Do You Dare Bet With Me

The man looks at him as if Lin Ke was an alien. "Cheh, you? Even if you are, do you think you can make something as beautiful as this?"

The man named Abraham points at a random painting being displayed by a vendor. The painting was very beautiful and picturesque, but still missed some elements that prevented it from reaching the B-rank.

"Do you even know who painted this famous painting?" Abraham asks.

"Erm… No?"

"Are you kidding me? This is a piece made by Senior Yako about 10 years ago! Since then, he's become a B-class artist! Do you see that insignia at the bottom right of the painting? That's Senior Yako's signature! How are you an artist if you don't even know the basics?"

Lin Ke feels like his head is about to explode from talking to this guy. Does not knowing a 'famous' artist make him less of one himself? This person's logic was so flawed Lin Ke didn't know how to respond.

"Yeah, can't respond huh? So you're admitting that you're just a fake? Kid, don't try and fake being an artist. I know the occupation is amazing and all, but if you want to call yourself an artist, then become one proudly!" Abraham lectures.

Finally, Lin Ke couldn't take it anymore. From his spatial storage space, he pulls out a small golden badge. On it, in fine print, are the words: Lin Ke, C-class Artist, Issued By: Origin City Branch.

The moment Lin Ke brought out his badge, the man gawked at it in surprise.

"Hmm? Wh-why do you have…" Abraham questioned. "There's no way… The badge does look real… hmm… NO WAY!"

"Yeah, what do you have to say now? See? I have a badge signifying that I'm a C-class artist!" Lin Ke gloats.

"How could you steal someone else's badge? That's theft! Identity theft!" Abraham exclaimed.

Lin Ke's face twitches in annoyance. "Are you… for real?"

"Kid, you've really taken it too far! To steal a C-class artist's badge is an act of contempt! Unacceptable! How could you be so shameless to even show it! That's it, I challenge you!" The man cries out loudly.

"Huh? Challenge me? What is that supposed to mean?" Lin Ke asks.

This question only makes the man more confident that this kid in front of him was a fake. Determined to expose his fraud, and show off his skills in the process, he decides to explain.

"We each have an hour to paint a painting, and the person whose painting is of the higher level wins! If our paintings are on the same level, which I highly doubt they will, we shall call in judges in order to decide on a winner. Kid, do you dare accept? If you're not a fraud, then accept!" Abraham shouts loudly.

These words attract the glances of many of the surrounding people.

"Look, that middle-aged man is challenging that kid to an Art Duel! Isn't that just bullying?"

"Wait no, look at the badge in that kid's hands! It's a C-class artist."

"I think the old man said something about fraud. There's no way… That badge is fake?"

"That's true! It would take a real genius to become a C-class artist at such a young age! How could some random kid be at that level already?"

"Well, this should be interesting!"

"Why wouldn't I accept huh? I should be you that wouldn't dare accept!" Lin Ke shouts back. This middle-aged random had finally pissed him off, and now, Lin Ke wasn't going to let him off without a harsh lesson.

"However!" Lin Ke pauses, putting heavy emphasis on the word. "Do you dare bet with me?"

"Bet? What do you want to bet?" Abraham asks, confused as to why this kid wanted to bet. This kid should have no chance of winning, so why was he trying to bet with him.

Lin Ke holds up 5 fingers.

"5? 5 what?" Abraham asks.

"5 Mid-grade Chaos Stones!" Lin Ke says nonchalantly.

Abraham's eyes widened. 5 Mid-grade Chaos stones… To him, that was a vast fortune. After so many years, he had barely saved up 10 Mid-grade Chaos Stones. Now, this kid wants to bet with 5.

'Wait. Hang on, Abraham. This kid is probably just saying it to get you to back off. Accept the bet! He knows he can't stand a chance!'

Nodding his head at his own genius, Abraham says. "Alright! I accept your bet! Whoever wins has to hand over 5 Mid-grade Chaos Stones! Now, we just need a few judges just in case!"

Just at this moment, a man in a luxurious silky black suit strolled on over. He had a head of short hair, neatly combed into a tidy fade on the left side of his face. He had a mustache that complimented his appearance, making him seem extremely important and respectable.

The man looks his eyes on Lia as he walks over quickly.

Of course, Abraham caught sight of the man as he came over, and immediately recognized him.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Wraht! I was just going to go look for you! I have a favor to ask of you!" Abraham said brightly.

The man Abraham called Mr. Wraht glanced at him before brightly smiling. "Ahh, Mr. Abraham! Nice to see you! What are you doing here? Do you have another painting to sell? Please know, you're always welcome here! Also, if you just so happen to break through and create a B-tier painting, please keep our Artifact Hall in mind!"

"Ah, of course, of course. If I happen to create a B-tier painting, I will definitely sell it here!" Abraham promised.

Hearing that, Mr. Wraht's smile only gets bigger. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to speak with someone important."

Turning to Lia, Mr. Wraht bows deeply. "Welcome, esteemed guest! May I know what branch of the Artifact Hall you come from?"

Lia looks over at Lin Ke, as if asking whether he wanted to continue with his bullying of Abraham. With a discreet nod, Lia turns back to the man named Mr. Wraht.

"Ah.. Sir, please wait. My friend Lin Ke here wants to clear his name against this person here." She gestures to Abraham.

Lin Ke blinks.

"Ahh! Of course, I will wait for you to finish." Mr. Wraht said with a bow.

Lin Ke turns to Abraham. "So? Who���s going to be the judge?"