Chapter 8: The First Round

The Iron Fist Muay Thai Gym was unlike anything Dikun Silver had ever seen. The cracked concrete floor was stained from years of sweat and blood. Heavy bags swung from rusted chains, their worn leather surfaces bearing the scars of relentless strikes. Fighters grunted with each kick and punch, their bodies carved from hours of brutal training.

The air was thick with determination. No one here was weak.

Coach Vero's sharp eyes studied Dikun as he led him past the training mats. The old man's every step was purposeful, his towering presence casting a shadow over the room.

"Muay Thai isn't just about fists," Vero growled, his voice low and commanding. "We call it the art of eight limbs. Fists, elbows, knees, and shins — every part of your body becomes a weapon. You think you're ready for that?"

Dikun's hands curled into fists. "I'm not sure. But I'll find out."

A grin flickered across Vero's scarred face. "Good answer."

> System Notification:

You have entered a Specialized Gym — Iron Fist Muay Thai.

Skill Unlock Available: Muay Thai (F-Class)

Dikun felt it — a subtle shift in his mind. A spark of unfamiliar knowledge. The system didn't flood him with mastery. Instead, it granted him the absolute basics. Footwork. Guard positioning. The proper stance.

But it wasn't enough.

> Skill: Muay Thai (F-Class) — 0%

Skill Level: Untrained

The system wouldn't give him strength for free. He had to earn it.

---

The First Lesson

"Before you fight, you learn to stand."

Vero barked the words like a drill sergeant. He motioned for Dikun to step onto the mat. The other fighters barely paid attention, too consumed by their own grueling routines.

"Show me your stance."

Dikun nodded, adjusting his feet. He raised his fists, elbows tucked in, one leg slightly forward. The movements felt awkward — nothing like the natural rhythm he had felt with boxing.

Vero snorted. "That's a boxer's stance. Muay Thai is different."

He stomped his bare foot against the mat. "You stand like this. Keep your weight balanced. Chin down. Hands up — protect yourself at all times."

Dikun obeyed, mirroring the coach's movements. It felt strange. The stance was more upright, his body open but guarded.

"Good. Now knees up."

Vero demonstrated, raising his knee sharply as though preparing to drive it into an opponent's ribs. Dikun followed, his movements clumsy and slow.

"Again."

He repeated the motion. Over and over. The ache in his thighs burned, but Vero's relentless demands didn't stop.

---

The First Challenge

Hours passed. Sweat poured down Dikun's face, his body trembling from exhaustion. But with each repetition, the stance became more natural. His knees rose with greater force. His strikes grew sharper.

> Skill Progression: Muay Thai (F-Class) — 10%

"Enough."

Vero's voice echoed through the gym. Dikun exhaled heavily, his chest heaving. He'd pushed through, but he could barely stand.

The coach grinned. "You're still standing. That's more than most on their first day."

Just as Dikun was about to step off the mat, Vero raised a hand. "But training without pressure means nothing. You want to fight? Then fight."

Dikun's heart skipped. "Now?"

"Now," Vero confirmed, gesturing to the corner. "You're sparring with Kai."

A figure emerged from the crowd. Lean and muscular, Kai moved like a wolf — fluid and precise. His short black hair clung to his forehead, his tanned skin glistening with sweat. The gleam in his eye spoke of experience.

"You'll last a round, or you won't," Vero said simply. "Learn fast, or get hurt."

Dikun swallowed hard, but nodded. He couldn't back down. Not now.

> Objective: Survive One Round

---

The Fight Begins

The fighters circled each other beneath the dim lights. Kai's eyes never left Dikun, his calm composure making him all the more intimidating.

"You're the guy who dropped Jax, huh?" Kai smirked. "Let's see if it was luck."

Dikun didn't respond. His fists clenched as he settled into the unfamiliar Muay Thai stance. Every instinct screamed for him to fall back into his boxing posture, but he resisted. This was a new fight. A new style.

The bell rang.

Kai moved first, lightning-fast. His leg lashed out in a blur — a vicious roundhouse kick. Dikun barely reacted in time, raising his forearms to block. The impact rattled him, sending him stumbling back.

> System Notification:

Skill Progression: Muay Thai (F-Class) — 15%

"Fast. Strong. He's no amateur."

Kai didn't relent. He followed up with a sharp jab, then a knee aimed at Dikun's ribs. The blows were brutal, but Dikun managed to twist away, narrowly avoiding the worst of it.

"Is that all you got?" Kai taunted, his grin widening.

Dikun's body burned. But with each exchange, the system whispered to him. His muscles adapted. His mind absorbed. The awkwardness of his stance faded.

"Breathe. Stay calm."

Kai launched another kick. But this time, Dikun saw it coming. He stepped to the side, the blow grazing past him. Without thinking, he retaliated. His knee shot up, just as Vero had taught.

The strike connected with Kai's ribs. A solid hit.

Kai stumbled back, surprise flickering across his face. The crowd murmured.

> Skill Progression: Muay Thai (F-Class) — 20%

"You're learning," Kai growled, his grin returning. "Good. Let's see how much more you can take."

The fight wasn't over. Not even close. But for the first time since stepping into Bloodfang High, Dikun felt it — the thrill of facing someone stronger. The hunger to grow.

He wasn't just fighting to survive. He was fighting to become stronger.

---

Next Chapter: Dikun continues his spar with Kai, pushing his limits as his Muay Thai skill evolves. Will he endure the full round, or will his body give out? Meanwhile, whispers of his growing strength begin to spread, catching the attention of unexpected eyes.