The road was quiet, except for the crunch of boots on gravel. Joren Lei walked casually, flipping a gold coin between his fingers. He didn't notice Kai until he stepped directly in his path.
Joren scowled. "Still haven't learned your place, Rankless?"
Kai's eyes were calm. Focused. He clenched his fists."I challenge you to a duel."
There was a pause. Then laughter—short and sharp.
"You? Challenge me?" Joren shook his head. "You couldn't beat a wooden dummy."
Kai said nothing. A quiet chime rang in his mind:
[Challenge Confirmed.][Opponent: Joren Lei | Level 3 | Rank: Bronze][Win Condition: Force Joren to concede or knock him unconscious.][Reward: Skill Copy – Twin Palm Strike (E)]
Joren rolled his eyes. "Fine. I'll shut you up. One move. That's all I need."
He dashed forward, aura flaring faintly as his hand crackled with energy."Twin Palm Strike!"
Kai stepped back—barely. The air exploded as Joren's palms missed his chest by inches.
Kai staggered, his body too slow. Damn—his Strength and Agility really are higher.
But the System wasn't just about numbers.
[New Passive Activated: Adaptive Reflex Lv.1]Dodge rate against faster opponents increased by 5%.
Kai ducked the next strike, rolled to the side, and jabbed a fist into Joren's ribs.
The Bronze-ranked boy grunted, surprised. "You dare—!"
He attacked again. This time Kai blocked, though the blow numbed his arm.
[Damage Taken: 7 HP][Current HP: 23 / 30]
I can't trade blows… but I can wear him down.
Kai baited him, danced around him, eyes sharp, memorizing every movement. Then—he saw it.
A pattern. A weakness. Joren always telegraphed with his left shoulder.
Kai ducked under the next strike and smashed his elbow into Joren's stomach.
The boy gasped, staggered, and fell to one knee.
Kai raised his fist. "Yield."
Joren's eyes widened with disbelief. "I… I yield!"
[Victory Achieved.][Reward Unlocked: Skill Copy – Twin Palm Strike (E)][Experience Gained: 140 XP][Level Up: 2 → 3][Stat Points Gained: 3]
Kai stepped back, chest heaving. He couldn't believe it. He'd won.
Joren just knelt there, stunned.
But Kai was already turning away.Not because he was afraid.
But because he was just getting started.