Chapter 7: Gifted

"They will perish. I won't disappoint you anymore."

Hugh murmured, his eyes were still myopic grey, but flashing with determine. He got up.

"Let's do this." Hugh spoke with an extremely calm and hoarse voice, an eerie sensation emitting out. He sensed something germinating, slowly attaching to his body. It was fearful, not acknowledging what it was. But it felt so natural, like it belonged to him all along.

"I can't wait to see you beg for mercy." Insanity danced before the man's sight as he ripped off his jacket, revealing an appallingly frail feature.

"Orangutan. Rank 187 on the Dexter billboard." Hugh narrowed his eyes, getting into combat position. His right foot stepped forward, arm curved as if about to throw out a punch. The Dexter billboard, created by an unknown personal. It mysteriously appeared on the internet, sweeping up tempestuous chaos. Two hundred detailed information of the strongest or the most genius Aura Users surfaced on the site. Of course, there were probably still many Warriors who had hidden information or were reclusive people blending in society. The Dexter billboard constantly alliterates. Names that belonged at the top could just vanish in a day. They could have ranked up to a legendary Axonn. Or, they could be dead. The way of the Warrior can be brutal. And treacherous combat is the best way to improve.

"That's right. I'm at the edge of the Dexter Billboard. But at least I exist there. You are a nobody. Your body will rot and there will be no one to remember you." The maniac released another sinister laugh.

"Yo, over here! Yes you, monkey guy. I'm literally standing right here and you're sayin that no one will remember my bro if he dies. Where is your situational awareness idiot?" Atlas waved, irritating the hell out of Orangutan as he continued mocking him.

Orangutan snorted and made slight movement, but was caught by Hugh who paid attention to the words 'situational awareness'.

A flax-yellow butterfly knife silently slid out Orangutan's pocket.

"Argh!" He lunged forward, the knife wielded in a specific angle, lethal barbs reflecting the flickering dim light.

Hugh had taken serious caution, well-prepared for the attack. He leaned left, supporting himself with his arm, the tip of the knife flashing before his eye. Hugh jerked his body, forcefully kicking at Orangutan's head. Orangutan scarcely ducked, locking onto the vital points of Hugh, finding an opportunity to strike. Forming a fist with the middle finger slightly edging outwards, Hugh was about to carry out his next counter when his heart tightened. Thump. A compact source of energy accumulated in Hugh's heart. And it felt like it was about to explode.

The knife split a drop of perspire into two. Dust whipped in all direction on the concrete where the droplets landed, and magically, soil sprouted from it, forming a sturdy soil handcuff that locked Orangutan's arm on the floor.

"What! No way!" He yelped, "You are a gif..." Hugh's muscle trembled with uncontainable force. He had to release the energy piling up within him. With a loud bang, Hugh uppercutted his jaw. "...ted." Reddish liquid squirted out from his head, meshed with pinkish clay-like clots. Jagged conoid earth pierced through his skull, and a few seconds later, the earth swiftly withdrew, returning to the potted plant a story below. "I'm taking your place on the Dexter Billboard now."

"No!" Darwin widened his eyes in incredulity, "One who bears the royal blood." He heard a clean whistle similar to a sword unsheathing, only to discover that his vision was going hazy. A minuscule hole formed on his forehead. Five figures slumped.

"Hugh, are you all right?" Atlas supported him up and made a soothing grin, "Gifted eh? Fancy." He examined the decorative pot of flower through the enormous rift.

"That pot served a great purpose today."

"I know right." Hugh has replenished some Aura, now tampering with the new ability he has obtained, "Forget the pot. This thing. It's like a living being. I can detect it interacting with my soul." Tawny and vibrant mist enveloped his palm, discharging a very staunch impression. Earth Aura. Hugh has evoked an innate ability.