Chapter 9: practice makes perfect (chapter 9)
Chapter 9
Standing outside his room, Kai could be seen, holding the key to his apartment as he walked with difficulty. "Damn," he cursed, leaning his head on his door. "All of this for $3,567," he said, taking in a deep breath. A chuckle came from behind him, and he turned to find someone smirking. "You looking good," she said, examining him. "Who beat your ass up?" she asked, her hyenas emerging from her door. "No thanks," he replied, entering his apartment and closing the door behind him.
Not wasting any time, Kai immediately poured himself a bath, stripping naked before easing into the tub. "Ahhh, that hits the spot," he thought, attempting a smile but wincing at the pain radiating over his body. "I'm not going back for the next three weeks," he declared, submerging before resurfacing. "Since I've got the rent for the next month and the one after, I have no need to go back," he pondered, closing his eyes. "And since I don't know when the button is going to reappear, I better plan," he added, smiling, enjoying the hot water as if it were a healing salve for his battered body.
[scene change]
In the midst of a bustling underground fight, Kai was visible, wearing a dark hoodie as he observed a boxing match. "Hmm, he's too slow for the way his body wants to move," Kai remarked, trying to correct the mistakes one of the fighters was making. His lips were busted, evidence of injuries sustained from numerous opponents. But then, he noticed something. "He isn't just using boxing techniques," Kai thought, pondering the possibilities. "Hmm, I'm currently focusing on just boxing alone, but that's not the only technique I'm going to learn," he mused, fantasizing about the various martial arts he could master.
"Of course, I'm going to learn one style at a time," he stated, turning his attention back to the ongoing fight. "Though things could change if the dilution time is long," he added, feeling the thrill of possibilities.
[scene change]
Sitting in his dimly lit apartment, Kai's battered body displayed the marks of his recent battles. Bruises and open wounds adorned his skin like a map of his journey through the underground fighting world. The video of a Muay Thai instructor played on the screen before him, the instructor's voice explaining the intricacies of each movement.
"Hmmm," Kai hummed softly, his eyes narrowing in concentration. His fingers gently dabbed at one of his open bruises with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol. The sting was sharp, but Kai's focus remained unwavering as he absorbed the teachings on the screen. The dim light cast shadows on his determined expression as he continued his journey of self-improvement.
As the instructor demonstrated a jab, Kai's mind sparked with an idea. He had spent hours watching, analyzing, and learning, but now he wanted to do more than listen. He was ready to put theory into practice, despite his battered state.
A determined glint shone in Kai's eyes as he pushed himself off the chair. His body protested the movement, but he paid no mind. He positioned himself in the middle of the room, the video still playing on his screen. His stance mirrored that of the instructor: hands guarding his face, weight balanced on his feet.
With a steady breath, Kai executed the jab. His lead hand shot forward, his arm extending with controlled force. He felt the satisfying snap of his wrist as his knuckles moved forward. It wasn't perfect, but it was a start. His injured body protested, but Kai pressed forward.
The cross came next, Kai's rear hand pivoting as he unleashed the punch. His hips twisted, and his arm extended with newfound energy. His injured ribs protested, but Kai's determination drowned out the pain. He visualized his opponent, his imaginary target, and struck with intent.
The hook followed, Kai's lead arm swinging in a tight arc. His elbow bent at the correct angle, and his body pivoted to add power to the strike. He could almost feel the rush of air as his imaginary opponent recoiled from the hit.
Kai's body was a canvas of pain, but his focus remained unwavering. He executed each technique as if he were in the ring, each movement a step toward mastery. The uppercut followed suit, his rear hand driving upward as his body dipped slightly. The motion was fluid, a dance of calculated power.
As the video demonstrated elbow strikes, Kai's eyes gleamed with curiosity. He mimicked the diagonal, horizontal, and upward elbows, each strike a testament to his commitment. The pain in his body was a reminder of his progress, each sensation a building block for his improvement.
Kai executed the front kick, his knee lifting, and his leg extending in a controlled thrust. He felt the flex of his foot against the air, the sensation of impact imagined as he visualized his opponent before him.
The roundhouse kick came next, the pivot of his lead foot propelling him forward. He swung his leg in a sweeping motion, his shin making contact with an invisible target. The dull ache in his thigh was a reminder that every movement had consequences, but Kai pressed on.
Hours melted away as Kai immersed himself in the training. Each technique was a step toward honing his skills, refining his techniques, and pushing his limits. He felt the sweat trickling down his face, the dampness of his training clothes clinging to his skin. The room echoed with the rhythmic sounds of his movements, creating a vivid atmosphere of determination and resilience.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone