Metsuhai rushed along the stretcher, which was actually more of a bed with wheels. The medics, all dressed in white, were giving Kuma the best aid they could: his body was already fully bandaged and with a blood infusion into his arm. One of the medics sent golden sparks from his hands into Kuma's wounds. They brought him to a hospital room in no time. The doctor, standing by the door, locked it behind Kuma at Metsuhai's face.
"How is he?" asked Metsuhai immediately the closest medic.
"He is as strong as a bull. The next few hours will be critical." The medic gestured to the door out of the hospital before turning away from Metsuhai. Metsuhai shook his head. I need to stay here for Kuma. But… We aren't even in the same room.
Metsuhai walked from side to side for a couple of minutes. Breathing in deep he calmed his heart rate. No, I shouldn't stay here right now. With Kuma defeated and Ryo being a loose cannon it's up to me to get the stone for the order. There are many powerful warriors from the Freedom Association aiming to the top. Marshal and Makarov came to mind. It is my duty to keep track of my opponents in the ring. I need every bit of advantage I can get. When I meet my opponent in the ring it's better to know what to expect. Metsuhai made his way back up.
To his surprise, his seat was taken. Taken by non-other than Makarov. The young-looking purple- haired mage rose up, proceeding to bow slightly. "It is an honor to finally meet the Mordon Destroyer face to face. I am Makarov Hohlod."
Meanwile in the ring two muscular men were crossing weapons.
"I am…"
"No need to introduce yourself. I know who you are. Everyone here knows."
"I intend to watch all the fights here as preparation, so unless there is a reason you're here…" Metsuhai didn't really have a way to finish his sentence so his words were just left there, hanging.
"Yes… Observing and studying your opponents… by the way. Good going in the ring once again. It is believed you cut him a thousand times."
Metsuhais face froze. He was not even a bit proud.
"Yes, anyway… about studying your opponents," Makarov smiled a bit, "I couldn't help but notice your impressive true sight. True sight is the perfect counter to my deception. Since the heart of my strategy is my illusion magic, I very much wish to test it against you. What do you say? I think it will provide both of us with valuable knowledge for the competition, more so than watching those thugs wrestle one another."
He is arrogant but not wrong. I am curious about this myself.
"Let's say I am in. How do we do it?"
"Very simple. I cast my magic, you tell me whether you see through it."
Metsuhai nodded.
…
The two men walked side by side, through the entrance to the underground facility. In a way they were very similar: young men with great knowledge, power and ambitions. Otherwise they were completely different. One a classic wizard whose magic oozed from every fiber of his being and defeated his enemies from distance. The other was a war-hardened veteran though not clearly an adult yet, whose magic boosted his overall fighting ability. They stopped inside an empty, well lit, large room.
"This will do," stated Metsuhai. "Let's begin then," agreed Makarov.
Makarov flicked his fingers and a poor imitation of himself came to be. It was expressionless and couldn't full anyone with decent eyes, unless perhaps from great distance.
"No need to say anything, Mordon Destroyer. I just wanted to show you how far I've advanced. This was my very first illusion when I was eight. It has no smell, can't make a sound or move and even the look ain't convincing. Now I'll be more serious."
Metsuhai nodded and the illusion faded. Makarov swung his wand (this would have made Metsuhai react if it wasn't clearly not aimed at him,) and a seemingly perfect replica of Makarov walked by his side. It aimed it's wand at Metsuhai and released a fake attack, going through Metsuhai's surprised body without causing any damage.
"Very impressive," admitted Metsuhai, "with my naked eyes I can't distinguish the real from the illusion. But this is to be expected."
"Now is the real test. Use your true sight and see if you can figure it out." The illusions and Makarov started shifting places and when two other 'Makarovs' appeared Metsuhai really didn't know anymore where to look for the purple-haired wizard. Just before Metsuhai called forth his Sorcerer's Eye, he closed his eyes, trying to sense Makarov's energy.
Makarovs presence was everywhere in the room, there was no way to determine his location.
"Well," echoed Makarov's voice from all directions, "can you point on the real me?"
Sorcerer's Eye! Metsuhai opened his now light-blue glowing eyes.
The image he saw was inifinitely more detailed now. His own bright aura. A fog-like energy everywhere. Makarov stood to his left, clear as the morning sky. And the illusions were kind of transparent. It was unmistakable. Metsuhai pointed his finger at the real one.
The illusion faded with a single wand movement. "I am deeply impressed. Not many achieved this much. Your eyes are strong. Using my typical fighting style against you would have been pointless, and maybe even backfire. But this isn't my very best."
Makarov concentrated, his wand shaking in his hand. With precise almost surgical movements Makarov constructed two more copies of himself. "This really is my very best. The top of the art," admitted Makarov, "It took me years to master this." No matter how much Metsuhai tried, how much he forced his eyes to see he had no clue how to see the difference, or furthermore- where Makarov is positioned.
Makarov said nothing. Metsuhai's gaze told him everything. The Makarov's moved, slightly hitting the floor with their boots. Other than that, it was so quiet you could hear the torches on the walls burn.
"Well, that's enough I guess. I think we both got our answers. Thank you for going along with me."
The illusions vanished into thin air. Makarov wiped the sweat off his forehead. The two began walking back to the seats. As they were about to part, Metsuhai remembered one mystery he has yet to uncover. "There's one detail I still don't understand…"
Makarov turned back to Metsuhai. "How did you hit Kaito there at the end? Illusions can't cast real magic. You stood in one place, and the attack came from another."
Makarov smiled. "A good wizard never tells his secrets."
…
The fights in the arena progressed quite fast. Two warriors wounded each other so much neither will be able to fight in the next round. A fast robe- wearing fighter who looked like a hybrid of an assassin and a mage almost managed to bring down a heavily armored big man with a club. One unlucky axe- wielder was convincingly overwhelmed by Marshal. A fast ninja-like opponent was quickly and mysteriously dispatched by Oshin Ishihara- the young aristocrat who looked like a spoiled rich kid but seemed to have the amazing ability to conjure an impregnable defensive yellow bubble around him. The defense was one matter, but all his opponents so far mysteriously collapsed right as the fight began. The ninja was almost no different. Neither his speed nor fighting skills did him any good. However Metsuhai thought that he withstood the unexplained onslaught a bit longer than the others. This was reassuring though just barely. Then it was Ryo's turn.
His opponent was a rather tall, leather armor wearing archer. From the previous fights Metsuhai knew his skill with the enchanted bow was the real deal. Until now, he always managed to land at least one critical hit on his adversaries before they managed to get to him. And from close range he had his short sword as back up.
Cadilac brought the speaker to Ryo. Ryo spoke with his strong manly voice, "I came here to win. Whoever stands between me and my goals will get crushed."
As the microphone aimed at him the archer looked right and left "I quit."
The crowd released loud disapproving sounds. "What an unfortunate development," concluded George Peterson, "Any warrior can quit at any point, that's also part of the rules. On some level, I can't really blame him…"
I suppose after what he did to Niniyo many will be discouraged from fighting.
"…The bets here count, though it seems we had over ninety percent on Ryo as it is. And this concludes the second round and the first day of the Armageddon Championship! We continue tomorrow at nine, with even more intense action. So fighters, rest well, regain your strength because you are gonna need it."
…
It was early evening. Metsuhai already finished showering and eating dinner. He didn't mind the cheap food at the dining hall of the fighter's quarters, but Kuma's absence was another matter. Metsuhai was actively suppressing his guilt. He wished more than anything to hear exactly what Kuma meant but even if it was possible, this was personal. It was Kuma's choice whether to ever share it again, and Metsuhai knew he must not press on it.
Was he dishonored not too long ago, or did it happen even before I joined the order? Why didn't he tell me…
Either way speaking to Kuma right now was impossible. The nurses informed Metsuhai that he wasn't critical any longer, but he was recovering and in no shape to receive visitors. Perhaps if he was family they'd let him in.
Metsuhai examined his phone for the second time in the last five minutes. He reread the message from Chizue and his response.
'Around 19:00 if you aren't too tired, I'll be walking on the outer wall of the arena. The view here at night is something to remember.'
'I'll be there unless my wounded friend Kuma needs me.'
It was still a bit early, but Metsuhai already made his way to where Chizue had been. It was a wise decision since the way up there was deceptively long. This ancient structure that withstood the ages was truly a wonder.
Metsuhai spotted Chizue from below the wall. She was looking to the distance and didn't see him yet. He slowly made his way up the staircase. Knowing he was still a bit early. "I already told you, it's completely safe here," Chizue was slightly irritated, speaking to the phone, "So what if there are some sorcery haters who want to mess with the order. I don't think they'll dare raise their hands on me. I don't even use sorcery," Chizues voice calmed down, "Besides, there are FA guards everywhere. You sometimes worry too much, Marko."
Chizue wore a beautiful light-green dress with lemon-colored stars. A pink flower adorned her stylish hair. The evening was quite warm, so Chizue's exposed arms didn't discomfort her. Metsuhai practically stood behind her when she spoke again. "I know Katyusha isn't feeling well, but I'm no healer. I instructed Doctor Kin himself to have a look so she'll be fine. I want to stay here with Metsuhai…"
Metsuhai took in the amazing view. From up here on the wall bordering the edge of the arena he saw the city at night. The dimly lit roads with few passing cars, the sky scrapers whose windows illuminated the surroundings with the buildings inner lights, and high above the beautiful almost full moon and stars.
Metsuhai's eyes traveled through the heavy grey clouds.
My resolve must be unbendable, these are the things I'm fighting to protect. All of this must not go to waste. I will not let the inferno army make one more hell out of my world.
Metsuhai's gaze ended on smiling Chizue who was looking at him for quite some time.
"It's been a while," stated Metsuhai.
"Let's walk together," invited him Chizue.
The two began walking side by side on the wide stony trail. "How have you been?" Metsuhai examined Chizue. She was gorgeous, this dress suited her much more than her usual armor.
"I am doing well. My duties, studies and training keep me busy. But I can see the strain on the order reflected from my father's eyes. To others he may appear cold and calculated, but I believe he truly cares for every perished soul. I wish the eclipse would end already… What about you?"
"I finally see the results of my hard training. I became stronger than ever. I proudly represent the order in the competition."
"Ok, what do you really feel?"
"I had to fight my friend. I cut him a thousand times."
"From what I heard this is what he wanted. Strange death wish though."
"He doesn't want to die. Ehhh… it's complicated. I don't know the details myself. I don't feel good about what happened but I'll manage… Either way the competition is even tougher than I thought. This Ryo guy seems especially dangerous."
"He does look strong. All I know about him is that he is a prodigy fighter, a descendent of a master blacksmith and craftsman, the greatest metal worker who ever lived. I know you came here to win, but if you lose to Ryo, as long as he keeps winning the order still gets the stone."
"No, I think you are mistaken. I have seen him up close. Ryo is dangerous and cannot be trusted."
"Are you afraid of him?"
"I wouldn't say that. Risking my life is my profession and I don't think facing Ryo in the ring where he is officially not allowed to kill is scarier than facing an army of Crushers. Speaking about fear… How is Candy doing?"
Chizue smiled mischievously. "My younger brother is most grateful for the gift you have given us."
"I gave Candy to you," Metsuhai ignored the implied humor.
"It's still a bit hard for me to get close to him. But I make sure to visit him every time I come back home from a mission. He has grown quite a bit for his breed. I guess all is well… Though he sees my brother as his owner."
Chizue looked at Metsuhai's arms. Both were visible, the short shirt he was wearing not hiding the bandages on them. Only the bandage on his right arm was still necessary. The other he kept to draw away attention, but also as a constant reminder that as strong as he may become, he is still a mortal and can be defeated in battle. That bandage on his left also served as an eternal sign of gratitude to everything Tsukiyama did for him, practically bringing him back from the dead.
"You told me before you recovered fully. Is it really over? Did it not return? This kind of accursed poison is very hard to treat."
"It is. I finally have a future again. Now is my time to figure out what is it that I want in life. Do you know what you want in life?"
"I don't really know. At the moment saving lives and fighting evil gives me fulfillment. I know that many will kill to have a life like mine. Sometimes I wish to have a simple calm quiet life. Without politics, media attention and endless responsibilities. Just me, my family, and the man I love. I know that will never happen. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it?"
"Not at all."
Chizue looked away from Metsuhai, and he couldn't help but wonder whether she was blushing. The couple walk together around the arena for some time without saying a word. Just looking at the scenery and occasionally each other. It was a pleasant walk, with only the warm evening wind listening to them.
After a while, just when they saw the place where the nearby city met the vast forest, the air became a bit chilly and the two agreed to start heading back. They spoke about trivial matters and before Metsuhai knew it they were back at where they met at the start of the evening.
"Looks like we are back here," softly said Chizue.
Metsuhai was a bit angry on himself that he didn't bring a jacket or something warm he could give her to wear. "Where are you staying tonight, I mean in the next three nights during the championship? Perhaps I could escort you."
"Quite far honestly. The car picking me up waits at the entrance to the arena, it will take me to Heaven's Jewelry. It's a large, luxurious hotel now guarded by a whole squad of body guards. You have no idea how hard it was to lose them and come here. Honestly if I'm not back there soon there will be trouble."
Chizue looked at Metsuhai with her big brown eyes as if expecting something. Metsuhai looked at her beautiful face, his heart beating fast, as if this was a fierce fight. His mind burned with desire. There was nothing he wanted more than to kiss her right here and now.
But he couldn't. I can't risk what we have here by moving too fast. What if I'm reading it all wrong? I don't want her to think our friendship is fake, even if I want more. Marko was in love with her before me, and yet to the best of my knowledge never made such a move…
"Thank you for a lovely evening, Chizue-san. Knowing you are watching me do battle in the ring gives me great strength."
…
"This might be it folks!" shouted the announcer, "Kabuki's iron grip is squeezing the life out of his opponent. It's getting dangerous here, where is the referee?"
Zlovsky watched the two combatants with unwavering concentration. It was impossible to know what he was thinking. Either way, before long Kabuki's muscular opponent stopped moving. Zlovsky finally stopped the fight. "Win by knockout! Kabuki advances further!"
It was the fourth fight Metsuhai witnessed from the front row in this second day of competition. The conclusion Metsuhai quickly arrived to was that only really strong competitors remained. No one here was a beginner. Kabuki, the long armed fellow with the bandana on his forehead for example, was an expert in ground work. Whenever he took his opponent to the ground he made short work of him. Well as long as I don't let him get passed my sword I'll be just fine. Marshal and Makarov both fought and won already this round. Not really a surprise. Metsuhai didn't have much hope Ryo would be leaving the Armageddon Championship any time soon too.
The Grand Screen activated, names running across it. "And here we go again! The Mordon Destroyer will now face Rin Ichisada, the guy no one had been able to damage so far!"
Metsuhai got up and headed to the ring gate. I know I should be worried about this guy. He has a strange attack I don't yet understand and a really powerful defense barrier. Yet I just don't feel fear facing him. Still, this is a deceptive feeling of confidence. I'll take him on with everything I've got.
"Keep your guard up. Stay strong. Study him," Lezner's words made Metsuhai happy because he wasn't sure Lezner would speak to him after what he did to Kuma. "He's bound to have a weakness. A breach in his defense. You just need to figure it out."
Metsuhai headed into the ring. The ring resembled a desert like in the very first fight, and to Metsuhai's great surprise it was just as hot. Rin was already sweating. This blonde teenager whose hair looked like a bucket of water was spilled on it had a wide smile with perfect teeth. His luxurious attire seemed so unfitting for combat. Somewhat to Metsuhai's surprise, the gambling odds weren't stacked to his favor. Infact, it was exactly even, fifty-fifty.
Kagehiroto and Chizue were both observing the action in the ring with great interest, when Kagehiroto's new phone rang. More precisely, it generated the loud music of a famous rock band. Kagehiroto picked up the phone with a displeased look. "It better be important… Yes, what? Can't it wait?... Ok, I'm on the job."
Kagehiroto turned off the phone, looking at it for a second with disbelief. "Tanuki, prepare to head out."
"Are you really leaving, Oni-sama?" (Chizue)
"I wanna stay. I really do, but it seems something turned out. So big it requires my personal attention. Farewell…"
Kagehiroto turned away from Chizue, Tanuki and the other body guards standing around him from all directions. "…Fuck it."
Kagehiroto stormed out of the arena.
Kadilac pointed the speaker to Metsuhai, clearly expecting him to say something. I'll go with something neutral… "Let's have a good clean fight, and may the best man win."
Rin excitedly shouted into the microphone "oh boy oh boy- fighting in the ring against non-other than the Mordon Destroyer himself. I'm so excited, honored. Beating you in the ring is indescribable. It's like riding the biggest roller coaster. Thank you so much for being here right now!"
"There you have it folks. Now it's on. The legendary Mordon-Slayer against the mysterious Rin. Now the gloves are off so let's get to business!" (George)
Metsuhai didn't take his gaze off of Rin for a moment, waiting for Kadilac's signal to begin.
Just when the referee signaled with his hand both warriors acted immediately. The yellow bubble materialized again. Metsuhai wasted no time, drawing his sword. Sorcerer's Eye! He began closing the distance as his eyes glow light- blue. The power of the defensive barrier seemed to come from a turtle-like enchanted ring on Rin's finger. So the source for this force-field is an artifact? But there was something else involved, something powerful Metsuhai couldn't quite pinpoint even with his enhanced sight. Metsuhai observed Rin carefully, focusing his gaze on the opponents, as Rin moved his robe aside like in all previous fights.
Metsuhai witnessed as green energy gathered on Rin's chest. An amulet hanging from a golden chain on his neck into which four seemingly living eyes were integrated. The next sensation Metsuhai experienced was sharp. It felt as if lava was poured on his eyes. It was worse than any pepper-spray. Then came the overflowing tiredness, so strong and sweet. He was already hovering in dream-world. Metsuhai's eyes became heavy, practically closed. He only saw the surroundings like a blur, through the small gap still there. Rin had a wide smile on his face.
Metsuhai stumbled, almost falling down head first.
No!!! Metsuhai forced himself to awaken. You won't take me down so fast!
Metsuhai straightened his back, opened his eyes wide and raised his sword, his eyes still watering (not glowing). The eyes on the chain looked at each other kind of surprised.
"For a moment I thought Metsuhai was a goner!" Exclaimed the announcer, "The Mordon- Destoyer almost ended up like all others who faced Rin's mysterious powers."
So this is how he defeated so many opponents, and I fell right into it… My own counter-measures backfiring. This mental attack of his reminded me a bit of Roteah's possession. Well now I know. He won't catch me off guard again.
Metsuhai charged, making sure not to look at the eye necklace, crossing the distance within moments. He clashed with the bubble again and again, saying one word every time the blade meets the barrier with a sound of crossing blades.
"Now… That… You… Can't… Hypnotize… Me… Any more… Let's see… How… Much… Damage… Can your…Force-field… Take!"
Rin's face showed total and complete surprise, perhaps because Metsuhai was the first who ever stood up to his hypnotic powers. Nevertheless the defensive bubble remained intact. In fact there wasn't even a scratch on it.
Not that I expected to pierce his barrier so fast, but the energy of its essence is not even affected. Damn, those eyes are annoying.
Even though Metsuhai avoided looking at the necklace at all times his mind was still under attack. Just by being there the eyes continually disrupted his concentration and tried to put him to sleep. I should finish this as fast as possible.
Metsuhai clenched his fists hard, concentrating, powerful white aura burning around him. "Look at all that power!" called out George, "Something amazing is going to happen!"
Metsuhai jumped high up, as if he was flying, creating a massive white energy ball. The ball grew wider and more enormous with every moment Metsuhai rose upwards. When he reached his maximum height, Metsuhai threw the ball, bigger than a car, down.
The super-charged ball landed on Rin with great velocity generating a massive blast. A blinding light. An earthquake, with many including Lezner and Chizue covering their eyes. A shockwave, traveling all the way to the barrier defending the crowd. Everything was covered in smoke.
Metsuhai forced himself to keep his eyes open, landing back on his feet. And now to make sure you stay down.
Metsuhai aimed his palms at Rin's direction and released a series of yellow powerful energy beams. For a few long seconds the beams kept blowing up one after another. Metsuhai ended the attack, sure that he got Rin this time. And even if he didn't, Metsuhai was out of stamina and out of air. Breathing hard to regain composure.
Lezner stared into the smoke from Metsuhai's seat in the crowd. I have seen many fights, but this is something else. Psychology is clearly part of it here. Metsuhai was very close, he almost broke through. But when the dust settles all what Metsuhai is to see is the force-field at full force. Metsuhai couldn't possibly lunch this onslaught and feel his opponent's energy simultaneously. That's not even remotely possible. Let's see if Metsuhai is smart enough to figure that out, and what's more important- keep his composure.
When the smoke cleared and the sand sank back into the arena, smiling Rin was still there, unscratched, his force-field at full power. The only remainder of the explosions was the large crater around Rin.
No, it can't be! Metsuhai couldn't believe his hurting eyes, I put everything I had into that attack! And I thought I might actually kill him…
"Wow! What a blast!" congratulated him Rin, "This looked super strong. You are so much fun! But you never stood a chance in first place. You see I am a businessman. War is like business. I wasted money on those two legendary artifacts, and when I get the Chaos Stone I will sell it for even more money. You see, there's the Turtle Barrier Ring that protects me from any damage. And there's the Chain of Compelling that… well, you know what it does. Ancient relics from days long passed. The combination of these two artifacts is undefeated. I'm rich, yet this was costly even for me. But when I take the championship I will be famous and incomparably richer. The order will pay any price for the stone and so does the dark army. You just don't have the budget to compete with me!"
Metsuhai's breathing returned to normal gradually. Ok, the situation is bad. I wasted a lot of power. My eyes are hurt and I'm tired. He is still as he was in the start of the fight. But it's not like I wasn't cornered before. It happened with Mordon. It happened again with Invedos and Captain Blood and unfortunately many other times already. I'm gonna hold out until I find a weakness in his defense. "Your force-field is strong," stated Metsuhai, his voice as manly as ever, "But your attacks can't really defeat my mind. At this rate you will never bring me down!"
Rin gently stroked the eyes on the Chain of Compelling. "Do you honestly believe this is the only form of my attack?"
Rin raised a bit the magical artifact on his neck and his eyes glowed yellow for the briefest of moments. The eyes of the Chain of Compelling followed suit, glowing as well. From the chain, erupted into existence hollow eyes made of yellow energy. They looked just like the eyes of the chain except without anything inside- they were like a drawing, like a collection of lines with the form of an eye.
In an instant the eyes surrounded Metsuhai from all directions. All what Metsuhai was able to do in time was retaking his battle-stance. The eyes unleashed upon him strong, fast, practically invisible currents of hypnotic power.
Metsuhai's head was exploding with pain, his eyes crying. It felt like someone just turned on a chainsaw in his head. Shouting from pain and desperation Metsuhai cut in half the first eye with perfect accuracy. The energy eye faded fast. Metsuhai kept cutting the eyes, their quantity decreasing fast. For every eye cut down, gradually appeared another one to replace it.
Makarov who by coincidence sat near Marshal (in the front row) spoke quietly, mainly to himself. "The Turtle Barrier Ring… the Chain of Compelling… what won't I give to put my hands on those two. With such artifacts an enchanter like me will be unstoppable. Even more so with the Chaos Stone."
"…" (Marshal)
In the ring, Metsuhai was on the job, standing his ground against an army of merciless eyes. He was slicing left and right. Constantly on the move. He sent energy beams, blowing those eyes up. The eyes kept reappearing, almost as fast as he was destroying them. However Metsuhai didn't settle for only defending himself. He made sure to land attacks on the force-field whenever possible. Rin seemed to be enjoying himself though sweating.
"Mordon Destroyer is going ballistic! But that barrier isn't budging!" (George)
Sword strikes, energy beams and even air-cuts, the force-field withstands all. But it's not like it's beyond my understanding. Whatever momentary damage is done to the force-field gets instantly repaired by the energy flow from that ring. It's just a theory, but definitely worth checking. I tried to break through with force before, but I couldn't take it down with a single attack, as strong as it was. But what if I create a series of attacks, both fast, strong and accurate enough to overwhelm the regenerative ability of the barrier?
Metsuhai kept thinking, cutting up energy eyes non-stop. He had been on the move for so long already, and the fight didn't appear to be nearing its end at all. If this keeps up, this fight was going to be the longest in the Armageddon Championship for sure. The problem is, for me to try this tactic I'll have to use Sorcerer's Eye again, which might subject me to the full extent of the living eyes again. Well, now I know I can take it. Either way, at the moment I'm making no progress and those hypnotic waves are tiring me. I must admit, these two artifacts are really something else. Here we go I guess.
Metsuhai's eyes started glowing light-blue again. He focused them on the force-field, trying as much as possible to avoid the living eyes. So far the damage from viewing the Chain of Compelling peripherally with True Sight was minimal, better than Metsuhai could have hoped for. I see your secrets, Turtle Ring!
Metsuhai stormed the force-field, hitting it from one side and then from another, moving at incredible speed. To anyone but experienced fighters it looked like he disappeared, instantly reappearing on the other side. Even the yellow flying eyes couldn't keep up. Metsuhai struck the force-field repeatedly with everything he had. Faster, Stronger! I can't let the force-field recover. I have to keep going, keep attacking it where it's weakest!
Metsuhai long ago lost count, how many times he assaulted the barrier with all the force he could muster. His muscles were screaming in pain. Just a bit longer, the force-field is weakening!
But Metsuhai's movement was inevitably slowing down. His breath becoming erratic. He just couldn't keep up this insane pace. Exhausted and demoralized, Metsuhai came to a hold. He had no strength left in him. Breathing hard he collapsed to one knee. "Is this it?" Exclaimed George, "Is Metsuhai finally gone?!" Then came the hollow eyes, finally catching up to him, blasting him with extreme power. Metsuhai raised his gaze on his opponent. Rin was smiling no more. He was breathing hard and sweating as if carrying a big refrigerator on his back.
So he does have one weakness after all!
Metsuhai came back to his feet shouting and raising his energy more, defying Rin's hypnotic magic. It was as if his renewed resolve turned into power. Metsuhai raised his sword and began cutting to all directions even when there was nothing there. He looked like a man gone mad. It was nothing like his calculated efficient usual self. He was hitting the force-field and slicing the energy eyes without any rhythm or pattern. His eyes were bleeding (no longer glowing light-blue) and he saw his surrounding as if through red.
"And Mordon Destroyer is berserk again. How long can he keep this up!" (George Peterson)
Lezner put on a rare smile, grabbing his cigar. That Rin brat had the artifacts do all the fighting for him, and still got exhausted from the tiny amount of strain on his body required to keep them active. This contest will be decided by endurance.
Rin's body was shaking from effort. How can he keep this up? Rin barely followed Metsuhai's unexpected burst of speed, unable to comprehend his moves. My strategy was full proof! I'm invincible! How did this happen!
Rin collapsed to one knee. The force-field blinked three times and finally went out. The energy eyes were disrupted, slowly flying around and attacking to random directions. Metsuhai lunched himself at Rin. It took Metsuhai every bit of last strength to get himself together and not to slice Rin to death. With great effort Metsuhai stopped, aiming his sword at the unbelieving Rin's throat. Rin fell back, terrified.
"A victory by submission!" declared George, following the referees call.
Good work kid. You did it again… Lezner's thoughts were disrupted by some usher protesting against the big black man smoking. As the crowd loud cheering fills the arena, still managing his breath, Metsuhai spoke to his defeated opponent.
"This match was a close one. If you had trained as a warrior just a bit more, I would have been defeated. Those powerful artifacts are meant for warriors, not merchants."