One piece: Without a system, I have to survive!

I barely had time to catch my breath.

The remaining five pirates spread out, surrounding me.

One twirled his cutlass, smirking.

"Look at him," he sneered. "Already gasping for air."

Another, a tall man with a spear, rolled his shoulders.

"Let's just kill him quickly," he muttered.

I wiped the sweat from my forehead, forcing my body to stay steady.

This was bad.

Taking down one pirate was already a miracle.

Now, I had to fight five at once.

No powers. No weapons. No system.

Just my fists… and my instincts.

The First Attack

The pirate with the spear lunged first.

I barely sidestepped in time—

SWOOSH!

The spear's tip whistled past my ribs, cutting into my shirt.

Too close.

Before I could counter—

Another pirate swung a cutlass at me.

I ducked, rolling to the side—

But a third came from behind!

THUD!

A fist slammed into my back, knocking the air from my lungs.

I stumbled, barely keeping my balance.

Damn it! I can't keep up!

Survival Instinct

Pain throbbed through my body.

I was outnumbered. Outmatched.

But my mind was clear.

I couldn't fight them all at once.

I had to divide and conquer.

I spotted my first target—the spear-wielder.

He had the longest reach. Take him out first.

I forced my legs to move, rushing straight at him.

His eyes widened. "What the—"

Too late.

I grabbed his spear shaft, twisting it violently—

SNAP!

The wooden pole splintered.

Before he could react—

I slammed my elbow into his throat.

He gagged—then collapsed.

One down.

A Glimmer of Hope

The other pirates hesitated for a moment.

They weren't laughing anymore.

I exhaled, rolling my shoulders.

I was still outnumbered.

Still exhausted.

But I wasn't broken.

And as long as I was still standing—

I would keep fighting.