In this world, strength is more than raw muscle — it is the combination of instinct, training, talent, and sometimes, something beyond human comprehension. Fighters grow, adapt, and unlock abilities that shape the battlefield, dictating who survives and who falls. To understand the MC's journey, one must first understand the abilities that exist within the PTJ-verse and the realistic martial techniques inspired by legends like Baki.
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Heat Mode
One of the most iconic triggers in combat is Heat Mode. This surge of power awakens when a fighter experiences self-hatred, shame, or the crushing weight of inferiority. It manifests when the user feels they cannot do more, overwhelmed by negative emotion. In battle, Heat Mode boosts power output, speed, and aggression. The user moves faster, strikes harder, and becomes a force of relentless pressure. Often, their style grows "dirtier" — more brutal and less precise — as emotion overpowers technique.
However, Heat Mode is a double-edged sword. While devastating, it can be self-destructive. Emotions may cloud judgment, leaving openings for disciplined opponents to exploit. The surge is not always sustainable; users often burn out or lose control after the peak, and over time, some fighters even lose the ability to trigger it properly. In short, Heat Mode is as much a test of emotional control as it is of strength.
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Ultra Instinct / Predator Instinct
Another formidable state is Ultra Instinct, a form of combat where the fighter acts almost entirely on instinct. Daniel, Gun, and other high-tier PTJ fighters exemplify this state. Triggered by extreme stress or mastery through rigorous training, Ultra Instinct elevates reflexes, speed, and awareness to near-perfect levels. Attacks are sensed before they land, dodges are automatic, and moves that require instantaneous reaction become possible.
This heightened state is often paired with aggression because instinct favors survival and offensive action. The drawback, however, is reduced conscious strategy. Fighters in Ultra Instinct may fall into traps, be manipulated, or struggle to execute long-term plans. Mentally and physically taxing, it is not always available on demand. After using Ultra Instinct, even elite fighters may feel drained or temporarily less capable.
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Copy Technique / Mimicry
Some fighters possess the ability to observe and replicate their opponents' style, a skill exemplified by Daniel Park. This Mimicry allows a fighter to adopt an opponent's techniques, sometimes immediately, giving them adaptability and versatility in combat. In a fight, this ability allows the MC or other characters to use an opponent's signature moves against them, effectively turning the enemy's strength into a weakness.
Yet mimicry is not flawless. The body and mind must be capable of supporting the technique. Copying many styles can dilute specialization, and attempting highly advanced or obscure techniques may cause fatigue, mistakes, or injury. There are also limits to duration and triggers — mastery is not instantaneous and requires practice, conditioning, and experience.
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Invisible / Phantom Attack
At the highest levels, some fighters develop Invisible Attacks. These are strikes that are difficult to see or anticipate, combining speed, stealth, intent, and refined reaction. When executed properly, an Invisible Attack can one-shot or surprise an opponent, turning the tide of battle. It is especially effective when combined with Heat Mode or Ultra Instinct, creating overwhelming pressure on even elite fighters.
Invisible Attacks have limitations. Overuse can be exploited by perceptive opponents. They are risky in open spaces where vision and reaction time favor the enemy, and mastery demands precise control over speed, body mechanics, and stealth. Energy cost and focus are high, making these attacks sustainable only for the most conditioned fighters.
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Baki-Inspired Techniques
While the Lookism abilities often rely on supernatural or system-driven growth, the Baki-inspired techniques emphasize realistic, extreme martial arts skill. One such technique is Gōtaijutsu, the Rigid Body Art, a method where the fighter stiffens their body at the moment of impact. By locking joints and channeling force, strikes carry the weight of the entire body, capable of breaking defenses or knocking out opponents. The limitation lies in timing and mobility; a poorly executed rigid strike leaves the fighter vulnerable.
Another hallmark is Mixed Martial and Cross Training, where a fighter studies and trains in multiple disciplines — grappling, striking, endurance, and conditioning. This produces unmatched flexibility and adaptability in combat, allowing the fighter to survive and thrive against diverse opponents. However, the cost is high: physical injuries, intense training demands, and the risk of becoming a jack-of-all-trades without mastery in any single style.
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Hybrid Techniques and Signature Abilities
In your fanfic world, abilities can evolve into hybrid forms that combine the strengths of multiple fighting styles. These might include Grappling + Striking fusion moves, combining realistic Baki-style martial arts with the supernatural enhancements of Lookism modes. Other innovations could include:
Trigger-Based Modes: Similar to Heat Mode but more controlled. For instance, "Conviction Mode" could be triggered by protecting someone or a strong belief, granting power while maintaining precision.
Instinct Overdrive: A variant of Ultra Instinct, perhaps called "Void Reflex" or "Predator Instinct," where the user's awareness is heightened, allowing faster perception and reaction without losing strategic control.
Shadow Copy: A mimicry variant that captures the essence of an opponent's style, allowing the user to add personal flair and tactical advantage.
Phantom Strike: Attacks that hit intent or pressure points before the physical blow, effective against high-tier opponents.
These abilities evolve alongside the MC, matching the tiered progression from Iron to Transcendent Omega. Early tiers focus on basic growth and survival, while elite and mythic tiers emphasize advanced, creative combat techniques that combine instinct, skill, and system-driven enhancement.
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Integration With Tier System
Abilities are not standalone; they interact with talent, tier, and system growth. For example, Heat Mode combined with a high Talent allows controlled aggression rather than reckless behavior. Copy Technique's effectiveness depends on the MC's conditioning and tier. Predator Instinct synergizes with aura perception, while hybrid techniques shine in elite-tier battles. The MC's system enhances all of these by tracking fights, unlocking new abilities, and accelerating growth as experience accumulates.
The result is a dynamic, evolving combat system where the MC rises from weak, fragile beginnings to confront and surpass legends like Gun, James Lee, and Goo.
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Author's Note
Hey everyone,
This chapter is designed to give readers a comprehensive understanding of abilities in Lookism: When a Weakness Turns Wicked. The MC's journey is defined not just by raw strength but by instinct, talent, creativity, and system growth.