Chapter 11: Seeds of a Gang
The echoes of Jax's sneer still lingered in Dikun's mind as he and Rico walked through the dim, crumbling halls of Bloodfang High. The crowd had dispersed, but the tension remained. Every step he took was followed by hushed murmurs. Eyes flickered toward him — curiosity, fear, and excitement intertwining.
But Dikun wasn't concerned with the rumors.
He had a plan.
> System Notification:
Main Objective Updated:
Establish a Gang (0/10 Members)
Strengthen Your Combat Skills
Boxing (F-Class 80%)
Muay Thai (F-Class 70%)
> Survive the Confrontation with the Iron Fangs
The faint, cold whisper of the system in his mind grounded him. It was a constant reminder of the path he'd chosen. There was no turning back.
"Where are we going?" Rico asked, his usual grin giving way to curiosity.
"To find people," Dikun replied simply. "If I'm going to stand against the Iron Fangs, I'll need allies."
"Good luck with that," Rico snorted. "Most people around here only follow strength. And Graves? He's got that in spades."
Dikun didn't respond. Instead, he scanned the crowd, mentally sorting the students into categories. Some were hardened delinquents, already under Graves' control. Others were timid — sheep too scared to oppose the wolves. But a few... a few had the spark of defiance.
They would be his starting point.
---
The First Prospect
By lunch break, the cafeteria was buzzing. Fights broke out over stolen meals, laughter echoed as bullies tormented the weak, and gang members claimed their territories with confidence.
But Dikun's eyes were set on one table.
A lone figure sat in the corner, hunched over a bowl of bland stew. Kellan. He was stocky, built like a brawler, with thick arms marred by bruises. Rumors said he'd been a street fighter before transferring to Bloodfang. But he kept his head down — a shadow of what he once was.
"That's Kellan, right?" Rico whispered. "He used to fight in underground circuits. Tough bastard. But after Graves put him down, he hasn't been the same."
"Perfect," Dikun said.
He approached without hesitation. Kellan didn't look up, even as Dikun slid into the seat across from him. Rico followed, visibly nervous.
"What do you want?" Kellan's voice was gruff, his eyes dull.
"To make you an offer," Dikun said. "You're strong. I need strong people."
Kellan scoffed. "I'm done fighting."
"But you're not done surviving," Dikun countered. "And the Iron Fangs? They'll come for me soon. You think they'll stop with me?"
Kellan's jaw tightened. The unspoken truth hung heavily in the air. Graves never left loose ends. Anyone who showed even a hint of rebellion was crushed.
"Join me," Dikun said firmly. "We'll stand together. No more bowing. No more fear."
The table was silent. Rico shifted uncomfortably, but Dikun held his ground.
For a moment, Kellan said nothing. Then, his fists clenched. "I fight for myself. Not for anyone else."
"Fight with me, not for me," Dikun said. "That's the difference."
> System Notification:
Recruitment Progress:
Kellan's Loyalty (Locked)
Condition to Unlock: Witness Dikun's Strength Firsthand.
"Prove it," Kellan said, his voice low. "Show me you're worth following."
Dikun nodded. "You'll see soon enough."
---
A Growing Shadow
By the time classes ended, the rumors had already spread. Dikun's challenge to Jax had set the school ablaze. Everyone knew it now — the Iron Fangs would strike soon.
And when they did, the whole school would be watching.
"That idiot Graves probably thinks scaring you off will set an example," Rico muttered as they walked toward the school yard. "He doesn't know what's coming."
Dikun smirked. "Let him find out."
> Skill Progression:
Boxing (F-Class) — 82%
Muay Thai (F-Class) — 72%
The weight of the training still lingered in his muscles. His punches were sharper. His footwork more refined. His kicks were no longer clumsy — each knee strike and low kick held the weight of disciplined practice. But he needed more. Training alone wouldn't cut it.
He needed real fights.
As they neared the rusted chain-link gate, a small group waited for them.
"Jax," Rico muttered.
The bruiser stood tall, his iron-toothed grin gleaming. Flanking him were two Iron Fang lackeys — one wiry, the other thick with muscle.
"Silver," Jax called, voice dripping with amusement. "Graves doesn't like waiting. You ready for your punishment?"
"I'm not the one who'll be punished," Dikun replied calmly.
Jax's grin widened. "Big words. Let's see if you can back 'em up."
The yard cleared, students eagerly gathering around. The fight had begun before a single punch was thrown.
> System Notification:
Event Triggered:
First Gang Clash — 1v3
Victory Condition: Defeat Jax and His Crew.
---
The Fight Begins
Jax moved first, lunging forward with surprising speed for his size. His fist swung in a brutal arc, aimed straight for Dikun's head.
But Dikun had already moved.
He ducked low, the punch sailing past him. His counter was swift — a sharp jab to Jax's ribs. The impact echoed through the yard.
> Skill Progression:
Boxing (F-Class) — 85%
Jax grunted but recovered quickly, signaling for his lackeys. The two moved in tandem. One went high, the other low. It was a coordinated assault, but Dikun's mind was sharp.
He sidestepped, evading the punch aimed at his face. The second opponent charged, throwing a wild hook. Dikun blocked, absorbing the impact through his arms. Pain radiated, but he ignored it.
> Skill Progression:
Boxing (F-Class) — 88%
Muay Thai (F-Class) — 74%
"Too slow," Dikun growled.
His right hand shot forward, landing a clean cross on the thick-set lackey's jaw. The man stumbled, dazed. Rico's eyes widened, awe mixing with fear.
Jax snarled. "Get him!"
But Dikun was already in motion. His footwork flowed. Jab. Cross. Hook. Then, shifting his stance, he lashed out with a low Muay Thai kick. The brutal crack against the second lackey's leg sent him crashing to the ground.
> Skill Progression:
Muay Thai (F-Class) — 80%
Only Jax remained. The bruiser roared in frustration, charging like a bull.
"Predictable."
Dikun sidestepped the charge, his body coiling. Then, with a fierce pivot, he drove an uppercut straight into Jax's chin.
The impact was thunderous.
Jax's legs buckled, his massive frame crashing to the ground. Silence fell over the yard.
> Victory Achieved!
Skill Progression:
Boxing (F-Class) — 95%
Muay Thai (F-Class) — 83%
> System Notification:
First Gang Clash Won. Respect Gained.
The crowd erupted. Cheers, laughter, and stunned whispers filled the air.
But Dikun wasn't celebrating. His gaze turned toward the school entrance.
He knew this was only the beginning.
---
Next Chapter:
With the first battle won, Dikun's reputation skyrockets. Kellan's interest is piqued, but others are watching too — including Graves. As Bloodfang High teeters on the edge of war, Dikun's next moves will determine his fate.