Saved by the bell.
Mathew gasped and dropped his guard. He winced with pain as his arms and sides ached. Resting against one of the corners of the ring, Mathew eyed Jason's form. He must have landed dozens of hits on me. While I've only been able to land a single solid blow. Damn it!
Natalia was about to rush to Mathew's corner to offer him advice, but she quickly stopped herself. If she did that, it would defeat the point of this match. Mathew needed to win on his own.
"Easy there, Nat. Mathew's not out yet." Harrison said with a soft smile.
A loud ring filled the gym, prompting both fighters to move.
"Box!"
Calm down. Remember your fundamentals. Predict his moves! Mathew raged as he and Jason launched a series of punches at each other.
Moving swiftly, they both managed to avoid and deflect one another's attacks, but a solid hit would land every now and then.
Jason had tried to control the rhythm of the match, but Mathew would immediately destroy his strategy by forcing him to change tactics. It was as if the younger fighter could see his movements well before their execution.
He's sharp! He's not letting me in! Jason narrowed his eyes as Mathew dashed back at each of his attempts to corner him. To Jason, it seemed as if Mathews's eyes glowed under his headgear while they traced each and every single one of his movements.
As the spar progressed, those who had initially dismissed the event now leaned in, captivated by the swift movements and skillful maneuvers of the participants. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as curious whispers filled the air, and spectators exchanged knowing glances, eager to catch every moment of the intense match.
"Hey. I thought this kid was green?"
"He is..."
"Then how is he able to keep up with Jason?"
"He must be going easy on the kid."
Shut up! Jason thought in anger as he weaved to the side to avoid Mathew's sharp left. Their ongoing prolonged exchange had begun to prick at his pride. Sorry, Mathew. This was entertaining at first, but I'm ending this!
As Jason stepped into Mathew's range, he threw an uppercut that caused Mathew's right arm to fly upward. Twisting his hips, Jason aimed to land a hook into the younger boxer's ribs. Without warning, his vision was suddenly filled with red. A loud bang echoed through the gym.
"Holy crap! You see that!"
"What a counter!"
A what? A counter? Jason thought, his vision unfocused for a few seconds. Turning to Mathew, Jason was unable to avoid the punch that snapped his head back.
Now's my chance! Mathew moved in to unleash everything he had, but Cory stepped into his path.
"Stop! The second round is over! To your corners!" Cory said, causing Mathew to realize that the bell had rang.
I was saved by the bell? How?! Jason blinked in confusion as his eyes set on Mathew. This can't be the same kid I fought all that time ago! What's happening?
Shit! I was so close! Mathew gasped as his body felt twice as heavy as normal. This is it. The last round! I have to end this now!
Finally, the last bell of the match rang.
"Box!"
The last round began full of energy. Mathew and Jason met one another at the center and unleashed a series of blows on each other. Each new jab, cross, hook, and uppercut filled the audience with excitement.
"You got this, Jason!"
"You can do this, kid! Knock him down!"
"This is crazy!"
Unleashing a flurry of punches, Jason's expression was enraged at the idea that a novice like Mathew was able to push him so far. To him, this spar shouldn't have lasted longer than a single round. It was humiliating.
With anger fueling him, Jason's punches grew heavier and heavier. Resulting in Mathew struggling to block and parry the older fighters' blows. Eventually resulting in one of Jason's strikes breaking through Mathew's guard and smashing into his face.
The mat vibrated as Mathew collided with the ground face down.
Cory stepped in and began the countdown.
"One! ...two! ...three!"
What just happened? I can't feel my arms. Mathew blinked blearily. His eyes settled on Harrison and Natalia. Natalia had a worried look as she forced herself to stay in her spot. Fuck... I guess this is it.
"Five! ...six! ...seven!"
[Event: Run it Back.]
[Task: Win your second spar against Jason.]
[Reward: (x2) Mystery Box]
[Failure: (-5) Point to the Skill: Boxing, (-5) Points to the Attributes: Strength, Speed, Agility.]
Mathew's mind remembered the event penalty. If he did lose, he would get a severe punishment that would set him back severely. Even knowing this, he didn't try to push himself up.
Jason's too good... I wasn't ready.
"Eight! ...nine!"
Outside his control, Mathew's mind began to race.
Thoughts and images suddenly came to the forefront of his mind.
The words of encouragement and belief from his friends and family filled his ears.
"Well, I guess you got yourself your first fan then." Alex said with a warm smile
"Yeah. Me too." Haley nodded, a gentle smile on her face.
"Whatever you choose, remember that your mother and I will support you no matter what." Jefferson said.
"Don't count yourself out, son. I think you have what it takes." Sasha grinned as she looked at him without a shred of doubt.
Finally, a famous speech he had heard a lifetime ago sprang forth through his mind.
"You, me, or nobody is going to hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!"
Just as Cory was about to complete his count, Mathew bounded to his feet with a burst of energy that took everyone by surprise.
His determination radiated from him, showcasing an impressive resilience that seemed almost superhuman.
Jason blinked in disbelief, his mind struggling to process the extraordinary sight before him as Mathew stood there, defying all expectations.
Mathew's breaths came out in sharp exhales as he raised his guard.
His head ached, but at that moment, he didn't care.
He didn't care about the system's penalties.
He didn't care about proving himself to Natalia.
All he cared about was winning.
Cory moved in and examined Mathew. But at the sight of the younger boxer's sharp eyes and determined expression, Cory couldn't help but feel a shiver run down his back.
"C-can you fight?"
"Yes!" Mathew said confidently. His guard was raised, and his fists were ready.
After brushing his gloves off, Cory stepped back.
"Box!"
Using the burst of energy within him, Mathew rushed forward and released several jabs at Jason. Pushing him back into the ropes at the suddenness of the move.
What the hell?! Jason thought as he defended against Mathew's onslaught of combinations. His black eyes stared into glowing orbs of green.
Jason couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Despite his injuries, Mathew was moving with newfound strength and speed.
I won't lose to a novice like you! Jason slipped a punch and pulled his right arm back to land a downward cross.
Almost as if in slow motion, Mathew saw the descending fist and reacted by propelling his left fist up.
A loud bang filled the ring, leaving those watching holding their breath as glove met flesh.
Mathew watched as Jason's head rolled to the side from the devastating uppercut that landed on his chin. Jason's motionless arm floated just a centimeter next to Mathew's cheek.
[Your Boxing Skill has improved by 2 points!]
"A perfectly timed counter," Harrison said with a smile. "Mathew used Jason's downward motion to amplify the power of his punch. A gazelle punch. How nostalgic."
Natalia remained silent as Jason fell to the ground. Her eyes locked on Mathew's back in awe.
How could she not?
What Mathew just did was almost a perfect recreation of how her grandfather had won his world champion fight decades ago.
Snapping out of his shock, Cory checked on Jason and stood up, waving his arms.
No one said a word as Cory raised Mathew's arm.
"Winner: Mathew!"