The Wild Challenge From Both Lives

(Hikaru’s POV)

The afternoon classes dragged on, but I wasn’t having my mind on the lessons. At the mid-break before last period, I was thinking too much while write some important notes, I was too aware of the way how my body feel differently from past—lighter, active, more stable. Even the simple act of writing felt different, my movements are now sharper, more controlled.

Occasionally, I keep catching people looking at him. Some with more curiosity, others with more confusion, etc.

I ain’t blaming them. It’s their choice what to do.

But, as long as anyone could remember, I have been the bottom rung of the social ladder. The kid people ignored at best, and tormented at worst.

But today, I wasn’t hunched over. I am just ignoring rather than avoiding eye contact.

I am here and okay, yet.

And people noticed.

“Yo, Hikaru.”

As I was thinking, a voice pulled me out, when I looked up, it was him. One of my classmates, Shun, was approaching me. He is one of the people after Akari I can have conversations without any problem.

And yea, he can’t stand for me or they will end up injuring him. When I was bullied back then, he wanted to help me but I told him that ‘it’s okay man, because if you do, they will be coming for you.’

But right now, Shun’s expression is just… curious.

“You’ve been working out or something?”

Just hesitated for only a moment. “Something like that.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Really? Looks good on you.”

I am not sure how to respond to that, so I just shrug and said. “Thanks Shun.”

But our conversation hadn’t gone unnoticed. I can feel the eyes on us. The way people who normally ignored me are re-evaluating me.

Even Ryuji, throughout the day, flicked his gaze toward me—brief, uninterested. But I know him what exactly he is thinking whole time.

But Daiki? Daiki was staring with a sinister smile. Looks like it seemed to bother him.

“Be ready man, they won’t spare you because you hold ryuji’s hand.” He said it without hesitation but I ain’t blaming him.

“I will be okay buddy, just be safe.” because I might be surrounded by them or end up fleeing.

And our conversation ended with a fist bump and he returned to his seat. And the last period of the day starts.

—-

The sharp ring of the final school bell echoed through the halls, signaling the end of another school day. Students rushed to pack their bags, their chatter filling the room as they filtered out of the classroom.

I moved at my own pace with a calm mind, unfazed by the usual routine. I slang my bag over the shoulder and stepped out into the hallway, where the late afternoon light streamed through the windows.

Nothing really happened through the route when I reached the gate, even though there was no one to welcome me.

But as I reached the corner of school , a familiar tension settled in my gut.

I wasn’t alone.

On the other side of the street, a group of 3 loitered near the street light—Ryuji’s gang.

And they are waiting for me. Waiting to surround me with I try to pass them.

That’s why I turned back to avoid getting caught but here we are.

“Yo, Hikaru.”

I stopped at my track, why? Because they are standing there.

Daiki said it, having ‘that’ smile, hands in pocket. His voice was mockingly friendly. “You’ve been acting a little different lately.”

I could sense that three members were already standing behind me but I didn’t look at them. “Not really,” I said it evenly. “Just going home.”

Daiki chuckled. “Oh? And here I thought you might be in a rush to show off your new strength.”

I didn’t respond. I am not interested in playing their game anymore.

But Ryuji, who had been standing identical to daiki, finally approached.

“You touched me today,” Ryuji said. His tone was calm, almost conversational.

I tossed my bag gently at the wall and finally met his gaze. “And?”

A beat of silence.

Then we smirked. Why? Someone is getting beat down, but he doesn’t know who will be.

Then, without warning, he shot his hand forward and my body started to move on its own.

muscles tensed, reflexes sharpened—before I even processed the attack, I had already shifted my weight, stepping back just enough for Ryuji’s fingers to graze air instead of grabbing me.

A fraction of a second later, my body twisted slightly, footwork adjusting with a smoothness that felt foreign, yet natural.

It wasn’t a desperate retreat.

It wasn’t a flinch.

It was a dodge—clean, precise, and instinctive.

For a brief moment, there was silence.

The gang members blinked, taken aback. Even Daiki, who had been smirking, looked surprised.

Ryuji lowered his hand slowly. His expression didn’t change, but there was a subtle shift in his eyes—a flicker of interest.

Exhaled. I had already been thinking about moving, but my body simply just reacted.

That’s when it hit me.

—The Training.

The nonstop 15 hours of training in Isekai—dodging strikes, refining footwork, pushing his body beyond its limits—was starting to show in Sekai.

Ryuji studied him for a second longer before speaking.

That’s when it hit him.

“…Hah.” A slow, calculating smirk formed on his lips. “So, you’re not just taking hits anymore.”

I didn’t answer. I didn’t need to.

Because for the first time in years—

I am responding back.

Exhale slowly, my pulse steady despite the tension in the air. I raised my hands and folded my sleeves up, movements deliberate.

The group watched, confused at first—then amused.

Ryuji arched his brow. “What, you finally gonna start barking back?”

My gaze didn’t waver. I clenched my fists, feeling the strength I had earned in Isekai coursing through me. The pain, the sweat, the endless training—it was all for this moment.

“Because I quietly tolerate you all the time,” I said it, voice calm yet firm. “Now I want to see how it goes when I fight for the first time.”

Silence.

Then, Daiki snorted. “You? Fight?” His grin widened, cracking his knuckles. “Man, I almost feel bad for you.”

Ryuji smirked, tilting his head. “Alright then, let’s see what you got, ‘quiet boy.’”

The crowd of students whispered, their curiosity piqued. This wasn’t the Hikaru they knew.

But I am not thinking about them.

I am focused.

The body felt lighter. Stronger. Sharper.

And for the first time in my life—

—I am ready to throw the first, clear attacks.

Ryuji steps forward with a smirk, raising his fists lazily. He wasn’t taking this seriously.

But I exhaled. Mind was clear—no fear, no hesitation. Just movement.

As Ryuji prepared to strike first, launched into action.

I move my body in clockwise direction to perform Spinning Punch.

Ryuji expected it. His instincts kicked in, and he ducked.

— But I expected that. So his instinct will get punished.

My fist passed just inches above Ryuji’s lowered head then moved my other fist to perform the Uppercut.

It landed clean. The force snapped Ryuji’s head back, his body jerking upward from the unexpected impact.

The crowd gasped.

Before Ryuji could recover, my elbow drove into his chest— Elbow Strike —Knocking the air from his lungs. His body staggered backward.

With a fluid pivot on my back foot, I lifted my leg high, bringing my heel down with crushing force— Axe Kick —It crashed into Ryuji’s shoulder, sending him crashing to the ground.

BAM!

Silence.

Everyone stared.

Daiki’s eyes widened in shock. “The hell…?”

I stood tall, breathing controlled, stance solid.

Because For the first time… I wasn’t the one on the ground.

Ryuji groaned, pushing himself up with a look of pure rage. His pride had just been shattered in front of everyone.

My gaze was cold as I folded my sleeves back down.

“Now, try to beat me to death if you have guts.”

That single sentence sent a ripple through the crowd.

Ryuji roared, charging forward.

Just before impact, I dropped low and rolled— Forward roll —slipping past Ryuji’s grasp effortlessly.

Ryuji spun around, fists raised.

As Ryuji lunged toward me, I smoothly sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the punch that passed right where I had been a moment ago.

Daiki tried to flank me.

Daiki swung at Hikaru, but I raised my arm— Parry —deflecting the punch with a perfect parry that sent Daiki stumbling off-balance.

Gasps erupted.

Ryuji, relentless, came charging from behind, but I launched— Back Handspring —using the momentum to clear the attack and flip backward, narrowly escaping Ryuji’s grasp.

Daiki tried to grab me again, but I moved fluidly, stepping out of the way with a swift sidestep, leaving Daiki to crash into thin air.

The bullies were breathing hard, growing more frustrated with every miss.

But me? Calm. Steady. Untouched. I am in control of the fight.

The surrounding was silent except for the ragged breathing of Ryuji and Daiki. Around behind me, the other lackeys hesitated, uncertain whether they should jump in or step back.

I still stood tall, movements controlled, breathing steady.

Ryuji gritted his teeth. This wasn’t right. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.

“You…” he spat, wiping blood from his split lip. “What the hell happened to you?”

Hikaru tilted his head slightly. “I stopped letting trash like you decide who I am.”

Ryuji’s veins bulged with anger. He lunged forward, swinging wildly.

— Sidestep. I effortlessly stepped out of range.

— Pivot. I twisted my body, letting Daiki’s attack pass me by.

Ryuji threw a desperate right hook. I still move on learned moves.

Leaned back, letting the punch skim past my face— Weave.

My knee drove into Ryuji’s stomach like a hammer— Counter.

Ryuji choked on air, stumbling back. His legs buckled.

Daiki, seeing his leader fall, let out a frustrated yell and charged.