420 Truen vs Monoman (2/2)
Truen grit his teeth, tasting the blood in his mouth. He might not be able to die but it didn't mean he didn't take damage. Deflecting the direct blows also inflicted damage and Truen couldn't dodge everything because of the limited space. It was down to the old-fashioned fistfight and Truen was at a natural disadvantage against this beast. He didn't want to worry his best friend so Truen weighed his options.
”Without using Sureshot, the only chances I have to win against him would be to use my speed or magic. Those punches might be easy to avoid but the shockwaves that follow are nothing to sneeze at. Now that it has come to this, I might as well use my last plan,” Truen thought. Truthfully, he didn't think that Monoman would be able to force him to employ this trick so early into their battle but seeing how unfair their natural advantages were, he had no choice.
The crowd went wild when Truen activated his magic. Zero blinked when he saw Truen using a basic earth spell to create a fortress.
”A mage? Interesting,” Monoman smirked. Did the elf seriously think he couldn't break through that? That underestimation would cost him dearly. Deciding that enough chances were given, Mnoman made his next move.
Jermine was surprised when she felt Truen using earth magic to create a tunnel maze beneath the Dirt Ring. She held her tongue, not wanting to spoil the surprise and watched as Truen used the tunnels to get behind Monoman who was preparing himself for a charge towards the rock mound fortress.
After getting into position, Truen sent a pelt of rock shrapnel in Monoman's direction. There was an earth clone hidden inside that rock mound but it was still too early for the trick to be revealed. He would tire the monster first and stay hidden to recover from his injuries.
Sensing danger, Monoman jumped to avoid the projectiles and clicked his tongue in annoyance. Why couldn't they have a proper fight with fists? Using magic like this was only irritating and Monoman didn't want to deal with it. Elves were ranged warriors and their magicians were rare. It was his misfortune to meet one in the ring of all places but then again, he shouldn't be this surprised. Half Moon Village was famous for its collection of different talents and Monoman was now more determined to talk to the leader. First, he had a fight to win.
Truen ran around beneath the ring, coordinating attacks from beneath and pulled up clones to distract Monoman. The trick was working but Truen remained grim. He might be able to prolong the battle but there was no hope of victory. The Mammoth didn't seem to tire even after twenty minutes of running around and none of the attacks was effective. The difference in their power was too great. The audience might not have realised it yet but Truen was really out of cards. All he could do was buy time until Monoman realised this.
For a battle-honed warrior who founded a town in the worst lawless zone, Monoman figured out Truen's trick quickly. Not wanting to drag this on for much longer, Monoman ignored the next wave of rock projectiles and charged straight to the rock mound. The rock fortress was smashed open in one blow, causing the biggest explosion of sand, rocks and dust that blinded everyone in the audience.
Zero shielded Jermine and Brutus shielded Zero. The audience yelled and the Dirt Ring was covered with red sand that obscured everyone's view. Nobody knew what was going on and the announcer waited for the dust cloud to settle before making his commentary.
Desert Lily was the first to see the outcome and quickly contacted her people to escort Zero to the safe hideout. Truen had lost.
”T-The winner is Monoman the Mammoth!” the announcer shouted in half fear and half surprise with Truen raising his hands in surrender.
Monoman didn't just smash the rock mound open and destroyed Truen's clone. He shattered the ground and revealed the tunnels that Truen had made before catching the sneaky elf in action. It was over, Truen admitted his defeat. He would listen to Monoman's request and negotiate terms with him before he brought the dangerous man to see Zero.
”It's my loss,” Truen said as Monoman helped him out of the rock debris in the broken Dirt Ring.
”Will you let me talk to your younger brother?” he asked and Truen dusted the dirt from his clothes without much success. These had to go for a wash.
”I have some basic rules to discuss but yes, I will set up an arrangement for you to talk to him. Also, you can stop pretending. The leader of Half Moon Village appreciates honesty so you should be prepared to answer his questions without hiding anything if you truly wanted to prove your sincerity.”
The Mammoth nodded and they left the arena together, ignoring the audience who were still trying to find themselves after the magnificent last strike.