"You brat, if you manage to last 5 minutes, I'll buy you a drink later!!"
"Hahaha, you're dreaming. I say 2 minutes, and I'll buy you some drinks on the next floor!"
"This is too damn exciting! Tonight was not a waste!"
The onlookers, mostly fringe mercenaries, shouted from the sidelines, the atmosphere in the Afterlife Bar reaching a fever pitch.
In the eyes of almost everyone present, the outcome of the 1V1 duel was a foregone conclusion. But the excitement didn't fade—it only intensified.
For these mercenaries, it was all about the fight and the bloodshed. It was their only way to feel alive in a city like Night City, where danger lurked at every corner.
While the mercenaries downstairs reveled in the spectacle, the second floor of the Afterlife Bar was a different story. The upper-class patrons stood with wine glasses in hand or puffed on cigarettes, peering down at the chaos below.
These people were the middle and upper echelons of Night City—corporate bigwigs, middlemen, and even celebrities who graced the big screen. For them, the upcoming duel was little more than an after-dinner show.
Even if someone might lose their life, it didn't faze them. The drama was what mattered.
"It's forbidden to use firearms or weapons—this is strictly close combat," Rogge announced before the duel began. "If one fighter falls or signals surrender, the game will end immediately. Do you both understand?"
Her gaze flicked between David and Delais, the latter a hulking mass of muscle. They both nodded, signaling their understanding.
"Alright, then. Let's get ready," Rogge added, stepping off the platform to give them room.
David's friends, Jack and Claire, rushed to his side.
"David, look, that guy may be big, but he's not as agile as you!" Jack clapped David on the shoulder, his face a mixture of concern and encouragement. "I know a thing or two about fighting. Just keep dodging and don't let him catch you!"
"Yeah, don't forget your safety," Claire added, her usual harshness softened. "If it gets too bad, just surrender. There's no shame in it!"
On the other side, Delais's gang was huddled around him, preparing for the match with a mixture of excitement and bloodlust.
"Boss, you ready for that brat?" one of his lackeys asked with a grin.
"Yeah, yeah, we all bet he'll be gone in under three minutes," another added with a laugh.
Delais smiled, the corners of his mouth curling into a bloodthirsty grin. "Three minutes? Too short."
"Go bet on me taking a piece off that kid's arms or legs. Let's make it interesting," he said, his voice dark with malice. "He wants to cause trouble with the Beast Gang? He should've thought about it before."
His gang broke into laughter, their approval clear as they scattered to place bets once the market reopened.
Meanwhile, the Scavengers, led by Oris, stood off to the side, watching coldly.
"Boss, the Beast Gang is about to take on that kid. What should we do?" one of Oris's men whispered.
"Yeah, we saw some guys placing bets already," another said.
Oris shot them an irritated glare. "What do you think we should do? Use your eyes and see for yourselves!"
His eyes narrowed at Delais and his gang. "Those bastards from the Beast Gang humiliated me earlier, but I'll make sure I settle that score later."
One of his men seemed to remember something. "Boss, we were betting on how long that Dragon Kingdom brat will last."
"Then go bet 10,000 euros for me," Oris ordered with a scowl. "I'm betting he won't last 3 minutes."
"What?!" the man exclaimed, stunned.
"Didn't you hear me? Go bet! Now!" Oris barked, his temper flaring.
"Yes, yes, boss!" the lackey replied, scrambling away.
At the same time, Mann's crew watched the scene unfold with a mixture of curiosity and disbelief.
"That Dragon Kingdom kid actually challenged the Beast Gang? I didn't expect that," Mann said, his voice low with surprise.
"Why not? The kid probably wants to die—this is his last stand," Pila said, smirking as he leaned back.
Dorio, who had a more practical view, added, "The Beast Gang excels in close combat. Even I'm not sure I could win. This kid from Dragon Kingdom is in deep trouble."
Qiwei turned to Sasha, who had been watching quietly. "Sasha, that guy on the dance floor doesn't seem to be Lucy's partner."
Sasha nodded. "Yeah... based on what's happening, it's unlikely."
Pyrrha, ever the optimist, interjected, "What do you mean? It's definitely impossible. Lucy is smart—she'd never partner with an idiot."
"Brother! Shut up!" Rebecca snapped, clearly annoyed. "The fight hasn't even started yet, and you're already making bets. Maybe David will surprise us!"
A burst of laughter echoed from Pica, who pointed toward the dance floor, his laughter nearly shaking the room. "If that damn kid wins, I'll get up there and do a pole dance myself!"
"Alright, it's time!" Rogge called out from the edge of the dance floor, her voice cutting through the tension. "Both of you, get ready. Everyone else, clear out. The fight begins now!"
The bar erupted in cheers and shouts, the energy escalating.
"Hermomo (brother), good luck," Jack said, making a cross with his fingers before patting David's shoulder. "I've taught you everything I know. Just remember what I said!"
With that, he and Claire left the dance floor, their footsteps echoing as they exited.
Now, the dance floor was empty except for David and Delais, the two men facing off.
The crowd roared in anticipation, knowing that in the next few moments, the bar would either erupt in celebration or fall silent in shock.
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