However, this time, there was a clear difference in the judgment between Sky Strike and Collapsing Fist. Desert Lone's fist slammed onto Autumn Leaf's battle spear, the force of the punch sent out, and Autumn Leaf's figure immediately began to sway. The judgment of Collapsing Fist was obviously stronger than that of Sky Strike.

Opportunity!

All the players who could see the subtleties thought the same thing. Sure enough, Desert Lone did not disappoint them, taking advantage of the superior judgment to continue pressing forward with aggressive attacks.

Is it really an opportunity? Watching from the sidelines, Ethan Brooks was chuckling at this moment. Sky Strike versus Collapsing Fist, with an obvious disadvantage in judgment. Would James Carter overlook this? Would he make a mistake in such a situation? These people who think they've spotted an opportunity are underestimating a true expert, aren't they?

This isn't an opportunity—or rather, it is an opportunity, but it's James Carter's opportunity, because this opening was deliberately sold to the opponent by him.

The swaying figure seemed to be forced into a stagger by the superior judgment of Collapsing Fist over Sky Strike. But this seemingly helpless, out-of-control footwork just happened to perfectly dodge Desert Lone's high kick. Immediately after, a flash of light shot out from behind Autumn Leaf.

Non-attribute Shining Rune!

The non-attribute Shining Rune generated when Dragon Tooth and Punch collided was not fired off immediately as many battle mages are accustomed to. Instead, it waited until this moment, when everyone thought Desert Lone had the upper hand and was in control, to suddenly launch a counterattack.

The light instantly filled Desert Lone's field of vision. This was not just an attack on the character, but also interference with the operator's line of sight. This was something the onlooking players could not experience; only those who had actually fought James Carter, like Ethan Brooks, and Desert Lone at this moment, truly understood.

But there was no retreat, no dodge.

The high kick's attack was dodged.

The line of sight was blocked by the light of the non-attribute Shining Rune.

Autumn Leaf's follow-up attack had already begun.

But none of this affected Desert Lone's actions; he didn't show even a hint of panic or hesitation. He punched—he was still punching. At level 32, the character's skills were still quite limited, and this punch was just a normal attack, a very ordinary straight punch.

But this punch was faster than any skill, and its accuracy was even greater than if his vision hadn't been blocked.

The fist passed through the non-attribute Shining Rune, light and shadow scattering, Desert Lone took damage, but it didn't affect his actions in the slightest. With just an ordinary punch, he landed a hit on Autumn Leaf's head.

Bang!

A dull thud.

The damage from a normal attack wasn't high, but this punch was enough to disrupt Autumn Leaf's rhythm. The players all exclaimed in amazement; they hadn't realized the changes involved. In their eyes, Desert Lone had seized the opportunity and taken the upper hand. As expected, Desert Lone, with 4012 victories, was a bit stronger than Autumn Leaf, who had 3686 consecutive wins.

Ethan Brooks was also amazed, but what amazed him was quite different from everyone else. Because only he knew that James Carter was actually luring his opponent to attack. What he hadn't expected was that this opponent, Desert Lone, would so directly and decisively destroy James Carter's bait with such a blunt, clean, and accurate move.

This wasn't a lucky hit; this Desert Lone, just like him, had already judged that Autumn Leaf's inferior judgment was a deliberate lure by James Carter. But he didn't avoid it, he didn't hesitate for even a moment, and just charged in resolutely.

Knowing it's a trap and still jumping in—by any measure, that's a pretty foolish move. But this boxer named Desert Lone, relying on his determination and courage, managed to carve out a path through such a foolish act.

At this moment, it was no longer James Carter's intentional retreat or baiting, but Desert Lone truly taking the upper hand, seizing the initiative. His attacks didn't stop, growing fiercer and fiercer. Facing a formidable opponent like James Carter, he didn't play it safe and cautious like so many others, but instead exuded a bold momentum, as if he could end it all in one wave.

No wonder he's a top player with a 100% win rate—truly impressive!

Seeing such a master in action, Ethan Brooks felt himself getting fired up. All along, he'd focused on generating profit in the game; the outcome of PKs, if there was no profit, never really mattered to him. But now, he suddenly felt an urge to set everything else aside and simply pursue a single victory or defeat.

Don't lose!

Ethan Brooks suddenly had this hope. Originally, he didn't really care, and even wanted to see what James Carter would look like after being defeated. But at this moment, he was unwaveringly hoping for James Carter to win. This feeling of shared purpose was incredibly clear.

He turned his head to look at James Carter beside him. James Carter's expression was more focused and serious than ever, and also carried a hint of excitement.

A worthy opponent!

This was truly a worthy opponent.

A single win or loss couldn't say it all; these two would keep fighting, would have many more matches and outcomes. At this moment, Ethan Brooks suddenly had this premonition.

So, who would strike first? Who would win in this first encounter?

Opportunity!

Ethan Brooks's eyes suddenly lit up.