The next morning, Ryu woke up sore but invigorated. The system had already started ticking—the daily quest notification flashed in front of his eyes.
[Daily Quest] Perform 200 Push-ups, 200 Sit-ups, 5 km run]
Reward: +1 to Endurance
Ryu smirked. "No rest for the wicked, I guess."
He pushed himself through the workout, feeling the burn in his muscles. With each push-up, he imagined himself facing down the titans of the Kengan matches. Raian's brutal strength, Agito's evolving adaptability, Kuroki's unshakable focus. He had a long way to go.
As he finished his run, Ren approached him, looking worried.
"Ryu, you've been training like a madman since yesterday. What's gotten into you?"
Ryu stopped, catching his breath. "I realized I can't stay weak, Ren. Not in this place."
Ren frowned. "You're talking like you're expecting a war. What's going on?"
Ryu hesitated. How much could he tell Ren without sounding insane? "Let's just say I've seen things... things that made me realize I need to be stronger. Much stronger."
Ren sighed. "Alright, I won't push it. But be careful, okay? You made a name for yourself yesterday, taking down Jin. But that also means you've got a target on your back."
Ryu nodded. He knew Ren was right. Power attracted attention—both good and bad.
Just then, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb. A man in a suit stepped out, his eyes scanning the street until they landed on Ryu.
"Tokita Ryu?" the man asked, his voice sharp and professional. "I have a message for you."
Ryu tensed. "Who are you?"
"My name is Hiyama. I represent the Nogi Group."
Ryu's eyes widened. The Nogi Group? One of the major corporations in the Kengan Association. What did they want with him?
Hiyama continued, "My employer, Nogi Hideki, was impressed by your… performance yesterday. He believes you have potential. He would like to offer you a position."
"A position? Doing what?" Ryu asked, wary.
"As a fighter. For the Nogi Group in the Kengan matches."
Ryu's heart skipped a beat. This was it. His chance to enter the world of corporate-sponsored gladiatorial combat. But he knew there was a catch.
"What's the price?" Ryu asked, his voice low.
Hiyama smiled thinly. "Loyalty, of course. And obedience. You fight when we tell you to fight. You win when we tell you to win. Can you accept those terms, Tokita Ryu?"
Ryu looked at Ren, who was watching the exchange with a mixture of awe and apprehension. He thought about the system, the Niko Style, the potential for growth. He thought about the monsters he would have to face.
"I accept," Ryu said, his voice firm. "But I have my own terms. I fight my way. And I only lose when I'm beaten."
Hiyama's smile faltered for a moment, then returned. "We'll see about that, Tokita Ryu. We'll see."
Later that day, Ryu found himself in a lavish office overlooking the city. Nogi Hideki, the chairman of the Nogi Group, sat behind a massive desk, his eyes sharp and calculating.
"Tokita Ryu," Nogi said, his voice deep and commanding. "Welcome to the Nogi Group. I believe you have the potential to become a valuable asset."
"I won't disappoint you," Ryu replied, his gaze unwavering.
Nogi nodded. "I've arranged for you to have access to our training facilities. You'll be working with some of our best fighters. They'll help you hone your skills."
"I prefer to train alone," Ryu said.
Nogi raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? You believe you have nothing to learn from others?"
"I learn best on my own," Ryu said. "But I'm always willing to test my strength against others."
Nogi chuckled. "A fighter's spirit. I like that. Very well, train as you see fit. But remember, you represent the Nogi Group now. Your victories are our victories. Your failures are our failures."
"I understand," Ryu said.
Nogi leaned forward. "There's one more thing. I've heard rumors about your… unique abilities. The way you defeated Jin. Some say you possess knowledge of martial arts beyond your experience."
Ryu tensed. How much did Nogi know?
"I've been studying martial arts for years," Ryu said, carefully. "I've developed my own style."
Nogi smiled. "Intriguing. I'll be watching your progress with great interest, Tokita Ryu. Don't disappoint me."
As Ryu left the office, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being played. Nogi was a shrewd businessman, and he didn't make offers without expecting something in return. Ryu had entered the game, but he didn't know the rules yet.
[New Quest Alert]
[Faction Quest] Survive your first month under Nogi Hideki's employment.
Reward: +10 to Technique | Unlock: Intermediate Skill Upgrade
Ryu clenched his fists. He had a month to prove himself. A month to learn the rules of the game. A month to prepare for the battles to come.
He walked out into the city, the neon lights reflecting in his eyes. He was no longer just Tokita Ryu from Tokita Ward. He was a fighter for the Nogi Group. And he would become the strongest, no matter the cost.
"System," he muttered. "Show me the nearest training facility."
The blue screen blinked to life, guiding him towards his new destiny.