Chapter 3: The Weight of Rumors

he morning sun barely peeked over the cracked rooftops of the city, casting an orange glow over the grimy streets. Despite the new day, the air around Bloodfang High remained heavy with tension. Faint laughter and distant shouting echoed from alleys, a reminder that the school was no place for the weak.

Dikun Silver stood in front of the rusted gate once more, his bruised knuckles hidden beneath the sleeves of his worn hoodie. Every step he took sent a dull ache through his body — a souvenir from the grueling training at Red Fang Boxing Gym. But the pain was a reminder.

> Skill: Boxing (F-Class) - 15%

He clenched his fists. No one could see it yet, but something had changed within him. Dikun was no longer the same trembling boy who had been humiliated on his first day. The system had given him a chance. And he intended to seize it.

---

Eyes That Follow

The moment Dikun entered the courtyard, he could feel it — the weight of stares. Conversations paused, whispers ignited.

"That's him, right? The new guy?"

"I heard he went to Red Fang Gym."

"He think's he's tough now? Idiot."

Rumors had spread like wildfire. News of Dikun stepping into one of the most infamous boxing gyms had reached every corner of Bloodfang High. But instead of respect, all he earned were bitter laughs and lingering glares. To them, he was still weak.

And in this school, the weak were nothing.

"Oi, Silver!"

A sharp voice cut through the murmurs. Dikun's eyes flicked toward the source. A group of students leaned against the rusted lockers. The one in the middle, Jax, sneered. He was broad-shouldered, his knuckles scarred from countless brawls. Jax wasn't part of a major gang, but he commanded fear with his raw strength alone.

"Heard you've been playin' boxer," Jax mocked, stepping forward. His voice was loud enough for the growing crowd to hear. "Think a few punches on a bag make you a fighter?"

Dikun stayed silent. His heart pounded, but he didn't back away. Not this time.

"You gonna throw a punch, tough guy? Or you gonna stand there like a scared little rat?"

Jax grinned, the jeers of his crew encouraging him. He wanted a reaction. But Dikun wouldn't give it to him.

---

The First Test

"What's wrong, Silver? Scared already?" Jax taunted, stepping closer. "Come on. Just one hit. Show us what you learned."

Dikun's fists curled beneath his sleeves. The urge to strike back surged, but his mind held firm. Control. That's what Kane had told him back at the gym. Strength wasn't just about swinging wildly. It was about knowing when to strike.

"Not interested," Dikun said coolly, forcing his voice to remain steady.

The crowd murmured. Some laughed, others scowled in disappointment.

"Pathetic," Jax spat. "You're still a coward."

He shoved Dikun — hard. The force sent him stumbling, but he didn't fall.

"Next time, Silver," Jax sneered, his grin widening. "You won't have a choice."

Dikun didn't reply. He simply adjusted his bag, turned, and walked past the crowd. Let them laugh. Let them whisper. He didn't care.

Because the next time someone came at him, he'd be ready.

---

A Glimpse of Power

The day crawled by. Bloodfang High's classrooms were barely functional, with broken desks and cracked whiteboards. Teachers rarely showed up, and when they did, they simply went through the motions, ignoring the chaos around them.

Dikun sat at the back of the room, his bruised knuckles resting on the desk. The system remained silent, waiting. There was no shortcut to power. If he wanted to grow stronger, he'd have to return to the gym.

> Objective: Continue Boxing Training (Skill Progression Required)

But as the final bell rang, the real challenge began.

---

The Gathering Storm

Dikun barely made it down the cracked hallway before a familiar figure blocked his path. Jax.

Behind him stood his crew — five in total. They grinned like wolves, eager to see their leader tear into the supposed "boxer."

"Leaving already?" Jax mocked, his grin widening. "You didn't think I'd let you walk away without a proper welcome, did you?"

The surrounding students formed a loose circle, anticipating the fight. Bloodfang High had no rules. No teachers would interfere. Here, strength decided everything.

Dikun's heart pounded. His body screamed in protest from the previous day's training, but his mind was clear. He couldn't avoid this.

And maybe… he didn't want to.

---

To Be Continued...

In the next chapter, Dikun will face his first real fight. Expect a detailed combat scene as he puts his newfound boxing knowledge to the test. The crowd will witness whether he's still the same weakling — or if the rumors of his strength hold any truth.