The Draconic System: Rise of To Ascendance

Darius wasn't holding back. His stance shifted, his aura flaring as he activated the E-tier technique: Phantom Step, causing his body to blur slightly as he moved. His footwork became unpredictable, and the next moment, he was on Raizen in an instant.

Raizen barely had time to react before a fist slammed into his gut, knocking the wind from his lungs and sending him skidding backward. Pain flared through his torso, but he forced himself to stand.

[Damage Sustained: 27%]

Darius smirked. "You're good at dodging, but you won't last much longer."

Raizen wiped blood from his lip. His mind worked at rapid speed. He had to adapt.

The system pinged.

[Draconic Combat Instincts Unlocking… 12% Progress]

That was new. He had assumed the system only improved his body passively, but if he could unlock combat instincts, he might have a chance.

Darius lunged again, aiming for a decisive strike, but Raizen ducked low, pivoting to the side with newfound fluidity. His body moved smoother, sharper. He saw the gap in Darius's stance and struck—a spinning kick into his opponent's ribs.

Darius grunted, stumbling back. The impact wasn't enough to take him down, but the fact that Raizen had landed a hit shook him.

"Not bad," Darius admitted, straightening. "But let's see if you can handle this."

He surged forward again, faster than before, his attacks becoming a flurry of precise jabs and powerful kicks. Raizen barely managed to deflect them, each impact sending tremors through his arms.

[Time Remaining: 2:10]

Raizen gritted his teeth. He had to counter—had to find an opening.

The system flashed another prompt.

[New Function Unlocked: Predictive Strike Simulation]

The moment Darius swung for his head, Raizen's vision sharpened, lines tracing the incoming trajectory. He moved before the attack could connect, stepping inside Darius's guard, and for the first time—he struck first.

His fist slammed into Darius's jaw, a perfect, calculated strike.

Darius staggered backward, his eyes flickering with shock and anger. The crowd erupted in astonishment.

Raizen felt a surge of power, the system pulsing within him. This was it—he was breaking through his limits.

Darius clenched his fists, eyes darkening. "Alright then. No more playing around."

Raizen exhaled sharply, adrenaline flooding his system.

The real fight was about to begin.

[Time Remaining: 1:45]