Welcome to Isamwi

The alley was dimly lit, the air thick with the stench of sweat and blood. Ren stood in the center, his black hoodie torn, his knuckles bruised and bleeding. Around him, unconscious bodies of gang members lay sprawled on the ground. His chest heaved, exhaustion creeping in, but he had won.

He wiped the blood from his lip, exhaling. "Damn... too many fights in one night."

The pain was catching up to him. His vision blurred for a moment, his legs shaky. He had taken too many hits, even though he stood victorious. The adrenaline was wearing off.

Before he could steady himself, dizziness overtook him, and his body gave in. The world spun. Then—darkness.

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A sharp breath.

Ren's eyes fluttered open. The air felt... different. The ground beneath him was solid, but not the grimy pavement of the alley. Instead, smooth stone. Around him, the towering city of Greyhaven stretched into the distance, its streets illuminated by strange neon symbols. The air carried an unfamiliar energy, a mix of voices, scents, and the distant hum of something beyond his understanding.

He pushed himself up, his vision adjusting. Towering buildings with strange neon symbols stretched into the night sky. Flickering streetlights cast an eerie glow over the stone-paved streets. This was no ordinary place. From the towering spires to the underground fight rings, Greyhaven pulsed with danger and opportunity in equal measure.

People walked past in unfamiliar clothing, and a crowd had gathered nearby.

Ren's heart pounded. His voice came out in a whisper. "Isekai?"

He shook his head, trying to process it. Before he could move, a loud cheer erupted from the crowd. Drawn by curiosity, he pushed forward, weaving through the gathered people.

At the center of the commotion stood a fighter—tall, lean, and exuding confidence. His short silver hair caught the neon light, his striking golden eyes locked onto his opponent. His hands were wrapped in black tape, his black combat vest sleeveless, revealing his toned arms. Dark cargo pants and heavy boots completed his look.

Kaito.

His opponent was a massive, muscular man, his frame intimidating. The tension was electric.

"Tch. Another idiot thinking size matters," someone in the crowd muttered.

The fight started. The muscular man roared, swinging a powerful punch.

Kaito didn't move until the last second. Then—

A swift sidestep. A single, precise strike to the ribs.

A sickening crack echoed through the street. The giant staggered, eyes wide, and collapsed.

Silence. Then the crowd erupted in cheers.

Ren exhaled. "That guy… is strong."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd, hushed but urgent.

"Yeah, Kaito's strong, but... what if he shows up?"

"You mean... the one with the scar?"

"Shh! Don't even say his name."

Ren frowned. A name unspoken, a presence feared. Whoever he was, even Kaito didn't seem to be the biggest monster here.

Before Ren could dwell on it, Kaito's golden eyes locked onto him. His expression shifted from boredom to mild interest.

"Who the hell are you?" Kaito's gaze flicked over Ren's outfit. "Your clothes... they look different."

"You don't look like you're from Greyhaven," he muttered, eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Ren barely had time to think. The dizziness from earlier was still messing with him, and his body swayed slightly. Seeing no response, Kaito's eyes narrowed.

"Ignoring me?"

His figure blurred. A fist shot toward Ren's face.

Instinct took over. Ren dodged—barely.

Kaito's smirk faded. "Oh? You're not just some random weakling."

His expression darkened. "Let's see what you've got."

Before Ren could react, Kaito struck again. A heavy punch slammed into his gut, sending him flying backward. Pain flared through his body as he hit the ground.

As he lay there, something happened.

Time froze.

A glowing blue screen materialized before his eyes.

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> [SYSTEM ACTIVATED] ANALYZING FIRST OPPONENT: KAITO LAND A SUCCESSFUL HIT ON KAITO TO OBTAIN A SKILL.

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Ren's breath caught. "What... the hell is this?"

Kaito approached, cracking his knuckles. "Still conscious? Then get up."

Ren smirked, wiping the blood from his lips. "Alright… let's try this again."

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To Be Continued…