The Iron Beast

The dojo was quiet, shrouded in the dim light of early morning. Niran's breath blended with the rhythmic sound of the wraps tightening around his fists. Kao, curled up near the entrance, watched him intently, as if sensing the tension in the air.

Niran paused for a moment, clenching his wrapped fist. His fight against Raksa had earned him recognition, but now he faced a completely different opponent.

Yoru, the Iron Beast.

Suda had given him the essentials.

"He's not just fast. He's unnaturally resilient. Strikes barely faze him. I've never seen anyone with a body like his."

"A beast?" Niran had asked.

"More than a beast. A moving wall of steel. If you don't take him down quickly, he'll grind you into dust."

Niran had simply nodded. The strategy against Raksa had been clear, endure and strike harder. But with Yoru, it wouldn't be that simple.

In the small courtyard of the dojo, Niran focused on a different kind of training. Strength alone wouldn't be enough. He had to read his opponent's rhythm, anticipate his movements instead of chasing after them.

Sakchai's words echoed in his mind.

"A ghost can't be hit if you chase it. But it can be killed if you trap it."

With Kao watching silently, Niran practiced interception instead of reaction. Instead of striking first, he let his body learn to wait, until the perfect moment to counter.

But theory alone wouldn't be enough.

The underground arena was packed tighter than usual. Word of Niran's victory over Raksa had spread, and now people wanted to see if he was just a fleeting spark or a real fighter.

Suda waited for him at the entrance, his expression unreadable.

"You ready?"

"Always."

The ring was bathed in yellowish light, surrounded by hungry faces eager for blood and spectacle.

On the opposite side, Yoru was already there, standing motionless like a statue.

Niran studied him carefully. Under the dim lights, his skin had a strange sheen, like something denser than normal flesh. Every muscle on his body looked sculpted, built for absolute endurance.

Then, without warning, Yoru lifted his head and locked eyes with him.

A chill ran down Niran's spine.

That wasn't the face of a man. It was something more primal. More feral.

The metallic clang of the gong rang through the arena.

Yoru moved immediately.

But he didn't rush forward recklessly like Raksa had. No, the Iron Beast advanced in measured steps, his body coiled like a predator ready to pounce.

Niran remained still, waiting.

Yoru closed the distance inch by inch, stopping just short of striking range.

He was studying him. Just like Niran was doing.

This will be a battle of patience.

Then Yoru struck.

A straight punch, fast, controlled, precise. Niran barely dodged, shifting his head at the last moment. But before he could counter, Yoru disappeared from his vision.

Too fast.

The second strike came from the left, a low kick aimed at his knee.

Niran managed to block with his shin, but the impact rattled his entire leg.

Yoru didn't stop. He moved with a relentless rhythm, his attacks flowing together seamlessly.

Niran launched a rising punch, but when his fist landed on Yoru's torso, it felt like punching solid steel.

What the hell is this body?

The answer came in the worst way possible, Yoru didn't even flinch. Instead, he drove a punch straight into Niran's sternum.

The world spun.

Niran doubled over, gasping for breath. The pain wasn't sharp, it was crushing, like something was pressing down on his lungs.

He forced himself to stand, spitting out saliva.

Yoru stared at him blankly. Then he tapped his own chest.

"You won't break me with brute force. It's useless."

Niran already knew that.

He had to change his approach.

Instead of attacking, Niran lowered his stance, making his body more fluid. If Yoru absorbed damage like an iron wall, then he had to target the right spots.

When Yoru stepped in again, Niran feigned retreat, letting him advance just a little further.

Then, as soon as Yoru threw another punch, Niran twisted his body and dropped low.

A flash of motion.

Yoru's fist barely grazed his head, missing completely.

And at that moment, Niran exploded forward.

His body twisted, coiled energy building from his legs to his core.

The Drilling Fang strike launched.

His elbow shot forward, rotating at the last moment to create a piercing impact, all the force spiraling into a single devastating point.

The moment his elbow connected with Yoru's temple.

The sound was like a hammer hitting metal.

For the first time in the fight, Yoru's body tilted.

A step back.

A brief loss of balance.

A crack in the iron wall.

As Niran steadied himself, preparing for the next exchange, a strange shiver ran through him.

Not fear. Not adrenaline.

Something else.

Beneath the wraps on his hands, the iron ring had grown warm.

A subtle heat, but unmistakable.

Niran shook the thought away. Now wasn't the time.

But for some reason, he thought of Kao.

And the way the little mutant had watched him before he left.

Without realizing it, Niran was on the verge of awakening something far deeper than just survival instincts.