The city's neon lights flickered as Alex moved through the back alleys, his Phantom Cloak blending him into the shadows.
The Underground Combat Rings weren't exactly legal, but they weren't hidden either. They were where aura users fought for money, reputation, and power.
More importantly, it was where Alex could observe real combat without drawing suspicion.
As he approached a worn-out metal door, a bulky man with a cybernetic arm blocked his path.
"Password?" the man grunted.
Alex didn't have one. But he had been here before in his past life—as a spectator.
"Fury's Law," he said confidently.
The bouncer narrowed his eyes, then stepped aside. "You're late. Matches are already starting."
Alex nodded and slipped inside.
The air was thick with sweat and adrenaline. The underground arena was a circular pit, surrounded by a roaring crowd. Fighters clashed in the center, their fists crackling with aura-infused energy.
He had never been this close to a real aura battle before.
A man in the ring swung his arm, releasing a shockwave of fire that blasted his opponent backward. The loser crashed into the ground, groaning in pain.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Alex's heartbeat quickened. This was the power of aura.
And if he wanted to survive the coming dangers, he needed to figure out how to use it himself.
He scanned the room, searching for someone who could give him information without drawing suspicion.
Then, his eyes landed on a masked fighter sitting at the edge of the ring, his arms crossed.
Something about him felt dangerous.
Alex had a gut feeling—this person was different.
And if he played this right, he might just get the knowledge he needed.