Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym.
Lucien and Tristan looked up at the signboard above, both pausing for a moment before exchanging glances.
Challenge this gym?
Although they were somewhat out of the loop, they had still heard of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
To call it a martial art might be a bit of a stretch.
They, a group of Soulmancers, had come here in full force to challenge a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym?
Was this bullying or self-deprecation?
“William! You invited Alice here just to challenge this place?” Lucien frowned slightly. Alice was a powerful fighter, even he had to admit he was no match for her. And now, she was being invited by William to this place for a gym challenge, which seemed utterly ridiculous.
William turned back and retorted, “Why not?”
Lucien gave a cold smile and said, “If I remember correctly, you’re from the 13th Bureau, aren’t you? Are there certain rules that you aren’t aware of?”
The 13th Bureau explicitly stipulates that Soulmancers should not attack ordinary people without reason, nor should they participate in contests or competitions.
The reason is quite simple. In the current world, ordinary people still lead. If Soulmancers were to become overly involved in the conflicts of ordinary folks, societal stability would be jeopardized.
“Of course, I’m aware!” William laughed, “I always follow the rules.”
William wasn’t the kind to break rules; on the contrary, he was willing to abide by the regulations of this world.
However, it was apparent that there existed a being similar to a Soulmancer within this dojo, and they were the first to breach the regulations by challenging the Bronx Budo Dojo. As an employee of the 13th Bureau, William naturally wanted to issue them a subtle warning.
There was nothing wrong with that!
“Heh, regardless, both Tristan and I can vouch for Alice,” Lucien interjected. “When Zoey, that woman, reprimands you for this, you’ll have to explain yourself.”
Lucien was a formidable figure among the young generation of his time, but even he had to respect Zoey. If she were to find out that William, a staff member of the 13th Bureau, broke the rules and led Alice to challenge an ordinary martial arts dojo, the consequences would be dire.
William simply laughed it off and led Alice and the group straight into the dojo.
As soon as they entered, a burly student approached them, asking, “Are you here to sign up? Come fill out a form first.”
William replied with a smile, “No need for forms. We’re here to challenge the dojo.”
“…” The student stared intently at William, sizing him up and down. Upon recognizing Ryan, he burst into laughter, “It’s you again? What, didn’t get enough last time, so you brought someone else?”
“What the hell!” Being a young master of the Carter family, Ryan wasn’t used to such direct ridicule. He was taken aback by the outright mockery upon their first encounter.
William, however, remained unfazed and replied, “Yes, we’ve brought someone else. Can we challenge the dojo now?”
“Of course!” The student responded, almost snorting with derision. “But our coach said if anyone comes to challenge us again, they must first sign a ‘Duel Contract’. Both parties must agree that if one side gets killed, the one who inflicts the damage won’t be held responsible. Otherwise, with weaklings like you coming in every other day, who would have the time to entertain you?” 𝐨𝘃𝗹.
“Sure!” William replied with a faint smile. Signing a duel contract before a match was reminiscent of old western cowboy duels. But in this era, such agreements probably didn’t hold any legal protection.
Regardless, if they wanted to sign, then so be it.
“Wait here, I’ll get our coach,” the student said, not giving William much regard. Instead, his eyes lingered on Tristan, who stood behind, carrying a sword. With such an outfit, he looked like he was straight out of a movie. Quite special!
William was in no rush, letting the student fetch their so-called coach.
In no time, a middle-aged man dressed in a Brazilian jiu-jitsu gi approached them. Using broken English, he asked, “You want to challenge me?”
The student behind him quickly interjected, “Yes, Coach Felipe, it’s him!”
This man had a robust build, but he was only a little over 5 feet tall. His thick lips sported a signature goatee. He looked up at William and sneered, “Rodrigo told you, didn’t he? If you want to challenge me, you must first sign the ‘Duel Contract’! In the arena, whether death or injury, you bear the consequences.”
No sooner had he finished speaking than the student behind him slapped a ‘Duel Contract’ and a pen onto the table.
William glanced at the contract on the table, turned, and made a slight gesture to Alice, saying, “Let’s sign it then.”
“Oh,” Alice puffed out her cheeks, looking slightly displeased as she took the pen and signed her name on the ‘Duel Contract’.
She had dressed up so nicely to meet William, never expecting he’d have her sign a duel agreement.
“You’re fighting me?” Felipe looked at Alice with a curious expression, his smile deepening, “Impressive! Very impressive!”
It was evident from his tone that he was somewhat dismissive.
Ryan, watching from the side, couldn’t bear it any longer. He stepped forward, tugging at William, and whispered, “William, Alice knows some self-defense moves, but she can’t beat this guy. Why did you let her sign the duel contract…?”
William raised a hand, signaling him to stop speaking.
The person in front of her was as ordinary as they come. With Alice’s strength, she could subdue this guy with just one hand.
Daniel and the others were a bit concerned, approaching to ask, “William, are you sure about this?”
Alice cut to the chase, directly addressing Felipe, “Do we fight inside or out here?”
“Inside, of course!” Felipe chuckled creepily, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous light, appearing somewhat lecherous.
Alice felt his lecherous gaze and was disgusted. “You haven’t signed the duel contract yet!” she remarked.
“Do I need to sign as well?” Felipe chuckled sinisterly, “Alright then!” Without further ado, he penned his name on the ‘Duel Contract’.
Lucien observed Felipe with an icy stare. He could gauge Felipe’s capabilities, and it was evident that he was no match for Alice.
The group quickly entered the Brazilian jiu-jitsu dojo. There were numerous students inside, all of whom had heard about the challenge to their coach. They sat on the sidelines, kneeling in anticipation, eager to witness the upcoming spectacle.
“Whoa! The challenger is a lady this time!”
“She’s brave, isn’t she? I heard she even signed the duel contract.”
“Surely, Coach Felipe won’t be too rough on her.”
Whispers spread among the students, but Alice and Felipe had already taken their positions in the center.
“Let’s begin,” Alice declared, not underestimating Felipe. Her powers had grown at an astonishing rate, and she hadn’t had much interaction with Soulmancers. William hadn’t taught her the protocols of dueling or how to gauge an opponent’s strength.
What if this man turned out to be formidable? Losing would be embarrassing.
“I’ll let you attack three times first, and I won’t fight back!” Felipe stood upright, not taking Alice seriously at all. He even thought about how to take advantage of the beauty in front of him later.
Alice took a deep breath. If this short man was this arrogant, he must have some skills. It seemed she’d need to give it her all.
Not fight back?
Instead of summoning her Sword of Soulbreaker, Alice slowly clenched her fists as energy surged wildly within her. Being of intermediate Soulmancer level, she channeled all her power. The surrounding students instantly felt an overwhelming pressure, their heartbeats halting.
The students who were watching in a circle, including Daniel and others, rolled their eyes and fainted on the spot.
Felipe, though somewhat skilled, found it hard to breathe. His entire body trembled as he looked at Alice with terror in his eyes.
Before Alice could make a move, he was paralyzed with fear. His legs gave way, and he unexpectedly knelt before her, unable to utter a single word.