Nightborn Evolution

The underground arena's holding area was cold and dimly lit, the air thick with sweat, blood, and tension. Fighters of all kinds gathered here, stretching, meditating, or checking their weapons before their turn in the pit. Kairo stood among them, his heart pounding in his chest.

This was real.

The massive coliseum outside roared with excitement as another fight ended. A notification buzzed on a nearby digital board.

[ Combatant Eliminated. Next Match Incoming. ]

Kairo clenched his fists. He had chosen this path—no turning back now.

Lena leaned against the steel wall beside him, arms crossed. "Nervous?"

Kairo exhaled sharply. "Not really."

Lena smirked. "Liar. But don't worry, you'll be fine. Just… try not to get your head ripped off."

"Helpful," Kairo muttered.

The door at the end of the corridor slid open with a mechanical hiss. A hulking man with cybernetic arms walked out, dragging his opponent's unconscious body behind him. Blood dripped from his metal knuckles. He glanced at Kairo and grinned.

"You're up next, kid."

Kairo ignored him and stepped forward as the fight manager signaled him to enter the pit.

This was it.

As Kairo stepped into the arena, the sound of thousands of spectators filled the air. Bright floodlights shone down, illuminating the circular battlefield beneath him—made of reinforced metal, scorched and dented from countless battles.

A loud chime rang through the arena, and a voice boomed from the speakers.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE HAVE A NEW CHALLENGER!"

The crowd erupted.

Kairo exhaled and focused.

His opponent stood on the other side of the battlefield—a towering brute with dark skin, tribal tattoos running down his arms, and spiked gauntlets covering his fists. He cracked his knuckles, smirking.

"Name's Goro. Hope you survive longer than the last guy."

Kairo didn't respond. His instincts screamed at him—this man was dangerous.

A loud BEEP signaled the start of the fight.

Goro moved first.

He charged forward, the ground trembling beneath his heavy steps. Kairo barely had time to react before a massive punch came flying toward his face.

Phantom Step!

Kairo blurred to the side, dodging the strike just in time. The force of Goro's punch shattered the metal floor, sending shards flying into the air.

The crowd roared.

Kairo retaliated. Nightborn Strike!

Dark energy surged through his fist as he lunged forward, aiming for Goro's ribs. His punch connected, sending a shockwave through the air—

But Goro barely flinched.

Kairo's eyes widened.

Goro grinned. "That tickled."

Then he swung again.

Kairo barely managed to duck as Goro's gauntlet-clad fist whooshed over his head. Even the air pressure alone was strong enough to make him stumble.

He's too strong. I can't fight him head-on.

Kairo needed a new strategy.

Goro charged again, swinging wildly. His attacks were powerful but predictable.

Kairo dodged left. Then right. Then ducked low.

Goro's frustration showed. "Quit running and fight me!"

Kairo smirked. "Alright."

Goro threw another punch—this time, Kairo didn't dodge. Instead, he stepped into it, twisting his body at the last second. The punch grazed his shoulder, sending pain shooting through his body, but he was now inside Goro's guard.

Before Goro could react—

Kairo struck.

A rapid barrage of precise punches to the ribs, stomach, and solar plexus. Each impact infused with Nightborn energy, each strike hitting vital points.

Goro coughed, staggering back.

Kairo didn't let up.

He leapt forward, spinning mid-air—

Nightborn Kick!

His foot collided with Goro's jaw, sending the massive man crashing onto his back.

The crowd went silent for a moment.

Then—an explosion of cheers.

Goro groaned, struggling to push himself up. Blood dripped from his mouth. He tried to stand—

But collapsed.

The fight was over.

A loud chime rang out, signaling the end of the match.

"WINNER: KAIRO VOSS!"

Kairo took a shaky breath. His entire body ached, but he had won.

The crowd cheered, but Kairo barely heard them. He glanced at his hands—they were shaking.

This fight had only been the beginning.

He needed to get stronger.

Because deep down, he knew—this arena was nothing compared to the real threats waiting for him outside.

And they wouldn't go down so easily.