Previously On Unknown: In the stairway, Matsumoto and his apprentice find a hidden chamber, while Akishima confronts Yuji in a fierce battle. Matsumoto retrieves a scroll from a mysterious symbol, and Akishima engages Yuji in a fierce battle.
(Continuing)
Yuji's excitement was palpable as he grinned. When Akishima launched another punch, Yuji effortlessly caught it with his left hand while conjuring a fireball with his right. Akishima's shock was evident as Yuji swiftly thrust the fiery orb into his face and then slammed him to the ground, causing him to cough up blood.
Chuckling with a hint of mockery, Yuji taunted, "Is that the best you can do? I thought you were aiming to kill me."
With a death glare, Akishima seized Yuji's hand and forcefully pulled it away. Suddenly, he erupted with vibrant blue mana, catching Yuji off guard. Seizing the opportunity, Akishima broke free from Yuji's grasp and put some distance between them.
Wiping blood from his cheek, Akishima glared at Yuji and realized, "He's way too good at close combat for me to be using such slow and predictable tactics. I have to enhance my physical capabilities and catch him off guard." With determination, Akishima declared, "Mana Transfiguration: Mana Manipulation: Body Enhancement: Non-elemental Body Coat!" Intense blue mana swirled around him, and with a burst of energy, he disappeared from sight.
Appearing in front of Yuji, Akishima feigned a punch, swiftly transitioning into a dive towards the floor. From this position, he delivered a powerful back kick aimed at Yuji's face.
Yuji, anticipating the attack, dodged to the side just in time, narrowly avoiding the blow. With lightning-fast reflexes, he prepared to counter with a sweep kick aimed at Akishima's head.
However, Akishima, displaying remarkable agility, anticipated Yuji's move and evaded by leaping over the sweeping kick, using his hands to propel himself upwards. Surprised by Akishima's incredible adaptability, Yuji couldn't help but smile in admiration at his opponent's skill.
Faster than Akishima could perceive, while still airborne, Yuji unleashed a fireball into Akishima's gut, sending him hurtling backward. Yuji, relentless, swiftly closed the distance, seizing Akishima's face and unleashing a torrent of pure violet flames. As Akishima soared through the air, Yuji intoned, "Turn Your Imagination Into Reality, The Scorching Heat! Fire Elemental! Fire Magic! Level 3!... " Akishima descended toward the ground, only to be met hmwith Yuji's next incantation, "Pyro Burst!!" A massive vortex of flames engulfed Akishima, propelling him further. Despite the inferno, Akishima shielded himself with his arms, aided by his aura of blue mana, which prevented him from being charred to a crisp but still inflicted significant damage.
As the flames dissipated, Akishima caught his breath, his gaze locking onto Yuji with widened eyes. Suddenly, he found himself bombarded by fireballs from every direction. Yuji throwed countless crimson spheres at Akishima as he shouted, "Crimson… Barrage!!!" He laughed maniacally.
Akishima's mana aura couldn't defend against Yuji's onslaught. His eyes relaxed and it seemed he would lose consciousness. Suddenly, a bright greenish light manifested in the room, blinding Yuji and stopping his assault. Shortly after, Matsumoto and the boy appeared out of the light. They surveyed his surroundings in curiosity.
Akishima was about to fall unconscious but thanks to Matsumoto and the boy's convenient intervention, he held on to his consciousness.
Matsumoto turned and saw Akishima behind him, and the boy also looked around. It was at this moment they realized they teleported right into the middle of the battle. They quickly got to the side and began spectating.
Yuji was a little startled at first seeing the old man appear abruptly, but after gaining his composure he shouted in anger, "YOU DAMN OLD MAN AND YOU LITTLE BRAT!!! I'LL KILL YOU BOTH!!!" As he fumed with anger, Akishima took the opportunity to knock the wind out of Yuji by delivering a powerful mana infused kick to the face that sent Yuji flying.
Yuji quickly stopped himself from flying and with great force, as if gripping the world itself he instantly disappeared in a flash, appearing right in front of Akishima with a clenched fist. Akishima's eyes widened in shock and then Yuji buried his his in Akishsima's face, returning the favour with a malicious grin.
*Over To Matsumoto And The Boy…*
"Oh, his World Grip is outstanding." Matsumoto commented, stroking his beard whilst spectating the battle. He continues, "He's only using the First Step at the moment, but it's obvious he's holding back." He smiled in excitement.
The boy turned towards Matsumoto, inquiring, "Huh? World Grip? What's that?" His arms were folded and he raised an eyebrow in bewilderment.
Matsumoto turned and faced him. He was a little confused at first but after grasping the question he replied, "Oh, that's right, I didn't add that to the book I gave you, did I?" He stared at the boy awaiting a response.
The boy instantly replied, "You didn't sensei. I read, studied and practised all the lessons in the book and I'm positive "World Grip" wasn't in there." assuring his master of his words.
"Ok, if that's the case then I guess I'll briefly explain what it is." Matsumoto voices, as the clash between Akishima and Yuji continues.
"World Grip is a Martial Art technique that uses the manipulation of mana to enhance the grip strength of the foot in order to grip the 'world' with such force that the build up potential energy can be released in such a way that not even friction can stop it." Matsumoto began to explain with a stern look as he continued, "If not performed correctly, World Grip would become a hindrance instead of a buff. Due to friction, you would not only make a lot of noise but you would also crush the ground beneath you which would give out where you are to your enemies." He pointed out. "That being said, there is plenty more to world grip that I've yet to tell you, but it would be best to watch and gain experience instead of a lecture, wouldn't you agree, Takayuki?" He asked with a tint of amusement, as he called the boy by his name.
Takayuki replied with a slight chuckle, "Yes, you're right."
Matsumoto smiled, having told Takayuki about another Martial Art. Because of this he commented, "Takayuki, you know, like I've said before… you are the Dragon's Son." He said whilst staring at the ongoing battle.
"Hmm…" Takayuki looked at him with a face of determination, expectation and curiosity.
Matsumoto proceeded to elaborate, "As I've told you before, when we first met, you were born for battle, born for combat, born for war." His eyes drifted as he thought deeper and deeper. "It is said that the perfect body is the body of a dragon. A body whose sole purpose is to fight," he turned towards Takayuki as he declared, "and you have such a build."
Takayuki stared at him for a bit and then he smiled, saying, "Oh, I see."
Matsumoto expected Takayuki to be so calm and he also smiled as they continued to watch the fight.
*Back To The Ongoing Battle Between Akishima And Yuji…*
Yuji and Akishima exchanged brutal blows. While Yuji was fighting with his raw physical strength, Akishima had to coat his whole body with mana in order to multiply his strength and keep up.
Yuji threw a jab, Akishima swiftly dodged to his left and jumped, preparing a right hook. Yuji saw the attack and was ready to duck but before he could Akishima kicked his knee which stunned Yuji for a moment and made Akishima's attack successfully land. Yuji was punched straight to the face and Akishima followed up with another punch then a kick and then a roundhouse. Akishima furiously and brutally pummells Yuji which sent him flying after the last attack.
But Akishima wasn't gonna make them distance so far, so he dashed towards Yuji, uttering, "World Grip: First Step." In an instant he disappeared and reappeared behind Yuji. He caught Yuji by the leg and with the momentum from Yuji flying backwards and the position in which he caught him, Akishima started swinging around Yuji counterclockwise which built up even more momentum, and with one final roar he flung Yuji into a wall.
Yuji crashed into the wall with such force a crater was formed and cracks spread everywhere. He coughed up blood on impact and a cloud of dust was formed.
As blood dripped from Yuji's mouth, he grinned. Suddenly a tremendous pressure overtook the whole throne room, one reminiscent of when Akishima was at the entrance to the throne room. The pressure was so intense that Akishima and, inadvertently, Takayuki both dropped to their knees.
A malicious voice ringed throughout the room. Yuji released himself from the wall's grasp and he began walking towards Akishima.
Akishima was on his knees, face staring at the ground. Beads of sweat fell from his whole face and the air became heavier.
Yuji stopped walking, now in front of Akishima. He smiled as he gazed upon Akishima kneeling before him. His grin widened as he teased, "Oh, look at you. Since when did you learn manners? Bowing before your king."
Akishima instantly became enraged. His veins bulged, and his right eye instinctively switched to the devilish colour. And while still being under the intense pressure, he manages to lift his head and gazes upon Yuji with eyes of intense rage. He declared with an enraged expression, "I'm… going… TO KILL YOU!!!"
(To Be Continued)