Ethan raised his glass again, downing another drink, but he was starting to get frustrated.

"Can I really not get drunk anymore?" he groaned.

Meanwhile, Kaela studied him carefully.

’He’s definitely not an E Rank. From his physique to his presence and even his confidence, it’s not normal.’

But at the same time...

’He’s nothing special either, at least not right now.’

Despite that, he was interesting enough to have around her, and it didn’t cost her anything either. But the real prize and centre of her curiosity was Elara, the Riot Valkyrie’s gaze flicking to her.

Each time they locked eyes, purple on red, Kaela’s heart would race.

’Now she’s the interesting one.’

Kaela’s grin returned.

"Relax," Ethan said casually, not even turning around. "I’m sure you’ll get your chance to meet Sir Demon."

Elara shrank further behind him while Kaela laughed.

"Oh, I’m counting on it."

There was something unhinged in her tone.

Mark, sitting off to the side, let out a short laugh of his own, though it was more nervous than amused.

’This is insane,’ he thought.

Never in his life did he think he would be in a VIP lounge with two A Ranks while watching a crazy fighting event that definitely lived up to its name.

’But if this is all it is...’ Mark thought, ’then maybe it’s fine.’

He had been nervous ever since seeing how tense Ethan had been, but things had turned out okay, as wild as they were.

But it seemed like he had spoken way too soon...

-

"Ladies and gentlemen!"

The entire stadium shook.

Not from an explosion, but from a voice.

A man stood at the centre of the arena, his jaw distorting. It stretched unnaturally as his mouth expanded into something far larger than it should have been.

He was a living loudspeaker.

His voice boomed across the entire stadium without any need for equipment.

Ethan tilted his head slightly, intrigued.

’He’s probably an E Rank.’

The ability itself was practically useless in combat unless someone had very sensitive ears, but here it was perfect.

’The guy turned a trash Title like "Walking Megaphone" into a career. You have to respect it.’

The man continued, flailing his arms dramatically as he did.

"I hope you have been enjoying another night of blood, power, and pure entertainment!"

The crowd roared with cheers erupting.

Ethan leaned forward slightly, listening closely.

They’d been here for over an hour now, but there was something specific he’d been waiting for.

"Now for another of our thrilling C Rank bouts!"

Ethan’s eyes sharpened.

"Coming out of the red gate..."

A spotlight hit the arena entrance.

"Stonehide Mason!"

The crowd erupted.

"An undefeated C Rank prospect with a fight record of 7-0 in the UFC!"

Ethan stood up slowly as the man continued.

"And out of the blue gate, his challenger..."

The announcer paused dramatically.

"A mystery opponent!"

The crowd buzzed, confused, curious, and excited.

Even Kaela raised an eyebrow.

"That’s new."

She turned and saw Ethan already moving.

"Where you off to?" she asked lazily. "The toilet?"

Elara and Mark also looked at him, but Ethan didn’t stop walking.

"No," he said simply.

Then glanced back over his shoulder.

"I’m going to fight."

There was a moment of silence, then Kaela burst out laughing.

"You?" she wheezed. "You’re the mystery opponent?!"

She leaned forward, gripping her stomach.

"An E Rank?!" she laughed even harder.

Mark didn’t laugh.

Instead, his face had gone pale.

"No, no, Ethan, you shouldn’t-" he started, stepping forward. "And is that-?"

His eyes locked onto the arena, recognition hitting.

"That’s Mace."

His expression darkened.

"A C Rank..."

He quickly realised that was what Ethan had meant by ’old friend’.

"So that’s what you meant..." Mark muttered.

Ethan just waved him off.

"Relax."

Elara stepped closer, her expression tense, but Ethan just gave a small, reassuring nod.

"I’ll be fine."

Then he turned back to Kaela with a grin spread across his face.

"We betting on this one as well?"

Kaela wiped a tear from her eye, still chuckling.

"Sure," she said. "I bet you’re going to get your ass handed to you."

Despite her words, there was a flicker of something else in her eyes. He was so confident and hard to read that she couldn’t help but feel like he might be able to pull it off.

But just to keep things interesting, she bet against him regardless.

There was a flicker of something else in her eyes.

"Sounds good," Ethan replied.

As if on cue, before anyone could say anything to stop him, a sharp knock sounded at the door of Kaela’s VIP lounge.

"I guess that’s for me."

Ethan walked over, opening the door to find a well-dressed man and a petite woman standing side by side. Both were composed and professional.

"Sir," the woman said, her gaze settling directly on Ethan. "It’s time."

Ethan smiled faintly.

’Of course, they know where I am.’

Nothing about this place felt disorganised enough for them not to.

He stepped forward, rolling his shoulders once to loosen up, then followed them out without hesitation.

They guided him through the inner sections of the stadium, away from the noise and spectacle, toward a quieter, more controlled area.

Eventually, they stopped at a room just before the blue gate.

A preparation room.

Inside, racks of gear lined the walls; various outfits, gloves, wraps, and protective equipment were laid out neatly. It was clearly meant for fighters to warm up, prepare, and choose how they wanted to present themselves.

Ethan barely glanced at most of it.

Instead, he reached for a simple black mask - a snug balaclava made of breathable material, lightweight yet firm enough to obscure his identity completely. It covered everything but his eyes, blending into shadow and anonymity.

He pulled it on smoothly, adjusting it over his face.

"This is all anonymous, right?" he asked casually.

One of the attendants nodded.

"What happens in the UFC stays here, and fighters are free to reveal or conceal their identities as they please."

Ethan smirked beneath the mask.

"Perfect."

And with that, he stepped out through the blue gate...

-

The moment he emerged, the arena’s energy hit him like a wave.

Thousands of eyes locked onto him instantly.

The crowd, already buzzing with anticipation, shifted, curiosity spreading rapidly as they took in the sight of the unknown challenger.

They were all wondering the same thing: Who is he?

The mask, the calm walk, and those piercing blue eyes, sharp even through the narrow opening of the balaclava. It gave him quite the image and made them even more excited about this fight.

But then he suddenly did something that baffled them all...