Midnight came swiftly.
The city was quieter tonight, the usual hum of car engines and distant chatter dimmed by the oppressive weight of anticipation. You stood on the same rooftop, waiting for Daredevil to appear. A cool breeze tugged at your hoodie, but you barely noticed. All your focus was on the upcoming session. You were ready—more than ready.
The last few days had been a blur of adjustments. You'd spent your spare time grinding through a few more gang brawls, collecting minor skill drops. Your instincts were sharp, but you knew you needed more than that if you wanted to survive.
[Stat Update – Level Up! (Level 3 → 4)]
You'd distributed your new points evenly, strengthening your foundation.
⸻
[Status Panel]
Name: [Y/N]
Class: Gamer
Level: 4
HP: 135/135
MP: 120/120
STR: 16 |
DEX: 16 |
VIT: 15 |
| INT: 16|
WIS: 15 |
LUK: ???
Points Available: 0
Skills:
• Observe (Lv. 1)
• Street Brawler (Lv. 2)
• Counter (Lv. 1)
• Dirty Boxing (Lv. 1)
• Danger Sense (Lv. 1)
• Fighter's Instinct (Lv. 1) New: Gained from recent training
⸻
You'd given equal attention to your physical stats, knowing the balance between strength, speed, and endurance was essential. Your mental stats would help you adapt, but you needed the raw ability to survive and keep up with someone like Daredevil.
You adjusted your grip on the pipe, more out of habit than necessity, and then—he appeared.
Daredevil dropped down from a higher rooftop, his silhouette framed by the dim streetlights below. His batons twirled expertly in his hands as he landed in front of you. He didn't say anything at first, only giving you a once-over.
"You ready?" he asked, his voice calm, but the edge of it was sharp, like a blade waiting to be unsheathed.
You nodded.
Without warning, he lunged forward. Batons flickered in his hands, moving so fast they were just blurs of red.
You reacted on instinct. Danger Sense went off just before he moved. You blocked one baton strike, but the second caught you in the ribs. The impact knocked the wind out of you, but you gritted your teeth, rolling back to regain your footing.
-15 HP
+25 EXP
"You're fast," Daredevil said, voice low. "But speed alone won't win this fight."
You gritted your teeth. He was right. You needed more.
He came at you again. This time, you activated Counter, waiting for the perfect moment.
He aimed a baton at your head. Just as he swung, you ducked, spun, and drove a punch into his side. The hit wasn't perfect, but it threw him off balance.
[Skill Leveled Up: Dirty Boxing – Lv. 2]
Punches are quicker and stronger. Increased chance to land critical hits in close-range combat.
Daredevil staggered back, momentarily surprised by your counterattack. That was when you saw it—a brief flash of admiration in his blind eyes.
He came at you again. This time, you were ready. The fight had become a dance, each move a step in a deadly choreography. Batons whizzed by your face, and your fists met his with raw determination.
Your fists found their mark—one to his stomach, another to his shoulder. His balance shifted, just enough for you to land a clean strike to his chest.
-30 HP
+50 EXP
Combo Hit!
He stumbled but didn't fall. His batons twirled in a defensive pattern, and for a moment, you both stood there, catching your breath.
"You've got potential," Daredevil said, his tone approving, but his voice steady as ever. "But it's not enough. You need to learn how to move like a fighter."
He took a step back, ready to begin again. You were exhausted, but you weren't backing down.
[Quest Update: The Devil's Teachings]
Sparring session: 1/3 complete.
Next session in 48 hours.
He offered you a hand. You took it, panting but with a grin tugging at the corner of your lips.
"Thanks," you said, still winded.
"Don't thank me yet," Daredevil replied. "Next time, we fight for real."
You nodded. His lessons were brutal, but they were the kind of teaching you needed. And in Hell's Kitchen, you needed every edge you could get.