Chapter 5: Whispers of Strength

The rumors spread like wildfire. By the time Dikun Silver made it to his next class, everyone at Bloodfang High had heard about his fight with Jax. A weakling — the bottom-feeder no one gave a second glance — had dropped one of the most feared delinquents in school.

Dikun could feel their eyes. Some stared with curiosity, others with disbelief. But beneath the murmurs and whispers, there was something new. Respect. Not from everyone, but from enough to shift the air around him.

> System Notification:

Recognition Gained: Bloodfang High (Low)

It wasn't much. But it was a start.

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A Seat at the Back

Dikun slipped into the classroom, the cracked wooden desks scattered across the dirty floor. The teacher hadn't bothered showing up, which was common. Most teachers at Bloodfang High either didn't care or were too scared to intervene.

Students talked in clusters, but the usual chaotic laughter had died down. Every so often, someone would glance his way. Dikun ignored them, taking his seat at the back.

"Yo."

The voice startled him. A wiry student with messy black hair and dark bags under his eyes plopped down next to him. His grin was wide, a cigarette tucked behind his ear despite the school's no-smoking rule.

"Didn't think you had it in you," the boy snickered. "Name's Rico. Saw the fight. You sure made Jax look like an idiot."

Dikun didn't respond immediately. He wasn't sure what Rico wanted.

"I'm not looking for trouble," Dikun said quietly.

"That so?" Rico smirked. "Could've fooled me. Most guys who drop someone like Jax start thinking they're kings around here."

"I'm not most guys."

Rico's grin widened. "Good answer. But you're on everyone's radar now, Silver. People are gonna come at you — for respect, revenge, or just for fun."

Dikun knew that. The system had warned him.

> Next Objective: Gain Recognition Within Bloodfang High.

Bonus Objective: Recruit First Member (0/10 Members)

But how was he supposed to recruit anyone when he barely knew how to fight? His win against Jax was sheer instinct, driven by what little he'd learned from Red Fang Gym. It wasn't enough. Not yet.

---

A Challenge

Just before the lunch bell rang, Rico leaned closer. "Word is, some guys from The Iron Fangs want to 'welcome' you."

Dikun tensed. The Iron Fangs. One of the school's five major gangs. Unlike Jax, who was just a thug, the Iron Fangs had numbers — and influence. Their leader, Graves, was infamous for sending challengers to the hospital.

"Ignore them if you want," Rico continued. "But I wouldn't recommend it."

"Why tell me this?" Dikun asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Because I like chaos," Rico grinned. "And you? You might be the biggest chaos this school's seen in a while."

Before Dikun could respond, the bell blared. Students poured out of the classroom, the halls buzzing once again.

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The Iron Fangs' Arrival

Dikun didn't make it far before the Iron Fangs showed themselves. A group of five lined the corridor, blocking his path. They wore matching black jackets with jagged fang emblems stitched on the sleeves.

At the front stood a lean figure with short, bleached hair and a silver chain around his neck. His sharp grin revealed a chipped tooth — a result of too many street fights.

"So, you're the kid who dropped Jax," the leader sneered. "Name's Clint. Welcome to Bloodfang, newbie."

"I'm not looking for trouble," Dikun said, keeping his voice calm.

"Too late for that." Clint chuckled, his crew laughing along. "See, around here, strength means everything. And beating Jax? That means you're fair game."

Dikun's fists tightened beneath his sleeves. He didn't want to fight, but backing down now would only make him an easy target.

"Let's see if that win was a fluke," Clint said, stepping forward.

---

To Be Continued…

Next chapter, Dikun will face his toughest challenge yet — a test against the Iron Fangs. Will he rely on his developing boxing skills, or will he crumble under the pressure? Expect a tense, detailed fight scene with more progression in his abilities and further insight into Bloodfang High's gang politics.