Chapter 17: Chapter 16 - Daron Versus Julian
"Please welcome to the stage, Julian Parker!"
Once again, cheers erupted from the ability domain side, and even some from the physique side had given their applause. They had a better impression of Julian than Rylen. Julian kept to himself most of the time, so he didn't cause much trouble. When trouble did arise, one hit from his chain typically made any fight leave his opponent. Even so, there wasn't much support from the physique side, and no cheers, only slight clapping.
"Please welcome to the stage, Daron Finley!"
Daron was surprised as the entire physique side soon was cheering and clapping for him, with Mr. Gail standing up and doing the same. He had a feeling Mr. Gail had arranged this. He really did put all of his hope on Daron.
The ability domain side was surprised to find the other side so energetic about their representative, as they had never heard of Daron around school, and had only heard of him during the week up to the competition. The most they could find about him was that his parents were archeologists.
The cheering didn't perturb his opponent, as he stood there with a stoic expression.
Walking onto the arena, the announcer was once again replaced with the referee.
As the whistle blew, Julian had opened up his palm, and a chain had shot out of it.
Steeling himself, Daron activated his combination Life-Saving Energy Focus technique and put up his arms to receive the incoming chain. He wasn't planning to use his arms to attack, and injuring them would lower the guard of his opponent. Daron knew he wouldn't win this with just his physique alone. He needed to play smart.
As the chain hit his arms, he felt his first arm break, while the one below it cracked, and a shooting pain shot through his body. Daron screamed as the chain hit him, but he didn't back down and stared straight at his opponent. Baring his teeth, he took a step forward towards Julian.
Julian was a little shocked at Daron. One hit had always made his opponents forfeit in front of him, and yet, even with a broken and fractured arm, Daron continued forward. He now understood the reaction of the physique side. He was facing their best, and their best would not back down. Julian even felt a little impressed by him. If he lost, he wouldn't hold it against Daron. He now respected the opponent in front of him.
As Daron took another step forward, another chain was sent out from Julian's other hand, while the other chain retracted. Without his arms to block it, the chain hit straight into his chest. The blow caused another scream, but the damage to his chest would be minimal and heal in a few seconds with his technique activated.
Another step was made towards Julian as both chains were now near his side, ready to be used at any time.
Both sides of the crowd were silent, watching the spectacle in front of them. Julian didn't discriminate against his targets if they had annoyed him. Ability domain users and physique users had both felt the pain of his forceful chains. The fact that Daron could take two hits and still continue made some people fear him.
Moving both his arms to the side, Julian forcefully moved them in front of him, slashing them both at Daron's side. Lifting his own arms up, Daron let the chains hit his sides, preventing his arms from taking more damage. Another scream, louder than the previous two, had sounded out from Daron. But he continued onwards.
Even the referee seemed exasperated by what was happening in the arena. He hadn't expected for Daron to not even try to dodge any of Julian's moves but take them all head on. He thought him a madman, and yet, he couldn't help but compliment his resolve as well. Not many would be able to stand the pain inflicted by Julian's attacks.
In truth, Daron couldn't stand the pain, and he already had trouble seeing through his tearful eyes, but he wouldn't give up. He knew the pain was worse than his actual injuries, which would be minimal at most.
Julian knew he would get nowhere just throwing his chains at Daron. Even though he saw tears falling down Daron's face, Julian knew that the boy would not give up. He could only move in closer to try to deliver a heavier blow.
Retracting his chains back into his hands, he moved towards Daron as Daron did the same. When around a meter away from Daron, Julian opened his palm, and the chain once again shot out. Daron knew it would have more power, so he brought up his arms again, rather having his arms more hurt, than risking an injury that could affect the fight, such as a pierced lung causing him trouble breathing.
The chain hit his arms, causing the bone in it to break out of his flesh, being visible to the audience. While the arm under it had now fully broken. A piercing screech was heard, and Daron could feel his throat becoming sore from screaming.
The referee was going to call the fight, but he saw Daron move his arms to the side and get ready to run forward. Seeing this, he decided to allow Daron to attack. He knew Daron's physique had incredible healing capabilities, which was why he hadn't called the fight yet. If it was anyone else, he would've. He was also hesitant to call the fight because of the physique crowd's reaction when Daron was announced. Even Mr. Gail cheered and applauded with a wide smile.
Seeing Daron run forward, Julian readied his other chain, but before he could hit him, a leg had come at his stomach as Daron twisted his body, putting as much force as he could into the kick. Julian was blasted to the arena's edge as Daron fell to the ground after the kick. Getting to his knees, Daron looked towards Julian and saw blood coming out of his mouth. The referee called the match.
"D... Daron Finley wins the second round of the competition," the referee stuttered.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone