Chapter 11: The Unyielding Will

Jackim's heartbeat thundered in his ears as Liang circled him like a predator toying with wounded prey. Every part of his body screamed in agony, but he refused to collapse. He had suffered enough humiliation in life. This time, he would stand.

Liang smirked. "Still standing? Impressive."

Jackim exhaled through gritted teeth, wiping the blood trickling from his lip. He steadied his stance, trying to mimic what little he had seen from real fighters. His body was already beyond its limit, but his spirit refused to break.

Liang's feet shifted—fast.

Jackim barely reacted in time. Liang's punch came straight for his face, and at the last moment, Jackim twisted his head to the side, avoiding the brunt of the blow. Even so, the impact grazed his cheekbone, sending shockwaves through his skull.

He retaliated instantly. His fist lashed out—clumsy, unrefined—but filled with desperation. It connected with Liang's ribs, but the stronger fighter barely flinched.

Liang's smirk widened. "That all you got?"

A blur—then pain.

Jackim's vision flashed white as Liang's knee slammed into his stomach. He stumbled back, his legs nearly giving out beneath him. His breath came in ragged gasps, every inhale like fire in his lungs.

"Stay down," Liang said, rolling his shoulders. "This is a waste of time."

Jackim wiped sweat from his brow, forcing himself upright. "Not happening."

Liang's expression darkened. The amusement in his eyes flickered into something else—annoyance.

Jackim knew he had nothing left to rely on. He lacked technique, he lacked strength, but he refused to surrender.

Han, who had remained silent the entire fight, finally spoke.

"Enough."

Jackim swayed but remained standing as Liang sighed, stepping back. "Tch. If he's this stubborn, he might actually survive training."

Jackim barely had the strength to react. His legs buckled, and he collapsed onto his hands and knees, gasping for air.

Han approached him, his sharp gaze unreadable. "Weak. Untrained. Reckless."

Jackim clenched his fists. He already knew that.

Han crouched beside him. "But you didn't run."

Jackim looked up, breath heavy.

Han nodded. "That is your first lesson. You don't have to be strong to win. You have to endure."

Jackim swallowed hard, his body trembling.

Han stood. "Get cleaned up. Training starts at dawn."

Jackim let out a ragged breath as he watched Han and the others leave. His vision swayed, exhaustion overtaking him.

As he collapsed onto his back, staring up at the dark sky, a small smirk tugged at his lips.

He wasn't done yet.

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