“Nobodies? So what you’re saying is, your foreign lives are precious, but the lives of Seclela people don’t count? Aren’t you the ones always preaching that ‘all men are created equal’? And yet here you are, ranking lives like it’s a social ladder!”
“Rubbish!” The foreign man slammed the table, his face turning red with anger. “I already told you-it’s not the same thing!”
Colson Eduardo didn’t flinch. He raised his head, his voice firm with defiance. “Oh, really? What’s so different about it? In the ring, a death is a death. If someone dies, it just means they weren’t strong enough! And now you’re here stirring up trouble-what kind of nonsense is this?”
“You come to Seclela, flaunting your arrogance, and think this is your playground? Do you really believe Seclela is a place for your antics?”
To his credit, Colson Eduardo maintained a grounded perspective on life.
The president of the foreign association glared at his General, who stood silent, his eyes fixed on Colson Eduardo, unreadable.
The president, confused by his subordinate’s quiet demeanor, snapped back at Eduardo, raising his voice.
“You dragged our fighter down with your underhanded ‘wheel tactic,’ wearing him out with match after match before sending your strongest to finish him off! What do you call that? Cheating? Cowardice? If you had started with your champion in a one-on-one, fair fight, no one would complain about the outcome! But no, you chose to be sneaky and dishonorable. This isn’t fairness; this is disgraceful!”
Colson Eduardo’s lips curled into a sly grin. “You’re twisting the facts to suit yourself!”
“Are you sure we employed a wheel tactic? Or wasn’t it your own side that smugly declared, ‘Anyone can step up and fight’? If you’re so certain, I’ll pull up the surveillance footage right now to refresh your memory!”
Eduardo’s confidence was palpable; he had the evidence to back him up. It was the foreign president himself who had boasted about letting anyone take the stage.
The foreign man hesitated, visibly flustered. He opened his mouth to retort but faltered.
Then the silent General finally spoke, his voice calm but sharp. “So, are we to assume you’re officially choosing the second option?”
Colson Eduardo’s brow furrowed, and his stomach tightened as the realization hit him. His eyes locked on the General, trying to decode his intent.
A few moments later, Eduardo caught on.
Choosing the “second option” would inevitably lead to war-a decision far beyond his authority to make. His gaze shifted to Coleman Vincent, who had just wrapped up a call with Kayden Scott.
Vincent, emboldened by the conversation, met Eduardo’s questioning look with a firm nod. Turning to the General, Vincent spoke with unwavering resolve. “We can’t hand this man over-period. Not because of his identity, but because it’s simply not an option. Even if we could, we wouldn’t. This is the stance of Seclela!”
The General’s eyes narrowed as he focused on Vincent.
Vincent continued, his voice strong and unyielding. “If you think Seclela’s defenses are so easy to breach, go ahead, give it your best shot. Between the Five Generals, the Eight Regiments, and the Seclela Defender guarding our borders, I can guarantee your forces won’t make it past our gates. Step one foot onto our soil, and your entire army will be wiped out!”
Powerful. Bold.
Vincent’s words were like a war cry, igniting pride in everyone present. The older officials, deeply connected to the nation’s honor, straightened their spines, their expressions firm and resolute.
“Vincent?” Eduardo called out hesitantly, his tone seeking confirmation.
Vincent met his gaze, his look steady and assured. Eduardo read the message loud and clear: Vincent had the confidence to back up his bold claims.
The General, sensing their determination, gave a faint nod. “I see. So this is your official stance. Very well. This war, then, is on you. Don’t blame us for what follows.”
Vincent didn’t bother with further explanations. He simply pointed to the door, his voice ice-cold. “Out. Now.”
Two curt words, delivered without a shred of courtesy.
The General stood, his eyes darkening. “If that’s how you want it, then let me make this official. We’re declaring war. And war, as you know, demands blood. I’ll start by spilling some of yours.”
With that, he drew a gleaming dagger from his belt.
The two towering black men at his sides also rose, each producing sharp knives from their pockets.
The glint of the blades seemed to suck the air from the room, making it feel heavier.
“What do you think you’re doing? This is Seclela territory-you dare to act out here?” Eduardo barked, his tone defiant.
The General’s lips curled into a sinister grin. “Didn’t I just say? War requires blood.”
The chilling statement sent a wave of dread through the room. Eduardo, Vincent, and the others knew there was no avoiding a deadly clash.
Despite their experience, the prospect of death still struck fear into their hearts.
Eduardo felt cold sweat trickle down his face. Swallowing hard, he stammered, “You… you can’t do this. We are all high-ranking Seclela officials. I’m the president of the Martial Arts Association, and these men are vice presidents of other associations! Harm us, and I guarantee none of you will leave Seclela alive! This room is under constant surveillance. Any move against us, and the Seclela military will be here in no time!”
The General laughed darkly, taking two deliberate steps forward.
“Leave alive?” he mocked. “The surveillance systems were disabled long before I arrived. By the time your bodies are discovered tomorrow morning, I’ll be back in my country. And by then, war will be inevitable.”
The gravity of his words struck like a hammer, and the older men scrambled to their feet, their faces pale.
One of them couldn’t hold back and let out a terrified scream.
“Chairman, what should we do?” When problems arise, this question is bound to be asked. It doesn’t matter if the person asking is a fresh graduate or a seasoned veteran-even someone at the age of sixty will instinctively voice it.
As they backed away, Eduardo raised his hands defensively, stepping into a crouched stance. His colleagues followed suit, forming a tight circle with their backs to one another, ready to fend off the inevitable.
“Stay calm! Don’t panic!”
Eduardo tried to reassure them, though his voice betrayed his own fear.
The General sneered. “You old geezers think you can stop me? Surrender now, and I promise your deaths will be quick and painless.”
“Guards! Help!” Eduardo shouted, his voice echoing through the tense room.