Chapter 276: Loser

Even facing his mentor, Francis, Tommy narrowed his eyes and declared fearlessly, "There's no need for Mr. Chance to show up. Come at me!" He'd been eager to test his enhanced skills since taking the performance-enhancing pill.

"Come at me? Who are you to address my mentor like that? If I'd wanted to target you, I wouldn't have summoned him. I'm more than a match for you," Steven retorted disdainfully. He considered Tommy a loser.

Felix glared at Jared. "Jared, you bullied the Crimson Dragon Gang while our leader was away. Are you ready to die now that he's back?"

Jared sneered. "I'm not afraid of your gang leader anymore. I'll have you all begging for mercy today!" He roared, lunging at Steven with a punch. He'd long harbored resentment toward Steven, who had repeatedly beaten him. The enhancement pill had drastically increased his abilities, erasing his fear.

"That's egotistical for a mere loser," Steven spat, slightly widening his stance to use his Impenetrable Skill to absorb the blow. He wasn't concerned; he knew Tommy's capabilities.

Bang!

Tommy's punch slammed into Steven's abdomen. A tremendous force, like a ton of bricks, or a massive wave, sent Steven flying backward. Blood spurted from his mouth as he crashed to the ground. Terror and disbelief filled his eyes; Tommy's rapid improvement in just days was unthinkable.

Seeing Steven knocked away by a single punch, Francis frowned, his eyes gleaming with anger.

Tommy laughed heartily, looking at his fist. "Steven, now you know how strong I am. Anyone else unhappy with the result? Come at me!"

Francis harrumphed. "You're shameless! Carter, teach him a lesson."

A man in his thirties stepped forward. "Yes, sir!"

Tommy, disdainful of Carter's youth, taunted, "Steven couldn't beat me, and you send this kid to his death? Your vaunted Impenetrable Skill is nothing against true power." The underground king was brimming with ego after his stunning victory.

Jared, observing the scene, shook his head. "Tommy, you're no match for him. Step down," he said, stepping forward.

Steven's eyes widened at Jared's appearance. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he turned to Francis. "Mr. Yancey, that's him!"

Francis' brow furrowed as he looked at Jared. "So young?" He'd expected Mr. Chance to be older, given his martial arts skill and Tommy's respect. His disappointment was evident. He'd hoped to fight Jared but reconsidered upon seeing him.

Steven hastily explained, sensing Francis' disappointment. "Mr. Yancey, he may be young, but he's strong."

Francis shot him a withering glare. "Shut up! It's not that they're strong, you're weak. You've slacked off, your skills have deteriorated. You're no longer my disciple. I can't bear the humiliation."

• • The final paragraph was redundant and removed.