The prison courtyard fell silent as the new prisoner stepped forward.
Chains still hung loosely from his wrists.
Dust swirled around his feet.
Across from him stood a towering figure — the 200 Leader, a fighter known for crushing newcomers without effort.
The crowd watched, expecting another quick defeat.
The 200 Leader smirked.
"Another one who doesn't understand where he is."
He lunged forward.
Fast. Aggressive. Ruthless.
But the new prisoner didn't attack.
He moved.
Calmly.
He dodged the first strike with ease. Then the second. And the third.
No wasted motion.
No panic.
Just control.
The crowd began to murmur.
"This is different…"
The 200 Leader grew irritated. His attacks became heavier, wilder, more desperate.
Still…
Nothing landed.
The new prisoner simply defended, reading every move like it had already happened.
From a distance, Kairo watched carefully, his eyes narrowing.
"This guy…" he muttered. "He's not normal."
Then—
It ended.
The new prisoner stepped in.
One strike.
Clean.
Precise.
Devastating.
The 200 Leader's eyes widened for a split second before his body collapsed to the ground.
Silence.
Then shock rippled through the entire prison.
"He… he took him down in one hit…"
"No way…"
Even the strongest prisoners were speechless.
The new man stood still, breathing evenly — as if nothing had happened.
His name…
Aiden Cross.
After some time, the tension settled.
Footsteps approached.
Raghu.
He looked at Aiden with the same disbelief he once had when he met Kairo.
"So… you're another one," Raghu said quietly.
Aiden glanced at him but said nothing.
Raghu sighed.
"You don't understand this place yet, do you?"
No response.
So Raghu continued.
"This prison runs on strength. Everyone here is ranked."
He pointed toward the fallen fighter.
"That was a 200 Leader. Stronger than most here."
Aiden looked briefly… then looked away.
Unimpressed.
Raghu's expression shifted slightly.
"Interesting…"
He stepped closer.
"There's someone at the top. The strongest of all."
A short pause.
"The 1000 Leader."
Aiden's eyes flickered — just slightly.
"He's heard about you," Raghu said.
"And now…"
Raghu turned, signaling him to follow.
"He wants to meet you."
Aiden stood still for a moment.
Then, without a word…
He began walking.
To be continued…