NOVEL WEB Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Questions and Growth
The gym still buzzed with the energy of the recent sparring sessions. Conversations echoed against the walls, punctuated by the occasional clang of weights or the rhythmic pounding of fists on the heavy bags. Alex found himself leaning against a bench, towel draped around his neck, trying to catch his breath after the intense exchange with Miyata.
A small crowd of gym members had gathered around him, their faces lit with curiosity and excitement.
"Yo, Alex! Where'd you learn that stance?" one of the boxers asked, eyes wide with intrigue.
"Yeah, man, you're telling me you're new to boxing, but that stance says otherwise!" another chimed in, nodding towards Alex with admiration.
Alex smirked, still wiping the sweat from his brow. "Instincts, I guess," he replied casually, though his heart pounded slightly at the attention.
"Instincts, huh?" Takamura's unmistakable voice boomed as he shoved through the small crowd. His signature grin was plastered across his face as he looked Alex up and down. "More like a lucky fluke! You looked like you were two seconds away from getting clobbered."
"Is that so?" Alex fired back, his voice dripping with mock indifference. "Says the guy who probably learned to box after watching kung fu movies."
The gym erupted in laughter. Even Ippo, standing nearby with a shy smile, chuckled at the playful banter.
Takamura, feigning offense, jabbed a finger at Alex. "You've got guts, rookie. But let's see if you've got the skills to match. One round in the ring with me, and you'll be crying for your mama!"
Alex shrugged, his grin unfazed. "I'd take you up on that, but I don't think you can handle the embarrassment."
"Pfft, keep talking," Takamura retorted, but the twinkle in his eye betrayed his amusement.
Kamogawa's sharp voice cut through the laughter, silencing the gym like a teacher entering a rowdy classroom. "Enough playing around." He strode towards Alex, his eyes serious. "Alex, a word."
The crowd quickly dispersed, the boxers returning to their routines but sneaking glances in Alex's direction.
"Yes, Coach?" Alex asked, straightening up under the older man's piercing gaze.
Kamogawa's brow furrowed slightly as he studied Alex. "Where did you learn to fight like that? That stance, those movements...
they're not something you pick up overnight."
Alex hesitated. The truth wasn't something he could explain—not without sounding like a lunatic. He rubbed the back of his neck, feigning nonchalance. "Like I said earlier, Coach. Just instincts. Maybe I saw something on TV as a kid and it stuck with me."
Kamogawa's eyes narrowed slightly. It was clear he wasn't entirely convinced, but he decided to let it slide for now. "Instincts or not, you've got something. But raw talent isn't enough. You need discipline, training, and a will to endure. Be here tomorrow, ready to work."
Alex nodded, his smirk returning. "You got it, Coach."
Kamogawa gave a curt nod and turned away, leaving Alex to his thoughts.
Later that evening, the Makunouchi household was quiet. After a modest dinner with Ippo and his mother, Alex retreated to his room, eager for some solitude.
Flopping onto his futon, he sighed deeply. The day's events replayed in his mind like a highlight reel—the sparring match with Miyata, the questions from Kamogawa, and the crowd's reaction to his performance. It all felt surreal, like he was living in a dream.
A faint ding broke the silence, and Alex immediately sat up, his pulse quickening. The glowing blue panel of his system materialized before him, its clean interface displaying his updated stats.
Name: Alex Makunouchi
Gender: Male
Age: 16
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 60 kg
Template: Gaolang Wongsawat
Progress: 10%
Offense Style: Hitman Style (Beginner)
Defense Style: Philly Shell (Beginner)
Alex stared at the screen, his eyes scanning every line. The words "Hitman Style" and "Philly Shell" stood out like beacons, reminding him of the instincts that had awakened during the fight.
"Only 10% progress, huh?" he muttered, his fingers brushing his chin thoughtfully. "If that's what 10% feels like, I can't imagine what 100% will bring."
His gaze lingered on the words "Beginner." He clenched his fists, feeling the familiar pang of frustration that always accompanied his hunger for improvement.
"I can't stop here," Alex said to himself. "Miyata's speed, his precision... I need to catch up, no—surpass him. This system gave me Gaolang's foundation, but the rest is on me."
The panel faded after a few seconds, leaving Alex in the dim light of his room. He lay back down, staring at the ceiling. The aches in his muscles were a reminder of how much work lay ahead, but they also fueled his determination.
"I'll make them remember my name," Alex whispered, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "Tomorrow, the real training begins."
The next day at the gym, Alex found himself the center of attention once again. Takamura was back to teasing him, while Ippo tried to offer quiet encouragement.
"So, Alex," Takamura said, leaning against the ropes with a mischievous grin, "ready to make a fool of yourself again today?"
Alex raised an eyebrow. "I thought that was your job, Takamura."
The gym erupted in laughter, and even Kamogawa cracked a rare smile as he entered the room.
"Alright, enough chit-chat," the coach barked. "We've got work to do. Alex, I hope you're ready to sweat."
Alex smirked, rolling his shoulders. "Born ready, Coach."
The day's training regimen was brutal—shadowboxing, heavy bag work, and footwork drills that left Alex's legs trembling. But he endured every second, his mind focused on one goal: improvement.
As the session ended, Kamogawa approached Alex, a thoughtful look on his face. "You're improving, but don't let it get to your head. Boxing is a long road, and you've just taken your first steps."
Alex nodded, his expression serious for once. "I understand, Coach. I'll give it everything I've got."
Kamogawa gave a satisfied nod before turning to bark orders at another fighter.
Alex glanced at Ippo, who was drenched in sweat but still smiling. The two exchanged a nod, a silent acknowledgment of their shared journey.
"This is just the beginning," Alex thought, clenching his fists. "Ippo's got his dreams, and I've got mine. Let's see who reaches the top first."