ThudCrack
Arvin paused mid-step, his attention caught by sounds he knew too well - the unmistakable sound of a fight. After leaving that school fifteen minutes ago, his wandering had led him through one alley after another. Now, barely twenty minutes since watching those students leave for the day, he found himself at the entrance of yet another narrow passage.
The afternoon sun still brightened the main street behind him, but here between the tall buildings, shadows stretched across broken concrete and scattered trash. His legs ached from hours of walking, and those free bread from last night felt like a distant memory. Still, the sounds ahead left no room for hesitation.
After hesitating for a moment, Arvin decided to go in and check.
The passage opened wider ahead, where four large figures surrounded someone on the ground. Their shadows painted dark shapes against the brick walls, and their harsh laughter echoed through the quiet alley.
(Even in a strange place), Arvin thought, (something stay the same).
His training took over, automatically noting every detail - the five-meter width of the alley, a dumpster creating natural barriers, and of course the other dumpster by the end of the alley, creating perfect spot for cornering someone.
His muscles ached from the day's endless walking, his energy reserves running low. Even his chi had dropped significantly, the strain of navigating this foreign place taking its toll.
The bullies shifted their stances, unaware of his presence. The largest one towered over his companions, his frame nearly blocking the entire passage. The one in the middle, who Arvin guessed was the leader, stood with one foot pressed against someone - a student still wearing the same cream-colored uniform Arvin had seen at the school.
(Master always said to avoid unnecessary fights, as I can't help everyone but…), Arvin reminded himself, his senses heightening despite his fatigue. The air carried the usual mix of dampness and garbage, but something else caught his attention - the state of the fallen student. Mark of shoes was plastered all over his uniform and bag.
Looking at the leader, his stance showed signs of actual fighting experience - but nothing like the disciplined martialist Arvin had trained with. The others relied purely on size and numbers, their movements betraying their lack of formal combat training.
Whoosh
A breeze swept through the passage, carrying the sounds of the city - distant traffic, music from somewhere nearby, the general buzz of the city. These sounds had become familiar as he wander around, creating an odd backdrop for what was about to unfold.
(In master's word, there's something that called, hmm…. ah yes hé yīn[1]), Arvin thought, remembering his great-grandfather's teachings about fate and timing. (Perhaps this is why I kept finding alleys today. Each one will eventually led me here.)
The fallen student's labored breathing echoed inside the alley. Despite his exhaustion, despite being in a place where he couldn't even communicate, Arvin knew he couldn't walk away. His other teacher - his grandpa's voice seemed to whisper in his mind. Talking about responsibility, about protecting those who needed help.
The leader's angry voice bounced off the alley walls as he threatened the fallen student, each word incomprehensible yet clear in intent. The scene reminded Arvin of something his master once said: "Those who threaten the weak often mask their own fear."
Arvin decided cleared his throat loudly to draw the bullies attention.
Sure enough the leader leg stop in place. Deciding it was the best moment to convey his message, Arvin said, (Chinese) "Could you please stop doing that to him?" His voice was calm yet firm, hands moving in gentle motions to help convey his meaning.
The group stared at him in confusion, and Arvin know that they must not have understand his words.
After a brief pause, they suddenly laugh and uttered words that Arvin didn't understand. But from how they was showing a clear disdain, he understand that they were mocking him.
The, the largest one, seemed to talk with the leader about something before the leader nod as he show a vile smile.
CrackCrack
The largest thug's knuckles popped as he stepped forward. He stood at least 30 centimeters taller than Arvin, his muscles straining against his jacket. The sheer size difference was unlike anything Arvin had faced before. Even after years of training, Arvin had never faced someone this size - the man's chest was level with Arvin's eyes, making him crane his neck to look up.
(Chinese) "Please stop this," Arvin spoke one more time, accompanying his words with peaceful hand gestures. Though they wouldn't understand his language, he hoped they might grasp his meaning.
The giant exchanged glances with his companions before letting out a dismissive laugh. His hand shot out to grab Arvin's collar, moving with the casual confidence of someone used to overwhelming smaller opponents.
Arvin maintained his ready stance, keeping his breathing steady despite the unfamiliar challenge before him. His master's teachings about remaining calm regardless of circumstances echoed in his mind.
(Master said that size means little against proper technique), Arvin reminded himself, drawing confidence from his years of training. Though he'd never faced someone this big, the principles remained the same - proper form and control would matter more than size.
The concrete beneath his feet showed years of wear, its surface uneven. Arvin adjusted his stance slightly, compensating for both the rough ground and his own fatigue. His muscles, though tired from hours of walking, responded with the precision that years of training had ingrained.
(I'll need to be careful), he calculated, assessing his depleted energy levels. (With my current condition, I can't afford to waste movement. Every action must count.)
InhaleExhale
Arvin took a measured breath, centering himself as he'd been taught. The familiar routine helped clear his mind, pushing aside the fatigue and hunger that had dogged him all day. Now was not the time for weakness or hesitation.
The growing tension in the alley felt almost physical, like a bowstring pulled too tight. The bullies' earlier confidence had given way to uncertainty as they faced someone who showed no fear despite being outnumbered and outsized.
The leader raised his foot, preparing to deliver another kick to the fallen student. There's no need for more diplomacy try as it clear they choose to ignore what he said or well....his gesture.
Now was the time for taking the next step.
Whoosh
The big hand caught nothing but air as Arvin shifted slightly, the movement so subtle it seemed like he hadn't moved at all. The giant's eyes widened in surprise - his target should have been within easy reach.
(His movements are all power, no foundation), Arvin observed, reading the giant's wild swing that followed. To his trained eyes, the attack moved slowly, predictable, with only force and no skill.
The giant then swing his hand again, trying to catch Arvin this time for sure. But, once again, Arvin just shift his position slightly to dodge the attack.
(With my energy this low...), Arvin calculated, remembering his depleted state. (I could muster ten percent but, five percent should be enough for someone this big.)
Thud
His palm struck with practiced precision, finding the exact point his training had taught him. The impact felt impossibly light. Yet the sound of cracking ribs filled the alley, and the giant's eyes rolled back as his consciousness fled.
(No!) Alarm shot through Arvin as he realized his mistake. What should have been a simple disabling strike had proven far too powerful. The giant was falling backward. His eyes rolled back, completely unconscious, and his massive frame about to crash onto the concrete.
Moving quickly, Arvin caught the falling man, carefully guiding him to the ground. His fingers found the pulse point on the giant's neck - strong and steady, thankfully. But the broken ribs beneath his touch sent a chill through him. (Even five percent was too much...)
The remaining three stared at their fallen companion, their earlier bravado vanishing like smoke. Even their leader, who'd been so confident moments ago, took an unconscious step backward. The alley grew quiet except for the fallen student's labored breathing.
"What... what the hell?" one of them whispered, fear replacing his earlier mockery.
Arvin maintained his ready stance, though internally his mind raced. These people were nothing like the trained disciples he'd practiced with in the mountains. One wrong move, one miscalculated strike, and he could cause serious harm without meaning to.
WhisperRustle
The evening air moved through the alley, stirring discarded papers against worn concrete. Arvin maintained his ready stance, every sense heightened despite his fatigue. The fallen giant's steady breathing created an odd counterpoint to the distant city sounds that echoed off the brick walls.
(Even the students of Master's friend could take eighty to hundred hits at this level), Arvin thought, his earlier confidence wavering as he glanced at his palm. (But here, one strike was too much...)
The realization sat heavy in his stomach, remembering how those visiting students had barely flinched from similar strikes during their training sessions.
The remaining bullies shifted uneasily, their earlier swagger replaced by wary glances between their fallen friend and this mysterious opponent. Their body language told a clear story - shoulders tight, weight shifting, hands rising, they raised their defense as if they expected an attack. The narrow alley that had seemed perfect for their ambush now worked against them, forcing them to stay clustered together.
ThumpThump
Arvin's heart beat steadily in his chest as he assessed the situation. The light was growing dimmer, shadows stretching longer across the alley floor. Behind the remaining bullies, the injured student's labored breathing reminded him why he'd stepped in.
A distant siren made the bullies jump, their eyes darting toward the alley's entrance. Arvin noticed how their feet shifted, bodies angling toward the escape route while pride kept them from running.
(A cornered opponent is the most dangerous as they can do anything in the desperate moment), he thought, watching them carefully. His muscles responded automatically to their subtle movements, years of training compensating for his depleted energy.
Crack
His knuckles popped as he loosened his fingers, an old habit his master had often scolded him for. The sound echoed, drawing their attention to his hands. Their eyes widened slightly, remembering what those hands had done to their largest friend.
(Two percent might still be too much), Arvin calculated, the giant's broken ribs weighing on his conscience. (But I can't let them hurt that student anymore.)
The moment stretched out, taut with tension as everyone waited for someone else to make the first move. The city sounds seemed to fade away, leaving only the quiet drama playing out in this narrow space between buildings.
Arvin exhaled slowly, preparing himself for what must come next. His decision was made - now he only needed to execute it with absolute control.
[1] Predestined encounter or in simple term, something that meant to be. For example, meeting old friend or stranger that will be you're friend or close friend. Not a romantic one.