The Gap in Strength

The air was thick with tension. The crowd held its breath as Kaito cracked his knuckles, a grin stretching across his face.

Kaito: "Alright, rookie. Now it's my turn."

Ren barely had time to react before Kaito blurred from sight.

Ren (thinking): He's fast—!

A fist buried into his gut. The impact sent shockwaves through his body, his ribs groaning in protest. His feet left the ground as he was launched backward, skidding across the stone pavement. Pain exploded in his torso, his breath stolen from his lungs.

Ren: Gah—!

His body rolled before he forced himself to stop, planting his palm against the ground and rising to his knees. He coughed, tasting iron. His entire body screamed in agony, but his mind sharpened.

Ren (thinking): That speed...! I couldn't even see him move.

Kaito stood a few feet away, completely unscathed. His golden eyes gleamed with amusement, as if toying with prey.

Kaito: "That little kick earlier? Not bad. But you're not landing another one."

Ren gritted his teeth. The system screen still hovered in his vision.

> SKILL ACQUIRED: [ADAPTIVE INSTINCT Lv.1]

Analyzes opponents' movements in real time, improving reaction speed and counterattack potential.

Ren (thinking): Adaptive Instinct… does this mean I can read his movements?

Kaito cracked his neck, stepping forward. "Still breathing? Then let's keep going."

He vanished again. Ren's body tensed as the skill kicked in—his senses sharpening. This time, he caught a glimpse of movement—Kaito coming from the left. Instinct screamed at him to dodge.

Ren twisted his body, narrowly avoiding a straight punch aimed at his jaw. The force behind it stirred the air, but he managed to slip past it by inches.

Ren (thinking): It works! I can react faster!

He countered—swinging his fist towards Kaito's exposed side.

But Kaito smirked. His arm shot out, catching Ren's wrist mid-strike.

Kaito: "Too predictable."

A powerful kick slammed into Ren's side. His vision blurred as he was sent flying again, crashing into a stack of wooden crates. Splinters rained down as he groaned, trying to force himself up.

Kaito sighed, shaking his head. "Even with that trick, you're still too slow."

Ren struggled to his feet, his body trembling. He had landed one hit, but that was it. His body was at its limit, his stamina drained. Meanwhile, Kaito barely looked winded.

Ren (thinking): I can't win this. Not like this.

The crowd murmured in awe.

Crowd Member 1: "It's over…"

Crowd Member 2: "Yeah, no one beats Kaito."

Ren clenched his fists. His pride burned, but the reality was clear. He had no chance.

Kaito sighed and loosened his stance. "You're done. Give up."

Ren exhaled sharply, his legs shaking beneath him. His mind screamed to continue, but his body refused. He glared at Kaito, frustration boiling inside him.

Ren (thinking): This guy… He's on a whole different level.

He lowered his fists. Not out of surrender, but acceptance.

Kaito studied him for a moment before nodding. "Smart choice."

With that, he turned, walking away. The fight was over.

Ren collapsed to his knees, his breathing ragged. The crowd dispersed, some shaking their heads, others casting curious glances at him.

Ren (thinking): I need to get stronger.

As he sat there, battered and exhausted, he clenched his fists. Today, he lost.

But this was only the beginning.

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To Be Continued…