Chapter 238: The Charlatan's Show

As Felix's voice faded, a muscular man sporting a tank top and tattoos on his shoulders leaped onto the stage. "Who dares to spar with me?" he bellowed with an air of dominance, scanning the crowd below. "I'll take you on," came a response, as a lean, elderly man hopped onto the platform. "Hmph, old man, you're courting death. I'm the undefeated champion of Muay Thai!" the muscular man boasted. With that, he launched a punch that seemed to carry considerable force. However, the elder dodged effortlessly with a swift step, then retaliated with a kick aimed at the muscle man's back. "Boom!" The muscular man stumbled forward, nearly crashing onto the platform. Turning around, his face flushed with rage, he lunged at the elder once more. The old man, sporting a sly grin at the sight, easily evaded the incoming punch by contracting his body, then quickly delivered two kicks, sending the muscle man tumbling off the stage. "Well done! This round goes to the gentleman here!" Felix announced promptly after witnessing the scene. Despite his frustration, the muscular man knew better than to retaliate further and stormed off with a huff. "This old guy does have some skills, but it's clear he's not in the same league as the muscle man. He just played his cards right," Patrick remarked, observing the elder on stage. "Hmm, looks like this competition might actually be interesting," Theodore added from the side. "I don't get it. How did the muscle man lose just like that?" Beckett expressed his confusion. Steven vigorously nodded in agreement, equally puzzled by the outcome. Patrick chuckled, "He won by being clever, and since the old guy was quick on his feet, he managed to snag a lucky victory." With that, Beckett and Steven had their lightbulb moment. Henry, on the other hand, maintained a calm demeanor throughout, as if the contest hardly piqued his interest. It wasn't that Henry was indifferent; he simply found the competitors lackluster and unworthy of his attention, awaiting only the final showdown. As the conversation unfolded, the contest resumed, and as expected, the agile elder was quickly bested and removed from the stage. Within a mere fifteen minutes, Kenneth stepped up and effortlessly dispatched his opponent off the stage. "It seems the final victor will emerge from between the two of us," Kenneth said to Brian with a smile. His casual display of skill suggested he had more up his sleeve. Now, all eyes were on them. "The real contest starts now. These two seem to have some tricks up their sleeves," Patrick observed quietly. "Brian might have some solid skills, but I'm not seeing anything special from Kenneth," Theodore remarked, his brow furrowed in skepticism. "Mr. Cavendish has a keen eye. Kenneth probably peddles fake remedies on the side," Henry finally spoke, breaking his silence. "Alright, gentlemen, begin. The winner will confront Silas on our behalf. Regardless of the outcome, a billion-dollar reward will be promptly awarded," Felix announced, his excitement palpable. Resolving the Silas issue would ease a significant threat to Borealia. At that moment, Brian, with a cold glare and clenched fists, faced off against Kenneth, who assumed his stance with a slight smirk. "Let's see how impressive the head of Karate School really is," Brian taunted, launching a punch. Kenneth dodged with ease, a smirk playing on his lips, then caught Brian's arm and flung him aside effortlessly. "Let's find out whether your national art or my Tai Chi is superior," Kenneth taunted back. "Enough talk, let's finish this," Brian growled, leaping forward with a powerful kick. Kenneth's expression shifted as he raised his arms in defense, attempting to deflect the blow. But before he could prepare, a forceful impact sent him flying back, barely staying on the platform. The spectators gasped, the duel before them far more engaging than any previous bout. To the lay audience, this was the epitome of a clash between masters. "Mr. Trelawney, notice anything peculiar?" Henry inquired, turning to Patrick. "That's Nicholas, the guy I know. The moves he pulled earlier? I'm all too familiar with them. Average strength, but the guy's got plenty of tricks up his sleeve," Patrick hurriedly shared. By then, Kenneth had picked himself up from the ground, his earlier composure replaced by a hint of disarray. "Not bad strength there. Now, try taking three moves from me!" Kenneth challenged, charging at Brian. "Ha! Think you're still in one of your videos? Three moves to send someone flying?" Brian scoffed. "Hiring stooges to make yourself look good, you really think you're a master?" "Exactly! I saw this guy online a while back, claiming to have immense power, able to send people flying with a single move. I almost wanted to seek him out as a teacher," Steven added from the crowd, visibly excited by the memory. "If you'd taken him as your master, I'd have broken your legs myself!" Patrick couldn't help but snort. "Why?" Steven asked, puzzled. "Because he's a fake master, all show and no substance," Theodore chuckled. Indeed, the world is now filled with so-called masters, boasting skills they hardly possess, their only true talent lying in their ability to exaggerate. "Just get lost!" Brian's voice cut through the air, landing a hook on Kenneth's chin when he least expected it. Kenneth's body went limp, crashing to the floor of the ring, unable to get up. "That's for blowing smoke!" Brian declared, standing victorious on the platform, his demeanor oozing arrogance. Felix's face lit up with excitement at Brian's victory. Having hired Brian himself, this win not only validated his choice but, with Henry watching, likely affirmed his judgment skills. "Alright, the contest is over!" Brian, beaming with a winner's smile, stepped forward to announce the victor. "And the winner is—" "Hold on!" Just then, a cold voice interrupted from the crowd, followed by the figure of a man slowly rising to his feet.