The Draconic System: Rise of To Ascendance

The underground arena roared with excitement as Raizen and Ayaka circled each other, tension crackling in the air. The audience's cheers and jeers mixed into a cacophony, but neither fighter paid them any mind. The only thing that mattered was the opponent standing before them.

Ayaka's stance was low and sharp, her emerald eyes locked onto him with predatory focus. She was fast, unpredictable. Unlike the nobles, who relied on refined techniques passed down through generations, Ayaka fought with the experience of someone who had clawed their way up from nothing.

Raizen felt the pain in his ribs from her earlier blows, but the ache only fueled him. His Draconic Ascendancy System had been processing every exchange, every feint, and now—he saw patterns in her movement.

She came at him first, closing the distance with a feint to his left. Raizen didn't fall for it. He stepped back just as her real attack—a sharp knee strike—shot toward his ribs. Twisting at the last second, he blocked it with his forearm, though the force sent a jolt through his bones.

"Nice read," Ayaka murmured, her lips curving into a smirk.

Raizen didn't respond—he countered.

He surged forward, twisting his body mid-motion to deliver a devastating elbow strike toward her jaw. Ayaka barely had time to react, dodging by a fraction of an inch, but it left her open. Raizen capitalized, dropping low and sweeping her legs out from under her.

She hit the ground hard, but before he could pin her, she twisted and lashed out with a powerful kick aimed at his ribs.

Raizen caught it just in time.

The moment he grabbed her ankle, he used her own momentum against her, flipping her onto her stomach and pinning her arm behind her back.

The crowd erupted in a mixture of cheers and gasps. The match was over.

The system chimed.

[Challenge Completed: Prove Your Worth to the Independent Guild]

Reward Unlocked: Guild Recognition & Potential Alliance.

Ayaka lay beneath him, breathing heavily, her body tense. Then, to his surprise, she laughed.

"Alright… you win," she muttered, smirking even as she struggled beneath his grip.

Raizen released her, stepping back as she sat up, rolling her shoulder. "So, do I get my alliance now, or do I have to fight three more of your people first?"

She cracked her neck before standing. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. Come with me."