SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL

"I've already assessed the situation."

"The residents here are all ordinary people!"

"Even if that fat guy on stage is a true strongman, his strength can't possibly exceed Hales, who is a Transcendent!"

Joe Root spoke with a confident smile.

The reason he wanted to win over Leo was because he valued his Flame-Flame Fruit ability.

Although Leo was traveling with a burden, he was still the top person in Class A—not just in talent, but also in strength.

As for Ben?

From beginning to end, Joe Root had never looked at Ben directly, completely treating him like air.

Ben didn't care.

He just quietly watched the scene unfold.

Even if Leo ultimately decided to form a temporary alliance with these people, it wouldn't matter. After all, the so-called temporary alliance wouldn't share his benefits.

At this moment, the young man named Hales had already stepped onto the stage.

Seeing this, the host immediately announced:

"Wow, it seems that our Mr. Peter won't have an easy time claiming this year's championship! Another new challenger has stepped onto the stage."

"Let's give the new challenger a round of applause! Hopefully, he can put on a great performance!"

The crowd erupted in applause, showing their support.

The host then stepped aside, leaving the arena to the two competitors.

Big Fat Peter grinned and stared at Hales.

"Kid, you're about to say goodbye to your right hand!"

His voice was loud and menacing, making sure the entire audience could hear.

Immediately, his supporters in the crowd cheered.

Hales, however, remained calm, simply giving Peter a cold smile without engaging in trash talk.

The Match Begins

With the host's command, both men clenched their right hands together and exerted force.

Everyone watching could see the tension in their muscles and the bulging veins on their arms.

Then, their expressions changed simultaneously!

Big Fat Peter no longer looked as relaxed as before, his eyes widening in surprise.

Hales' expression also became serious.

From the looks of it, the two were evenly matched in strength.

For a while, neither side could gain an advantage.

Then suddenly, Peter smirked.

"Kid, I have to admit, you're stronger than I expected. But if this is all you've got, then you're doomed!"

A ferocious grin spread across his face.

Hales' expression shifted—he could feel Peter increasing his strength.

The surge of power finally broke the deadlock, and Hales found himself unable to keep up.

With a loud BANG!, Hales' hand slammed against the wooden table.

Fortunately, thanks to his Steel-man bloodline, his fists were already capable of steelification, making his defenses incredibly tough. He wasn't injured.

Still, he was furious. His eyes flickered with a dangerous light, as though he wanted to crush Peter right then and there.

But he held back.

The mission was the priority. Picking a fight with the town's residents would be a foolish move.

Hales knew that.

Embarrassment for Joe Root

Below the stage, Joe Root's expression darkened.

He was shocked—he had been so sure of Hales' victory.

Now, all his confidence had backfired, leaving him embarrassed.

Joe Root was young, and he cared about his reputation. He felt too humiliated to even look at Leo.

Luckily, Leo wasn't the type to mock others for their failures. Instead, he simply turned to Ben.

"Ben, let's go."

Ben smiled.

"Not yet."

Leo frowned.

Ben continued, "Wait a little longer. I'll go up there and win back the prize money."

Everyone froze.

If this had happened earlier, Joe Root and the others would have mocked Ben for being delusional.

Even Hales, with a strength attribute over 40, had lost. What made Ben think he stood a chance?

But after just being humiliated, Joe Root and his group held their tongues.

Still, their eyes were full of disdain and ridicule.

Even Leo looked puzzled.

"How do you plan to win?"

"With strength, obviously! You don't think I'm going to cheat, do you?"

"Ben, we've already wasted too much time here…"

"Exactly! That's why we can't waste any more. This is a great opportunity—we shouldn't pass it up."

"But—"

"Trust me, no 'buts'!"

Ben cut Leo off with a smile and walked forward.

"You stay here. I'll be right back."

Leo's face darkened.

Was this guy really making a "The Dim Figure" reference in a place like this?

The Underdog Takes the Stage

As Ben stepped onto the stage, he was met with a wave of boos.

Unlike the previous challengers, he didn't have a bulky physique.

He looked… average.

There was no way he could be a strongman.

Even the host seemed skeptical.

"Sir, are you here to compete?"

Ben tilted his head.

"If I weren't, what would I be doing up here?"

"I apologize, but you don't exactly fit the image of a strongman…"

"Enough talking," Ben interrupted. "Let's get started."

The host sighed but nodded.

"Alright. Then… good luck!"

The crowd murmured among themselves, most of them convinced that Ben would be humiliated.

Big Fat Peter, on the other hand, was thrilled.

The competition was coming to an end, and his final opponent was an obvious weakling.

This meant an easy win and a hefty cash prize.

"Hahaha! Kid, I'll crush your hand in an instant. Consider it my victory celebration!"

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Some of them loved watching one-sided beatdowns.

Ben remained calm.

When their right hands clasped together, the difference was obvious.

One arm was thick and muscular.

The other was… normal.

Joe Root's Overconfidence

Below the stage, Joe Root scoffed at Ben.

He had already predicted the outcome.

He turned to Leo.

"Leo, I don't know what you're thinking. Why would you team up with this ignorant fool? Look, his hand is about to be crushed. And even if it heals after leaving the Spirit Realm, for the next eleven hours, he'll be nothing but dead weight."

CRACK!

Suddenly, a sharp cracking noise echoed through the air.

Followed by a scream.

Joe Root smirked.

"See? Your friend is already crippled."

He didn't even bother looking at the stage. His confidence was back.

Now that Ben had lost, Joe Root could once again take charge.

"Leo, there's no time left. Do you want to form an alliance with us or not? Just give me a straight answer!"

Leo didn't respond.

He was staring at the stage, wide-eyed.

His pretty face full of shock.

Joe Root frowned.

"Leo, what's wrong? Why aren't you answering me?"

One of Joe Root's teammates tapped his shoulder awkwardly.

"Uh… Bro, maybe you should look at the stage first."

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