URBAN VILLAIN SYSTEM-Chapter 40: One Shot... 3 Birds...!

’SNAP...’

The moment the snap echoed across the Sky Ring, the entire arena fell into a suffocating stillness that no one dared to break.

The oppressive force crushed down on everyone like an invisible mountain. Even the most arrogant voices in the crowd stood in silence.

As the lady slowly descended onto the Sky Ring, everyone watched in utter silence.

Her presence alone was enough to intimidate everyone.

As she came closer to the ground, she receded her life energy slightly, allowing the crowd to breathe again.

Then—

The crowd began realising the person behind the oppressive force.

"What... that’s Seventh Elder Jasmine...?"

"Really? It can’t be... how can she appear here?!"

"God... she is really the Ice Queen... Jasmine...!"

The whispers grew louder, filled with disbelief and reverence. The master of the Seventh Octopus House, one of the seven elders of the Octopus Association, and widely known as the most powerful among them had appeared in person.

And she appeared here after so many years!

No one could remember the last time she had stepped into the public eye. For years, she had remained in seclusion, a distant legend rather than a visible authority. Yet now, she stood at the center of the Sky Ring, her presence dominating everything without effort.

Even the three great families watching through their screens were shaken.

Inside the Clark family estate, the elders who had been cursing Tony moments ago now fell silent.

"She came personally...?" one of them muttered.

The Third Elder Sukoy Clark expression turned grave. "What is she doing here...?"

Kevin’s face twisted even further, his earlier excitement completely gone. "Why now...? Why would she appear now...?"

Inside the Imperial palace, Emperor Jamie Smith’s gaze sharpened dangerously.

"...Jasmine," he muttered.

Beside him, Queen Sophie frowned slightly. "If she intervenes... this won’t end the way we want."

Their attention remained locked on the screen.

***

On the arena floor, Lily Frost and Julie stood side by side, their expressions filled with confusion. Neither of them spoke for a moment.

"Why would she come here...?" Julie whispered.

Lily didn’t answer immediately.

Because she didn’t know.

At the center— Tony moved again freely.

The suppressive force faded just enough for him to regain control of his body, and without even sparing a glance toward Jasmine, he lifted his leg again— And kicked Edward.

Thud!!!

Edward’s body jerked violently, his ribs taking the impact as a scream tore out of his throat.

"Aahhh...!!!"

The sound echoed across the arena like the cry of an animal being slaughtered.

The crowd froze. ’He... he’s still continuing?! Even in the presence of Jasmine?!’

Jasmine’s expression changed slightly, a rare flicker of surprise crossing her calm face. She had expected Tony to stop immediately, to show at least basic restraint.

But he didn’t.

"That’s enough," Jasmine said, her voice calm yet firm. "You already won the fight. There is no need to humiliate the imperial family further."

Her words carried authority... Absolute authority.

Yet—

Tony didn’t stop.

"You don’t understand," he replied casually, as if explaining something obvious. "This fellow is a genuine lover. He came all the way here to prove his love. Let him prove it."

And then— Another kick.

Thud!!!

Edward curled further, clutching his ribs as his screams grew louder, more broken.

"Aaaahhh—!!!"

The crowd couldn’t breathe.

Some turned their faces away.

Others stared, unable to look elsewhere.

"I said enough!" Jasmine’s tone sharpened, her voice carrying a hint of seriousness for the first-time.

Tony finally paused... But not out of fear. He looked down at Edward, then slightly toward Jasmine.

"He still hasn’t admitted defeat," Tony said, his tone almost complaining. "How can I stop now? Also, I can’t take this lightly. He even bet on the Octopus Token."

Edward’s body trembled. "No... no... I lost..." he muttered weakly, fear finally overtaking his pride. "I lost..."

The moment those words came out, the arena master moved quickly, removing the restrictions and stepping forward to bow deeply before Jasmine. Edward’s servant rushed onto the stage, kneeling and asking permission to take him away.

Jasmine gave a small nod. Edward was carried away in the next-second.

Then—

Her attention shifted toward Tony.

"Do you know how many people you have offended today?" Jasmine asked in a serious tone.

Tony smiled faintly, his tone turning almost innocent.

"My dear lady, you might be misunderstanding me. He is the one who asked for the fight. He is the one who placed the Octopus Token as a wager. I just came here to do some little shopping with my soon-to-be wife, Lily Frost."

The crowd went still again. ’The audacity...’

Even Lily blinked slightly.

Jasmine stared at him for a moment before speaking again.

"Enough of your explanations. I saw everything. It’s better you leave my place as soon as possible."

Tony tilted his head slightly. "Elder, don’t be so moody," he said lightly. "Now I have the Octopus Token. How can I leave without spending it?"

Jasmine watched him carefully. "Just tell me what you want. You can keep the token. Take it as a favor from me."

The words stunned everyone.

A favor...?

From Jasmine?

Tony’s eyes gleamed faintly.

"Oh, you are really generous," he said with a soft smile. "Then I won’t be stingy. Please give me a weapon that matches my physical strength." Tony asked without stating his requirement directly.

"You are as cunning as your third uncle," Jasmine said calmly.

Tony immediately changed his expression, turning almost pitiful.

"Respected lady, you misunderstand me. I am just a talentless martial artist trying to survive. I can only rely on your generosity."

Jasmine stepped closer... So close that only he could hear her next words.

"Do you really think I can’t see through your act?" she whispered. "You are not a 12th-class disciple. I can clearly see your martial body."

Tony’s smile didn’t change. But inside— His mind got alert. Danger... Real danger.

Jasmine straightened again.

"But defeating a Grandmaster with just your body... you should be proud."

Tony nodded slightly. "You are also impressive, elder. When you used your energy, I couldn’t even move a finger."

The crowd gasped.

Did he just... casually praise her?

Like an equal?

Jasmine’s lips curved faintly.

"I think you will become stronger than me someday," she said calmly. "But I wonder... will you survive until then?"

With a wave of her hand— Two weapons appeared.

A pair of gauntlets... An iron bow.

Both radiating powerful aura.

’Sky Rank!’

The entire arena erupted into whispers.

Two...?!

She gave him two...?!

Tony was genuinely surprised this time. "Why are you doing this?" he asked.

Jasmine’s answer was simple. "Consider it an investment. Today I give. Tomorrow... you repay."

"If I survive till then... I will repay it." Tony replied.

As he stored the weapons in the bamboo bag, the crowd stared at him differently. No one expected Tony Clark to beat the talented 9th prince so easily.

Some people have already started writing fantasy articles about Tony beating Edward. Many speculating Tony to hide his strength and acting as evil young master for outsiders.