One piece: Without a system, I have to survive!

The battlefield was silent for a moment.

Only the crackling of flames and the distant cries of fleeing villagers filled the air. Pirates stood frozen, unsure whether to charge or retreat.

And at the center of it all—

I faced Bloodfang Krieg.

His massive figure emerged from the wreckage of the cart I had sent him crashing into. His grin never wavered, but there was something different in his eyes now—

For the first time, he acknowledged me as a real threat.

⚔🔥🔥🔥

Krieg rolled his shoulders, his joints cracking loudly. His battle-worn axe gleamed under the moonlight, still slick with fresh blood.

Then—

He laughed.

"Not bad, brat," he growled, his voice thick with amusement. "I expected you to be dead in some ditch by now… but look at you."

He gestured toward me with his axe.

"Standing there, all high and mighty. Thinking you're strong."

My fists tightened, golden flames flickering at my fingertips.

I didn't need his recognition.

I wanted his head.

🔥🔥🔥

Selene stepped beside me, daggers at the ready. "This guy talks too much. Can I just stab him already?"

Shira's eyes narrowed. "Be careful. He's stronger than he looks."

Smoker exhaled a cloud of smoke. "Tch. Ain't no way we're letting this bastard walk out of here alive."

Krieg grinned. "Oh? You think you brats can kill me?"

His muscles bulged, and suddenly—

BOOM!

The ground beneath him shattered, his sheer strength sending cracks through the earth.

And in a blur of motion—

He charged.

⚔🔥🔥🔥

I barely dodged in time.

His axe swung down, carving through the space I had just been standing in. The force of his strike split the ground apart, sending chunks of stone flying in every direction.

I flipped backward, flames propelling me into the air.

Before I could counter—

He was already on me.

A massive fist came out of nowhere, crashing into my stomach.

"Guh—!"

The impact sent me hurtling backward, smashing through the remains of a burning hut.

Pain exploded in my ribs, but I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to stand.

Krieg rolled his shoulders. "You may have gotten stronger, but you're still not on my level."

I wiped blood from my mouth.

And then, I smirked.

"You think so?"

🔥🔥🔥

My aura flared, golden flames erupting around my body. The ground beneath me glowed, the sheer heat turning the dirt into molten rock.

Krieg's grin faltered for the first time.

Selene whistled. "Damn… that's new."

Shira gasped. "Ardan, what are you—?"

I moved.

Faster than before.

My flames ignited the air around me, my speed doubling as I closed the distance in an instant.

Krieg barely had time to react.

BOOM!

My fist, wreathed in golden fire, slammed into his chest.

CRACK!

His entire torso caved inward, the sheer force sending him flying through the burning village. He crashed through three buildings, finally skidding to a stop in a pile of rubble.

The pirates stared in horror.

I exhaled slowly, steam rising from my body.

This power—it was overwhelming.

But I wasn't done yet.

I stepped forward, my flames roaring even brighter.

"Get up," I growled.

Krieg groaned, pushing himself up. His grin was gone. His breathing was ragged.

And his eyes—

Were filled with fear.