CHAPTER 17 – THE ELITE TEST BEGINS
Some fights weren't about proving strength.
They were about survival, perception, and endurance under absolute pressure.
Morning – Uneasy Anticipation
Little Daniel woke with a tight chest. Every muscle burned from yesterday's battle. Cuts on his face, bruises along his ribs, and swelling on his arms reminded him of what had happened.
But he didn't hesitate.
Today, I survive again, he thought.
Today, I learn more.
Big Daniel watched from a distance. This time, the link pulsed faintly, a reminder of presence—but no interference. The MC's rule was clear: Little Daniel had to handle this alone unless life-threatening danger arose.
He can't grow if I save him every time, Big Daniel thought.
But he might die if I don't watch closely.
The Challenger Appears
By mid-afternoon, the street outside the school emptied unnaturally. Faint shadows moved through alleys.
A man emerged—tall, broad, with movements honed for lethal efficiency. Not a thug. Not a delinquent. Elite. Dangerous. Calm.
Gun had sent him.
"You're Daniel Park," the man said, voice flat, carrying no inflection.
"I'll see how far you've really come."
Little Daniel raised his fists. Heart pounding. Blood still oozing from yesterday's fights.
This is the real test, he thought.
I survive. I adapt. I grow.
Round One – The First Strike
The man moved like a predator, closing the gap instantly. A punch aimed at Little Daniel's chest—speed beyond school-level fighters.
Little Daniel reacted instinctively, shifting his weight and rolling the blow along his shoulder. Pain exploded, but he stayed upright.
Counter—Little Daniel feinted left, then threw a quick strike toward the man's abdomen. The impact was minimal—but noticeable. A spark of acknowledgment in the elite fighter's eyes.
The man grinned faintly.
Good.
Round Two – Pressure Escalates
The elite fighter pressed.
A spinning back kick toward the ribs.
A low sweep targeting his legs.
Multiple rapid punches to the shoulders and head.
Little Daniel absorbed some, dodged others, countered with small but precise strikes. His movements weren't strong—yet—but they were calculated.
Big Daniel's guidance pulses through me, he thought.
Timing. Spacing. Adapt. Survive.
Bruises bloomed. Pain flared. Adrenaline surged. But Little Daniel didn't fall. He adapted.
The Turning Point
The elite fighter delivered a crushing punch aimed at the jaw. Little Daniel's head snapped back.
Pain exploded. Vision blurred.
For a split second, he almost collapsed.
The link flared. Big Daniel's presence pulsed—life-threatening alert.
Instinctively, the switch occurred. Big Daniel entered.
Big Daniel – Calculated Intervention
Not to dominate. Not to show power.
Big Daniel moved precisely:
Step offline. Avoid fatal blow.
Counter with minimal force, enough to unbalance.
Keep Little Daniel upright.
The elite fighter staggered slightly. Big Daniel assessed the distance. Enough. Lesson delivered.
Switch back. Little Daniel regained control. Alive. Conscious. Standing.
Round Three – Recovery and Adaptation
Little Daniel adjusted stance. Pain flared, but clarity surged.
He moved differently:
Sidestepped strikes before fully committing.
Absorbed impact with hip rotation.
Countered with short, sharp punches.
The elite fighter's eyes sharpened. He slowed his tempo—not mercy. Assessment.
He's learning, the man thought.
Interesting.
Aftermath – Recognition Without Words
Little Daniel stumbled but remained standing. Bloodied, bruised, exhausted—but upright.
The elite fighter stepped back, nodding.
"Not bad," he said calmly.
"You survive longer than expected. Adapt well. I'll report back."
Without another word, he disappeared into the shadows.
Big Daniel – Observation
Big Daniel exhaled. Link quieted.
Not victory, he thought.
But survival. Adaptation. Proof of potential.
The MC knew the next test would be harder. Deadlier.
Gun – Watching From Afar
Gun's expression was unreadable.
"…He survived," he said.
"Good. But can he strike back?"
Goo tilted his head.
"Soon," Gun said.
"When the next test comes, he won't survive without applying everything he's learned."
Little Daniel – Internal Resolve
That night, Little Daniel trained.
Bruises throbbed. Muscles ached. Ribs screamed.
But each movement was precise. Each strike was deliberate.
I survived Gun's elite test.
Next time… I will hit back.
Big Daniel watched through the link, silently approving.
The climb is accelerating.
END OF CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18 – STRIKING BACK
Some lessons aren't learned by surviving.
They're learned by landing a hit that counts.
Morning – Preparation
Little Daniel woke early. Body still sore, muscles screaming from yesterday's elite test. Every bruise, every cut was a reminder.
I survived, he thought. Now it's time to strike back.
He practiced foot placement, pivoting, and guard movements. Punches weren't thrown full force yet—they were precise. Calculated. Measured. Each one a message: I am no longer prey.
Big Daniel observed silently. Link pulsed faintly, as if feeding a reminder: Move safely. Wait for the opening. Do not overcommit.
The Arena – Unexpected Encounter
By mid-afternoon, the same elite figure appeared.
Gun had orchestrated this. The man's expression was calm. Hands relaxed at his sides, posture loose but deadly.
"You survived yesterday," he said.
"Today, let's see if you can hurt me."
Little Daniel's fists clenched. He nodded, swallowing his fear.
I survived. I adapt. I fight.
FIGHT – LITTLE DANIEL STRIKES BACK
Opening Exchanges
The first strike came fast—straight punch to the chest. Little Daniel sidestepped, absorbing part of the force through hip rotation. Pain flared, but he didn't falter.
Counter—short punch to the opponent's abdomen. It landed. Not enough to stagger, but a mark of progress. The elite fighter's eyes flickered. Recognition.
A spinning kick came at his head. Little Daniel ducked low, pivoted, and jabbed at the man's side. Another solid hit. His confidence surged.
Escalation
The man attacked in a flurry: elbows, knees, fast jabs, and sweeps. Little Daniel adapted in real-time:
Step offline
Slide under a hook
Absorb impact and redirect momentum
Counter with controlled strikes
Each movement was strategic, not wild.
The First Meaningful Strike
After a particularly aggressive rush, Little Daniel noticed a slight opening—a micro-gap in the opponent's guard.
He lunged, jab straight to the shoulder, followed immediately with an uppercut to the chin.
The elite fighter staggered slightly. Eyes widened.
Progress.
It wasn't a knockout. Not yet. But it counted.
Big Daniel – Subtle Safety Net
The link flared briefly. Big Daniel felt the near-fatal proximity of a spinning kick aimed at Little Daniel's ribs.
He didn't take control.
He didn't fight.
He only guided: timing, move, pivot, survive.
Little Daniel dodged, twisting out of lethal contact.
Lesson learned, the MC thought grimly.
He's ready for bigger tests.
Aftermath
The elite fighter stepped back, acknowledging the effort.
"You've improved," he said quietly.
"But do not mistake survival for dominance."
Little Daniel collapsed onto the ground. Bruised, exhausted, yet smiling faintly.
I hit him. I landed a blow. That counts.
Zack & Vasco – Observing and Reflecting
Zack shadowboxed in the gym, watching the distance between strikes in his mind.
"He's getting there," he muttered.
Vasco grinned, bloodied knuckles wrapped, thinking:
"He's actually learning to fight intelligently. Not just survive."
Both boys felt the subtle pressure: they must also catch up.
Gun – Observation Intensifies
Gun watched from a distance, expression calm.
"…He landed a meaningful strike," he said to Goo.
Goo nodded, impressed.
"Next test?"
Gun's eyes sharpened.
"Next test will hurt… or break him."
Little Daniel – Resolve
That night, Little Daniel trained despite the ache in every joint and muscle.
Each strike, each step, each pivot was intentional.
I survived.
I struck back.
Next… I will dominate the fight, not just survive it.
Big Daniel felt it through the link. Satisfaction. Not pride—calculation.
Good. He's ready to be challenged harder.
END OF CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19 – THE REAL TEST
Some lessons aren't measured in victories.
They're measured in how much you can endure and respond under lethal pressure.
Morning – Foreboding Calm
Little Daniel woke with every muscle screaming from the previous fight. Bruises covered his ribs, arms, and jaw. Cuts on his eyebrow and cheek reminded him of yesterday's battle.
I survived. I struck back. Now… I endure.
Big Daniel observed silently from a nearby rooftop. The MC didn't intervene. The cooldown had ended, but the rules were clear: Little Daniel must face this alone… unless death is imminent.
He has to learn the limits of his own body and mind, Big Daniel thought.
The Elite Arrival
By mid-afternoon, a shadow detached itself from the alley near the schoolyard.
Gun had sent the elite fighter again. This time, the aura radiated lethality. Every step measured. Every movement calculated. Not a test. This was a trial by survival.
"You've shown potential," the man said calmly.
"But potential means nothing if it can't survive."
Little Daniel squared his stance, fists clenched. His body was battered, but his mind was sharper than ever.
I survive. I adapt. I strike. I endure.
Round One – Immediate Pressure
The first strike was a straight punch to the chest, faster than Little Daniel had ever faced. He absorbed part of the blow, staggering back, ribs screaming.
Counter—he jabbed at the man's abdomen. Minimal impact, but the man's eyes flickered in acknowledgment.
A spinning back kick aimed at his head followed. Little Daniel ducked low, pivoting to land a small counter elbow to the side. Pain flared in his shoulder, but he remained upright.
Not enough yet, he thought.
Focus. Timing. Adapt.
Round Two – Escalation
The elite fighter advanced aggressively:
Rapid jabs targeting the face
Low kicks aiming for knees
Elbows and spinning attacks
Shoulder charges
Little Daniel absorbed some, dodged others, and countered with short, precise strikes. Each movement was deliberate, not reckless.
A kick slammed into his ribs. He gasped, almost collapsing. His vision blurred.
The link flared. Big Daniel detected a life-threatening strike coming—a spinning knee aimed at Little Daniel's head.
Big Daniel – Calculated Intervention
Big Daniel switched in instantly, but only enough to prevent death, not to dominate.
Step offline. Avoid lethal blow.
Guide Little Daniel's counterweight.
Keep him conscious and upright.
The elite fighter staggered slightly. Big Daniel immediately switched back. Little Daniel was still standing. Alive.
Round Three – Counterstrike
Little Daniel adjusted stance, pain radiating through his body. His eyes narrowed.
He sidestepped, avoided, and parried.
Absorbed impact through rotation.
Short, sharp punches landed to the man's side.
A low kick destabilized the fighter momentarily.
The man smiled faintly. Recognition, not arrogance.
He's learning fast, the elite fighter thought.
Interesting… but can he survive the next phase?
Final Phase – Full Lethal Assault
The elite fighter unleashed a flurry of attacks:
Rapid jabs and hooks to disorient
Low sweeps to trip
Kicks aimed at ribs, knees, and torso
Spinning elbows
Little Daniel blocked, dodged, twisted, and countered. Pain surged through every bone. Cuts reopened. Bruises deepened.
He staggered. He nearly fell.
Big Daniel's presence pulsed through the link. Not to fight. Only to guide survival.
Move now. Don't overcommit. Rotate. Pivot. Counter.
Little Daniel responded instinctively. He landed a straight punch to the man's shoulder—enough to make the elite fighter blink in acknowledgment.
Progress. Survival. Growth.
Aftermath
The elite fighter stepped back, nodding once.
"You survive," he said quietly.
"You endure. You adapt. You strike. Good. Next time… you will be tested even harder."
Little Daniel collapsed, gasping. Blood dripped from cuts. Bruises ached. Every joint screamed.
But he was alive. Upright. Conscious. Stronger.
Big Daniel exhaled through the link. Satisfaction, tempered with calculation.
This is only the beginning.
Gun – Observation and Approval
Gun watched from afar. His eyes sharpened.
"…He endured. He adapted. He landed strikes. That's significant."
Goo beside him tilted his head.
"Next test?"
Gun's expression hardened.
"Next test… he will either learn dominance or understand defeat in a way that shapes him forever."
Little Daniel – Resolve Strengthened
That night, Little Daniel trained despite every ache.
Each strike, each pivot, each step became data points. Every pain was a lesson.
I survived. I struck. I endured. Next… I dominate.
Big Daniel watched silently through the link, approving.
Good. The climb accelerates.
END OF CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20 – DOMINANCE TEST
Some fights weren't just about surviving.
They were about proving that you could hurt the untouchable.
Morning – Preparation
Little Daniel woke with every muscle screaming. His ribs throbbed, cuts on his face stung, and bruises still covered his arms.
But something was different.
I survived. I struck. I endured. Today… I dominate.
He shadowboxed in the empty gym. Foot placement, pivots, guard shifts, and weight distribution—all calculated. Every movement precise. Each strike a message: I am no longer prey.
Big Daniel observed silently from a nearby rooftop. The link pulsed faintly, a quiet reminder: I will only intervene if you face death.
This is your fight, the MC thought.
Your limits are your own now.
The Challenger Appears
By mid-afternoon, the same elite fighter appeared.
Gun had orchestrated this. The man moved with lethal calm. Broad shoulders, measured steps. No intimidation, just calculation.
"You survived yesterday," he said calmly.
"Today… show me what you can do under pressure."
Little Daniel raised his fists. His body ached, but his mind was clear.
I adapt. I strike. I dominate.
Opening Exchanges – Testing Limits
The first punch came fast—a straight strike to the chest. Little Daniel absorbed part of the blow, rotated his hips, and countered with a sharp jab to the abdomen. Minimal impact, but it caused the fighter to blink.
A spinning back kick aimed at his head came next. Little Daniel ducked, pivoted, and landed a sharp elbow to the man's side. The elite fighter staggered slightly—recognition flashed across his eyes.
Good. I landed hits that count, Little Daniel thought.
Escalation – Full Pressure
The fighter unleashed a flurry:
Rapid jabs and hooks to disorient
Low sweeps to trip
Kicks to ribs and knees
Spinning elbows
Little Daniel absorbed some blows, dodged others, countered with short but precise strikes. Pain flared. Bruises deepened. Blood ran from reopened cuts.
He staggered. Nearly fell.
Big Daniel's presence flared through the link—life-threatening strikes incoming.
Move now. Don't overcommit. Rotate. Pivot. Counter.
Little Daniel twisted instinctively. A spinning knee narrowly missed his head. He countered immediately with a strike to the man's shoulder. Impact registered.
The fighter blinked. This kid is different.
Turning Point – First Real Dominance
Little Daniel adjusted stance mid-combat. He exploited micro-gaps in the elite fighter's guard.
Sidestepped a hook, landed a short uppercut to the jaw.
Ducked a spinning kick, swept the opponent's leg, forcing him off balance.
Landed consecutive punches to the abdomen and ribs.
The elite fighter stumbled slightly, acknowledging for the first time that he could be impacted.
Progress. Adaptation. Domination begins.
Big Daniel – Strategic Backup
The link pulsed again. Big Daniel felt the proximity of a lethal hook aimed at Little Daniel's head.
He didn't take control.
He didn't fight.
Only guided: Step offline. Rotate. Absorb. Counter.
Little Daniel responded instinctively, twisting away, landing a counter strike. He remained upright, conscious, dominant for the first time against a high-tier fighter.
Aftermath – Respect and Recognition
The elite fighter stepped back. Calm, composed.
"You've grown," he said quietly.
"Survival is no longer your limit. You can hurt. You can adapt. You can dominate."
Little Daniel collapsed to the ground, exhausted but triumphant. Blood, bruises, sweat—but upright. Alive. Stronger.
Gun – Observing the Outcome
Gun watched from a distance, expression unreadable.
"…He landed real damage," he muttered.
"That's different from survival. That's potential."
Goo beside him nodded.
"Next test?"
Gun's eyes narrowed.
"Next test will decide if he can dominate anyone, anywhere—or if he'll be crushed by elite force."
Little Daniel – Internal Resolve
That night, Little Daniel trained despite every ache.
Every punch, pivot, and step was deliberate. Every bruise, every cut, every throbbing muscle became data points.
I survived. I struck. I endured. I dominated. Next… I will face the real elite.
Big Daniel felt it faintly through the link. Satisfaction. Approval. Calculation.
Good. The climb accelerates. The real battle begins now.
END OF CHAPTER 20