Chapter 12: The First Recruit

The fight had ended, but its echoes remained.

Jax lay sprawled on the cracked pavement, his bruised face barely stirring. The Iron Fangs' enforcer had been humiliated — and in Bloodfang High, reputation was everything. Around them, the crowd was still buzzing, disbelief and awe mingling in equal measure.

"Did you see that uppercut?"

"Jax didn't stand a chance."

"Graves is gonna flip."

> System Notification:

Recognition Gained: Bloodfang High (Respected)

New Objective: Consolidate Your Victory

Recruit Kellan (Pending)

Establish Your Gang (1/10 Members)

Dikun stepped away from the fallen Jax, his breathing steady. Sweat dripped from his brow, but beneath the exhaustion was a rush of satisfaction. The countless hours of training at Iron Fist Gym and Red Corner had paid off. His punches were sharper. His kicks more brutal.

And now, the school knew it.

"Silver!" Rico's voice broke through the murmurs as he rushed to Dikun's side. His grin was ear to ear. "That was insane! You made Jax look like a rookie!"

Dikun shrugged, the adrenaline still thrumming in his veins. "He underestimated me. That was his mistake."

"Yeah, but Graves won't." Rico's tone darkened. "This was just the beginning."

Dikun knew that. The Iron Fangs would respond. But for now, he had a more immediate concern.

He turned toward the crowd, locking eyes with Kellan.

---

The Test of Strength

Kellan hadn't moved from his spot, his heavy arms crossed as he watched the aftermath. His expression was unreadable, but Dikun saw the flicker of something behind those cold eyes.

Respect.

Dikun didn't hesitate. He pushed past the crowd, Rico trailing behind him. The students murmured in curiosity as they realized where he was headed.

"Kellan," Dikun called firmly.

The former street fighter regarded him with a raised brow. "You proved your point."

"That's not enough," Dikun replied. "You wanted strength. You've seen it. But strength without purpose? It's worthless."

Kellan's jaw tightened. "And what purpose do you have, Silver?"

"To tear down the Iron Fangs. To take back this school. No more fear. No more gangs ruling by intimidation."

"Big words," Kellan muttered. "But words don't mean anything here."

"Then fight me," Dikun said, his voice unwavering.

The challenge caused another wave of murmurs.

"You just went three rounds against Jax and his lackeys," Kellan said, though there was no mockery in his tone. "You're not at your best."

"Neither are you," Dikun countered. "Graves crushed you once. He left you with nothing. But you can take it back. Fight with me, and I'll make sure no one pushes you down again."

For a long moment, Kellan said nothing. Then, slowly, he stood. His broad frame loomed over Dikun, but the tension wasn't hostile — it was heavy with anticipation.

"Fine," Kellan growled. "One round. You beat me, and I'm yours."

> System Notification:

Event Triggered:

Recruitment Duel — Dikun vs. Kellan

Victory Condition: Defeat Kellan without using excessive force.

---

The Duel Begins

The students formed a tight circle, their excitement palpable.

"Place your bets!" one called out.

"Kellan's still got it!"

"Silver's on a streak — no way he's losing!"

Dikun rolled his shoulders, his muscles aching but responsive. Every punch, every kick he'd thrown today had pushed him further, but he couldn't afford to falter now.

> Skill Progression:

Boxing (F-Class) — 95%

Muay Thai (F-Class) — 83%

Kellan stepped forward, his fists clenched. Despite his fall from grace, his form was solid. The way he shifted his weight and adjusted his stance told Dikun everything he needed to know.

"A brawler," Dikun assessed. "Heavy punches. Slow footwork. Powerful, but predictable."

The system's lessons flashed in his mind. He'd seen this before. And now, it was time to prove he'd learned.

"Let's go," Dikun said.

Kellan didn't wait. He charged, throwing a wide hook meant to overwhelm. Dikun sidestepped easily, his footwork fluid.

> Skill Progression:

Boxing (F-Class) — 97%

"Too slow."

Dikun countered with a clean jab to Kellan's ribs, the impact reverberating through his opponent's frame. Kellan staggered but recovered quickly. He launched a second assault, his fists swinging in a furious rhythm.

But Dikun had already adapted.

He weaved through the punches, light on his feet. Then, spotting an opening, he delivered a sharp Muay Thai kick to Kellan's side. The crack of impact drew gasps from the crowd.

> Skill Progression:

Muay Thai (F-Class) — 85%

Kellan growled, the pain fueling his resolve. He rushed in again, but this time, Dikun didn't evade.

Instead, he stepped forward.

"Kai's pressure," Dikun remembered. "Absorb. Counter. Dominate."

Kellan threw a heavy right hook. Dikun's forearms braced against the strike, his body twisting with the force to lessen the impact. And before Kellan could recover, Dikun struck.

A clean elbow to the jaw.

Kellan stumbled, his vision blurring. Dikun didn't follow through. He held his stance, waiting.

"You're done," Dikun said firmly. "But you're not broken."

Kellan breathed heavily, the realization sinking in. He had fought with everything — yet Dikun stood tall.

> Victory Achieved!

Skill Progression:

Boxing (F-Class) — 99%

Muay Thai (F-Class) — 88%

The crowd erupted, but Dikun didn't care. He extended a hand.

"Stand with me."

For a moment, Kellan hesitated. Then, slowly, he clasped Dikun's hand.

"I'm in," Kellan said.

> System Notification:

First Recruit Gained!

Kellan (Level 5 Brawler) has joined your gang.

Gang Progress: 1/10 Members.

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Next Chapter:

With Kellan by his side, Dikun takes his first step toward building his gang. But the Iron Fangs won't remain idle. Graves makes his move, and Dikun must prove that strength alone won't be enough to survive Bloodfang High.