章 17: Undead vs human 2

Jack, from a young age, refrained from combat due to the tragic demise of his parents, a consequence of violence. His reluctance extended to social interactions, as a lifetime of being belittled had left him emotionally shattered. However, everything changed when he found himself in a new world.

In this unfamiliar realm, survival became the paramount objective for everyone. Jack's perspective underwent a significant shift as he learned more about this futuristic world. The once aversive notion of combat became a necessary means of existence.

Engaging in a fierce battle, Jack displayed unexpected strength, surprising even himself. As he delivered a heavy punch to Rak, a formidable opponent, the dynamics of the confrontation seemed surreal. Despite Jack's comparatively smaller size, he dominated the confrontation, leaving Rak sprawled on the ground like a ragdoll.

Rak, bloodied but resilient, acknowledged Jack's strength, recognizing a shared ability between them. Curiosity and a hint of confusion lingered in Jack's mind as he pondered the meaning behind Rak's words. A realization struck him: the shared ability likely referred to superhuman strength.

Intrigued, Jack observed as Rak's hands emitted an ominous glow, revealing a set of brass knuckles imbued with a red residue. The unfolding confrontation hinted at a deeper layer to this new world, where abilities beyond the ordinary dictated the course of survival.

The energy emitting out was a kind of wild energy that feels extremely unstable. It was like at any moment it could erupt, destroying anything in its path.

'That looks like those beast weapons Leo told me, but this is totally different,' Jack thought. Leo had shown him his katana and explained the concept of beast weapons, crafted from formidable beast crystals. The current source of energy, however, possessed a distinct quality, leaving Jack intrigued and wary.

Just like Leo's katana, one could feel the raging aura of the beast from which it was made. The intensity of the unleashed energy hinted at a power that transcended mere physicality, resonating with the untamed forces of the creature it originated from.

"I'm gonna kill you for doing this to me," Rak shouted, fueled by frustration from being repeatedly bested by Jack. His determination surged as he prepared to retaliate against his formidable adversary.

Rak lunged forward, executing a rapid, calculated motion, landing in front of Jack with remarkable agility. His fist shot out, aimed squarely at Jack, who swiftly evaded the initial attack but found himself unable to completely avoid the relentless assault.

'Is it me, or did those brass knuckles make him faster?' Jack wondered as Rak unleashed another lightning-quick punch. This time, Jack, realizing the speed was too much to evade entirely, crossed his arms in an X formation. A sudden tremor passed through him upon impact, pushing him back slightly.

"And I think stronger," Jack muttered under his breath, acknowledging not just the increased speed but also a newfound strength in Rak's strikes. While impervious to pain, Jack's heightened sensitivity allowed him to perceive the impact reverberating throughout his entire being. Strangely, amidst the chaos, he couldn't feel his internal organs and rhythmic breathing remained, a curious constant in the maelstrom of the ongoing battle.

The assault, though formidable, had propelled Jack backward, but he persisted in his efforts, attempting to muscle through the confrontation. Despite his determination, he found himself losing ground in their impromptu tug of war.

Engrossed in fending off Rak's overpowering strength, Jack remained oblivious as Rak launched another attack, his fist connecting with Jack's ribs. The impact sent a shockwave of pain through Jack's body, and the system promptly registered the damage with a series of notifications.

**[Damage sustained!!]**

**[Your left ribs have been broken]**

**[Healing all injuries]**

**[Due to the high amount of damage, your healing speed has decreased by 50%]**

While a 50% reduction may not seem significant, Jack keenly understood the substantial impact on his healing abilities. Despite feeling no pain, he made a tactical decision to retreat, seeking distance from Rak. However, the broken ribs hindered his movements, leaving him struggling.

Inwardly cursing his overconfidence and pondering the use of brass knuckles in a supposed weapon-free match, Jack questioned the apparent lack of objection from the spectators. It dawned on him that the rules were loosely followed, and this might be a common occurrence.

"You think I would let you go that easily?" Rak bellowed, closing in with relentless determination.

Caught between physical limitations and the impending threat, Jack felt a sense of doom. Desperation spurred him to recall a scene from a gladiator movie, wondering if the risky move would pay off.

'I hope this would work, and if it doesn't, then movies are a sham.'

As Rak charged, Jack surprised the audience by adopting an unconventional strategy. Spectators, more interested in entertainment than morality, watched with detached indifference.

In a split second, Rak closed the distance, but Jack deftly sidestepped the impending blow, exerting himself despite the mending ribs. Seizing the opportunity, he leaped onto Rak's massive frame, leveraging his comparatively weightless form.

'I hope this works,' Jack pondered as he gathered his strength and delivered a powerful punch to the side of Rak's head. The impact felt significant, and just as doubt crept in, a confirming notification interrupted the tension.

[Quest completed]

[You have gained the following rewards]

**[....]**

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