Dustin smiled, looking unfazed in the face of Krel and Jimmy’s provocation. He readily agreed to the challenge, Want a bet? Sure. I’ll play along.”
“Great! You’ve got guts. I can’t wait to see you defeated!” Jimmy cackled aloud.
Dustin could have backed down. It might be humiliating, but at least he wouldn’t have to risk his life. Jimmy couldn’t believe that Dustin had agreed to the challenge-he essentially had a death wish.
“Dustin, don’t!” Melissa’s face fell when Dustin risked his life for the challenge. She advised, “A 50-thousand -pound cauldron is no joke. You’ll be crushed if you can’t support it. Please think it over!”
Dustin might look intimidating, but he was nothing more than an amateur who didn’t hail from any established guild or sect. His capability would certainly fall short of Krel’s. Taking on the challenge against Krel was just an act of self-destruction.
All she wanted was to befriend Dustin. Never had she thought that she’d get him into such trouble.
“Melissa, don’t bother with him! He’s too full of himself. Imagine challenging Krel! He’s asking for it,” Jimmy sneered.
“We’re all martial artists here. We can always iron out any disagreements through discussion. Why do we have to resort to fighting?” Melissa shook her head with a tight frown.
She wouldn’t have stopped Krel and Dustin from fighting if it was a friendly competition, which was commonplace in the martial world.
However, she felt compelled to stop any form of fighting that involved the risk of death. Any slip-up would cost them their lives.
“Melissa, we got to teach arrogant guys like him a lesson! He deserved what happened to him!” Jimmy argued.
“But-”
Jimmy raised his hand and cut her off, ” Enough, Melissa. You’re from Boulderthorn. You shouldn’t speak up for an outsider. Since he’s agreed to the bet, he’ll either live or die.”
Melissa was at a loss for words. She cast a worried look at Dustin in an attempt to convince him to give up.
“I appreciate your kind advice, Ms. Yondels, but save your worries for Krel. A 50-thousand-pound cauldron is a huge challenge for him, “Dustin remarked with an unbothered smile.
“Hmph! You ignorant fool. Lifting a 5-= thousand-pound cauldron is a piece of cake for Krel. Open your eyes and watch for yourself!” Jimmy snapped with a disdainful look.
He might not be capable of lifting a 50- thousand-pound cauldron, but he believed that Krel could do it. After all, Krel wasn’t appointed the chief senior disciple of Forsakenstriders for nothing.
“Punk. I’ll make you regret your decision today,” Krel threatened.
Without further ado, he made his way to the 50-thousand-pound cauldron and announced loudly, “I will take up the challenge of lifting the 50- thousand-pound cauldron.”
“Good luck to you.” Unlike before, the judge didn’t attempt to talk Krel out of it. Instead, he merely nodded with a look of approval.
Perhaps, as an insider, the judge could tell that Krel was the real deal.
His previous performance had gripped everyone by surprise. He indeed seemed capable of taking on the challenge.
After scanning the faces around him, he coldly said, “Ladies and gentlemen, please keep your distance from me. I worry I might injure the innocent when the cauldron falls.”
Upon hearing that, the contestants behind Dustin quickly scattered, worried they might be injured.
Even a rolling 50-thousand-pound cauldron on the ground was enough to crush one’s limbs and head, let alone one falling from the air.
“Open your eyes, punk. I’ll introduce you to absolute force today!” Snickering at Dustin, Krel turned to face the cauldron and clapped his hands.
A loud thud echoed in the venue. The 50 -thousand-pound cauldron trembled from the impact, causing dust to fall off its surface.
“Up!” When the cauldron was shaking, Krel took the chance to hold its base and lift it. True energy was released from his body. A shocking force exploded from within.
The heavy cauldron rose slowly but steadily under Krel’s robust force.
