676 The Final Showdown (1/2)
Patroclus stood at the center of the large empty arena. There he was, back to where he had started. Were Patroclus and Wang Tong bound by destiny to meet here again, or was it by Patroclus' design? This arena had witnessed the rise and fall of House Dower, and had seen Patroclus at his best and lowest.
This was where everything began, and also where everything ended; for every end, there was a new beginning.
Patroclus threw back his head and stared into the starlit sky. He felt that his body had finally become one with nature. After the visit to the cemetery, Patroclus had gained a keen insight into the meaning of power. When he got back to the practice room, he was surprised to find out that the newfound insight had improved his strength by leaps and bounds. This fight with Wang Tong would be a perfect opportunity to put his new skills to the test.
After some time, a shiny dot appeared in the night sky, and Patroclus heard the citizens of the Lunar City cheer Wang Tong's name: he was here.
Patroclus gathered himself and gave Wang Tong a welcoming smile. ”Long time no see.”
”Yeah, it's been six years.”
”How is Sisi?”
”She is…doing great, thanks to you.” Wang Tong said without any rancor.
Patroclus nodded; Zhou Sisi was the only girl who he had felt attracted to. Although he could not be with her in the end, it gave him comfort hearing that she was happy.
”Where is your Einherjar's lance?”
”This is a fight between you and me…I don't help from anyone else.” Wang Tong said. Patroclus knew that Wang Tong was alluding to Charcoal and Blade Warrior's power inside it.
”You haven't changed at all.” Patroclus smiled broadly and said. This fight was as personal to Wang Tong as it was to him, and therefore, he understood why Wang Tong refused the Blade Warrior's help. But, when so many things were at stake, refusing help seemed very reckless.
”There is no audience. Let's start now.” Wang Tong closed his fists and said eagerly.
”Well, what are we waiting for them!” Patroclus pulled his jacket off, revealing his tenacious body in a tight gym suit.
KOM!
Kaboom!
Storm clouds suddenly gathered above the arena and an immense power spilled over the high walls of the arena. Their power was beyond the grasp of both the humans and immortals, as the source of the power came from the deepest layer of the universe where only gods could reach.
Two flows of energies —one gold and one silver—appeared in the arena; either one of them would start attacking any moment now.
Wang Tong attacked first with the layered fist of Tong, a technique he had learned from Zachery. Its deadly power threatened to devour the world.
”This is nothing new.” Patroclus' voice sounded almost disappointed. A silver light flashed in his hands as he cranked up his soul energy. Both warriors had contained their soul energy and GN force even during combat in order to concentrate their damage output; it was a testament to their unrivaled control over their power.
KOM!
Patroclus' palm strike collided with Wang Tong's fist. The impact staggered Patroclus slightly as a hint of surprise flashed across his face. Before he could gather himself, Wang Tong's second wave of attack was already on its way. The second wave was still the Layered Fist of Tong, but it was improved by Wang Tong so that he could superimpose as many layers of energy as he wanted to.
Waves after waves of energies followed each punch from Wang Tong. This meant that he was able to connect his attacks and keep the pressure on his opponent. His GN force was under the complete control of his Soul Essence, so he could manipulate the power output at his will.
Despite the unpredictability in Wang Tong's attacks, they were met with cold denial from Patroclus' defensive measures. Neither blunt force nor trick shots were able to penetrate his all-encompassing defense.
Wang Tong kept at it, each punch of his packed with an unrelenting force; on the other hand, Patroclus held his ground firmly and countered Wang Tong's attack with an equal measure of aplomb and alertness.
”Excellent defense! Try to defend this!” Wang Tong launched himself into the air and then bore down on his opponent from above with an iron fist repeatedly like a jackhammer.
Kom! Kom! Kom! Kom!
As Wang Tong's attack gained frequency and vigor, the clank of the impact started to form a shockwave that shook the ground like an earthquake. However, Patroclus was rooted to the ground, unwavering like a mountain.
Suddenly, Patroclus took half a step back and evaded one attack. While doing that, he channeled energy into his left palm, making it as deadly as a sharp knife before he hacked at Wang Tong while the latter moved in after having missed his target.
Wang Tong reacted quickly as he twisted his body around abruptly and whiplashed a kick at the incoming attack.
KOM!
Both of their attacks had struck home, the pain lighting up the fire in their eyes.
Patroclus flashed in and out view as he charged at Wang Tong; it was the Ivantian's Butterfly Dash. Patroclus had used this technique so perfectly that no one could tell the illusion apart from his actual movements.