บท 14: Fire and ice

Ever since Jack first opened his eyes in that peculiar lab, the world had undergone a myriad of changes, each unfolding in ways unknown to him. His intention to inquire further from Leo about these mysteries was a plan interrupted by the incessant demands of his own system, leaving him little time to delve into the intricacies of the evolving reality.

Despite his best intentions, a diversion presented itself in the form of an invitation to a bustling bar on fight night. Amidst the lively atmosphere, Jack's astonishment echoed as he grappled with the newfound revelation –

"Humans possess abilities?" The assumptions he had formed about the world shattered, compelling him to reconsider the scope of his understanding. The allure of unexplored depths teased at the edges of his awareness, painting a canvas of curiosity that hinted at a reality far more intricate than he had initially perceived.

"Of course we do; how else did we stand our ground against those undead? If not, they would have killed us all," Hewitt said, overhearing Jack's exclamation. 'I thought everyone's meant to know that? Nevermind about that; the plan would soon commence.'

Hewitt pondered and then looked at Bin, who nodded his head and left.

Jack was astonished by this sudden discovery, and a sudden urge came over him. 'I have to get an ability also.'

With determination, he focused on the unfolding match.

Pyra, a fierce female with hair ablaze in shades of red reminiscent of dancing flames, stood at the right side of the arena. Her eyes, reflecting the intensity of the battle, were fixed unwaveringly on Frostbite. In stark contrast, Frostbite, a male combatant with short white hair, exuded an air of chilling determination. The crowd held its breath, captivated by the visual spectacle of fire and ice personified in the two adversaries.

The battle began, and the bell rang, declaring the match to start.

Immediately, Pyra acted first by summoning a large sledgehammer made of flames and ran towards Frostbite with incredible speed. Pyra leaped into the air, raising the giant sledgehammer up into the sky, intending to slam it down on Frostbite.

However, Frostbite wasn't a fool to allow a massive sledgehammer made of raging flames to hit him on the head. Swiftly, he formed a shield made of ice that was so thick it looked impenetrable. The crowd held its breath as the fiery clash unfolded.

The sledgehammer slammed onto the ice shield, sending out a tremendous amount of energy that scattered all around the place. A deafening roar erupted from the crowd as the shockwave, pulsating with raw power, headed towards the spectators. However, before panic could set in, a formidable cage barrier, glowing faintly with a reddish hue, absorbed the energy, instantly dissipating the shockwave.

'Beast crystals cage,' Jack thought, recalling Leo's extensive teachings on the versatile nature of beast crystals. These precious gems could be forged into various items, each imbued with unique abilities. The cage, a testament to the application of these crystals, absorbed and neutralized the unleashed energy, showcasing the incredible defensive capabilities harnessed from the beasts.

The combatants, Pyra and Frostbite, locked in a fierce battle of strength within the glowing cage. Their weapons, infused with the potent energy of beast crystals, clashed and pushed against each other. The air crackled with intensity as the audience eagerly watched the spectacle, torn between the fiery Pyra and the icy prowess of Frostbite.

Pyra, with flames dancing along her sledgehammer, pressed forward relentlessly. Her eyes reflected determination as she sought to overpower Frostbite. Meanwhile, Frostbite, wielding a weapon adorned with frost crystals, stood firm, countering Pyra's advances with calculated precision. The clash of elements created a dazzling display of fire and ice, captivating the spectators.

As the battle raged on, Frostbite began to unveil a strategic brilliance that caught Pyra off guard. Swiftly adapting to the fiery onslaught, Frostbite skillfully redirected the energy, weaving a mesmerizing dance of ice and frost. The crowd gasped at the tactical finesse displayed by the icy combatant.

Pyra, fueled by the intensity of her flames, struggled to maintain her ground. Frostbite seized the opportunity, unleashing a surge of chilling energy that cascaded along Pyra's weapon. The fiery aura surrounding her began to waver, hinting at the encroaching frost's dominance. Jack, observing the unfolding spectacle, realized that Frostbite was strategically wearing down Pyra's fiery defenses.

The audience erupted into cheers and exclamations, split between supporters of Pyra's fierce determination and those drawn to Frostbite's calculated tactics. The battle had become a captivating dance of opposing forces, each combatant pushing the boundaries of their elemental prowess.

As the minutes passed, Frostbite's mastery over the battle became increasingly evident. Pyra, now visibly fatigued, struggled to match the relentless onslaught from the icy adversary. The arena resonated with the clash of their weapons, but Frostbite's movements grew more fluid and precise.

In a decisive maneuver, Frostbite exploited an opening in Pyra's defenses. With a swift and calculated strike, Frostbite disarmed Pyra, sending her weapon skidding across the icy floor. The crowd fell silent for a moment, the outcome hanging in the balance. Frostbite, with an air of triumph, stood poised to claim victory.

Jack watched in awe as Frostbite emerged victorious, the battle's ebb and flow demonstrating the intricate dance of strategy and elemental mastery. The crowd erupted into applause, acknowledging the skillful display of combat within the confines of the beast crystals cage.

Frostbite, now the undisputed champion, raised their weapon in acknowledgment, the frost crystals gleaming in the arena lights. Pyra, though defeated, displayed a nod of respect, recognizing the superior strategy that had led to her downfall. The crowd, electrified by the spectacle, continued to cheer, celebrating the thrilling clash of fire and ice that had unfolded before their eyes.

After the climactic battle concluded and Frostbite emerged victorious, the crowd began to disperse, creating a clear space within the ring. The announcer, standing at the center once more, raised his voice above the fading echoes of the battle.

"It looks like we have a clear winner: Frostbite!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, acknowledging the skill and prowess displayed by the victorious Frostbite. However, the celebratory atmosphere was interrupted as the announcer's expression shifted, a sudden change in the scheduled proceedings evident in his demeanor.

The announcer, about to continue, suddenly heard a voice through the communicator in his ear. The revelation of unexpected changes to the schedule cast a momentary disappointment over the eager crowd, eagerly anticipating the next exhilarating match.

"I'm sorry, but there have been a few changes to the schedule," the announcer relayed, addressing the disappointed audience.

A hushed murmur swept through the spectators, curious about the alterations that had disrupted the anticipated sequence of events. The disappointment lingered in the air as the announcer prepared to deliver more unexpected news.

"But don't worry," the announcer declared, trying to lift the spirits of the audience. "It looks like we have a newbie that will fight today."

A renewed spark of interest ignited within the crowd as they eagerly awaited the revelation of the mysterious newcomer. The announcer built suspense, heightening the anticipation.

"And it's going to be Rak who will be going up against our newbie, Jack!".

***"""

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