10 Birth of the Crimson Mantis (2/2)

” Aha, shut it Landon. We both know I'm not that old. ”

” Well who knows. You might have seen this structure in your young time. I know I haven't. ”

” Are we going to fight, or are you gonna trash talk me to death? ” said Henry with a cocky tone. He knew Commander Landon was a patient man, but he still wanted him to attack first.

” Okay then, but first, will you be armed or are you going bare fisted. ” asked Landon.

” I'll be armed. Double kukri. There are a few tricks I would like to try on you. ”

” Fine, I'll go bare fisted. I'm sure I don't need my weapons on you. You're still wet behind the ears anyway. ”

Henry smiled. He wasn't going to go easy on him. To him, it was a mistake from Landon's part to underestimate him.

” Hah, don't regret it later then. ” and with that, the fight began.

Both men lunged at each other, their speed equal, as Landon had lowered his body's physique to have an honorable fight. Getting closer to each other, the Commander threw a punch at Henry's face, at a speed still barely perceivable for the onlookers.

But before it hit, Henry had already shifted his body out of trajectory, as if he had never meant to go that way. Bringing in his knife towards Landon's face, right before it hit, Henry moved the blade away from it. At the same moment, Joseph had leapt back, resulting in Henry's wrist and blade forming a perfect V shape behind Landon's neck, latching on to him and following him in his jump.

In the process of flying with Landon, Henry brought his other knife in a V opposite to te first one. He also shifted his body to the side and plunged his right knee into Landon's side. When Joseph landed, that momentum and positioning transformed into a spinning force, which in turn, flung Henry around Joseph, his knives latched around his neck.

The head was hewn cleanly off of Joseph's shoulders, flying into the distance. Henry spun another turn in the air and landed on his feet a few meters away.

The spectators were voiceless. Most of them thought it was a fluke. Some with more experience thought it was little more than a lucky guess.

But to Landon, who had reappeared in the center of the arena, things had gotten serious. He had seen the killing intent in Henry's eyes the second he had thrown his punch. It was that look, that had made him try to fall back. He had seen the knife coming but had thought he could dodge it. He understood the real intention of Henry when he had unfolded his wrist and locked onto his nape. He had played right into his hands.

Now he was willing to go in with more focus. This had just awakened his intent to fight for real. He was not going to fall for that twice.

” It seems I might have underestimated you Agent Calvert. Do you mind if I also arm myself this time? ”

” Sure thing Commander. I was hoping you would take me seriously the first time though, answered Henry, with a faked tone of sadness. You should also fight with your real strength. ” he added.

” Don't get ahead of yourself now Calvert. I still have way more experience than you. It just simply wouldn't be fair. ” Landon said.

A pair of gloves with steel knuckles appeared on the Commander's hands. He also brought out a pistol, which he attached to his hip.

” I wont go easy on you this time, rookie. ”

” Ohh? Do you mean I can get serious too? ” asked Henry with a smirk.

” I guess I'll stop fooling ”

Landon didn't let Henry finish his phrase. He dashed right at him clenching his fists. The moment his fists were fully closed, electricity started streaking off the gloves. With shock, Henry's eyes opened wide. Jumping back to dodge the lightning covered fist coming straight for his face, he instantly realized he wasn't fast enough.

* BANG *

Henry's head blew up in a messy red mist. It was now his turn to re-appear in the center of the arena. Commander Landon didn't let Henry time to regain his composure. He landed, pivoted towards Henry, and dashed right back at full speed. Henry barely gasped for air and saw Landon coming right back at him. He understood that Joseph was trying to teach him a lesson. But he wasn't ready to abandon just yet. Making a plasma rifle appear in his hands, he started firing at his adversary while backing away. Trying to keep a safe distance from the Commander, he fired at him, taking strong side steps sideways and backwards.

A plan suddenly came to Henry's mind. Stoping right where he was, he continued firing on Landon, letting him get closer. His rifle suddenly mis-fired.

* click * * click *

Landon wasted no time. Lunging on his foe, he cranked back his arm for another deadly punch. Reaching his target, the fist was only a few centimeters away from colliding with Henry's face. But Henry suddenly dropped down, smiling at Landon. However, Commander Landon had a lot of combat experience. He knew his opponent would try this kind of tactic. He un-holstered the pistol from his hip and fired at Henry. The smile on Henry's face transformed into a grimace of pain. He took the hit in his left shoulder and crumpled to the ground. Landon picked him up and brought him at face height.

” Seems like you still lack enough cunning to trick me. You don't have experience yet Agent. Maybe in a few years. ” Landon said, smiling. But his smile suddenly went sour. He heard a few clicking sounds and saw 3 metal pins drop to the ground. Henry smiled, revealing a grenade belt strapped at his waist.

” WHAT THE!! ”

* BOOOOM *