Ethan walked behind Anton and Nikolai, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor of NovaTech’s rooftop. The tension in the air was palpable as if even the city skyline surrounding them had quieted in anticipation.
As they moved toward the secluded area where the elites had claimed their territory, Ethan could feel the weight of unspoken expectations pressing down on him.
Jessica, David, Charles, and Lena followed closely behind, their expressions a mix of concern and uncertainty. Unlike the main event area, this part of the rooftop held a different atmosphere—cold, unwelcoming, and charged with an invisible pressure.
When they reached the boundary of the elites’ space, a line of imposing guards stood ready. They weren’t just hired muscle; they carried an aura that sent shivers down anyone’s spine.
Each wore stern expressions and a gaze that seemed to pierce through anyone who dared to meet their eyes. The insignias on their tailored suits were discreet yet spoke volumes—emblems of the Great Families, signifying their loyalty and status.
David muttered under his breath, eyeing the guards with frustration. “This is just disrespectful. Kicking people out just so they can bunch up together again?”
Charles shook his head, clearly disappointed by David’s comment. “What did you expect? After all this time, you still don’t understand their behavior?”
David responded with a hint of defensiveness. “I was only raising funds for regular startups, not something as massive as NovaTech. We contacted the Great Families, but all our invitations were turned down. Not a single one showed up.”
Jessica’s face was pale, her hands fidgeting slightly as she took the intimidating sight. “I didn’t expect things to escalate like this. It’s as if they’ve claimed this space as their own.”
Ethan’s expression remained stoic, but he took in every detail, noting how the elites found ways to assert their dominance even here. He squared his shoulders, refusing to be intimidated by their displays.
As they crossed the threshold, the environment changed subtly. The air felt colder, and the atmosphere was charged with a different tension. It was as though the space itself bent to the will of those who had claimed it, an unspoken rule that only the truly powerful had a place here.
Lena moved closer to Ethan as they walked, her voice low but clear. “You understand what’s about to happen, don’t you?”
Ethan glanced at her, his brows knitting slightly. “You mean a fight?”
Lena nodded, looking over the curious and eager elites. “It’s about more than just showing off. It’s how they display their heritage and identity. Each family has unique traditions and martial arts handed down through generations.”
She hesitated, her gaze fixed on Anton’s figure. “For the Petrovas, their distinctive style is known as ‘Nezha’s Gambit.'”
Ethan raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the unique name. Lena offered a slight smile, understanding his bewilderment. “That’s just what it’s called. It’s known for its brutal style. The approach involves tapping into sheer power to unleash massive force at close range. The Petrovas are convinced that sheer strength can overpower skill, arguing that a strong enough hit can break any defense.”
She hesitated, then added, “They’re known for techniques that break bones, shatter defenses, and end fights quickly. It’s a style meant to dominate, not just win. Anton… he’s been trained in this since he could walk.”
Ethan listened carefully, letting her words sink in. As they reached the center of the gathering, surrounded by the watching eyes of the Great Families, he began to piece things together.
The attributes, skills, and combat training the Unlimited System offered him made sense now. It wasn’t just to help him navigate the business world or fend off minor threats.
It was to prepare him for something far more primal, a world where power was proven through strength, not wealth.
Lena’s expression softened slightly as she studied Ethan. “You’re wondering why the elites do this, aren’t you? Why rather settle things with their fists than with their money?”
Ethan nodded, his jaw tight. “I thought I was prepared for their politics, their games. But this—this is something else.”
Lena’s lips curled into a half-smile, a glimmer of something deeper in her eyes. “You see, this isn’t just some spectacle for their amusement. It goes back to ancient times when empires ruled the world.”
Ethan remained silent, patiently waiting for Lena to go on. “Historically, dominance wasn’t proven through wealth alone but through strength—raw, undeniable power. Today, money has become easy, especially for those in our circles. But strength? That’s still a way to rise above the rest, to truly stand on top.”
Ethan frowned, trying to wrap his mind around it. “But if they’re so concerned about strength, wouldn’t it make more sense to have armies and weapons? Why go through all this trouble of proving themselves personally?”
Lena chuckled softly, with a hint of genuine amusement. “You’re still new to this, Ethan. Armies have their place, but these battles are about more than that. They’re like… rituals, a way to prove who’s truly worthy of power. And beneath these displays are secrets even the Great Families keep hidden.”
Ethan raised an eyebrow, curiosity, and unease intertwining within him. “Secrets?”
She nodded, her expression turning serious. “Yes, and if you survive tonight, I’ll tell you everything you need to know. For now, just remember—this is more than a contest. It’s a glimpse into a world where strength is still the currency of power.”
Ethan glanced around at the gathered elites. He could see the truth in her words. Their expressions were sharp and expectant, as if they were eager to witness a spectacle that would remind them of their power.
He caught sight of Nikolai, standing with his arms crossed, a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes as he watched the scene unfold. He could practically feel the anticipation in the air—everyone waiting to see if the upstart Ethan Cole could hold his ground.
Ethan took a deep breath, feeling the moment’s weight settle on his shoulders. He realized now that this wasn’t just about Anton or the Petrova family. It was about proving himself in a world where tradition and strength carried as much weight as innovation and ambition.
And he knew one thing for certain, he wouldn’t back down. Not here. Not now.
Lena seemed to sense his determination, her gaze softening as she watched him. “Just be careful, Ethan,” she said quietly. “They want to break you, to prove that you don’t belong here. Don’t give them the satisfaction.”
Ethan met her eyes, a small, determined smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Thanks for the warning, Lena. But I’m not planning on losing.”
They stopped in the center of the elites’ circle, the hushed murmurs of the crowd fading as Anton turned to face Ethan, a smug look on his face. The stage was set, and the stakes were higher than ever.
And as the crowd of elites closed in around them, Ethan felt a strange calm settle over him. He now understood this wasn’t just about NovaTech’s success or failure.
It was about proving himself in a world where every move mattered, where respect had to be earned through action, not words.
Ethan squared his shoulders, meeting Anton’s gaze head-on. The challenge had been laid out. Now, it was time to see it through.
Anton’s smug grin widened as he faced Ethan, his voice cutting through the quiet murmur of the gathered elites. “It’s almost amusing, Cole. Hiding behind a woman, letting her speak for you like some protective guardian. Isn’t that right?”
He cast a sideways glance at Lena, his tone mocking but cautious. Anton knew precisely who Lena Volkov was—her reputation for ruthlessness preceded her—and he wasn’t foolish enough to challenge her openly. But that didn’t stop him from targeting Ethan, hoping to goad him into a mistake.
Lena’s expression remained neutral, though her eyes flashed a warning that Anton had caught but had chosen to ignore. He turned his attention back to Ethan, smirking.
“Why don’t we make it interesting?” He paused, letting his words hang in the air. “A bet.”
Anton leaned closer, his voice lowering to a dangerous whisper. “If I win, Jessica comes to work for me. No complaints, no conditions.”
Jessica’s breath caught, and she looked at Ethan with wide eyes, a flicker of fear crossing her face.
Ethan’s expression hardened, but he kept his voice steady. “And if I win, you leave this place… at once.”
Anton’s smile faltered for a split second, caught off guard by the simplicity and finality of Ethan’s terms. But he quickly regained his composure, a glint of challenge in his eyes. “Agreed. Let’s see if you can back up those words, Cole.”
A murmur rippled through the crowd, the elites exchanging glances filled with intrigue. They relished the prospect of a confrontation, eager to see if this outsider could hold his ground against one of their own.
The stage was set, and there was no turning back. It was time to see if Ethan could truly stand against the might of a Petrova.
