Medics rushed into the ring, a whole army of them. They were helping the wounded stand, bandaged their hands and legs, giving magical aid or even potions where necessary. I really hope those potions are not made of dog shit. Otherwise I must not get injured. One medic glanced to Metsuhai and Marshal and moved on.
"Honorable contenders and viewers, before we proceed may I direct your attention to the prizes involved. Starting from third place, the winners shall receive grand monetary rewards summed up to ten million dollars! But there's more… Our champion will receive a unique and rare prize. Divert your attention to the western gate!"
Four big strong men wearing kimonos with black belts carried a wooden tray. On the tray, on a golden plate, resided a small red gemstone.
"This is the legendary chaos stone. It looks innocent, but it's not. Experts say it possesses an incredible evil power, though some believe it can be purified and then used for good. This is indeed a prize worthy of a king."
The four men slowly took the chaos stone back to the dark storage halls deep beneath the arena. "And now, it is time for our first fight! All competitors, medics and referees go to your designated seats. Bring out the grand screen!"
Metsuhai and the others went to the front raw, where their seats were while an incredibly large television screen rose from the ground, carried by two steel pillars. Metsuhai actually sat not so far from Chizue and Kagehiroto, but not close enough to exchange words. The television came to life, pairs of names running on it so fast they were indistinguishable. Finally the endless stream of changing letters ended and the announcer declared "Jack Furosaki versus Kuma Hoiru!"
The crowd roared with excitement. The ring shook. "Let's see what fighting stage we get for our opening brawl!"
The ground glowed with intricate magical symbols. The huge, heavy plates carried by large steel supports began to change places, forming a grassy plane.
"We got the green plane this time. By the way, all of you new viewers should know all the ring-types here are based on real battlefield grounds. And now it's time to place your bets. If you guess the winner you can make lots of cash!"
In the gallery, people rushed to the improvised gambling tents stationed in strategic places, holding dollars in their hands. Kagehiroto was making his way to the tent, rudely shoving other people out of his way. If father was here, this lack of manners would have angered him no doubt, knew Chizue.
On the edges of the big screen two numbers formed, one near each competitor's side, rising to their values fast. It stabilized with 65% for Furosaki and 35% for Kuma.
"It seems the gamblers favor Furosaki and I am not one bit surprised. Jack proved himself in the ring many times."
On one side of the plane stood Kuma, grasping his hammer. It was nearly impossible to see from this distance, but he was shaking a bit. The huge loud crowd and the pressure of being the very first contender was clearly getting to him. On the other side stood a rather athletic senior man wearing titanium alloy boxing gloves. His ginger hair and unshaved face made him look like a lion. He projected unyielding concentration. Even from distance you couldn't miss his overwhelmingly huge biceps. His beard and mustache only added to the intimidating shirtless fighter's reputation. "And our very first match looks like a battle between a boy and a man! Though looks can be deceiving."
A thin tall referee with long black hair and rare green eyes put the speaker close to Jack's face.
"Brave warrior," whispered the referee named Kadilac, "have you got anything to say before you engage?"
Jack practically shouted into the microphone releasing a lot of saliva on the way "I have fought countless opponents. This beginner stand no chance against me. Kuma! I am gonna beat you up so badly your own mother will not recognize you!"
Kadilac rushed to Kuma on the other side of the ring, "Is there anything you would like to share with us?"
Kuma took a deep breath, standing straight. His voice showed no sign of his hesitation.
"It's honor to be here today. I have trained long and hard to prepare for this moment and I am fighting to win. Losing the first round is out of the question. You should remember my name, since you'll be seeing me a lot."
The referee took his place in the middle of the arena. He swung his arm as if chopping the arena in two. "Begin!"
"And here we go!!!" exclaimed the announcer.
Jack moved from side to side, sending fists into the air. Kuma slowly moved forward, maintaining his battle stance. Metsuhai looked at the fight with some intensity, making sure not to lose even a moment. I don't know who is stronger here. Either way the first exchange is gonna be very important. Furosaki noticed Kuma's hesitation and is trying to put pressure on him with those well executed air fists. Kuma has the reach advantage but lacks the experience.
Jack made half a step, just barely entering Kuma's range. Kuma went to the assault in an instant. Too soon, it's gonna cost him. Jack barely dodged Kuma's hammer. He expected the blow, yet the speed caught him off guard. Nevertheless he got exactly what he wanted. Jack went around Kuma's defense, pummeling him with his steel fists. Each blow carrying bone-crushing power. He pounded the life out of him with brutal dedication. Kuma's helmet bent hard. The crowd's shouts became louder, they were clearly enjoying this one sided beating. "This is even worse than I expected!" called out the announcer "Jack goes straight for the kill! This is a good chance to remind contestants that you can surrender by holding three fingers up. Better safe than sorry."
Using a warhammer in battle has its advantages, however such a heavy weapon will have big gaps between the blows. What's worse, Jack clearly passed his guard, making his reach a disadvantage. It's just like me and Mordon. Kuma, you've got to push him back!
Kagehiroto shook his head from the front row. It seems he bet on Kuma.
"How much more can he take?!" (The announcer)
But Kuma had no intention to give in. With a wild jump, Kuma head-butted the professional boxer who was caught completely off guard. In all of his ring fights, not even once, his boxing opponents had attacked him with their head. Jack stumbled backwards in confusion. That steel helmet did come handy. Then came the hammer. A smashing blow to the ribs. Jack acrobatically jumped back, holding his damaged side of the chest. "We have a revolution!" excitedly declared the announcer, "Jack's hurt!"
"Yes!" Kagehiroto raised his fist in a victorious gesture. I can't believe Kagehiroto and I agree on something. (Metsuhai)
Kuma removed his damaged helmet, throwing it away, revealing his bleeding face. Jack recovered in no time and started jumping back and forth. Kuma went to the assault swinging his hammer. Jack blocked well, all blows lending on his armored gloves, but he couldn't quite cross the distance again. Furthermore, he had to regain his balance after every blow which surely put strain on him. Kuma really is much stronger than ever. The friend I knew, though tough, couldn't come back from such a beating. His moves are sharper and more precise, too. He should be proud. Metsuhai smiled. Kuma seemed to have regained his confidence, too. He was really pushing Jack back. I wanted to reserve this move for the later rounds, but I guess I have no choice- the energy uppercut! Jacks arm fell down as his glove begins glowing yellow (only trained eyes could see that) "It seems Jacks arm was damaged!" Jack kept blocking with his available hand. When Kuma least expected it Jack went all in. Jack took one hammer blow from Kuma on purpose. The hammer struck his shoulder, slowing him down and sending pain through his body. Then came the yellow steel glove. At the very last moment, Kuma figured out what's going on and tried dodging. He almost did. The energy uppercut barely grazed his head. The damage was great nevertheless. Then Kuma's battle instincts activated. Kuma counterattacked with his hemmer in one hand, and right to the knee, just like Lezner taught him. Jack stumbled back, stunned with the pain surging through his body. "Wow! I don't even understand what happened!" (The announcer)
Lezner muttered from his back seat, "That bastard did learn something after all."
Kuma forced himself to ignore the pain and went to the assault again. It was different this time. Jacks knee was clearly damaged and he couldn't move as swiftly as before. His knee was exploding with pain. He tried blocking and dodging but Kuma outperformed him again and again. A bone-crushing blow knocked Furosaky to the ground as if he was body-slammed on the blood soaked grass. Kuma was finishing him of with that warhammer. Jack didn't even understand anymore where he was as he was desperately trying to block with his arms. Kadilac jumped in, almost getting hit by the hammer himself. He violently waived with his hands, stopping the fight. "And there we have it folks. An amazing conclusion for the first fight. And what a fight it was!"
The announcer wanted to say more, but his words drowned in the roar of the over-excited crowd.
Kadilac raised Kuma's arm up, thus declaring him victorious.
Furosaki rose to his feet, still barely grasping his surroundings.
After the medics hurriedly escorted both combatants away, the arena transformed once more. This time it was a desert of hot send. The Grand Screen shuffled the names fast, settling on a pair. "Niniyo versus Ryo Yoroi!"
Ryo slowly made his way almost to the middle of the desert. He stopped, his arms crossed, his massive halberd still behind his back.
He looks very strong and his reach with that weapon must be incredible. I'm almost tempted to use Sorcerers Eye to see just how much power he's got. But no rush here. I'll see what he can do soon, anyway.
And on the other side of the ring, late, came a tall blond teenager whose face looked as if a car ran over it. He was wearing a beautiful luxurious purple leather armor with well-made yellow stripes and had a halberd just as big.
The short fat referee Metsuhai saw before, Zlovsky, aimed his speaker at Ryo. Ryo said nothing.
Now Zlovsky approached Niniyo.
Niniyo, pointed his long fingernail at Ryo. "That's a nice big halberd you got there…" Niniyo smiled with satisfaction. "…well mine is just as big. You don't look so tough. Yet your weapon is good. Why is that? That's because you are a blacksmith. A good one too. But blacksmiths are no good in fighting. You don't belong here. Go back to the smithy where you belong and use a hammer to do something useful for a change. Before you get hurt here and make a fool of yourself!"
Ryo clenched his fists
"He is plying dirty, the bastard!" (Kagehiroto)
Chizue didn't understand. "What do you mean?"
"It's a known MMA technique to insult your opponent on purpose and get him out of balance at the start or the middle of a match. If successful, the opponent loses power and furthermore, cannot do anything right. It was used in history many times. You need to be very confident to resist this. Let's see if Ryo has what it takes."
Zlovsky signaled the start of the second match.
Niniyo immediately went on the assault with his halberd, not wasting time. Ryo was blocking with his halberd and dodging too.
"Niniyo went right to the offence to get maximum effect from his psychological pressure," narrated Kagehiroto, "Let's see how Ryo can handle it."
Back in the ring Niniyo attacked relentlessly using combos. So far everything was blocked. Metsuhai watched the battle attentively, looking for weaknesses, trying to figure out their fighting style. This could be important if he is to fight one of them in the later rounds. This Niniyo guy is no pushover, yet Ryo seems to be just fine.
"Stop running away, and start fighting!" Niniyo spat out.
Ryo jumped backwards, creating distance. My strategy is working (Niniyo)
"You said my halberd is strong."
Ryo threw his halberd away. Niniyo was surprised for a second, but then grinned. Roaring with excitement Niniyo charged to destroy his unarmed opponent…
Ryo blocked the handle of the halberd several times with his fist. Then, as Niniyo swings with all the power he had Ryo stopped the huge blade with his bare palm. A bit of blood came out. Niniyo was stunned to no end. That arm was supposed to go off. Ryo's fingers closed strongly around the blade. With a sharp move Ryo got the weapon out of his opponent's hands.
Niniyo quivered in panic, fell off his feet, trying to crawl away. Ryo was closing on him.
"No! Stay back! I s…" (Niniyo)
Ryo didn't let him finish. He grabbed him by neck.
"Blacksmith you said… well, let me reforge your face."
Ryo lifted Niniyo up and smashed his fist into his body. Niniyo spat blood. Ryo rained his fists on Niniyos body and face, smashing it to bits, turning it to mush (and to think he was ugly before). There was no mercy. This is brutal, Metsuhai thought, clenching his fists, I'm pretty sure the guy was about to surrender as it is. Does he really have to go this far?
It was hard to tell if Niniyo was even conscious.
Finally the referee intervened "it's over, the fight is over, you won!"
Ryo was still busy beating the life out of his opponent. It seemed he didn't hear the referee.
"Put him down- now!"
Ryo turned his angry face to the referee, and for a moment it seemed the referee is next.
"As you wish," said Ryo with a toneless voice.
Ryo picked up high his bettered opponent and then released him, letting him fall with his back smashing hard right on his knee. Niniyo screamed in agony before finally falling to the ground motionless.
"He broke his back!" shouted the announcer. The fat referee lightly pushed Ryo back, or at least tried. Either way, Ryo finished destroying his opponent and stood in place, ignoring Niniyo.
Four referees, including the tall one from the first round, Kadilac, rushed in together with the medics. One medic was pointing his finger and arguing with Ryo. Though it was impossible to hear them from the seats. The referees began arguing among themselves but since one of them (Zlovsky) was holding the speaker, the audience could partially hear their words. Even the announcer was holding his words, trying to understand the conversation.
"…disrespecting a referee…"
"…Can't disqualify…"
"…Permanent damage…"
"But he is still alive and some fighters do make sure their opponent is not getting back up," said Zlovsky, "We clearly disagree but we have to reach a decision as it is. Kadilac, you are in charge here so as long as you take responsibility we'll all go along. Make the decision."
Kadilac spoke and the referees dispersed. Zlovsky remained the only referee in the ring. As the medics carried the barely alive Niniyo, Zlovsky raised Ryo's arm (holding it by the elbow) and the crowd roared, cheering loudly.
"It's so cruel," Chizue said out-loud what Metsuhai had been thinking.
"I don't really see a problem," Kagehiroto answered with his calm sinister voice.
"By judges split decision Ryo wins by TKO!"
As the next fight began ("Shuki versus Kurashi!"), Metsuhai was still under deep impression from what he had seen. The two fighters this time were somewhat unremarkable. It was a source of relief to realize not all opponents were that good. This Ryo guy is ruthless. I wonder what Lezner thinks of him…
Metsuhai got up from his seat, making his way to Lezner. He wasn't the only one walking around between the seat rows. Some were standing in lines to food or ice-cream stalls. Others made their way to the restrooms. The scent of meat was carried in the air. Some men actually saluted Metsuhai as he passed by. There were few ushers of the Freedom Association as well, wearing full armors. Metsuhai walked fast, hoping to avoid unnecessary attention. It's probably gonna be an even bigger problem after they see me fight.
Lezner was easy to find. He clearly stood out in the crowd. The big black muscular man who smoked hardcore against regulations, but who will dare tell him that. "Lezner sensei," Metsuhai approached Lezner.
"What is it?!" Lezner answered with such hostility and disgust as if Metsuhai was a tick sucking his blood. Yes, that's definitely the real Lezner.
"That Ryo guy, what do you figure of him?"
"Met him, strong fighter. Sensitive guy." Metsuhai was surprised to say the least. I wonder how many of the warriors here he knows. Even if he doesn't know them, Lezner is very experienced in the realm of combat. I should consult him before I duel.
"Lezner sensei. I would like to offer you my seat during my time in the ring. In return, we could exchange words as I head off to battle."
"Hmf." Metsuhai bowed slightly, taking this as a yes. He returned to his seat.
Shuki just barely defeated Kurashi, breathing hard, sweating and covered in blood.
Metsuhai watched many more fights, studying his potential opponents from afar as much as possible. Some of the fights were very equal and bloody. Others however were incredibly one sided. Makarov, the thin purple-haired wizard wearing a blue robe, armed with a meter long wand froze his opponent in a big block of ice. It was good he was rescued before he chocked and froze to death.
Marshal destroyed his very skilled opponent fast, with a series of kicks to the body. His ability to deliver blows to any part of the body was something else.
Rin, a young excited blonde man made his opponents collapse for no reason, only moving his fancy attire a bit. When in battle, this guy was always surrounded by a perfect round yellow energy bubble, keeping opponents at bay.
Metsuhai even recognized one powerful warrior from the Freedom Association who had won his battle, a tall man with red hair wearing plate armor with blades on his gloves. They met once though Metsuhai didn't know his name.
…
"And now is the moment we have all been waiting for!..." the announcer declared "…Vincent Van-po will face off against the legendary Mordon destroyer- Metsuhai Fugughuu. Finally we will get to see the Mordon-destroyer fight. But don't underestimate Vincent. He is no less than a full-fledged Lieutenant of the Order of the Sun. If these two man met in other circumstances, Metsuhai would have had to heed his command. But ranks are of no matter inside the ring. I don't know how about you, but I am exited!"
I always wondered how strong someone of such high rank be in battle, I guess I am about to find out. He is six ranks above me, but it's not like my power fits my rank.
Ranks in the order weren't really determined by combat ability but the correlation was high.
As Metsuhai made his final steps into the ring, Lezner whispered into his ear. That smoke is choking the life out of me, did I really endure it throughout all my initial training? "Keep your eyes on the target. Don't underestimate him. Aim at his vital points. You should be fine."
The symbols appeared again and the ring transformed, turning into a windy freezing snowy plane. Metsuhai stepped through the icy hell, his hair violently moving with the wind, his steps silent on the soft snow. On the other side of the ring stood a sword bearing warrior, resembling a medieval knight. Kadilac pointed the speaker at Metsuhai, not even asking whether there was anything he wanted to say. "Umm… Good luck Vincent, fellow member from the order. May the best man win."
Vincent however didn't share Metsuhai's sportsmanship. "Everyone here know you as the Mordon Destroyer, but for me you are just another sinful sorcerer. I proudly represent here Paladins of Clarity. Sorcery is evil and must be purged from among us. It's because of you sorcerers that Inferno formed in first place. You are going down!"
Metsuhai and Vincent each took their respectful fighting stances. Metsuhai held his shield forward and his sword above it, slightly diagonally, its tip pointing at Vincent's face. His legs were slightly bent, one foot in front of the other, giving him good balance.
Vincent took a somewhat similar fighting stance, though his feet had much less distance between them. He didn't have a shield, holding only a medium length sword in his right hand. His left hand was glowing white.
The two warriors were looking into each other's eyes. Vincent clearly had murder in his eyes.
With the judge's permission Vincent stormed at him, snow flying to all directions behind him. The blades rammed into each other with incredible force. "What speed! I sure hope no one blinked!" (The announcer)
Hey hey. Going for my neck with the very first assault?
Vincent was attacking in a frenzy of rage. The swords, and sword and shield collided, sparks flying. The two moved in circles around each other, fighting non- stop. Vincent didn't give Metsuhai a moment to breath. His unarmed hand, covered with white light was broken on the shield. His power, speed and above all his technique is top notch. If I faced him just a few months ago I would have been overrun no doubt.
"Excellent performance from both sides, though it will be hard to fight without a shield!"
The announcer had a point. Vincent was using a one handed fighting style and the shield really gave him hard time in Metsuhai's skilled hands. Though Metsuhai didn't had any visible advantage, the shield allowed him to waste less movement, thus conserving energy.
However it's not like Vincent was wasting time. His flexible sword style constantly challenged Metsuhai's balanced warfare. He was studying Metsuhai's fighting style, looking for a weakness or an opening while attacking relentlessly. The only opponents Metsuhai could compare him to, were Koi and Masaru. Both with swordsmanship superior to Metsuhai's.
Well, if he is looking for an opening, let's give him one.
Metsuhai intentionally moved his sword, seemingly a bit inaccurately, exposing his left shoulder to attack. This was a deception though. Metsuhai prepared to concentrate energy into his arm, powering it up. Then with the added speed and power he planned to knock out his opponent with a blow of the shield to the head. It was a move inspired by Masaru, who tricked Metsuhai like this several times. "If your opponent does not have any openings you create one." Masaru said this once. It felt long ago.
However Vincent didn't take the bait. He is surely experienced enough not to miss this.
"I'll have you face justice!" Vincent proclaimed blasting Metsuhai with an intense white beam.
Metsuhai was thrown backwards, barely coming to his feet to block the next assault. The explosion melting a perfect sphere of snow. "What a tremendous display of power!" called out the announcer, "But Fugughuu is not done yet either!"
He aimed his powerful magic at the perfect timing to get me off balance, and then aimed at my chest. Metsuhai met Vincent's gaze once more. He really means to kill me. It wasn't just psychological warfare like Niniyo. For him it's not about the competition. He came here for me.
For a moment Metsuhai's expression darkened. He almost got slashed before regaining his composure. Vincent sent an endless rain of one handed piercing attacks, all blocked on the shield. I can't believe an Order Lieutenant wants to kill me personally just for doing sorcery. This is ridiculous. The demons are the enemy!
Metsuhai calmed down. He knew what was he supposed to do.
"Your every move demonstrates hour upon hours of devoted training, but with your heart blinded by hatred, you'll never win!" Shouted Metsuhai, pressing forward.
"You are evil. Therefore all your words are poison. You won't confuse me!"
"Lightning slash!"
Vincent moved so fast he seemed to disappear. The middle of his blade crushed into Metsuhai's raised shield, stopping him in place.
"Final piercing strike!"
Vincent's blade glowed yellow as he grabbed Metsuhai's shield attempting to move it aside. Metsuhai kicked him hard and the glowing blade made a dent in the metal of the shield. If it wasn't for that kick, the sword would have come out of Metsuhai's back.
I should be more careful next time. Furious, Vincent wasn't done- "Heavy blow!"
Vincent's put every bit of strength into a blow from above, going several meters above ground.
Metsuhai blocked of course, his boots digging into the snow.
"What a champion! Vincent is really putting up the pressure!" (Announcer)
Those advanced moves seem to be giving Metsuhai hard time, thought Lezner, Doesn't he have a few of his own? If he is saving them for later it's a bit arrogant. However…
Vincent was out of air. "I'll show you the power of sorcery!" declared Metsuhai, launching light-blue energy beams (emerging from his sword). Vincent deflected all of them with his glowing hand. The beams exploded far from him, in a series of small snow-melting explosions. Even angry and tired his skill was worthy.
"I can't believe you pushed me this far, sinner," stated Vincent, "You are powerful, I admit. But I must make an example out of you, for all to see the fate of a sorcerer."
Vincent stretched his arm forward. "Ultimate Drilling Sword of Justice!"
Vincent gave his sword a light spin, letting it go. Instead of falling, the sword kept hovering in place ahead of his palm, rotating. With each rotation, the speed increased. Within seconds it was spinning so fast it looked like a large metallic drill.
Chizue held her breath. Kagehiroto moved uncomfortable in his chair (though it was made by the best of craftsmen). My money is in serious danger. Who would have thought Vincent had this much power. This attack cannot be compared to the previous ones. I can't believe the Mordon- Destroyer will be cast out at the very first round.
Vincent charged forward, his 'drill' glowing bright white. Metsuhai dropped his shield, diverting as much energy as he could in his current state into his legs, jumping backwards.
"Metsuhai panicked! This could be it!"
Vincent attacked hitting only air and snow. The deadly sword drill carried by Vincent chased Metsuhai backwards, following him around. Blocking this would be a bad idea, knew Metsuhai, this move can even tear a fully grown crusher to pieces. "Stop running and accept your fate!"
Metsuhai ignored Vincent, dodging him consistently. Vincent kept charging, kept trying to close the distance but to no avail. He was pretty close a couple of times and then- he fell on one knee. Exhausted, sweating in spite of the cold, and completely out of breath. His sword slowed down to a halt. He barely had the strength to grab it before it fell on to the snow. Metsuhai walked to his direction, not rushing. "That was one amazing move. Though, it's a perfect example of a technique better used through sorcery. More energetically efficient."
"It seems Vincent is exhausted! Metsuhai's defense proved too tough." (The announcer)
Vincent looked destroyed. "How can it be, you are nothing but a sorcerer. Haven't I believed strongly enough. Was my resolve so weak. I was raised knowing that with true belief no sorcery can prevail, and I trained so hard. Yet here I am, defeated not by a whole army. A single sorcerer took me down. I'm a disgrace!"
Vincent grabbed his sword. He still has strength left to do this?
Vincent pointed the blade to his own body. Oh no!
Metsuhai launched himself at Vincent, delivering a fist covered with white auora to the side of the chin, knocking him out.
"I don't know exactly what happened here, have Vincent gone mad?!" The announcer shouted with excitement, "Either way it's a win by knockout!"
"Your might and resolve will be needed against the future battles to come," quietly stated Metsuhai though no one really heard him, "I have no intention to end your life here. Live and learn the error of your ways."
Kadilac rushed to raise Metsuhai's hand up. The crowd roared with excitement. Kagehiroto was overjoyed, holding hundred-dollar bills in both hands, standing and shouting. Only now Metsuhai remembered that he is freezing. As Metsuhai was leaving the ring, Lezner congratulated him. He tapped on Metsuhai's shoulder. "Good work kid."