Chapter 16: Breaking The Cycle

The gymnasium buzzed with energy as the tournament entered its second day. Jiro had quickly risen to the top of everyone's expectations after his dominant performance in the first match. Yet, as he stepped into the locker room, he couldn't help but feel the weight of what lay ahead.

His Perception Field was sharper than ever, a byproduct of both practice and necessity. Every glance, every whisper, and every movement around him felt amplified. Jiro had learned to trust his instincts, and right now, they screamed that something bigger was at play.

As he tightened his gloves and stretched, Jin entered, holding his phone. "You're all over the school forums," he said, scrolling through comments.

What do they say?" Jiro inquired disinterestedly. "Stuff like 'Jiro Han, the Rising Star,' or 'Will He Take Down the Council?' People are placing bets on your matches now. Even teachers are watching."

Jiro groaned. "It is noise. The Council is not finished with me, and this tournament is just a step in their direction toward whatever they plan to do to me.

Jin frowned. "You don't think this is just about fighting, do you?"

"No," Jiro replied, standing up. "It never is."

The second round began with a new wave of challengers. Jiro's next opponent was Tae-Soo, a broad-shouldered senior with a reputation for brutal strength. As Jiro stepped into the ring, the crowd roared, their cheers echoing off the walls.

Tae-Soo cracked his knuckles and grinned. "You're tough, I'll give you that. But let's see how you handle someone who hits like a truck."

The bell rang, and Tae-Soo charged like a bull. His punches were heavy and fast, each one carrying the potential to end the match in seconds.

Jiro dodged and weaved, his Perception Field guiding him as he analyzed Tae-Soo's movements. The man was strong but predictable, relying on raw power to overwhelm his opponents.

After a particularly wild swing, Jiro saw his opening. He ducked under Tae-Soo's arm, delivering a sharp elbow to his ribs. Tae-Soo grunted, stumbling back, but Jiro didn't let up. He followed with a series of quick jabs, targeting Tae-Soo's weak spots until the giant finally fell.

The referee raised Jiro's hand, declaring him the winner. The crowd erupted, but Jiro's focus remained unshaken. He scanned the audience, noting Min-Jae and the Council seated in the far corner, their expressions unreadable.

As the competition wore on, the air seemed to grow heavier. Fights got tougher, stakes higher. Rumors swirled about competitors quitting, with injuries that were too dire for the fights they'd fought.

Jiro could not ignore the pattern. Every dropout appeared to fall in line with one of the Council's minions. The underlings seemed to be manipulating the tournament for a reason that no one could even guess.

"Something's wrong," Jin said during a break. "These injuries aren't normal. I heard one guy had a dislocated shoulder before his match even started."

"They're trying to thin the herd," Jiro said grimly. "Eliminate anyone who might be a real challenge."

Jin leaned closer. "And you think they're coming for you next?"

"I don't think," Jiro said, his jaw tight. "I know."

Jiro returned to the locker room to get himself ready for the next match after a few hours. The silence was eerily quiet. The noise from the gym seemed muffled by the thick walls.

Jiro turned to grab his gear. His Perception Field began to flash as it sensed motion behind him. He turned around quickly, spotting a shadowly figure sneaking towards his bag.

Who's there?" Jiro bellowed, his voice rebounding off the lockers.

The figure froze, then sprinted for the door. Jiro took off after him, his heart racing as he pursued the intruder through the darkened hallways.

He cornered the figure just outside the gym, pinning him against the wall. To his shock, it was a young student, quivering in his grasp.

Who sent you?" Jiro asked, his voice low and dangerous.

"I-I don't know!" the boy stuttered. "They just said to put something in your bag!"

Jiro pushed the boy aside and stepped back. "Get out of here. And don't let them use you again.

The boy ran, leaving Jiro alone in the darkness. He returned to the locker room and searched his bag for something that could possibly show. It didn't take too much imagination to guess that what he was looking for was probably for poison.

They are cheating, Jiro thought hard while his grip tightened around his bottle. If they're cheapening down, they must see the best in me. This makes him even more tense.

The next morning, Jiro stormed into the Council's meeting room uninvited. Min-Jae and the others looked up in surprise, but Min-Jae quickly masked it with his usual calm demeanor.

"Jiro Han," he said, leaning back in his chair. "What an unexpected visit."

"Cut the crap," Jiro snapped, tossing the vial onto the table. "You think I wouldn't notice?"

Min-Jae glanced at the vial and then back to Jiro, his expression unreadable. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't play dumb," Jiro growled. "You tried to poison me. You're scared I'll win, so you're trying to take me out before I get the chance.

Eun-Soo laughed, folding her arms. "You're giving yourself too much credit. If we wanted you out of the tournament, you'd already be out of it."

"Well, prove it," Jiro said, moving forward. "Fight me square. No tricks, no interference.

Min- Jae smiled broadly. "Bold, I will say for you. All right then. Jiro, if you qualify to the final round, you shall have my face yourself. But till then you just struggle hard enough to live." Jiro nodded his head, making up his resolve. "Well see you at the finale.

Leaving the meeting room, Jiro felt a new purpose to life. The Council declared war on them, and he prepared to face them in an unrelenting manner. Back in the gym, he pushed himself like never before, straining every fiber of his body to achieve its limits. Each punch, each kick, every move brought him closer to finally meeting Min-Jae.

But as the days went by, Jiro noticed something different. The crowd was shifting. People who once whispered in his back now cheered for him. Students he had never addressed began approaching him, his words filled with admiration and encouragement.

Jiro realized he wasn't fighting for himself anymore. He was fighting for everyone who'd ever been oppressed, manipulated, or silenced by the Council.

And he wasn't going to stop until he won.