed fight, but I have full confidence with a sword," Maximus remarked mildly.
"Great! Max, give it your all! He's just trouble. We should get rid of him as soon as possible!" Brody sniggered maliciously. Maximus was a rare talent in swordsmanship, ranked sixth on The Hundred Immortals before turning thirty. He was far superior to the King of Kicks, especially invincible with a sword.
Brody's father once predicted Maximus would achieve divinity within three years, reaching The Heavenly Immortals by then.
"What's up? Is there no one else from Boulderthorn?" Dustin scanned the space with a sharp glare.
"I'll go!" Maximus leaped into the air, and just before landing, he tapped his toes on a spectator's shoulder before nimbly bouncing back up. His movements were fairy-like, causing the women in the guild to squeal in admiration, their eyes sparkling with awe.
"Wow! He's so cool!" "A young man who looks great in white—he's my type!"
Maximus was not only blessed with good looks and a gentlemanly demeanor, but he also executed a spectacular entrance, giving the impression of a young knight.
"Who are you?" Dustin scanned him from head to toe.
"I'm Maximus Kane, one of Boulderthorn's disciples. I'm here for the experience," Maximus bowed politely. His self-introduction caused a commotion within the guild.
"Maximus Kane? Isn't he ranked sixth on The Hundred Immortals?" "That's right! He's the famous 'Lightning Blade' in Balerno. I had the honor of witnessing him in action!" "Oh, fuck! It's Maximus 'Lightning Blade' Kane! I heard his sword moves as fast as lightning. He's never lost a battle since gaining fame. This is going to be fun!"
The crowd discussed Maximus with great interest; he was an ace ranked sixth on The Hundred Immortals, much stronger than the ninth-ranked King of Kicks.
The gap in their rankings was significant, despite only being three places apart. Climbing in the top ten was difficult; the top five barely changed rankings year-round.
"Ah, finally, a normal opponent," Dustin looked amused and gestured, "Please."
"Just a minute," Maximus said seriously. "I excel at swordsmanship. Shall we make this an armed fight?"
"Hey! You can't change the rules as you wish! We disagree!" Ruth instantly protested, unhappy with the suggestion. Anyone sane knew a bare-handed fight differed greatly from one with weapons. An average man with a weapon could defeat a group of opponents, let alone Maximus "Lightning Blade" Kane.
"Why? Are you afraid he'd lose to Max?" Brody sneered at her. "If you're scared, just admit defeat now! Stop wasting our time!"
"We're not! You guys are the ones breaking the martial arts code!" Ruth argued.
"Nonsense! We never banned weapons from battles. Why don't you get Rhys to use a weapon too?" Brody laughed coldly.
"You—" Ruth choked in anger.
"Sure! Use a weapon if you like. It doesn't make a difference," Dustin was unconcerned, agreeing to the change without fuss. A frustrated Ruth felt his remarks undermined her efforts to fight in his best interest.
"Many thanks," Maximus bowed again and drew his sword. He even introduced it: "My sword is three feet six inches long, made from deep iron, and has been my companion for five years. It's so solid it penetrates almost anything!"
"Come at me," Dustin waved.
"Where's your weapon?" Maximus raised an eyebrow quizzically.
"My bare hands are my weapons," Dustin answered.
"Are you sure?" Maximus narrowed his eyes, thinking his opponent was capable but overconfident. Dustin would be humiliated trying to block a sword attack bare-handed.
"Of course. I'll give you the win if you injure me," Dustin waved again. "Come on!"
"Okay! Be my guest!" Without further ado, Maximus propelled himself forward, sword in hand. As he neared Dustin, he plunged his sword, creating metallic reflections and stirring gusts of wind in the guild.
"Great move!"
Most martial artists exclaimed in astonishment. Maximus's sword was fast and unusually sharp. It was hard to distinguish the sword from its shadow, making defense difficult. Even skilled martial artists at the same level wouldn't dare fight a sword bare-handed. However, Dustin remained in place, seemingly unfazed by the attack.
"That rascal is bold! Why isn't he dodging Maximus's sword?" "Did he think he's invincible after beating the King of Kicks? He has no idea how powerful Maximus is!" "Right! There's a huge gap in capability between members of The Hundred Immortals' top ten! Underestimating Maximus is digging your own grave!"
Amid the murmurs, everyone heard a soft clunking sound as Maximus's sword halted. The sharp blade stopped an inch from Dustin's throat, unable to move. Upon closer inspection, the crowd's faces turned white; Dustin had caught the sword between two fingers.