Chapter 60 - The Effortless Victory and a Villain's Gambit

I stood on the platform, watching Lucas Rhodes struggle to his feet after crashing into the wall. The gymnasium had fallen into a stunned silence, the kind that follows when something impossible unfolds before people's eyes. Lucas's chest heaved with labored breaths as he clutched his side, pain etched across his face.

"How..." Lucas gasped, stumbling forward. "That's not possible. My Inner Strength..."

His words trailed off as he coughed, specks of blood dotting his lips. The renowned "Inner Strength Expert" looked pathetically ordinary now, his reputation crumbling before the eyes of everyone present.

I couldn't help but feel a twist of satisfaction. "Your Inner Strength? Is that what you call it?"

Lucas's eyes flashed with rage. Despite his obvious pain, he charged at me again, desperation fueling his movements. His fist flew toward my face with what remaining power he could muster.

I didn't move. Didn't flinch. Didn't even raise my hands.