Chapter 24: A Taste of True Power

The bruises on Jackim's body had faded, but the lessons remained. Every day under Han's training was a battle against his limits, but tonight was different. Tonight, Han had something else in mind.

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The alleyway was damp, the scent of sweat, blood, and cheap alcohol lingering in the air. Jackim had never been here before.

Han led him through a dimly lit corridor, past groups of rough-looking men exchanging bets, drinks, and hushed conversations. At the end of the hall was a heavy metal door.

Han knocked once. The door creaked open.

Inside was an underground fighting ring—a brutal, lawless arena where strength ruled.

The crowd roared as two fighters clashed in the center of the pit, their fists stained with blood.

Jackim watched in silence. This was real combat. No rules. No mercy.

Han turned to him. "You're fighting tonight."

Jackim's head snapped toward him. "What?"

Han smirked. "You want to be strong? Then prove it."

Jackim's heart pounded. This wasn't training anymore.

But he stepped forward.

Because he wasn't going to back down.

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His opponent was a burly man, at least a decade older than him, with scars lining his arms. The announcer barely introduced them before the fight began.

Jackim barely had time to react—a fist came flying toward his face.

He ducked, but not fast enough. The punch grazed his cheek, sending a sharp sting through his jaw.

The crowd roared.

Jackim steadied himself.

His opponent was bigger, stronger—but Jackim was faster.

He sidestepped the next attack and countered with a sharp strike to the ribs.

The man grunted but didn't fall. He smirked.

And then he came at Jackim with full force.

Jackim barely saw the next punch before it smashed into his stomach, knocking the air from his lungs.

Pain shot through his body.

But he didn't fall.

Because he couldn't.

The man came at him again, but this time, Jackim moved faster. He weaved, dodged, struck back.

A kick to the knee. A sharp elbow to the temple. And then—a final punch to the jaw.

The man staggered—then collapsed.

The crowd fell silent.

Then—cheers erupted.

Jackim stood there, chest heaving, as the announcer declared him the winner.

Han smirked from the sidelines.

Jackim had just won his first underground fight.

But he knew—this was just the beginning.

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