Chapter 166: A Deadly Weapon
Chapter 166: A Deadly Weapon
“A fight to the death?” Max repeated, his voice dry as he swallowed hard.
Hercules couldn’t be serious. From everything Max had heard from Aron, there was absolutely no way he could take on this person. Not even in his old body would Max have thought he stood a chance, not unless he had a weapon, and even then it would’ve been a gamble.
But now? Hercules wanted Max to fight him in a mere student’s body, unarmed and untrained. And what did he mean to the death? That part chilled Max the most.
Before Max could even voice the question burning on his tongue, Hercules had already moved. His fist, bundled up and brimming with deadly force, was hurled downward straight at Max.
Something deep inside him, raw instinct, pure survival, kicked in. Max felt the incoming danger as if the air itself had thickened, warning him. He dove to the side just in time.
The punch crashed into the ground where he had been standing only a second earlier. A deafening crack echoed through the space, and the stone floor split beneath Hercules’ fist. Dirt and debris scattered in every direction.
Max’s eyes widened as he stared at the impact site. If that blow had connected… if it had struck him square in the head… he didn’t doubt that his skull would’ve been driven straight through his ribcage.
“You need to truly feel like your life is on the line,” Hercules said calmly, lifting his fist from the broken earth, small chunks of dirt falling from his knuckles. He turned and shot a knowing glance toward Aron. “Your body needs to believe it is in an extreme situation. And right now, I can tell, you’re not there yet. You still don’t feel it. So, we need to fix that.”
Max understood now. The goal wasn’t just a fight. It was survival, pure and simple. He glanced at Aron, determination burning in his gaze.
“Aron,” Max said firmly, voice steady despite his racing heart. “No matter what happens, don’t get involved. I have to get through this on my own. I need to understand this situation for myself.”
Aron clenched his fists, reluctant, but he gave a single nod.