Chapter 14 - The Item System

"No one could ever beat Ronald, the God of Muay Thai," Carlos boasted arrogantly. "To him, that kid was just a bug."

Carlos grinned confidently as Ronald started moving forward, making all his men step back to give them space to fight.

Vernon ignored the crowd, focusing on Ronald's movements as he prepared to strike.

'What type of martial art is he using?' Vernon muttered to himself. His heart raced as Ronald began to move.

Suddenly, Ronald launched a back kick aimed at Vernon's head. Luckily, Vernon ducked just in time.

Ronald smirked. "I didn't expect you to dodge my attack that easily."

"But what about the next one?" The muscular man went for a leg kick targeting Vernon's ribs, but Vernon quickly blocked it.

'Damn! His moves are so fast, like lightning! Can I even beat him?'

Not satisfied, Ronald decided to unleash a combination of kicks—low kick, high kick, switch kick—to mess with Vernon's focus.

Ronald grinned slyly as Vernon struggled to block the rapid attacks, getting pushed back.

Ronald's fighting spirit soared as Vernon got cornered.

He threw a fake punch at Vernon's jaw, drawing his attention, then followed up with a low kick that crushed Vernon's leg.

Vernon collapsed with a scream of pain, clutching his broken leg. A bruise appeared on his shin.

'Damn! I can't stand up! Ronald's kick is as strong as five men's kicks combined.'

Not wasting a second, Ronald kicked Vernon's head like a ball with all his strength, sending him flying and crashing down, covered in blood.

Ronald laughed wickedly with his crew.

"So, do you want to give up?" Ronald approached with confident steps.

"I-I…" Vernon started, but Ronald stomped on his head.

Grinning arrogantly, Ronald pressed down hard on Vernon's head, crushing his skull.

"Say it louder! I can't hear you!"

But only a painful groan came from Vernon.

"So, you don't want to talk? No problem. DIE NOW!"

Ronald lifted his foot high and stomped down hard to shatter Vernon's skull, but Vernon grabbed his foot, holding it tight so Ronald couldn't move.

'SHIT! How is he still moving?!' Ronald cursed in his mind. This was the first time anyone survived his deadly kick.

Vernon threw Ronald's leg away, causing him to stumble.

"Get out of my face… idiot." Vernon's voice sounded irritated.

"You…!" Ronald growled in fury, enraged that his attack didn't work. "FU*K YOU!"

THUD!

Vernon's body slammed against the wall as Ronald kicked him with full rage.

"You're the idiot!" Ronald stomped on Vernon's body violently, leaving him battered and bruised, not giving him any chance to defend himself.

Vernon curled up like a baby, trying to protect his head, chest, and stomach.

After a few minutes, Ronald stopped, panting heavily. This time, he was sure his kicks had hit Vernon's vital spots.

He was convinced Vernon was dead. Especially since he wasn't moving, which meant he was probably dead.

"Are you getting tired?"

Ronald's eyes widened. 'Impossible! How is he still alive?'

Vernon opened his eyes, which now showed only anger and vengeance. For a moment, he stared coldly at Ronald, showing no pain, despair, or fear.

All of Ronald's men were in shock. The alley, once filled with shouting and insults to intimidate Vernon, fell silent.

"Who the hell are you?!" Ronald shouted angrily.

"Why are you curious now?" Vernon stood up, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth with a calm expression.

"Who gave you permission to stand, huh?! DIE!" Ronald kicked Vernon's chest with explosive anger, sending him crashing into the wall, cracking it. Dust surrounded Vernon.

That was Ronald's strongest kick. He had focused all his energy into his leg and swung it with all his might.

This time, Ronald was sure Vernon couldn't stand up again, just like all his past opponents who died.

"Is that all you've got?"

Ronald was stunned when Vernon's voice echoed through the dust cloud. When the dust cleared, Vernon was standing tall and strong.

Ronald was speechless, as if he were dreaming. Vernon was still standing after taking a fatal kick to the chest.

"Why do you look so shocked, buddy? Did you think I'd die from that weak kick of yours?" Vernon taunted coldly with an aura of authority.

Ronald's body trembled, and his legs wobbled, but he refused to give up.

Vernon raised both fists in front of his face, anticipating the next unexpected kick.

"The fight is just beginning."

Before Ronald could blink, Vernon shot forward like lightning, aiming a powerful punch at his jaw. Unfortunately, Ronald read Vernon's move.

Ronald was ready to block Vernon's punch as he got close, but Vernon suddenly changed his movement. He ducked as Ronald raised his hand to block, leaving his ribs exposed.

With all his strength, Vernon slammed his fist into Ronald's ribs, sending him flying to the side and crashing into the wall, which cracked on impact.

Carlos and all of Ronald's men stood in shock, speechless.

"So, what do you think now?" Vernon taunted. "Am I a worthy opponent for you?"

Ronald touched his ribs, wincing in pain. 'Damn! How does he still have strength after I beat him to a pulp!?'

Ronald's mind raced, but he refused to show his confusion or despair. Especially with Carlos watching.

Ronald tried to stand, but he collapsed again, groaning loudly as pain shot through his ribs whenever he moved.

Were his ribs broken from Vernon's strike?

"I admit, Muay Thai is incredible. It's fast, powerful, and deadly, stronger than boxing," Vernon said. "But you forgot one thing."

Carlos, Ronald, and all of their men listened closely to Vernon.

"Never underestimate your opponent!" Vernon shouted. "You wasted all your energy attacking early in the fight. I just waited for the right moment to hit your vital spots when you were exhausted."

Vernon grinned arrogantly. "I'm smart, aren't I?"

"Bastard...!"

Vernon turned to all of Carlos's men, who stood frozen. "Do you guys want to fight me?"

They stepped back in fear, unsure if they would survive a duel with him. Vernon's punches were fast, like lightning.

"Fight him, you idiots!" Carlos yelled angrily from the balcony.

"B-but, boss…" they stammered.

"Tsk! Useless!" Carlos rushed down and charged at Vernon.

"Hand over Kelvin and Naomi," Vernon demanded. "Then I'll leave you alone."

"I'd rather die than hand them over to you!" Carlos lunged at Vernon, throwing wild punches and kicks, not giving Vernon a chance to strike back.

Vernon blocked all of Carlos's uncontrolled attacks, but he was struggling.

[Warning: Invisibility Armor Item usage time is running out! The effect will disappear in 10 minutes.]

'Damn! I can't waste time fighting Carlos!'

But Carlos kept going wild, launching punches and kicks aggressively, giving Vernon no opening to counterattack.

Even though Carlos's attacks were strong and deadly, they were inaccurate. His strikes often missed, making it easy for Vernon to dodge.

Vernon took advantage of Carlos's recklessness. When Carlos attempted a back kick, Vernon ducked, then quickly spun and slammed his elbow into Carlos's jaw.

Ronald's eyes widened as he watched. "Isn't that a Muay Thai technique?"

Carlos's head snapped back as blood spurted from his nose, and he collapsed, unconscious. Anyone hit by Muay Thai's elbow technique would suffer a loss of balance, possibly losing consciousness, and jaw injuries.

"Who else wants to fight me?" Vernon scanned the area with a fierce look, but no one answered.

Vernon grabbed Carlos's apartment key card and headed toward the unit.

When he opened the door, Naomi and Kelvin screamed with joy. Vernon quickly untied them.

"Thank God you came, Vernon. We would've been dead," Naomi said gratefully.

Kelvin hugged Vernon tightly, trembling all over. He sobbed loudly.

"I'm sorry," Vernon said, regretting his carelessness.

"It's not your fault." Naomi gently patted Vernon's shoulder.

Vernon's eyes misted with emotion. Naomi's kindness toward him had never changed. He was so thankful for being raised in that orphanage.

"Let's go home."

[Congratulations! You've earned a Rare System Card and 10 System Coins.]