174 Truly Unburdened
Holding a mass of air within the palm of his hand, Adam has Micheal cornered.
"So… Are you going to surrender or…?" [Adam]
"Bind." [Micheal]
Adam immediately dropped to the ground. His limbs felt far heavier than before, as if they would fall right off. Due to such an action, the control of air within his palm was cut off.
("Crap!") [Adam]
The compressed air burst outward, sending Adam and Micheal backwards against the transparent wall.
"Gah!" [Micheal]
"Urgh!" [Adam]
Micheal rebounded and managed to stay on his feet. However, Adam just slumped down.
("It's… so heavy!") [Adam]
He tried lifting his arms, but it was to no avail.
"It's useless. My ability is level 5 Lockmaster." [Micheal]
"Yeah, kinda noticed." [Adam]
Lockmaster. It was an ability that can lock and unlock any objects, including movement.
"I don't remember "bind" being a part of it though." [Adam]
Micheal smirked.
"I'm not one to stick to the rules." [Micheal]
"Funny you say that." [Adam]
Breathing in deeply, Adam closed his eyes.
"...Unyielding will." [Adam]
It was strange. He didn't know why he uttered those words, but it seemed to empower him.
"...What?" [Micheal]
Adam slowly stood up, unburdened by the weight pressing down on him.
"I'm also not someone who sticks to the rules." [Adam]
Step by step, Adam made his way forward.
"...Lock!" [Micheal]
The burden increased, but Adam seemed to be unaffected.
("It's not working?!") [Micheal]
"Lock!" [Micheal]
Once again, Adam continued forward.
"Lock! Lock! Lock damn it!" [Micheal]
Not too soon, Adam had Micheal backed against the wall.
("I need to escape!") [Micheal]
He moved to the side, but found himself jerking back due to Adam grabbing his collar.
"You're not going anywhere." [Adam]
Raising a fist, he made Micheal put up his arms in defense.
"Grit your teeth." [Adam]
He struck Micheal's arms with great force, enough to make them hear a horrible crack.
"Argh!" [Micheal]
His arms suddenly went limp. His eyes went wide with shock, fear, and pain as Adam raised another fist.
"W-wait!" [Micheal]
Expecting a blow to his face, Micheal shut his eyes.
"...Huh?" [Micheal]
Hearing a loud crash similar to glass shattering, he saw Adam's fist against the transparent wall.
"What the hell…?" [Micheal]
The wall dented, leaving behind a large cracked pattern the shape of a spider web.
"So, do you surrender?" [Adam]
Looking at the damaged wall, Micheal had no other answer.
"Y… Yeah. I give up." [Micheal]
It was then that the robotic voice returned.
"Barrier damage has been detected. Fourth wall damage approximation is 43 percent. Ending duel session. Please exit the arena." [Robotic Voice]
The transparent walls vanished, not that Adam could tell. In the end, Micheal was sent to the infirmary while Adam went back to the others.
"Hahaha! As expected of someone who beat me!" [Erik]
Laughing boisterously, Erik slapped Adam on the back.
"Ow." [Adam]
"Well, I have to say… I didn't expect you to be that strong." [Mark]
Klein looked at him strangely.
"Were you not the person who recommended him?" [Klein]
Mark shrugged.
"I knew he was strong from his records, but not THAT strong. I've never seen anyone damage the border of the arena to that extent." [Mark]
Klein brought a hand to his chin, as if thinking deeply.
"Indeed. I too was surprised." [Klein]
As if making up his mind, Klein nodded and put out his hand towards Adam.
"Apologies for the rude introduction. Once again, I am Klein. I look forward to working with you." [Klein]
"Uh…" [Adam]
He glanced at Mark, but all he got was a smile.
("Might as well shake it.") [Adam]
Taking Klein's hand into his, they returned a firm handshake.
"...With pleasure." [Adam]
