Marcus retreated another step.
He didn't even realize it at first.
His boots scraped against broken stone, the sound sharp and unmistakable. Only then did Marcus stop—and the realization hit him like a slap.
I'm backing away.
From a zero-grade trash.
Marcus's jaw tightened. "Don't get cocky," he snapped. "You're still nothing."
Leon didn't answer.
He stood there quietly, shoulders relaxed, eyes focused—not on Marcus's blade, but on his stance. On his breathing. On the subtle shifts in weight that betrayed his next move.
Everything felt… clearer.
[Continuous Combat State Maintained.][Adaptive Growth: Stable Acceleration.]
Leon could feel it now.
The growth wasn't explosive anymore—it was smooth. Constant. Like a river carving through stone, unstoppable not because of force, but persistence.
Marcus lunged again.
This time, Leon didn't dodge immediately.
He waited.
The blade came down in a diagonal arc, sharp and fast. At the last possible moment, Leon stepped in, his forearm slamming against Marcus's wrist.
Pain flared.
But Leon didn't retreat.
[Direct Impact Registered.][Endurance +0.6][Bone Reinforcement +0.3]
Marcus grunted as his strike was deflected off course.
"What—?!"
Leon's knee came up.
It wasn't a refined technique. No academy form. Just timing and intent.
The impact drove the air from Marcus's lungs.
[Successful Close-Range Strike.][Strength +0.5][Combat Efficiency +0.2]
Marcus staggered backward, coughing violently.
Leon followed.
Step by step.
Each movement felt heavier—not in effort, but in presence. His muscles responded instantly. His balance was unshakable.
This is what it feels like… Leon thought.To improve in real time.
Marcus's breathing grew uneven.
"You—what are you?" he demanded hoarsely.
Leon tilted his head slightly. "Learning."
Marcus roared.
Bronze light erupted from his body, thicker than before. Veins bulged along his arms as he poured everything into his awakening ability.
"You think you've won?!" Marcus shouted. "I'll crush you!"
He charged, faster than ever.
For the first time, Leon didn't feel excitement.
He felt… calm.
[High-Intensity Threat Detected.][Adaptive Threshold Approaching.]
Leon raised his arms and met the charge head-on.
The collision shook the ruins.
Pain exploded through Leon's shoulders as Marcus slammed into him like a battering ram. They skidded across the ground, crashing through debris.
Leon's vision blurred.
Then—
Stability.
His feet dug in. His spine straightened. His muscles locked into perfect alignment.
[Major Stress Event Confirmed.][Adaptive Growth Trigger: Structural Optimization.]
Power surged—not wild, not violent—but controlled.
Leon pushed.
Marcus's eyes widened.
"No—!"
Leon twisted his body and threw Marcus aside.
The second-year student slammed into a broken pillar and collapsed, gasping.
Silence fell.
Leon stood alone in the center of the ruins, chest rising slowly. His entire body ached—but beneath the pain was a deep, terrifying sense of solidity.
He looked down at his trembling hands.
They weren't trembling from weakness.
They were adjusting.
[Growth Summary – Combat Session Complete]Strength: IncreasedEndurance: IncreasedCombat Instinct: IncreasedStructural Integrity: Improved
Leon let out a slow breath.
"So this is the system's answer," he murmured."Pressure… creates evolution."
A groan sounded behind him.
Marcus tried to stand—and failed.
He looked up at Leon, eyes filled not with anger, but fear.
"Stay away from me," Marcus whispered.
Leon paused.
He looked at Marcus for a long moment, then turned away.
"I'm not here to finish you," Leon said calmly."You're not worth the growth anymore."
Marcus flinched as if struck.
Leon walked past him, climbing out of the ruined arena.
Above, the night air was cold and clear.
For the first time, Leon felt it.
Not hope.
Not ambition.
But certainty.
This world will not decide my limits.
I will.
And somewhere deep within him, the Infinite Growth System pulsed—silent, patient, waiting for the next challenge.