章 16: Undead vs human

**Ding!!**

[First Encounter with a Superhuman]

[Defeat the Formidable Opponent]

[Reward: ?????]

In the wake of his inaugural confrontation with superhumans, Jack grappled with the realization that these beings possessed extraordinary powers, appropriately dubbed as superhumans. This revelation added a layer of complexity to his understanding of the world around him.

As Jack contemplated the enigmatic nature of these superhuman abilities, he couldn't help but focus on the conspicuous absence of rewards in the system's prompt. Unlike previous quests that entailed dispatching zombies for experience points, this particular mission left the reward section blank, leaving Jack perplexed and intrigued.

"What could be the reward?" Jack pondered, his mind a whirlwind of curiosity.

While Jack delved into the mysteries of the unrevealed rewards, another challenge emerged in the form of Rak. With a thunderous impact, Rak descended to the floor, unleashing a seismic force that reverberated through the entire building. The shockwave sent Jack tumbling and crashing into the cage encircling the ring.

In the midst of recovering, Jack marveled at Rak's raw strength. Observing Rak interlock his hands and slam them onto the ground, Jack marveled at the sheer power that emanated from the superhuman. As Rak charged forward, delivering a colossal punch toward Jack's face who quickly moved out of the way, the resilient cage intervened. A protective force field materialized, absorbing the blow and creating cascading shockwaves within the barrier.

Seizing the opportunity, Jack agilely evaded Rak's attack, taunting him in the process.

"Baldy! You're too slow," Jack jeered, his words echoing amidst the chaos.

Infuriated by Jack's mockery, Rak surged forward once more, prompting Jack to confront the challenge head-on.

"Let's test out how strong I am," Jack mused, ready to gauge his own capabilities in the face of this superhuman adversary.

Jack could finish his sentence, the crowd that had gathered around them erupted into a chorus of gasps and whispers. The unexpected turn of events had everyone on edge, eagerly awaiting the outcome of this seemingly evenly matched confrontation.

Rak, still grappling with the disbelief of his apparent equal in strength, tried to regain control of the situation. "You must have had a stroke of luck," he declared, unwilling to accept the reality unfolding before him.

Undeterred, Jack smirked, reveling in the astonishment around him. "Luck has nothing to do with it," he retorted confidently. "Strength comes in various forms, my friend."

The intensity between them escalated, both fighters refusing to back down. The bar's atmosphere crackled with tension as they continued their physical standoff.

As the onlookers anxiously speculated on the unfolding spectacle, the bartender, wiping a glass with a rag, chimed in, "I've seen my fair share of brawls in this place, but this one takes the cake."

Rak, struggling to maintain composure, attempted to analyze the situation. "There must be some trick to this," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

Jack, seizing the opportunity, decided to play mind games. "Perhaps you've been relying too much on brute force. Strength isn't just about muscles; it's about strategy and finesse."

The crowd eagerly awaited the next move, uncertain of how this unexpected clash of strength and wits would unfold.

But, before Rak could even calculate his next move, a sudden punch whizzed through the air, connecting with his face in a swift and unexpected motion. The force of the blow caught Rak off guard, leaving him bewildered as the impact resonated through him.

The weighty punch sent Rak's head snapping backward, causing him to stagger a few steps in retreat. The sheer force of the attack left Rak disoriented, struggling to regain his composure amidst the chaos of the fight.

Shaking off the daze, Rak attempted to refocus his vision, only to be met with a sudden and precise kick that struck the side of his neck. The impact propelled him towards the unforgiving confines of the cage, the metallic clang echoing in the arena.

"What the..." Rak managed to utter, his words laced with pain. Each blow from Jack felt like the relentless strike of an industrial-grade iron, inflicting intense and excruciating pain. Before he could complete his sentence, another brutal punch landed squarely in his abdomen, eliciting a spatter of blood as Rak coughed painfully.

Determined not to give Rak an opportunity to counterattack, Jack pressed on relentlessly. He recognized Rak's abnormal strength from their previous encounter, an almost destabilizing force that had nearly thrown him off balance. Jack, now an undead with enhanced senses and newfound combat instincts, seized control of the fight.

Every move Jack executed was precise, his undead senses finely tuned to the rhythm of combat. He had transitioned into a heightened state, a mode that allowed his attacks to flow seamlessly, denying Rak any chance to mount a successful defense. The struggle in the cage intensified, a dance of strength and strategy between the two adversaries.

Meanwhile, a black-headed man with a katana strapped to his hip made a dramatic entrance into the bar—it was none other than Leo.

Leo's sharp eyes quickly identified someone immersed in the bar's atmosphere, engrossed in both intoxication and the unfolding match. "Hewitt, what are you doing here at this hour? You know we're going beast hunting tomorrow," Leo exclaimed, his voice resonating loudly and causing Hewitt to startle, almost spilling his drink.

"Sorry, sir. Bin and I just came here for fight night," Hewitt quickly replied, attempting to regain his composure.

As Leo surveyed the bar, a realization struck him. "Come to think of it, where's Jack? I didn't see him in his room," Leo questioned, his tone carrying a sense of curiosity.

"Ehhh…" Hewitt hesitated, scrambling for an explanation, but it was too late—Leo had already shifted his attention to the intense match unfolding on the screen.

"Jack?" Leo exclaimed, his curiosity piqued as he contemplated the whereabouts of his fellow companion, unknowingly setting the stage for a mystery that would soon unravel in the midst of the bar's lively ambiance.

Amidst the chaotic spectacle within the ring, a closer look at Jack's face revealed an unexpected detail—he was smiling. Despite the pandemonium and the fierce exchanges of blows, Jack's countenance bore a subtle grin, a testament to the exhilaration and thrill he derived from the intense combat unfolding around him. His undead nature seemed to amplify the joy he found in the midst of battle, a paradoxical expression considering the brutal nature of the fight. As the chaos ensued, Jack continued to navigate the tumult with a calculated ease, his grin hinting at a deeper connection to the unpredictable dance of combat.

*****

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