The gym was nearly empty. Only the brave or the broken stayed past sundown.
Damon stood shirtless in the ring, sweat dripping down his chest, gloves taped tight. Across from him, Rico bounced on his heels — smirking, tattooed, muscles twitching like a pit bull off the leash.
"You sure you want this smoke, rookie?" Rico asked, cracking his neck.
Damon didn't answer.
He didn't need to.
The system already had.
[Mission Engaged: First Fight]
Win = $5,000 Cash + Skill Upgrade + Title Opportunity
Opponent: Rico "Razor" Vance
Threat Level: Moderate
Warning: No system assistance mid-fight. It's all you.
The bell rang.
Rico came fast. One-two combo. Hooks meant to break ribs, not test guards. Damon absorbed the first jab, slipped the second. His feet moved on instinct — no training, just hunger.
He struck back.
Left jab. Right hook. The sound echoed across the gym like a gunshot. Rico staggered but didn't fall.
"Oh, you got hands?" Rico snarled, spitting blood. "Let's dance then, little bro."
The fight turned savage. Fists flew. Damon's world narrowed to pain and adrenaline. Every hit he landed felt heavier. Every dodge got tighter.
[Passive Skill Triggered: Combat Awareness I]
Adapting to opponent's style…
Prediction bonus: 7%
Rico faked a left — Damon didn't fall for it. He dipped low, drove a right cross into Rico's gut. The man gasped, buckled.
Now.
Damon twisted, launched an uppercut that snapped Rico's head back like a ragdoll.
Silence.
Then thud — Rico hit the mat, eyes fluttering. Out cold.
The bell didn't need to ring again.
Damon won.
The trainer whistled low. "Damn, son. You been hiding that monster?"
Damon stood still, chest heaving.
[Mission Complete: First Fight]
Reward: $5,000 transferred to your account
Skill Upgrade: "Combat Awareness II" — Gain real-time analysis, improved balance, and pain resistance
Title Earned: "One Who Strikes Back"
Bonus: Enhanced Bone Density (+5% durability)
His phone buzzed. He checked it — and there it was. Five racks. Just like that.
He looked down at Rico, still breathing but unconscious.
Something in Damon changed.
He'd bled. He'd earned. And now… he was feared.
Later That Night
Damon walked home with a black eye, bruised ribs, and a full soul. Every step felt like a statement: You can't break me anymore.
As he passed a liquor store window, he caught his reflection.
Same man. Same hoodie.
But his eyes?
Different.
Colder. Sharper. Alive.
[Streak Bonus Activated: 4 Days Consistent]
Random Reward Unlocked: $25,000 Business Grant — Use within 72 hours
Hint: "Ownership is the first step to empire."
Damon grinned through the pain.
He was going to build something. Something they couldn't take from him.
And this time, when the world came knocking —
he'd answer with power.