Adrien laughed hysterically. "You? In a Cybrawl? Ha! You can't be serious."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaT5kWfJlc
Gabriel slapped him but didn't refute his point.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFHgciY90Z
I crossed my arms defiantly. "I am serious. Sometimes, Cybrawls have celebrity guests, right? I could be your guest today!"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bxA05BSpx
Adrien scoffed. "It's going to be a short match."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzZ7Xqph4I
Gabriel stroked his chin. "Celebrity guests do bring in excellent ratings."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHf6H4S4Kqn
"You can't seriously be considering this?" Adrien spluttered.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lI2xTucTn
"I'm considering all my options," Gabriel said, glancing out the large window that overlooked the arena.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLHPfJztw4
Atlas gave me a firm shove. "Are you out of your damn mind? Back out now while you still have the chance!"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PAr1kNOUj
"One of us has to get the map. Did you forget why we came here?" I said.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl6L7XKrQI
Atlas scowled at me. "The cyborg you're going to be fighting against is dangerous."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAWDXUqiXJ
I threw up my hands in frustration. "Do you think we should just give up and go home?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqz0pzwgDTe
Atlas stared down at the ground, refusing to make eye contact. "I don't know."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviBDZESa1n
"Well, I'm going out there, like it or not!" Why was Atlas freaking out about this? I've seen Cybrawls on TV before, it's obviously fake. They're all just actors pretending to fight. How dangerous could a fake fight be? Atlas has no right to be upset; it was his idea to come here in the first place.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6M9mlEfU8q
"I've made up my mind," Gabriel said. "I'll allow Chase to fight in Atlas' place in the Cybrawl."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqrE55q1rA
Adrien rolled his eyes.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85D76f8rMq
I pumped my fist in the air. "I won't let you down, sir!
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4KCZWu4pG
A wary smile spread across Gabriel's lips. "I hope you're right."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWQLgYufbp
Atlas had an expression of absolute dread. What, he doesn't think I can handle a fake fight?
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD2Sw7Hzb0
"Adrien, can you please escort Mister Huxley to the locker room, so he can prepare for the fight?" Gabriel requested.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PR9GJGqLu
"Why me?" Adrien whined.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLr4UZKCn9r
"Because I'd like to have a private conversation with Atlas."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjyYAeLsK5
Adrien groaned. "Fine!" He marched towards the elevator and beckoned for me to follow. "Let's get this over with, loser."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71CbJ1PZYk
Rude. I followed him into the elevator and caught a glimpse of Atlas' somber expression as the doors closed. My stomach began to churn. I should've asked more questions before agreeing to do this.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡild99r5lKO
The elevator let us off on the lowest floor. Adrien pointed me towards the first door on the left. We stepped foot into an empty locker room. The surrounding air reeked of a mix of bleach, sweat, and blood. A thick layer of dirt coated the floors, and clung to the bottoms of my shoes. Delightful.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAEAVfuFPd
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIaHFYKZtA
I surveyed the room for any sign of life. "Where is everyone?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtM0zwH7Lt
"All the other fighters are already prepared for their fights. As you know, today is a very special day and everything must be in order."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdu7PcvOvN
I racked my brain, trying to remember what day it was, but I came up blank. "What's so special about today?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3uiVu5Rjo
"Today's the thirtieth anniversary of the Cybrawl; everyone knows that, Chase." Adrien snapped.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapYCJ0JmwT
"Sorry," I muttered.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPfWUVgg0p
"You're hopeless. I'm rooting against you in today's fight."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSKDsZPAYQ
I quirked an eyebrow. "Are commentators allowed to be biased?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83whSMPCDU
"I do what I want," Adrien replied.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaTcU2u2wI
My eyes wandered to a poster plastered on the wall. It prominently displayed several well-known Cybrawl fighters. I pointed to a buff fighter in a skull mask. "Is that the guy I'm going to fight against."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM0iqtnm8b
Adrien admired the poster and gave a firm nod. "You know, Vindicator is a fighter I can get behind. He understands the true meaning of the Cybrawl."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9iwFDwOjx
"Bloodshed?" I recalled from earlier.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DUT38Eo7b
Adrien shot me a satisfied smile. "Maybe, you're not as hopeless as I thought." He began to walk towards the elevator.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ5BKyOe33
"Wait! Where are you going?" I ran after him.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i2fBEKQuH
He shrugged. "My job here is done."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglSq3UvaBB
"But you didn't do anything!" I protested.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHL4JqxZnn
He adjusted his glasses. "What? Did you expect me to hold your hand the whole time?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV2FDH6QjT
"Do I get a script or something?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5oUrDdmZw
"What?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaWzX9ZNQ6
"I'm an amazing actor. I starred in a Hallmark Holofilm called A Christmas Darryl, It was about a hotshot billionaire named Darryl who got stranded in a small town and–"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCN72F2iKZ
Adrien clamped a hand over my mouth. "I don't care." He continued his journey to the elevator.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRdbVV7ctF
"Are you at least going to tell me who's supposed to win the fight?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOGGtuAOVX
He laughed as the elevator doors shut. "That's not how it works here." Just like that, he was gone. I was seized by a sense of dread. I sense I've made a mistake of some kind.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxGaUh6HYa
I plopped down on the cold floor, defeated.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXmh1GeVtz
A loud chime sounded from the elevator. The doors slid open and Atlas stepped out, with a lit cigarette in his mouth. The dark circles beneath his eyes had significantly darkened. "I begged Gabriel to let you back out of the fight, but he refused."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzpSBFSgJE
I stood to my feet. "You shouldn't be smoking inside. It could start a fire."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VwPLhNrbY
Atlas blew a cloud of cotton candy-flavored smoke in my face. "Good, I hope the whole stadium burns down."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vRr1tViMk
"That's harsh." I let out a loud cough, as I attempted to clear the smoke from my lungs.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvYKSPARrO
He sighed. "I know, I'm just angry right now."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI86DhxNA6O
I forced a smile. "It's okay, I'll just ask Vindicator to go easy on me."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwttJyuN6Z
"That's not how Cybrawls work on Ikigai II." Atlas doused his cigarette in the grimy water fountain, putting it out.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrZriX3kFA
I threw up my hands in frustration. "Well, is someone gonna explain how Cybrawls work on Ikigai II?
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMmn0Vt0Wn
Atlas refused to make eye contact, as he broke me the news. "The fights aren't scripted here."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb7YjtksfB
"What?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00Ozvp7RlG
"All the fights on Ikigai II are real." He frowned. "All of the violence and brutality you see on TV is real here."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXt7JoIjXD
I gaped at him. "How is this legal?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZuMfRgSYr
It's like I told you before, no one cares about cyborgs. As long as the stadiums pay taxes, the government doesn't care if cyborgs kill each other for sport. Why would they?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHBp2InXJB
"Because it's wrong."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2AUVubFcZ
He let out a sharp exhale that resembled a humorless laugh. "Humans believe cyborgs exist to die, either on the battlefield or in a stadium for their entertainment. This is why Gabriel and I had a falling out. He's complicit in the exploitation of cyborgs, even though he is one."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwlLFhQvkJ
I gave an understanding nod.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClJZPYYjVq
Atlas reached into his pockets and pulled out two gleaming ruby-colored knives. He extended them towards me and motioned for me to take them.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ1uwCBGfu
I gladly accepted his bestowal. "These things are badass!"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9vfb4ITGm
"I want you to take them into your fight today."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU40I7jw5ji
I eyed the knives suspiciously. "Is that allowed?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcJOTkIjeF
"Everything is allowed in an Ikegai Brawl." Atlas signed, without a smidge of sarcasm.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcetUHEXDXg
That isn't comforting, Vindicator is going to kill me, or worse, damage my face even further! My breath began to quicken.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gGDI0c9KX
Atlas must've sensed my distress because he signed, "Vindicator is dangerous, but I've beaten fighters larger than him, and you can too."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1t0SP5BnW
I glanced over at the poster of Vindicator swinging a battleaxe over his head, then I glanced down at the knives in my hands. My stomach lurched with anxiety. "Are you sure about that?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAW9OncfvHh
Atlas gave a confident nod. "Fighters like him are all about showmanship. They always choose the largest weapon they can find, regardless of whether they know how to wield it. My knives are sharp and reliable; they can easily gut an opponent."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zHg2TCHPL
"Are you speaking from experience?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVnZ9kQryO
He refused to make eye contact. "I made my very first kill with those knives."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgH6NqsDrz
"I thought you only killed people with the code."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlO9tikbA53
"Not the first time I killed. There's a reason Bionic Corp chose me over all the others to be their killer; it's because I'd done it before."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bcDmeiTO8
I shot him a look of bewilderment.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQB0kg49KSM
He grimaced. "I'll tell you all about it if you survive today's brawl."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhrh1QeEQc
I twirled the knives around in my hands. "That seems unlikely." I said, accepting my fate. My grasp slipped and I accidentally sliced my thumb. I dropped the knife, and it clattered to the ground. "See."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSlYhCZmYj
"You're going to win because I'm going to coach you."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFelxEXzoEG
I raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Doesn't the fight start in ten minutes?" I glanced down at my Holowatch to confirm.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpod4fWygI
He lifted his shoulders in a half shrug. "That's plenty of time. Now, show me your fighting stance!"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWSLSBwDVB
I faltered. "What's a fighting stance?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSsguCIrxL
Atlas shook his head in disbelief. "You don't know anything about fighting, do you?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWJeYq5UiQ
"Of course not. I'm a fashion model! Why the hell would I need to know how to fight?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyouuVjrYE2
"Fair enough." Atlas pulled me by the wrists into the center of the locker room. "I'm going to show you how to do a fighting stance." He nudged my feet apart and adjusted my elbows into place. "Now point your blades at me."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7CyGcKM7J
"Am I doing it right?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hTGJvUBJJ
Atlas scrutinized my posture. "Bend your knees more."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3CTpjF8jn
I did as I was told.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfy0tRyH6k
He eyed me up and down. "Much better."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmiTSilBl9
I smirked, satisfied by Atlas's approval. I stayed in the exact same position, not daring to move a muscle, even though an itch was forming on my right shoulder. "Now what?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmV0rjngCDt
"The objective of a Cybrawl is to render your opponent immobile. Since you have no fighting experience, your best strategy is to focus on blocking and dodging. Only strike when you have a clear shot."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8ZD8yNpn3
I nodded, trying to keep a mental note of all of his advice.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKyL7QiYRV
"When you slash, use the force of your whole body. Like this," Atlas mimicked the motion of swinging the knives. "Let's practice what you've learned."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7axIaP5t6
I narrowed my focus completely on Atlas. "I'm ready."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFufZD1Xto
Before I had time to react, Atlas lunged towards me, twisted my wrists backwards, forcing me to drop the knives, then kneed me in the stomach, causing me to tumble to the ground. "What the hell, man?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4R2BivKdSC
A disappointed expression spread across his face. "You were supposed to block me." He offered his hand to help me up.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2TtUXEbCz
I didn't protest this time. I greatfully accepted his assistance.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPlA41SxeH
Atlas squared up for a fight. "Now, try to hit me. you have my permission."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tJIXuCU6c
I gavea firm nod.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUVUOLppMS
During our remaining time before the fight, we practiced sparring. After every one of Atlas's strikes, I got a little better at dodging his attacks, and after a while, I even managed to get a few blows in.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qrqqheCMR
When it was time for the fight to begin, someone came to escort me to the center of the stadium, where the brawl would be held.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiizARHkcFj
"Remember to aim for the tendons." Atlas advised.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF60v6niaoF
I tried to recall my high school biology class. "Where are the tendons located again?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YbAkDZjaT
Atlas rubbed the bridge of his nose, exasperated.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOlkk2U9aD
I feel bad for him. He tried his best to teach me to fight. It's not his fault that I'm a walking disaster.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5wRI20GzD
He placed a hand on the side of my face and hooked up to my cybernetics. He downloaded several fighting tutorials into my brain. "Here, these should help."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9PIUChxhg
I'd forgotten that was something I could do. "Why didn't you do that sooner?" I asked Atlas.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQmhG6XAS4
He smirked. "Because it was funny, watching you fall down repeatedly."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyX2KtHd47
I directed an obscene hand gesture at him, but there was no real animosity behind it. Overall, I was more thankful for his help than anything else.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKncVcjzTy
Without another word, I was dragged off. Before I even stepped foot into the arena, I could hear the screams of tens of thousands of Cybrawl fans awaiting an epic brawl. It was daunting, to say the least.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wsj6mePd5
"In our next fight, we have everyone's favorite newcomer, Vindicator!" Adrien announced, and the audience erupted into applause. "Versus today's celebrity guest, Chase Huxley!" I exited the backstage area and stepped out into the arena. The crowd was much less enthusiastic. Some audience members clapped politely, while others actively booed me.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQwYtJrw2S
"Boo you guys!" I spat in the direction of my hecklers.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRwMNTSV4h
The audience jeered louder in response.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQz24u3QxW
I took a moment to familiarize myself with my surroundings. Blindingly bright LED lights illuminated the entire stadium, which made it difficult to get my bearings. I stood on an elevated platform in the heart of the circular arena. Somehow, fresh grass grew out of the platform beneath us. Bleachers crowded with fans surrounded us on every side. Drones with cameras attached circled us. This entire fight was going to be televised.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryMcwMdft0
The entire world is going to see my face! In the past, that would've thrilled me, but now the very thought fills me with dread. Everyone is going to find out that I'm a cyborg. Everyone I know probably assumed I was dead. Maybe it was better that way.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsgXyZ7o0J
I angled the scarred half of my face away from the drones and faced my opponent instead. Vindicator stood firmly on the other side of the arena, patiently waiting for the fight to begin. He tilted his head to the side inquisitively. He appeared to be sizing me up.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxX7XD7OYkA
I did the same. I wonder how much of him is cybernetic. I knew it was a requirement for all Cybrawl Fighters to be at least 10% bionic, but Vindicator kept every inch of his body concealed behind thick leather armor, so I couldn't tell if he was cybernetic at all. I glanced around the arena for a referee, but there wasn't one. I pointed at my adversary. "Hey! Is he allowed to wear armor?" I shouted.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkby4qAdDZY
"Everything is allowed in an Ikigai Cybrawl." Adrien replied dryly over the loudspeakers.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCRabTpZ5J
Wow. Things keep getting worse for me.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOnnk8puHS
A loud horn blared and the crowd cheered.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3PRqq1PA4
Vindicator charged toward me.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMhhU16xFz
I retreated to the edge of the platform.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3hYxQrsfu
He took a swing at me with his battleaxe, but I dove out of the way.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGd6D7YQIP
He grabbed me by the throat and dangled me over the edge.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9d69Rodx3
He definitely has cyborg strength.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EHsq8JaWz
"I don't want to fight you, Chase." Vindicator said. He used a voice modulator, most likely to make his voice deeper and more menacing.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hPfibpCsb
"Then don't." I rasped. "I'll let you win. Okay?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvlfNRLMIW
He spun me away from the edge and threw me face-first onto the ground in front of him.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZzKjpamY4
I accidentally swallowed a mouthful of dirt and grass, as he rammed my face into the ground.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7x841LAynS
"I don't want you! I want to fight Curseword!" He roared.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACUhxom9vv
Curseword? "Do you mean Atlas?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2xX4kNIBp
Vindicator stopped beating me for a moment. "Oh, is that the name he goes by now? When I knew him, he went by a different name." He let out a sigh that was almost wistful.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI1wwYK6cp
"Do you two know each other?" I asked as I tried to rise to my feet.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINofTBXOzx
He kicked me in the gut with his steel toed boot, sending me crashing to the ground again. "Curseword and I go way back."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMTOJSNeLQ
A throbbing pain grabbed hold of my stomach and I began to cough up blood.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom24bwEz41
Vindicator tried to kick me again, but this time I rolled out of the way, dodging his attack.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuQ7zI4cvu
Vindicator was stunned for a brief moment. He wasn't expecting me to elude him. Good. I like defying expectations.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1SRlx9kVv
I sprung to my feet. I had no strategy, so I sprinted to the other end of the area in a zigzag motion. I hoped I could evade him long enough to come up with a plan.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiruYCpJz3u
Vindicator's pounding footsteps sounded behind me as he approached. "I have no desire to harm you."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7mQe9sYdv
I clutched my throbbing stomach. "You could've fooled me!"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSswCkLcx8
He raised his battleaxe over his head, preparing to swing. "Tell me, where Curseword is hiding!"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7M9JwZNgjL
I surveyed the bleachers for any sign of Atlas. Where the hell was he? Did he ditch me here? "I swear, I have no idea where he is!" With lightning speed, I reached into my pockets, equipped Atlas's knives, and prepared to defend myself.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8lab47ah1
I was quick, but my adversary was faster. He assaulted me with his axe. Despite my best attempts to block it, the sharp edge sliced across my rib cage. A sharp pain tore through my body, causing me to shout. A rusty, metallic scent filled my nostrils. When I gazed down at my now blood-soaked shirt, I realized it was the smell of my own blood. My legs trembled, but this time I refused to fall.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHV3uoV8zAW
Vindicator snatched one of the drones out of the air and pointed the camera directly at me. "Poor little Chase Huxley. Look how the mighty has fallen." He traced the outlines of my burn scars with his finger. He was mocking me, the way a cat taunts a mouse before it eats it. "You're nothing without your pretty face."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2EYszsfdX
Those words hurt almost as much as the bleeding wound on my chest because he was right. I've never been smart or cool or particularly talented in any way, but I was born with a pretty face, and that was enough to get by. Now my only asset is gone. I'm not sure who I am without with it.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3M5PUjSrS
"Come on, Curseword I know it hurts to watch your friend suffer. I bet it's tearing you apart." Vindicator chuckled.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmeBPykLYK
"What's so funny?" I asked, clutching the knives tighter.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3XzD32lm7
"You wouldn't get it." Vindicator waved a hand dismissively. "It's a little inside joke between me and Curseword." As he turned his head and scoured the audience for Atlas, I examined his armor. I may be stupid about most things, but I know all about clothing. If my hypothesis is correct, his armor should be thinner on his shoulders, elbows, and knees. If I play my cards right, I might be able to get the drop on him. While he was distracted, I silently crept towards him.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7Q739oBhh
When I was within stabbing distance, I raised my arm and plunged my knife into his shoulder blade.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9LsxunW7M
Before the knife made contact with his skin, he spun around and grabbed my wrist. "Did you seriously think that would work?" He twisted my arm, painfully, causing me to drop the knife in my right hand.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAb52JuHPf
Before he had time to realize what was happening, I drove my second knife into his knee, tearing his flesh. "Now, that's what I call misdirection!"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hMBNy3U8z
He let out a faint wince in pain.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfMtQ1tlwz
I ripped the knife out of his leg, reclaiming it for myself.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbz7KqCRT7
He clenched his jaw. "Not bad."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gHTwNV6Pr
"Thank you." I attempted to twirl the bloody knife around, like the badass hero in a Holofilm, but I accidentally sliced my pinky instead. Dammit. I hope Vindicator doesn't have any bloodborne diseases.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGYYVJchVz
He lunged towards me, and prepared to swing. Before he could reach me, he let out a pained gasp and hunched over. There was a knife buried deep into his shoulder.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRyQPf83zI
I gazed up to see Atlas standing behind him, with a satisfied smirk on his face.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpTCf2rGFj
"Atlas! You came back for me!"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuDVDGiCUr
"What? Did you think I was going to leave you here." Atlas signed, then tore the knife free from Vindicator's shoulder. "Do you want to team up to beat this scumbag?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJUvr0ZzR2
"Is that allowed?" I asked.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERIQWVIx2c
Atlas' eyes lit up with mischief. "Everything is allowed in an Ikigai Cybrawl."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6hnWTndff
I smiled crookedly. "In that case, it would be an honor to join forces against this asshole."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQQMdxevhM
Vindicator let out a humorless snicker under his breath. "I was starting to think you weren't gonna show up, Curseword. I'm glad I was wrong."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbETbvfdjI
Atlas scowled and held the knife up to Vindicator's throat.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkyvN4M7Rs
Vindicator shook his head. "Look at you, you're terrified of me. I can see it in your eyes."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItYM2VeNBQ
Atlas didn't waver.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeZ5WirRI6
"Deep down, you're still the scared little boy I met all those years ago."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIKCamofy0
Atlas drove his fist into his opponent's face. Every inch of his body trembled.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oQR4IL1xv
I placed a hand on his shoulder. "Are you okay?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5U8CCATkKK
Atlas clenched his jaw, and nodded.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc5tmDDqwp
Vindicator readjusted his mask, then turned to me. "Are you aware that the man you've chosen to align yourself with has murdered a dozen of our fellow cyborgs?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHwbSuPAGg
"First of all Atlas has only killed eleven cyborgs, Second—"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzOJ49Qu4h
"And you're okay with that? You don't feel guilty for associating with someone who's slaughtered our brothers and sisters?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMOC3nLEAV
I shrugged. "Not really. My friend Mason always says I have a terrible moral compass."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiGjpqIqzX
"Your friend right. Clearly, you lack a conscious." Vindicator clutched his axe. "Now, Curseword and I have unfinished business we need to resolve."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3jfosspoE
Atlas tucked the knife away in his pocket. "No. I don't have time to deal with you today. Chase and I are leaving."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEIpoqlKNM
"We are?" I asked. What about the map? Does he plan to leave without it?
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsLoV9Mdgp
"No one is allowed to leave the area until someone is unconscious." Adrien protested over the loudspeakers.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUOZxrZSsw
"I thought everything was allowed in an Ikigai Cybrawl!" I retorted.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSGjdwl8Q2
Adrien muttered something unintelligible under his breath.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zEdpRsDgx
My eyes darted around the stadium. I didn't see any way off the platform we were currently standing on. "How are we supposed to get out of here?" I asked Atlas.
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbqIqkHC1G
I noticed a twinkle of mischief in his eye. "We're going to jump."
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDBgZeyKyq
"What?"
356Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYinbFPWglV
"Follow my lead."
ns3.12.136.98da2
然後按「加至主畫面」