Alex stood in the dimly lit alley behind his house, his breath visible in the cool night air. He had enhanced his gear, but how strong was he now?
He tightened his grip, feeling the smooth texture of the Titan Fist gloves. His muscles tensed with anticipation.
There was only one way to find out.
Step One: Speed Test.
He crouched slightly, activating Gale Striders. A burst of speed surged through his legs.
In an instant, he shot forward—his body cutting through the air faster than he had ever moved before. He reached the end of the alley in seconds, his movements almost ghost-like thanks to Silent Steps.
Alex skidded to a stop, heart pounding. This was insane.
His speed wasn't just enhanced—it felt unnatural, like his body was lighter than before. With enough training, he could dodge attacks before his enemy even reacted.
Step Two: Strength Test.
He turned to a nearby dumpster. Titan Fist—Impact Amplification.
He clenched his fist and struck.
BOOM!
The metal dented inward, the entire dumpster rattling from the force. Alex took a step back, shaking his hand. 50% more power wasn't a joke.
It didn't make him superhuman, but against normal people? He could break bones with a single punch.
Step Three: Stealth Test.
He activated Shadow Veil and stepped into the darkness. His outline blurred, his presence dimming.
If someone walked by right now, they wouldn't notice him unless they were actively searching.
Alex exhaled slowly. This was real power.
But he wasn't the only one with abilities in this world.
Aura users existed—people who had awakened supernatural power through their aura core. The strongest controlled elements, enhanced their bodies beyond human limits, or even bent space and time.
Alex had never encountered them personally, but he knew the rumors. The world was ruled by the strong.
And the cult that had sacrificed him? They were aura users.
His fists clenched. That meant normal humans had no chance against them.
But Alex wasn't normal anymore.
He turned toward the city skyline, eyes burning with determination. He needed more information about aura.
And there was only one place he could get it.
The Underground Combat Rings