The Combat Invitation

It had only been a few hours since Jason shocked everyone in the campus gym by submitting a seasoned fighter in under a minute. The buzz still echoed across dorm chats, sports group messages, and anonymous campus forums.

Everyone wanted to know:Who was this guy?Where did he come from?How did he move like that?

Jason, on the other hand, felt something different.

Power.

Real, undeniable power.

Not the kind you inherit through wealth or status—not like the people who once spat on him when he was nothing but a depressed, ugly teenager. No, this was a power he earned. One he was forging with every System unlock and every calculated step forward.

As he entered his dorm, his phone buzzed.

[Unknown Number]"You've got potential. If you're interested in something bigger, come to 214 Western Ave at 11 PM. Don't be late."

Jason's eyes narrowed.

He checked the number—no contact photo, no ID. Just the message.

214 Western Ave? That was near the edge of town. A run-down area with half-closed factories and old warehouses. Definitely not school property.

And yet...

[System Side Quest Alert: "Proving Grounds – Underground"]Attend the private combat gathering.Reward: $10,000 + Combat Evaluation RankRisk: MediumSuggested System Status: Combat Rank C or higher

Jason's lips curled into a small grin.

He didn't hesitate. Not anymore.

10:52 PM – Outside 214 Western Ave

The night air smelled of old asphalt and rust. The building in front of Jason was a relic from another time—red bricks faded to brown, a few windows broken and boarded up, and a single metal door with peeling paint.

As Jason approached, a slot in the door slid open. Eyes gleamed from within.

"Password?"

"I don't have one," Jason said evenly. "But someone texted me the address."

The man behind the door gave him a long, inspecting stare. Then—click—the door opened.

"Inside. Quickly."

Jason stepped through into a dim, industrial interior. The sound of shouts, grunts, and cheers echoed from deeper within the building. A wide hallway led to a larger open space lit by overhead floodlights.

There it was: a full-sized MMA cage surrounded by onlookers, benches, and a small bar setup. About 30 people watched a fight currently taking place—two shirtless men, one bloody, trading vicious punches.

Jason stepped forward slowly, observing.

These weren't just students.

There were men in their late 20s and 30s. Some wore athletic gear, others wore designer watches and tailored suits. One man had tattoos on both arms and a thick scar across his chin. Another woman stood silently in a corner, arms crossed, watching the match with the focus of a hawk.

A nearby whisper caught his ear.

"That's him… the freshman who wrecked Marcus…"

"No way. He doesn't even look that strong."

"Still. They say he made Marcus tap in under 30 seconds."

Jason ignored the chatter and headed for the edge of the cage.

Just then, someone stepped in front of him.

Tall. Athletic. Piercing green eyes. Short dark hair.

She wore a navy blazer over a black sports tee and sleek leggings. Her posture was military-like.

"You're Jason Brooks?" she asked, her voice calm but commanding.

He nodded. "That's me."

"I'm Eva. I run the Ivy Combat Talent Scout Network. Normally we don't care about underclassmen, but you made too big a noise to ignore."

Jason crossed his arms. "I'm not looking for a manager."

Eva smiled faintly. "Good. I'm not offering to manage you. I'm offering to see if you're the real deal."

She motioned to the cage. "You fight one of our top ranked underground amateurs. If you win? You enter the network. Real fights. Real money. Real growth."

Jason raised an eyebrow. "And if I lose?"

"Then you're just another loud freshman with a lucky move."

11:10 PM – The Fight Begins

"Next bout!" a voice called over a speaker. "Jason Brooks… versus Nathan Cruz, a.k.a. 'The Hammer'!"

The room murmured. People shifted. Some laughed. Others looked curious.

Jason stepped into the cage and took off his hoodie, revealing a lean but toned figure.

Cruz, on the other hand, was a beast.

6'2", 220 pounds of solid muscle. Buzz cut. Heavy brow. Covered in old bruises.

He cracked his knuckles as he entered the cage and stared Jason down. "You're the one who took down Marcus? You're smaller than I expected."

Jason didn't flinch. "And you're dumber than I expected."

The crowd ooh'd.

Cruz snarled.

The ref gave the signal. "No eye gouging, no groin hits. Fight stops on tapout, KO, or ref call. Fighters ready?"

Both men nodded.

"Fight!"

Cruz came in like a tank.

Wide punches. Powerful swings.

Jason activated the System:

[Activate: Hybrid Combat Mode – Boxing + Muay Thai]Movement Boost: +15%Dodge Timing: +10%Critical Counter Chance: +25%

He weaved under the first punch, pivoted left, and struck Cruz's side with a brutal low kick.

Cruz winced.

Jason moved again—jab, jab, elbow to the temple—fast as lightning.

CRACK.

Cruz stumbled but didn't fall. He roared and charged.

Jason backstepped, letting Cruz's momentum carry him forward. Then—he leapt in.

Flying knee.

Right to the jaw.

BOOM.

Cruz crashed to the floor like a collapsing building.

The crowd exploded. Shouts. Screams. Stunned gasps.

"Ten!" the ref called. "Nine… eight…"

Cruz groaned and rolled to his side—but didn't get up.

"Three… two… one… OUT!"

"Winner: Jason Brooks!"

As Jason exited the cage, Eva met him at the gate, her arms crossed but her smile undeniable.

"You're not just a fluke," she said. "You've got something dangerous in you."

Jason grabbed a towel and wiped sweat from his brow. "And now?"

"Now," she said, handing him a black card with gold print, "you're on the list."

He read the words:Ivy Combat UndergroundRank: C+Access Granted

12:00 AM – Back in the Dorm

Jason collapsed on his bed, body humming from the fight.

The System chimed softly.

[Side Quest Complete: Proving Grounds – Underground]Reward: +$10,000Combat Rank: C+

New Features Unlocked:➤ Tier II Martial Styles➤ Combat Evaluation Stats➤ Passive: Fight IQ Boost (+10%)

Next Tier Quest:"Earn Combat Rank B – Win Three Consecutive Underground Fights"Bonus Reward: Mystery Weapon Skill Path

Jason smiled as he read the screen.

The money was great—but it wasn't just about money anymore.

This world… this System… it was giving him more than he ever dreamed.

Power. Skill. Recognition.

He wasn't just building wealth now.

He was building a legend.

And tomorrow… tomorrow, the campus would learn that last night wasn't a fluke.