A Bargain

The next few days went by, with a few students loosing their positions to their various challengers. So far, Adrian had not challenged anyone and today being a Saturday, was the last day of the week and the last opportunity to obtain a position on the ten man team.

"This is the list, containing those qualified to represent our class at the preliminary exams." Mr Leo said,as he address all students of class 1-D at the training center .

Ryan, Storm, Riger, Alexis, Shaktar, Jessica and other names were called serially.

"If no challenge is made, I would send these names to the council for approval." Mr Leo said.

"Wait!!"Adrian shouted, as he ran into the training center, startling everyone.

"Your late again Mr Kane."

"Am sorry, I over slept."Adrian replied, while panting.

"In that case, do you wish to make a challenge Mr Kane?"

"Yes Sir."He answered.

"Who do you wish to challenge?" Mr Leo asked.

"Shaktar Dontesk." Adrian replied with brimming confidence.

Everyone busted into laughter, some even tearing up.

"What a joke." A student mocked.

"He wants to get killed."Another student said.Even the high and mighty Storm couldn't help but  laugh at him.

'Is he crazy? It had to be Shaktar of all students, that brute.' Alexis's thoughts raced.

"Silence."Mr Leo roared, releasing his suppressive killing intent; silencing everyone.

"Mr Dontesk, Do you accept the challenge?"

"With all pleasure." Shaktar answered, rubbing his hands together.

"In that case, would both fighters please step unto Platform number 7." Mr Leo said.

Both boys stepped unto the platform without any hesitation.

"You should put on some battle gear, it would reduce the pain."Shaktar taunted.

"You would be the one feeling pain." Adrian replied.

"If both fighters are ready, please begin."Mr Leo announced.

"Wait!!" Alexis screamed with concern.

"What is the problem Mr Knight?" Mr Leo asked in his usual expressionless tone.

"Aren't they suppose to put on some battle gear?" He asked with Adrian in mind.

"There will be no need." Mr Leo smiled mischievously, sending shivers down Alexis's spine.

"You may begin."

*Clang!*

Shaktar covered his body in his Iron Skin, ready to battle.

Adrian noticed a few changes on Shaktar's Iron Skin ability. He now had a few spike like protrusion on his left shoulder, his muscles seemed even broader and there was now a giant doubled edged axe which he hung on his back.

*Boom*

Shaktar released a frightening black coloured aura accompanied with an immense pressure. The whole platform was covered in his black coloured aura, making it difficult for most students to see.

"What a terrifying aura." Ryan subconsciously said to himself.

Thick drops of sweat ran down Adrian's face,his hands and feet shaking in fear. He could barely stand up straight due to the immense pressure the aura exerted on him.

"Do you still wish to fight?" Shaktar said grimly.

"Y-y-ye-yes." Adrian stuttered, trying to gather his already shattered confidence.

"Hahahahah." Shaktar laughed like some diabolical demon.

"I must commend your determination. As a gift, I'll give you a free shot." Shaktar said, ceasing his terrifying aura.

"Haaaaaa."Adrian heaved a sigh of relief.

"Alright, don't keep me waiting." Shaktar said in a mocking tone, tapping

his right cheek.

'I've gotta put everything into this one strike, I'm giving this my all."Adrian said to himself.

Suddenly, Adrian's entire right arm caught fire, burning the right sleeve of his uniform completely.. The flames kept growing at a wild rate, releasing an immense heat.

One could barely make out the shape of his right arm in the swirling flames, a slight fiery glow could be seen in his right pupil.

"You asked for it." Adrian said in a hoarse voice.

"Collider smash: Maximum power!" Adrian roared, as he propelled himself like a rocket.

Massive bursts of flames from his feet accelerated his movements, boosting  his momentum. Shaktar's eyes widened in surprise, as Adrian approached him.

"Take this!"

*Bang*

Adrian smashed his fist into Shaktar's face, creating a shockwave.

*Boom*

Shockwaves accompanied by wave ripples, travelled across the training center radially. Mr Leo even had to shield himself from the aftermath, as he was the closest person to the fighting platform.

Black smoke shrouded the platform denying any visibility.

*Pant- pant*

Adrian's heavy breathing could be heard through the black smoke.

[Sound Canon]

A deep pitched invisible force blew across the platform, taking away the black smoke. Adrian alone stood on the platform, as Shaktar was no where to be seen.

*Cough!*

Everyone turned their head to a section of the auditorium fifty meters away from the platform, which was still covered in smoke and dust.

*Cough!*

Shaktar coughed again as he walked out of the pile of smoke unharmed.

Adrian's eyes widened in bewilderment, there was not even a scratch on Shaktar's face. It got him wondering if it was the same person he fought with two months back.

Even the likes of Storm, Alexis, and Ryan were left gasping in awe. Although Adrian was quite weak compared to them, that attack he dished out was not something they could take head on and come out unscathed.

"Hahahaha" Shaktar laughed manically.

"That actually stung, i am impressed." He said with an evil grin on his face.

Slowly but steadily, he approached Adrian who was sinking in fear. When he got close enough, he placed his metallic hands on Adrian.

"You have earned my respect I must say and for that, I'll let you have my position on the squad." Shaktar concluded as he deactivated his Iron Skin.

"What?" Adrian starred in disbelief.

"You heard me. I yield." Shaktar repeated.

"Are you not going to take part in the tournament?" Adrian asked.

"I will, I'll just take someone else's spot." Shaktar said with a cranky smile, as he walked towards the center's exit.

"That would be all for today." Mr Leo announced with a mischievous smile.

"What? How?....." Several students mumbled different things as the exited the training center.

. . .

"Do you know how disgusting it was to act nice to that weakling, I even gave up my position." Shaktar roared in annoyance.

"It was all part of the deal wasn't it?" Mr Leo replied with a smirk on his face.

"Why are you willing to go that far for him?" Shaktar asked.

"He reminds me of someone." Mr Leo smiled.

"Well I don't give a shit, just keep your end of the bargain and make sure I get straight A's or there will be consequences." Shaktar said.

"Are you threatening me?" Mr leo released his killing intent slightly.

"Whatever." Shaktar said walking out on Mr Leo.