Chapter 10: Rise of the Predator

Jihan's body screamed in pain as he limped back home, his muscles bruised, his knuckles swollen. His vision blurred for a moment, but the pain only served to sharpen his focus. He had survived another fight. And he was getting stronger.

The Shadow Fangs were no joke, and tonight had proven that enemies wouldn't just come at him one-on-one anymore. They were coming in waves.

His phone buzzed.

[Dominance Code Notification: New Passive Ability Unlocked – Predator's Instinct]

Jihan tapped on the ability.

[Predator's Instinct: Enhances reflexes, reaction speed, and battle awareness in life-threatening situations.]

He clenched his fists. This system wasn't just giving him strength—it was molding him into something else. A true predator.

But if he was going to survive what was coming next, he needed more than just instinct.

He needed a plan.

A Meeting with the Underground

The next day, Jihan skipped school. He had bigger priorities now. Information. Weapons. Allies.

There was one place where he could find all three—The Underground Market.

Hidden deep in the city's old district, it was a place where criminals, fighters, and fixers gathered. A place where money could buy you anything—if you knew the right people.

Jihan approached a rundown building covered in graffiti. He knocked three times.

A slot in the door slid open, revealing a single bloodshot eye. "Password?"

Jihan smirked. "Survival of the fittest."

The door creaked open, and Jihan stepped inside. The air was thick with sweat, blood, and smoke. Fighters sparred in a makeshift ring. Black market dealers whispered over crates of illegal weapons. And in the farthest corner, surrounded by bodyguards, sat the man Jihan had come to see.

Han Taejin – The Broker.

A Dangerous Bargain

Taejin was a legend in the underground, known for selling weapons, information, and mercenaries to the highest bidder. He was also a former gang boss who had once ruled the city's streets.

Jihan approached confidently. He had no time for fear.

Taejin glanced up from his cigar. "You look like hell."

"I look better than the guys I left in the alley last night," Jihan shot back.

Taejin chuckled. "Bold. What do you want, kid?"

Jihan leaned in. "I need information on the Shadow Fangs. Who's their real leader? Who supplies their weapons? And how do I take them down?"

Taejin exhaled smoke. "That kind of intel isn't free. What do you have to trade?"

Jihan smirked and held up his phone. "The Dominance Code doesn't just make me strong. It makes me dangerous. I'll do a job for you. One fight. No questions asked."

Taejin's eyes gleamed with interest. "You're willing to spill blood for intel?"

"I already have," Jihan said darkly. "One more body won't make a difference."

Taejin grinned. "Alright. You're in. Your target is waiting in the ring. If you survive, we'll talk."

Jihan cracked his knuckles. "Point me to my prey."

The Arena of Death

The underground fight club wasn't just for show. It was a battlefield.

The crowd roared as Jihan stepped into the caged ring. Across from him stood a mountain of muscle. A man covered in scars, tattoos, and a look of pure bloodlust.

The announcer grinned. "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight's fight—the rising street warrior vs. THE BUTCHER!"

The Butcher. A former enforcer for a criminal syndicate, infamous for breaking bones with his bare hands.

Jihan took a deep breath. His instincts screamed—this fight would be different.

The bell rang.

The Butcher charged like a bull. Fast. Too fast.

Jihan barely dodged as a fist the size of a wrecking ball crashed into the mat, cracking the concrete beneath it.

Too much power. If he took a direct hit, he'd be done.

Jihan ducked, weaving around The Butcher's swings, looking for an opening. But the man was relentless. Each punch felt like a sledgehammer cutting through the air.

Then Jihan saw it—the way The Butcher planted his left foot every time he swung with his right.

A pattern.

Jihan smirked. "Got you."

The next time The Butcher swung, Jihan sidestepped—but instead of dodging, he stepped in.

His fist shot forward, striking The Butcher's exposed ribs.

The impact echoed through the arena. The Butcher grunted, stepping back. Pain. He felt it.

Jihan's grin widened. Time to break him.

He unleashed a flurry of strikes, targeting The Butcher's ribs, jaw, and knees. Speed over power. Precision over brute strength.

The crowd roared as The Butcher staggered.

But then—

The Butcher grabbed Jihan by the throat.

Before Jihan could react, he was lifted off the ground and slammed into the mat with bone-crushing force.

Pain shot through his spine. His vision blurred. He couldn't breathe.

The Butcher loomed over him, raising a fist for the final blow.

Jihan's mind screamed—MOVE!

At the last second, he twisted, dodging the punch. The Butcher's fist slammed into the mat, shattering it.

Jihan didn't waste the chance. He grabbed a shard of broken concrete and smashed it into The Butcher's knee.

CRACK.

The Butcher roared in pain, stumbling back.

Jihan surged forward, jumping onto the giant's shoulders and locking his legs around his neck. He squeezed with everything he had.

The Butcher thrashed, trying to throw him off. But Jihan held on, tightening the chokehold.

The giant's movements slowed.

Then—

THUD.

The Butcher collapsed. Unconscious. Defeated.

The arena fell silent for a moment. Then, the crowd exploded.

Jihan rolled off the fallen fighter, gasping for air. His phone buzzed.

[Mission Complete: +6 Strength, +4 Endurance, New Ability Unlocked – Endurance Boost.]

Taejin grinned from his seat. "Not bad, kid. Let's talk business."

Jihan wiped the blood from his face, standing tall. This was only the beginning.

End of Chapter 10