Chapter 12: The Rising Tide (Continued)

The arena was a cacophony of cheers and jeers as Alex stepped out of the ring. His victory over Darius had sent shockwaves through the crowd. Yun and Mia, their faces etched with excitement, rushed to congratulate him.Alex, still reeling from the adrenaline rush, accepted their embraces with a mix of relief and pride. "I can't believe I did it," he muttered, a hint of disbelief in his voice.As they celebrated Alex's victory, the app rewarded him for his triumph. A new technique, "Spinning Backfist," was unlocked, a powerful and unpredictable attack. Alex's arsenal now included "Powered Kick," "Low Kick," "Uppercut Kick," "Systema," "Side Systema," "Counter Strikes," and the newly acquired "Spinning Backfist."The next match was a brutal clash between Beom Seok and his opponent, a hulking figure named Ivan. Ivan was known for his raw strength and durability. His arsenal included "Shoulder Charge," "Ground and Pound," "Haymaker," "Hook Punch," and "Overhand Punch." His unique ability, "Iron Skin," granted him enhanced resistance to physical damage.Beom Seok, a shadow of his former self, had undergone a profound transformation. His body was a weapon, honed to perfection. His fighting style was a brutal blend of power and precision. He had mastered "Counter Strike," "Speed Blitz," "Aerial Kick," "Ground and Pound," "Heavy Punches," "Focused Punch," "Grip Throw," and "Jab Cut." His unique ability, "Rage," allowed him to unleash his full potential when pushed to the brink.The match began with a clash of titans. Ivan, relying on his size advantage, pressed forward, seeking to overpower Beom Seok. But Beom Seok, with his agility and precision, managed to evade the initial onslaught. A perfectly timed "Counter Strike" sent Ivan stumbling backward.Beom Seok, sensing a vulnerability, unleashed a flurry of attacks. His "Speed Blitz" allowed him to move with blinding speed, his strikes a blur of motion. Ivan, struggling to keep up, resorted to his brute strength. A powerful "Shoulder Charge" sent Beom Seok flying. But Beom Seok, using his agility, rolled to avoid the impact and countered with a "Ground and Pound," raining down blows on Ivan.The fight was a brutal exchange of power and skill. Ivan's "Endurance" allowed him to withstand punishment, while Beom Seok's agility and precision gave him the edge. The crowd was captivated by the intensity of the match, their cheers echoing through the arena.With a final, desperate effort, Ivan unleashed a "Haymaker," a powerful overhand punch. Beom Seok, anticipating the attack, dodged to the side and countered with a "Spinning Backfist," landing a devastating blow to Ivan's jaw. Ivan stumbled backward, his vision blurred. Seizing the opportunity, Beom Seok launched a barrage of punches and kicks, overwhelming Ivan with his relentless assault.The crowd erupted in cheers as Beom Seok was declared the winner. The first round had concluded, but the battle was far from over. The remaining fighters were a testament to human endurance and skill, and the tournament was poised to deliver even more surprises.Beom Seok's Abilities and Techniques:

Unique Ability: Rage (Unleashes full potential when pushed to the brink)

Fighting Techniques: Counter Strike, Speed Blitz, Aerial Kick, Ground and Pound, Heavy Punches, Focused Punch, Grip Throw, Jab Cut, NEW FIGHTING TECHNIQUE ACCQUIRED: "Spinning Backfist"