The high from his second victory still lingered, but he knew better than to let it dull his edge. The next fight would be the hardest yet. He had climbed higher, which meant the fall would be even steeper if he failed.
Mira, Callen, and Finn were waiting as he stepped out of the pit. The crowd's cheers still echoed behind him, but he barely heard them. His mind was already shifting to what came next.
"You're improving," Mira admitted, tossing him a water skin. "Still sloppy, though."
He took a long sip, letting the cool liquid soothe his parched throat. "Then I'll get better."
Callen chuckled. "That's the right attitude. But your next opponent won't be some cocky brawler. You've earned their attention now."
Garrik approached, his ever-watchful gaze scrutinizing him. "You want a real place here? You win the next fight. It's that simple."
[Quest Updated: Rise Through the Ranks – Win One More Fight]
The weight of it settled on him. One more. One more fight, and he'd have standing in the pit. He had no delusions about what that meant—more difficult opponents, harsher fights, and a greater risk. But it also meant opportunity. And he needed every edge he could get.
The next morning, his training intensified. Mira was relentless, pushing him harder than ever. If he was too slow, she punished him with a strike. If he hesitated, she exploited the opening. Every mistake cost him, and there was no mercy in her strikes.
"You're reacting," she said after knocking him flat on his back for the third time. "You need to anticipate. You think too much."
He groaned, rolling onto his side. "That doesn't make sense."
She smirked, offering a hand to pull him up. "Fighting isn't thinking. It's instinct. Your body should know what to do before your brain catches up."
[Adaptive Growth: Combat Awareness Slightly Increased]
By the time the day ended, he could barely stand. His body ached from bruises, his muscles screamed for rest, but he pushed through it. Rest would come after victory.
The night before his fight, Finn sat beside him, watching the embers of their dying fire flicker. "You nervous?"
He exhaled slowly. "A little."
Finn grinned. "That's good. Means you care."
Silence stretched between them before Finn spoke again. "Mira and Callen… they believe in you, you know. They just don't say it much."
He smirked. "Yeah, I noticed."
Finn nudged his shoulder. "Just don't get yourself killed."
"I'll do my best."
Fight day arrived, and the Hollow Den was packed. This time, there was an energy in the air—expectation. His opponent had already made a name for himself, and people were eager to see if the rising newcomer could stand against him.
His opponent was a seasoned fighter, lean but powerful, with the sharp eyes of a predator. No wasted movement, no unnecessary bravado. This was going to be different.
Garrik stood between them, arms crossed. "You both know the rules. Win, and you move up. Lose, and you start over."
The crowd roared as they stepped into the pit.
[Survival Instinct Activated: Opponent Danger Level – Very High]
His heart pounded, but he steadied himself. This was the fight that mattered.
Garrik raised his hand. "Begin!"
His opponent didn't hesitate. The first attack came fast, a powerful jab aimed at his ribs. He barely dodged in time, countering with a strike of his own, but his opponent was already moving, slipping past the blow with ease.
This wasn't like his previous fights. His opponent was controlled, efficient. There were no wasted movements, no reckless charges.
A sharp kick caught him in the side, sending him stumbling. Pain flared, but he recovered quickly, adjusting his stance.
[Pain Tolerance Slightly Increased]
He couldn't rely on brute force. He had to outthink him.
He shifted his strategy, focusing on defense. He watched, waiting for an opening. His opponent struck again—a feint, followed by a real attack aimed at his jaw. This time, he saw it coming.
He ducked low, twisting his body as he delivered a sharp elbow to his opponent's ribs. The man grunted but didn't falter.
The fight became a battle of attrition. Every attack was met with a counter, every dodge with a new assault. His opponent was relentless, but so was he.
Then he saw it—an opening.
His opponent overextended, just slightly, after a high kick. He seized the moment, surging forward with a brutal combination—a knee to the stomach, a hook to the temple, and a final strike that sent his opponent to the ground.
The pit went silent for a heartbeat.
Then the crowd erupted.
[Quest Completed: Rise Through the Ranks – Earned Official Standing in the Arena]
Garrik stepped forward, nodding. "You've proven yourself."
A pouch of winnings was tossed his way, but that wasn't what mattered. He had climbed the ladder. He had a name now. And that meant the real fights were only beginning.
Mira gave him a rare nod of approval. Callen smirked. Finn was grinning like an idiot.
But he didn't let himself celebrate just yet. Because now, the real challenge began.