Chapter 2263 by 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 bet on Number 12?” Aurora frowned.

While betting was a casual pastime, nobody enjoyed losing, and she was no exception.

“It all depends on him,” Alicia said thoughtfully.

She added, “If he can muster his courage and give it his all before he runs out of energy, he has a good chance to win. But if he keeps holding back, he’ll likely lose.”

“It seems raw strength alone won’t suffice. He needs the courage to risk everything,” Aurora remarked.

The crowd below the battle ring cheered wildly as the fight intensified.

Atlas grew more aggressive with each blow as he showcased his immense strength.

In contrast, Miles struggled to fend off Atlas’ relentless assaults. He was clearly outmatched.

For a martial artist, hesitating and losing confidence can significantly weaken their performance. As Miles’ confidence waned, Atlas’ dominance became increasingly overwhelming. He nearly pushed Miles into a corner.

“Is this the best the Sword Union disciple has? I overestimated you!”

Atlas taunted between attacks. “Your weak skills won’t save you. Surrender now if you want to live. Keep this up, and you’re finished.”

When his relentless assault failed to secure a quick victory, Atlas resorted to verbal barbs to provoke Miles. Martial artist elders knew losing one’s cool could lead to fatal mistakes. It could even turn the best techniques into clumsy moves.

Atlas was ready to exploit any opening and deliver a decisive blow to defeat Miles.

“What’s the matter? Still planning to fight to the death? I’m giving you a chance to live. Losing to me should be an honor for you. Accept it and spare yourself the humiliation,” Atlas continued to jeer.

Miles seethed with anger as his mind was consumed by fury. “Do you have a death wish?”

At that moment, he finally lost his temper. Contrary to Atlas’ expectations, Miles didn’t lose his mind. Instead, his anger fueled his courage.

He shed all hesitation and restraint. His demeanor underwent a stark transformation as his attacks turned fiercely aggressive.

Facing Atlas’ strategy of trading injuries, Miles disregarded caution and confronted him directly. If Atlas aimed for his head, Miles targeted his neck. If Atlas attacked his chest, Miles aimed for his skull.

Atlas had previously relied on his armor to absorb blows, but now Miles was fighting as if he had nothing to lose. He was even prepared to risk his life to defeat Atlas. This relentless aggression caught Atlas off guard and forced him into a defensive stance.

“Holy crap! Has this kid lost it?” Atlas’ eyes widened in shock. He quickly switched from offense to defense.

He had intended to expose Miles’ weakness by provoking him, but his strategy backfired. He had triggered Miles’ reckless onslaught that forced him into full defense mode.

Atlas’ armor protected most of his vital areas, but Miles’ relentless strikes targeted his neck and head. Atlas just wanted to win the fight and not gamble with his life. However, Miles’ all-or- nothing assault left him feeling utterly bewildered.

Miles’ eyes blazed with fury as he roared, “Is that everything you got? Let’s do this. Worst case scenario, we both go down!”

His attacks were fierce and relentless, with no regard for defense. On the contrary, Atlas kept retreating and struggled to fend off Miles’ onslaught.

Miles had always been stronger than Atlas, but fear of injury had held him back. Now, anger had stripped away his hesitation.

Determined to prove himself and uphold the Sword Union’s honor, he fought with all his might. Gradually, he began to turn the tide of the match.

“Damn it! You’re insane!” Atlas shouted. “Referee, I quit! I surrender!”

He was terrified by Miles’ ferocity. He knew he couldn’t win.

Terrified by Miles’ ferocity and knowing he couldn’t win, he promptly jumped out of the battle ring and conceded defeat. He understood that persisting in the fight would endanger his life against Miles’ relentless aggression.