The crowd's roar shook the plaza as Damien cracked his knuckles, a vicious smile spreading across his lips.
Ethan's vision blurred from the first strike, but the Dominion System's glowing command still floated before him:
> \[Mission: Survive Damien Drake's next three attacks.]
> \[Reward: Unlock Basic Skill, +5 to Random Stat, +5 Reputation, 2 Dominion Seeds, +\$500, +40 Coins]
> \[Failure Penalty: 1 month of Pain Simulation Training.]
His throat tightened. Three more hits? He'll kill me before the system even rewards me!
But before doubt could crush him, Damien's fist shot forward again.
Second Strike.
It slammed into Ethan's gut with a brutal *thud*. The impact exploded through his ribs like wildfire, nearly buckling him in half. Spit flew from his mouth, and his body screamed to collapse. His legs wobbled—shaking, trembling from the impact.
"That was sick!"
But he planted his feet. His knees locked like steel.
And he did not fall.
The crowd gasped.
"What?! Again?"
