Everyone at Myers Manor knew Damien would have a showdown with Million. Even York, who rarely left theputerb, hade out to witness the spectacle.


    The garden quickly filled up with curious onlookers.


    Calliope told everyone to grab a few foldable chairs to sit and watch the action unfold between Million and Damien.


    A group of people arranged their chairs in neat rows, settling in for the show.


    The braver ones, more familiar with Calliope, sat beside her, subtly probing about how skilled Million was. Some said that no matter how talented Million might be, Damien was still superior. He was their head of security, extremely skilled, a multiple-time global martial arts champion, and a former military man who had trained many formidable individuals.


    "I''m betting on Million!"


    "Well, I''m putting my money on Damien!"


    "I agree. Damien''s got this. Remember that, one time, he took down two bears with just a knife during a mission? He''s got real skills. If it were anyone else, they''d have been dead, but not Damien!"


    "What do you think, Mrs. Myers?" Someone turned to Calliope for her opinion.


    Munching on some popcorn, Calliope mused, "Million doesn''t have many opponents, but I haven''t sparred


    with Damien, so I''m not too sure about his strength. Guess we''ll find out."


    She nced at Million and Damien, who were both ready to go.


    Calliope stood up, grabbed the popcorn bowl, and passed a handful to each spectator. Everyone looked pleasantly surprised.


    "Thank you, Mrs. Myers!"


    "Sharing makes it more fun." Calliope sat back down, crossing her legs, and focused on Damien and


    Million, the man and wolf, locking eyes beforeunching into the fight.


    The crowd held their breath, and even Snowy and Shadow sat obediently on either side of Calliope. Damien moved fast, but Million moved even faster.


    The exchange of blows between


    man and wolf was intense. Million executed each move with


    human-like precision despite being a wolf, demonstrating a martial arts style.


    en


    Damien''s eyes widened in surprise. He had initially thought it was a stretch to consider Million as a martial artist.


    But now, he had to take it seriously.


    Million seemed to know several martial arts styles, each one impressive, and had the advantage of size


    and speed, moving so quickly it was almost like a blur.


    Calliope sipped her coffee. "Damien''s going to lose."


    "Wow, Million''s amazing!"


    "No way. Is Damien struggling?"


    "Impossible. Damien''s too good. Even if he loses, he should hold his ground for a little longer."


    Calliope shook her head. "Three more moves."


    Sure enough, within three moves, Damien was on the ground.


    Million reverted to standing on all fours, let out a triumphant howl at Damien, and then trotted off to watch the show.


    Everyone was stunned. It hadn''t taken long for Million to defeat Damien.


    Watching this, Calliope felt an itch in


    her hands. It had been a while since she''d had a good spar. She used to hide her skills for the sake of Gideon because he said he liked gentle girls.


    en


    But now, her hands were itching badly.


    She looked at Million and asked, "Million, want to have a go with me?" Milliony down, ears drooping, eyes blinking, and then shook its head.


    "Just for a little while!" Calliope held up a finger, looking hopeful. "I know you''re really strong now that you''re grown up, and I haven''t tested your full strength yet!"