Chapter 17: CH 017: A Special Match

Chapter 17 - CH 017: A Special MatchAs the news of Dave's impending fight spread like wildfire throughout the Casino, the training room was rapidly transformed into a hub of frenzied activity. The entire space was soon packed to the brim with a diverse array of onlookers, all of whom were eager to witness the highly anticipated battle. Among the throngs of spectators who had gathered to watch the fight were the esteemed executive members, those who had also included the leader of the base; Anthony. Also present among the executives was Simbi, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and incredulity as she struggled to comprehend the unfolding events. Her expression reflected her deep-seated concern, as she found herself grappling with the implications of Dave's decision to engage in combat. Her eyes remained fixed on Dave, her concern for his well-being growing with each passing moment. She felt an overwhelming urge to rush over to him, grab his arm and pull him away from the chaos that was unfolding before their eyes. However, she knew that such an action would be deemed peculiar and embarrassing, especially given the large number of onlookers who had gathered to witness the fight. The weight of their collective gaze would only serve to intensify the awkwardness of the situation, making it even more difficult for Dave to extricate himself from the impending battle. Besides, Simbi reminded herself, this was ultimately Dave's decision to make. He had chosen to engage in this fight, and now he must live with the consequences of that choice. With a sense of resignation, Simbi stood frozen in place, her eyes locked onto Dave as he stood poised just outside the ring, awaiting the commencement of the fight. As Dave stood there, he couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation wash over him. The area surrounding the ring was rapidly becoming crowded, with more and more people pouring in by the minute. What had begun as a modest gathering of twenty or so spectators had quickly ballooned into a sea of faces, with the number of onlookers swelling to sixty, then a hundred, and still climbing. The air was filled with anticipation, and Dave could feel the weight of the crowd's expectations settling squarely onto his shoulders. As Dave stood at the threshold of the ring, he couldn't help but feel a creeping sense of nervousness climb over him. It wasn't the sheer number of onlookers that intimidated him, for he had grown accustomed to being the center of attention. Rather, it was the unspoken thoughts and doubts that he suspected were racing through the minds of the spectators. About how they were frightened by his presence, as Mia had so bluntly informed him back in his quarters. Did they view him as a monster, a being to be feared and reviled? The memory of Mia's words still lingered in his mind, leaving a faint scar on his confidence. As a result, he had made a conscious decision to hold back in this fight, to deliberately restrain himself from unleashing his full fury upon his opponent. Even at half his normal capacity, Dave knew that he would still be a formidable force to be reckoned with. Dave's resolve had been strengthened, and he had made up his mind to emerge victorious from this fight, regardless of the crowd's expectations. His primary objective now was to triumph over his opponent while conserving his strength and energy. He was determined to prove to himself that he could win without relying on his full strength, a feat that would undoubtedly bolster his confidence and self-control. Just as Dave was preparing himself mentally for the impending battle, a loud whistle pierced the air, signaling that the fight would soon be starting. The crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch as the commentator, a charismatic male clad in sleek sportswear, strode confidently into the ring. As he positioned himself at the center of the ring, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of cheers and shouts, welcoming the seasoned commentator with open arms. Renowned for his expertise and enthusiasm, this commentator had become an integral part of the Casino's fighting tradition, having provided play-by-play commentary for countless matches that has occurred over the past few weeks. His presence added an air of authenticity and excitement to the proceedings, and the crowd's energy was palpable as the fight was about to commence. Peter, the charismatic commentator, stood confidently at the center of the ring, his voice booming through the crowded arena as he welcomed everyone to the special evening fighting event. "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed friends, and fellow survivors, it is my pleasure to introduce this thrilling fighting event, taking place in the heart of our beloved Casino." " Tonight, we gather from all corners of the country, united by our shared passion for excitement and entertainment, despite the ravages of the apocalypse that have left an indelible mark on our world." As Peter paused for dramatic effect, his eyes scanned the crowd, his voice taking on a more somber tone. "Yes, the apocalypse may have ravaged our world, and the flesh-eating beasts may continue to pose a threat to our very existence. However, we cannot allow fear to dictate our lives. We need moments of joy, of excitement, and of entertainment to remind us that, even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty to be found, still life to be lived." The crowd erupted into a frenzy of cheers and applause, their faces set aglow with enthusiasm as they wholeheartedly supported Peter's words. However, the commentator's expression soon turned somber, his voice taking on a more reflective tone. "But even as we indulge in these moments of levity, we must not forget those who are no longer with us. We must remember our loved ones, those who have fallen victim to the apocalypse, and those who continue to fight for survival in this desolate world." As Peter's words hung in the air, the arena was suddenly enveloped in a profound silence. The crowd's faces, once aglow with excitement, were now etched with somber reflection, as the memories of their loved ones came flooding back. The air was heavy with the weight of their collective grief, as they remembered brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, and countless other family members who had been lost to the apocalypse. As the somber silence lingered, Peter's voice once again echoed through the arena, his words serving as a poignant reminder of the countless lives that had been forever changed by the apocalypse. "We remember the children who were torn from their parents' arms, the parents who were brutally separated from their families, the wives who were left to mourn the loss of their beloved husbands, and the husbands who were forced to endure the unbearable pain of losing their loving wives." As the crowd's faces reflected the depth of their emotional pain, Peter's voice took on another resolute tone. "Thinking about our loved ones, remembering their smiles, their laughter, and their unwavering love, is enough to keep our hearts beating, our spirits lifted, and our will to survive burning brighter than ever. And that's why, this evening, we'll be treated to a thrilling match that will lift our depressed spirits, motivate us to keep moving forward, and remind us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, always a reason to keep going!" As Peter's words hung in the air, the crowd once again erupted into a frenzy of cheers and applause, their faces set aglow with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The atmosphere in the arena had shifted, the somber mood giving way to a sense of anticipation and excitement, as the crowd eagerly awaited the start of the match. "And now, ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to introduce the main event of this extraordinary evening!" Peter's voice boomed through the arena, his words dripping with anticipation. "As I mentioned earlier, tonight's match is truly special, and I'm sure you're all eager to find out why. Well, the reason is quite simple yet astonishing: we have a young man by the name of Dave, who has bravely volunteered to take on not one, not two, but ten formidable opponents in the ring tonight!" The crowd's curiosity was piqued, and a murmur of excitement rippled through the arena. Peter paused for dramatic effect, a sly grin spreading across his face. "But what makes these opponents so unique, you ask? Well, my friends, these ten individuals are not just any ordinary fighters. No, they are, in fact, the crème de la crème of our upcoming selection test for the esteemed position of executive. Each and every one of them has demonstrated exceptional skill, strategy, and strength, making them top contenders for the coveted role." The crowd's excitement reached an even higher pitch as Peter dropped the final bombshell. "And why, you may wonder, has this young man, Dave, been pitted against such a formidable array of opponents? Well, the rumors have been circulating, and I'm sure many of you have heard them by now. It is said that Dave, this unassuming young man, was able to defeat one of the executive candidates with a single, devastating hit. Yes, you heard that right – one hit! The question on everyone's mind, of course, is: can he replicate this impressive feat against not one, but ten skilled opponents?" "As the rumors surrounding Dave's incredible feat continue to circulate, many have expressed skepticism about the validity of these claims," Peter announced, his voice dripping with intrigue. "Which is why, tonight, we've arranged a unique challenge to put Dave's skills to the ultimate test. He will be facing off against not one, not two, but ten opponents, each with skills and abilities comparable to the executive candidate he previously defeated. This will be a true test of his mettle, and we're excited to see how he fares." As Peter finished speaking, the crowd began to stir, their attention shifting to the betting area. "And now, ladies and gentlemen, it's time to place your bets! Will this young man, Dave, emerge victorious against all ten opponents, or will he succumb to the overwhelming odds? If he succeeds in defeating all ten of them, it will be a resounding confirmation of the rumors surrounding his exceptional abilities." The crowd surged towards the betting area, eager to place their wagers. Coins and resources changed hands as people speculated about the outcome of the match. Those who had witnessed Dave's previous match against Ajax were quick to bet on his victory, convinced of his exceptional skills. They enthusiastically persuaded their friends to follow suit, creating a buzz of excitement around Dave's prospects. On the other hand, those who had not seen Dave in action were more skeptical, choosing to bet on his defeat. The air was electric with anticipation as the crowd eagerly awaited the start of the match, their bets placed and their expectations high. In another section of the arena, Tasha had started navigating her way through the crowded rows, her eyes were fixed on Anthony, who was seated with an air of confidence. As she approached him, a hint of a smile played on her lips, though it was subtle enough to be almost imperceptible. Sliding into the seat beside Anthony, she had spoken with a raised eyebrow, her voice laced with a mix of amusement and skepticism. "So, do you still think your golden boy is going to emerge victorious?" she asked, her tone dripping with subtle mockery. Anthony's expression remained neutral, his confidence unwavering. "Well, there's only one way to find out," he replied, his voice calm and collected. "But I would advise you not to underestimate that kid. He's the type who is full of surprises, and you never know what he might do." His words were laced with a hint of caution, as if warning Tasha not to write Dave off just yet. Tasha's response was immediate, her expression twisting into a scornful smile. She stood up from her seat, her movements fluid and deliberate. "I guess we'll see about that then," she said, her voice dripping with skepticism, before turning to walk away, leaving Anthony to ponder the impending battle.