Adrien laughed hysterically. "You? In a Cybrawl? Ha! You can't be serious."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtSsbd10Ai
Gabriel slapped him but didn't refute his point.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5ZWBfFvtY
I crossed my arms defiantly. "I am serious. Sometimes, Cybrawls have celebrity guests, right? I could be your guest today!"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgHVq4Ddaj
Adrien scoffed. "It's going to be a short match."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiouUFIMPZ
Gabriel stroked his chin. "Celebrity guests do bring in excellent ratings."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjheaLx5WrK
"You can't seriously be considering this?" Adrien spluttered.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mZX6Inqkt
"I'm considering all my options," Gabriel said, glancing out the large window that overlooked the arena.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RbdATaizK
Atlas gave me a firm shove. "Are you out of your damn mind? Back out now while you still have the chance!"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6D1ViqTprO
"One of us has to get the map. Did you forget why we came here?" I said.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWwLgbT8wB
Atlas scowled at me. "The cyborg you're going to be fighting against is dangerous."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNtsyXxGDI
I threw up my hands in frustration. "Do you think we should just give up and go home?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmafvi9KAq
Atlas stared down at the ground, refusing to make eye contact. "I don't know."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EDejx4MgU
"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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLag54MZvY
"I've made up my mind," Gabriel said. "I'll allow Chase to fight in Atlas' place in the Cybrawl."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCmayq652x
Adrien rolled his eyes.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT80duN62Kp
I pumped my fist in the air. "I won't let you down, sir!
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTcZUspbMS
A wary smile spread across Gabriel's lips. "I hope you're right."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8ws6LC5QO
Atlas had an expression of absolute dread. What, he doesn't think I can handle a fake fight?
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTs8oua959
"Adrien, can you please escort Mister Huxley to the locker room, so he can prepare for the fight?" Gabriel requested.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2V7rSMQEp6
"Why me?" Adrien whined.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xRkny1jFF
"Because I'd like to have a private conversation with Atlas."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolGQq52mq8
Adrien groaned. "Fine!" He marched towards the elevator and beckoned for me to follow. "Let's get this over with, loser."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvsAwh9jTp
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8VGmlJuLG
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqPs77renV
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOzhpX21oQ
I surveyed the room for any sign of life. "Where is everyone?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVPqnFCOvt
"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."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvetQpl7V5
I racked my brain, trying to remember what day it was, but I came up blank. "What's so special about today?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIA0sB9kCjP
"Today's the thirtieth anniversary of the Cybrawl; everyone knows that, Chase." Adrien snapped.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaTe6ufqLZ
"Sorry," I muttered.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxnSFZeHQw
"You're hopeless. I'm rooting against you in today's fight."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7czP7szK5G
I quirked an eyebrow. "Are commentators allowed to be biased?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwT2y2i6Cj
"I do what I want," Adrien replied.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtEMPi1REp
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."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIfP7hDdoU
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."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggLzTzEHJ1
"Bloodshed?" I recalled from earlier.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MrRleJlSB
Adrien shot me a satisfied smile. "Maybe, you're not as hopeless as I thought." He began to walk towards the elevator.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXIZohYch7
"Wait! Where are you going?" I ran after him.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MMIpIRbxO
He shrugged. "My job here is done."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeRwazowQm
"But you didn't do anything!" I protested.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SkepqVZes
He adjusted his glasses. "What? Did you expect me to hold your hand the whole time?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6eahH4US3
"Do I get a script or something?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumDkwPvnhF
"What?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5INes9Sy7
"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–"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIt1hh9NiPU
Adrien clamped a hand over my mouth. "I don't care." He continued his journey to the elevator.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4nb0ngLNy
"Are you at least going to tell me who's supposed to win the fight?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqAqikt6tw
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRj2Ua6Silz
I plopped down on the cold floor, defeated.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31S6SXHu5Z
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."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfKiIVxr68
I stood to my feet. "You shouldn't be smoking inside. It could start a fire."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgJX0waC5O
Atlas blew a cloud of cotton candy-flavored smoke in my face. "Good, I hope the whole stadium burns down."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IZ3v3tsr2
"That's harsh." I let out a loud cough, as I attempted to clear the smoke from my lungs.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PkYfT1fmq
He sighed. "I know, I'm just angry right now."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pL6e6hlxk
I forced a smile. "It's okay, I'll just ask Vindicator to go easy on me."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdOd42BYB2
"That's not how Cybrawls work on Ikigai II." Atlas doused his cigarette in the grimy water fountain, putting it out.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3KOmSiJ7N
I threw up my hands in frustration. "Well, is someone gonna explain how Cybrawls work on Ikigai II?
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWO6xdPF2j
Atlas refused to make eye contact, as he broke me the news. "The fights aren't scripted here."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPsV0qPEnC
"What?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGWqjIo8Wk
"All the fights on Ikigai II are real." He frowned. "All of the violence and brutality you see on TV is real here."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCUWUtOOTX
I gaped at him. "How is this legal?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEMRuuox2b
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?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsYETS0HlZ
"Because it's wrong."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQXHg3qCQn
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."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNzpgoyhZf
I gave an understanding nod.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaCShGLQPI
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUFSY2mK70
I gladly accepted his bestowal. "These things are badass!"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Me3YeimIY
"I want you to take them into your fight today."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcs3Jh4EJd
I eyed the knives suspiciously. "Is that allowed?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRyqkKFb2P
"Everything is allowed in an Ikegai Brawl." Atlas signed, without a smidge of sarcasm.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKdcFsP9Td
That isn't comforting, Vindicator is going to kill me, or worse, damage my face even further! My breath began to quicken.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWlun6Pm27
Atlas must've sensed my distress because he signed, "Vindicator is dangerous, but I've beaten fighters larger than him, and you can too."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BK52bteTv
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?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzchG38Ozux
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."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSqhMzCjWQ
"Are you speaking from experience?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aklWNclSl
He refused to make eye contact. "I made my very first kill with those knives."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8VSephhvc
"I thought you only killed people with the code."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyBsRrkgiD
"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."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeF62etXwZB
I shot him a look of bewilderment.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBZx8JCOwV
He grimaced. "I'll tell you all about it if you survive today's brawl."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMHCLxe2M5
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."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9yWP2WOPh
"You're going to win because I'm going to coach you."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnn5MHwqRxn
I raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Doesn't the fight start in ten minutes?" I glanced down at my Holowatch to confirm.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XG8rnZTej
He lifted his shoulders in a half shrug. "That's plenty of time. Now, show me your fighting stance!"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqKiAH9TOa
I faltered. "What's a fighting stance?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3P0eEXgdp4
Atlas shook his head in disbelief. "You don't know anything about fighting, do you?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUVVgeUMam
"Of course not. I'm a fashion model! Why the hell would I need to know how to fight?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4WAQudj1N
"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."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qg0faiPOG
"Am I doing it right?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OIgp1DZ7c
Atlas scrutinized my posture. "Bend your knees more."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuBqclhCzQ
I did as I was told.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWUgIJlqaV
He eyed me up and down. "Much better."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkTCKJg9zb
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?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknLyNK1Pfp
"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."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdZNx2yJH9
I nodded, trying to keep a mental note of all of his advice.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX3ajiFYWw
"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."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVRcfGP37a
I narrowed my focus completely on Atlas. "I'm ready."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhj7PoKdAZ
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?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokXn3jqo5E
A disappointed expression spread across his face. "You were supposed to block me." He offered his hand to help me up.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73eXH6BIuZ
I didn't protest this time. I greatfully accepted his assistance.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcaQVsKCeg
Atlas squared up for a fight. "Now, try to hit me. you have my permission."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBndS9t51d
I gavea firm nod.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhPYW9DT4P
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBw0dAPRbw
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRbeXSuVPt
"Remember to aim for the tendons." Atlas advised.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCBhF98nV0
I tried to recall my high school biology class. "Where are the tendons located again?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3D5vLtW5lK
Atlas rubbed the bridge of his nose, exasperated.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuL7wnFmvf
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxJ9k4982V
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."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHozqX9Ocq
I'd forgotten that was something I could do. "Why didn't you do that sooner?" I asked Atlas.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjDf7vOz5J
He smirked. "Because it was funny, watching you fall down repeatedly."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvp4P4IUdPh
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNFsffxa7t
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnf3nih35B
"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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfCl20OiM9
"Boo you guys!" I spat in the direction of my hecklers.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLsKPvvPsn
The audience jeered louder in response.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTW7r4PLkq
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXhRI35EJo
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnD4sMNu7F
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCITQfYcrKv
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOb8yvkKSIW
"Everything is allowed in an Ikigai Cybrawl." Adrien replied dryly over the loudspeakers.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGPm6Q8YXI
Wow. Things keep getting worse for me.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIXl8Bnwug
A loud horn blared and the crowd cheered.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZz2c8zheL8
Vindicator charged toward me.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUkwWhsIEi
I retreated to the edge of the platform.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcWBEWnFzF
He took a swing at me with his battleaxe, but I dove out of the way.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJx09wWji2A
He grabbed me by the throat and dangled me over the edge.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Pa8BST9qn
He definitely has cyborg strength.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIHX6AV3kF
"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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYkgXzp7Rf
"Then don't." I rasped. "I'll let you win. Okay?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27wjskCiYH
He spun me away from the edge and threw me face-first onto the ground in front of him.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2of1DLFNU
I accidentally swallowed a mouthful of dirt and grass, as he rammed my face into the ground.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx119oZsnz
"I don't want you! I want to fight Curseword!" He roared.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf98Wevkxap
Curseword? "Do you mean Atlas?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnXjPde8CN
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLPg8jsfVj
"Do you two know each other?" I asked as I tried to rise to my feet.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvid7GL6FEG
He kicked me in the gut with his steel toed boot, sending me crashing to the ground again. "Curseword and I go way back."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTId178rGza
A throbbing pain grabbed hold of my stomach and I began to cough up blood.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83UYEuLcGF
Vindicator tried to kick me again, but this time I rolled out of the way, dodging his attack.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNIwWame2e
Vindicator was stunned for a brief moment. He wasn't expecting me to elude him. Good. I like defying expectations.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpoSRxdZ5W
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhBPIoe8F3
Vindicator's pounding footsteps sounded behind me as he approached. "I have no desire to harm you."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZGUNotpcq
I clutched my throbbing stomach. "You could've fooled me!"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoo3eQ8coVg
He raised his battleaxe over his head, preparing to swing. "Tell me, where Curseword is hiding!"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2l6bfhTRvf
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAK6beGIiuy
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zBXFSn3VI
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."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcMMYH0Jyo
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBnldfgF9Y
"Come on, Curseword I know it hurts to watch your friend suffer. I bet it's tearing you apart." Vindicator chuckled.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZL0x2DqoB
"What's so funny?" I asked, clutching the knives tighter.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUamqw39wMv
"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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCLpLGLMAn
When I was within stabbing distance, I raised my arm and plunged my knife into his shoulder blade.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4fPJsEyrG
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxtH90j0PK
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!"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpB80QW4dh
He let out a faint wince in pain.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUydX6VZJ3
I ripped the knife out of his leg, reclaiming it for myself.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1hBNdhteV
He clenched his jaw. "Not bad."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZ03ooN9lU
"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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhsx5qsGk1
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡit4bq7so4g
I gazed up to see Atlas standing behind him, with a satisfied smirk on his face.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuWrNhDE4M
"Atlas! You came back for me!"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq9HOxUe4g
"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?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6D3kP2GzlX
"Is that allowed?" I asked.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYLiBkkUyk
Atlas' eyes lit up with mischief. "Everything is allowed in an Ikigai Cybrawl."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcah2dIvtJ
I smiled crookedly. "In that case, it would be an honor to join forces against this asshole."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkowiZnJEkz
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."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVwtVB4BMv
Atlas scowled and held the knife up to Vindicator's throat.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo34NMeksPh
Vindicator shook his head. "Look at you, you're terrified of me. I can see it in your eyes."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCXw5rPbdp
Atlas didn't waver.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakABn4WdIn
"Deep down, you're still the scared little boy I met all those years ago."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqs2vQKvEG
Atlas drove his fist into his opponent's face. Every inch of his body trembled.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkp7CSOEggU
I placed a hand on his shoulder. "Are you okay?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QZCa35KUD
Atlas clenched his jaw, and nodded.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP2ePlhMps
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?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSYR6LmR7m
"First of all Atlas has only killed eleven cyborgs, Second—"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRZGIbGh2X
"And you're okay with that? You don't feel guilty for associating with someone who's slaughtered our brothers and sisters?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpM2TaVjXG
I shrugged. "Not really. My friend Mason always says I have a terrible moral compass."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfzpel4hBa
"Your friend right. Clearly, you lack a conscious." Vindicator clutched his axe. "Now, Curseword and I have unfinished business we need to resolve."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzfDPZMGSd
Atlas tucked the knife away in his pocket. "No. I don't have time to deal with you today. Chase and I are leaving."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPmlRi5Mls
"We are?" I asked. What about the map? Does he plan to leave without it?
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZkFejWUBz
"No one is allowed to leave the area until someone is unconscious." Adrien protested over the loudspeakers.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbDUADXaWE
"I thought everything was allowed in an Ikigai Cybrawl!" I retorted.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxFuJptoAh
Adrien muttered something unintelligible under his breath.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxtqBxyNLQ
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMTz8wUsbH
I noticed a twinkle of mischief in his eye. "We're going to jump."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepH1tN8K66
"What?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6yG1Viqv9
"Follow my lead."
ns216.73.216.141da2
然後按「加至主畫面」