Chapter 2263
Author: Marina Vittori
"That's odd. Number 12 is clearly stronger than Number 34. So, why hasn't he won yet?" Aurora wondered as she watched the intense match in the battle ring.

"Because he's holding back," Alicia replied.

She narrowed her eyes and continued, "Look closely at Number 34. His fighting style is ruthless and aggressive, as if he has nothing to lose.

"Even though Number 12 is stronger, he's struggling. As the saying goes, 'Fortune favors the brave.'"

Everything changed when a match in the battle ring escalated into a fight for survival. In standard bouts, martial artists often held back. Winning was great, but losing wasn't the end of the world. With that mindset, most wouldn't risk their lives.

However, the stakes were clear in a fight for survival—victory or death. Hence, martial artists would give their all to win the match.

Number 34, Atlas, fully embraced this mindset, while Number 12, Miles, hesitated and didn't unleash his full strength.

"At this rate, aren't we going to lose our
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    Atlas conceded defeat decisively. However, even after he jumped out of the battle ring, the enraged Miles pursued him with his sword. He looked like he was out for blood."Hey! What are you doing? I already surrendered! What else do you want?" Atlas cried out in fear as he dodged each vicious strike.He hadn't expected Miles to go berserk. Miles was fighting with a relentless fury as if he were willing to go down with him. If he had known, he wouldn't have provoked Miles earlier.Atlas' pleas fell on deaf ears as Miles' sword continued its relentless assault. Each blow aimed at Atlas' throat.Upon seeing Atlas in danger, the referee finally stepped in. With a swift movement, he effortlessly caught Miles' sword between two fingers."Contestant Number 34 has conceded. The match is over. No fighting outside the battle ring," the referee said calmly. His commanding voice snapped Miles out of his rage.Miles' anger gradually faded as he regained his composure. "Sorry, I got carried aw

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    "Number 19?" Alicia looked at Dustin with a puzzled expression. "Dr. Rhys, why do you think he can win?"Aurora commented, "Number 5 is the ascetic priest. Even though they're evenly matched, he seems almost unbeatable. Number 19 may be the successor of Shadow Citadel, but he seems inexperienced. In every aspect, he's clearly no match for Number 5."Despite Dalen's handsome appearance, he paled in comparison to Thaddeus in strength. They couldn't understand why Dustin's opinion differed so much from theirs."I know Number 19. Despite his gentle appearance, he's quite skilled. He shouldn't have much trouble defeating that ascetic priest," Dustin replied casually."Really?" Alicia raised an eyebrow in surprise. She hadn't anticipated Dustin knowing Dalen, let alone being so confident in his assessment."In that case, let's bet on him," she decided without hesitation.Regardless of whether Dustin was truthful or accurate in his assessment, Alicia felt compelled to respect his opinio

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