Chapter 36 Do You Even Qualify ? C40 #Finished Frankie had ruled Ravenridge for years , but when his eyes landed on the seemingly ordinary middle - aged man , his whole demeanor shifted . His face went dark , and he took a few steps back in panic . Just six months ago , a new force arose in Mornwick , shaking up the martial arts world . This guy went on a tear , hitting up martial arts academies across 60 cities , challenging and crushing their masters . Not one stood a chance . The rumors said he could bend steel with his bare hands , bust through iron gates with a punch , and crush stone slabs like they were nothing . It was all terrifying stuff , and it wasn't just talk . The masters he fought could barely hold out for more than three moves before they were down for the count . After his wild streak , he set up his own martial arts academy , Bolt Arena , in Ascendia . The place became famous , with people traveling all over to learn from him . His name ? Bryce Duffy . Frankie's gut twisted . Judging by Gumus ' arrogant attitude , the man quietly standing was none other than Bryce - the unstoppable force from Bolt Arena . Frankie never thought Gumus could get someone like Bryce on his side . " Frankie , you're a big name in Ravenridge , and I've got no beef with you . Since Gumus brought me in to settle this , I don't leave loose ends . " Bryce's tone was calm , but his statement hit like a punch . " I won't lay a finger on you , but if your boys try anything , I'll handle each of them personally . " When Bryce stood up , Jamero , who was standing next to Frankie , instinctively stepped back , looking like he'd just met his worst nightmare . The top - tier bodyguards flanking them stiffened , their breaths shallow , sensing the raw power radiating from Brycę . While everyone around Frankie was tense , Leander , sitting behind them , let a small smile slip across his face . " Jamero , do it ! " Frankie's voice cut through the tension like a blade . Always decisive , he didn't hesitate once Bryce showed his cards . Jamero knew what was up . He launched toward Bryce like a predator , aiming a punch at his chest . Meanwhile , Frankie's other men drew their guns , locking them on Bryce in a split second . They all knew Gumus wasn't here to play nice , and if they wanted a shot , they had to act first . Jamero's punch packed serious power - enough to snap bones in a regular person . Yet , Bryce barely flinched . In one lightning - quick move , he grabbed Jamero's wrist mid - strike . 1/4 19:26 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 36 Do You Even Qualify ? 40 Finished Crack ! The sound of bone breaking echoed through the room . Jamero dropped to his knees , a scream ripping out of him as Bryce shattered his wrist with one effortless move . The pain was excruciating , but what terrified Jamero more was Bryce's sheer strength . He'd fought alongside Frankie for years , taken on all kinds of fights , and survived . Now , with just one move , Bryce had wrecked him . Frankie's elite fighters were no less stunned . They snapped out of it and quickly readied their weapons , fingers hovering over the triggers . " Don't move , Bryce ! " Three guns were trained on Bryce , but he didn't seem to care . He sneered . " These toys don't work on me ." Before anyone could blink , cold flashes of metal zipped through the air . The bodyguards ' guns clattered to the floor as small throwing knives embedded themselves in their hands , right through their palms . The whole room was stunned , especially Frankie . The stories about Bryce had been circulating for a while , but seeing it with his eyes was different . The guy is even more terrifying than the rumors make him out to be . His throwing knives aren't just accurate - they are deadly . If he aims for a throat instead of a hand , someone would be dead already ! " Are you one of those ancient martial arts masters ? " Frankie stammered , his voice unsteady as the truth hit him . He didn't know much about ancient martial arts , but he had heard whispers - stories of people with incredible , almost otherworldly abilities . Frankie had never trusted them thoroughly , let alone met anyone like that . Yet today , he knew without a doubt . The man standing before him , Bryce , was one of those masters . Bryce laughed coldly . " Looks like you know a thing or two , Frankie ." He implicitly confirmed his status as an ancient martial arts master . " Frankie , got any tricks left ? " Gumus asked , thoroughly enjoying the chaos . Jamero and Frankie's top fighters were all down , making Gumus feel he was in complete control . He added , " Now , here's the deal . Join my alliance and hand over your resources , or you die . Simple as that ." With Bryce backing him up , Gumus was sure he had Frankie right where he wanted him . Frankie's expression grew grim . He thought , Just my luck , I was in control . With Bryce backing Gumus , the scales have entirely shified . There's no way I can come out on top anymore . He turned slightly and signaled to Jamero , who was still clutching his broken wrist . Jamero caught the gesture , then stepped back and whispered to Leander , " Mr. Leander , my boss wants me to get you out of here . " 2/4 19:26 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 36 Do You Even Qualify ? 40 Finished Leander raised an eyebrow , astonished . " Really? He wants me to leave now ? " He hadn't expected Frankie to react like this . In the middle of a crisis , Frankie's first instinct was to get him out of harm's way . " Yes , sir . You've got to go . " Jamero replied urgently . His nerves were on edge . He knew Leander was skilled - maybe even more than himself - but this was Bryce they were dealing with , a master of ancient martial arts . Masters like Bryce were on another level , their inner strength and precision making them far more dangerous than regular fighters . If Leander didn't get out now and Gumus made his move , escaping would be nearly impossible . Leander shook his head , smiling . " Nah , I'll stick around and watch the show . " Jamero was torn and unsure of what to do . He couldn't force Leander to leave , but staying didn't feel safe . While Leander stayed calm , Frankie was far from it . He knew time was running out . Voice dripping with arrogance , Gumus pressed on , " Frankie , you're out of options . With Bryce on my side , you've got nothing left . Just accept it . Join me , hand over your resources , and I'll ensure you're only second to me in the alliance . What do you say ? " Gumus was dangling a lifeline , but his real goal was to take everything Frankie had . He wasn't here to confront Frankie - his real plan was to seize control of Frankie's assets in Ravenridge , strengthening his hand for the inevitable showdown with Tommy . " Keep dreaming , Gumus ! " Frankie spat . " You think just because you've got a martial arts master on your side , I'll fold ? I'd rather die than hand everything over to you ! " Frankie's defiance was clear . " There's no way I'm submitting to you , handing over my resources , and letting you control me ! You can kill me , but I won't break ! " Although Frankie feared death , he had his own code . He could bow to Leander , who had given him everything and practically raised him . Without Leander , there wouldn't even be a Ravenridge empire under his name . Yet Gumus ? That was different . They'd been rivals for years , locked in battle . Surrendering to an enemy like him ? Frankie would rather die than bow to Gumus . " Frankie , you're asking for it . Since you'd rather die , I'll grant your wish . " Gumus ' patience had run dry . " Mr. Duffy , please finish this ! " 3/4 19:26 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 36 Do You Even Qualify ? : 40 Finished Bryce gave a nod , the weight of Gumus ' payment pushing him to act . For someone like him , skilled in ancient martial arts , taking down an ordinary person was hardly a challenge - it was routine . Unexpectedly , a glint of steel flickered from his sleeve . A knife appeared between his fingers in a flash , ready to fly . Just as he was about to throw it , a calm , confident voice rang out from behind Frankie . " You ? A mere Martial Master ? You really think you can take me on ? " Send Gifts