Chapter 4: Brute With No Technique

Jakob rushed towards the first test area, his movements deliberate and composed. Snatching up the designated firearm, he took aim at the targets, each shot ringing out the gun's barrel. A few of the bullets would land directly on the head, however most would find their way into the target's body. Fortunately for Jakob, none of his shots were counted as misses.

"Have to do better than that,"

he muttered to himself, already sprinting towards the next challenge as the gate swung open.

Seizing the assault rifle, Jakob sought cover, his grip tight and his mind sharpened to a razor's edge. As the test bots anticipated his peek, Jakob surprised them by leaping out of his barrier, leaping into action, sidestepping out of cover and unleashing a barrage of bullets. Surprisingly enough, most found their mark on the bots' bodies, only missing a few shots, depleting his ammo just as the gate to the next trial would open itself.

"Thanks, Berret. If it weren't for you, I would've never known about the bot's slow reaction to sudden motion"

Jakob acknowledged within his mind, adrenaline still coursing through his veins.

Entering the next area, Jakob snatched a shotgun from its holder, bolting through the narrow passage of the range. As he closed in on the targets, he attempted to replicate Berret's sliding technique of which he carefully observed earlier. Though not as fluid, Jakob managed to perform a rougher version of the slide, firing off rounds in a manner similar to that of Berret, albeit with slightly less accuracy.

"Quite the tricky one aren't you?,"

Zone chuckled, observing Jakob's attempt to emulate Berret's tactics.

Finishing the run, Jakob arrived at the fourth part of the weapons test. Stepping into the area, he carefully picked up each grenade, calculating his throws with precision. Despite the pressure, he managed to hit two out of the three targets—a commendable achievement given the difficulty of this segment. Without hesitation, Jakob sprinted towards the final test, edging closer to completing the first part of his practical examination.

"Last one and it's over,"

Jakob reminded himself, pushing aside the anxiety that clouded his focus as he entered the final area of the test.

Grabbing the scoped rifle from the wall, Jakob crouched down, his breathing steady as he aimed at the moving targets. He muttered to himself, "Steady... steady,"

as he lined up his shots.

With careful precision, Jakob pulled the trigger, landing a headshot on his first target. He exhaled slowly, maintaining his concentration as he aimed for the next one. Though not hitting the center of the target's head, he still managed to land the shot.

"This is it..."

Jakob muttered, a glint of determination visible in his eyes

As he aimed at the final target, Jakob took a deep breath, his focus sharpening as he steadied his aim. His eyes locked onto the moving target, tracking its every movement with intense concentration. He waited patiently for the perfect moment.

As the target crossed his crosshair, Jakob's reflexes kicked into action. With his hands as stiff as a board, he squeezed the trigger, unleashing the bullet towards its intended target.

"Jeez, almost!"

Atom couldn't help but shout, watching as the bullet scraped off a small part of the target's head.

"Well done, dearie! So far, your performance is only second to that young lady over there,"

Zone congratulated, her eyes briefly glancing towards Berret before returning to Jakob.

Jakob, though slightly disappointed, maintained his composure and offered a polite smile to Zone.

"Thank you, ma'am,"

he replied, walking back towards the crowd.

"You killed it, man!"

Atom exclaimed, delivering his iconic back smack to his friend once again.

A bit flustered by the praise, Jakob attempted to downplay his performance. "Well, not quite. There were a few errors here and there--"

"Shhhh-- Don't you dare,"

Atom interjected, irritated by Jakob's modesty after such a great showing.

"Fine, fine-- I'll stop,"

Jakob replied, giving in to his friend "Anyhow, do you plan to stay and watch?"

He adds, asking his friend if whether or not he is interested in anyone else's performance.

"It's not like we can do much in this virtual world anyway. Plus, it might make me feel better to see someone suck more than me,"

Atom replied with a smirk.

The two friends stood shoulder to shoulder, observing the array of applicants as they performed the weapons test. Each demonstration varied in skill and flair, with only a handful of applicants displaying noteworthy performances. Some struggled, their efforts falling short or barely scraping by. Among them, a few attempted to replicate Jakob's imitation trick, however most attempts failed, and if they did succeed, none could match its efficiency and finesse.

Node's performance stood out after displaying commendable accuracy, though he had been ruled a deduction as he exceeded the time limit. The man in the gi, whom they had encountered earlier, fared even worse than Atom, displaying a noticeable lack of experience in weapon handling as he missed several shots.

"Alright, darlings, with that out of the way, please prepare for the next test! The hand-to-hand combat test awaits. Brace yourselves, this one will likely be tougher than the weapons, so rest up lovelies!"

the instructor announced, prompting the applicants to ready themselves.

With a snap of her fingers, they were teleported away to a lounge-like area, furnished with amenities and facilities where they could briefly prepare and recuperate before the next challenge. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the applicants mentally and geared up for what lay ahead.

"Glad that's over,"

Atom sighed with relief, his carrying a hint of exhaustion.

"Well, we still have four tests to go, so I wouldn't get too comfortable just yet," Jakob cautioned, a hint of anxiety creeping into his tone.

As they made their way forward, Atom accidentally crashed into one of the applicants, causing both of them to halt abruptly.

"Ah- My bad-,"

Atom apologized, his attention now focused on the person he had bumped into.

The man was large in stature, his height towering over both Jakob and Atom. His muscular frame, distinct from the man in the gi, boasted a thicker build, layered with a hint of body fat beneath what appeared to be a fur coat. Thick facial hair framed his stoic expression as he addressed Atom with a word of caution.

"Watch where you're going next time. People here tend to be hotheaded,"

he advised, his voice resonating a calm yet heavy aura.

Atom could only nod in response, eager to avoid any further confrontation. Satisfied, the imposing figure walked away, his presence gradually fading into the bustling crowd.

"Looks like a dude you'd want to avoid for the next test, good thing they actually implemented the weight class system,"

Atom remarked, a sense of relief showing in his voice.

"Come to think of it, he's the only person with that size, wonder who he'll go up against,"

Jakob pondered aloud.

"Eh, you seem to be forgetting someone,"

Atom interjected, gesturing towards the general direction where the man in the gi was engaged in a heated argument with another applicant.

"Ah, right. That's an interesting match-up,"

Jakob replies, his curiosity piqued by the potential clash of styles.

"The karate dude looks dangerous but that other man from earlier actually scares me. I don't know why but him being around just seems to messes up my fight or flight response"

Atom admitted, some unease in his voice.

"Well we haven't seen them in action...so it can go either way"

Jakob replied, maintaining his calm demeanor

"Well whatever you say...come to think about it, do you think we'll face off in the next test?"

Atom asked, a bit excited in his tone

"I highly doubt so, the height and build difference will probably put me a weight class above you"

Jakob explained

"Heh, luck you, if we fought I'd probably kick your ass too!"

Atom bragged, his confidence soaring through the roof.

Jakob, knowing that pursuing an argument regarding their imdividual combat prowess bear no fruit, allows Atom to go on with his boasting, keeping silent as Atom Yapped his way through their conversation.

The lounge bustled with activity as a diverse array of individuals occupied the space, each immersed in their own tasks. Conversations hummed in the background as some exchanged words, while others focused intently on practicing their movements in preparation for the next test. With a majority of applicants having underperformed in the initial trial, there was a collective desire among them to make redeem themselves in the upcoming test.

"Alright, Darlings! Time's up! We'll proceed with the next test in about a minute," Zone announced, her authoritative voice cutting through the bustling atmosphere of the lounge, signaling everyone to prepare.

With a few moments passing, Zone waited for the applicants to ready themselves before snapping her fingers, initiating the teleportation sequence. In an instant. Jakob and Atom found themselves transported to a new location, where the hand-to-hand combat test awaited. The vast hall stretched before them, dominated by a singular octagon-shaped platform hovering in the center. Surrounding it, rows of seats were arranged, An area where the audience could freely watch from a safe distance.

"Welcome, lovelies, welcome to the area for the next test!"

Zone's voice echoed through the hall, commanding the attention of all present.

"Looks familiar, right? Well, this place is an exact replica of FCX's famous arena for mixed martial arts bouts. As you can see, it's a wall-less octagon with a large surface area."

She paused, allowing her words to sink in before continuing,

"To those unfamiliar with modern fighting tournaments, the edges of the arena may seem unsafe. However, rest assured, it is covered by a special barrier that slightly pushes fighters back into the center. So, none of you will have to worry about falling into the dark void deep below."

The applicants absorbed her explanation, some nodding in understanding while others appeared visibly perplexed, unfamiliar with the workings of a modern fighting octagon.

"The rules of this test are quite simple and straightforward,"

Zone continued, her voice projecting authority throughout the hall.

"Two applicants belonging to the same weight class will be placed in the octagon to fight each other unarmed. Each applicant may use any style, discipline, or technique. Neutralizing, incapacitating, submitting, or even killing your opponent will be the winning conditions of this test. Winning a bout will automatically grant you ten points, while losing will result in points given by me or other proctors based on your performance."

She paused briefly before delivering her final instruction,

"Oh, and one last thing: don't hold back. If you die in this simulation, you can easily be revived, so worry not about your opponent. This time, we won't use the volunteer system like the last test. Instead, a pair will be randomly selected to participate in the test."

Her words left a tense atmosphere, emphasizing the seriousness of the upcoming challenge and the importance of giving it their all.

A hush fell over the room as the proctor approached, tablet in hand, and silently passed it to her. With a small nod of gratitude towards the proctor, she glanced over the list of names before addressing the group.

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"If your name is called, please step forward,"

she announced,

The applicants stood nervously, most being unable to anticipate what would happen next, their eyes were flickering with anxiety. Among them were Atom and Jakob, who exchanged intense glances as they waited, not knowing what was about to come. Yet, amidst the tension, a few individuals, like the man in the Gi, were visibly confident, eager for their names to be called.

"Code Name: Node and Code Name: Arc, please step forward,"

the proctor announced, her voice cutting through the silence.

As both men stepped forward, Node's demeanor emitted a strong sense of seriousness, his expression hinting his deep focus and preparedness for the test. It was a much different tone to the earlier vibe he had when he first met Jakob and Atom, emphasizing how his mind was dedicated to the upcoming test.

Arc stepped forward, his slender build reminiscent of Node's, yet distinct in its own way. He had jet black dark hair paired with a calm and composed demeanor, implying that he was experienced in such encounters

With a snap of Zone's fingers, both men were instantly transported to the center of the octagon, only few feet apart. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as Node's analytical gaze locked into his opponent, meticulously scanning Arc from head to toe, searching for any potential weaknesses or exploitable areas before the fight commenced. Meanwhile, Arc smoothly stretched his body as a warm-up. His joints popped and muscles flexed, a way of showing off his preparation for the upcoming fight.

"Ready..."

The proctor announces.

Node enters his stance, raising both his arms, his legs apart from each other. Arc just stands there his guard lowered, his hands just swaying down whilst his legs were spread a fair distance.

"This is quite a fight," Zone remarked, her tone a mix of observation and intrigue.

"While Node may excel in academic knowledge, he has never shown any actual physical prowess. Arc, on the other hand, seems to be the better all-around operator."

Her words carried a hint of excitement, reflecting her genuine interest in the unfolding battle between intellect and physical skill.

"Are you familiar with them both?"

the female proctor beside her curiously asked.

"I studied most of the applicants' backgrounds before the examination started, and I found a few interesting things,"

Zone disclosed, her voice tinged with enthusiasm.

"An example would be the fact that Node is one of the very few people who managed to get perfect marks for the written exam throughout the PMC's history."

Zone explained.

"H-He's that Intelligent?!"

the female proctor exclaimed, surprised by Node's remarkable feat.

"Well, Arc isn't your average applicant either,"

Zone responded, her voice brimming with excitement as she delved into the details.

"He's the eldest son of one of the best operators in recent times, the famous Arbalétrier. He has a history of assisting his father in missions during his college internship, and by all accounts, he performed incredibly well. But here's the kicker: he's not the only one in his family to have entered this examination."

"There's another?"

the female proctor asked, intrigued by the revelation.

"Yes, his little brother,"

Zone confirmed, gesturing toward a nervous-looking applicant who bore a striking resemblance to Arc.

"A few years younger, he's also participating in the examination. Unlike his older brother, he hasn't achieved any extraordinary feats yet. But it might be premature to dismiss him. After all, he shares the same blood as the great Arbalétrier."

Zone replied, directing their attention towards a nervous-looking applicant who bore a striking resemblance to Arc. The younger brother stood on the sidelines, visibly trembling as he watched his older sibling's bout unfold inside the octagon.

Meanwhile, the standoff between Node and Arc intensified as they awaited the proctor's signal.

"GO-!"

the proctor's shouted, finally breaking the long silence

In an instant, Arc sprung into action, his movements swift as he dashed toward Node, leaving nothing but a blur where he once stood.

The tension between Node and Arc reached its peak as they awaited the proctor's signal. As soon as the command was given, Arc exploded into action, his movements a blur as he closed the distance with incredible speed.

Node's mind raced, calculating his next move. "Keep him at bay using my jab," he thought, his left hand instinctively shooting out towards Arc. But before he could fully extend his arm, Arc's speed proved overwhelming. A swift overhand right connected with Node's face, sending a jolt of pain through his head and temporarily blurring his vision.

Caught off guard, Node barely had time to react as Arc smoothly ducked beneath him, setting up for another attack. As Arc observed Node's disorientation, he seized the opportunity to launch a left hook towards Node's face as a follow-up. Reacting swiftly, Node instinctively raised his hand to shield a portion of his temple from the impending blow. But to his dismay, Arc's left hook was merely a feint. In a split-second deception, Arc redirected his strike towards Node's body, targeting his vulnerable liver. The impact was brutal. Node's knees buckled as agony surged through his body, his breath stolen away by the excruciating pain

"D-damn it, I can't fight like this," Node thought, desperation creeping into his mind as he staggered back, attempting to create distance between himself and Arc.

Arc chuckled confidently, his guard lowered as he closed in on his disoriented opponent. He knew Node was easy prey, inexperienced in this realm of combat, and he intended to capitalize on it.

"Stay calm, I can still win if I land a good shot, create distance, create an opening," Node reminded himself, his mind racing as he attempted to formulate a plan.

Backpedaling, Node flicked out jabs in an attempt to keep Arc at bay. But Arc remained composed, effortlessly dodging Node's attacks with swift head movement and footwork, steadily closing the gap between them.

"That's it, closer... then throw a jab," Node strategized, launching a jab towards Arc as he approached. But once again, Arc's speed and agility proved superior as he deftly weaved past the incoming strike.

"Go down there... then throw a knee!" Node calculated, unleashing a knee strike towards Arc's face as he ducked down.

"He did it—He baited Arc!" Atom exclaimed, watching with anticipation.

Yet, despite Node's tactical maneuver, Arc's speed and reflexes proved to be on an entirely different level. He effortlessly blocked the knee strike with his left arm, showcasing his years of experience in the fight. As Node struggled to regain his balance, Arc seized the opportunity to launch a devastating uppercut that landed cleanly on Node's jaw, causing him to stagger backward.

Before Node could recover, Arc unleashed a barrage of punches, each blow landing precisely on important vital points. In a desperate attempt to defend himself, Node adopted a Philly Shell stance, but it proved futile against Arc's relentless assault. With a swift kick to one of Node's legs, Arc knocked him off balance, sending him crashing to the ground.

The fight had taken a serious turn, with Node struggling to keep up against Arc's superior speed, power, and skill. As Arc continued his onslaught, Node realized he was facing an opponent unlike any he had encountered before, and the odds of victory seemed increasingly slim.

"This is the the perfect example of knowledge versus experience,"

Zone analyzed, using her years of experience to solidify her observation.

"In direct confrontations, mere information pales in comparison to firsthand experience. No matter how extensive one's knowledge of techniques or stances may be, without the bodily coordination, strength, and speed to execute them effectively, they are rendered utterly useless."

Zone explains.

The female proctor could only watch in stunned silence as the one-sided beating unfolded before her eyes, her face left contorted in a mixture of shock and awe.

Node, now kneeling on the ground, became a helpless victim of Arc's attack combinations. Each kick delivered with accuracy and force, sending waves of agony coursing through Node's battered body. He was immobilized, unable to defend himself as Arc's blows broke through his defenses and shattered bone after bone. The sharp sensation of pain tore through his skin, leaving him in a state of agonizing torment.

Arc's assault seemed unending, each strike landing with devastating accuracy until finally, he ceased his onslaught, leaving Node lying in a pool of his own blood. Node could barely move, his body a broken and mangled mess, a mere husk of flesh waiting for it's life to drain away.

With Node unable to continue, the test came to an abrupt end. In an instant, both combatants were teleported out of the octagon, Node's injuries miraculously healed upon their return. As Node struggled to comprehend the ordeal he had just endured, Arc walked away from his handiwork, his expression nonchalant as if the brutal beating had been nothing more than "easy work."

"Code Name: Arc has won via incapitation, the next bout will take place in a minute"

The proctor announced,

Jakob and Atom rushed towards Node, their concern visible as they hurried their steps.

"Node-! Are you okay?"

Atom's voice quivered with worry as he reached approached friend.

Node took a moment to compose himself before responding, his voice void of emotion.

"I'm fine. Although the pain I experienced during the ordeal was undeniably real, it dissipated completely upon my return through the teleportation process."

Atom furrowed his brow, implying that he was asking about something else.

"That's not exactly what I meant, Node," he clarified.

Realizing what Atom meant, Node sighed softly.

"Ah, I see. My apologies,"

he murmured, his tone holding some regret.

"I had considered the possibility of defeat, but I may have underestimated the probabilities and allowed overconfidence to cloud my judgment."

Despite the pain he felt, Node tried to maintain his composed demeanor,

"It would be best if I were left alone for now,"

Node requested, gesturing for Jakob and Atom to give him some space.

Respecting his wish, both Jakob and Atom politely complied, walking back to their seats, the sheer brutality of the recent bout still lingering within their minds.

"Damn that was brutal-- but I ain't lettin the same thing happen to me!"

Atom remarked, trying to mask his anxiety by a false layer of determination

Jakob sighed recognizing the harsh reality that there were other formidable opponents among the applicants, much like Berret.

"For the next pair, please step forward if your name is called,"

the female proctor's voice echoed through the room, drawing the attention of all the applicants.

Anticipation filled the air as the applicants awaited the announcement of the next combatants for the upcoming bout. Nervous murmurs rippled through the crowd, adding to the charged atmosphere.

"Code name: Bones,"

the proctor's voice rang out.

A figure emerged confidently from the crowd, his expression brimming with excitement.

"Bring it on!"

he declared, unable to contain his eagerness to fight

It was the man in the gi, his demeanor exuding a hunger for battle that matched his fierce appearance.

"Then that means—"

Jakob muttered, exchanging a short glance with Atom, their eyes struck with realization.

"Code Name: Aegis, please step forward," the proctor continued.

A man of formidable stature stepped forward, his imposing presence drawing attention to everyone in the hall. He was built like a thick brick wall. It was the same man whom Atom had encountered earlier, his demeanor radiating strength.

"My turn, huh?" Aegis muttered, his voice carrying the same heavy aura as before.

They were swiftly teleported into the middle of the octagon, the two giants now facing each other, their readiness to engage in combat palpable.

"Listen here, big boy,"

Bones growled, his voice dripping with menace.

"The moment the proctor shouts 'Go'... I'll hit you so hard in the gut that you'll be rolling on the floor. And when that happens, I will carry you, I'll pin you against the wall and break every single bone in your body with my fists."

His threat stuck unto the air, punctuated by the hint of sadistic pleasure in his tone.

Aegis remained stoic, his gaze fixed on the ground as if he hadn't even heard Bones' words.

"READY...GO!" the proctor's command shattered the tense silence.

"Are you really ignoring me, you stupid fu-" Bones began to shout, but his words were abruptly cut off by a thunderous right cross from Aegis. The impact reverberated through the hall, the sound echoing ominously.

Bones staggered backward, his body thrown off balance by the force of the blow. With a heavy thud, he crashed to the floor, dazed and disoriented.

"Looks like we're done here. Thought there'd be more to you than just yappin',"

Aegis taunted, standing over Bones as he lays flat on the ground.

Grimacing in pain, Bones struggled to his feet, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.

"I see... guess I'll have to take you seriously after all,"

he rasped, his voice hoarse

His entire face was bloody, some of his teeth scattered on the ground. Despite the gruesome sight, the man in the Gi refused to yield. With trembling legs, he rose to his feet, his body aching from the earlier assault. Summoning his last reserves of strength, he assumed a defensive stance, his hands raised in a guarded position while his lead foot cautiously advanced.

"Don't know if you're masochistic or just plain stupid, but if you're beggin' for more, I'll gladly oblige by feedin' you more than you can chew,"

Aegis retorted, his voice a low rumble as he cracked his knuckles, preparing to deliver the final blow.

Without warning, Bones propelled himself into the air, unleashing a powerful downward kick aimed squarely at Aegis's head. Aegis raised his arms instinctively to block the attack, but to his surprise, Bones's kick was a feint, intended to shatter his guard. With swift precision, Bones capitalized on the opening he had created, launching a lightning-fast one-two punch combination that caught Aegis off guard. Though Aegis tried to appear unscathed, his knees would slightly buckle for a split-second, showing a moment moment of weakness

Seizing the opportunity, Bones launched into a relentless onslaught, delivering a barrage of powerful kicks and punches, each one aimed with precision. Aegis attempted to retaliate, but his efforts were futile as Bones effortlessly countered each blow, exploiting the gap in speed between them.

"You may be physically stronger, but you're just but a brute with no technique at all!,"

Bones taunted, his voice displaying contempt as he continued his relentless assault.

Aegis swung his arms in desperation, but his movements were sluggish and uncoordinated, easily evaded by Bones's agile dodges. In a last-ditch effort, Aegis unleashes a massive right hook aimed at Bones's head, hoping to turn the tide of the battle. But Bones saw it coming, swiftly evading the blow before launching a devastating turning kick that landed straight on Aegis's jaw, sending him crashing to the ground in a heap.

Silence descended over the arena as the other applicants watched in awe, witnessing the once powerful Aegis reduced to a helpless victim of Bones's relentless onslaught.

"He's turning the dude into a sandbag-," Atom remarked, his voice laced with concern.

"Should we stop the fight, madame?"

the female proctor inquired, her own worry hinted in her tone.

Zone narrowed her eyes, assessing the situation with a critical gaze, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"No, not yet,"

she replied firmly.

"But, ma'am, he seems unable to continue,"

the female proctor persisted.

"Look again, honey. His eyes are still awake,"

Zone retorted, a faint chuckle escaping her lips at her assistant's oversight.

Bones approached Aegis, seizing his hair to wrench him off the ground.

"Let me fulfill my promise,"

Bones declared, his voice dripping with malice as he aimed a punch at Aegis's battered body. Despite the pain, Aegis held back his groans, though his eyes would have said otherwise.

"It's all about fighting, big boy. Most of you applicants claim to be capable of defending yourselves, but when it really comes down to it, you can't even fight for shit,"

Bones taunted, delivering another blow, this time with increased force.

"But me? I've mastered the art of combat. I've battled master after master, dojo after dojo, each one falling before me like dominoes. That's why I'm venturing into the military scene, where I can face stronger opponents, men armed with weapons, machines... Bring it on!"

Bones boasted, his voice filled with confidence as he unleashed another devastating punch, a final blow intended to end the fight.

The tension in the hall lingered as everyone braced for the final blow.

"What the hell—" Bones exclaimed in shock, his words trailing off as an unexpected turn of events unfolded,

Aegis caught Bones' punch with his hand, his expression unreadable as he tightened his grip, taunting his opponent with a simple remark.

"You talk too much,"

Aegis growled, his voice showing disdain, his hand clenching around Bones' fist like a vice.

Bones cried out in agony as he felt his hand being crushed, his attempts to pull away futile against Aegis' overwhelming strength. With a savage twist, Aegis shattered Bones' hand, the sound of bones snapping echoing through the arena. Writhing in pain, Bones collapsed to his knees, clutching his mangled hand as he writhed in agony on the floor.

But Aegis wasn't finished yet. With violent intentions, he seized Bones by the face and hoisted him into the air before slamming him down with bone-jarring force, the impact sending shockwaves rippling through the octagon.

"He's turned the fight around!"

Atom exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief as he watched the sudden reversal

Meanwhile, Jakob could only watch as the battle unfolded, marveling at the sheer power and ferocity displayed by Aegis.

"Scum like you should never be operators!"

Aegis declared, his words dripping with rage as he continued his onslaught.

Grabbing hold of Bones' leg, Aegis began to slam him mercilessly against the ground, building momentum before hurling him towards the octagon's barrier with a force that activated its push-back mechanism. Aegis surged forward with unrelenting force, his massive frame barreling towards Bones like a raging bull. With a thunderous impact, he slammed into Bones' body, driving him mercilessly into the barrier.

The force of Aegis' charge overwhelmed the barrier's push-back mechanism. The barrier quivered under the strain, unable to withstand the sheer power of Aegis' assault.

"Ma'am, we should stop the fight—" the female proctor suggested, her voice tinged with concern.

"Twenty seconds, dear. I want to see what happens next,"

Zone replied, a sadistic smile playing across her lips.

As Bones lay pinned against the force field, Aegis unleashed a relentless onslaught of punches, each strike like a hammer blow raining down upon his defenseless form. With each impact, the barrier vibrated uncontrollably, unable to dampen the force of Aegis' ferocious assault.

The sound of bones shattering echoed throughout the arena as Aegis' fists crashed into Bones' battered body with bone-crushing force. Each blow sent shockwaves rippling through the force field, its energy fluctuating wildly with each impact.

Bones could do little but endure the punishment, his body wracked with agony as Aegis' onslaught continued unabated. With each successive blow, Bones felt his consciousness slipping away, his world reduced to a blur of pain

"Many innocent lives suffer from the crimes committed by the monsters of this society, and our job is to prevent that from ever happening. Yet here you are....

thinking this is some sort of playground where you can just dilly-dally around for your own satisfaction!"

Aegis snarled, his eyes burning with rage and killing intent as he prepared to deliver the final blow.

"You disgust me,"

he spat, before unleashing a devastating right hand that obliterated Bones' face in a single, brutal strike. With a sickening crunch, Bones' lifeless body slumped to the ground. The impact was bone-crushing, shattering Bones' features into a grotesque mess.Moments later, the force field barrier shattered into countless pieces, sending Bones' broken form tumbling into the void below.

Even Zone was struck with awe at what she just saw, her eyes widening in shock and disbelief.

"He broke the barrier-?!"

she yelled, her composure momentarily slipping.

Quickly regaining control, she snapped her fingers, teleporting both Aegis and Bones back to the audience seats. Bones sat there, his expression lifeless, as if he had just witnessed something he had never seen before. Meanwhile, Aegis stretched both his arms and popped his back before sitting down, as if the events that had transpired never happened.

"He really broke the barrier- "

Atom remarked, still in awe.

"Yeah...he's real strong,"

Jakob replied, although his voice showed some concern.

"To think that everyone so far has displayed phenomenal abilities, I wonder who I'll go up against,"

Jakob thought, sweat dripping down his face.

"Quite the display of strength,"

Zone commented, now returning to her typical calm demeanor.

"Did you know about him, ma'am?"

the female proctor asked.

"Well, I only knew he was a top student from a military academy. I didn't really dig deeper from that point on,"

Zone replied.

"We've seen amazing performances so far, do you think there are others that might also put on a good show?"

the female proctor asks

"Well, I have found an interesting match-up in the list. There's a young prospect by the Code Name Specter, just like Aegis. He was a top student from a military academy, this time, however, he actually came from a prestigious one, Holwinn's to be precise. He interned and went on a few rescue missions where he was said to have performed better than the actual operators. On the other hand, we have Code Name Jack, an accountant who once worked with us at Arrowhead. He was the one involved in the famous frying pan incident and is said to have been recruited by the captain himself after finding out about his background as a former field operator from a small-time PMC,"

Zone explained.

"So we're pitting talent against experience, huh?"

the female proctor asked.

"Well, I wouldn't say he's experienced. After all, he only worked a few months before his PMC got shut down. What I find more interesting is the fact that Yash himself recruited this man. Perhaps he saw something in him?" Zone replied.

Jakob could be seen sitting down beside Atom, waiting for the next pair of combatants to be called. As he sat down, a young man passed by, half his face covered with a black mask, his body adorned with a dark sleeveless suit paired with gloves that extend towards his upper arm. Their eyes would meet for a few seconds before their glances break as the man continues to walk away.

"That's him,"

Zone points out, her finger aimed towards the man with the mask.

"Jack?"

the female proctor asked.

"No, that's Specter. Jack is the one sitting down,"

she chuckles pointing where Jakob sat down.

Specter, the masked man, glanced at Jakob, observing his deep contemplation. With a flick of his wrist, he retrieved a small, phone-like device containing data on Jakob, including his recent weight and height.

"It's probably him"

he muttered, noting the similarities in their physical attributes. He places the device back inside his pocket, sitting back to relax as he waited for what was to come.

With the day's events on him, Jakob couldn't shake the anxiety gripping him. Who knew what awaited him in the next bout? Would he face a swift combatant like Arc, or a powerful brute like Aegis? Countless possibilities raced through his mind, each one more daunting than the last. Yet, despite the uncertainty, he remained resolute. Like everyone else present, he was driven by a goal, and he was determined to face the obstacles that would hinder him from achieving that goal.

CHAPTER 4

END