From Bullets To Billions Chapter 665: Wushu Master

4I’m sorry, are you a friend of Max?4 Talia inquired, her voice laced with genuine curiosity yet tinged with caution.

Under typical circumstances, students within the business department maintained a rather exclusive circle, largely acquainted only with those they shared lectures with. While Talia and Yovan possessed a slightly different dynamic, having attended the same high school and bringing their established social histories to the university, they were certain of one fact: the individual before them was not affiliated with the business department. He possessed a distinct aura, more composed and focused.

4Not friends, exactly,4 the man responded, offering a polite, well-rehearsed nod. 4My name is Eric. I represent the foreign martial arts department, with a specialization in Wushu. Max had expressed a significant interest in joining our club, and as our official activities are set to commence next week, I decided to locate him to discuss the curriculum and his expectations.4

4Max was actually interested in joining a Wushu club!4 Steve exclaimed, his eyes suddenly illuminated with an intense fervor.

4Oh, settle down, Steve,4 Yovan remarked, her characteristic sharp tongue evident. 4If you ask me, those who join such clubs are either thugs with a penchant for violence or losers weary of being bullied, believing they can finally gain an upper hand after a few lessons.4

She was acutely aware of Steve’s heightened excitement. He was desperately seeking any indication to validate his theory that their quiet classmate was the fabled Max Smith from the Notting Hill whispers. To Steve, any martial arts connection served as the crucial evidence he awaited.

4Believe me, it encompasses far more than that,4 Eric stated, entirely unfazed by Yovan’s cynicism. 4Individuals pursue the learning of martial arts for a multitude of reasons. For some, it is solely for self-defense; for others, it provides a social outlet, a disciplined form of exercise, or a journey of self-discovery through skill mastery. I encourage you all to visit us for a few sessions. You might find it more enjoyable than you anticipate.4

Yovan evidently intended to retort with another barbed comment, but the words failed to materialize. Eric’s demeanor was remarkably amiable, and the sincere, relaxed smile on his face rendered it difficult even for her to maintain her antagonistic posture. However, the tranquil interlude proved to be short-lived.

4What is this? So you fancy yourself some kind of formidable martial artist?4 a deep, condescending voice boomed from the side.

The group turned to observe a senior member of the event committee approaching. It was evident he hailed from one of the sports departments, and judging by his slight unsteadiness, he had indulged in more than a few drinks.

4You know, I’m part of the Judo Club,4 the senior declared, tapping his chest with a thumb. 4And frankly, I consider all that kung fu nonsense, or that interpretive dance you call martial arts, to be utter rubbish.4

The senior’s boisterous and aggressive tone was rapidly drawing the attention of other guests. Even Donto, who had been casually situated at the bar accompanied by a small retinue of flatterers, paused his conversation to observe. Several other seniors watched the unfolding confrontation with a discernible, predatory amusement.

4It appears Charlie is about to instigate another incident,4 one of the seniors, clad in a blue athletic jacket, commented. With his arms crossed, he stood quite close to Donto. This was Sono, a member of the university’s rugby team. Although not possessing a large, imposing physique, Sono was recognized for his remarkable speed and unexpectedly formidable strength.

4Hey, so if you practice those fake martial arts, why don’t you try fighting me?4 Charlie challenged, encroaching upon Eric’s personal space. 4We can put on a little spectacle for the freshmen. You can finally employ those ‘skills’ you’ve wasted years honing.4

Eric slowly shook his head, his expression maintaining its composure. 4I apologize, but I do not practice my martial arts for amusement or personal pride. My practice is for personal cultivation, or when a genuine, unavoidable necessity arises in real life.4

4A real need, you say?4 Charlie retorted derisively.

Abruptly, the inebriated senior launched a heavy, sweeping punch aimed at Eric’s head. Eric remained utterly still; he moved with an effortless fluidity, his hand quickly rising to effortlessly deflect the blow. He shifted to the side, and Charlie’s own momentum propelled him forward. The senior faltered, nearly colliding with Talia and Yovan, until Eric reacted with astonishing speed, grasping the back of Charlie’s shirt and skillfully restoring him to an upright stance.

4My apologies,4 Eric stated, turning toward the freshmen. 4It appears you nearly faced harm due to this disturbance.4

"No, it's quite alright! It's obvious this isn't your doing," Talia exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise. Steve and Yovan both appeared equally taken aback. Eric, it seemed, was not only genuinely kind-hearted but also remarkably adept.

"You... so you genuinely wish to engage in combat after all!" Charlie bellowed, his countenance flushing with humiliation and fury. Bracing himself, he raised both fists to his sides, adopting an awkward fighting posture.

A prolonged, tired sigh escaped Eric's lips. "It appears this situation won't be resolved until I personally handle it. You strike me as precisely that sort of individual."

Eric surged forward, rapidly closing the gap before Charlie could muster a response. The senior attempted a desperate lunge to grab, but even before his hands could grasp Eric's attire, Eric's own hands transformed into streaks of motion. He unleashed a flurry of swift blows in rapid succession, his fists extending directly from his body one after another, maintaining a steady, brutal rhythm.

The impacts landed with a sequence of sharp thuds – one on Charlie's face, another on his chin, and continuing down his body without the slightest pause from Eric. Once the whirlwind of motion ceased, Charlie remained rigid for a moment before his eyes rolled back, and he crumpled onto the bowling alley floor in a heap.

"Oh?" Donto uttered, a sharp, cold smirk gracing his features as he pushed himself away from the bowling machine he had been resting against. "It seems we've finally discovered someone we genuinely need to contend with this evening."