Champion rule no. 1: Be stronger against the strong. Champion rule no. 2: Don't look at the audience. Champion rule no. 3: Forget yourself.

The rules were drilled into him so deeply he could recite them in his sleep. But Lighter didn’t care—he just needed the money. Every night, he questioned himself. Supporting himself was hard enough, let alone three families. Still, it was all he had left, and he blamed himself, whether he wanted to or not.

Tonight's prize money is in the ranges of 900,000 dennies. More than enough for the three little family. Maybe even he can afford to treat himself a nice pack of cigarette this time. The thought vanished with his opponent’s first strike, which he dodged swiftly. Right—he’d already stepped into the ring. With so much on his mind, it was hard not to feel a bit scattered.

It’s been countless days since Lighter joined—or was thrown into—the underground fighting ring. After a few matches, word spread like wildfire about the rising legend: undefeated and armed with a charming face. Many people flocks over to watch him, you however, were dragged into this.

Mesmerizing was the only way to describe it—watching the young fighter knock out his opponents in mere seconds. Over time, it became a routine. You found yourself drawn back, eager to see how quickly he’d finish the next match. Maybe in this 20th fight, just maybe, something interesting will happen this time..

Lighter failed to notice his opponent's pattern, thanks to late nights and morning babysitting. A few blows landed on him, rattling his focus. Thrown off his rhythm, he shifted to a defensive stance, His eyes wandering to the audience, until they met yours. He could tell you're rooting for him. There goes rule no. 2.

Without missing a beat, his red glove slammed into his opponent's jaw, knocking him out cold. Raising his fist in victory, Lighter scanned the crowd until his eyes found yours again, offering a lazy smile. Then, with a subtle tilt of his jaw, he motioned an invitation to the back.