The fights afterwards merely lasted a few minutes. These were quick-paced matches that weren't unnecessarily dragged out. On the other hand, it also made him realise that these people had much more experience in fighting than he did. Even though their levels were not as high as his.
But the more fights he saw, the more comfortable he became with the idea of fighting inside the cage. It was also a relief that Rose was coaching him about everything. Although, it felt more like she was worried about her money than him.
"Lunas and Alphas, Counts and Countesses... we have finally arrived at the moment you all have been waiting for." The neatly dressed vampire proudly announced, "The fight of the night between the undefeated crimson beauty Bella and the ultimate underdog... wait, is this name correct?"
The announcer suddenly got quiet and inquired about the name before resuming the announcement.
"Ahem, a fight between the undefeated crimson beauty Bella and the ultimate underdog Mr Virgin!"
The crowd burst out laughing the moment the announcer was done announcing. Hell, even the announcer himself was laughing like a mad man. Who the fck would name themselves something as absurd as that? Ashton angrily looked towards Rose, who to no one's surprise was laughing as well.
"You just had to do that, didn't you?"
"Hey, don't give me that look. I didn't lie, did I?" Rose said in between taking deep breaths, "The form said you should name yourself something close to reality. So I did. You're the ultimate underdog and a virgin. If you aren't then I'll get right on the stage and tell everyone that I'm your bitch."
"Fck you!" Ashton shook his head and walked onto the stage.
He had never felt so humiliated in his entire life. But the moment he entered the stage, he realised why Rose did what she did. She didn't do it to make fun of him... well, she did. But there was another side of the story as well.
With a name like that, everyone would believe him to be an amateur. The fact that this was his first appearance on the stage ever, would also reinforce the belief. All of these facts might lead the undefeated Bella to underestimate him and thus making it easier for Ashton to win the fight.
All of those were the reason for how the absurd name would help Ashton. But there was another reason why Rose named him something as absurd as that.
Unlike Ashton, Rose was there to win money and the money she would get was depended on the odds of betting. Now considering Bella's track record and a newbie with a name as absurd as Mr virgin, not a lot of people would place their bets on Ashton.
Which meant, if Ashton won... she could only imagine the kind of money she would end up making. But in case he lost... welp, then she would have to pin the bill on Lucifer. It was not like that bastard would pay her either way.
'He has to win. If he doesn't then guess his blue units will come in handy.' Rose sighed and sunk back into her seat.
In the meantime, Ashton was busy taking a good look at his opponent. Standing at 5'7", the pearl-white-skinned woman had an enigmatic feel about her. She had an overall angular face with a sharp jawline.
She also had crimson hair that went along with her eyes. Apart from that, not much was visible as her face was covered with a black masquerade mask.
Weirdly enough, Ashton had a feeling that he had seen those eyes before. But he couldn't pinpoint where, but he could swear on his life he had seen them before.
"Fighters, ready?"
The referee's announcement snapped Ashton out of his dream world. Whether he knew it or not, it didn't matter. Right now they were each other's opponents and nothing more.
'I'm just here to take the gear. Nothing more.' Ashton nodded and so did Bella.
"Fight!"
The referee disappeared soon after giving them the go, enclosing the two of them inside the glass cage. The cage for this fight was different from the rest because of Bella's unique ability. Anyone who came in contact with her [Sweet Scent] ability lost all sense of reason and wants only one thing... to bang someone.
That's why this cage was built especially for her fights to ensure that ability did not affect anyone other than her opponent. After all, they had had one such incident before... and it did not end up well.
Soon the cage was filled with an odourless, pink gas. Ashton simultaneously drew his twin blades out and charged at Bella. However, after a couple of steps, he started staggering.
'The hell is going on...'
Soon his mind started going fuzzy and his vision was affected as well. Bella's ability was already taking effect on him and he was yet to lay a finger on her.
"Oh... you're the first one to last this long without falling to his knees and humping the ground." Bella mumbled as she seductively walked up to him, "Maybe I should give you some special treatment after all."
Ashton's face was flushed and his body temperature started to rise. Which as a vampire was not a good thing at all. It was a sign that he was about to lose control over his desires.
However, right when he was about to give in. Bella did something which she shouldn't have. She kicked Ashton across the face. The sharp side of her heels managed to dig into his cheeks and drew blood. The blood then fell on the blades of Ashton's swords.
But that was only the beginning. It took some time, but the mask started to show its effects. Within moments, Ashton was able to get rid of the effects of Bella's [Sweet Scent].
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You have gained [Blidness Tolernace] Level 1.
The duration and effects of <Blindness> will be reduced by 10%.
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Well, Ashton was not quite yet able to get rid of all the effects, but he could get rid of the effects associated with mental attacks. His vision got back to normal and so did his balance. The only thing was... he was quite excited under his belt.
"How... how can you get back to your feet!?" Bella shrieked along with everyone else in the audience when they saw Ashton get back to his feet, "The strength of my skill is absolute!"
"Is it now?" Ashton gave her a weird smile before soaking his blades in his blood once again, "Let me show you some of my absolute skills."
[You have activated the skill <Blood Poison>]