Two monsters were charging forward
and one person was running at full speed.
That person was Rose.
The ground beneath her feet was loose; mud splashed with every step, and her breath burned in her chest. The heavy footsteps behind her made the forest tremble, tree branches snapping as the monsters tore through them.
Rose: (Exhausted) If only they'd stop chasing me already…
Her legs were on fire, but she couldn't stop. She didn't dare look back, yet she could feel that rough breathing right at her neck.
The two monsters chased her while deliberately keeping their distance, almost as if they were enjoying it.
As she ran, Rose spotted a silhouette ahead.
A shadow shaped like a human.
Hope slipped through her fear.
Rose: I hope they're strong…
Gathering her last bit of strength, she changed direction. She burst through the branches and suddenly came face to face with someone.
Rose: Huh...?
Jack: Huh...?
The impact made both of them stumble. Rose slid back a few steps, while Jack barely managed to regain his balance. As their eyes met, a flicker of familiarity flashed through Rose's mind.
Rose: You're… Jack, right?
Jack: Ouch… yeah. Jumping on people isn't exactly polite, you know.
At that moment, a roar ripped through the air from behind.
The two monsters emerged from between the trees, their teeth covered in saliva.
Jack: So that's why you were running toward me… huh? Where'd she...?
Rose's shadow was already speeding away.
(As Rose runs)
Rose: (Shouting from afar) Good luck!
Jack: Are you serious!?
Jack swallowed. There was nowhere to run.
The monsters locked eyes with him.
Jack: So… what's up?
The monster roared.
Jack: I'll take that as not meaning hello… right?
Just as one of the monsters lunged forward, the sky darkened.
A massive shadow fell from above, crashing down like lightning.
- - - : Give me some more points, you miserable things!
Both monsters were smashed into the ground with a single blow. The earth cracked. When Jack opened his eyes, a gigantic figure stood before him.
- - - : Ha! Looks like they're serving dessert after the main course.
Jack: (Nervous) Peter…
Peter: Hahaha! A bug actually remembers my name!
Location: Overseer Room
The screens glowed silently.
Rick: So… an unexpected encounter.
The door slowly opened.
Rick: Done on your side already?
Vals: Yes. Faster than I expected and…
Rick: And…?
Vals: A monster that looked weak wiped out every creature in its path.
Rick: Interesting… You'll show me who that is soon enough.
Vals: That aside, your side seems a bit slow.
Rick: Ha! No, their enemies are monster-class.
Vals: Even so, some people have already racked up impressive scores.
Rick: Yes… and now the first real confrontation has begun.
Vals leaned closer to the screen. What he saw made his skin crawl.
Vals: (Shocked) You're really allowing this matchup?
Rick smiled. His eyes turned blue.
Rick: I allowed it because I already know who's going to win.
A chill ran down Vals's spine.
Vals: (Thoughts) When Rick says that… it's almost certainly true.
Whenever Rick's eyes turned blue, it meant one of two things
he was seeing a possible future, or reading a person's potential.
Vals: Let's see who wins.
(Peter vs. Jack. Rose watches from behind a tree.)
Location: Artificial Zone – Forest
Peter and Jack stared each other down.
The forest fell silent. Even the wind stopped.
Peter: (Grinning) I'm gonna turn you into a floor mat—remember that!
Jack: (Nervous smile) No need. I'm not planning on losing.
Rose watched from behind the tree.
Rose: (Thoughts) This is seriously the worst
possible matchup…
Peter's past was dark.
Many people never came back because of him.
Rose: (Thoughts) They used to call him the Demonic Tiger.
Peter: I hope you know how to fight, you weak little bug!
Jack knew this was the worst-case scenario.
Jack: (Thoughts) Either I win… or I say goodbye to my dreams.
Peter raised his fist. His muscles swelled unnaturally; thanks to his technique, his height had increased nearly 2.5 times.
Jack: (Thoughts) I'm ready already. Time for me to prepare too.
Jack took the starting stance of the Cosmic Combat Style (C.C.S.).
Rose: (Quietly) What kind of fighting stance is that…?
Cosmic Combat Style (C.C.S.) – Brief Explanation:
The lower fingers are clenched into a fist, the others left hooked like claws, with the body lowered.
Peter: (Thoughts) Looks like he's saying "I know martial arts."
But no fighting style gets ready like that.
Jack and Peter brace themselves and attack.