Benjamin Wayne's Rise to Power

Chapter 70

“I was careless,” Terence said coolly. “I clearly underestimated you.”

The words rang across the fencing club, crisp and deliberate, as if he had rehearsed them in advance.

Benjamin did not respond immediately. He merely adjusted his grip slightly, the movement smooth and unhurried. He carefully watched Terence, as if waiting to see what excuse would come next.

Terence then straightened his posture, slid his sword back into its sheath, and turned slightly toward the audience. His expression however was calm, almost generous, the kind one wore after granting mercy rather than suffering defeat.

The female manager hesitated near the edge of the stage, clearly unsure whether the match had truly ended or if another round was still expected. But before she could say anything, Terence spoke again.

“Regardless of the circumstances,” he continued, voice measured, “a loss is a loss. I won’t deny the result of the first two rounds.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd.

Some people nodded immedia