"Now!"
Everyone was focused on the fight, excited to watch such incredible fighters. As the match progressed, Robby's leg injury was evident, so many didn't expect anything extraordinary from him. However, they soon realized they were wrong as they watched Robby exchange blows with the furious Hawk.
But just when everyone thought Robby was holding his own against Hawk, a powerful kick landed on his chest, knocking him straight off the fighting platform.
Max, who remembered his own fight in a similar way, wasn't surprised. He simply sat in silence, enjoying the incredible spectacle. It was like watching a movie in the highest possible quality, but even better. So for now, he preferred to rest and be part of the audience.
"Point!"
As expected after that blow, Hawk took the lead with a point over Robby, who was recovering with Daniel's encouraging words.
"Show him you're better than that, Robby!"
When Hawk saw that Robby could continue, he was filled with anxiety and urgency.
Max could see in his eyes that he was desperate to win. He was eager to prove to everyone that he was a good fighter, but that mindset was what was defeating him.
"There's no doubt that Robby has monstrous talent in martial arts. Being able to fight at this level with so little experience is unthinkable, even for me." Max had been training longer than Robby, and it seemed like it had taken Robby much less time than most to reach Miguel's level.
"That kid's karate is different from yours. There's no comparison in a long fight," Terry disagreed with his student's words.
"Are you okay?" Daniel, who was near Robby, asked as he helped him up.
But Robby didn't feel like answering. He was frustrated at having been knocked off the platform in such a humiliating way, so he immediately climbed back up and positioned himself to continue the fight.
Exhaling sharply through his throat, Robby knew that if he didn't score a point now, it would be difficult to even look his friend in the eye again. This time, he would be much more aggressive to even the score.
"Ready? Fight!"
As soon as the referee moved the flags, Robby didn't wait and started moving as soon as he saw Hawk launching his attack.
Since he had no intention of backing down, Robby stood his ground.
Thud!
When Hawk tried to punch Robby's chest, Robby blocked the attack and pushed his fists upward while tilting his body. However, this gave his opponent an opportunity to strike his face. Even so, Robby didn't stop—he leaned his body, swept his leg, and, taking advantage of Hawk's exposed stance, attacked.
Wham!
Robby's kick successfully knocked Hawk down. And just as Hawk tried to get up, Robby immediately overwhelmed him with a powerful punch to the face.
"Point!"
At that moment, Robby's concentration entered an incredible phase in the fight, while Hawk, now even more desperate, couldn't comprehend what was happening.
As the fight unfolded, Max understood one thing: some things just couldn't be changed.
Daniel's luck in these tournaments was truly frustrating.
"He really won..." Max stood up as he saw the match come to an end.
When he watched Robby defeat Hawk, Max was surprised to see both of them shake hands after the fight.
"So now the semifinals are set..."