The morning chill had barely lifted when Callen shoved him awake. He groaned, his body stiff from yesterday's training. Every muscle ached, a dull throbbing that reminded him of the relentless drills. But today wasn't just another day of running and conditioning. Today, he would fight for real.
"You've had your warm-up," Callen said, tossing him a bundle of cloth. "Wrap your hands. Wouldn't want you breaking them too soon."
Mira leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. "Try not to embarrass yourself."
He gritted his teeth but didn't respond. He knew she was testing him. He wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of rising to the bait. Instead, he focused on wrapping his hands as Callen had instructed, securing the cloth tightly around his knuckles and wrists.
By the time he finished, Finn was already at the door, fidgeting with excitement. "So, uh… you nervous?"
He exhaled slowly. "Would it matter?"
Finn shrugged. "Guess not. Just don't get your head caved in."
They arrived at the underground fighting pit just as the torches were being lit. The room was already filling with spectators—rough men and women, most of them gamblers and criminals. The scent of ale, sweat, and blood hung in the air. Coins clinked as wagers were placed, and low murmurs filled the chamber, some whispering about the new blood.
Garrik stood near the center, watching as fighters prepared. His gaze landed on him, scrutinizing. "You ready?"
He nodded. "Always."
Garrik smirked. "Good. Then get in the pit."
The wooden barrier creaked as he stepped inside. Across from him, his opponent entered—a thick-set man with a shaved head, his nose broken in multiple places. The scars on his knuckles told him this wasn't the man's first fight.
[Survival Instinct Activated: Opponent Danger Level – High]
He swallowed hard. His instincts screamed at him to stay sharp, to read his enemy's movements.
Garrik raised his hand. "BEGIN!"
The man charged immediately, swinging a brutal right hook. He barely ducked in time, the air shifting as the blow missed by inches. He pivoted, trying to find an opening, but the man was fast for his size. Another punch came—a heavy jab to the ribs. He managed to block, but the impact sent pain radiating through his arm.
[Pain Tolerance Slightly Increased]
He staggered back, adjusting his stance. He couldn't afford to trade blows—this guy was stronger. He had to be smarter.
His opponent grinned, seeing his hesitation. "Scared already?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he focused on the man's stance—too aggressive, weight leaning too far forward.
He waited. The man lunged again, this time swinging low. He sidestepped at the last second, using his opponent's momentum against him. As the larger man stumbled forward, he struck—a sharp elbow to the temple.
[Adaptive Growth: Counterattack Timing Improved]
The man grunted, shaking off the hit. He was tough. But now, he was wary.
The fight continued, each exchange testing his reflexes. He dodged where he could, blocked what he couldn't. The crowd roared as blows landed, the tension in the pit rising with every strike. His arms ached, his breath came in ragged gasps, but he refused to fall.
Then he saw it—his opening.
The man overcommitted to a haymaker, leaving his ribs exposed. He reacted instantly, twisting his body and driving a knee into his opponent's side. The man gasped, doubling over. Without hesitation, he followed up—a hard strike to the jaw, then another to the gut.
The man collapsed.
Silence filled the pit for a brief second before the crowd erupted.
[Quest Completed: First Ranked Victory Earned][Adaptive Growth: Striking Technique Slightly Improved]
He stood there, chest heaving, sweat dripping down his brow. He had won. He had actually won.
Garrik strode into the pit, looking down at the unconscious man before nodding. "Not bad."
Callen grinned from the sidelines. Finn cheered. Mira? She just smirked.
Garrik turned to him. "Keep this up, and you might actually have a future here."
He exhaled slowly, his heart still hammering. He had survived this fight.
But there would be more.
[Quest Updated: Rise Through the Ranks – Win Two More Fights]