Chapter 325: Chapter 325 - Student Rejected
Micah Ortiz gulped hard, clearly sensing the sweat on his face being blown away by the terrifying force of my punch.
"What a horrifying strike..." Micah’s legs gave out, nearly collapsing to the ground.
He had zero doubt that if my punch had connected with his body, it might not have killed him, but it would have crushed his bones to pieces!
"I lost." At that moment, I voluntarily admitted defeat and stepped down from the stage.
The crowd erupted in confusion. We had been evenly matched just seconds before, so why did I suddenly give up?
Most of the spectators didn’t know martial arts, so they couldn’t tell who had actually won between us.
The announcer cleared his throat, declaring, "Since Coach Raymond has conceded defeat, this year’s champion goes to..."
"Hold on!"
Just as the announcer was about to declare the winner, Micah Ortiz suddenly yelled out.
He rushed onto the stage, grabbed the microphone and said coldly, "I’m the one who lost. Mason, thanks for holding back, and thanks for teaching me."
After saying that, Micah turned and walked away.
Though Micah hated losing, it didn’t mean he couldn’t handle defeat.
He’d rather not have that kind of hollow victory.
I watched Micah Ortiz’s departing figure, lost in thought.
"So... this year’s champion belongs to the Chuzzle Battle Zone!" the announcer shouted!
The venue exploded with excitement, countless people congratulating Commander Wood.
Commander Wood’s expression was grim, and he seemed somewhat worried that Ignacio Richard would hold this against him.
After I left the stage, Commander Wood pushed through the crowd and rushed to my side.
"Mason, didn’t I tell you we could only take second place!" Commander Wood said furiously.
I shrugged, "I already gave up, but the announcer insisted on giving me the championship. What could I do?"
"You..." Commander Wood was suddenly speechless.
"Listen, the Capital City Battle Zone has always been first, and Micah Ortiz is Ignacio Richard’s direct student. By beating him, you just slapped Ignacio Richard in the face!" Commander Wood said with a troubled look.
I didn’t think it was that big a deal.
I smiled and said, "Since Ignacio Richard is called the War God, how can he be so petty? Commander Wood, I think you’re worrying too much."
Commander Wood sighed, "I hope so."
This also made me notice something.
People like Commander Wood might be more worried about other concerns.
Everyone seemed to be playing different parts, sucking up to their bosses and bullying their subordinates.
After the competition ended, Commander Wood took me to collect the trophy.
Though the trophy wasn’t made of anything valuable, it represented honor.
Nobody could have predicted that the Chuzzle Battle Zone would go from dead last to beating the Capital City Battle Zone.
After leaving the Capital City Battle Zone, everyone was getting ready to head out.
Right then, Micah Ortiz jogged over with steady steps.
"Greetings, Commander Wood." Micah saluted Commander Wood first.
Then, Micah turned to me and said, "Our Commander Richard wants to meet with you."
"He wants to see me?" I was a bit surprised.
Micah nodded, "Please come with me."
I nodded, following Micah to a car.
Ignacio Richard wasn’t sitting in the car but standing in front of it, waiting quietly.
"Greetings, Commander Richard." I saluted Ignacio Richard.
Ignacio Richard looked at me with appreciation and said, "Your performance today was truly surprising. May I ask who your teacher is?"
I shook my head, "I don’t have a teacher."
Ignacio Richard’s eyes brightened and asked, "Really?"
"I wouldn’t dare lie." I replied confidently.
Ignacio Richard nodded slightly and said, "I have an idea, I’d like to take you as my student. What do you think?"
As soon as he said this, everyone around was stunned!
Ignacio Richard actually wanted to take me as his student? What incredible backing!
Once I became Ignacio Richard’s student, there probably wouldn’t be many people in Pyro who would dare to cross me, right?
Even the Johansson family would have to think twice!
I stayed quiet and didn’t respond for a while.
For a moment, everyone was waiting for my answer.
After some time, I shook my head and said, "Thank you for your offer, Commander Richard, but I’m used to my independence, and I’m afraid I can’t join your school."
It seemed like Ignacio Richard had expected this, as he nodded and said, "Fine, if you don’t want to, I won’t push you. But, I have to give you a warning."
I didn’t say anything, waiting for Ignacio to go on.
"Your talent is indeed impressive, but if one day I become Pyro’s enemy, I won’t hesitate to eliminate you."
Ignacio Richard’s voice suddenly turned ice cold.
Even I couldn’t help but break out in a cold sweat under his intimidating presence.
"Please be assured, Commander Richard." I saluted.
Ignacio Richard didn’t say anything more, nodded his head, and got back in the car.
Then, Commander Wood ran over from a distance.
He carefully asked, "Mason, did Commander Richard say anything to you?"
I shook my head and replied, "He wanted to take me as his student."
"What?!" Commander Wood was thrilled.
He excitedly said, "Mason, you’re about to hit it big! All of Commander Richard’s students are powerful figures who control sections of various battle zones! As long as you become his student, your future will be golden!"
I smiled wryly, "I turned him down."
Commander Wood was shocked, then frantically asked, "Are you insane? Why would you refuse such an amazing opportunity?"
I shook my head without explaining.
People have their own goals and dreams can’t be shared.
If I became Ignacio Richard’s student, there would be benefits, but it would also restrict my future moves.
Plus, I didn’t want to join the battle zone.
Afterward, everyone was planning to return to Chuzzle.
And the news that Ignacio Richard wanted to take me as his student spread like wildfire.
——
Johansson family.
Vance Johansson was calculating the timing.
Since the Johansson family had good relations with the Sean family, they naturally knew every detail of the Sean family’s movements.
"This Mason Raymond... actually has the nerve to step foot in the Sean family’s home! And even played chess with Jerry Sean!" Vance’s face turned green with rage!
He couldn’t wait for Jerry Sean to die already! Then he wouldn’t have any more worries!
"You old fool who won’t die, you only have at most half a year left to live. Once you’re dead, I won’t let Mabel off!" Vance clenched his teeth, crushing his pen in his hand.
At this moment, the butler carefully entered from the door.
"Mr. Tenny, there’s some troubling news." The butler stood to the side and whispered.
Vance shot him an icy look, "Speak!"
The butler said seriously, "I just received word that Ignacio Richard has shown interest in taking Mason Raymond as his student."
