Chapter XI

Critical Zero

Hook stared at the boy in front of him who was shaking barely being able to keep his arms up. “Calm your nerves young warrior! I see the fire deep within your eyes!”

“Fire?” Ren looked at him confused.

“A burning potential! I’ll show you what I mean! I’ll tell you where I’ll attack, and you only need to defend yourself!” Hook proposed the idea. Ren didn’t have time to agree as Hook appeared in front of him in the blink of an eye. “First a right to your face!” Ren heard the instructions and spun out of the way barely dodging.

“Next! A knee to your stomach!” This time he had no chance of dodging, so he covered his torso in a thick layer of ice. He was launched up, with air escaping his lungs from the impact. Then Hook grabbed him and dragged him back to the ground slamming him in the dirt.

“Finally, a stomp on the back!” But as he stepped back to stomp on Ren, the boy froze the ground and pushed himself away from Hook's leg. As Ren was sliding away, so was Hook who had to find his balance, but it was suddenly corrected.

“Look at his feet!” Luna pointed at Hook’s shoes which were torn at the sides with small hooks peeking out and grabbing hold of the ground.

“I can create hooks anywhere on my body and turn my body parts into hooks! But that seems like nothing compared to your ability! Creating ice is a strong power" Hook flexed his muscles with every fiber on his pecks becoming metallic hooks for a second.

"Did you see enough?" Ren stood up slowly recovering from the pummeling he got.

"Hm... it seems like you're not taking this seriously." The temporary peace between the two of them was crushed, along with Ren's glasses. Hook hit him with a jab knocking Ren onto the ropes. Niel was ready to jump in when he was stopped by Medicine. “It’s a one on one."

“I’m not going to watch as my friend is being pummeled!” Niel pushed Medicine’s hand out of the way and made his way to the ring.

“Niel! Don’t worry! I’ll be fine!" Ren gathered himself on the ground, throwing his glasses out of the ring.

"Kid!" Sledge, the purple haired girl addressed Niel. "If you cannot accept, that your friend has his own battles, just kill him yourself! If you pamper your friend too much; one day when he's alone and shit hits the fan... your buddy will die." Sledge's words halted Niel's advances. He stood for a second looking at his friend slowly getting up clinging to the ropes, wiping the blood off his face. Their eyes met for a second and Niel saw something he never saw before. A flicker of fighting spirit in Ren.

"Ren!" Niel addressed his friend. "Show him what you're made of!" They exchanged determined looks before Ren straightened his posture and raised his fists.

Ren rushed Hook who was taken aback by the attack. Ren slid under his legs and froze his foot. As Hook turned his head Ren jumped off the rope and punched him in the face. After the impact the sweat on Hook's body sealed him in a thick layer of ice. "Ice capsule!" Ren panted as he finished freezing Hook's body.

"That's it Ren! You are great!" Everyone cheered for the boy who slid into a sitting position in a corner of the ring. He dropped his head for a second as tiredness came over him and only raised his head when he heard the cracking of ice.

"Good one! You surprised me with your swift movements!" Hook chuckled and shattered the ice with a flex of his muscles. Ren's face went pale as his opponent only had a slight bruise on his face after all of that. "How about this? Try staying in the ring for six more seconds and I give up!"

"Six seconds?" Ren repeated sweating just from the thought.

"That's nothing! You can do it Ren!" His classmates cheered him on.

Six seconds might not seem like a lot, but with his movements it's going to feel like minutes. When he first hit me, his fist went from guard position to a straight in the fraction of a second... He could throw dozens of punches at me in just a few seconds. The best thing I can do is keep a distance until the time runs out. Ren was thinking about a strategy while his opponent was stretching.

"Times up! Let's count down from six!" Hook said, surprising the boy. One! He dashed at Ren who had just enough time to raise a small obstacle of ice between them. Hook ran through it with ease but as he reached Ren the boy quickly evaded. So quickly in fact, that everyone was flabbergasted by his speed. The reason for this was the ice-blades he created on the bottom of his shoes, moving around in the frozen ground was no problem for him now. Two! Hook bounced back from the corner and went to attack Ren again. His height suddenly increased by a couple of inches as he grew hooks at the bottom of his shoe and began to skate around like Ren. Three! This time Ren had no advantage over Hook and the man caught him. Four! He was ready to throw him out when Ren crushed some ice and blew it in his eyes temporarily blinding him. He used his opportunity to wiggle out of his gaps and jump behind him. Five! Ren wanted to freeze his leg to ensure he could not follow him, but no ice left his hand. Shit! I might be out of gas! He looked up to see Hook attempting to hit him out of the ring. Time froze for the boy as the punch was coming his way. This is it! There is no way out! He flinched. Six...

Ren felt no punch. And in the midst of dead silence, he finally opened his eyes. Hook stood there not moving an inch as a spike of ice pricked his neck slightly. One more step forward and he would've been impaled.

Hook took a step back and let out a deep sigh. "That's what I'm talking about! That was the fire I saw in you! Thank you for that awesome battle! I didn't think you had it in you to create something so lethal!" Hook slapped the icicle from the side and it shattered, then he reached down to the cowering boy. Ren took his hand and stood up, still zoned-out, but as Hook raised the boy's hand, he finally regained focus.

The children gathered around their skinny friend and cheered him on, but his mind was occupied with one thought. He felt his ice run out. Where did that ice come from?

Soon after that, the next fight started. Niel walked past Ren tapping his shoulder. "I'm proud of you Ren! That was a hell of a fight!"

"I expect the same from you buddy! No... better!" Ren smiled at his friend, as he sat down to rest.

Medicine vs Niel

Niel cracked his knuckles and stretched his arms. His opponent looked at him puzzled. He doesn’t look nervous. Is he that confident in his own power, even after seeing what we can do? He’s either that strong, or just that dumb.

Watch struck the bell and the two wasted no time charging at each other. Med launched a right jab at Niel who swiftly dodged it and sent his own attack at him. A punch to the ribs. He’s fast, and experienced, but I ate worse punches before.

Med muscled through and grabbed Niel by the arm. Then he turned his head into a Medicine ball.

“Take this! 7 kilo headbutt!” With his hand being held Niel could not escape as Med struck him in the head. As his neck flew back and left a trail of blood behind, Niel’s eyes went white for a second. The whole class stood in awe as they waited for Niel’s reaction to the strike. Niel turned his head back at Med and looked at him.

“Like a gentle breeze!” Niel’s statement was contradicted by the blood oozing from his forehead, but those words were enough to throw Med off for a second. Taking advantage of this Niel ripped his arm free and punched his enemy square in the jaw. Med took some steps back as the punch shook him to his core.

“Are you kidding me? He not only took a direct hit from Med, but almost knocked him down! All this after two days?” Sledge was dumbfounded by what she just saw. Med collected himself quickly after and returned the favor.

The two engaged in a rapid exchange of blows. Blood and sweat splashed on the ground as the nonstop flurry of hits made a whirlwind in the ring. They pushed each other farther and farther until Niel's reach was not long enough to get to Med. The boy took a punch to the face and fell back. Medicine took a break from attacking to catch his breath.

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“What was your name again, kid?” Med asked panting.

“My name is Niel Aries.” Niel shook off the last punch he received, but he was clearly hurt.

“I am impressed, Niel. How about we finish with one last punch?” Medicine slammed his right fist into his left hand and turned it into a ball.

“I agree!” Nile wiped the blood off his face and struck a fighting pose.

“Then give it your all, punch as hard as you can!” They stepped forward to finish this battle, and in the glorious final hurrah of their fight they struck each other at the same time. They stood still for a second as did the air around them, but as a leaf fell to the ground, so did the two fighters.

"It's a tie?” Sledge questioned what just went down. Watch was just silent, looking confused, and irritated.

“Almost losing to someone who only had their powers for two days is kind of funny.” Blitz chuckled until Sledge punched him in the stomach.

“Regardless. They both fought well. That kid is a warrior!” Hook said proudly. “If you guys are ready, send in your next challenger!”

The kids carried Niel out of the ring. Ren held his friend’s limp body as Sledge handed him some bandages. With the help of Ginna they wrapped him up like a mummy.

Fight three, Taran vs Blitz:

Taran had unease in his steps as he approached the ring. A feeling he was not familiar with. Even when he fought the bear, he was focused. But Mantis… the bloodthirst he felt from him, tripped him up, and ever since he has seen that level of power as something to fear. Even in Blitz.

The man confidently jumped in the ring, with his hands in his pockets. “Are you scared, kid?”

“No.” Taran answered with the usual short way he always had.

“Such a shame. You looked tough from afar, but now you lie about not being afraid. Guess I’m a bad judge of character.” Blitz raised his chin. “Come attack me. It'll be your one and only chance of hitting me.”

Taran just groaned nervously as a bead of sweat traveled from his forehead to his chin. Then he clenched his fist and charged towards Blitz. He pulled his hand next to his hip and when he reached Blitz he twisted his body with the movement, from the tip of his toes, up his leg, through his back and shoulders until all the power his body produced was set free in a punch. This punch that shook the very ground they were standing on was easily evaded by Blitz.

“And top it all off you are boring.” Blitz sighed, then stepped on Taran’s foot and kicked him square on the chin. Stepping on Taran’s foot was a sign of disrespect for one, but it was also a handicap Blitz put on himself. The uneven ground, awkward angle and short distance meant that his kick was limited. As easy as he could go on Taran.

Speaking of him. The kick landed on his chin, but because he was pinned by the foot, he couldn’t fly away, and all the impact reverberated through his body. When Blitz took a step back. Taran just stood there motionless. Not taking his eyes off his opponent. Even when blood was gushing out of his nose.

Blitz’ expression was of fascination. A curious smile formed on his mouth. “You aren’t boring after all!” Blitz got ready for his next kick, but as he took one step towards his opponent, the boy fell on his back unconscious. “Sorry I was so rough with you. I wanted to show your friends, what happened last two rounds was just sheer luck.”

The children rushed in for their friend. Vhiz and Marco picked up Taran and dragged him out of the ring. Everyone else left the ring, except Luna.

“You are an eager one!” Sledge grinned at Luna.

“I figured it was time to get a quick win for my team.” Luna answered with a deadpan tone.

“Confidence is good, but now your being cocky, don’t ya think?”

“Step in the ring and find out.” Luna nodded inviting her opponent inside the ring. Sledge gave her a smirk then entered the fighting grounds.

Luna vs Sledge

As she stepped in, she immediately saw Luna’s fist coming her way. With one smooth movement she grabbed it and twisted her arm. “You aren’t good at following rules, are ya?” Luna scoffed in anger. She tried to kick her enemy, but Sledge just twisted her arm further. “Now will you wait for the bell, or should I see how far I can twist it before I hear a pop?”

Luna looked at Ken, who was smiling devilishly, then unclenched her fist, signaling her submission.

“Good!” Sledge let go of her arm, only to be attacked again with an elbow. “Tch! And I thought you learned your lesson!” Sledge dodged her attempt.

“Rules are just a tool you can use against the ones following them.” Ken exclaimed towards the ring. “That’s how me and Luna operate!”

“I see! So, you and your boyfriend there are the rebels of this group!” Sledge's remark painted a cheeky smile on everyone's face.

“SHe’s not my gbiorylfriend!” The two exclaimed at once silencing the chuckling of their friends.

“Oh! That’s a relief! Because you've been eyeing that short girl with the bangs all day!" Sledge pointed at Iiwa who other than blushing and pointing at herself in disbelief could not muster a word.

“Iiwa What!?” Luna followed her classmate’s lead in changing the color of her face from embarrassment.

Sledge using the temporary shock that froze Luna took a swing at her. Luna slammed onto the ropes barely holding onto her consciousness. “Just make sure when you break the rules, you finish the job. Otherwise, you’ll be punished.” Sledge punched her again, but this time Luna had time to put up her guard. The jab Sledge landed sent Luna flying at the ropes again. She was lying on the floor with Sledge approaching her. Finally using her power Sledge turned her arm into a hammer. “Sorry kid, you are not a challenge.”

Before she could bring down the hammer Luna grabbed her ankle and electrocuted her body. Sledge went stiff as her muscles contracted. Luna tired and beaten could not keep up her attack and let go. Sledge used this to escape to the other side of the ring and took a knee. Luna stood up by the help of the ropes. And approached her opponent, first walking then jogging and finally running at her with electricity bouncing through her fingertips.

Sledge braced herself turned her arm into a small hammer and swung. Luna judged the distance well. Her fist would reach her opponent first, and thus she confidently let the inertia take her full bodyweight towards Sledge. But as Luna's dodging was out of the picture Sledge turned the small hammer into a longer one and hit her on the chin. Luna fell on her back completely unconscious.

The winner was Sledge. She confidently walked out of the ring as Iiwa and Ken rushed to Luna.

"You fought well Luna!" Ken put a hand on his friend’s shoulder.

As they were taking Luna to rest Ken looked up to see Blitz in the ring smiling at him. After he took her to safety, Ken ran back into the ring.

Ken vs Blitz

“You are eager to fight, aren’t you?” Blitz asked with his arms crossed.

“Yeah, I feel this itch inside of me begging for a good fight! It’s driving me crazy!” Ken grinned back at him.

“Then let’s not waste time!”

Ken took those words to heart and launched his hair-cut at Blitz. He dodged quickly out of the way and kicked at Ken’s neck, but he leaned back into a handstand and kicked Blitz in the chest. As the Ken stood up the next attack was coming from the side, but he rolled out of the way, then into a cartwheel, making a curved air cut. This time Blitz had no way of dodging, and the cut took a piece out of his side. The two shared a smile.

“Nice!” Blitz said with blood trailing on his side.

“I wouldn’t be happy if I was you!” Ken stood proud.

Blitz chuckled then disappeared out of Ken’s vision. Ken was taken by surprise by the speed, but with no time to process, he was kicked in the side. Ken flew out of the ring slamming into the rock he picked up yesterday. Blitz smiled victorious, but the boulder flew at him. He wasn't expecting it but had enough time to destroy the rock with one kick. Behind the rubble Ken was waiting with another air-cut. Blitz twisted his body out of the way and roundhouse kicked one of the pieces of the rock at Ken, who was knocked out of the air. “You won’t take falling out of the ring as a loss, are you?”

“We never agreed on that being a rule.” Ken stood up, dusting himself off.

“Your right, we didn't.” Blitz suddenly appeared in front of Ken and kicked him in the stomach. “You don’t mind if I pick up the pace a bit, do ya?”

Ken flew through the forest, his body destroying many trees as he was kicked around helplessly. He was redirected by Blitz’s next kick this went on and on until they arrived at the border of the village. Blitz let Ken' body finally hit the ground.

“Are you still conscious? It be easier for me if I didn’t have to kick you back to the others.” Blitz confidently approached him, until Ken’s growling was louder than his footsteps. Blitz noticed an animalistic rage in Ken’s eyes, he took one step back but it was too late...

The others were waiting for Blitz to finally arrive victorious.

“It got really quiet suddenly.” Hook said nervously fidgeting with the bottle cap on his protein shake.

Watch’s eyes widened as he looked in Blitz' direction in the forest.

Suddenly the sound of a great explosion shook everyone. And in the distance, they saw a dust cloud rising that towered well above the trees around it. Hook and Sledge looked at each other uneasy. “Blitz is in trouble! We need to help him!” Sledge started running towards the dust cloud, but at that moment something struck the ground with enough force to halt Sledge' movements.

It was Blitz bloodied, on his back, and Ken was kneeling on his body with his hand around his throat. Ken’s eyes were hollow, with foamy saliva trailing down his face. No humanity was behind those eyes. Horrified by the look on his mug the kids all took a step back. The children would soon learn this monstrous state to be called Critical Zero!