Chapter 7: Martial Arts Tournament.

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—9 Months Later—

**King**

**The Gamer**

**Title:** None

**Species:** Human

**Health:** 25,460/25,460 (HP Regen: 509 per minute)

**Mana:** 26,510/26,510 (MP Regen: 530 per minute)

**Level:** 110 EXP 15,589/32,000

**STR:** 2,156

**VIT:** 1,981

**DEX:** 2,011

**INT:** 2,086

**WIS:** 1,857

**LUK:** 2,201

**Points:** -205

**Money:** 1,150,431¥

**Martial Arts Style:** None

The glaring absence of a martial arts style was something I aimed to fix in this tournament. After extensive research, I discovered that the "Super Fight" tournament depicted in the manga and anime didn't exist yet. Many of the larger, more prestigious tournaments required either the backing of a dojo or an already established name to enter.

Lacking both, I settled on the R-City regional tournament, the best option available. I managed to enter without an ID or even basic registration, taking advantage of the tradition of mysterious masked fighters participating in these tournaments. They rarely got far—typically eliminated in the qualifiers by fighters from renowned dojos—but I was listed under bracket K as "The Cloaked King." The organizers didn't have high expectations for me; in fact, I'm sure I heard one of them chuckle as I turned away. I couldn't blame them, given the black full-body cloak I wore and the overly dramatic name I chose.

But I was determined to win this tournament as King, a promise I had no intention of breaking. That meant adhering to the rules: no psychic attacks, no outsider abilities—just my body and martial prowess. The outsider abilities were still unrefined and far from battle-ready, especially my latest acquisition:

**The Spin (LV 12) – Active**

*A supernatural phenomenon wielded by Gyro Zeppeli and Johnny Joestar, allowing the user to produce energy through a perfect or near-perfect form of rotation with multiple applications.*

It was a unique and potent ability that I was still learning to wield without a horse, and at its current level, it was more of a liability than an asset. But I had high hopes for its potential, possibly even as a trump card against Saitama someday. The thought made me smile—until a shadow loomed over me.

"Ready to be pounded into dust, newbie?" A large, bulky man with short hair and an enormous blonde mustache sneered down at me. He was nearly twice my height, his presence more amusing than intimidating. "I'm Verit, master of the Multiple Destruction Fist. Many have fallen to these hands. This tournament will cement my name as the greatest martial artist on the planet. You're my first-round opponent, so I'm giving you a warning—give up now and save yourself the beating."

**Verit**

**Stepping Stone**

**Title:** None

**Species:** Human

**Health:** 6,200/6,200

**Mana:** 0/0

**STR:** 350

**VIT:** 226

**DEX:** 132

**INT:** 66

**WIS:** 32

**LUK:** 1

**Martial Arts Style:** Multiple Destruction Fist

I couldn't help but stifle a laugh. It was a recurring theme in *One Punch Man*—monsters and heroes would boast about their strength and backstory before being effortlessly defeated. Verit, while stronger than most, was still leagues below me. I wouldn't even need to remove my hands from my pockets for this fight. If all the fighters were on his level, this tournament would be a breeze.

Apparently, Verit didn't appreciate my amusement. Like every small fry in every medium ever, he decided to display his displeasure with a painfully slow punch. Time seemed to slow as I considered my options, but I didn't need to act. His extended arm was suddenly held tight by another competitor—a very familiar-looking one.

**Bang**

**Martial Arts Master**

**Title:** Silver Fang

**Species:** Human

**Health:** 862,425/862,425

**Mana:** 0/0

**STR:** ??

**VIT:** ??

**DEX:** ??

**INT:** ??

**WIS:** ??

**LUK:** 1,260

**Martial Arts Style:** Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist

Any pride I had in my abilities vanished as I recognized the man who would one day become the world's 3rd ranked hero. A hero capable of defeating multiple dragon-class monsters. Seeing him in person, younger and with brown hair and a smooth face, I realized how outmatched I was. My excitement shifted into acceptance—I would lose to Bang today. There was no way I could defeat him, especially restricted to my natural speed and strength. His stats were so far above mine that I couldn't even see them. I hadn't known that was possible until now.

"No fighting in the waiting room," Bang said sternly. His presence was commanding, and the mustachioed man quickly backed off. "You'll have your chance to settle this in the ring."

I couldn't help but admire the younger Bang. "Are you participating in the tournament today?" I asked, half hoping he'd say yes. As much as I wanted to win, the thought of fighting Bang was thrilling. It wasn't bloodlust or fighting spirit—just the joy of facing a boss so powerful that I'd have to return later when I'd leveled up.

"Try not to kill him," Bang advised, giving me a once-over. He couldn't see my face, but he didn't seem to judge me too harshly. I nodded in agreement.

"Would the first participants of Block K please report to the arena," the announcer called. I stood, ready for my match.

"See you in the final," I said to Bang, who nodded seriously.

"You're confident," he replied. "That's good, but don't let your confidence be your downfall."

I smiled under my cloak and headed to the arena. Bang was so cool that I had to resist the urge to ask for his autograph or to join his dojo. My excitement was hard to contain, but I reminded myself that my goal was to learn martial arts. My Comprehension of Phenomena skill should help with that. The announcer's voice faded into the background as I focused on the fight ahead.

"Ready for the hospital?" my earlier opponent taunted. I'd already forgotten his name. He wasn't worth remembering. I placed my hands in my pockets and widened my stance, signaling I was ready. "If you give up now, I might still forgive you, but if you—"

"Stop," I interrupted, tired of his bluster. "You're embarrassing yourself and disrespecting me. Either show me your ability or leave and let someone more competent take your place."

"You—" he began, but I wasn't interested in his response.

"I was looking forward to seeing Multiple Destruction Fist, but you've drained my enthusiasm. Put up or shut up."

His rage exploded, and he charged forward, throwing a punch. My Dodging skill kicked in as I analyzed his movements. I wasn't unimpressed. His stance was sloppy, and I saw several inefficiencies, but his technique allowed him to exert more strength and speed than he should. If this was the effect of a poor martial art, then Bang would be a true monster.

*Bang*—my knee connected with his chest, and I activated The Strength of Insects, sending him flying out of the ring. I dropped back to the ground, hands still in my pockets, and turned to leave. I knew I was supposed to observe some etiquette after the match, but I had no respect for my opponent. Besides, I wasn't technically a martial artist—at least, not yet.