Zigh's hands trembled, but he quickly balled them into tight fists. He glared at Lian, his eyes sharp and burning, no longer spare a single thought for Outer. Even so, he could hear the creature's raspy breathing—a chilling frost radiating from the dark entity.
As Zigh took a step forward, Outer's grip tightened on his shoulder.
"Lian," Zigh muttered, his voice low. "You're a man, aren't you?"
Lian's eyes widened, his head snapping toward Zigh.
"Let's settle this like men."
Outer gnashed its teeth in a low growl.
Lian shook his head, and in an instant, the dark creature vanished from Zigh's sight.
Standing tall, Zigh stared at Lian for a long moment.
Lian stood up, his expression darkening. "You want to trade blows? A fistfight?"
A thin, mocking smile played on Zigh's lips, though his eyes remained fierce. "Not a bad idea. Though, I'm sure your Outer wouldn't like that, would it?"
"Scared?"
"Aren't you the one who's always hiding behind Outer's shadow?"
Outer let out a long, heavy sigh, and an unnatural chill began to glaze the nearby glass tables and windows.
Lian stepped forward, closing the gap until they were barely two spans apart.
"You fainted the last time you faced Outer, Young Master," Lian sneered.
Zigh snorted, glaring down at him. "I'm not afraid of you, Esculenta."
"And you think I'm afraid of you... You-ng Mas-ter?"
From a distance, a shop attendant watched them with an intense gaze before finally approaching the two men locked in a heated stare-down.
"Sir? May I clear your table?"
"You-ng Mas-ter," Lian said, eyes never leaving Zigh's. "I'll be waiting outside."
Lian brushed past the attendant toward the exit.
Zigh watched him without blinking. I really want to punch that smug face of his.
The attendant fidgeted with his fingers. "Er... Sir?"
Zigh took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "My apologies. Don't worry, we aren't some impulsive teenagers."
The attendant gave a weak smile.
Zigh pulled his wallet from his pocket, fished out the largest bill he had, and handed it over.
"This is for you. Sorry for the disturbance," Zigh said.
"But Sir—" the attendant started.
"Just take it."
Zigh turned and walked away, leaving the attendant to clear their empty ice cream bowls. Please, the worker prayed, just don't let them start a fight outside.
Outside the shop, Lian was waiting with a cynical gaze. "Now?"
Zigh ran a hand through his hair. "We're going somewhere legal to let it all out."
Outer whispered into Lian's ear, "Lian... just erase that Eosvile."
Lian huffed, replying through telepathy, "Your power is far too great to be wasted on someone like him."
Outer blushed, letting out a small chuckle.
"Why the silence? Getting cold feet?" Zigh challenged.
Lian stepped closer. "I've been dying to wipe that arrogant look off your face."
"Heh, seems we're finally on the same page, Esculenta," Zigh replied.
"Get in the car. We're heading to a legal fistfight spot."
Lian climbed into the car without a word, crossing his arms with Outer looming beside him. Zigh followed. The engine roared to life, a mechanical prelude to the exchange of blows that was to come.
As they hit the main road, Lian kept his sharp gaze fixed on the back of Zigh's head.
Zigh caught his eye in the rearview mirror. He's truly furious... but why is the Outer staying quiet?
The drive continued at a steady, standard pace.
"What's wrong? Not speeding today?"
"Just enjoy the view before I drop you onto the canvas."
Lian let out a short laugh. "Is that so?"
"My fists will be all the proof you need, Esculenta."
Outer began scratching at the car seat in anticipation.
"Oh, I can't wait, Eosvile."
Silence followed. Zigh focused on the road. Dammit... I can't actually trade hits with Lian. As long as that Outer is sticking to him, this won't be easy...
"Lian, I think the Eosvile is plotting something," Outer noticed.
Lian's telepathic reply. "Doesn't matter. I'm still going to break his nose."
Outer grinned. "Hit hard, Lian."
"Count on it."
Zigh glanced at the rearview mirror again. Lian glared back. I can't back down now... but if we actually fight, I'll just end up being his human punching bag.
They passed a recreation park, and Zigh's eyes widened. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Yes... that'll work," he muttered.
Lian tilted his head. "Something funny?"
"Of course. I'm just imagining the look on your face when you lose, Esculenta."
Lian's eyes flared, his fists clenching tight on his lap. "Annoying."
Zigh, now relaxed, even began to whistle as he drove. Yes, that way, Outer won't go on a rampage.
Eventually, he pulled into the parking lot of a high-rise building.
Lian stepped out, observing the structure. What is he thinking?
Zigh walked up to him. "Before we start, how about a wager, Esculenta?"
"What kind?"
"Whoever loses has to obey the winner."
"Fine."
Zigh chuckled. "Let's see how long you can keep that stone-faced expression. Follow me!"
They entered the building, passing rows of high-end displays—clothes, bags, and luxury goods.
Lian looked around, his eyes unblinking. A legal fighting spot in a place like this? Impossible... he's definitely up to something.
They reached a massive, noisy area filled with the cheers of children and the chaotic symphony of arcade machines. Zigh spread his arms wide.
"We duel here!"
Lian's jaw nearly dropped. "What!?"
"Why so surprised? An Arcade Punching Machine is much more objective, isn't it? A true test of power."
"You... you've got to be kidding me," Lian muttered.
"If you want to back out, now's the time. We can cancel the bet, Esculenta."
Lian squeezed his fists. "You're going to regret this!"
Zigh smiled. He's actually kind of funny when he's mad. With that thin frame of his, there's no way he can hit harder than me.
He entered the game center, while Lian and Outer followed Zigh's lead.
Zigh went straight to the counter. "Where is the Arcade Punching Machine?"
"From here, just go straight until you see the arcade cabinets, then turn left. You can see it from there, sir."
"Oh, also, I'd like to exchange ten coins."
Zigh took some money out of his wallet and handed it to the employee.
"Here are your coins, sir."
"Thank you."
Zigh left the exchange counter and approached Lian.
Zigh smirked. "These nine coins are for you... I'm giving you nine chances."
Lian gripped the coins tightly. "Lead the way."
They reached the machine. Zigh began stretching, the sound of cracking his knuckles echoing through the arena. He smoothed back his autumn-maple hair. "Highest score wins. Simple, right?"
Lian crossed his arms, studying the machine.
"I'll go first. Watch and learn, Esculenta."
"Whatever."
Zigh donned the boxing glove attached to the machine. He took a professional stance, coiled his muscles, and unleashed a straight right hook.
THWACK!
Ding! Ding! Ding!
The machine whirred as the numbers climbed. The final score: 901.
Zigh pulled off the glove, pumping his fist. "Yes!"
Lian bit his lip, staring at his fist.
Outer, however, grinned. "Lian will win this so easily, hehehe!"
Lian looked toward Outer, brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Outer stood straight, shaking its head. "Lian, you only need to flick the target."
Lian blinked in surprise.
"Just trust Outer. Lian can devour it."
Zigh approached Lian with a smug look, beaming the brightest grin. He put his hands on his hips. "Your turn, Esculenta."
Lian took a deep breath and stepped up to the machine.
Let's see how many points those skinny arms can get you, Zigh thought.
In front of the machine, Outer whispered, "Just a flick, Lian."
Lian nodded. He raised his hand and, with a sharp motion, flicked the target with his index finger.
Tap!
Ding! Ding! Ding!
The scoreboard began to spin rapidly. The numbers blurred until they hit the limit: 1000.
Zigh froze, his mouth hanging open. "No way... that's impossible..."
Lian turned around, leaning in until he was level with Zigh's ear.
"Who's the man now, Rich Boy?" Lian whispered.
To be continued...