The pit floor was cold beneath his bare feet as he stepped inside. The wooden walls surrounding the arena felt claustrophobic, the scent of sweat and blood thick in the air. Around him, the crowd murmured, some already placing bets.
Then, the opposing gate creaked open.
A large man stepped forward, his muscles scarred from past battles. He wielded no weapon—just his fists, wrapped in stained cloth. A veteran of the pit.
[Survival Instinct Activated: Opponent Danger Level – High]
His pulse quickened. This wasn't some street fight. This was life or death.
Garrik's voice boomed. "BEGIN!"
His opponent charged.
He barely dodged the first swing, feeling the air shift as the massive fist sailed past his head. Instinct kicked in, and he moved, ducking low and trying to circle around.
[Adaptive Growth: Evasion Skill Slightly Increased]
The man was fast for his size. Before he could react, a knee slammed into his ribs, sending him staggering back. Pain shot through his body.
[Pain Tolerance Slightly Increased]
He gritted his teeth. He couldn't win in a direct fight. He had to outlast, outthink.
The man came again, throwing another punch. This time, he anticipated it. Instead of dodging outright, he sidestepped at the last second, letting the momentum carry his opponent forward.
Then he struck—an elbow to the ribs, followed by a desperate kick to the knee.
The larger man grunted, stumbling slightly.
[Combat Awareness Slightly Increased]
It wasn't enough. His opponent recovered instantly, rage flickering in his eyes. Before he could react, a powerful fist crashed into his jaw, sending him sprawling into the dirt. Stars exploded in his vision.
He tasted blood. His limbs felt sluggish. But he forced himself up.
The crowd roared in excitement.
Garrik watched from above, arms crossed.
[Endurance Increased: You Can Now Withstand More Damage]
His opponent smirked, raising his fists again. "Still standing? Not for long."
He exhaled. The pain was unbearable, but he had one advantage—his system. It didn't give him instant power, but it helped him adapt.
The man rushed forward. This time, he didn't run.
Instead, he stepped toward the attack, twisting his body at the last second. The man's fist barely grazed his cheek, and in that moment of imbalance, he struck.
A sharp knee to the gut.
An elbow to the side of the head.
A final strike—a brutal kick to the knee.
The larger man collapsed.
The pit went silent for a moment. Then, the roar of approval.
[Adaptive Growth: Basic Unarmed Combat Acquired]
Garrik smirked. "Not bad."
He forced himself to stay upright, breathing heavily.
"You've earned your place," Garrik said. "Rest up. The real fights begin soon."
A new notification appeared.
[Quest Completed: First Fight in the Arena]
[New Quest Acquired: Rise Through the Ranks]
He had won.
But survival was only getting harder.