Chapter 39: Epiphany (1/2)

Chapter 39: Epiphany

Translator: OneshotwonderEditor: Tehrn

The promise of immense power in the air gave Wang Tong a rush of euphoria that was laced with adrenaline. Finally, a true opponent stood before him to quench his thirst for a challenging fight.

The thrill of the battle emboldened Wang Tong. He dashed forward, thrusting a fist directly at Wang Ben.

”Konnn.”

Both fists released a deafening roar along with the explosive energy that shook the entire arena. Having relinquished the flaunty moves and flourish of METAL suits, this exchange of bare knuckles, imbued with Wang Ben's anguish and indignation, was the embodiment of a real fight, and to Wang Ben, it was as real as the wicked fate that had mocked him.

Wang Ben had dreamed of following in his father's footsteps to become a decorated soldier in the Confederation. To achieve this dream, he had followed the strict training routines that started with over a thousand reps of the Fist of the Racing Tiger first thing in the morning, yet it all had led to nothing.

”But why?” Wang Ben screamed, in his mind, a question that had no answers.

”Homm...”

Wang Ben pressed another step further, and the arena trembled as his feet thudded on the ground. Although the IPA rules had dictated his soul energy to be capped at 100 sols, through careful control and manipulation, Wang Ben had amplified it into an explosive and deadly force.

Wang Ben's attack was infused with the hatred for being denied what had been rightfully his: the right to become a soldier. Hanging on his overwhelming emotions, Wang Ben's attack had become even more venomous and lethal.

Wang Ben's punch pierced through the air, roaring like a tiger along the way and was ready to devour any resistance that was put up by its opponent. Having mastered the Fist of the Racing Tiger, Wang Ben's performance in the arena reminded people of his father, General Hu Ben.

The audience was shocked by the identity of Crazy Diamond; no one would have thought the son of a prestigious general would partake in an IPA fight. But things did seem to add up eventually. Since he had failed the mind opening operation, his presence in the IPA league was apparent, and no one could mishear those distinctive roars.

In the PA system, Wang Ben was able to harness the virtual soul energy while using the Tactics of the Racing Tiger, which he had been practicing ever since he was a child and had by then mastered. Needless to say, its power was immeasurable, and most opponents would have fled out of harm's way, but Wang Tong didn't flinch. Instead, he uttered a deep grunt as he delivered his punch in return.

This had been the most satisfying battle Wang Tong had encountered since he had joined the PA system. For the first time, he found joy in fighting, and he thought it would be only fitting for him to pay tribute to his opponent with his fist.

”Konnn!”

The impact sent a deafening clang echoing throughout the arena, and then, silence ensued. Everyone's breath had caught in their throats as they fell in awe at the two fighters’ immense power. This was a fight worth commemorating!

Wang Ben stood still, dragging out the silence. He had been a prodigy ever since childhood, and his only downfalls were the failure of his mind opening and the release of his EMF. Otherwise, the Confederation military would have another fearsome fighter in its ranks. However, thanks to the virtual EMF, he would be able to fully utilize the Fist of the Racing Tiger that he had already practiced beyond perfection.

Wang Ben's victory was by then apparent to the audience.

Both fighters still stood motionless as the PA system announced the unexpected results, ”The winner is... Einherjar Wannabe!”

”What!? It's impossible!”

”Bah! There must be something wrong with the score.”

Wang Ben might be weak in a real fight, but in the PA system, he ought to be almost invincible with the aid of his tactics named after the glaring reputation of his father. No one would have thought that a TPA rookie would defeat him.