round 1...

The right elbow swung into the guy's lower jaw.With the third sprawled across the floor, there're only 7 men left standing, including himself. It was less than a minute ago that those three had their noses up high. Now, this kid, with sleeves torn, hair dripping sweat, looks more menacing than any schooler they've approached before...

The air is stale and humid, and the perspiration makes me it worse. They must have snapped due to the bad weather. To attack me just metres away from the school, geez…

It's a year since I’ve had any proper training, guess the exercise from the past few days helped. Which reminds me, I don’t see any familiar faces in this group…

…

… A little feint first…

…

They flinched!

I leapt two steps to the tallest guy, too bad the ones beside you flinched!

I reduced my stride as I saw his arm curl up. The extra step gave me control to dodge his left straight. Momentum from threw me forward and covered the distance of his arm. In such close quarters, I striked freely with my left knee at his body.

But that round was not over.

A guy had gotten out a stick as I entered hostile grounds, and has closed in as I slammed my knee. I need to counter fast! But what about the tall guy? I’ll have to choose one! Shifting my weight onto the left leg, I swung my body. The roundhouse caught the head just before he ploughed the stick. To my relief, the tall guy dropped limply onto the ground as I continued to punch the backstabber’s solar plexus. I gave another left hook to his cheek to play safe, and turned to face the rest of them, skipping back to my original position three metres away.

…

… This is too much excitement…

…

… I should plan…

Three guys taken out in a frenzy while they underestimated me, then another two taken out before they’ve calmed down. The other five remaining did not bother to get me while I was near. This could either mean they’re afraid, or they’re planning something. None had bothered to speak up to calm the group though.

On the other hand, I’m panting already. I’ll have to act fast. Sheesh, one year’s really’s the limit. These simple techniques won’t last long. Nothing beats physical conditioning. I’ll take them out before they regroup.

First step, hide my weaknesses and present condition.

Second step, take out the ones who’re afraid.

Third…

…

… Yeah, not now…

…

Let’s go!