The crowd roared as Alex stepped into the underground combat ring.
The arena was small—just a stone-floored pit surrounded by roaring spectators. The scent of blood and sweat filled the air, a constant reminder that this wasn't a friendly spar.
Across from him stood his opponent—a burly fighter with arms thick as tree trunks. Grimm.
Alex recognized him from his past life. He wasn't the strongest fighter here, but he was known for one thing—brutality.
"First time in the ring, kid?" Grimm cracked his knuckles, his aura flaring faintly. "Don't worry. I'll make it quick."
Alex stayed silent, his fingers brushing against the Gale Striders hidden under his pants.
He had enhancements.
But could he actually win?
The referee, a grizzled man with scars across his face, raised his hand.
"Begin!"
Grimm moved first, launching forward with terrifying speed for his size.
Alex barely reacted in time—he kicked off the ground, activating Gale Striders.
His speed exploded.
The crowd gasped as he dodged Grimm's punch by a hair's breadth, leaving a faint gust of wind in his wake.
Grimm's eyes widened. "You—"
Alex didn't wait. He clenched his fist and activated Titan Fist.
His punch slammed into Grimm's ribs with bone-shaking force.
The giant stumbled back, coughing. He wasn't down, but he was surprised.
Alex exhaled. His enhancements worked.
But then—
A faint red glow flickered around Grimm's body. His aura surged.
"Not bad," Grimm muttered, wiping his mouth. "But now? You're dead."
The temperature around him rose, his aura igniting in a fiery blaze.
Alex's expression hardened.
His enhancements gave him an edge—but against an aura user?
This just became a real fight