Chapter 2: Gladiator
Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations
Editor: CaiCai
Lu Xingye widened his eyes incredulously, doubting his hearing at first. It wasn’t until Lyss stepped into the arena and stood before him that he reluctantly snapped back to reality.
In the interstellar era, advancements in technology detached childbirth from dependence on the human body. The emergence and maturity of artificial womb technology enabled true independence for ancient Earth females and subsequent evolved genders that also carried the risk of childbirth. Despite this progress, an omega’s physical abilities still had a qualitative difference from alphas. So, although omegas held a numerical advantage in fields like research and education, in violent institutions like the military, omegas were a rarity.
Though experienced, Lu Xingye had never engaged in a bare-handed fight with an omega before. “Waitâ” Lu Xingye couldn’t help but step back two paces to confirm, “Are you really going to fight me?”
In the audience, Wu Jiu looked like his blood pressure had skyrocketed to 180; he was on the verge of fainting. He knew Lu Xingye well. That kid was full of youthful vigor. Even though he had suffered before, the sharpness in him was merely restrained, not dulled.
“Let’s not, gentlemen, Lu doesn’t hold back,” Wu Jiu wiped sweat, advising, “You’d better persuade Mr. Lyss here⊔
The group of white wolf alphas fell into silence at Wu Jiu’s words, making him half-hearted instantly. Lyss wore a white military uniform beneath his outer robe, accentuating his slim waist and long legs, exuding an aura that was both dignified and captivating. The attire didn’t seem suitable for close combat, but Lyss didn’t care. He didn’t even assume a starting stance; he simply stood calmly before Lu Xingye and announced, “Let’s begin.”
“You…” Lu Xingye was about to suggest Lyss change his clothes, but it felt inappropriate, so he hesitated, “Fine, then. My apologies.”
With that, he changed his previous tactics and suddenly disappeared from where he stood. The speed was jaw-dropping, yet Lyss seemed to have a slow-motion effect. He casually blocked what seemed like a straightforward elbow strike from Lu Xingye, using his body to absorb the impact.
Lu Xingye widened his eyes slightly, then swiftly turned, aiming a kick at Lyss’ neck. Lyss effortlessly blocked his shin with one hand. The force in Lu Xingye’s kick could knock out an adult Alpha, but Lyss’ hand stood firm as a rock, absorbing the blows. Lu Xingye sensed that something was amiss. Regardless of one’s endurance, it was impossible to have no physiological response to this level of combat, not even for the strongest competitors.
Not entirely convinced, Lu Xingye abruptly retracted his leg. Seizing the opportunity as Lyss withdrew, he tried to close the distance between them, intending to engage in a style he wasn’t skilled in. Yet, he quickly realized this was a grave mistake. The close proximity allowed him to catch a scent he shouldn’t have: a subtle peach fragrance emanating from this seemingly desireless omega.
Alpha instincts made Lu Xingye hesitate for half a second. But in combat, half a second could decide life or death.
Lyss swiftly kicked Lu Xingye in the chest, and he felt like a meteor had struck him. If an ordinary person had taken that blow, they’d probably be kicked into another world. But Lu Xingye wasn’t ordinary. He instinctively used his hands to halt his trajectory, ignoring the blood trickling from his palms, using friction to come to a stop.
As he regained his balance, Lyss appeared beside him, grabbing his neck from behind and pinning him to the ground. Lu Xingye was helpless. His head knocked against the ground with a substantial sound. He felt like his skull was about to split open.
Wu Jiu stood dumbfounded in the audience. Seeing Starfall Sea’s most esteemed gladiator taken down like a ragdoll by Lyss left him in shock. Suddenly, he completely understood Lyss’ statement: “I want this Alpha, regardless of life or death.”
To prevent Lu Xingye from rising, Lyss sat on his lower back. Omegas were physically softer compared to Alphas. Lu Xingye barely emerged from symptoms resembling a concussion, feeling the softness and strength on his lower back. When he realized this, he exploded with unprecedented strength. Despite the disadvantage, he used the burst of power from his waist to toss Lyss off him.
Lyss seemed surprised that Lu Xingye could break free from his hold. Several white wolf alphas in the audience also wore expressions of disbelief. To them, Lu Xingye’s escape from Lyss’ grasp was more shocking than if he had taken on five adult white wolf alphas single-handedly.
Lu Xingye had no idea what feat he had just accomplished. He gritted his teeth, turned around, and attempted to attack Lyss’ vital points. But against absolute strength, his bursts were futile. Lyss suddenly snapped back, forming a fist and mercilessly striking Lu Xingye’s abdomen.
Lu Xingye felt a sweet taste in his throat. In the next moment Lyss had grabbed his neck, pinning him to the ground again. After a resounding thud, Lyss sat on his hips.
“Still not admitting defeat?” Lyss looked down at him from above, an authoritative posture with a hint of ambiguity.
Witnessing this scene, the audience’s eyes widened. Levine’s mouth formed an “O.” After a moment, he couldn’t help but comment, “Lu Bro… You took quite a beating there.”
But Lu Xingye clearly didn’t share the sentiment. His throat felt sweet; blood almost gushed out. But with a strong will, he managed to swallow it down. He looked up coldly at the person on top of him, “Are you from the Sekaninaite?”
The Sekaninaites were clandestine figures from a special department within the Black Wolf Empire. Even certain ministers in the empire might not be aware of this individual’s existence. Yet, the moment Lyss heard the name, he instantly realized something, “Are you a hybrid of the Black Wolf Imperial Family and the Canine race?”
“How do you knowâ” Lu Xingye stopped mid-sentence, suddenly realizingâhe’d just been duped. For the first time in his life, Lu Xingye felt what it was like to be overpowered physically and manipulated mentally. The initial astonishment of meeting Lyss had faded, replaced by frustration in every aspect, and the subtle excitement of facing a strong opponent.
Lyss, looking down at him, calmly said, “Fulfill your promise, or I won’t answer your questions.”
“Are you sure you want to take me away?” Lu Xingye stared straight at Lyss. “I don’t know why you know my identity or why you want to take me, but I won’t renege on my promises. think carefullyâI’m not one of your obedient subordinates. You’re not a Sekaninaite agent yet know my identity. If I had the ability today, you wouldn’t leave this arena alive. But if one day you lose your strength, think about the fate of the old Wolf King; you probably understand it better than me.”
Lu Xingye’s attitude bordered on offensive, as if heâd inscribed the phrase âI’ll become stronger and kill youâ on his forehead. But Lyss, displaying an air of casual arrogance, calmly replied, “You won’t live to see that day.”
The casual confidence and arrogance of the superior were on full display. Lu Xingye, seeing this, darkened his gaze, smirked, “Then, Silverfang, wait for the spectacle.”
Lyss released his grip on Lu Xingye’s neck and sat upright. Gradually regaining his senses, Lu Xingye first felt the excruciating pain in his abdomen, followed by a buzzing in his head, and finally, the heavy yet soft sensation on his abdomen.
It took his semi-concussed brain ten seconds to realize what it was. Suddenly, his face reddened, and ignoring the pain coursing through him, he pushed Lyss away, scrambling to his feet from the ground.
Whereas Lu Xingye felt embarrassed, Lyss seemed perplexed. He looked at Lu Xingye, whose ears were practically on fire, and asked, “Sorry, did I go too hard?”
Author’s Note:
Interview years later: “Hello, may I ask what you two were doing the first time you met?”
Lyss: “Teaching a little dog a lesson.”
Lu Xingye: “… Getting beaten up by my wife.”
The novel’s plot is purely fictional. Say no to domestic violence, starting with me.
They both seem to have met their match. I think this will be interesting đ
Thank you both for the chapter.
No to domestic violence lol agree with author
This stuff really is only suitable for fiction, I canât imagine wanting anything to do with someone who hits you and humiliates you, let alone becoming a couple.