Chapter 37 – Gacha Pull: Super Soldier Serum
The training ground in Piltover's secluded workshop area had become Steven's sanctuary.
The space, a narrow alleyway between buildings, offered little in the way of distractions.
Here, amidst the cool shadows, Steven could focus on the delicate balance of mind and body, training his limits, and pushing past them.
The rhythmic sound of his breath filled the space, syncing with the sharp strike of his feet against the stone beneath him.
He was no longer just practicing the basics—today, he was ready to take it further.
GACHA SYSTEM – INTERFACE DETECTED
New Pull Unlocked
The glowing interface flickered quietly in his mind. A familiar card hovered in front of him, its edges glinting with golden shimmer.
Execute Gacha Pull?
[Yes] – [No]
[Yes]
The card spun, whirred, then shattered into shimmering fragments. Text floated before him like a divine message.
(C Grade) Super Soldier Physique (Marvel)
Banyu stood a few feet away, a silent sentinel, observing every movement with intense focus.
His presence was both calming and demanding, a reminder of the high expectations that came with true mastery.
Every action Steven made was scrutinized, and today, Banyu's calm demeanor was tinged with the quiet anticipation of their sparring match.
Steven could feel the pressure mounting.
His body was growing stronger, his form more refined, but there was still something missing.
He'd trained for hours, and although his focus was sharper than ever, he could sense his limits, the boundary between where his body ended and where his potential began.
The sparring match with Banyu was fast approaching, but as he wiped the sweat from his brow, Steven found himself contemplating his next step.
The Gacha pull from earlier still lingered in his mind. The cooldown would keep him from making another pull for a month, but he wondered if the Super Soldier Physique could give him that extra edge.
He wasn't sure if it would take effect in time, but with the match beginning soon, he needed every advantage.
With a thought, he accessed the Gacha system.
GACHA SYSTEM – CORE SYNCHRONIZED
User: Steven LiamSync Rate: 100%Status: Stable
Pulls:
(C Grade) Super Soldier Physique (Marvel)
(C Grade) Spider Sense (Marvel)
(D Grade) Enhanced Musculature (Invincible)
His eyes narrowed as he processed the pull. The Super Soldier Physique was exactly what he needed—a physique capable of pushing his physical abilities beyond human limitations.
With this enhancement, his strength, agility, and durability would be elevated to superhuman levels. He needed this, especially for what was about to come.
As he stood in the alleyway, a quiet hum ran through his veins, the serum beginning to take effect. He could feel the subtle surge of power, like a second wind.
His muscles tingled, and his senses sharpened. He was ready.
Banyu stepped forward, his movements measured, his voice cutting through the silence.
"Are you ready?"
Steven nodded, the weight of his decision settling in.
"Let's begin."
The sparring match began with Banyu in motion.
His movements were fluid, a blend of grace and lethal precision.
He closed the distance with ease, launching a series of controlled strikes.
The first blow came like a thunderclap, fast and direct, but Steven reacted just in time, barely dodging to the side. His body felt lighter—faster.
Banyu's next attack came even quicker, but Steven was prepared.
His enhanced reflexes kicked in, allowing him to sidestep with newfound speed.
His mind raced to process Banyu's rhythm, and within moments, he found himself closing the gap between them.
His movements weren't perfect, but they were better. Sharper.
Then came a critical moment.
Banyu lunged, anticipating a slower response, but Steven had already adapted. In a fluid motion, he countered, landing a jab to Banyu's ribs.
It wasn't a forceful blow, just a quick tap—but it was enough.
Banyu stopped, his eyes widening ever so slightly.
A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"You've improved. Much faster than I expected."
The words were enough to push Steven further.
His body was still adjusting, still getting used to the power coursing through him.
But each movement, each strike, was a step toward mastery.
With every punch, every block, Steven could feel himself growing—not just as a fighter, but as someone who was finally able to control the chaos within.
As the sparring continued, Steven's body responded instinctively.
His enhanced muscles moved with greater power and precision, his senses sharper than before.
He could hear the subtle shift of air as Banyu's next move approached, and he was ready.
He dodged again, this time landing a series of quick jabs to Banyu's chest. Each hit was measured, controlled, but effective.
Banyu stepped back, his expression one of admiration.
"Impressive. You're starting to understand the flow, the rhythm of battle. But you're still holding back."
Steven's chest heaved with each breath, but his resolve was unwavering.
"I'm not holding back," he said, his voice steady despite the exertion.
"I'm learning. And I'm not done yet."
With that, he launched himself forward, not holding back any longer.
His speed had reached a new level, the serum amplifying his every move.
Banyu met his advance with a fluid defensive stance, but Steven's enhanced strength was too much. With a quick feint, Steven closed the distance and landed a solid punch to Banyu's side.
The blow wasn't meant to cause real harm, but it was enough to make his teacher acknowledge the shift in their fight. Banyu stepped back, a slow grin spreading across his face.
"Well done, Steven," Banyu said, his voice filled with approval. "You've come a long way."
Steven stood tall, his muscles aching from the intensity of the fight. But despite the exhaustion, a smile tugged at his lips. He had done it—he had landed a blow. And it felt like a victory.
"Thank you," Steven said, his voice steady. "I couldn't have done it without this."
He gestured to the serum-enhanced physique, a subtle acknowledgment of the power coursing through him.
Banyu bowed slightly, a gesture of respect. "The path to mastery is never easy. But today, you've taken a significant step forward."
As the sparring match ended, Steven felt the weight of his progress settling in.
He had grown stronger not just physically, but mentally.
The lessons from Banyu had already begun to sink in, and he was starting to understand the true meaning of balance.
With each fight, each sparring session, he would continue to grow—like a prodigy, advancing faster than even he could anticipate.