Chapter 95: 120% (1/2)

One hour after the second half of the competition came to a close, there were only five teenagers sitting in the reserved section for participants.

Different from the usual, they weren't anxious or nervous. Having been already granted a spot in the top five, there was no need to be tense.

The only thing they needed to do was to directly rank themselves.

Every one of them, including Jake, had their eyes closed as they tried to recuperate to their prime state.

Exactly thirty minutes after, they opened their eyes just in time for the referee to begin.

”I will repeat the rules of the final half. Each of you would get a match against each other. There will be five rounds which will be played out incessantly, without any break.”

He further explained, ”Each round will have you fighting against someone you have not fought with before. However, due to your numbers. Only four will have the opportunity to fight, while the fifth lucky participants would be giving a freeroll. Don't, everyone would get a chance to be that ”fifth” participants”

”Finally, the point system. As stated previously, a win is three(3) points. A draw is one(1) point. A loss is zero(0) point. And a Freeroll is three(3) points, the same as a win. So, everyone is guaranteed an extra three(3) points.”

He looked straight at the remaining participants and asked, ”Any questions?”

Dean Forst raised his voice, ”Yes. In the case of grievous injuries, what would happen to the person? Would he be given the option to continue? Would he be automatically be disqualified for the remaining rounds? Or would he postpone his fights until he is considerably healed by the healers?”

Dean Forst asked the questions in everyone's mind.

Jake had also thought of this. The goal of his fellow competitors would change based on the answer provided.

”Good Question. In the case of an injured person, he would be held responsible for his injuries. Also, he would have two options.

One, to forfeit and seek the medic bay.

Two, to continue to fight and risk aggravating his injuries!” replied the referee.

His words were like cold water thrown on a person's head.

Despite Jake liking the format of the match, he knew that the cruelty of the final half has reached the peak.

This new format would enable the participants to indirectly team-up. However, such a team would not be balanced. There was sure to be someone benefitting more than the other.

Also, reaching this match, Jake was sure most of the participants would be able to resist the temptation of teaming up. Jake, himself, did not concern himself with teaming up as he did not trust any of them to hold up their end of the agreement.

However, that was just Jake. What of those that were already allies before the start of the competition. In a way, it was a good thing there was only one of the royal family present among them, or else, it would be catastrophic!

Jake was sure the same thoughts coursed through all of them's minds.

After the referee was sure that the participants had absorbed everything, he called out names, ”These are the fights in the first round. Jake vs. Joshua Vargas. Cheyenne Aztec vs. Dean Forst. Jaya, you are the first to be on a free roll.”

He then shouted out loud, ”The first match, Jake vs. Joshua Vargas. The rest, prepare yourself!”

Obeying the referee, Jake got up from his seat and walked to the stage.

He reviewed himself, 'My outfit is not more reliable for defense. However, I still have my sword!'

He watched as Joshua came up stage, all the while gazing at Dean Forst with a hidden meaning.

'So, that's how it is,' smiled Jake.

He knew it was bound to happen. However, when he saw Joshua's expression everything clicked.

Though it was not his business, it was certainly amusing to notice it.

While thinking, Jake channeled his [Spirit Essence] into his body.

The moment he heard the green lights, Jake bulldozed to his opponent, ”Match, Start!”

He dashed to Joshua and unsheathed his sword, following his training.

*Shing!*

Joshua managed to block his sword, and unleashed his technique, without trying to go the slow path, ”[Red Sword]!”

Joshua's broadsword glowed hot red, exuding a temperature that made Jake exceedingly sweat just by near it.

'Sh*t! He is going full strength,' sighed Jake.

Jake parried an attack from Joshua and jumped far away to plan his next move.

Following the path dictated for him, Jake decided to go a hundred percent(100%) for the first time.

He blinked from his position and appeared above an unsuspecting Joshua.

Unsheathing his sword in a peculiar manned, Jake brought it down to his opponent's shoulder, but Joshua's sword managed to get there in time to block the attack.

Yet, Joshua realized that there was no strength behind Jake's sword. Looking up, he found no one holding the sword.

Despite catching on to Jake's tail, a kick came out of nowhere and smashed him away.

By the time he stopped himself, he was already bleeding profusely, both from his mouth and ears.

Shocked, he thought to himself, 'All this from one kick!'

He had no idea what force was behind Jake's kick!