Game's Extra

The academy gym was alive with energy, its combat stage surrounded by students eager to witness the showdown between Aiden and Ava. The stage, a rectangular platform reinforced with advanced shock-absorbing materials and magical enchantments, radiated a faint blue glow. Above it, the gym's high ceiling was adorned with floating light panels that illuminated the arena. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, their voices blending into a cacophony of bets and banter.

"I've got fifty aurens on Ava!" one student yelled.

"Are you serious? Aiden wiped the floor with her last time," another retorted, waving a stack of betting slips.

On the stage, Aiden stood with a calm and measured demeanor, his posture relaxed but ready. Clad in simple athletic wear, he looked like he wasn't taking the match seriously—yet his amethyst eyes gleamed with focus. Across from him, Ava stretched her arms and cracked her neck, her fiery red hair tied back into a ponytail. Her crimson eyes burned with determination.

"I hope you're ready for payback," Ava said, stepping forward and clenching her fists.

Aiden smirked. "Payback? You sure you want to do this? Hand-to-hand isn't exactly your specialty."

"Don't underestimate me," Ava snapped, her pride flaring.

The referee, standing off to the side, raised his hand. "No abilities, no weapons. Pure physical combat. Begin when you're ready."

Both fighters nodded. The gym fell silent as the duel began.

Ava charged first, her fiery spirit propelling her forward. She threw a straight punch aimed directly at Aiden's head. Her form was solid, her punch fast and forceful.

Aiden's instincts kicked in, his years of MMA training from his past life guiding his movements. He smoothly weaved to the side, dodging the attack by a hair's breadth. As her fist sailed past him, he countered with a devastating left haymaker to her stomach.

The impact landed with a resounding thud, causing Ava to flinch and stagger back, her breath hitching. Aiden had pulled his punch, knowing that a full-strength blow would've done far more damage.

Ava glared at him, clutching her abdomen. "You're holding back, aren't you?" she hissed.

"I am," Aiden admitted with a shrug. "You wouldn't last otherwise."

Growling in frustration, Ava steadied herself and attacked again. This time, she aimed a high kick at Aiden's torso. Aiden reacted instantly, catching her leg mid-air. Before she could regain her balance, he swept her supporting leg out from under her, sending her crashing onto the stage.

The crowd erupted in a mix of cheers and laughter.

"Come on, Ava! Don't let him play with you like that!" someone shouted.

Aiden stepped back, giving her space to recover. "Get up," he said simply, his voice calm but firm.

Ava gritted her teeth and pushed herself off the ground. "I'm not done yet," she growled.

She lunged forward, unleashing a flurry of punches. Her attacks were wild yet relentless, her frustration fueling her movements. Aiden, however, blocked and dodged them all with ease, his body moving like water around her strikes.

Pivoting to the side, he created an opening and delivered a sharp jab to her stomach. Ava stumbled back, clutching her abdomen again.

Damn it, Aiden thought, a flicker of guilt crossing his mind. Forgot to pull that one too.

Ava dropped to one knee, her head bowed. Her face was hidden from view, but her blush betrayed her emotions. Her mind raced as she clutched her stomach. Why... why does this feel so weird?

The crowd murmured among themselves. "Did he hit her too hard?" one student asked.

"She's probably crying," another speculated.

But Ava wasn't crying. Her face was flushed, her thoughts a whirlwind. What is wrong with me? Why does it feel like this?

After a moment, Ava stood up, her legs slightly shaky but her resolve unbroken. Her blush deepened as she avoided Aiden's gaze. "Let's keep going," she said, her voice quieter than before.

Aiden raised an eyebrow, but he nodded. "Alright."

This time, Aiden took the initiative. He stepped forward and threw a quick jab aimed at Ava's face. Ava blocked it, her arms raised. She countered with a punch to Aiden's body.

Aiden saw it coming but let the punch land. He pretended to stagger slightly, faking a wince. Ava blinked in confusion. That didn't feel right. It's like I hit a wall, not a person.

Before she could process it, Aiden retaliated with another punch to her torso. The impact made her gasp as she stumbled back again. Her blush deepened, her mind spiraling. Why... why do I feel this way?

Aiden, noticing her dazed state, pressed his advantage. He unleashed a flurry of punches, each strike precise and controlled. Ava tried to block and dodge, but she was overwhelmed. One final punch caused her to lose her balance, and she fell backward, landing on her rear.

The crowd roared with excitement, their cheers echoing through the gym.

Ava sat on the ground, her head bowed. Her hands clutched her face, hiding the deep blush that refused to fade. Her thoughts were in chaos. What is wrong with me? Why am I feeling like this?

Aiden approached her, extending a hand to help her up. "You alright?"

"Don't touch me!" Ava snapped, her voice sharper than she intended.

Aiden raised an eyebrow but shrugged, stepping off the stage. As he left, the crowd began whispering among themselves.

"She's probably crying because of her pride," one student said.

"Yeah, losing twice in a row must sting," another added.

But Ava wasn't crying. She remained on the ground, her face still flushed, her thoughts consumed by one thing: Those punches... why do I keep thinking about them?