Chapter 304: You Must Fight
“Benedict, this doesn’t seem like a good thing,” Mary furrowed her brows, sensing something was amiss. Josiah had always been mischievous, and his family hadn't witnessed the extent of his abilities. Defeat would be a significant embarrassment.
“Mason, do you really think this is a good idea? You know Josiah’s behavior. Besides being playful, he’s practically useless. Maybe I should tell Ms. Thornton to call this off?” Xander suggested, starting toward Madelyn.
However, Mason immediately grabbed his hand. “Be patient, Xander.” He glanced at Felix, who observed Madelyn and Josiah with interest, eager to see Josiah’s improvement.
Seeing the situation, Xander abandoned his idea, silently praying for Josiah’s luck.
“Hayden, you may choose now,” Madelyn said, appearing fearless and even domineering. Her presence overshadowed Hayden’s.
Hayden smiled slyly. This woman was full of herself. He’d let her indulge in her arrogance before she realized her mistake. Then, he picked someone.
Madelyn pulled Josiah aside, lowering her voice. “Did you see that? Your family is full of snobs. They’ll trample you ruthlessly if you don’t pull yourself together, just like Hayden! Your friends and family will be humiliated too, though they did nothing wrong. Would you let them suffer because of you?”
“Of course not!” Josiah tightened his fists. Though he seemed frivolous, his rebelliousness was an escape from his family issues. In the Blume family, few held him in high regard besides his parents and siblings; the rest were fickle. He wouldn't be looked down upon, and he especially didn't want his family humiliated because of his incompetence! Determination burned in his eyes.
Madelyn relaxed, but warned, kicking him lightly, “Josiah, if you don’t teach Hayden a lesson today, we’re done being friends. Look out for yourself.”
Josiah possessed immense potential, but had been blinding himself to it. Madelyn believed this could unlock it. If not, he’d be doomed.
Hayden quickly picked a tall, burly subordinate from his battalion. The man’s well-developed muscles showed him to be a seasoned fighter. Josiah, by comparison, seemed delicate; it would take two of him to match the burly man. Onlookers chuckled, concluding Josiah was finished.
Hayden, approaching the man smugly, said, “Remember to go easy on him. Just a touch. Josiah’s physique isn’t the best, and I don’t want him hurt.”
Everyone detected the sarcasm and grinned, anticipating the drama.
The confident big guy said, “Lieutenant Hayden, don’t worry. I can handle ten guys like your cousin.” He looked at Josiah with disdain. “How do you want to compete, buddy?”
Madelyn was amused. They were already celebrating. It was time they learned not to judge a book by its cover.
“Since you’re a military officer, why don’t you two compete with military fighting techniques?” Madelyn suggested, smiling.
The burly man laughed cockily. “Ms. Thornton, I advise you to choose something else. Mr. Josiah isn’t a military officer. He can’t match us. I don’t want to accidentally break his ribs.”
“Enough nonsense!” Josiah responded angrily. “Just get on with it!”
The burly man scoffed. “You said it, Mr. Josiah. No hard feelings!”
They shed their jackets, loosened their ties, and rolled up their sleeves. The banquet hall became a fighting ring. Everyone assumed Josiah would lose.
Unexpectedly, the brute charged, but Josiah, his potential unleashed, bent down, hoisted the brute by the waist, and slammed him to the ground. Josiah then settled on the man’s waist, landing a flurry of punches. The burly man tried to get up, but Josiah held him down. Ten seconds later, the referee declared Josiah the victor.
The place erupted. Hayden’s expression stiffened in disbelief. Only Madelyn looked content, having anticipated this.
Josiah had recently attended a combat training center to learn military fighting techniques. Though he’d also learned kickboxing, his physique surpassed the average person’s; after a week, his coach was no match for him, recommending a switch to military techniques. His build and quick learning, possibly genetic, led to his success. He’d cunningly capitalized on an opportunity, using an unexpected strategy, exploiting his opponent’s weakness, and unleashing a powerful force.