Chapter 14: The First Test
The sun dipped lower over Bloodfang High, casting long shadows across the schoolyard. The tension from Graves' threat still lingered, but Dikun Silver had no intention of waiting for the Iron Fangs to make their move.
If he wanted to stand a chance, his gang needed to grow — and that meant convincing Tori to join him.
"She usually hangs out behind the gym," Rico said, leading the way. "Not exactly the social type."
"Smart," Kellan grunted. "No one bothers her there."
Dikun nodded, his expression unreadable. He knew the type. People like Tori didn't trust easily — not after losing everything. But that also meant there was something worth fighting for.
And Dikun would give her that reason.
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Behind the Gym
The scent of asphalt and cigarette smoke lingered in the air as they rounded the corner. The back of the gym was lined with cracked walls, graffiti scrawled across every inch. Old crates and discarded tires made for makeshift seating.
And there she was.
Tori sat on an overturned crate, a cigarette dangling from her lips. Her short, platinum hair was streaked with crimson dye, and a jagged scar ran along her cheek — a reminder of past battles. Despite her slim build, the defined muscle beneath her worn leather jacket spoke of countless fights.
A group of younger students hovered nearby, watching her with a mix of fear and admiration. But none dared approach.
"Tori," Dikun called, his voice steady.
She didn't bother to look up. "And you are?"
"Dikun Silver."
That earned him a glance. Her eyes — sharp, calculating — sized him up in an instant. "Yeah. I've heard about you. Thought you'd be taller."
"And I thought you'd be harder to find," Dikun countered.
A grin tugged at the corner of her mouth, but it vanished just as quickly. "You're wasting your time. Whatever pitch you've got, I'm not interested."
"I'm not here to make a pitch," Dikun replied. "I'm here to offer you a way out."
Tori snorted. "A way out? You think I'm trapped?"
"I think Graves wants you to believe that," Dikun said firmly. "The Iron Fangs crushed your crew. Left you with nothing. And now? You sit here, pretending you don't care."
Her jaw tightened. "Watch your mouth, Silver."
"Or what?" Dikun stepped closer, his eyes locked on hers. "You'll fight me? Go ahead. But you're not angry at me — you're angry at yourself. For letting them take everything from you."
Silence. The air grew thick with tension. Rico shifted nervously, but Kellan stood firm, watching with interest.
Finally, Tori stood, flicking her cigarette to the ground. "You've got guts. I'll give you that."
"But guts don't mean shit," she continued, her voice low. "You want me on your side? Then prove you're worth it."
> System Notification:
Challenge Issued: Tori's Trial — 1v1 Combat
Victory Condition: Impress Tori with Your Strength and Skill.
Dikun's lips curled into a smirk. "Fine. Let's see what you've got."
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The Trial Begins
The makeshift arena was little more than cracked pavement surrounded by rusted fences. Students gathered quickly, word of the challenge spreading like wildfire.
Tori shrugged off her jacket, revealing toned arms wrapped in worn bandages. Her eyes gleamed with anticipation. "No rules. No holding back."
"Wouldn't have it any other way," Dikun replied.
> System Notification:
Skill Activated: Boxing (F-Class) — 95%
Skill Activated: Muay Thai (F-Class) — 72%
The moment the fight began, Tori was already on the move. She was fast — blindingly so. Her footwork was sharp, and her fists lashed out in a rapid flurry.
Dikun barely dodged the first strike, the air whistling past his ear. Her second punch came even faster. He blocked, his forearms absorbing the impact.
> Skill Progression: Boxing (F-Class) — 97%
"Good," Dikun thought. "But not good enough."
He countered with a sharp jab, but Tori slipped to the side, her body twisting with cat-like agility. Before he could recover, her knee shot upward, aiming for his ribs.
But this time, Dikun was ready.
> Skill Progression: Muay Thai (F-Class) — 74%
He intercepted the blow, his elbow driving down to deflect her knee. The clash reverberated through the yard, but Dikun didn't hesitate.
A swift hook followed, connecting with her shoulder. Tori stumbled, but her fierce grin remained.
"Not bad," she growled. "But I'm just getting started."
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A Battle of Will
The fight raged on. Tori's relentless speed clashed with Dikun's growing mastery of boxing and Muay Thai. Every exchange pushed him further, his instincts sharpening with each blow.
> Skill Progression: Boxing (F-Class) — 99%
Skill Progression: Muay Thai (F-Class) — 80%
But Tori wasn't slowing down. Even as sweat dripped from her brow, her determination burned bright.
"You fight like someone with something to prove," she spat, delivering a vicious elbow strike that Dikun barely dodged.
"And you fight like someone with nothing left to lose," Dikun countered, his voice steady.
For a moment, her eyes flickered.
That was all Dikun needed.
He surged forward, his footwork precise. A feint to the left. A sharp right cross. Tori moved to counter, but Dikun's knee shot upward — a flawless Muay Thai strike.
The impact sent her stumbling back. The crowd roared, but Dikun didn't press further. He stood firm, his breathing heavy.
> System Notification:
Skill Progression: Boxing (E-Class) — Achieved!
Skill Progression: Muay Thai (F-Class) — 82%
Tori spat blood to the side, then laughed. "Alright, Silver. You win."
"Then you're with me?" Dikun asked.
She wiped her mouth, her grin returning. "Yeah. I'm in."
> System Notification:
Gang Progress: 2/10 Members
Second Recruit Gained: Tori (Level 5 Striker)
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Next Chapter:
With Tori now on his side, Dikun sets his sights on the elusive Lee. But gaining the trust of a strategist is no simple task. Meanwhile, the Iron Fangs grow restless, and Graves prepares his next move.