Chapter 3 A Risky Bet

Taylor finally steadied herself and spoke firmly, "That's enough... enough!" Her chest rose and fell with controlled breaths as she studied the young man before her. She had never imagined that beneath Ryan's unassuming appearance lay such terrifying skill. The way he had dismantled the club's security-effortless, almost casual-sent a chill down her spine.

Taking a deep breath, she asked, "What's your name?"

"You can call me Ryan," he replied.

Revealing his full name wasn't an option. He had no interest in drawing unnecessary attention. Ryan was merely a convenient alias, one that carried no weight, no history-just a name to slip into the shadows when this was over.

"Ryan," Taylor repeated, unaware of his reasoning. "Alright, I'll call you young Ryan. Since I'm older, you can refer to me as Miss Taylor."

A flicker of amusement crossed Ryan's face. "If you're looking for a fight, I'll take you on," he said, his voice quiet but laced with steel.

Taylor smirked. "Confident, aren't you?"

"Sounds good, Miss Taylor," he replied smoothly, emphasizing the title with deliberate politeness.

She gave a curt nod and led him through the club's unassuming entrance.

The Underground Coliseum

Inside, the atmosphere was a world apart from the city above. The dimly lit hallway opened into a vast underground arena, the air thick with sweat, blood, and the electric hum of anticipation. At its center stood a raised boxing ring, encircled by a sea of raucous spectators-wealthy thrill-seekers, hardened gamblers, and those who simply craved violence.

This was no ordinary venue.

This was the Cloud Summit Club, where fighters lived and died by their fists.

A middle-aged man in his fifties approached, his lips curling into a familiar smile. A closer look revealed he was missing a finger from his right hand-a trophy from a past he rarely spoke of. This was Jack, the infamous owner of the Cloud Summit Club, a man whose name carried weight in New Cloud's underworld.

"Oh? And who's this?" Jack's gaze slid over Ryan, assessing him with the detached interest of a man used to seeing disposable fighters come and go.

Taylor crossed her arms. "This is Ryan. He's here to fight."

Jack raised an eyebrow. "Fight?" His tone dripped with skepticism.

Taylor smirked. "Don't underestimate him, Jack. Your security couldn't even slow him down at the entrance."

Jack's expression remained unreadable. "Since he's brought in by Miss Taylor, I'll take her word for it." He turned to Ryan. "Shall I set up a match for you now?"

Taylor hesitated. "But the last opponent of the Golden Man... he just died. If Ryan steps into the ring, he'll be facing the Golden Man next."

Ryan didn't flinch.

"The Golden Man," Taylor elaborated, her voice lowering. "Jack's top fighter. Undefeated in ten matches. Eight dead, two left crippled."

She turned to Ryan, her eyes searching his. "Are you sure about this? Maybe it's best to wait."

Ryan simply smiled. "No need. I'll take on the Golden Man."

After three years of brutal training, failing here would be a disgrace to his master.

Jack let out a low chuckle. "Gutsy kid." He leaned in slightly. "Just so we're clear, any new fighter in my ring gets one hundred thousand, win or lose. But injuries-or worse-are your own responsibility."

Ryan nodded. "Sounds fair."

Jack grinned. "Good. Get ready. The Golden Man will be out soon."

The Crowd's Reaction

A ripple of noise spread through the crowd as whispers turned into shouts.

"Didn't the Golden Man just fight? Why is he stepping into the ring again?"

Ryan's gaze shifted toward the arena. A monstrous figure emerged from the shadows, his footsteps reverberating through the floor.

The man stood over two meters tall, his body a mass of corded muscle, his skin gleaming under the harsh lights. His face was a mask of scars, his eyes cold and predatory-like a beast that had long since forgotten mercy.

This was the Golden Man.

Jack stepped forward, arms raised. "Ladies and gentlemen! We have an unexpectedmatch tonight! The undefeated Golden Man-versus Ryan!"

The murmurs exploded into chaos.

"Ryan? Who the hell is that?"

"I just lost a fortune on the last match-maybe I can win it back."

"Look at him! Golden Man's going to rip him apart!"

Ryan walked toward the ring, his steps unhurried, his expression unreadable.

"What? That kid? He's fighting the Golden Man?"

"He's got a death wish!"

Jack ignored the jeers and raised a hand. "Betting is now open! Golden Man's odds are 1:0.1, and Ryan's are 1:10. Max bet-one million."

The crowd erupted.

"This is free money!"

"Jack's not stupid-he capped it at a million. Even a small win is still a win."

"One million on the Golden Man!"

"Same here-one million on the Golden Man!"

Nearly every hand shot up, bets pouring in for the reigning champion.

Jack, however, felt a twinge of unease. If by some miracle Ryan won, the losses today would be catastrophic.

Then-

"I'm betting one million on Ryan."

Taylor's voice cut through the noise.

Silence.

Then laughter.

"Taylor, if you've got money to throw away, why not give it to me?"

"Betting on Ryan? That's like lighting cash on fire."

Taylor ignored them, her eyes locked on Ryan.

Jack cleared his throat. "Bets are locked in. The fight begins-"

"Wait."

Ryan's voice was calm as he stepped onto the stage.

The crowd sneered.

"He's backing out."

"Realized he's walking into his own funeral?"

Jack arched a brow. "For Miss Taylor's sake, I'll allow you to walk away now. But once the fight starts, there's no turning back."

Ryan smirked. "You misunderstand, Mr. Jack." He tilted his head. "I just wanted to ask-can I place a bet as well?"

Jack's lips twitched. He glanced at Taylor before replying, "You can, but only on yourself to win."

The crowd chuckled. Of course-no fighter could bet against himself.

But Ryan wasn't done.

"If the payout for me winning is tenfold," he said slowly, "do you have an option for a higher payout?" He paused, letting the words sink in.

"For example... if I defeat the Golden Man in one move?"

The room went dead silent.

Jack's smile froze.

Then-the crowd exploded.

He is not serious, not even taking a good look at who he's fighting and already being arrogant.

He's done for, he has made Golden man upset.

The crowd watched him with pity.