Pica looked at the serious young boy in front of him. He recalled a time when he was just as decisive, never wasting time with unnecessary talk. He then said to Alex, “You want to duel me. If you win, I’ll stay away from your sister. But what happens if I win? This seems quite unfair to me.”
“Hmph, what do you want?” Alex snorted.
A smile appeared on Pica’s face. “If I win, you must agree to three of my conditions. Don’t worry, they will be simple ones. I won’t make you kill or commit arson, nor will they be tasks you cannot complete.”
Alex lowered his head in thought and then said, “That seems unfair to me. How about just one condition?”
“Oh, goodbye,” Pica replied, slamming the door shut, leaving Alex standing outside, confused and disoriented by the wind. Realizing what had happened, Alex started banging on the door again.
Pica opened the door, visibly annoyed. “Kid, do you ever stop? If you don’t quit it, I’ll really hit you.”
“Good, that’s what I want,” Alex smiled. “I agree to your terms. Although you were much stronger than me in the match with Fei Li, I’ve improved a lot since then.”
Pica sighed and shook his head. “Alright, since you agreed, let’s get this over with quickly.” He stretched lazily and walked out, looking disinterested.
Alex took out a cubic crystal, glanced at Pica, and said, “Let’s begin.” He tossed the crystal into the air, which expanded and emitted four cylindrical objects that embedded themselves around them, forming a square. These cylinders emitted energy, creating a transparent barrier that surrounded the two.
Pica pointed at the cube in the air. “What’s that?”
“Hmph, it’s a virtual arena with strong protective capabilities. We can fight without any reservations.”
Pica stroked his chin. “That’s not bad. I should get a few of these.”
A synthesized female voice emanated from the cube. “Three, two, one. Fight!”
Alex dashed towards Pica with swift steps. Despite his young age, he moved like a leopard, attacking ferociously. Suddenly, he slid and formed an energy sword with his hand, slashing towards Pica’s neck. Unlike the energy swords used by those in the Martial Arts Tournament, Alex’s sword extended from his entire arm.
Just as it seemed the sword would hit, it narrowly missed Pica’s neck. Alex squinted in surprise. His left hand formed a claw, releasing an energy wave from his palm. Pica caught the wave effortlessly.
“You’ve fallen into my trap,” Alex smirked. Seeing Pica catch the energy wave, he quickly formed two more energy swords with both hands and slashed at Pica 28 times at the speed of sound.
Pica moved gracefully, occasionally spinning as if dancing the tango. “Kid, do you think you’re the only one who can improve? Do you think I’ve been standing still all this time? You’ve already lost.”
Alex, hearing Pica’s words, felt a fire ignite within him. “You’re lying. I’ve been attacking you the whole time. You haven’t even made a move.”
“Really?” Pica raised an eyebrow.
As Pica spoke, four energy ropes appeared, binding Alex’s limbs from behind. No matter how much Alex struggled, he couldn’t break free. Pica clenched his fist. “Now, am I free to hit you? Haven’t you lost already?”
Alex yelled in frustration, “I don’t accept this! It was a sneak attack! It doesn’t count!”
“Haha, you’re such a kid. Alright, fine, this round doesn’t count. Let’s go again.”
The energy ropes vanished, and Alex rubbed his wrists before attacking Pica again. This time, he didn’t use random energy swords but relied on his fists, moving with precise steps. His technique reminded Pica of the principles of Bājíquán, focusing on close combat and powerful strikes.
Alex aimed an elbow at Pica’s solar plexus, a strike that would incapacitate an ordinary person with pain. However, to Pica, it was too amateurish.
Pica tapped Alex’s chest with his index finger and then delivered a punch that sent Alex flying like a kite with a broken string.
“This kid is impressive for his age,” Pica thought genuinely impressed.
Alex clutched his chest but stood up. “I haven’t lost yet. Come on.”
He charged at Pica again, his heart no longer calm, his attacks erratic and uncoordinated like a common brawl.
Pica shook his head and grabbed Alex, using his momentum to throw him to the ground. “Your mind is in disarray. Continuing this fight is pointless. Admit defeat.”
“No, I won’t give up. I must defeat you,” Alex shouted from the ground, refusing to yield.
Pica released his grip and asked, “Why are you so determined to beat me? I don’t recall doing anything to offend you.”
Alex stood up, his face filled with hatred. “You didn’t offend me, but you’re after my sister. You’re a scumbag.”
“Scumbag? Me?” Pica pointed at himself, confused. He didn’t know many people here and hadn’t done anything to deserve such a label. “Did someone named Kaka tell you this?”
“Kaka? Who’s that? Don’t change the subject,” Alex shouted.
Pica frowned. “Then who told you I’m a scumbag?”
“People told me. Do you think I’d frame you?” Alex growled through gritted teeth.
“I barely know anyone here. Let me count: Fei Li’s family, Lucia, Selina, Trunks, and some people I fought in matches. That’s it,” Pica counted on his fingers.
“Can you deny knowing someone named Little Red?”
Pica was taken aback. “Little Red?”
“Yes, Little Red.”
“Who’s that?”
As they debated over who Little Red was, a slender woman stood outside the virtual arena—it was Lucia.
“Alex, stop this right now,” Lucia called into the arena.
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