SIDE KICK

I struggled to get up. Cam widened his eyes, staring at Number 2. Damn it, I suddenly remembered—Owl was still in mortal danger! I lunged toward him, my hand reaching out in midair, trying to pull him out of the fight.

Suddenly, Number 2 blocked my way. He used his body to stop me. Furious, I clenched my teeth, but before I could react, he sent a straight kick right at me. I panicked and shut my eyes reflexively.

CRACK!

The attack… Cam took it for me! But in return, his arm was badly scraped. Number 2 winced in pain. Cam waved for me to go ahead. I nodded in gratitude and rushed toward Owl.

Owl was sprawled on the ground, pinned down by Number 3. Gritting my teeth, I furiously threw a round kick straight at his face. Taking advantage of his seated position, I aimed right at his head—a perfect mid-range round kick.

THUD!

Pain shot through my leg. Damn it! My kick had struck his forearm instead. He looked at me, eyes full of excitement. Getting up, he pointed at my right leg, smirking.

"Is your right leg made of plastic? Why so weak?"

Furious, I instantly threw a cross punch straight at his nose. He wasn't expecting it at all.

CRACK!

The sound of bone snapping rang out! But… he remained unfazed. Damn it! I forgot to pull my hand back! He grabbed my arm and yanked it hard. I was dragged toward him like a tiny stuffed bear. Before I could react, he locked my right arm with his left, then suddenly delivered a powerful hook straight into my face!

SMASH!

The impact echoed like a motorcycle crash. My mind went blank. My body lost all strength, collapsing to my knees like a battered old doll. Seeing me completely drained, he let go, letting me fall face-first onto the ground. Blood trickled from my mouth and nose, staining the cold cement. I felt like a wounded deer, helplessly waiting for death.

Around me, my comrades were also falling. My crew was nearly defeated. We had only taken down 5% of their numbers, while the strongest ones were still standing. Right now, my only hope was Cam—the strongest warrior among us.

My vision blurred, my body swayed, then I collapsed. Gravity pulled me down onto the cement. Darkness swallowed me…

A heavy foot stomped onto my head.

In my dazed state, I heard Dũng Châu's arrogant laughter.

"See that? Their leader is down! HAHAHA!"

I just wanted to sleep… If I closed my eyes, would all of this go away? I asked myself. Was I being too nosy? No… I got this far because of the challenges I overcame. I couldn't fall here! I had to get up!

STAND UP!

STAND UP!

THIS BODY… HAS TO RISE!

AAAAAAAAA!!!

Dũng Châu's filthy foot suddenly lifted off my head. A scream of pain tore through the air. I staggered to my feet, feeling a hand supporting me. Looking closely… It was Octopus!

Panting, I asked, "What… did you do to him?"

Octopus raised his bloodstained hand, his voice eerily calm.

"Boss… I dug into his eye."

Dũng Châu clutched his right eye, stumbling back in agony. He roared:

"Number 3! Kill those two for me!"

I clenched my teeth, getting into a fighting stance. But Octopus placed a hand on my shoulder, his voice steady.

"Boss… Leave this one to me!"

Octopus and Number 3 lunged at each other like wild wolves! I stood frozen—I had seen this kind of fighting before, back when I was a kid. Every punch, every drop of blood… had no technique. This wasn't martial arts—this was pure survival instinct! A fighting style that could only be called FERAL!

I turned to Dũng Châu. He was backing away, panic flickering in his eyes as he saw me still standing. Suddenly, he grabbed a metal rod nearby, pointing it at me!

I stiffened, thoughts racing. He had a long-range weapon. If I made a mistake, I'd take a fatal blow. Slowly, I stepped back, searching for a way to counter him.

He swung the metal rod through the air, the wind whistling ominously. I knew—if I took a direct hit from that, I was done for.

Then, he tripped mid-attack!

Now's my chance!

I dashed forward and threw a left hook straight into his face!

THUD!

We both landed hits. As I punched, he slammed the rod into my right ribs! Agonizing pain shot through me, but I didn't back down!

Suddenly, I remembered Number 2's kick from earlier—a powerful side kick!

I copied him!

BAM!!!

My kick smashed into Dũng Châu's stomach, sending him flying! He coughed violently, spitting out saliva. His body started showing signs of weakness!