Velenix (I)

The bar is dimly lit, filled with shadows, and heavy with smoke. It’s the kind of place where fighters lick their wounds and hide from the world. Halfa is nursing a drink, his eyes scanning the room, piecing together fragments of rumors he’s heard since his fight with Osvaldo Malo. He overhears a group talking about an organization called Ala Oscura, whispered about like a phantom, a name most don’t dare to speak openly.

Suddenly, a heavy thud echoes from the back of the bar. Halfa’s attention snaps to the sound, and he spots a man he recognizes—Kata Cardozo, a well-known fighter with unparalleled observational skills, slumped over at the bar. Kata's face is gaunt, his eyes hollowed out, and he looks like a shell of the powerful fighter he once was.

Kata (muttering to himself, voice shaky): “Can’t believe it… he had something… some kind of… power.”

Halfa (approaching cautiously): “You’re Kata Cardozo, right? What happened? You look like you've been through hell.”

Kata (snaps out of it, a hint of anger and fear in his eyes): “You wouldn’t understand. Some things… some fights you can’t just win. Especially when they’re not playing fair.”

Kata reluctantly starts talking to Halfa about his recent defeat to a new fighter named Raul Capetillo. Raul seemed unnaturally strong and resilient, almost as if he had an edge beyond physical training.

Kata (sighing, voice heavy): “This wasn’t a fight… it was like facing a monster. He kept going, no matter how many hits he took. And then, I found out… Ala Oscura. They’re behind it all. Feeding these fighters something that makes them… inhuman.”

Halfa (frowning, his fists clenching): “Ala Oscura? Who are they?”

Kata explains that Ala Oscura is a shadowy organization that has been manipulating underground fights by selling dangerous steroids and other enhancements. They’re not only selling illegal substances but also hoarding information on fighters, betting strategies, and weaknesses.

Halfa (determined): “Where do I find these Ala Oscura people?”

Kata (shakes his head): “If you dig too deep… you’re as good as dead. But… if you really want to know… there’s one place you might start. The Arena del Silencio. You’ll find more than just fights there.”

Halfa’s brow furrows. He presses further, but Kata is barely coherent, his words slurring as he describes a brutal match he recently lost. He mentions a name: Raul Capetillo —a rising star in the underground fighting circuit, fueled by something dark and unnatural.

Determined to understand more, Halfa investigates the rumor of Raul Capetillo, the new fighter whose strength seems inhuman. Through a few underground connections, he learns that Raul Capetillo is connected to Ala Oscura, a syndicate that has started supplying “power enhancers”—a dangerous form Halfa enters the chaotic arena, the sound of cheering and fighting echoing through the walls. He blends into the crowd, observing the fights. Finally, he sees Raul Capetillo in action. Raul’s power is unnatural, his blows hitting with a force that seems superhuman.

 “So, this is the guy who took Kata down. He moves like he’s got no limits. Is this Ala Oscura’s doing? They’re really giving fighters an edge with… something unnatural. Whatever they’re using, it’s dangerous.” Halfa thinking further of it.

As the fight concludes, Halfa decides to confront Raul when he is out of arena. He approaches the fighter as Raul is cleaning up after his match and goes to street.

Halfa: “Raul Capetillo, right? I heard you fought Kata Cardozo recently. Funny thing — I thought nobody could beat him.”

Raul (smirking, shrugging casually): “Guess he wasn’t as tough as everyone thought. What do you want?”

Halfa: “Word is, you had some extra help. Something from Ala Oscura.”

Raul (eyes narrowing): “You’re messing with things you don’t understand. Ala Oscura doesn’t like people prying into their business.”

Raul turns to walk away, but Halfa grabs his arm.

Halfa : “I don’t care what they like. I’m not here to play by their rules.”

Raul wrenches his arm free and gives Halfa a warning look.

"It’s your funeral, amigo," Raul retorts before pushing past him, leaving Halfa with the bitter realization: he's stumbled onto something much darker than he anticipated, and Ala Oscura is just beginning to reveal its shadowy grip on the fighters.

As Raul brushes past him, Halfa’s hand shoots out, grabbing Raul’s shoulder and spinning him back around. The crowd in the bar goes silent, sensing a brewing clash. Raul’s cocky grin returns as he squares up, clearly eager for a fight.

"Think you can take me without your enhancements?" Halfa taunts, fists clenched, his intense gaze locked onto Raul.

Raul scoffs, taking a step closer. "I’ll beat you here just like I did to Kata. No drugs needed."

In a flash, Raul throws a powerful right hook. Halfa dodges, feeling the air slice by his ear, and counters with a solid jab to Raul’s ribs. The punch lands with a satisfying thud, and Raul stumbles, momentarily caught off-guard. But he quickly regains his footing, snarling.

Raul retaliates with a series of swift, brutal punches, forcing Halfa onto the defensive. The patrons step back, forming an impromptu ring, their voices a mix of excitement and trepidation. Raul's strength is undeniable, but Halfa senses the reckless aggression from the drugs, using it to his advantage. He shifts his stance, dodging and absorbing Raul's attacks, waiting for the perfect moment.

"Is that all you've got?" Halfa taunts between breaths, ducking another wild swing from Raul. Seizing the opening, Halfa delivers a powerful uppercut that lands square on Raul’s jaw, sending him staggering backward.

Raul’s hand flies to his mouth, checking for blood. His eyes darken, rage replacing arrogance. With a primal shout, he lunges forward, aiming a final blow that could end the fight. But Halfa anticipates it, sidestepping and delivering a decisive punch to Raul’s temple, knocking him to the ground.

The streets erupts into cheers, but Halfa’s focus is unwavering. Leaning down to Raul, halfa whispers, "I’ll find out everything about Ala Oscura, and you’ll regret bringing them into this fight."

Raul: “You want answers? Talk to their man — San Juan. He’s the one handling… distribution. But don’t expect him to talk to you. He doesn’t deal with nobodies.”

Halfa remembers Osvaldo’s offer and wonders if this syndicate is why Osvaldo wanted him to join the operation. Refusing to align himself with any black-market faction, Halfa instead vows to uncover Ala Oscura’s secrets on his own, knowing he’ll be entering the belly of the beast without backup.

To Be Continue....

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