Evan came at Zara and struck out with a tiger claw strike. Zara readied her block with crossed arms. The blow hit right on her strongest point. But even with her solid stance and stronger body she actually struggled a bit at the blows hit.
She stumbles back a step making the onlookers gasp at the new found skill and strength of the newbie. Suddenly bets were being placed as this newbie actually had something new to bring to the gym.
Evan didn't give her a chance to breathe. He began doing a flurry of blows and using his skills to their maximum potential. High kicks, low kicks, hook kicks, closed fists, palm strikes, knee blows, liver shots, he used every technique he could muster to show Zara he knew what he was doing.
Zara grunted and tried her best to adjust to this new skill level. She had been holding herself back at a skilled fighter. But suddenly Evan displayed skill and strength to match it. She smirked as she removed her mental limiter and went straight to the next level and came at him with semi pro skill.
Evan was performing another dragon fist combo when suddenly he saw Zara elbow come shooting at his face. He gasps and barely blocks it but even with a good block he is sent stumbling back a few steps.
With this opening Zara pursued him hitting him with her quick combos, inside guard hits, muscle weakening blows, and destroying any semblance of resistance he had at first.
The attendant of the ring is so enthralled at this new skill being displayed by both Zara and Evan that he forgets to ring the bell for the 3 minute round limit. And the spar continues like this for a solid 15 minutes.
By that point Evan is truly covered in bruises his ki is shot as he tried to use it to even the odds. It only helped at key points so that it wasn't a wash. He was also panting and was panting hard sweating buckets while on one knee. Zara was panting too, though she had a huge smile on her face as she thought, 'I knew it! His potential is truly high! I could see him breaking through to legendary fighters like Ip man, Bruce Lee, and Frank Dux!'
Zara went down while wincing at the solid bruises forming on her arms, legs, and abs. She was stronger and more skilled than Evan... but his skill and new strength actually hurt even with the padding helping her out.
Evan stood on shaky and exhausted legs but with a smile on his face. He had truly enjoyed a full spar. Something he hadn't done since he lost Cassie all those years ago. He thanked her in his mind for letting him move into a new life. Before he looked at Zara and blushed hard.
Zara was smiling at him with eyes full of kindness and respect. While her body with sweating too soaking into her white sports bra and her light blue shorts. And with her skin tone being so dark it was a beautiful contrast that made him blush hard at this strong but kind woman who has helped him so much.
Zara noticed his blush while looking at her and smiled kindly, 'You know... once he is stronger and is back on his feet as a fighter... I should try dating this guy. He has potential. An honest heart. And he seems to be looking at me with actual interest instead of pure lust. I could enjoy a relationship with this kind of guy. But better let him finish processing the losses he has suffered in life. Then I can give it a shot.'
Zara shakes his hand while yelling out to the other fighters who watched their match, "What do you guys think? Evan worth joining out team for the upcoming tournament?!"
There were cheers all around from many of them. Except a group of five who were jealous. 3 guys and 2 girls in the back corner were scowling at this news. They had been training to enter as representatives for the group tournament for the last 3 years. But one lucky guy gets scouted by their idol Zara and suddenly he was going to be in the main line up?! The guys physique could barely be passed as an athlete! He was way too skinny! But they couldn't go against miss Zara.
However they began to each plot their own idea on how to remove the guy from the line up. Most of them involved... 'accidents' during training.
Unaware of the danger Evan was in Zara brought him down to the first floor to show and wash off the sweat and relax his muscles from the bruises. Evan couldn't help but glance at Zara shyly as he felt her perky and firm breasts push into him and he wasn't sure if it was on purpose or not. He made sure not to mention it or stare at hwr breasts as he had a lot of respect for her so he focused on her face and got lost in her deep emerald green eyes.
Zara smirked as Evan passed another test of hers. When she had guys she was interested in. She would help them to the showers and make sure her breasts are pushing into them to see how they act. Evan had the correct most respectful reaction so far. Too many guys oogled her breasts against them, while others were too indifferent trying to look 'cool' so she dropped interest right there. Evan was checking off all of her boxes for potential boyfriend material.
She grinned as he went into the showers and practically skipped to her favorite hitting bag to let off some steam. She hadn't been this interested in a guy this bad for a while so her emotions... and 'interest' were building fast.
Evan was showering while hissing to himself as the cool water he chose to use was soothing his sore and bruised muscles. 'Dang! Zara didn't hold back... but it did help. I had forgotten I had all that training from middle school through College until I remembered how Cassie would cheer me on.'
He smiled sadly but then it grew to a full smile as he realized he needed to move on. Cassie was too nice and too worried about him during their relationship. He knew she would've cried at seeing how he was doing after her death. This was his chance to stop worrying her from beyond the grave. He had to prove to himself and his deceased loved ones that he is doing better and can make a new life for himself.
He began to dry off and then checked his system.
And also noticed a growth in his stats from that hard spar.
*Due to a high skilled and high difficulty teaching spar and removing a new mental limiter on the users subconscious. Each stat has gained +3! And thanks to your learning prodigy you have increased the rank of each previously purchases martial arts!*
Evan almost stumbles from that piece of news but grins as he opens up his stats page and checks everything he has.
Name: Evan McLean
Race: Human
Level: 10
HP: 150/150
MP: Locked
Ki: 0/20
Str: 19 (+22)
Agi: 16 (+15)
End: 21 (+20)
Int: 33 (+6)
Sense: 23 (+8)
Skills:
Uncanny luck: Boosted luck that makes you seem like the luckiest guy in the world
Martial Prodigy: For each martial art you learn you gain bonuses to your stats based on each style and their rank. And you have the skill to match. Each rank in the martial art is equal to 1 year of training in them.
Karate II: +4 to str and end
Muay Thai II: +4 to str and end
Kick Boxing II: +4 to str and end
Tiger fist rank II: +4 to str and end
Jujitsu rank II: +4 to agi and sense
Dragon fist rank III: +3 to all
Tae Kwon do rank II: +4 to agi and str
Ki beginner: Gain ability to empower yourself with ki. 1 ki point add +1 to strength. Any amount of ki used only stays for 1 minute at a time until more ki mastery is gained
Tough stuff I: Your body grows healthier and is now tougher +4 to end, +5 to HP per level
Healing factor I: Regenerate 2 HP per minute
Learning Prodigy I: You are now able to learn things both body and mind related much faster! Your body is now closer to being a super human adaptation! X2 learning speed.
Gymnast I: Your body is way more flexible now! And you are more aware of your space, +2 agi +2 sense
Strategist I: +3 to int from thinking fast and better now!
Enhanced Reflexes I: React faster! +2 agi and +2 sense
Evan knew that with these boosts he could handle most mid tier fighters in the gym. But he had a lot of growing to do if he wanted to fight against and even have a chance of beating semi pro fighters.
He went out to the cafe to grab a water and check out some online books to see if he could learn any new fighting styles thanks to his learning ability.
He had just sat down with a book of Jeet Kune Do, an instruction manual written by Burce Lee for practitioners about the basics of the style. When he heard a loud bang that echoed throughout the gym.
Many people seemed to notice too and went to the first floor training rooms. There was a crown around the strike bags and found a heavy duty bag being whaled on by Zara. She was hitting it with such force that she was making it swing wildly on the chains. And the bag was a heavy duty 250lb bag! And she was making it swing like crazy with just some punches and kicks!
Everyone was in awe while Evan was transfixed by the sight. He was captivated by the strength, speed, skill, and deadliness she was exuding off her frame. But more than that he was also gazing with awe in his face at her beauty that was shining through with her efforts she was showing.
The sweat glistened as it slid over her frame. It made her seem like a sports illustrated model with oil over their body to enhance their muscle definition. Only her definition was all natural. He noticed her full 6 foot frame the first time they met. But now thay she was fully in the flow and fully warmed up he could see every part of her.
He abs were so tight they were indeed tight and powerful, well defined and flexed with every kick and punch she sent out. Evan also saw her leg muscles bunch up and show their full power with every strike, her calves were so defined he had no doubt you could hurt yourself from trying to punch them. He legs looked like powerful bundles of muscles that were so well defined that he swore wonder woman would kill to have those legs. Her arms were also well defined not large but well toned and thick enough to show she had enough power to choke you out if needed. Her feet were bare showing the soft tan soles in contrast with her lovely chocolate skin but they were well defined but still soft looking. They still packed a punch as the bag went air born from a swift front kick from the bottom of her foot and tensed toes made contact and made the bag stay in the air for 3 seconds before swinging back to be hit again. All of these traits and actions combined with her short braided hair that was hugging her scalp she painted a picture of a goddess of the ring.
Her thick full lips and her beautiful green eyes sparkled with excitement and glee as she did what she loves to do. Improve herself through training and reach new heights. Man men had to sit or cross their legs as they gazed at her with lust at her power and beauty. Evan had no problems, as he wasn't staring at her with lust. He was showering her form with care, admiration, respect, and a budding warmth in his chest that he hadn't felt since Cassie. He smiled to himself as he recognized it and swore to himself that he would become worthy of such a woman going forward.
Suddenly he heard a voice next to him, "She is really something isn't she?"
He looked to his left and saw Miu the receptionist in yoga pants and a tank top that hugged her petite frame. Being only 5 feet she was petite with A cup breasts and her long silky hair was tied back in a ponytail. But she was looking at Zara with admiration and care. Evan looked back and forth between Miu and Zara before asking, "Yeah she is. Are you two close?"
Miu giggled before answering, "You could say we are. We tend to help massage each other after a hard day of training. And she appreciates it when i show her how much she means to me from helping me get this job."
Evan blushes at the implications and goes, "By appreciation you mean..."
Miu giggles and winks before she begins to walk away to change and man the desk again, "I'll leave it up to your imagination until you get to know us both better big boy. Zara seems to like you. So I'll show the same courtesy and see what kind of man you are. So far... I have no complaints. Keep this up and treat Zara well as a friend first? Then you may just have two girls after you."
Evan gaped like a fish while everyone else was focused on Zaras training still. But he thought it through.
Wer both women beautiful?
Yes.
Would it be complicated navigating a polyamorous relationship if they were serious?
Also yes.
Was it worth it for such beautiful women who treat him with respect and seem to genuinely like him out of an honest place?
Oh hell yeah.
Evan promised himself there and then that he would make good on his previous promise while expanding it to Zara and Miu both. This way he had motivation to grow while also having his respect for women in the fore front of his mind. He wouldn't let them down, and he would honestly pursue such a relationship so that neither girl who is interested in him would feel left out or ignored.
He clenched his fist and watched Zara for a few more minutes before she took a break and she was swarmed by her fans.
He grinned at her and nodded to himself before going back to the cafe to read that book and see if he could gain any insights.
Now while Evan and Miu were largely unnoticed. There was one who was nearby who heard everything. One of the 5 jealous people from Evans introduction to their group. An average build with buzz cut hair and a build that showed nothing but lean muscles. His name was Naoki. And he was pissed.
He heard Miu and was gritting his teeth at how not only was his idol and secret crush Zara gunning for the new weakling. But now that pretty receptionist Miu was also interested! How lucky can one scrawny newbie fighter get?!
Fuming he thinks about what he could do to beat down Evan and show both women he was better boyfriend material compared to Evan.
Then he realized something. They were both training to be fighters... why not teach his junior a few things in the ring?
He grinned and thought he would be noticed by Zara and Miu and many other girls in the gym if he beat him down a peg or two.
Only three problems with his plan that Naoki didn't even consider.
1. Zara thought he was a lost cause and kept him in reserve only for his skill.
2. Zara and most other female gym members thought he was a scum ball due to his lusting and leering looks at them.
3. He never tried to fight anyone stronger than himself on purpose so his adaptability in combat is trash.
He approached Evan while being blissfully unaware of these three problems with his plan. Evan was half way through the book and had gained a surprising amount of insight thanks to his learning skill. He felt if he finished the book he would gain the skill of Jeet Kune Do to his martial skill.
But as he was finally reaching the middle half he saw a shadow looming by him. He looked up and saw a grinning face of a 5 foot 10 inch man with a lean build and a sleazy face thanks to his grin and his shifty eyes that were glancing at girls walking by the table even though his focus should be on Evan.
Evan quirked an eyebrow before asking, "Can I help you? Uh..."
Prompting Naoki to focus on Evan and growl inside his mind. "My name is Naoki. I'm another fighter in the tournament group. I saw your spar earlier and figured you could use some pointers on your karate and kick boxing skills. I'm actually quite good at both. So would you like a teaching spar?"
Evan thought of it and though he was suspicious this man hadn't been outwardly hostile to him so he gave him the benefit of the doubt. Nodding Evan book marked his page and followed Naoki to the rings on the fourth floor.
Zara noticed them and got suspicious as she knew Naokis personality. And if he was leading Evan to the sparring rings at this time. There would be few witnesses if he decided to beat doen another newbie. Naoki was on his third and final warning from Zara and his father, the owner, so she decided to bring 5 people from the crowd to join her and asked them to come help her with moving equipment in the fourth floor sparring rings.
They agreed and joined her.
Meanwhile as Zara got the 5 people to follow her Evan and Naoki were both in a ring with only mouth guards as this was a no contact spar. They didn't have a referee this time as it was break time. So Evan didn't suspect a thing thanks to timing and Naokis explanations.
For the first 3 minutes it was fine Naoki asked Evan to show him what he knew of karate and kick boxing. And while his movements were good Naoki decided to keep up the guise and correct a few problems.
Though in his mind he thought, 'Perfect! This guy is rusty! He obviously hasn't fought in a while as shown by his spar with miss Zara! I can beat him! Now for the second part of the plan!'
Evan took a stance when Naoki asked if he was up to start the spar soon they both readied themselves and Naoki came at Evan with a powerful punch that was faster than a normal sparring punch.
Evan gasped and barely dodged it while the gloved hand of Naoki scraped past his cheek and left a small friction cut that was slowly oozing blood.
Evan realized now what Naoki was planning and he was too late to stop it as Naoki had tricked him into a cage ring used by MMA fighters and the locked door was behind Naoki.
Evan gritted his teeth and glared at Naoki and asked, "So why am I your target? I don't think i pissed you off before this."
Naoki gritted his teeth and growled out with a hateful glare, "Oh but you have Evan! Miss Zara is mine! I'll be the one to get her affection! Not you!"
Evan sighed while saying something that would piss off Naoki more than he was before.
"You realize she is her own woman and no meant to be won like a trophy by guys like you right? You need to treat her like a living person not a prize!"
With anger rolling off Evan Naoki actually gasped at the aura flowing off the newbie and had a drop of sweat roll off his eyebrow. Evan continued, "Someone like you is a type of person I hate! Miss Zara is her own person! She is kind, beautiful, strong, motivating, and most of all admirable! Sure I harbor budding feelings for her. But I don't see her as just another woman for my pleasure of dating! I see her as the person she is! A powerful and kind fighter who cares about those around her! So prepare yourself Naoki! You have pissed me off royally for seeing someone I care about like that!"
Evan readied his dragon fist stance confusing Naoki who has never seen kung fu stances before. But he smiles evilly and gets into his own Kick Boxing stance and retorts, "So what if she is a walking sexy pair of breast and legs?! Women are there to please their man! Hence why powerful men like me deserve someone like Miss Zara! So be ready pal! I'm taking you down and showing my stuff to everyone here!"
Both men ready their stances and rushed at each other with punches ready.