The bus slowly rattled along the broken road on the outskirts. Genzo sat by the window at the very back of the cabin, hands shoved in his pockets. Gray warehouses and empty fields flashed past the glass. He silently stared at his reflection and thought about the upcoming fight.
When the bus stopped, Genzo got out last. Night had already fully taken hold. From underground came the muffled roar of the crowd. He descended the rusty staircase and found himself at the entrance to a huge underground arena.
The arena was buzzing like a living creature. A huge dusty pit under an old warehouse was packed with people to the limit. Hundreds of voices merged into one continuous roar. Lamps on chains swayed, casting sharp shadows. The air was thick with dust, sweat, and excitement.
Genzo entered the arena last. Over the past two months, he had changed a lot, become taller, broader in the shoulders, with a powerful chest and defined arms. He walked barefoot through the dust, wearing only black shorts, silent and focused.
On the opposite side stood Lee Won, the three-time champion. Tall, muscular, with a contemptuous gaze.
"Men," she shouted loudly and arrogantly. "You, low-grade, pathetic creatures! Do you think that just because a piece of meat dangles between your legs, you're already kings? You are meat. Weak, cowardly, worthless meat. Today I will remind you once again who you are."
"I'll grind you into the ground."
The crowd exploded.
"Come on, Lee Won. Smash him."
"Show this puppy his place."
"Guys, this is garbage."
The referee raised his hand.
"Fight."
Lee Won rushed first. She flew like lightning. The first strike, a powerful high kick to the head. Genzo didn't manage to dodge completely. The blow landed on his cheekbone. He was thrown backward and crashed heavily into the dust, flipping onto his back. The crowd roared.
"Ha-ha-ha," Lee Won laughed loudly, standing over him. "That's exactly how it should be. Lie in the dust, as a man is supposed to. Did you really think you could hit me? Pathetic little rooster."
Genzo slowly got up, spat blood and dust. Lee Won rushed at him again with a contemptuous smirk.
"Come on, come to me, weakling. I'll crush you like an insect."
When she got close, Genzo had already grabbed a handful of dust in both hands and threw it forcefully right into her face.
"Aaaaaah! What the fuck are you doing, you dumbass?!" Lee Won screamed, covering her eyes with her hands. The dust got into her eyes, nose, and mouth. She coughed and bent over. "Bitch. I'll kill you. You men can only use dirty tricks, you cowardly creatures."
Genzo didn't wait. He quickly stepped behind her, grabbed her by the hair and forcefully slammed her face into the ground.
"Let go, you bastard!" Lee Won yelled, trying to break free. "I'll tear you apart. All men are worthless."
Genzo silently dragged her across the entire arena, leaving a deep furrow in the dust. The crowd roared.
"Look how he's dragging her."
"Go on, guy. Don't let go of that bitch."
"Lee Won, get up. Show him."
"Look, the little cog got bent into a tube."
Genzo dragged her to the metal fence and slammed her face into the net with full force. Lee Won flew back and fell into the crowd. People stepped aside. She landed on her back and couldn't get up right away.
Genzo calmly walked over, grabbed her by the throat with one hand and with one powerful motion threw her back into the center of the arena. Lee Won flew heavily into the dust, her legs giving out.
Genzo squatted in the middle of the arena, breathing heavily. Someone threw him a bottle of water. He opened it and slowly drank, looking at the lying Lee Won.
At the very end of the arena, in thick shadow, stood a tall black guy in a dark coat. He calmly looked down at the arena, smiling slightly at the corner of his mouth.
"Impressive…" he said quietly to himself in a low, velvety voice. "This idiot… will go far."
Lee Won was still trying to get up, but her strength had left her.
Genzo stood up. He was covered in dust and blood, but stood straight. To the deafening cries of the crowd, he slowly headed toward the exit from the arena. A pleasant summer breeze began to blow.