A New Beginning
Noah lay on his bed, scrolling through the pages of "The Art of Combat", the novel Xander had gifted him. Each movement, each technique discussed within was a master key to something more.
His system had worked for him, but this book? This was information that could revolutionize everything.
The pages described fighting techniques he hadn't even heard of—Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Kickboxing, Counter-fighting. Techniques it would take years to master were detailed with accuracy, but studying them wasn't sufficient.
He had to practice them.
> [System Notification: Would you like to integrate "The Art of Combat" into your training program?]
Noah raised an eyebrow. "It can do that?"
> [Integration will enable real-time analysis, quicker mastery, and increased simulation training.]
A smirk appeared on his lips. "Do it."
> [Integration in progress… Estimated time: 12 hours]
Noah took a deep breath. By dawn, the system would have sorted everything out, providing him with an organized means of training effectively.
But he was aware that just training wouldn't cut it.
He needed experience. Real battles. Real adversaries.
He had one name in mind.
Iron Fist Gym.
---
Finding the Right Opponent
The following morning, Noah showed up at Iron Fist Gym, a notorious underground training facility where only serious fighters trained.
The instant he walked in, everyone's eyes were on him.
Whispers. Smirks. Stares.
These people knew of Ryan Carter. They knew that Noah was supposed to be his next victim.
Some of them had fought Ryan. None of them had won.
That was okay.
He was here to show them otherwise.
As Noah passed by the training room, he glanced around the room. He wasn't seeking a sparring partner. He was seeking a challenge.
And then he spotted him.
A young man in his late twenties, chunky like a tank, with bulging muscles as he swung the heavy bag. His punches were neat, his technique perfect.
Leo Vargas.
A notorious underground fighter. Not as well-known as Ryan, but respected.
Leo was a powerhouse with a fierce style. The ideal test.
Taking a deep breath, Noah went up to him.
"Hey."
Leo turned, his eyebrow cocked. "What?"
"I want to spar with you."
Leo laughed. "You? Kid, do you even have any idea what you're asking for?"
Noah didn't flinch. "I do. Are you in or not?"
The gym fell silent.
Leo grinned. "Okay. But don't say I didn't warn you when I break you."
---
The Fight Begins
In the ring, Noah arched his arms, rolled his shoulders to warm up.
Leo cracked his knuckles. "Hope you got good health insurance."
Noah didn't answer. He was concentrated.
Ding!
The instant the bell sounded, Leo charged.
A jab—quick, strong.
Noah dodged, just barely.
A second punch—a right hook. Noah ducked, feeling the wind move as Leo's fist shot past his head.
"He's fast for his size."
Noah struck back with a quick jab at Leo's ribs.
It hit—but only made a tiny impression.
Leo smiled. "That all you got?"
Before Noah could do anything—
BAM!
A body blow. Sheer brute force.
Noah reeled backward, panting for breath.
Damn… That stung.
Leo didn't stop. He advanced, punching like a robot.
Noah avoided what he could, blocked what he couldn't.
But Leo wouldn't stop.
> [Warning: HP dropping fast.]
Noah clenched his teeth. I need a strategy.
Then he recalled—
Page 76: Countering Aggressive Fighters.
Leo threw another punch—a wide, hard hook.
Noah stepped in instead of ducking.
Leo's fist scraped past his ear—just as Noah threw an uppercut into his chin.
CRACK!
Leo staggered back, his eyes wide with shock.
The gym exploded in gasps.
Noah grinned. "Not so fun when someone fights back, huh?"
---
Breaking Limits
Leo wiped his mouth, his grin broadening. "Not bad, kid."
But Noah wasn't finished.
He shifted his stance—lighter, quicker.
Leo charged in again.
Big mistake.
Noah countered every strike.
A feint—Noah sidestepped.
A jab—Noah blocked.
A kick—Noah caught it and knocked Leo's leg out from under him.
THUD!
Leo landed on the mat.
The gym was silent.
Noah had won.
He breathed deeply, seeing the shocked faces around him.
For the first time—they weren't looking at him as a joke.
They were looking at him as an actual fighter.
Leo laughed, shaking his head. "Okay, kid. You've earned my respect."
Noah smirked. "Good. Because next time, I won't go easy."
As he stepped out of the ring, a notification popped up.
> [New Skill Unlocked: Adaptive Combat (LV 1)]
[Your ability to read and counter opponents has improved.]
Noah clenched his fists.
This was just the beginning.
Ryan Carter had no idea what was coming.
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