Chapter 12.1: First Match

In a dark alleyway

Kai floated above Kaiser, arms folded.

“So that’s what happened,” he sighed. “For a guy who hates attention, you sure attract it like a magnet.”

Kaiser stretched lazily.
“I didn’t want to fight. He swung first. I just... reacted. I didn’t even realize I’d gotten this strong.”

Kai smirked.
“Relax. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Kaiser shrugged.
“Yeah. I know.”

They walked together under a sleepy sky.
City lights still flickered.
Street lamps buzzed.

Both silent for a moment—hoodie on, hands in pockets.

Then Kai asked, almost casually:
“Got any favorite shows?”

Kaiser blinked.
“What?”

“Y’know. TV. Stuff.”

“Uh... yeah. Two Kick Woman, Marry the Titan, Leftover Piece, Classroom of Students, That Time I Reincarnated as My Ex-Girlfriend’s Panty and Kaisen Jiu Jutsu.”

Kai raised a brow.
“Wow. Absolute cinema.”

Kaiser chuckled.
“Yeah, I watched all of them.”

They turned into a graffiti-covered alleyway.
At the far end—
A steel door.

A massive bouncer stood guard—arms crossed, sunglasses on.

Kaiser held up a plain black card.
No name.
Just a symbol.

The man scoffed.
“So many losers showing up these days…”

Kaiser raised a brow.
“Yeah, I know one guarding doors.”

The bouncer’s jaw tightened, but he stepped aside.
“You won’t be smiling after tonight... kid.”

Kai burst into laughter as they walked in.

Inside the Arena

Chaos.

Laser lights. Smoke.
Bass-heavy music rattled the floor.

Spectators shouted and pushed forward for a view.
The crowd swelled with energy.

Kaiser stepped in, eyes wide.
“…This is insane. So this is what an underground arena looks like.”

Kai smirked.
“Whatever you do—don’t get nervous. Want help?”

Kaiser shook his head.
“Thanks. But no. You taught me enough. I’ll win on my own.”

Kai smiled, proud.
“Then good luck.”
He melted into the shadows.

Kaiser approached the cage.
Smug faces stared him down.
Cold glares.
No cheers.

The announcer’s voice boomed:
“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… GET READY FOR ANOTHER ELECTRIFYING MATCH!”

Crowd:
“YEEEEAAAAHHHH!!”

“IN THIS CORNER! THE UNDEFEATED! THE UNSTOPPABLE! RAGE CANNON—LUKE ‘THE BONE’ MASSON!!”

Spotlights blazed.

Luke strolled out—6’3, built like a fortress.
Scar across his face.
Focused eyes.
Muscles coiled under pressure-wrapped tape.

“SHOW HIM WHO’S BOSS, LUKE!”
“NO MERCY!”

Then—

The spotlight shifted.
“And in the other corner… a new challenger: Kaiser Victor. 5’11… kind of an average name, honestly.”

The crowd laughed.
“Who sent this guy?”
“Booooo!”

Seriously? What did I even do?
But… I’m not nervous.
That’s new.

The cage locked.

Kaiser cracked his knuckles.
Took his stance.

Luke leaned in.
“Hope you’re ready for a long night, kid.”

Kaiser didn’t flinch—just gave a cold stare.

The ref gave the signal.
“FIGHT!”

The Match

Okay. Stay sharp. Use your speed. Don’t trade blows head-on.

Luke lunged—wide hook.
Kaiser ducked, gliding under.
A jab to the ribs—precise, controlled.

Landed. He’s strong, but slow.

Luke swung twice at his head—Kaiser sidestepped, rolled under.
They circled.

Then—

Impact.
A quick straight to the face.
Kaiser staggered back.

That hurt. I was too careless.
I read him faster or I’m done—no. I have to win.

Luke smirked.
“You’re finished.”

No. Not yet.

Something inside clicked.

Kaiser’s vision sharpened.
Time… slowed.

I can see it. Every angle. Every move. This… this is The Flow Sense.

Luke swung—Kaiser stepped in.

Strike—body shot.
Hook—clean to the jaw.
Kick—sharp to the thigh.

Luke stumbled back, surprised.

I can't stop now.

Dodge left—duck—uppercut.
Luke’s head tilted from the force.

One last wild kick—Kaiser slipped past it.
Final cross—decisive and clean.

AND THEN BOOM!

Luke fell to the canvas.

Silence.

Kaiser stood there—breathing hard.

I won. I actually won. I didn’t just survive… I dominated.

He looked at his hands.
They trembled.
Not from fear—
From the thrill.

Is this what it means to win?
To take control of a moment completely?
I want more. I need more.

A grin spread across his face.

Victory wasn’t sweet.
It was addictive.
Intense.
Beautiful.

Kai appeared, concerned.
“Kaiser…? What’s happening to you?”

Kaiser didn’t answer.

He stared into the crowd.
Into the future.

I’m not a loser anymore.
I’m not invisible.
I’m the one who wins.
And I’ll keep winning.
Until I take the Throne of Victory.

He stepped forward.
Lifted his arms—

And screamed:

“AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRGGGHHHHHH!!”