The underground arena roared with excitement as the announcer's voice echoed through the hall.

"MATCH THREE! SHADOW VIPER VS. IRON JAW!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, gamblers placing last-minute bets, fighters watching closely. Aryan and Rohan stood among them, analyzing the next battle.

Shadow Viper stepped into the arena, his body draped in a dark sleeveless gi. His lean frame and sharp eyes made him look like a predator ready to strike. His movements were subtle yet deliberate, shifting weight from foot to foot like a coiled serpent, prepared to strike at any moment. His specialty? Precision and deception.

On the other side, Iron Jaw walked in—a mountain of a man with an intimidating presence. His thick frame, powerful build, and iron-like physique made him resemble a boulder. His fighting style was straightforward but terrifying—he absorbed damage like an unmovable object and retaliated with devastating counterblows.

The referee raised his hand and then dropped it. "FIGHT!"

First Strike

Shadow Viper wasted no time. He dashed forward, his steps light, making barely a sound. He threw a rapid, testing jab toward Iron Jaw’s ribs.

THUD!

It connected, but Iron Jaw didn’t even flinch. His body absorbed the impact like it was nothing.

Viper retreated instantly, circling Iron Jaw, studying him. The brute remained unmoving, feet planted firmly. "You hit like a mosquito," Iron Jaw smirked.

Shadow Viper grinned. "Then let's see how you handle a swarm."

He exploded into action. His movements became unpredictable—ducking, weaving, throwing feints, each motion designed to make Iron Jaw react. He darted in, landing a quick succession of strikes.

Smack! Smack! Smack!

Hits landed on Iron Jaw’s ribs, his liver, his solar plexus. Each one precise. Shadow Viper aimed for weak spots.

But Iron Jaw didn’t flinch.

And then, he struck back.

The First Mistake

Shadow Viper leaned in for a spinning back kick—fast, clean, but Iron Jaw saw it coming.

With impossible speed for his size, he lifted his forearm and caught Viper’s ankle mid-air.

CRACK!

A bone-rattling punch slammed into Viper’s stomach, lifting him off the ground. The air whooshed out of his lungs as his vision blurred. The crowd went wild.

Viper stumbled back, coughing, arms wrapped around his stomach. "Damn… that hurt."

Iron Jaw smiled. "That’s just the beginning."

Second Wave

Viper recovered quickly, shaking off the pain. He knew now—he couldn’t trade blows.

Instead, he had to wear Iron Jaw down.

Switching tactics, Viper used a different approach. He began moving even faster.

His attacks became like the flickering tongue of a snake—strikes that barely touched, but each one chipped away at Iron Jaw’s defenses.

A strike to the temple. A jab to the throat. A low kick to the knee.

For the first time, Iron Jaw grunted.

Viper smirked. "Even rocks crack."

But Iron Jaw was far from finished.

The Turning Point

Viper lunged in for a finishing blow—but Iron Jaw was baiting him.

WHAM!

A massive elbow smashed into Viper’s cheek, sending him spinning. His body crashed onto the ground, rolling like a ragdoll.

The crowd gasped.

Viper struggled to stand, his body swaying. "Shit… he’s a monster."

Iron Jaw cracked his knuckles. "You talk too much. Let’s end this."

The Final Blow

Viper gathered all his remaining energy. He had one last chance.

He charged, feinting a right hook, then twisting for a knee to the liver. But Iron Jaw wasn’t falling for it.

"Too slow."

A titanic uppercut from Iron Jaw connected—

BOOM!

Shadow Viper’s body lifted off the ground before crashing into the dirt.

He didn’t move.

The referee rushed forward, kneeling beside him. "SHADOW VIPER IS UNCONSCIOUS! IRON JAW WINS!"

The underground arena shook from the sheer volume of the crowd’s cheers. Iron Jaw lifted his fists, victorious.

Aryan and Rohan exchanged glances.

"That guy… he’s a damn tank," Rohan muttered.

Aryan nodded. "If I face him, I need a plan."

Iron Jaw glanced toward them, cracking his neck, his gaze locking onto Aryan and Rohan.

His next prey.

Next Fight: Goro ‘The Wall’ vs. The Berserker.