Chapter 319 - Underground Fighting Ring
That evening, the news of Luo Ke and his four underlings collapsing simultaneously in the toilet swept through the entire academy. Han Wu had deliberately mentioned it in front of some particularly gossipy girls, but he had underestimated how quickly the story would travel. Within hours, everyone knew of Luo Ke’s humiliating mishap.
Mortified, Luo Ke skipped his classes and went straight home. However, Han Wu knew this was far from over. He braced himself for Luo Ke’s inevitable revenge.
By the end of the day, Meng Qi found Han Wu and requested his Assist. In return, Meng Qi recruited eight students with high Fire potential to Assist Han Wu. That single session boosted Han Wu’s Fireball twice in one day, increasing its size by 10%. Still, Han Wu felt unsatisfied. He needed to grow stronger, and fast.
Recalling his memories, he returned home, where his parents had prepared a meal. After dinner, they used their Assist chance on him and raised his Assist Points by 11.
The night passed without incident. The next day, Han Wu returned to the academy without incident. With no Luo Ke in his way, he entered easily after using one of his Assist chances on the orbs.
Meng Qi was already waiting for him. He had requested Lu Dazhuang’s Assist earlier and now awaited Han Wu’s contribution. While Assisting, Han Wu asked Meng Qi for advice on leveling up quickly. Meng Qi’s response was blunt: all it required was money. The more one spent, the faster one grew.
Unfortunately, Meng Qi never revealed where the money came from. Han Wu had to figure it out himself, and he quickly discovered a way to earn credits: tournaments. The official ones were out of reach—he was too young and too weak to qualify—so he had to turn to the illegal circuits.
It didn’t take long for him to find an underground fighting ring online. There were no requirements; all he had to do was sign up. The chaotic, lawless atmosphere attracted violent spectators who thrived on blood and spectacle. Allegedly, each match awarded the victor 1,000 credits, and if luck favored them, some spectators would even Assist to tilt the fight in their favor.
Han Wu’s anticipation grew as he waited for Saturday, the third day of the week. He told his parents he was visiting a friend but slipped away to the underground arena. After paying for the entrance ticket, he stepped inside and saw two masked Inferior Disciples fighting on stage like clumsy children. Their youth and inexperience made the match dull, yet the spectators reacted with unexpected excitement. Han Wu frowned in confusion.
He registered his name and chose the nickname Fireball. When his turn came, he donned the mask and stepped into the ring. His opponent was a massive man. The mask obscured the man’s age, but judging by his size, no spectator expected Han Wu to win and didn’t bet on him.
The announcer stirred the crowd, favoring the giant over the newcomer. “Now it’s time for a match between the rookie Fireball and the Barbarian Captain, who has won five matches in a row! Everyone, if you want to see Fireball torn apart by the Barbarian Captain, raise your hands and Assist him!”
The man lifted his massive arm, flexing for the crowd. That was when several of them Assisted him and fueled his excitement.
“Young lad, you are unlucky enough to face me today. I will shred you—gently, of course,” the Barbarian Captain boasted.
Han Wu remained silent against the Barbarian Captain’s boastful proclamation.
The bell rang, and Han Wu sprang forward like a panther. Meanwhile, the Barbarian Captain activated his Level 13 Strength Buff, his muscles swelling as his attacks became far more powerful. He prepared to strike, only to find Han Wu already standing before him. A single, precise kick to the jaw staggered him, and before he could recover, Han Wu vaulted onto his back and launched a Level 4 Fireball straight into the Barbarian Captain’s mouth.
Despite his muscular frame, the Barbarian Captain’s mouth was defenseless against the fiery attack. He lost consciousness instantly and collapsed to the ground as smoke curled from his mouth.
The excited announcer froze, as did the crowd. No one had expected this. The newcomer Fireball had defeated the Barbarian Captain, the five-time consecutive winner, with shocking ease!
Han Wu’s movements had been fluid and precise, each attack perfectly executed without waste.
It took the crowd three seconds to process what had just happened before they erupted into thunderous cheers.
“Fireball! Fireball!”
“Fireball, the only god!”
“Fireball, you are too cool!”
...
The roar of the crowd nearly shook the roof from its hinges. At that moment, Han Wu received 32 Assists, and his Fireball Assist Points reached 159/400. He only needed to repeat this a few more times, and his Fireball would level up.
The announcer quickly regained his composure and called out, “Fireball, your actions are a testament to your strength. Look at the crowd going wild! Will you continue to the next match?”
Han Wu recognized the guilt trip immediately. Leaving now would tarnish his reputation with the crowd and likely reduce the Assist Points he earned in future appearances. To maximize his growth in the shortest time possible, he accepted and seized the microphone. “I shall continue the match!”
The crowd erupted once more. Another 30 Assists rained down on Han Wu. Repeating this a few more times would elevate his Fireball further. He fought through four more matches and defeated each opponent with ease. His swift, fluid movements earned the crowd’s support.
After more than 400 Assists, his Fireball leveled up dramatically, reaching Level 7.
The victories brought him money and caught the attention of the underground fight ring’s boss. Pulling the announcer aside, the boss ordered, “Arrange a Superior Disciple to fight him. Understood?”
The announcer understood immediately and nodded. It was a trap. Han Wu’s streak had won the crowd’s trust; all eyes and bets were on him. Now the boss only needed to send a strong but relatively unknown fighter to topple Han Wu and claim the wagers. The audience would blame Han Wu for losing and curse themselves for trusting him. It was a classic, reliable scheme the boss had used countless times.
The announcer glanced at Han Wu, standing tall and confident in the arena, and chuckled. “Young lad, it’s all up to you whether you’ll be beaten to death or left crippled.”