The Draconic System: Rise of To Ascendance

Raizen barely had time to adjust before his second opponent struck. The fighter was fast—blindingly fast. His reinforced gauntlets hummed with energy, each strike crackling as he threw a flurry of blows aimed at Raizen's chest and head.

Raizen dodged the first two strikes, barely avoiding the energy discharge that scorched the air near his cheek. The third blow came even faster, aimed directly for his ribs. Too close to evade.

The system reacted before he could think.

[Adaptive Reflex Boost: Active]

Raizen twisted mid-motion, rolling with the hit to lessen the impact before snapping his leg up in a counterattack. His foot connected with the fighter's wrist, knocking his aim off course, and Raizen used the opening to land a devastating left hook to the ribs.

The crowd roared as the gauntlet-wielder staggered back, shaking his hand. "Not bad," he muttered. Then he grinned. "Let's see how long you last."

He slammed his gauntlets together, triggering a surge of electricity that arced across his arms. The energy built up, forming a crackling aura around his fists. Now he was serious.

Raizen exhaled, his muscles burning with exertion. This opponent was stronger than the first, but that only made things more interesting.

The fight resumed.

The gauntlet-wielder rushed forward, swinging his crackling fists in wide, brutal arcs. Raizen ducked under one, barely avoiding the static discharge that sizzled past his ear, and countered with a precise palm strike to the chest. The hit connected, but instead of staggering back, the fighter twisted, using the momentum to drive an electrified knee toward Raizen's ribs.

Raizen barely brought up his arm in time to block, but pain jolted through his body as the electricity coursed through him. His muscles locked up for a split second—just enough time for his opponent to land a follow-up punch to his gut.

Raizen gasped as the force sent him skidding back. His body ached, but deep inside, something else stirred.

[Draconic Resilience Activated – Shock Resistance Increased]

The electricity no longer felt overwhelming. Raizen gritted his teeth, rolling his shoulders as the numbness faded. His opponent frowned, noticing the shift. "That should've slowed you down."

Raizen smirked. "Guess I'm built differently."

Then he attacked.

Ducking low, he surged forward with explosive speed, closing the gap before his opponent could react. He grabbed the fighter's wrists, stopping another gauntlet strike, and delivered a devastating knee to the sternum.

The crack echoed through the pit.

The gauntlet-wielder's body tensed before he collapsed, coughing, struggling for breath. Raizen released him, stepping back as the announcer raised a hand. "Winner!"

The crowd roared as Raizen took a deep breath, shaking out the residual tension in his limbs. Two down.

But the next challenger was already stepping forward—a woman clad in sleek, black combat armor, her violet eyes sharp and unreadable.

The announcer grinned. "And now, let's see how you handle the Vault's top contender."

Raizen smirked. This just keeps getting better.