Chapter 20: A Message in Blood

The air was thick with tension as Dikun Silver stood in the shadowed alleyway behind Bloodfang High. The dim glow of a flickering streetlamp cast long silhouettes along the cracked walls. His hands were steady, but the fury within him boiled dangerously.

Kellan's bloodied face lingered in his mind. The Iron Fangs had crossed a line.

"Iron Fangs think they can intimidate us," Dikun growled, his voice low. "But fear is a double-edged sword. Tonight, we remind them of that."

Blake cracked his knuckles, his hulking figure looming beside him. "We'll hit back. Hard."

Rico shifted nervously, his usual grin absent. "But Graves won't just send small fries next time. He'll come himself."

"Let him," Dikun said, his voice unwavering. "But first, we deal with the ones who did this to Kellan."

> System Notification:

Quest Active: Retribution

Locate and Confront the Iron Fang Enforcers

Reclaim South Wing's Honor

Establish Your Dominance

---

The Hunt Begins

It wasn't difficult to find them. The Iron Fangs made no effort to hide. They wanted to be seen — to flaunt their dominance. But tonight, they'd regret it.

Dikun led the way, his steps silent, his senses sharp. Blake and Rico followed close behind, their presence a constant reminder that he no longer stood alone.

The alley opened to a dimly lit courtyard. A group of Iron Fangs lounged near a set of discarded crates. Five of them. The low hum of laughter echoed, but it ceased the moment Dikun stepped into view.

"Well, well," one of them sneered. "Look who's come crawling."

"You should've stayed down, Silver," another taunted, his arms crossed. "Graves said we could have some fun before we finish the job."

Dikun didn't respond. He simply raised his fists.

"Fun's over."

> System Notification:

Battle Initiated: Iron Fang Enforcers (5v3)

Victory Condition: Defeat All Opponents

---

The Fight

The first Iron Fang rushed forward, his fists swinging wildly. But Dikun saw it coming. His training took over.

He stepped aside, his body light and fluid. Muay Thai had sharpened his instincts, his reflexes heightened. The moment the attacker stumbled past him, Dikun's knee shot upward.

Crack!

A brutal strike to the ribs sent the thug crumpling to the ground.

> Skill Progression: Muay Thai (F-Class) — 80%

Blake roared as he charged, his massive frame colliding with two enforcers. His fists were like sledgehammers, breaking through their guard. One crashed against the wall, groaning in pain.

Rico danced on the edges of the fight, using his smaller frame to slip past attacks. He struck with quick jabs, aiming for weak spots. His lack of formal training was evident, but his resolve was unshaken.

"Keep it up!" Dikun shouted, blocking a punch aimed at his head. His own fist shot forward — a powerful cross that connected with bone.

> Skill Progression: Boxing (E-Class) — 15%

Blood splattered, and the enforcer stumbled, barely able to stay on his feet.

"That's two down," Dikun growled.

But the last of the Iron Fangs weren't finished. One of them lunged with a metal pipe, the weapon swinging dangerously.

Dikun's eyes narrowed. Adapt. Stay calm.

He shifted into a low stance. Muay Thai's foundation was not only about striking but controlling the fight. As the pipe came down, Dikun twisted, dodging by mere inches. In the same motion, his elbow lashed out.

Crack!

The thug's nose shattered under the force. He collapsed, howling in pain.

> Skill Progression: Muay Thai (F-Class) — 85%

Blake finished the last of them, slamming his opponent into the ground with a resounding thud. The fight was over.

> System Notification:

Victory Achieved!

South Wing's Reputation Strengthened

Fear Among Iron Fangs Increased

Kellan's Loyalty Confirmed

---

A Shift in Power

The battered enforcers lay sprawled across the pavement, groaning. Dikun stood over them, his chest rising and falling with controlled breaths.

"Tell Graves," he said, his voice low and cold, "This was a warning. Next time, I won't hold back."

The Iron Fangs nodded weakly, their fear evident.

Rico grinned, his adrenaline still high. "I'd say that went well."

Blake smirked. "We're not just surviving now. We're winning."

Dikun met their gaze, determination burning within him. The war had begun, but Bloodfang High would soon learn that Dikun Silver wasn't just another name in the dirt.

He was the storm.

> System Notification:

South Wing Influence: Dominant

Gang Members: 6/10

Reputation: Rising Force

---

Next Chapter:

As the Iron Fangs recover, Graves begins to plot his next move. But Dikun won't wait. With Kellan's loyalty secured, he sets his sights on expanding his influence further. Meanwhile, whispers of another powerful figure stir within the school — one who may prove to be an even greater challenge than Graves himself.