The Grappler lunged, trying to take the fight to the floor, but Viktor caught him in a clinch, using the man as a human shield against the brothers' strikes. With a sharp twist, he sent the Grappler into the corner post.
Finally, there was only The Ghost. He was fresh, having waited for his moment. He pulled a concealed blade—a violation of the Red Circle rules. The crowd gasped, but the referee, paid off by the house, looked away. The Grappler lunged, trying to take the fight
The crowd went silent as the five challengers entered. They weren't just street thugs; they were a coordinated unit—specialists. There was the Boxer, the Grappler, two heavy-hitting brothers, and a man they called "The Ghost" for his speed. The bell chimed once. He was fresh, having waited for his moment
Viktor took the money, his eyes fixed on the exit. "Because," he said, his voice a low rasp, "when it’s five against one, they get overconfident. And overconfidence is the only opening I need." The crowd went silent as the five challengers entered
As Viktor walked out of the ring, bruised and bloodied, the promoter approached him with a stack of bills.
"You're a madman, Viktor," the promoter whispered. "Why take a five-to-one bet?"