Chapter 701
Chapter 701:
“We’re recruiting,” Fernanda replied matter-of-factly. “I’ve spoken with Ritchie, and he’s agreed to join our studio.”
“Is that so? That’s fantastic,” Neal said with a nod of approval.
After their confrontation during the match, Neal had come to admire Ritchie’s skill and bravery—his fighting style aligned with his own, and Neal respected that kind of spirit.
“Glad to have you aboard,” Neal said, extending a hand toward Ritchie. Ritchie didn’t take the handshake. Instead, he tilted his chin upward, his gaze sharp and dripping with arrogance.
“I have a proposition,” he said, his tone ice-cold. “I doubt you’ll be so eager to welcome me after hearing it.”
Unfazed, Neal kept his calm demeanor. “Oh? Do tell.”
“A duel,” Ritchie proposed flatly. “The winner goes to the finals.”
Neal’s eyebrows shot up at Ritchie’s bold statement. A grin, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes, tugged at his lips, and a chuckle laced his voice as he spoke.
“Oh? You think you can just waltz in and compete for a spot in the finals?”
Ritchie’s response was firm. “Yes!”
Before Neal could reply, Levi stepped in, his posture tense as he positioned himself in front of Neal, glaring at Ritchie.
“What are you talking about? The roster’s already been set. You can’t just waltz in and expect to change that.”
Ritchie didn’t flinch at Levi’s hostility. “And? It’s already been submitted, but isn’t there someone here who can make adjustments?” With a casual glance, Ritchie turned his eyes toward Fernanda.
“That’s not how it works,” Alex interjected sharply, his voice full of skepticism. “It’s not just about adding names to a list. The five of us have been working together, training, and learning each other’s moves and strategies. We know how we work as a team. You’re new, and we don’t know you. How are we supposed to make it to the finals with someone we can’t rely on?”
“This is the finals we’re talking about! Do you really think it’s just some game?” Sloane said disapprovingly.
𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁 ⧼gⱥ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧽𝖈𝗈𝗆
She had thought highly of Ritchie, just like Neal, admiring his fighting style and potential. Fernanda bringing him in seemed like a great decision, but she hadn’t expected him to make such an outrageous demand right out of the gate.
The audacity! A team couldn’t just merge on a whim!
Eyes turned toward Fernanda, as if expecting her to decide the next step.
Fernanda’s smile was gentle, but the sharpness in her eyes hinted at undeniable tension—a quiet pressure beneath her calm exterior.
“Ritchie,” Fernanda said, her voice calm but firm. “I recruited you, not a free pass to act thoughtlessly.”
“You think I’m acting thoughtlessly?” Ritchie shot back, his finger jabbing toward Neal. “Do you really believe I can’t take him down in a one-on-one match?”
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