Chapter 168

The competition host introduced the four contestants representing Emma's country during the live broadcast. The camera swept across their faces. Soon, Emma's exquisite features filled the stadium's main screen. At center stage, the representative from the world's strongest country—a blue-haired woman nearly six and a half feet tall—was drinking water. Upon seeing Emma on the large screen, she crushed her cup.

"Dana, what's wrong?" someone asked.

Dana's face contorted with jealousy and hatred. Trembling hands touched the scar on her face. It's her. I'm going to kill her, she thought. Dana's coach also saw Emma and began discussing her. This year, Rhinea's National Boxing Association had secretly recruited a new contestant before the competition. Little was known about her, but online videos suggested the young athlete was formidable.

"That's Emma Wilson," Dana's coach said. "This is her first competition. We've analyzed her. The other competitors are generally inferior to you, except… Emma."

Dana's blue eyes blazed with murderous intent. We meet again, she thought, a snicker escaping her lips. This time, she was far stronger. She would tear this woman who disfigured her to pieces.

Serene Stone, a boxer whose personality resembled Lane's, was also competing. Emma and Serene quickly bonded. Their early matches were against opponents from smaller countries, easy victories that propelled them both to the semifinals. Emma, though unsurprised by her success, felt a growing unease. Dana had also reached the semifinals. Though they'd never fought, Emma knew Dana, like herself, had been watching. They were venomous snakes, waiting to strike.

"Oh, bad luck. I drew Nuverland's Dana tomorrow," Serene said.

Emma had anticipated one of them facing Dana. Regardless of who it was, a fight to the death was inevitable. Emma's expression grew grave. "Serene, Dana is a tough opponent," she warned. "Don't push yourself. Safety first, understand?"

Emma harbored a deep unease. She knew Dana better than anyone; Dana specialized in non-lethal injuries—no blood, but long-term suffering for her victims. In earlier matches, Dana hadn't used her full strength, yet still hospitalized numerous contestants.

Emma repeatedly cautioned Serene, but Serene remained resolute. She laughed, patting Emma's shoulder. "Don't worry. I've lost too many competitions to not have advanced in traditional boxing." She sighed. "I just want to bring glory to my country. I'll fight until the end." Determination shone in her eyes. "Besides, if I defeat her, it'll be easier for you to win the championship, right?"

Emma's worry intensified. Serene was kind-hearted. She prayed Dana would show mercy and not unleash her fury on Serene. Hesitantly, Emma produced a medicine bottle. "This isn't a stimulant; it's undetectable. It won't boost your strength, but it could save your life. Do you trust me?"

She desperately hoped Serene would trust her; it was the only way to ensure Serene wouldn't be brutally harmed. Serene studied Emma, then solemnly accepted the medicine. "Thanks, Emma. I'll consider it." She didn't consume it immediately, but she kept the medicine.

Emma watched anxiously as Serene entered the arena. She had done all she could; the rest was up to fate. Emma's own match was approaching; she couldn't watch Serene and Dana fight. Her opponent was a renowned Niganro professional boxer, a formidable challenge.

Chapter 163

After taking the stage, Emma announced a strategy focused on punching—a tactic widely underestimated. Online, netizens erupted in criticism.

“[Are you serious? Punching?]” one commented.

“[Even my grandma can punch. This is ridiculous.]” another added.

“[How can you still laugh? Can’t you tell she is determined not to win against Niganro?]” a third chimed in.

“[Rachel Forrest is excellent. But even if Emma can’t beat her, she can’t choose to only use punches, right? This is a joke. Can she defeat Rachel like this?]” a netizen typed.

“[Fuck. Get lost. How can you bring glory to the country? You’re simply embarrassing us.]” someone wrote.

Some remained calmer: “[Isn’t it possible to deflect blows with punches too? Let’s take a look first. What if she can win?]”

Netizens anxiously awaited Emma's counterattack, but her performance was initially weak. She didn't seem to use her full strength, repeatedly suppressed whenever she attempted a counter.

Richard, watching from home, immediately sensed Emma's distraction. The online comments grew even more vicious.

“[Fuck. Is this woman trash?]”

“[I’m fucking better than her. What the hell.]”

“[You better shut up now. If you’re so awesome, why don’t you do it? Can’t you just watch the competition?]” Levi angrily defended Emma, but his comments were quickly drowned out.

Liam barked an order: "Silence all these people."

Levi, stunned, asked, "Mr. Hall, what do you mean?"