The Ghost lunged. Viktor didn't retreat; he met the blade halfway. He caught the attacker’s wrist in a lock that sounded like dry wood snapping. The knife clattered to the floor.

For the first three minutes, Viktor didn't strike. He danced. He used the brothers' momentum against each other, staying on the periphery, making the Five trip over their own shadows. He was "buying time," letting the adrenaline dump wear them out.

The crowd went silent as the five challengers entered. They weren't just street thugs; they were a coordinated unit—specialists. There was the Boxer, the Grappler, two heavy-hitting brothers, and a man they called "The Ghost" for his speed. The bell chimed once.

The Grappler lunged, trying to take the fight to the floor, but Viktor caught him in a clinch, using the man as a human shield against the brothers' strikes. With a sharp twist, he sent the Grappler into the corner post.