"Coincidence means only the connection that is not seen. Roots meet underground."

******

"You're leaving?" Holly watched Ike zip up beside the bed while she propped her temple against her knuckles. "Don't tell me you just snuck out of your home?"

Ike paused, lifting his eyes to the young lady on the bed. His gaze lingered on her plump bosom that the sheet barely covered.

"Are you sad?" he asked out of nowhere, making her brows elevate. "I can stay for a bit if that is what you want."

"That's funny." She chuckled.

"I have a soft spot for ladies…" Ike trailed off as he picked up his shirt on the floor. "... I pity them almost immediately."

Another brief chuckle slipped past her slightly swollen lips from his bites as she watch him wear his shirt.

"You should have more respect for ladies," she casually pointed out while he sat on the edge of the bed to wear his shoes. "Not everyone likes jerks."

"I highly doubt that." Ike glanced at her, smirking. "Respect is earned, not given. It was nice knowing you. You have a great pussy."

Holly rolled her eyes at his embarrassing remarks.

"You can stay here till morning. It's dangerous out there." Ike patted the mattress to get her attention, flashing her a charming smile. "I had a great time."

Ike didn't idle for long, pushing himself away from the bed. As he took three steps, he stopped when she spoke.

"Are we going to forget this happened?" he looked back upon her question, only to see the genuine wonder in her eyes. "I'm curious."

"Who said you will?" was his response, making her laugh. "I'm not joking."

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"Whatever."

"Don't worry. We can always do it again if I'm in the mood." He smirked, waving dismissively. "See you around."

Holly simpered, leering at his back as he sauntered off. She waited for him to look back, but he didn't, shutting the door without a second hesitation.

"What a strange guy," she murmured, licking her lips. "The likes of him are the most challenging to tame, but also the most entertaining ones."

A glint flickered across her enthralling azure eyes, keeping them on the shut door before she rolled under the sheet. Her lips were curled up into a delighted smile, satisfied at the rounds of passion with the guy whose name she didn't even know.

She wasn't the only one who was satisfied, though. Ike as well… although, he fulfilled not only his physical need but also his psychological need.

***********

As Ike left the establishment where he rolled under the sheet with Holly, a light flashed from his side. He shut one of his eyes, turning his head in the light's direction. His gaze instantly caught a red sedan, jogging his way toward it and hitched onto the backseat.

"You made us wait for so long. I thought we would have to barge into your room to get our payment."

Ike turned his head in the voice's direction before a smirk turned up on his face. There, looking back at him, were the same fellows, whom he had 'beaten' up in front of the nightclub to save a damsel in distress.

"Is it my fault that my pullout game is strong?" humored Ike, shoving his hand inside his pocket to get some cash. "You guys did great. Why not join the entertainment industry? I think you'd get your break there."

Ike handed the guy next to him a wad of cash without counting. "Keep the change. I had a good time."

The guy sitting beside Ike didn't hesitate to snatch the money and started counting. As he did so, Ike leisurely leaned back.

"But anyway, something piqued my interest," said Ike to the others in the driver and front passenger seat. "You guys told me something about battle points. Care to explain what is that?"

"How come you don't know that?" the guy in the driver's seat cocked his head to the side. "I never met anyone who doesn't know about the battle points."

"To make the long story short, I had an accident. So there were many things I had forgotten." Ike shrugged. "Just tell me since I hired you, despite knowing I will gain nothing about this."

The guys in the front looked at each other momentarily before setting their eyes back on their client. Since Ike requested, they didn't mind sharing such basic knowledge while Ike listened with interest.

According to them, battle points were something relevant in today's world because the government calculated and recorded these points. Since everyone was aware of the existence of the Colosseum, and for a long time, the world revolved around it, even though it had been centuries since its last appearance, the world still brought this practice up to date.

In a simple explanation, they earned these battle points in official duels or brawls where violence was legal. No one would shoulder any responsibility; damages, injuries, or even death if two people mutually agreed to a duel. This was what they called legal violence.

The guys Ike hired used this system to earn some easy money. They would agree to an official duel and forfeit, making their opponent earn points. The downside of that was the more losses they have on their records, the more their value would decrease. So now, even if they agreed to an official duel, the points their opponents would earn were close to none.

These guys weren't the only ones who fell into such a method. Matter of fact, they already knew about the consequences before they got into this business. It was just that life was hard, and they had to make a living.

"Oh… how interesting. It's like a game." Ike rocked his head in understanding, keeping the site in mind where he could check his data.

"All clear." The young man beside Ike slapped the cash against his palm, turning his head to their client. "Don't forget to contact us if you need our help, boss."

"Heh… of course." Ike offered his hand for a handshake, smirking. "Until our next transaction."