14 Brak vs. Dioro (2/2)

Brak could think of a lot of ways to use his reward, including pay for sufficient materials to make another breakthrough. For him, the nuisance of a brat was a blessing in disguise that led him to Dioro.

Oli and Vloz were both confused and had no way to follow the conversation after hearing that Dioro was a wanted man. Both of them decided to get to the bottom of it after the fight.

The other gorillas were also baffled and looked to Ania, who had her eyes closed in prayer for her husband.

”So, you've heard of me,” Dioro calmed his breathing. ”I take it you want my head for the bounty, is that right?”

Brak didn't hide his excitement, ”I'd rather have your head than the egg, to be honest, but luck is smiling on me today because I get both. Now that's a steal!”

”I guess there's no need to hold back then!” Dioro raged towards the golden dragon with glowing fists.

They met again in the air, only this time Brak was on guard and no longer underestimating Dioro.

Dioro grunted as he realized that Brak's defenses were far stronger than he anticipated. And though his soul arts could boost his offensive power drastically, it was unable to strengthen his defensive strength.

Both opponents' offensive abilities were about even, but a dragged-out battle would lead to Dioro's demise.

”What's wrong? Did you finally realize you can't win? Just admit it,” Brak was happier than ever to have Dioro cornered, ”You will die here and so will your son. It's time I sent you both off myself!”

Brak attacked mercilessly, shattering Dioro defenses but Dioro focused on countering instead of blocking and traded blows with Brak. The dragon left a deep gash in Dioro's side while his sharp scales sawed at the gorilla's flesh.

Dioro gave him an injury to remember though when he actually broke through the dragon's scales and sent a destructive pulse of soul energy directly into Brak's body.

Hoping to recuperate, Brak backed off, but Dioro pushed himself past his limits and jumped levels once more, sending shivers down Brak's spine.

The gorilla held onto the dragon's neck as he pummeled through the scales on the dragon's underbelly, the weakest part of his body.

Of course, Brak tried to pull Dioro off and tear the ape to pieces with his claws, but the determined Dioro never let go and never stopped throwing punches. With nothing left to try, Brak blew flames from point-blank at Dioro, who disregarded the flames to deal one final blow with every bit of energy he had left before letting go.

Ignoring the pain and scarring his flames had caused to himself, Brak took to the sky as he realized something. As he began to flee at top speed, Frak was yelling in his mind, ”He uses soul arts! No wonder I can't understand his strength! He almost had me there, if I hadn't been willing to burn myself, he would've done far worse. I want that egg, but for now, I must leave.”

”I better not see you again or next time you won't be so lucky!” shouted Dioro, standing tall in the air as the giant dragon fled the scene and vanished into the distance.

Oli finally let his worry go as he cheered, ”Yeah, go Dad!”

Then suddenly, Dioro fell from the sky and crashed to the world beneath him.