Chapter 5: The Confrontation — Clash of Powers

Johnson slipped away from the bustling crowd, nodding politely to Eyox and Daniel as he moved toward the small comfort room near the court. The harsh glare of the sun was softened by lingering clouds from the afternoon rain, and the faint scent of wet earth lingered in the air.

Inside, Johnson splashed cool water over his sweat-soaked face, adrenaline pounding through his veins. His eyes met his reflection in the cracked mirror—a young man with fierce eyes, sharp features, and an aura both mysterious and powerful that set him apart from the locals.

Suddenly, a presence flickered behind him. Before Johnson could turn, Daniel appeared in an instant, cold and focused, blocking the doorway.

Daniel:
“Reveal yourself. Are you a friend... or a foe?”

Johnson didn’t flinch. His lips curled into a sly smile as he turned slowly.

Johnson:
“Wanna find out?”

Without warning, Johnson’s fist shot out like a bullet toward Daniel’s stomach.

Time seemed to pause.

Daniel’s hands caught the punch effortlessly, holding it firm with both palms.

Daniel (thinking): Such a powerful punch... No ordinary strength is this. If he’s a monster, he should have transformed to unleash such power.

But Johnson was not done. His expression darkened, and an eerie glow began to trace across the edges of his skin—just beneath the surface—like flames licking through shadow. His power surged to nearly 40%, revealing faint, devilish patterns that danced along his arms, hinting at the Tikbalang blood coursing through him. His eyes flashed fiercely with unusual intensity.

With a sudden, ferocious roar, Johnson pushed back with an explosive force, hurling Daniel backward across the small room.

Daniel’s body slammed into the wall but did not break—his feet remained firmly planted on the floor, resisting the pull of the impact while his torso was thrust back.

Sweat and water droplets flying off Johnson’s body around him slowly began to evaporate in the charged air, sizzling faintly like sparks in a mist.

Daniel’s eyes narrowed, a grin spreading across his face.

Daniel:
“Now you’re getting serious…and you don’t want to reveal your identity. Want to level this fight? Fine.”

Without warning, Daniel unleashed a sudden burst of energy from within—a portion of his own latent power surging outwards in a blinding flash. He didn’t know exactly how strong he was; new as a mercenary, his limits remained a mystery. But the power hummed through him, granting speed and strength beyond normal.

The two launched into a wild exchange of lightning-fast punches, fists flying so quickly the room seemed to blur. They moved with such speed and ferocity that the cracked mirror behind them shattered, shards scattering like stars.

Blows landed with crushing force—each strike met with equal intensity. Neither gave quarter. The air itself seemed to ripple from the collision of their strength.

Then, with a disciplined move born of training and raw power, Daniel swiftly locked Johnson in a tight hold, wrapping his arms firmly around Johnson’s neck.

Daniel (coldly):
“Got you. Now show me your mark.”

Johnson’s eyes glinted, recognizing the serious challenge from this newly revealed powerhouse. Slowly, he bared his wrist to Daniel, revealing the glowing mercenary mark etched there—an ancient symbol pulsating with a soft, otherworldly light.

Daniel immediately released his hold, stepping back.

The tension broke as both men laughed, the weight of the intense confrontation lifting.

Johnson:
“That was a close one. You almost squeezed the life out of me.”

Daniel:
“Had to be sure. You’re the first opponent who could actually catch my punch.”

The First Meeting of Allies

The two exchanged nods of mutual respect.

Johnson:
“I’m just passing through. Got a monster request near Maitum—a tough one to slay. Figured I’d test the waters here first.”

Daniel:
“Glad you did. Could use strong allies around.”

He smiled and added,

Daniel:
“By the way, Johnson, do you have a place to stay tonight? You can crash at my house if you don’t have anywhere else. I want to hear your exciting mercenary stories.”

Johnson nodded gratefully.

Evening at Daniel’s House: Stories and Secrets

The sun dipped low behind the coconut groves as Daniel, Johnson, and Eyox settled into the small cozy living room of Daniel’s home. The air was filled with the aroma of grilled fish and roasted corn, soft laughter, and the gentle hum of cicadas outside.

Eyox smiled brightly, pouring a cup of water.

Eyox:
“So, Johnson, you really shook the town today on the court! Who knew we had a player with such skills come through Maitum?”

Johnson:
(laughing) “It’s a good place—quiet, but with plenty of spirit. You guys definitely play hard.”

Daniel grinned and nudged Eyox.

Daniel:
“Eyox has been my best friend since childhood. Always cheering me on, no matter the game.”

Eyox chuckled and nodded, clearly proud.

After a moment’s pause, Daniel’s gaze drifted toward the window, eyes distant.

Daniel:
“You know, my dad was an archaeologist. He traveled all over the Philippines, exploring caves and forgotten ruins. It wasn’t often he was home.”
(he smiles sadly)
“But as far as I know... he’s a great archaeologist. Studying ancient caves and ruins.”

Johnson listened intently, fascinated.

Johnson:
“Sounds like you grew up knowing there’s more to this world than meets the eye—even if you didn’t realize it.”

Daniel:
“Maybe that’s why I felt… different sometimes. Like there were things just beyond my reach, waiting for me.”

Eyox, still smiling, looked at both with curiosity.

Eyox:
“That’s some heavy stuff for a small town boy. I never knew all that.”

The mood softened, and the three shared a quiet moment. Then Eyox yawned, stretching.

Eyox:
“Alright, I think I’m going to crash. Early day tomorrow.”

He stood and quietly slipped away to another room to rest, leaving Daniel and Johnson alone in the living room.

The Hidden Truths Revealed

The atmosphere shifted to something more serious and intense as Johnson leaned forward.

Johnson:
“Since Eyox left… I should tell you the truth. I’m a mercenary. I hunt monsters—creatures lurking unseen by most. My bloodline is Tikbalang—I can unlock up to 40% of my power without transforming, but beyond that means turning into something far more dangerous. Hard to control.”

Daniel absorbed this silently, the weight of the secret settling deeply between them.

Johnson:
“There’s a monster stirring near Maitum. That’s why I’m here. We need to prepare.”

Daniel nodded, the line between the boy he was and the mercenary he was becoming starting to blur.