Chapter 3

It was night, and Chen was eating dinner. 

He had trained restless for the last days. 

Although the progress had gotten harder with each level, he believed in the process. 

He checked the clock. There were a few hours left before his match. 

Most people were sleeping by this time. But underground scums like were awake. 

Of course, there are exceptions such as those who collect protection fees from merchants. 

Chen didn't care about these details. Once he finished his meal, he opened the system and looked at the notifications' history. 

[Firebending up to level 5 (Semi-pro bender) (0/500) ]

[Upgrading associated skills] 

[+Associated Skills: 

-Fire jab

….]

It took him a considerable amount of time to reach that level. As for the sixth level, it took him almost a day.  

[Firebending up to level 6 (professional bender) (0/1000)]

[Upgrading associated skills] 

[+Associated Skills 

-Fire control: manipulate fire in the air. 

-Turn off: Turn off the fire. 

- …]

Specialities come with associated skills, which level up when the speciality level up. 

He looked at the other skill, which was easier to level up. 

[Flame Generation level 7 (500/2000)]

When he opened his hand, a small fire appeared. It was very hot compared to the normal flame. The purple shade became way apparent.  At any rate, this fire is very hot, and it consumes a considerable amount of energy. He should control the grade of the fire when fighting in the match so that he can keep his stamina. 

Talking about his stamina, it increased. His training for two days had increased his Chi by 100 points, making it 600. 

Having finished his meal, he stood up. After changing his clothes and wearing a coat, he walked out of his building. 

The Underground Gym had many people outside lining. 

It seems they are here for the matches. 

Finding it funny that any innocent observant would think they are going to the gym, he entered. 

At the door, there was a guard. He was talking with the people and asking them random questions. When Chen stood in front of him, he took out his ticket. The guard nodded and said. "You go to the left side. When you are called by your number, you go." 

"Alright." He nodded. Chen entered. All of the people headed to the floor below. 

Unlike two days ago, Chen could hear the noises. He went down, and he was taken by the scene. There was a large arena surrounded by water. Two guys were fighting. Both were benders, one used water and the other used fire. Unlike the legal pro-bending matches, it seems that there are no rules. Knocking out your opponent or pushing them to the water were the only ways to win. Also, they didn't wear protective equipment. 

The crowd, who sat by the side, were sheering up for blood. On the corner, there was a guy who was taking bets. Chen's gambling instinct told him to bet on some fighter. However, he didn't listen to that part. There is no guarantee who would win. And if a fighter appeared to win, whoever was in charge of gambling would manipulate the result of the match to make money. 

'Hold on… if I learnt the fighters who manipulate the matches, I can always bet on the one who appears to lose. But that only happens when two strong known fighters fight.'  He thought. It was a good idea to consider. 

Going to the left corner, he sat next to a bunch of guys and girls. It seems that even girls fight here. It would excite the audience to see mixed fights.  At any rate, Chen didn't care who would be his opponent. As long as he gets money and level up, so be it. He closed his eyes and started breathing slowly. 

"Hey, first time?" a young brown-haired man who was next to Chen asked. 

Chen didn't reply. He was in no mood to reply. 

"Are you deaf?" the brown-haired dude asked. 

Chen completely ignored him. He opened his eyes, annoyed and thinking of attacking him. 

"Oh, it seems so. Since I know you can't hear me,  I'm gonna say it: Fuck you little bitch." 

Suddenly, Chen felt an urge to kill the annoying guy. But he kept his emotions under control. 

"Fighters 551. 443 to the ring." 

"That's my number." The annoying man said as he stood up. 

Chen felt happiness. His number was called as well. He turned to the annoying guy, and he smiled. 

You know, sometimes, the universe can be merciful. it sends you the guy you want to kick the most in front of you. 

"You're not deaf!?" the guy laughed. "You will die today. Have any last words you wanna deliver." 

Chen seemed to realise it. Some fighters try to piss off their opponents right off the bat. It was a good way to make them lose concentration. 

Chen smiled as he stood up. 

"Yea. Deliver my love to your mom. Tell her I won't be able to support her child." 

"Hehe. I'm the only sibling in my family. You should learn what to say before speaking. " He seemed to be pissed off, but he tried to hole his emotion and provoked back. 

"Wait 9 months more, and you are gonna have a little sibling," Chen said. He then walked to the ring, taking the left side and leaving his opponent's jaw dropped. 

His opponent went to the other side of the ring. He angrily stared at Chen, giving him a murderous glare. 

Seeing that, Chen smiled and winked. 

The brown-haired man opened his hand, and a yellow flame danced above his hand. It seemed that he was a firebender too, a good one above that. 

Firebenders have high resistance to heat, so this match won't be short. 

"Chen and Rong, fight!" the referee, who stood out of the ring, waved his hand. 

The crowd were getting loud. They demanded blood and fire. 

Rong jogged in his place, and he mocked. "Chen. I remember where did I see you. We did a protection job once. Your bending skills really suck, pal." He then jabbed, and a fire stream headed at Chen.  

Chen tittle his head to the side and jabbed, sending a yellow flame blast.

Rong lowered his head, dodging. Smirking, he said, "Not so bad. But I'm a master bender now if you don't know." He then rolled to the ground.

Joining his hands together, he aimed at Chen. A huge flame dashed out of his hands, enough to cover the man's whole body. Chen took a step forward. He could control fire and manipulate it with his bending level. His opponent seemed to be level above him, so it was hard. Facing the fire, Chen clapped his hands. The fire split in half, avoiding Chen and moving behind him. 

As the fire vanished, Rong approached Chen. He clenched his fist, and fire surrounded it. 

Seeing that his opponent was nearing him, Chen found his chance. 

Not wanting to preserve his energy anymore, he activated his Flame Generation to the max level. 

He spun and kicked, sending a fire arc from his boot. It had a purple shade.  It was very hot compared to the common flame. Rong's eyelids shook when he observed the arc. He lifted both of his hands, and a wall of yellow flame formed in front of him. The purple-shaded fire seemed to pierce the yellow one. It hit Rong, sending him flying backwards and burning a part of his shirt. 

Rong yelled. "So hot!" he rolled on the ground before he jumped to the water. It was rare to see a firebender complain about the heat of the fire. The other type of benders would yell from pain when dealing with casual fire, but not firebender. 

Rong got out of the water, wincing in pain as he rubbed his chest. Soon, he sighed in relief. 

"Say hi to your mom." Chen reminded him. 

[Defeating a Professional Firebender] 

According to the system, Rong lied about his skill level. 

[+2000 exp] 

[you levelled up to level 5]

[+3000 accumulated exp]  (can be used to upgrade skills.)

[Flame Generation up to level 8 (1000/3000)]

[Firebending up to level 7 (Semi-Virtuoso)] 

[upgrading existing associated skills] 

[+Associated Skills…] 

Information about new sub-skills and new levels came to his mind. 

As he heard the notification, the crowd busted into loud cheers. The duel, to them, was exciting. 

"And the winner with a knockout, in round one, Chen," the commentary said. 

Weird. Chen only paid attention to that now. He realised there had been a commentary the whole time. 

It seems that he'd been focused on his match that he didn't pay attention to little details. 

-x-X-x- 

Walking to the counter, Chen met with the guy who is responsible for the illegal duels in this arena.

"I'm Fu, you can call me," Fu said. "This is your share, 10 thousand Yuan. You are welcome to come here at any time." 

He reached into his pocket and grabbed a stack of money. He placed it in Chen's hand. 

"When the next match is?" asked Chen. 

Fu thought for a bit, and he said. "We operate twice a week. Friday and Monday. Today is Monday, so you can come back by Friday, after midnight. Do you want to register?"

"Yes." Chen nodded. Holding the cash in his hands gave him a good feeling. 

"Alright," Fu said as he brought a book from the counter and marked him. He then handed him a ticket. "Bring this. You know how things are working by now?" 

"I do." Chen put the ticket in his pocket. He held a bag on his shoulder and walked back out. 

On his way home, he noticed familiar figures. 

It belonged to the guys from the Agni Kai Triad. He knew them. Usually, they would come to him every month to collect their money after threatening him. He sighed. 

To Chen, it's only 150.000 Yuan left. With the rate he won the duels, he could pay his whole debt in little time. 

The guys from Agni Kai Triad noticed him. They approached him, mocking laughter leaving their throats. 

Chen made a stoic expression, not showing any emotion when the three guys surrounded him. 

"Well, well. If it's not Little Chen. Your skills had improved, I must admit." 

"And here I thought we kicked him out because he was a loser bender." 

"He isn't paying his debts, so he's maybe eating too well." One of them shot him a threatening glance. 

Chen sighed, "Just say what you have to say. I'm late."

Although he wanted to kick them now, it wasn't the wise decision to make. First, there is no guarantee that he can defeat the three of them. Although that was questionable since he levelled up, these guys still have a strong backing. 

"Hehe. You grew up a pair of balls." One of them smirked as he opened his hand, creating fire. "So, we are here just to remind you that you only have a week to pay your instalment." 

He reached his pocket, taking 8000 Yuan, and he threw it to them. The guy smiled. "I see, you start using your brain. Instead of gambling, you are making money. The Boss will be happy about that. Who knows, he may hire you one day if you become strong." 

Chen sighed. With a bored tone, he said. "I'll pay ya next time." 

He then walked, his shoulder hitting the mob's, pushing him back. The mob turned, angrily staring at Chen, who ignored him and continued his way. 

"Just let him. We don't want to engage in a fight. We have a job tonight, remember." 

"I know. Just leave it." 

Chen cocked his eyebrows. Although he is acting humble now, he was a growing little beast. Time was his ally, and Chen needed to make the most of it.