"You think being a high-level dude gives you the right to treat others like trash?" Jack spat, standing his ground. He knew he should be begging for mercy, but that would mean disgracing himself—and Jack would rather face the pain than lose his dignity.
Henry's lips curled into a sneer. "Still bold, even when you're about to be crushed. After I'm done with you, you'll learn to mind your own business and shut that poor mouth of yours."
Without warning, Henry strode forward and delivered a punch to Jack's face. The force sent Jack sprawling to the ground, the impact feeling like an iron rod had struck him. The crowd erupted in cheers, thrilled by the spectacle unfolding before them.
Jack winced, clutching his jaw as the pain radiated through his face. But then, a strange notification echoed in his mind:
**
**
A smile tugged at the corners of Jack's lips, despite the pain. He activated the newly acquired skill, feeling a surge of energy course through him.
"Down with just one punch!" Henry roared, basking in the laughter of the crowd. He didn't see Jack's next move coming. With a swift, powerful strike, Jack landed a punch square in Henry's stomach, driving the air out of him.
Henry staggered back, surprise flashing across his face. Jack didn't let up. He unleashed a barrage of punches, each one fueled by determination. He knew that giving Henry a chance to recover could spell disaster.
But the tide shifted when Jack's fist connected with Henry's torso again. This time, it felt like punching an iron gate. Jack recoiled, shaking his hand in pain. Henry's smirk returned as he closed the distance between them.
"My turn now," Henry said, lifting Jack by the collar. Jack braced himself, knowing the worst was yet to come.
Henry's punch sent Jack flying across the room, crashing into a group of onlookers. He crumpled to the floor, coughing up blood. His vision blurred, but his thoughts remained sharp.
**"Hand of Punch, Level 13, maybe more,"** Jack thought grimly, wiping blood from his mouth.
Henry loomed over him, the menace in his eyes unmistakable. "You're nothing but a weakling who doesn't know when to keep quiet."
He grabbed Jack again, pinning him to the wall, Jack's feet dangling above the ground. Another punch landed on Jack's face, sending fresh waves of agony through his body. Blood poured from his nose and mouth, staining his shirt and the floor below.
"Next time, stay quiet if you want to keep that pathetic body of yours intact," Henry growled, delivering another blow. This time, Jack coughed up a large amount of blood, the crimson spray splattering Henry's clothes.
The crowd watched in horrified silence. They knew another punch from Henry could be fatal, but fear kept them rooted in place.
"Hey, enough!" a voice called out, cutting through the tension. Elisa stepped forward, her eyes locked on Henry. "You've proven your point. Let him go."
Henry turned, his expression softening into a mocking grin. "Well, if it isn't the faction beauty. What's the matter? Think you can sway me with your looks?"
"He's my friend—my brother," Elisa said, her voice steady. "If you don't stop now, you'll regret it."
Henry chuckled, stepping closer. "Still brave, huh? Just like him. Look where that got him. Do you want the same for yourself?"
He circled Elisa, his fingers brushing against her hair. "Last warning, Elisa. Don't test me."
Elisa stood her ground, her gaze unwavering. "I warned you before, Henry. Don't touch me again."
Henry's smile twisted into a snarl. He lunged at her, his hands reaching for her neck. But Elisa was ready. She delivered a swift kick to his legs, causing him to stumble.
Henry glared at her, stunned by her sudden counterattack.
"Next time, I won't hold back," Elisa warned, her tone deadly. She turned to Jack, who was struggling to stay conscious.
"What were you thinking?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
"I wanted to protect a friend," Jack managed, a weak smile playing on his lips.
Elisa scowled. "I told you not to smile like that. You look ridiculous."
Ignoring the pain, she helped Jack to his feet as the crowd erupted into applause. They walked past Henry, who was now surrounded by his friends, seething but silent.
Ryan hurried over, his face pale with worry. "Jack, thank you for standing up for me. I don't know what I would have done without you. Just one punch from him would've been enough to finish me."
Jack grimaced, holding his side. "It's nothing, bro. Agh—" He winced as a sharp pain shot through his mouth.
"Stop talking before you hurt yourself more," Elisa chided, guiding him toward the sickbay. The crowd parted to let them through, whispering in awe at Elisa's bravery.
As they reached the door, Ryan placed a hand on Jack's shoulder. "I owe you one, man."
Jack nodded, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. "Just doing what any friend would do."
Elisa shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "You two are hopeless."
Together, they entered the sickbay, leaving behind the echoes of a battle hard fought and the beginning of a bond even stronger.