Law sat backstage in the dimly lit fighter's area, his mind a battlefield of strategies and instincts. His fingers drummed rhythmically on his thigh as he meticulously sifted through a spectrum of tactics, conjuring a calculated plan.
From the start, his unwavering goal had been clear: win this fight, earn extra credits for his sister, and walk away victorious. Yet, now, a different, more primal thought began to surface, one fueled by the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He yearned to end this clash swiftly and decisively, to dominate his opponent and return unscathed, unbowed, before the chaos of the arena unleashed its fury.
Outside, the thunderous roar of the crowd reverberated like a storm, their cheers and stomping feet shaking the very walls of the bar above. The cacophony drowned out the announcer's voice, rising in a deafening crescendo of excitement and anticipation. Law's mind was consumed with visions of that same crowd erupting in deafening applause, louder, more fervent, for him.
He knew he was the underdog in this contest, his record was a modest 3-5, while his opponent was an ascending behemoth, 12-2, a rising star. Law, a seasoned fighter and keen observer, had studied Ray's every move. He understood his style, his habits, his weaknesses.
Though Ray was renowned for his raw power and unpredictable, roundabout tactics, Law saw through the chaos. Riko's training echoed in his mind, reminders that reckless brute force often created openings. That knowledge became his weapon. Ray's towering stature and immense size, which he would undoubtedly exploit, also worked in Law's favor.
As he sat in contemplative silence, the sharp chime of the bell sliced through the air, a signal that the bout was imminent. Emerging from his tactical haze, Law rose with purpose, each movement deliberate and grounded. His gaze met Adrian's, who approached with a knowing look.
"You ready for this, kid? He's a formidable opponent. You can't afford to be reckless, if you are, this might be your last fight," Adrian warned, voice grave with concern.
Law met Adrian's gaze with unwavering determination. "Relax, old man. You're about to witness something special tonight. Trust me."
With those words, the announcer's voice boomed, energetic and commanding. "First fighter of the fifth bout! Standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 175 pounds…" The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the announcer's voice intensified, "Law, 'The Deadened'!!!"
A ripple of applause and murmurs swept through the crowd as Law, unseen by the spectators, grimaced slightly at his own moniker. It was a name he'd chosen in his edgier days. Still, he approached the stage with confidence, dressed in loose, sagging pants and a form fitting black shirt. Raising his arm high, he acknowledged the roaring crowd.
He took his position at one end of the stage, while the crowd's eyes fixated on the entrance. Many had already placed their bets, odds heavily favoring Ray, with a 5-1 ratio against Law. As Law stretched, preparing himself, the announcer's voice cut through again.
"Second fighter of the fifth bout! Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing in at 240 pounds, Ray 'The Executioner' Von Danger!!!"
The arena erupted once more, cheers and shouts of encouragement flooding the space.
"Crush him!"
"You've got this, easy!"
"This guy's got nothing on you!"
Ray approached like a colossus, muscular, towering, an unstoppable force. His imposing physique was a testament to years of brutal, reckless combat. His face was a tapestry of scars, each telling a story of countless battles fought. Piercing, cold eyes betrayed a volatile mix of fury and cunning, flashing beneath a short silver buzz cut.
Law quickly revisited his mental tableau. Ray radiated raw, dangerous energy, volatile, unpredictable, a wild card. Known for his ferocity, quick temper, and reliance on brute strength, Ray's reputation as 'The Executioner' was earned through ruthless efficiency and savage brutality. He was a relentless force, an unpredictable storm ready to strike.
Law nodded quietly, confident in his knowledge of the beast before him. Then, the announcer's voice rang out again, loud and confident, "Fighters! Are you ready?" The crowd roared in response. "You all know the rules: no low blows, everything in the arena is fair game, and the only way to end the match is by surrender or knockout!"
Both fighters acknowledged with a nod. The announcer's voice surged with excitement. "Fighters! Take your stances!" Law squared himself, muscles tensing in anticipation. "Let the brawl commence!"
At the sound of the bell, Ray charged forward like a freight train, muscles rippling with reckless fury. His every movement conveyed raw power and aggression. But Law was already in motion, cool, calculated, unshaken. With precise footwork, he sidestepped Ray's thunderous charge, watching in satisfaction as Ray's massive frame collided with a cement pillar, the impact sending a deafening crack through the air.
Law's eyes flicked over Ray's form, tall, broad, impulsive. His opponent's strength was undeniable, but Law knew brute force was a double edged sword. He'd studied Ray's fights, seen how he relied on raw power, how he left himself vulnerable when overextending.
Seizing the moment, Law darted beneath Ray's swinging fist, grabbing hold of his exposed arm. Ray roared in frustration, but Law was already shifting his weight, using Ray's momentum against him.
With a swift, practiced twist, Law leveraged Ray's own bulk. He threw Ray's weight onto his back, unbalancing him. Using his opponent's size as a weapon, Law swept Ray's legs out from under him, causing the giant to tumble forward, sprawling butt first onto the ground with a thunderous crash.
The crowd gasped, but Law's focus remained razor sharp. He closed in, quickly wrapping his arm around Ray's thick neck in a tight, constricting chokehold. Ray thrashed, desperate to break free, but Law had already anticipated this. He tightened his grip, squeezing with a calculated ferocity, a brutal reminder that size alone was no match for precision.
Ray's movements slowed as his massive hands clawed at Law's arms, fighting for breath. Law's legs anchored him, controlling his prey like a predator stalking its catch. His voice was low, commanding.
"You're strong," Law muttered, steady and controlled. "But you don't know when to stop. See how your handling this?"
Suddenly, with a surge of strength, Ray broke free from Law's legs and pushed himself upright, wobbling but standing. Law blinked in disbelief, this monster had just risen!
As Ray lifted him , Law saw the abrupt change in Ray's demeanor. The towering fighter suddenly stopped, then backed up with surprising agility and slammed himself into a large half-wall near the far side of the arena. Instantly, Law's oxygen was robbed from his lungs, and his grip loosened just enough for Ray to rip his hold apart.