Defying Expectations

A hush fell over the training arena as Draven stood face to face with Vaelion Draxis.

The gap between them was massive. Level 4 vs. Level 1. In the eyes of the spectators, this wasn't a spar—it was a slaughter waiting to happen.

> [SYSTEM MESSAGE: Combat Mode Activated]

[WARNING: Significant power gap detected.]

[Recommendation: Analyze opponent's movements and adapt.]

Draven exhaled slowly. The system was right—he couldn't win through raw strength.

He had to fight smart.

Vaelion smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Don't take it personally, but I'm going to make this quick."

He lunged forward, his fist glowing red as he activated his ability.

> [Blood Contract – Active]

Effect: Enhances physical power for a short duration at the cost of minor self-injury.

Vaelion's fist blazed forward like a bullet.

Draven's instincts screamed at him—dodge!

At the last second, he twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the attack. The force of the punch shattered the ground where he had just stood.

The crowd gasped.

Draven didn't hesitate. He countered with a quick strike to Vaelion's exposed ribs.

But the moment his fist connected—

Nothing.

It felt like hitting solid steel.

> [ANALYSIS: Opponent's body durability increased by 50% due to Blood Contract.]

Vaelion barely reacted to the hit. His arm lashed out like a whip—

BAM!

Draven was sent flying.

His body skidded across the training floor, pain exploding in his ribs.

The system flashed red.

> [WARNING: Minor Internal Damage Detected]

[Auto-Recovery Engaged]

Draven gritted his teeth. This wasn't going to be easy.

Kaelthorne watched the fight closely, arms crossed.

"The new recruit is still standing," one of the instructors muttered.

Kaelthorne smirked. "He's doing more than that."

In the arena, Draven slowly pushed himself up. He wasn't just standing—he was learning.

Vaelion charged in again, his movements becoming predictable.

Draven focused.

> [SYSTEM TIP: Observe. Learn. Adapt.]

He sidestepped another punch, barely grazing past Vaelion's attack.

Dodge left. Counter low. Move with the flow of combat.

Vaelion frowned. "Why won't you just go down!?"

He swung faster—harder. But he wasn't landing clean hits anymore.

Draven's body was adapting.

The system wasn't just tracking the battle—it was helping him process everything at superhuman speed.

The fight was shifting.

Draven clenched his fists. He needed an opening.

Vaelion was strong—but his ability had a weakness.

The Blood Contract ability enhanced power at a cost.

Draven noticed the faint cuts appearing on Vaelion's arms—his own ability was taking a toll on him.

> [ANALYSIS: Opponent's durability decreasing over time.]

[Recommended Action: Prolong the fight.]

Draven smirked.

"Getting tired?" he taunted, wiping a bit of blood from his lip.

Vaelion scowled. "Shut up and fight!"

He lunged again—but this time, his movement was just a little slower.

Draven saw his chance.

He stepped into Vaelion's attack at the last possible moment, using the momentum to slip behind him.

Then—

BAM!

A precise elbow strike to the back of the head sent Vaelion stumbling.

The crowd erupted.

No one had expected Draven to actually land a clean hit!

Vaelion's eyes burned with rage. "You—!"

He activated his ability at full power, ignoring the damage to his own body.

> [Blood Contract – Overdrive Mode]

His muscles bulged, and his speed doubled—but Draven was ready.

This was his moment.

As Vaelion lunged, Draven moved instinctively.

Everything slowed down.

> [SYSTEM ALERT: Adaptive Combat Mode Engaged]

Draven ducked low—dodging the incoming strike by a hair's width.

Then, using the last of his strength—

He countered.

A swift, powerful uppercut to the jaw.

Vaelion's eyes widened as his body lifted off the ground.

THUD.

He crashed onto the floor, motionless.

The entire arena fell silent.

Even Kaelthorne raised an eyebrow.

> [QUEST COMPLETED: PROVE THEM WRONG]

Reward: 'Abilities' Tab Unlocked.

Draven exhaled, his heartbeat pounding.

For the first time, he had won.

Not just against an opponent—but against the expectations placed on him.

Kaelthorne stepped forward, breaking the silence.

"Well," he said, a small smirk on his face. "Looks like we've underestimated this one."

Draven wiped the sweat from his brow.

This was only the beginning.

He was done being weak.