I leapt off the ground with a burst of energy, my stats propelling me into the air even more so than before. The rush of wind echoed in my ears as I ascended. Swiftly, I swiped my left arm downward, manipulating the air around me to form yet another wind current that surged towards Time. His response was almost nonchalant as he casually intercepted the gust with his forearm, the clash leaving behind nothing more than an incredibly minor scratch on his skin.
There I was, suspended in mid-air, calculating my next move. Got it! Sledgehammer! With the downward force generated by my ascent and Sledgehammer at my disposal, victory seemed within reach. Power fueled my descent, hurtling me towards the ground with focus. As I descended, a wild spin engulfed me, a sacrifice of precision for the sheer power required to overcome Time's defenses.
Emerging from the spin, I regained my upright stance, finding myself hovering directly above Time. Surprisingly, my trajectory was spot on, and with the force of a relentless storm, I closed in on him. The target was clear – if my kick connected, it would land square on top of his skull. Seizing the moment, I pushed my heel forward with all the might I could muster.
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Soul: 180 (-20)
Skills:
Lvl. 1 Sledgehammer - Attack in a downward motion with enhanced strength. 20 soul to use, one minute cooldown. (Activated) The one minute cooldown has commenced.
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I didn't feel any resistance on my foot, and the realization hit me hard—I had missed my mark. A sudden grip on my ankle confirmed my failure; he had caught me. Time effortlessly swerved to the side, suspending me in the air. My attempts to free my leg proved futile; his hand clamped onto my ankle with an unyielding grip, steadily increasing its hold.
His gaze met mine as he spoke, a stern warning coloring his words, "Don't be cocky, Oren." The tension in the air intensified as he bent his elbow, signaling an impending strike. Anticipating the impact on my chest, I hastily raised my guard. Unexpectedly, Time swiftly switched the direction of his hold, throwing my expectations into disarray. His arm descended with immense force, and my back collided with the unforgiving concrete beneath. The ground cracked under the sheer impact, the strength of the throw propelling me into the air momentarily. My back arched upward, the momentum carrying me before gravity pulled me back down to the ground. With a deliberate and dominating presence, Time squatted down perpendicular to my fallen body. His hand seized a handful of my hair, forcibly raising my head to meet his gaze. In that moment of vulnerability, he asserted his authority, declaring, "I'm not part of this school, I am the school itself."
My spine, though under intense pressure, remained intact; Time was undeniably strong, yet not quite on the level of Deception. As he forcefully threw my head back to the ground, I felt the cool concrete beneath me, a stark contrast to the heat of the battle. Slowly, he stood over me, commanding, "Get up." My eyes shifted towards the vast expanse of the sky above, a momentary reluctance to comply evident in my posture.
Summoning the strength to speak, I requested Time's proximity, "Can you come here a second?" Obliging, he bent down, his expression full of confusion. Seizing the opportunity, I queried, "Should I just give..?" His confusion lingered in the air as he extended his left hand with an open palm—a split-second opening that I had been waiting for. Without hesitation, I executed the next part of my plan. My legs shot up simultaneously, unfolding in a swift motion. It was a moment of calculated chaos; I managed to grab his hand with both of mine, creating a temporary deadlock. This brief respite was enough to prevent him from immediate retaliation.
Capitalizing on the advantage, I expertly maneuvered, wrapping my left leg around the back of his neck and securing my right on his hip. In an instant, I had him ensnared in a flying armbar—an intricate move designed specifically for adversaries that are much more powerful than me. This was my trump card, a skill taught to me by Tony. He had doubted my ability to learn Jiu-Jitsu in time, but this particular move became my unexpected savior in this high-stakes confrontation.
Time's enraged voice echoed through the air, accusing me, "You coward, you tricked me!" Despite his verbal assault, I maintained my hold, my fingers tightening around his captured arm. A quick survey of our entangled position revealed a critical oversight—I had missed his left arm, leaving it dangerously open for a counterattack.
Realizing the vulnerability, I instinctively contorted my back, adjusting my position to address the newfound threat. Time, not one to succumb easily, responded by pushing his right arm further out to the side, a strategic move to prevent his limb from succumbing to the pressure that might have broken it. This adjustment, however, left my feet in an awkward placement, hindering the leverage I needed for maximum power.
Aware of the precarious situation, Time capitalized on the opportunity to punch me. His haymaker, fueled by frustration, narrowly missed my head, leaving a gust of displaced air in its wake. Undeterred, Time's tirade continued, "Let go, bastard!" In a frenzy, he unleashed a barrage of wild punches, the limited range of his movements working to my advantage. The wind currents generated by his punches veered off course, further complicating his attempts to break free from my grip.
The standoff between Time and me had reached a seemingly unbreakable impasse. Every attempt I made to bend or twist carried the risk of being struck by his dangerously close arm. Strength Booster, I have to thank you for being one of my best skills.
I mustered the courage for another attempt with Strength Booster. As I bent once more, the power surged through me, and Time, sensing the impending burst of strength, desperately yelled, "Don't do it-" His warning fell on deaf ears as I unleashed the force, breaking his arm with ruthless precision—specifically, shattering his elbow joint. The sickening sound of bone cracking echoed as his arm contorted unnaturally, and a scream of pain escaped his lips. Any inkling of hesitation that might have surfaced was swiftly quelled by the memory of Adalard's fate. You don't deserve mercy.
Now faced with a broken arm, a critical decision loomed. I opted for a daring move. I put my legs back on the ground, with Time in pain unable to notice. Maintaining my grip on his hand, I raised Time into the air. For a fleeting moment, his broken arm hung straight before gravity asserted its influence, causing it to bend in the opposite, agonizing direction. Seizing the opportunity, I propelled myself upwards, hands firmly planted on his shoulders, and executed a final display of strength - "Hard Slam!" With a forceful push, I sent him hurtling down to the ground, straight onto his back. The sound of impact reverberated, accompanied by a gurgling of blood, yet he lay there, no longer resisting, defeated in both body and spirit.
As Time lay on the ground, blood oozing from his battered form, the ghastly symphony of his choked-out blood and the crunching of his back echoed in the aftermath of the brutal clash. The battleground had shifted to the ground, signaling the initiation of the ground game. Taking advantage of the altered terrain, I unleashed a relentless assault. A single strike to his stomach elicited a visceral response as it caved in slightly, a precursor to the impending onslaught. Two successive blows targeted his pectorals, creating noticeable craters before they regrettably reformed. The ground beneath us bore witness to the fierce exchange, each strike leaving its mark.
Seizing control of the moment, I found myself on my knees atop him. The aftermath of my onslaught seemed conclusive; his eyes were closed, and he offered no defense during the relentless beating. The combination of a Hard Slam and a Triple Strike, amplified by the Strength Booster, would have rendered even the most formidable opponents unconscious. It was a level of force that transcended my current stats, and I looked up, relieved that the ordeal was finally over. The air hung heavy with the aftermath of the fierce struggle, the ground game marking the conclusion of a battle that had tested both endurance and resilience.
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The arena's announcer, caught in the suspense of the moment, exclaimed, "I.. think that's it! Ore-" The abrupt interruption cut through the commentator's words as a sudden grip tightened around my neck. Surprised, I looked down to find Time, his face contorted with anger, a stark contrast to the defeated state I had assumed. His fingers dug into my neck, the pressure threatening to cut off my air supply. Panic surged through me; survival instincts kicked in—I couldn't let this be the end. Summoning the last reserves of strength, I swung my front leg with a swift kick, connecting with precision to his stomach. The impact broke his hold, and he dropped me, the pain evident on his face. His stomach, undoubtedly reeling from the blows it had sustained, offered me a brief respite.
Yet, Time was relentless. Seizing the opportunity, he retaliated with a quick and powerful right straight, the impact landing squarely on my face. The force sent me hurtling back to the starting point of our skirmish. Desperately, I planted my feet on the ground, causing sand to kick up, but barely managing to stay upright despite the force of the blow. Though my nose bore a slight indentation, the pain was overshadowed by the sheer determination to endure and press on.
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Health: 2500 (-800)
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The shock in the arena was palpable as Time, driven to a frenzy, resorted to a drastic measure. He seized his own right arm and tore it off, a gruesome spectacle that sent blood spurting in all directions. The gasps from the audience echoed through the arena, their collective horror etched on every face. As the scene unfolded, the exposed bone and the raw brutality of the act left an indelible mark on the onlookers.
In the midst of the crimson chaos, Time unleashed an unhinged, almost primal scream, his words barely coherent as he bellowed, "Thana, give me it all! I don't care anymore! I will kill Oren for you!" The unexpected mention of Thana, the notorious Leader of the Criminal Alliance, was unexpected. Confusion clouded my thoughts as I sought answers, urgently questioning, "What are you talking about?!"
Suddenly, a bolt of black lightning crackled through the sunny day, striking Time. It somehow didn't kill him. The realization hit me—this wasn't a mere boast; Time was indeed affiliated with the Criminal Alliance. Thana can control lightning? No.. that's just not possible. There was no time for a thorough understanding of the motives or alliances at play; my immediate concern was Time, who stood before me.
In the wake of the lightning strike, a transformation began to unfold within Time. Wasting no time, I urgently warned everyone present, "Everyone, evacuate! He's part of the Criminal Alliance!" A quick understanding spread through the crowd, and they hurriedly dispersed, seeking safety.
As the dissipating smoke unveiled Time, a surreal sight greeted us. Despite the severed arm and the earlier brutality, he stood stronger than ever. The bleeding had ceased, and the missing arm seemed to vanish into thin air. In a bizarre twist, even the skin covered the previous wound as if it had never existed. Intrigued and cautious, I activated my Peeking ability.
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Soul: 130 (-10)
Skills:
Lvl. 2 Peeking - Peek into other's stats and skills by squinting really hard. 10 soul to use, thirty minute cooldown. (Activated) The thirty minute cooldown has commenced.
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Name: ??? (Hidden by Skill)
Strength: 600
Speed: 400
Defense: 50%
Soul: 200
Skills:
Lvl. 3 Nine Seconds Is All I Need - Summon your power for nine seconds every hour. 0 soul to use, one second to one hour cooldown (dependent on use).
Lvl. 2 Borrow - Borrow other's stats temporarily through oral pacts. The more stats you borrow, the less life you have to live. 20 soul to use, one month cooldown.
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How could I possibly contend with him?! My mind raced through all conceivable options—Critical Hit, perhaps? But that was too unreliable, a gamble I couldn't afford to take. Desperation crept in, and in a final plea, I shouted, "Kayuga, get down here, now!" Doubts lingered—was he even in the vicinity anymore?
A reassuring response shattered the uncertainty as Kayuga's voice echoed, "Yeah, I got you!" Suddenly, he descended with a renewed vigor, sword in hand. The speed at which he had recovered caught me off guard. We stood side by side, both fixated on the enigmatic figure of Time. His trembling form hinted at a turmoil within.
Time's unsettling declaration further fueled the chaos, "Don't worry, I'm not going to have you fight. I just need to take your skill." Kayuga regarded me with incredulity, "You're going to steal my skill?" I nodded, conviction in my gaze, "Yes, it's the only way." A tense silence enveloped us, and I braced myself for potential resistance. Kayuga's grip on his sword tightened; was he unwilling to relinquish his abilities willingly?
To my surprise, he relented, "Fine, I never liked Time either. He's clearly insane." Seeking clarification, he inquired, "How does it work?" In response, I delivered a light punch to his shoulder, a symbolic gesture. The question that followed told him all he needed to know, "Do you admit defeat?" A subtle smile crossed his face, accompanied by a quiet laugh, "Yes, I do." Offering a commendation, I told him, "Good job."
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Soul: 130 (-0)
Skills:
Lvl. 1 Stealing Skills - 10% chance of stealing one skill from an opponent you defeat. 0 soul to use, one day cooldown. (Activated) The one day cooldown has commenced.
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The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the aura emanating from Time intensified, signaling an impending onslaught. My senses heightened, I braced myself for the imminent attack, fully aware that his power had surged to an unprecedented level. A few tense moments elapsed, and in the midst of the brewing storm, I clung to a desperate hope, praying to God who might be listening that the slim ten percent chance I'd been counting on would miraculously come to fruition. Please, let this gamble pay off!
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The skill 'Lvl. 2 Sword Power' was successfully stolen!
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Thank you, God! Grateful for Kayuga's cooperation, I turned to him and requested, "Can I borrow your sword to finish this?" He nodded. As he handed it to me, he shared a crucial piece of information, "Take care of it, it's a family heirloom." Respectfully, I bowed while accepting the sword, expressing my gratitude, "Thank you so much, Kayuga."
As he turned away, Kayuga offered some parting words, "I'm getting out of here." I waved back, acknowledging the wisdom in his decision, and watched him swiftly depart from the intense battlefield. With the gravity of the situation sinking in, I mirrored his sentiment, preparing for what lay ahead.
Securing the sword to my hip, I took a moment to reflect. Unlike Kayuga and his father, I lacked proficiency in kendo or any formal swordsmanship. The odds were stacked against me in a physical confrontation, even with the borrowed sword. Yet, I reminded myself of my own strengths—my skills that had proven effective in various battles. My gaze shifted towards Time. I wish you would've just been a small-time bully like Jack. You're so much worse.
Hoping against hope that a 'hail Mary' strategy might somehow tip the scales in my favor, I steeled myself for what lay ahead. The golden lightning, a familiar manifestation accompanying the use of my skills, began to intensify and turn red, the weight of the impending confrontation bearing down on me with every passing moment.
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Soul: -370 (-500)
Skills:
Lvl. 2 Skill Combination (Critical Hit + Sword Power) - Stacked the Critical Hit and Sword Power skills. The cooldown has activated for both of these skills, not for skill combination, however. You have one use left.
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Skills:
Lvl. 1 Critical Hit and Lvl. 2 Sword Power have unmatched synergy with each-other! The parameters of the skill combination are altered. The combination of these skills is made into; "Lvl. 3 Final Slash" To use this skill as intended, slice the enemy.
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The ominous voice of the System echoed a foreboding prediction, "After this fight ends, you will be in a coma for a few months at bare minimum." A wry chuckle escaped my lips as I defiantly retorted, "Then tell Aroha that I'll survive, no matter what." The System, devoid of emotion but compelled to do me favors from time to time, reluctantly conceded, "... Understood."
With a deliberate and measured demeanor, I lowered the sheathe gently to the ground beside me. There was no need for a quickdraw; this battle would unfold at its own pace. Gripping the borrowed sword firmly with both hands, I extended it directly in front of me. The glint of the blade caught the ambient light. It's going to be me dictating the pace, not you, Time.