Mutant awakening: My evolution knows no bounds

Chapter 178 Combat class

Silas and Angelica walked together toward the combat hall, their footsteps echoing in the corridor as the anticipation of their next class hung in the air. Silas noticed Angelica seemed quieter than usual, but he chose not to press her. If there was something on her mind, he trusted she'd speak up when ready. Discover more content at My Virtual Library Empire

As they entered the hall, the distinct scent of sweat and polished wood greeted them. The space was vast, with high ceilings and padded floors marked with faint scars from countless battles. In the center, a large platform served as the stage for duels. Around it, students in their red gis stood in a loose circle, their attention focused on the two figures already locked in combat on the platform.

"Looks like we're a bit late," Angelica murmured, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the fighters.

Silas followed her gaze. The fighters were evenly matched in size but displayed contrasting fighting styles. One was a lean, wiry boy named Callum, known for his speed and agility. His movements were quick and fluid, like a serpent striking its prey. The other, a broad-shouldered girl named Freya, was all power and precision. She planted her feet firmly, delivering blows that could knock the wind out of anyone unlucky enough to take a direct hit.

The crowd murmured in excitement, the tension in the air palpable. Silas and Angelica moved closer to get a better view, their own training momentarily forgotten as they became absorbed in the fight.

On the platform, Callum circled Freya, his sharp eyes locked onto her. His feet moved in quick, deliberate steps, barely making a sound. Freya held her ground, her hands raised in a solid guard, waiting for him to make the first move.

Callum darted forward, aiming a swift jab at Freya's side. She deflected it with ease, her arm sweeping his fist aside. He spun on his heel, attempting to land a kick to her midsection, but Freya anticipated the move and stepped back, narrowly avoiding the strike.

"Too slow," Freya taunted, her voice steady despite the exertion.

Callum smirked, not letting her words rattle him. "We'll see about that."

He lunged again, this time feinting a punch before twisting his body and aiming a powerful roundhouse kick at Freya's head. The crowd gasped as Freya raised her arm to block, the impact echoing through the hall. The force of the blow made her stumble slightly, but she quickly regained her footing, her expression unyielding.

"Nice try," Freya said, her voice tinged with respect.

She countered with a low sweep aimed at Callum's legs. He jumped just in time, but Freya was already following up with a punch aimed at his chest. Callum twisted mid-air, landing awkwardly but avoiding the strike.

The fight continued with relentless intensity. Callum's speed allowed him to dodge most of Freya's powerful strikes, but her endurance and calculated attacks kept him from gaining the upper hand. Every movement was a testament to their training, their dedication evident in the precision of their techniques.

Callum attempted a risky move, charging directly at Freya. At the last moment, he dropped low, aiming a sweeping kick at her legs. Freya stumbled but didn't fall, using the momentum to spin and deliver a powerful backhand aimed at Callum's shoulder.

The blow connected, and Callum let out a grunt of pain, his balance faltering. Freya seized the opportunity, stepping forward and delivering a palm strike to his chest. The force sent Callum stumbling backward, his feet skidding on the platform.

"Stay down, Callum," Freya said, her tone firm but not unkind.

But Callum wasn't ready to give up. He pushed himself to his feet, his breathing heavy but his determination unwavering. He adopted a defensive stance, waiting for Freya to make the next move.

Freya obliged, closing the distance between them with measured steps. She threw a series of punches, each one aimed at testing his guard. Callum blocked most of them but couldn't stop a heavy strike to his ribs. He winced but used the opening to step inside her reach, delivering an elbow strike to her sternum.

Freya staggered back, her eyes widening in surprise. The crowd erupted in cheers, the underdog moment igniting their excitement.

"Not bad," Freya admitted, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow.

The fight entered its final phase, both fighters showing signs of fatigue. Callum's movements became less fluid, and Freya's strikes lost some of their power. Yet neither was willing to back down.

In a last-ditch effort, Callum launched himself at Freya, aiming a flying knee at her chest. Freya sidestepped at the last moment, grabbing his arm and using his momentum to throw him to the ground. The impact was thunderous, the platform trembling under the force.

Freya quickly pinned Callum, her knee pressing into his chest and her fist raised, ready to deliver the finishing blow.

"Yield," she commanded, her voice steady despite her labored breathing.

Callum hesitated for a moment, his pride battling with the reality of his situation. Finally, he let out a sigh and tapped the platform twice in surrender.

The sensei, a stern man with a sharp gaze, stepped forward, clapping his hands once to signal the end of the match. "Well done, both of you," he said, his voice carrying across the hall. "Freya, your strength and technique were commendable. Callum, your speed and resilience are to be admired. You both have much to be proud of."

The crowd broke into applause, the tension dissipating as the fight ended. Freya extended a hand to Callum, helping him to his feet. They exchanged a nod of mutual respect before stepping off the platform.

As the sensei turned to address the rest of the class, Silas and Angelica exchanged a glance. The fight had been impressive, a reminder of the level of skill they were expected to achieve.

"Think you could take either of them?" Angelica asked, a teasing smile on her lips.

Silas smirked. "You are kidding me, right?"

The sensei's voice cut through the chatter. "Now, pair up. We've seen what a good fight looks like—let's see if the rest of you can match it."

Silas and Angelica moved to an open space, ready to begin their own training. The fight they'd just witnessed had

set the bar high, and neither of them planned to fall short.