After a dull thud, Sato's massive body crashed onto the wooden floor, sending up a spray of fine splinters.
His eyes were wide, and his heavy breaths rushed against the floor. One arm was still frozen in a punching stance, his face filled with utter disbelief.
The martial arts he had practiced for years and taken pride in couldn't even last five moves against this first-year?
"Impossible..."
His Adam's apple bobbed as he struggled to lift his upper body, but all he felt was a spreading numbness beneath his ribs and around his shoulder blade. His strength seemed to drain away.
The sharp scrutiny in his eyes had vanished, replaced by utter astonishment. "That skill of yours... how many years have you been training?"
Hoshida No withdrew his knee from Sato's chest and stepped back half a pace, his breathing still steady. He didn't reply, merely glancing down at his phone, where 200,000 newly earned points had brought his balance to 400,000.
Just then, the club president, who had been standing at the back of the passage, slowly stepped forward.
He was half a head taller than Sato. His uniform collar hung open, revealing his solid collarbones. His formerly calm gaze had turned as sharp as an eagle's, fixed firmly on Hoshida No.
Unlike Sato, who acted on impulse, he showed no shock. His eyes held only the gravity and curiosity that Hoshida No's strength had stirred in him.
Beating Qiancheng in three moves and defeating Sato in five was no fluke. It was the result of practical combat skills honed through countless trials.
"Impressive skills."
The president's voice was lower than Sato's, carrying the composure of someone long accustomed to being in charge. "I'm Morikawa, president of the Martial Arts Club."
He gestured for Sato to get up, but didn't take his eyes off Hoshida No. "Qiancheng specializes in straight punches, while Sato focuses on throws. You found both their weaknesses with pinpoint accuracy and struck decisively. You're an opponent worth taking seriously."
Hoshida No looked up and lightly tapped his phone screen. His balance of 400,000 points lit up for everyone to see.
"I'll put up 400,000 points," he said, still calm but utterly certain. "I want to fight President Morikawa."
His words exploded through the dojo like a thunderclap.
400,000 points—enough to let any student live comfortably at this school for a year. Even Morikawa's pupils contracted slightly.
He fell silent for a few seconds, his gaze sweeping over Hoshida No's fearless face before turning to the club members holding their breath. "All right. I accept your 400,000 points."
He took two steps forward and stopped face-to-face with Hoshida No. His imposing presence suddenly drew in, yet it was more oppressive than Sato's brash display.
It was the restrained edge of a strong fighter, tempered over many years.
"I specialize in practical fighting techniques that combine judo and Kyokushin karate," Morikawa said gravely. "You can surrender at any time."
Hoshida No gave a slight nod. His hands hung naturally at his sides, his center of gravity lowered. His gaze remained calm, but now held an unprecedented focus.
The dojo fell completely silent. Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on the two men.
As soon as Morikawa finished speaking, his imposing presence spread throughout the room.
He didn't rush forward. His feet were planted on the wooden floor like nails, and he held his arms crossed in front of his chest, his eagle-like gaze locked on Hoshida No's every subtle movement.
It was a Kyokushin karate guard, yet he left an opening around his waist for a judo throw. It was impossible to tell which parts were feints and which were real.
Hoshida No maintained his relaxed stance, fingers slightly curled as his gaze swept over Morikawa's steady footing.
Just as everyone expected him to dodge first, Hoshida No suddenly moved.
His left foot darted forward like a ghost, instantly slipping inside Morikawa's guard. His right hand reached straight for Morikawa's forearm, and his fingertips precisely hooked into the gap around the wrist bone.
A gleam flashed in Morikawa's eyes. Instead of retreating, he pressed forward, lowering his left arm to use his weight to pin Hoshida No's wrist. At the same time, he bent his right knee and drove it toward Hoshida No's abdomen. His move combined softness with force, displaying the skill of years of practical combat.
But Hoshida No had anticipated it. His hand clamped around Morikawa's wrist bone and abruptly tightened, while his waist twisted. His left foot hooked around the ankle of Morikawa's supporting leg, and his body spun halfway around like a top.
"Ugh!" Morikawa grunted. A piercing numbness shot through his wrist, and the strength in his lower body was instantly thrown off balance.
He reacted quickly, releasing the hand guarding his chest to seize Hoshida No's shoulder. But the boy suddenly lowered his body, and his right elbow skimmed past Morikawa's ribs before coming to rest firmly against his chest.
The force stopped at the very instant it touched his clothing, without the slightest unnecessary impact.
Time seemed to stand still.
Morikawa remained with his arm outstretched, Hoshida No's elbow against his chest. All his strength seemed to sink into the sea, leaving him nowhere to direct it.
He looked down at the elbow against his chest, then raised his eyes to Hoshida No's calm, unruffled gaze. Shock and solemnity churned in his eyes before finally giving way to an understanding smile.
"I've lost."
The three short words rang clearly through the silent dojo.
Morikawa slowly raised his hand to signal Hoshida No to withdraw his move, his voice full of admiration. "Your technique is incredibly precise. Every step landed on one of my openings, and your control over your strength is masterful."
Hoshida No withdrew his elbow and stepped back half a pace, his breathing still steady.
Morikawa straightened and rubbed his numb wrist, looking at him with burning intensity. "For a first-year to have skills like yours, you're definitely an exception among this year's newcomers."
He paused, his tone turning solemn. "Hoshida No, I'd like to formally invite you to join the Martial Arts Club." (P.S. The student ID is above the Personal Points balance section.)
The club members around them were already buzzing with excitement and disbelief.
Their president had actually lost to a newcomer! And now, with the president's invitation, everyone looked to Hoshida No, eager to hear his answer.
Morikawa watched Hoshida No and added, "With your strength, you can join as vice president right away. You'll have access to all the club's resources, and you'll receive an additional monthly points stipend exclusive to the club."
"Besides, you'll find opponents here who can truly match you and help you hone your skills."
His gaze was full of sincerity. "What do you say? Give it some thought."
Hoshida No glanced down at his phone, where the 400,000 points he had just earned were reflected in the screen's glow against his calm eyes.
He fell silent for two seconds at Morikawa's invitation, tapping the back of his phone lightly with his fingertips before finally replying, "All right."
A quiet cheer rose through the dojo, but the club members quickly stifled it. Everyone held their breath, waiting for him to continue.
Hoshida No looked up, his gaze passing over Morikawa's hopeful expression. His voice remained indifferent. "But I have one condition. I won't come to the club regularly for its usual activities."
The dojo's commotion immediately stopped. The smile on Morikawa's face stiffened slightly before he fell into thought.
The club members exchanged glances. Someone couldn't help muttering, "If he won't come to the club often, what's the point of joining?"
Morikawa raised a hand to stop the discussion behind him. He studied Hoshida No for a moment, as though trying to read something in his calm expression.
At last, he grinned and slapped his chest. "No problem!"
"The Martial Arts Club doesn't need formal restrictions," Morikawa said in a deep, powerful voice. "As long as you're listed as vice president and can support the club when it matters, and occasionally offer pointers to the juniors, you can come to regular training or not. It's up to you."
He paused and added, "You'll still receive the club's resources and points stipend at the highest level."
Hoshida No nodded slightly in agreement. Morikawa immediately held out his hand. "Looking forward to working with you, Vice President Hoshida No."
Hoshida No raised his hand and briefly shook his. His fingertips had barely touched Morikawa's broad palm before he pulled away.
The phone screen dimmed automatically, hiding the 400,000-point balance in darkness, like the thoughts concealed beneath his calm exterior—impossible for anyone to guess.
The club members still had some questions, but with the president's approval, no one dared say anything more. They simply looked at Hoshida No with a little more awe and curiosity.
This mysterious newcomer wasn't just terrifyingly strong; even the way he joined the club was completely out of the ordinary.