Unfair Play [Part II]

'How'd you like that, you bitch?'

Okay, now that has to be cheating. I mean, he clearly used a hidden weapon laced with something. The rules said something about hidden weapons, didn't they? The first match and this is already dirty.

(Appraise Condition Status)

[Name: Sakurako Nox

Lvl: 25

Gender: Girl

Age: 17

Race: Dragon

Evolution: Dragonewt

Status Effect: Partially paralyzed]

She's been "partially paralyzed?" That's why her body suddenly failed on her when she got hit. It must've been done by some sort of poison or spell. Ah, but she has poison and corrosion resistance, doesn't she? It probably doesn't work against every poison.

There was a sound of someone getting hit–the crowd went "oh!" I looked at the screen, and it displayed Sakurako on the floor. It was clear that she had been kicked in the face because of the dirt on her chin and cheek.

['Oh! Aaron Marshal seems to be playing with her now!']

That bitch can't play fair, can he?

Sakurako was shown trying to get up, but her limbs wouldn't move. She glared at Aaron Marshal, who simply gave her a sly smile. Blood ran down his face. Even so, he continued to punch her. He looked to be enjoying it. With each hit, it echoed throughout the stadium. Blood splattered on the arena floor with each blow.

'This isn't even a fight anymore.'

Someone near me said.

'That bastard is using this as an excuse to beat the living life out of her. Stop the match!'

One woman yelled. Others joined in. They protested against the beating of Sakurako, while everyone else–specifically the girls who love Aaron Marshal–just loved it since it was a bloody battle. Something was wrong though. I'm not talking about the blade anymore, I'm talking about Sakurako explicitly. I mean, by now, I was expecting her to burst out in anger, however, she hasn't moved an inch. Did that strike to the cheek also weaken her?

Aaron Marshal stopped his attack and reeled away from the body of the pink-haired Dragonewt. I couldn't see it from here, but I could tell that it was probably indescribable. They decided not to show it on screen, after all. The screen switched to the sneering face of Aaron Marshal. He looked like he had completely lost his mind.

['Oh, could this be the end of the battle? Let's see what Prince Guist has to say?']

Prince Guist walks over to Sakurako and inspects her. He knelt and put his hand on her hand, probably to check her pulse. He raised his hand, probably meaning that she was okay.

['Sakurako Nox is do–huh? What's this?']

The prince moved out of the way, as the body of Sakurako moved up into a seating position. So she is okay! She shouldn't pretend to get beaten down. If she was down for any longer, then she probably would've been out of the tournament.

['Aaron Marshal stares in shock as Sakurako Nox gets up, almost unphased from his brutal assault!']

You say that but everyone can tell that her face is swollen. Sakurako stretched herself as she got up.

'H-how?! I unleashed everything on you! You should be unconscious!'

Aaron Marshal refuses to accept the fact that Sakurako took on his beatings head-on. I mean, I would too, but I won't say anything knowing that one powerful punch from her could send him to the hospital. (Not that I know for sure.)

'I mean, you're so weak that I decided that I should play along.'

'What do you mean?! I got you on your knees and was beating you to death!'

Sakurako gave him a glare.

'What? With the help of a hidden weapon. I could tell that the boy knew about it, but–'

She faced Prince Eustace and Alex Vincent, who were on the stands.

'I thought someone as grand as you would notice sooner, buster.'

Prince Eustace simply glared down at Sakurako and didn't say anything. Alex Vincent filled in the silence with his commentating.

['What's this?! Was Aaron Marshal cheating all along?! What will they do? The decision is up to the two princes, Eustace and Guist, who is acting as the referee.']

I couldn't see her face clearly, but I could tell that a smile had been glued onto the face of Sakurako.

'What is it you want? The disqualification of Aaron Marshal.'

The prince didn't seem to be using a microphone like Alex Vincent. He didn't seem to be shouting either, so how comes his voice reaches all of us? Maybe a spell or skill.

«The Auxiliary Skill, Enhance.»

So he's enhancing his voice then.

Sakurako turned around and put her arms out.

'No, I just wanted to thank you for not stopping him.'

'What is that supposed to me?'

'Now I can fuck him up with a reason.'

It's hard to think that Sakurako was a child-like teenager who was childish only three weeks ago. She could barely even speak, but now she's spitting out swear words! Now I know how my mom and dad felt when I walked for the first time. I'm so proud! Or so I want to say. Life would've been both easier and harder if she was a child, like before.

'"Fuck me up?" Some vulgar words coming out of your mouth. Like you actually could. A minute ago, you were on the ground on your knees, like a prostitute begging fo–'

He never got to finish his sentence; Sakurako gave him a sharp blow to the solar plexus. The crowd all gasped and the girls shrieked and threw remarks at Sakurako. Blood escaped from the mouth of Aaron Marshal. She continued her assault with fluid movements. There was a BAM, then a CRACK, and then another CRACK. It repeated itself several times over. That guy probably wouldn't be able to walk, moreover, talk after Sakurako is done with him.

After unleashing a barrage on him, she dropped him to the ground. Blood had been splattered all around Sakurako.

'Oh, you done already?'

['Sakurako Nox released a flurry of attacks and now, Aaron Marshal is down.']

Sakurako didn't seem convinced.

'Get up. I know you're still conscious.'

But Aaron Marshal didn't move. I think Sakurako is going too far to hurt him. He's already out for the count. Sakurako raised her fist and shot it at the face of Aaron Marshal.

'St...op...'

It stopped before it connected. So, he really was conscious.

Tears started to flow from the swollen and bloody face of Aaron Marshal. I didn't want to look at it, since I felt like vomiting just from the sight of it.

'I for...eit... Please... I... give... p...'

The loud horn sounded, signifying the end of the first match. Everyone cheered and some girls cried out loud.

['And there you have it, folks! After a series of beatdowns, Sakurako Nox wins! We'll be back in five minutes with the next matchup!']

This was beyond my expectations. Why do I feel like something has changed within Sakurako? The nonchalant look on her face is cold. Kind of making me worried. She looks too much like an adult, one would want to know what happened to her.