Necromancy Conquest – Crushing the Tournament for Outdoor Bliss♥
I waited in the holding room. There were plenty of other contestants besides me—all unfamiliar faces. A broadcast staffer came looking for me.
“Sung Si-hyeok?”
“Yeah, that's me.”
“This way, please.”
“Got it.”
I took a deep breath as I followed the staffer. I glanced around. There are two holding rooms here. They split the contestants up for some reason. At least they were all strangers, which was a relief. If any were familiar faces, they'd be big names or dangerous fighters.
Soon the broadcast lights flicked on, and we reached the area with the taekwondo mats laid out. The staffer guided me to some folding chairs. So this is where it goes down.
“Nice to meet you, Sung Si-hyeok.”
“Ah, Zombie champ!”
“You're the man of the hour now, haha.”
“Pleasure's mine.”
I bowed my head slightly and shook his hand. It felt like a dream. For a pro gamer, it'd be like meeting Sim Yo-hwan in the flesh—the greatest player Korea ever produced.
He's got a surprisingly innocent look to him. Nickname was Cruel Zombie, right? 'Cause he tears into opponents like a maniac. Word was he had a solid record in Bali too. Devil in the cage, neighborhood bro outside. Even that made him appealing.
“Alright, have a seat!”
“Sure.”
As I sat, I spotted his entourage across from me, staff included. They were all grinning, watching me. Ah, this was kinda embarrassing for no reason.
Sis is drawing eyes even here. The staffers were stealing glances at her in surprise. But Sis kept her gaze locked solely on me.
Another guy sat down in a chair. Someone new had arrived—similar build, probably my opponent.
“Nice to meet you, Hwang Gong-su.”
“Yep.”
“We'll have you two do the qualifiers like this. If you're feeling under the weather anywhere, you're free to head out.”
I couldn't help but laugh. If that were the case, why show up?
“Haha, nah. Gotta fight even if it hurts.”
My opponent fired right back. “I'd rather die fighting.”
Zombie looked impressed, eyeing us both with shining admiration. Felt good—he probably saw us as future stars for his org.
“Whoa, you two have some serious fire. So, what got you into fighting?”
Gong-su answered first. “I was actually a school bullying victim. Wanted to get stronger, so I started martial arts.”
“Ooh, impressive.”
I shrugged. Such a clichéd backstory. Every reality show fighter these days has one like that.
I answered casually. “Life felt empty. But fighting was the only thing that made my heart race.”
“Kuh, that's some romantic fatalism right there. Wow, I'm hyped for you two today. Heh heh.”
Zombie was genuinely thrilled. Then Gong-su asked,
“Is it true Yair Rodriguez is coming?”
“Yep, you'll see him in the main tournament, not qualifiers.”
“Whoa, gotta bring my A-game then.”
“Alright, final words from you both.”
Gong-su glanced at me and smirked. “I'll turn you into a crumpled soda can.”
“Ooooh!”
The staffers hyped it up. Sis's expression turned icy. No need for that.
I smirked back. “My turn? Hmm, I'll make sure you never fight again. Oh, mentally speaking.”
“Oooooh!”
The energy surged. Sis sent me an adorable thumbs-up of encouragement.
Trash talk before a fight is standard in this sport.
Zombie stood. “Alright, let's get ready!”
Soon we prepped with the crew. Taping, gloves, shin guards. Annoying, but rules are rules.
Ji Sang-min helped silently, while Seung-hee gave tips.
“Heard his specialty's judo. Don't let him close the distance.”
“Got it.”
“His footwork screams years of training.”
“Yeah? Guess I'll make him rest up long-term then.”
Seung-hee cracked up at my reply. Sang-min shook his head.
“See, Seung-hee? This guy's got that vibe. All swagger.”
“I kinda knew. Go get 'em, swagger boy.”
I just grinned. Sis approached cautiously, nudging Seung-hee aside to snuggle close.
“You can win. You're the strongest, Si-hyeok.”
“Yeah, Sis. I'll make it quick—KO payback.”
Time flew, and it was duel time. Zombie stood in the center, eyeing us alternately.
“Ready? Ready? Fight!”
I advanced slowly on my opponent. Gong-su came in cautiously, then sneered. Child's play psych war.
A low kick whistled in. Whoosh! I switched stance and snapped a jab. He swatted it away. Definitely more than 5-6 years of casual judo.
Hand speed's insane.
I kept peppering jabs. As he adapted, I cracked a calf kick. He wobbled, then charged bull-like.
I feinted a straight to his face. He grinned. “Heh heh!”
Tried grabbing my arms with both hands. But I grinned too. Think you're used to my speed? Cocky much?
As if I wouldn't see that coming?
I retracted the straight like a lie and whipped a high kick. It smashed his face clean. He staggered, brain rattled.
Even then, he reached for a Muay Thai clinch. Tough mentality. But grow up.
I unleashed a massive uppercut. Finished with a needle-sharp right hook. He crumpled perfectly. Textbook KO.
Zombie laughed in shock. “Whoa, insane! Seventh matchup for us? First KO! Wooow.”
I raised my fist. “I'll tear 'em all apart. Tournament win? Mine.”
“Hyah, love the fire! Haha!”
I headed back casually, grinning. Sang-min and Seung-hee followed with Sis.
“Si-hyeok, solid work. Your reads are sharper.”
“Thanks to you, Coach.”
“Knew it.”
“Heh, show-off.”
“Hahaha!”
Sang-min's presence melted my tension. Seung-hee beamed and patted my shoulder lightly.
“My buddy's the best, for real.”
“Feedback?”
“Too perfect. You went easy. Poor guy's toast.”
“He was kinda weak.”
Back in the holding room. Now it was straight tournament bracket—knock 'em out one by one for the win.
Before heading in, I smiled at Sis. “Sis, I'm taking the whole thing.”
“You got this. But don't push too hard.”
“Psh, if I don't win, I'll carve my name on the trophy myself.”
“Hehe. Then if you win...”
She pressed close, whispering just for me.
“The reward is outdoor sex♥”
“Where to?”
Sis smirked, tugging her top down slyly. Her pale cleavage peeked out. That alone was a steroid shot. I was the embarrassed one now.
“Saw a backyard earlier. How 'bout there? Hehe♥”
“Yes ma'am!”
I entered the holding room. Other waiting contestants eyed me. Their stares had shifted.
Earlier they looked at me like a cow eyeing a chicken. Now full-on caution.
Better that way. Let 'em sweat more.
Time passed. I crushed the round of 16, quarters, semis in order.
Finally, the championship match.
“Do it, Si-hyeok.”
“Win it!”
I grinned at Sang-min and Seung-hee's cheers. Sis just smiled silently and nodded. That was enough.
Reason to win.
“Hoo!”
I strode to the cage. Glancing back, I spotted Rodriguez sitting with Zombie. Damn, what a build. Like a movie star.
I bowed instinctively. He flashed a huge gummy grin and bowed back.
I climbed in solemnly. Lights sparkled everywhere.
Checked my opponent. Wrestler type. Killer takedown setups, tough chin. Solid strengths. But weaknesses too.
Grappler, so all decisions so far. Going to decisions in a one-day tourney? Suicide. Like penalty kicks in every World Cup knockout. Stamina would tank.
Even standing still, I'd win on points. Still, no slacking.
Ref in judge robes hopped up—Zombie's usual sidekick?
Zombie hyped the mic. “Here stand two honorable warriors!”
“Woooaaah!”
Audience roared—who knew when they arrived. Official numbered events would be wilder.
Ref instructed and declared. “To your corners.”
Cage edge. The moment.
“Ready? Ready? Fight!”
“Woooaaah!”
Cheers erupted as the match kicked off. Who'd claim the crown?
I watched calmly. Then he switched stances suddenly—lead leg up, Muay Thai guard.
Huh?
Whip-crack! Mid kick lashed like a whip. I blocked and circled out. Couldn't help laughing.
Hidden ace? Stuck to wrestling on purpose to set image, but really Muay Thai?
Fun. Gonna smash him good.
He pressed with heavy breaths, forcing strikes. I slipped or blocked, saving energy. Crowd heated up.
Jabs nonstop, then sneaky calf kick—like a jab with his leg. “Ngh.”
I checked with my shin. Countered with a spinning heel. He twisted torso to dodge.
Thought about following up, but held. He exhaled, taunting. Cute.
“Scared? That all?”
“Why bother? You'll drop just standing there.”
“Talk's cheap in fighting.”
“Want a tip? Your strikes suck. All of 'em. That's fighting.”
I shrugged. He swung a back straight as bait. Dived in, full power fist.
Counter hook smashed his jaw. Thwack!
“Precision beats power.”
“Urk!”
I spun leisurely. Before he fell, he reached for ground game. Incoming grasp like a bullet.
Clean spinning heel to the face. Crunch!
“Timing beats speed.”
“Gahk!”
The big guy collapsed. Didn't get up. Ref checked and called it.
Victory.
“Hoo.”
Cheers shook the building, ears ringing.
“Woooaaah, insane!”
I caught my breath, grinned at Sang-min and Seung-hee. Nodded to Sis.
Did it. Above all, did it with Sis watching. Massive rush.
“Hyah.”
Sis beamed innocently, nodding and licking her lips. Roars swelled endlessly.
World spinning around me.
Alright, just the beginning?
Time for round two with Sis?!