38 Chapter 38: Team JNPR (5)
Chapter 38: Team JNPR (5)
~Jack POV~
After a few classes, we finally reach the 5 pm mark as we finally Self-Directed Sparring with our combat instructor Glynda Goodwitch.
Waiting for the chance I got to see how the people fight with each other from different points of view of their fighting styles as I see some of them are high levels.
As things progressed the fights lasted for a while.
But I had plenty of time using my <Fusion> skill to see what I can do to obtain some Semblances into my arsenal to use.
As things stood it took us a while to view the fights as Glynda began to speak she finally spoke out about the next fight for the night, "And finally for the last ones for the night. Can Cardin Winchester and Jack Nights please enter the battlefield."
Oh?
Raising my eyebrow at this it seems like I'm next and the last one for the night.
Going up my friends support me as I began to go down wearing down the usual battle uniform of my black coat and fancy white dress. I see Cardin is being arrogant as he is as he views me as a weakling but cautious in his eyes.
At least he's not a complete fool.
<Observe>.
[Cardin Winchester – Lv.78 Huntsman-in-Training]
[Cardin can be compared to the classic stereotype of the "school bully", with some minor exceptions. Such characters are often found in school dramas and teen movies. He and his team enjoy hurting and picking on others.]
Hmm…
Glad to see that my <Observe> skill increases more on my off time already at Lv.37 since I overly use them on an everyday basis.
This might be actually more difficult than I originally expected because I have no info to truly rely on except for the fact I need to be careful. If it was a real fight but I only need to take down his AP just enough for Glynda to call this my victory.
I just have to sparingly use my AP wisely but also use this chance to grind my <Martial Arts Mastery> in the process.
I can lose as well since I have to lower my AP as well to survive.
But I do want to have an actual chance of victory so I guess I can use this chance to properly see how much damage I can deal with Cardin. With that, I enter the battlefield as I took a chance to properly view him.
Cardin has burnt-orange hair that is combed backward with a slight peak at the front and indigo eyes. He wears silver-gray armor with gold trim.
His chest plate sports a bird with its wings outstretched. Underneath the armor, he wears a black shirt with red trimmings and black pants with a red sash tied around his waist. He also wears silver-gray armored under-the-knee boots that match the rest of his armor.
Hmm…
You know I never tried to check for items before on them using <Observe> I might as well try.
As I enter the field, I got my Gauntlet ready filled with Fire Dust Shells filled with Fire Dust at the ready. Making my presence known to him I used <Observe> on his weapon of choice to see what it does.
---
Item: The Executioner
The Executioner is a large, black mace, with ten flat titanium flanges being extended farther outward than a regular mace would and a red Dust crystal placed at the center, kept in place by four claws. It also has a button above the hilt, suggesting this activates the Dust function.
Cardin is capable of wielding it one-handed, suggesting either high strength on Cardin's part or that the Executioner is relatively lightweight. When he fights, he uses the Executioner in combination with his own impressive strength, not relying solely on his weapon.
The Executioner is shown to be able to discharge explosive blasts, even being able to fire off a series of explosions in quick succession all along the same line in certain situations, going towards in whatever direction it is currently aimed at that time.
---
Ah!
That is a very good weapon for a beater like him. No fault when admiring the weapon though-
However, my thoughts were interrupted as Glynda spoke getting my attention as she replied to me, "Ahm! Mister Nights are you ready to begin? Cardin has been waiting we don't have all day you know?"
Coughing a bit blushing at that small embarrassment I replied to them with and brief apology for making them wait, "Cough! Sorry, we can begin I apologize for the wait."
Cardin laughs a snort at me but nothing arrogant as he readies his mace as I ready my weapons Glynda shook her head as she began, "Very well then. As per the rules once your opponent reaches 10% - 25% of their aura you are the winner. Anything goes so long as you win. Remember in life there is no such thing as a fair fight as your future enemies won't give you the chance. And now…. BEGIN!"
*BEEP*
Listening to the loud beeping sound of the ring I began to observe Cardin some distance apart, but he was also going on the offensive as he charges right in with his The Executioner.
He began to raise his weapon as I glared at him using this chance to use <Telekinesis> to take it away from him catching him by surprise as I spoke, "Nope. Sorry mate but I plan to win this."
Taking his weapon into my hand I began to throw it to the side as I activated my <Aura Amp>, <Aura>, <Unarmed Combat>, <Aura Combat>, and <Martial Art Mastery> active as I rushed towards him within striking range.
All the while I hear cheers from the background, but I kept my focus.
*BAM*
"Go for it!"
*BAM*
"You can do it, Jack!"
*BAM*
"Hang in there!"
*Swoosh*
"You can do it, Jack! Team JNPR!"
Just avoiding the last one as he already took the chance to swing his arm at me while I maintain my position, he snorts at me, "Tch. I'll make you pay for that one punk."
Oh, do spare me your words.
*Swoosh*
Dodging away from him Cardin used this chance to rush towards his weapon getting it in time as I used <Telekinesis> trying to take it away but he held it tight this time, "Nope! I'm not following that same trick twice!"
Tch.
He began to slam his weapon on the ground as his weapon shine brightly as my eyes widen at this. Quickly moving away from the blast of where that was coming in my way I, fortunately, knew it was a narrow explosive attack in one direction.
*BOOM*
Seeing a large gust of explosion that I avoided I narrowed my eyes as it reminds me of Bakugo moves in MHA against Deku at the beginning of the series. That would surely have damaged me a lot.
Still not taking my eyes off him it was time to cut off his movement.
<Aura Trapping>.
*Shiii*
That was when Cardin was surrounded by my aura as he shouts out in annoyance, "What! Damn it I can't move!"
Seeing him struggle I rushed at him using <Petal Burst> as I made sure to go out beating him on the chest trapping him in place as I began to pummel him down with each fist going at him.
*BAM*
[<Martial Arts Mastery> LEVEL UP!]
*BAM*
[<Aura Combat> LEVEL UP!]
*BAM*
[<Unarmed Combat> LEVEL UP!]
*BAM*
*BAM*
Getting a beating Cardin cursed at me as he tried to defend but couldn't because he was trapped, "Ahh! Shit! Just wait till I get my hands on you…!"
Still, Cardin was reluctant as he lets go of his weapon to avoid getting more damaged, but I wasn't going to let him escape, but he began to smirk as he spoke, "Fuck! This is a surprise but... I'm not done yet!"
*Thud*
Shit!
Cardin powered through the <Aura Trapping> as he managed to get out as he rushed at me knocking some damage to my aura as I stagger a bit, but I wasn't blind to see that his mace was coming down.
*Swoosh*
Evading the strike –
*BOOM*
[<Fire Resistance> LEVEL UP!]
*SWOOSH*
*Thud*
Damn it…
Using <Petal Burst> at the last second Cardin activated his weapon as I was near the explosion as my aura took the hit a noticeable one if I haven't used my <Petal Burst> at the last second, I would've had my Aura taken more damage if I stayed a bit longer.
But…
That was when I heard Glynda voice out to the arena as I froze on the spot surprised, "The Winner is Cardin Winchester."
Hearing this I stopped my attack and actions as I was clearly reluctant by this loss while Cardin smirked hearing Glynda answer, "Now while Cardin was at the receiving end of the match he managed to perceive against his foe even when disadvantaged. Any longer he would lose but frankly, Cardin remembered the rules if some would notice upon the screen though…"
Glancing up I saw that I was very low on my aura on the screen as I view my AP points I wasted a lot leaving me low to the 15% as I couldn't help but agree to Glynda's words.
Shit, I guess using up my skills and taking the explosion damage from Cardin was enough for me to be in the red.
At least I learned this lesson now rather than later.
I'm more used to fighting monster-based enemies but… Human-based ones or intelligent ones are something I lack to properly face.
Reluctantly sighing and registering this as my defeat as my attention was towards Glynda as she told me some advice, "Sigh… You did well mister Nights. Since you only got to really train and all how about some advice and increase your aura output or find a way to use your semblance wisely in your free time or ask me or the staff for help."
Nodding at this I was going to take all I was going to get as I agreed with Glynda.
Maybe I should ask a professor how it's possible.
They have more experience in using Aura might be worth it to ask when given the chance.
Nodding at this I began to go towards my group as they expressed my concern about my loss Pyrrha asked in concern, "Jack… are you feeling fine after the fight? Even though you had Winchester on the ropes you ran out of aura faster…"
However, this little defeat did give me a wide opener for me of my own weakness.
Returning my attention to my friends with a reluctant smile at this loss I replied to them happily as this defeat gave me some ideas to work on, "No. I'm just frustrated that I failed to finish the fight. Like Professor Goodwitch said I need to work more on how to use my semblance effectively. Don't worry I learned a lot despite my defeat."
They released a sigh of relief of me taking this easily I mean it.
At least we are almost done with the day though as the combat one was surprisingly enlightening, to say the least, but did give me a heads up on a reality check.
Not all characters in the show I once knew are going to be dumb as they look better to prepare to up my game. At least though I have a year to get stronger before shit hits the fan I must be prepared against intelligent-based foes.
That was my mistake leading me to my defeat despite how much this stung.
I hate this feeling of defeat.
I hate being weak.
Damn it...
While no one noticed as I kept my appearance to not worry my friends I was absolutely livid at this with no one to blame but I and it hurts more to know it's a fact as I clench my fist.
Hopefully, my anger would subside later...
It hurts my pride I lost to Cardin of all people but realistically speaking it was expected… unless I know how to fight Huntsman/Huntresses-in-training I'm in deep trouble of leveling up fast now I was humbled by this.
Huff…
Funny…
I don't really feel all that tired all of a sudden…
I think it might be from the earlier match.
No.
Shaking my head I smiled at my team as I would handle my own issue rather than focusing on some tiredness.
