Shadows in the Dark

The classroom air was thicker than normal.

Noah sat at his desk, looking down at the book in front of him, the words running together.

His head was still replaying Xander's warning.

"Who wants you dead?"

Those weren't just a threat. They had been a wake-up call.

Noah thought he was on his way to the top.

But now, he knew—

He had entered a game much larger than he could ever have dreamed.

---

A Conversation with Oliver

"Noah, you listening?"

Noah blinked, looking up to find Oliver staring at him worriedly.

"Sorry, what?" Noah said.

Oliver let out a sigh. "Dude, you've been spaced out since lunch. What's wrong?"

Noah paused. He trusted Oliver—after all, they had both endured the same bullies beforehand. But this wasn't just about bullies anymore.

This was about something larger.

Something dangerous.

"It's nothing," Noah said at last.

Oliver scowled. "Liar. But okay, if you don't want to tell me about it, at least watch yourself. I don't like the look some people are giving you."

Noah tracked Oliver's look.

A handful of students at the back of the room were whispering together, their gazes flicking in his direction.

It was more than gossip.

It was deliberate.

Noah's radar was screaming danger.

Something was going to happen.

---

A Challenge Arrives

After class, Noah barely made it to the hallway before someone blocked his path.

A tall, broad-shouldered senior stood in front of him, arms crossed. Kai Dawson.

Kai was one of the strongest fighters in school—a former underground champion.

And behind him, a group of students watched silently.

"You're Noah Carter, right?" Kai asked.

Noah's expression remained neutral. "You already know the answer."

Kai smiled. "Then let's not waste time. I heard you're the strongest now."

Noah didn't answer.

Kai advanced a step. "Prove it. Fight me after school."

Quiet.

The hall was as quiet as could be.

Everyone was holding their breath, waiting for Noah to answer.

"And if I don't?" Noah asked.

Kai laughed. "You won't."

Noah looked at him.

This wasn't out of the blue.

Kai wasn't picking a fight for the sake of it.

Someone sent him.

Noah couldn't back down. If he did, his reputation would take a hit—and right now, his reputation was the only thing keeping him safe.

"Fine." Noah's voice was calm. "After school. I'll be there."

A murmur spread through the crowd.

Kai smirked. "Good. Don't be late."

Then, he turned and walked away.

---

Oliver's Warning

"Noah, this is a trap," Oliver said as soon as they were alone.

Noah nodded. "I know."

"Then why accept it?" Oliver asked.

"Because if I don't, they'll just send someone else."

Oliver sighed. "Be careful, man. I have a bad feeling about this."

Noah did too.

This wasn't about fighting anymore.

It was about survival.

---

The Fight Begins

After school, a crowd had gathered in the abandoned gym.

This was where fights took place.

Where reputations were made—or broken.

Noah stood in the middle of the ring, looking at Kai.

The senior cracked his knuckles.

"You ready, Carter?"

Noah breathed slowly.

He wasn't just fighting Kai.

He was fighting whoever sent him.

"Let's get this over with."

---

The First Strike

Kai charged first, throwing a powerful right hook.

Noah dodged, moving just in time.

But Kai was fast—too fast for someone his size.

Noah barely had time to react before Kai's knee slammed into his ribs.

Pain exploded in his side.

Noah gritted his teeth.

This guy was strong.

But Noah was stronger.

---

The Counterattack

Before Kai could follow up, Noah struck back.

A swift jab to the ribs.

A swift kick to the knee.

Kai staggered back.

Noah didn't relent.

He advanced, his fists flying hit after hit.

The crowd went wild.

For the first time, Kai was taken aback.

"Damn," he grunted. "You really are good."

But then—

He smiled.

And Noah realized—

Kai had been holding back.

---

The Real Fight Begins

Kai charged forward, quicker than ever.

Noah dodged barely as a punch brushed against his jaw.

This wasn't brute force.

Kai was skilled.

He had fought in real underground tournaments.

And now, he was going all out.

Noah needed to end this. Fast.

---

The Finishing Move

Kai swung again—a wide, powerful punch.

Noah saw his opening.

In one fluid motion, he dodged and—

Slammed his elbow into Kai's gut.

Kai gasped, stumbling back.

Noah didn't hesitate.

A final kick to the chest.

Kai collapsed.

Silence.

Then—

The crowd roared.

---

After the Fight

Noah stood over Kai's fallen form, breathing heavily.

The fight was over.

But something still felt wrong.

Then—

A slow clap rippled through the gym.

Noah spun around.

A man stood in the shadows, gazing at him.

Not a student.

Someone older.

Someone menacing.

Their eyes locked.

And he smiled.

"You're better than I expected."

And then he turned and left.

Noah's blood chilled.

This wasn't over.

---