Haze Brunt continued lying on the canvas, completely still. It didn't even look like he was breathing, making some of the audience speculate that he might have been killed in that one attack.
The shocking turn of events left everyone stunned and unable to comprehend what had just transpired. Even the commentators had been rendered speechless.
Just a moment ago, they had been ready to comment on the fighting technique of the two youngsters, hyping up the predicted tough fight and portray it as a true test to both of them. They had spent a lot of time researching background information on Haze as he had been the clear favourite to win this, so what had just happened?
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are just as stunned as all of you," the male commentator was the first one to speak up. "From the look of things, Haze has been knocked out cold, was all with a single punch!"
Upon hearing the commentator's revelation, the crowd erupted into a deafening cheer that reverberated throughout the stadium. They weren't angry that the fight had concluded in one attack, rather they were over the moon that they had witnessed history in the making.
In the ring itself, one of the referees at the side entered the ring and checked on Haze's condition. The Altered fighter was completely out, so the man waved to the officials on the side confirming that the match was over.
"That's it, folks. It has just been decided that Gary Dem is our WINNER!" the female commentator announced, prompting another round of cheers from the crowd. "That has to be the fastest knockout in AFC history. It’s undoubtedly a new record!"
Such occurrences were unprecedented in AFC fights, as Altered were known to endure significant blows from their opponents. What made it even more surprising was the apparent mismatch between the two fighters. Could it really be possible for the level of two debuting students to be that far apart?
"Gary won, and it was so easy," Clem remarked.
"Yeah, I mean, is Gary just that strong, or was his opponent weak?" Spring wondered.
"I don't think his opponent was weak," Tyson chimed in. "That was just the difference between the two."
---
All around, those watching the match were cheering, amazed at Gary’s performance, including at the Wolf's Pool Club
"Your brother didn't even transform. He must have gotten a lot stronger," White claimed.
"I had no idea..." Amy said, but her dazed state soon turned to happiness. She was proud of her brother.
---
Elsewhere, Jayden was in a training room, looking at the TV, unable to stop grinning from ear to ear.
"Haha, what a show-off! Did he have to win the fight like that? He could've at least got some rounds in to test fighting in the AFC. Still, what an amazing achievement! It looks like Xin has her work cut out for her."
---
For Xin, who was watching the fight along with Ryan, her face showed next to no expression. She just had her arms folded as she continued to stare at the screen.
"Xin... Xin... Xin!" Ryan called out, but she wasn't replying. It looked like even she was shocked but in her own way. That was because they all had an idea of how good Haze Brunt was meant to be.
During one of his sparring sessions, he had visited the new club where Xin and Ryan trained and had sparred against a professional fighter. While not against one of the top prospects, the fighters at their club were skilled, yet Haze had delivered such an impressive performance that their coach had been prepared to offer him a contract after his debut match.
In contrast, their coach had dismissed Gary as mere hype. They had only seen him hit a bag and nothing more. Undoubtedly, he was now regretting his words, though he was likely not alone in that regard.
---
At the ringside itself, the coach for the Bruiser Academy had veins showing all over his forehead. Both of his hands were clenched, banging on the side of the cage.
"How could you embarrass us like this? Get up, get up!" the coach yelled at the top of his lungs, his frustration and disappointment palpable.
Although the fight had already been declared over, the sight of Haze lying motionless on the ground without having accomplished anything in his fight was a profound source of embarrassment for the coach. All he wanted was to leave the arena, unable to bear witness to the humiliation any longer. His words seemed to penetrate Haze's consciousness as he slowly opened his eyes.
"My face, it fucking hurts," Haze muttered, lifting a hand to touch his aching nose. He saw the referee standing nearby, while Gary stood confidently in the centre of the ring, observing him.
"What happened... I can't remember much... wait, I was in my debut match. So why am I on the ground?" Haze's memory gradually returned, accompanied by the sting of pain as blood trickled from his nose onto the canvas floor.
"Haze, you finally woke up, you idiot! You lost, just get out of the ring and head back!" The coach shouted once more.
"I... I lost?" Haze repeated, disbelief etched on his face.
Struggling to his feet, Haze surveyed his surroundings. The dream he had pursued relentlessly, the years of dedication and training at the academy, all came crashing down within a matter of seconds.
"I lost to him... no, that's impossible. I didn't even get to fight. I didn't even get to use everything I had. It's impossible that I lost!" Frustration and anger swelled within Haze, and he moved his tongue to get the pill hidden in his teeth. Clenching down, he bit into the pill with determination.
"I refuse to accept such a bullshit result!" Haze shouted, his voice filled with an intense resolve.
Gary turned to Haze, whose body started to transform. It wasn't a partial transformation this time. iHis body was growing in size, nearly doubling. His head had two claw marks coming out from its mouth, multiple red eyes, and his arms expanded like a spider's legs.
Yet, what truly unnerved everyone was the eerie dark mist that enveloped Haze, along with his eyes which were now almost entirely black.
[An infected Altered has appeared]
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