The Namekian announcer stepped forward onto the arena, waving gladly at the excited crowd as they cheered in excitement for the coming battle. "Welcome everyone, to the second round of the Trial of Peace! Now we have our top eight, so the question remains who will become our top two!?" Once the crowd had settled down— which took a fair bit longer than usual— he reached into his pocket and pulled out a card with the names of this bout's fighters.
"Our first contestant this round is one of our very own, shining bright and true we have the Moon Sage and Guru of Namek himself— Nero!" The crowd erupted into cheering, any match with the Guru in it was sure to be something! "All the way from Earth, we have yet another Saiyan participant, the jokester, the ultimate motormouth— Russ!" Having now witnessed how Russ battles, the crowd was all the more excited to see how he could shape up against one of Namek's mightiest!
The announcer then took a step back, and addressed the two fighters directly before clearing the arena. "Okay, you two! The winner of this fight will be decided by either knockout or ring-out. If the match has not naturally concluded by the time limit, then our panel of judges will independently determine a winner. The only other rule is that no form of flight may be used in the bout. If I am understood, then... Let the battle begin!"
The second round of the Trial of Peace begins! This fight will end and be judged on Monday, April 10th if a winner has not yet been decided by either ring-out or knockout by then!
'Ugh! Those nachos have TOO much sodium chloride...or was it lime seasoning?' Russ' thoughts lingered as he stepped into the ring. The food he ate during break time was tasty but the flavor has a strong kick on his tongue. He could always wash it down with cold water next time.
The boy heard the crowd cheering from his presence, he didn't believe he was THAT spectacular in the first match but with all this positive energy he can't help but smile. His main focus is another Saiyan hybrid like himself, the Guru of Namek. Well this is a surprise, Russ assumed the guy is a final boss-y type of fighter, he didn't expect him to be his second opponent in the tournament, funny how life works.
The blue Saiyan sensed Nero was strong, he didn't need an IQ of three hundred to know he won his first match, they don't call him Guru for anything. Russ did a couple of leg stretches and pulled his arms, loosening his muscles before they begin. Russ ready a power-up stance, spreading his legs apart and raising his forearms to waist level with balled fists. "Alrighty Stick-Man, I'm gonna bring my A game in his fight. That cool with you?" it was nowhere near a proper greeting considering Nero's position of authority, but Russ isn't the kind of guy to worry about formalities.
Russ lets out a short howl as his appearance changes into the wrathful state. Longer hair, yellow eyes, the usual. "Okay! Here I go!" Russ grinned and sprinted at Nero, attempting to pummel him with some hand-to-hand combat skills. A straight left punch, a right hook, a reverse spinning back kick, and a regular kick to start things off.
Russ transforms into Wrathful and starts with non-KP combat PL: 400,000 (Restrained Might Active) (Bare Knuckle Brawler Active) KP: 6/6 MP: 1/6 HP: 0/250% Traits: Saiyan Pride, Burning Ki, Combat Learning, Restrained Might, Bare Knuckle Brawler WC: 290
|| Nero’s PL: 400,000 || | x4 Howling Oozaru is Active ||
So it began once more. Nero gallantly made his way onto the arena, waving to the crowd as they cheered. While not completely used to the idea of people referring to him with some manner of official title, Nero supposed he would allow it in this instance— the crowd was happy about it after all, it made no sense to try and put a stop to that.
Nero’s eyes landed on his opponent, yet another Saiyan apparently; one from Earth by the sounds of things. Interesting! Nero wondered just how challenging this one would be. While Nero had already powered up before the match, Russ chose to do so here and now, thus making them equal in strength.
There was something nice about the informal greeting that Russ had made— not that Nero cared about the formalities to begin with— but there was a certain air of honesty to how Russ spoke. “Just your A game?” Nero smirked. “Well, okay, if that’s what you want to do.”
Nero also sprinted forward at Russ going immediately from a casual stance into something completely different and fierce— a stance both wild and graceful in equal measure. Nero met Russ’ initial attacks with some of his own. A right backhand against his straight left punch, a left hook to his right hook, a high cross arm block to his spinning back kick, and a kiai to his regular kick. “You’ve got some good form! Definitely some of that solid homegrown Earth style.” White energy flashed around Nero as he backed away slightly. “This is gonna be a fun one, I can tell!”
hello, it is fighting time
Nero uses [Offense || Light] Inner Outer Fang for 120,000 PL, with Tactician it gains the Stasis variant, and is put into Stasis. Technique Specs: 2KP || 20% Power (+10% more w/ Restrained Might) || Bleed, (Stasis)
Inner Outer Fang Stasis Counter: 1/3
KP: 4/6 (-2 for tech) MP: 2/6 (+1 for post, +1 for tech) HP: 0/290% Resources: Extraterrestrial [2/2], Hardy, Efficient Adaptation, Tactician, Restrained Might
None of his hits landed their mark, blows of equal force matched them without effort, which is to be expected from someone of Nero's caliber. Russ' smile expanded as he drowned in feelings of bliss that won't change anytime soon, the hybrid is overjoyed to fight a man with years of combat experience. There was no restraining his power this time unlike his first match and he wouldn't have it any other way.
Heck, the guy even used a Kiai to push Russ away from him, the quipster was mildly surprised to be on the receiving end of that move. Nobody has used it against him since his late mother and a martial arts teacher back in his hometown. Russ backflipped to brake his fall and plant his feet on the ground as he slid backward a short distance. "Thanks! Years of street fighting and freestyle martial arts will do that." A lot has to do with developing combat experiences from beating up street punks. Russ held his hand forward and created a basketball-sized ki ball and causally toss it up and down.
"Speaking of fun, ready to play ball Nero? Catch!" Russ threw the projectile at Nero as a diversion as he prepares a Zeni Shot by charging yellow energy in his fingertips. He makes haste toward Nero while vanishing and reappearing in a zig-zag pattern of movement. "HAAAH!" As soon as he gets close, he held his wrist and released a point-blank energy beam attempting to give him a painful present.
Russ threw a non-KP ki blast and launched a reckless Zeni Shot (Light Attack 40% 50%, 2 KP, 200,000) at Nero! PL: 400,000 (Restrained Might Active) (Bare Knuckle Brawler Active) KP: 4/6 (-2) MP: 3/6 (+2) HP: 0/250% Traits: Saiyan Pride, Burning Ki, Combat Learning, Restrained Might, Bare Knuckle Brawler WC: 253 TWC: 543
|| Nero’s PL: 400,000 || | x4 Howling Oozaru is Active ||
Noticing the smile Russ had, Nero smiled as well. It seemed that the two understood the idea of a fun fight even without their Saiyan blood. Although just because this fella was a polite young man it didn’t mean Nero was going to go easy on him in this fight. “Yeah that makes perfect sense. Practical experience is often a very valuable teacher!” Something Nero himself knew all too well; quite a lot was practical experience to him when it came to battle. “Hopefully we can both learn something from this match.”
Eyeing the energy ball curiously for a moment, Nero kept his senses trained on Russ himself. As soon as Russ tossed the energy ball, Nero sidestepped its trajectory as energy rippled through him. His entire body’s reaction speed improved immensely in mere moments! It was as if something akin to the moon was shimmering off of him. Staying exactly where he was, Nero tracked Russ’ zig-zag movements and in the instant that the blue-haired Saiyan got close enough to fire his energy shot, Nero was already moving just a fraction quicker as he did a sidestep and roulette spin towards the middle of the arena.
“Alright, so long as you remember there’s always more to a ball game than the ball!” Nero chuckled, a bit goofy of him to say, but it was true. “Do you play any sports? Last I heard, Earth had a good foundation for soccer teams.” Some might think this to be a useless question, but there was something to it. Tactics, positioning, instincts, style. Martial arts and sports both had these things as their pillars.
Nero uses [Defense || Light] Midnight Dance for 280,000 PL, in response to Zeni Shot. Technique Specs: 2KP || 60% Power (+10% more w/ Restrained Might) || Evasive
Midnight Dance [280000 PL] VS Zeni Shot [200000 PL] Midnight Dance beats Zeni Shot, this means it is a clean dodge! No damage sustained.
Inner Outer Fang Stasis Counter: 2/3
KP: 2/6 (-2 for tech) MP: 4/6 (+1 for post, +1 for tech) HP: 0/290% Resources: Extraterrestrial [2/2], Hardy, Efficient Adaptation, Tactician, Restrained Might
Russ' eyes widen as Nero barely dodges his attack with astounding reflexes. "What!?" He whipped his head behind him to find the Guru unharmed, gracefully strafing and spinning towards the center. The man even chuckled as if it was a piece of cake. Russ did a short quip about sports and didn't expect it to be a topic of interest. For a guy who watches over Namek, he sure knows a lot about Earth.
"As a kid, I used to play basketball, but not anymore." the last time he touched that synthetic rubber orange ball was to make it talk for a science project which didn't work out. Russ also moved toward the center arena and circled Nero from a distance, looking for an opening. He knew hand-to-hand combat won't be easy to pull off, Nero is just as skilled...better even.
He's good against a martial artist with two arms, but how well he adapts to a man with four arms? This gives Russ an idea. The half-earthling grew two extra arms on his back and stops circling his opponent. He took big strides running at Nero, attempting to bruise his torso with a multitude of flurried fists. "I'm not a super duper expert on Soccer, it's a cool concept. Involves a lot of teamwork, positioning, and flow. All to kick a simple ball in a goalpost."
Russ quickly jumps back and raised one of his fists to enhance his arm in aggressive blue energy. "Hope you're hungry, cause I'm about to give ya a blueberry knuckle sandwich! TAKE THIS!" A glowing blue "Z" appeared on the fist as Russ aimed his move at Nero's stomach, attempting to give his exaggerated barrage of punches an explosive finish.
Extra arms burst out of Russ' back, Four Arms UT is in effect. He also intends to satisfy Nero's belly with a serving of Minimum Wage (Light Attack 20% 30%, 1KP, 120,000) PL: 400,000 (Restrained Might Active) (Bare Knuckle Brawler Active) KP: 3/6 (-1) MP: 5/6 (+2) HP: 0/250% Traits: Saiyan Pride, Burning Ki, Combat Learning, Restrained Might, Bare Knuckle Brawler WC: 288 TWC: 831
|| Nero’s PL: 400,000 || | x4 Howling Oozaru is Active ||
Nero quirked a brow at Russ’ reaction. He didn’t think an evasive maneuver was going to be that surprising of a thing. Was it not a common tactic of people that Russ fought perhaps? In any case, Nero shrugged it off, choosing to continue banter instead. “Ah, really? Ever consider playing again? Could be fun!”
Gesturing for Russ to battle on, Nero readied himself in a fighting stance— a solid one with a low center of gravity, meaning Nero may be harder to push and shove around the arena. Soon after, Russ rushed in, growing an extra pair of arms. Nero’s eyes widened, but not in shock, it was in excitement. “Alright!” In response, Nero also grew an extra pair of arms, but they didn’t erupt from his back, rather, his aura tightened for a moment and manifested a pair of ethereal semi-transparent arms; they were somewhat beast-like in appearance too, though otherwise a lot like his own real arms. Nero rushed forward to meet Russ and began swinging out flurries of punches too! Some clashed, others missed, and even some of Russ’ punches went through, mostly around Nero’s shoulders.
With a kiai, Nero pushed himself away from Russ soon after. “Maybe you might like soccer, could always give it a shot?” He figured Russ could be a decent midfielder given his physique, or a forward if he was so inclined.
Russ rushed back in with another strong attack, and Nero took a deep breath, the sharp aura from earlier swirling and flowing into his hands as he punched Russ’ fist with his own, the energy from both attacks matching perfectly, their power clashed together and let off a brilliant spark for the crowd to be in awe of! “Honestly, I’m wondering just how far you can push yourself!”
Nero activates Moon Sage Arts: Fierce Claw, and matches up against Russ’ Four Witches with it!
Inner Outer Fang Stasis Counter: 3/3, it leaves stasis and is launched!
[Offense || Light] Inner Outer Fang for 120,000 PL, used in response to Minimum Wage. Technique Specs: 2KP || 30% Power (+10% more w/ Restrained Might) || Bleed
Inner Outer Fang [120000 PL] VS Minimum Wage [120000 PL] The techniques are dead equal, and therefore fizzle!
KP: 4/6 (+2 for no tech) MP: 5/6 (+1 for post) HP: 0/290% Resources: Extraterrestrial [2/2], Hardy, Efficient Adaptation, Tactician, Restrained Might
Russ believed he took control of this battle, he was going to pound the funny stick guy in the face with some extra appendages and there was nothing he can do about it. Russ was sadly mistaken, not only did Nero create his own set of extra arms, they are infinitely cooler looking. Energy beast arms!? Why didn't HE think of that!?
The two combatants mirrored in a dance of fisticuffs, Nero's fists are blocked and dodged, some of them tagged Russ in the shoulders and face. Another Kiai used to aid one of the combatants by giving them some space away from the other, but Russ wouldn't let up. The blue Saiyan even tried to end their scuffle with one of his signature moves, and Nero repels that too.
"Not really, my calling is science and engineering. It's more in my wheelhouse than Sports will ever be." Mother used to take him to basketball and soccer games, win or lose she loved everything about it. Russ tried to indulge her interest, but Father's knack for inventing abnormal science projects drew him closer to his father. That and video games are a safer alternative to Sports.
"Maybe...I'll give Soccer a chance if I have the time, no promises." Going to college, training with Jackie, selling projects to investors and saving the world. It will be a miracle to fit Soccer into his schedule. Nero wondered how far his blue-haired foe will push himself to victory, and that's a good question.
His answer? Russ conjuries ki orbs on all four hands and chucks a volley of blasts at the easy-going Guru, "Far enough to do this! Behold, my pew pew pew hand-guns! He quips childishly. Russ ceased using more of his techniques to replenish energy for now.
Four Arms UT and non-kp ki blast spamming galore! PL: 400,000 (Restrained Might Active) (Bare Knuckle Brawler Active) KP: 5/6 (+2) MP: 6/6 (+1) HP: 0/250% Traits: Saiyan Pride, Burning Ki, Combat Learning, Restrained Might, Bare Knuckle Brawler WC: 297 TWC: 1,128
|| Nero’s PL: 400,000 || | x4 Howling Oozaru is Active ||
The clash of many fists was quite the spectacle, the crowd cheered even louder than they were before in anticipation of what clash may come next. There was a moment of stunned silence as their more potent attacks clashed, the sparks really caught those watching!
“So, what, you think that’s your only calling?” Nero snickered, thinking it would have seemed obvious that Russ had more to him than science and engineering— he was here participating in a fighter’s tournament after all.
“Sounds like an arbitrary limit if you ask me, besides—” Nero grinned. “— limits aren’t really a thing we Saiyans are commonly concerned with!” Of course, he didn’t expect Russ to make any promises, the fact that the suggestion was considered was enough.
As a response to Russ’ barrage of Ki, Nero retrieved his staff that was telekinetically stuck to his back and began to rapidly spin it around in front of him, swapping it all around in his four hands to try his best to block as many of the blasts as he could. Eventually he decided to let his ethereal arms continue this defense while he charged up his own orbs of Ki in his real hands. “Time for some more style, I think!” Nero launched a bunch of his own Ki orbs and small beams, he aimed in Russ’ general direction, and it looked like several of them simply sailed off behind him...
In truth, Nero had stopped a bunch of them in mid air behind Russ with his telekinesis. Nero ended his barrage, and kept his defenses up as he held out a free hand, gesturing for Russ to bring it on. “C’mon then!”
non-kp fighting moment
KP: 6/6 (+2 for no tech) MP: 6/6 (+1 for post) HP: 0/290% Resources: Extraterrestrial [2/2], Hardy, Efficient Adaptation, Tactician, Restrained Might
Nero wasn't convinced engineering and science is Russ' only fields of expertise. He alluded to his presence in the tournament as an obvious sign to the contrary. If the boy was REALLY just a science bookworm, why did he go out of his way to practice martial arts and ki in the first place? Nero claims Russ gave himself an arbitrary limit to justify his dwindled interest in Sports. Saiyans are warriors with limitless potential, they aren't worried about restraining themselves to do what they want.
Russ' energy blasts are met with opposition of similar skill, Nero adds some style to his projectiles by manipulating them with telekinesis, guiding them behind Russ, and burying him in light. "!?" He raised his arms up in a cross formation to protect his face and that was a foolish choice. Since Russ didn't move to avoid them, half of those blasted energy bullets pelted his quadruple arms and body. They stung but Nero won't have his way for long, "RAAH!" Russ roared and intensified his aura, releasing a Kiai to blow the ki blasts away from him.
Amused at the irony of that stunt, the jester recalled using a similar tactic on Patchwork and now he got a taste of his own medicine. Russ gets into a battle stance as Nero gestures to take his best shot. "Limits are necessary to control ourselves, but I don't need them to kick your butt!" With confidence, Russ allowed his legs to drag him toward Nero and used that chaotic blue currency-themed technique again, this time it's translated into a reverse roundhouse kick instead of a fist. Attempting to hit his ribcage.
"What about you? Got any hobbies in you're free time?" Russ would imagine in his position Nero could do whatever he wants on a peaceful planet like Namek.
Four Arms UT Russ used a reflavored Minimum Wage (Light Attack 20% 30%, 1KP, 120,000) to...not kick Nero's butt but close enough eh? PL: 400,000 (Restrained Might Active) (Bare Knuckle Brawler Active) KP: 4/6 (-1) MP: 6/6 HP: 0/250% Traits: Saiyan Pride, Burning Ki, Combat Learning, Restrained Might, Bare Knuckle Brawler WC: 303 TWC: 1,431
|| Nero’s PL: 400,000 || | x4 Howling Oozaru is Active ||
“Heh, gotcha.” Nero rolled his shoulders, it was fortunate that he managed to pull a fast one on Russ. Maybe he could do it again, but with more intensity soon enough. Russ adapted quite well, since he too started to use kiai in his combat arsenal more liberally, and if Nero had inspired him, then this match was already worth it.
Nero shrugged lightly. “Just control yourself without limitations, no big deal, super easy.” Okay, that was just nonsense.
Or was it? Hard to tell with such a jovial tone of voice, but there was likely some nugget of wisdom hidden in such a vaguely cryptic message. “As far as hobbies go, I like wood carving, carpentry, that sort of thing.”
As Russ advanced, Nero coated his body in a thin veil of light blue Ki, barely perceivable to the untrained eye; and as soon as Russ was upon him, Nero made his counter-attack— a swift arm swipe against the roundhouse kick, and he still had a lot more energy left it seemed! Looking for an opening, Nero attempted some straightforward strikes. It looked like a traditional combo attack, but there was something more to it, something about the energy that was different... The aura around Nero had begun to glow more noticeably, and it looked as though he was covered in a sparkling crystalline finish.
Nero uses [Offense || Medium] Waxing Crescent Combo for 240,000 PL, used in response to Minimum Wage, with Extraterrestrial it gains the Back-Up Plan Sparking Variant. Technique Specs: 4KP || 50% Power (+10% more w/ Restrained Might) || Exhausting, (Back-Up Plan)
Waxing Crescent Combo [240000 PL] VS Minimum Wage [120000 PL] 240000 - 120000 = 120000, Waxing Crescent Combo wins! Resulting in 120,000 PL worth of Bleedthrough heading towards Russ!
120,000 PL (30%) in Defensive power is generated via Back-Up Plan Back-Up Plan Sustained Counter: 1/3
Russ' energy kick was stopped by an arm swipe, his ankle bounced back as Russ spins away from the man. He bore teeth while giving Nero a puzzled look. What the heck was that? Feels like kicking an indestructible brick wall. Nero's ki has similar attributes to a protection barrier, except...not. The Guru's energy blanketed his body, resembling a crystalline sheen with a glowing effect. It serves to amplify Nero's physical strength, and Russ will be on the receiving end of consecutive combos very shortly.
Sensing Nero going for an offensive tactic, the cobalt hybrid expanded the energy from his leg and created a blue energy barrier around himself. Since they are the same color, the transition was seamless. Russ relied on his elbows and swipes of his own to block this basic strike combo which is a technique in disguise.
Russ blinked twice and grins slightly. "...I can't tell if you're serious or you're just pulling my leg. How does that work?" Control yourself without limits? How does that make sense? Was that just playful babble or helpful advice...or is it both? Well, whatever that means Russ will figure it out along the way, but it DOES involve breaking limits. Russ' thoughts circled back to a question Nero asked before, about pushing himself and how far will he go to do it. The young lad may finally have the answer.
"Cool! I play video games on my handheld console and read a book or two to pass the time." To others, it sounds 'unfitting' for someone his age, but considering Earth is no longer a peaceful planet, Russ is clinging to those small moments of happiness.
The Saiyan raised an arm at shoulder level and conjured a yellow ki-sword with an electric aesthetic, the blade took the form of a giant 'Z'. He held the hilt as he pointed the weapon at Nero. "I thought about what you said...about going so far to push myself." He forms a battle stance as he pulled his sword back next to his waist in a striking position.
Russ dispersed his extra arms and smiled mischievously, powering up a tall rigid yellow aura. "I'm no Genie, but wish granted! THINK FAST!" He advanced at Nero and swung his currency-themed sword three times in a combo, attempting to cut down the competition.
Russ activates MAX Power!
He blocks the remainder of Waxing Crescent Combo (120,000) with Pocket Change (Light Defense, 25%35% 45% 1KP, 180,000)
Russ spent 4 MP to activate Burning Ki and 2 MP to power up a Salary Cut (Medium Attack 70%80%90% 100%, 4KP, 400,000, Piercing) and coming at Nero.
|| Nero’s PL: 400,000 || | x4 Howling Oozaru is Active ||
Russ’ technique was impressive, it was abundantly clear that he could handle himself in battle with such instincts— though in most cases with Saiyans it came natural to them, Russ and Nero were disciplined, honed and built by their experiences. “I’m being completely serious.” Nero smirked, but he meant what he said. It was up to Russ to figure it out, think deeply about the whimsical advice for himself. “You’ll figure it out, I’m sure.”
Ah, video games and books. The former was more Pankaa’s thing, but Nero was no stranger to them, the latter held his interest a fair bit more however. “Got any favorites? Super Majin Bros is pretty cool. They’re making a movie based on them, or so I’ve heard.”
Soon afterward, Russ had formed a fine tuned Ki blade— it went above and beyond the standard application, and it had some unique style to it. After having given it thought, the young Saiyan had made up his mind on pushing himself even further than before. “Good. Then bring it.”
Nero wanted to see it for himself, the passion behind what drove his opponent. Perhaps a bit old fashioned, but there was always that part of him that understood others through the clash of energy. As Russ descended upon him, Nero’s own aura burst forth, a matching pillar of white and blue as the crystallised Ki on him warped around, clashing against the first swing of the sword before shattering and bouncing it away for just a moment— but that was all Nero needed. The power of the blade was dulled, and he had that one small sliver of time, not to think, but to act.
“Fast it is.” So he did as Russ had requested. He did it fast. Nero’s aura flashed once again as he seemingly reflected moonlight, moving with an even faster roulette spin than he did prior when avoiding another one of Russ’ earlier techniques. In the blink of an eye, he was gone, a streak of blue and white left behind in his wake.
Nero had shifted his position back around and raised his hands above him, a small orb of Ki had formed, sparking and crackling with power. “MASENKO!” Nero roared, firing the beam at Russ with all of the force he could muster!
Nero gains a +x2 boost by using 4MP! Current PL: 400,000 (boosted to 480,000 on this turn due to Tournament Cap)
Back-Up Plan Sustained Defense [120000 PL] activated VS Salary Cut [400000 PL] and Back-Up Plan Sustained Defense is halved due to Piercing. 400000 - 60000 = 340000, Salary Cut wins, however, use of a Sustained Defense does not require an action.
Therefore, Nero then uses [Defense || Light] Midnight Dance for 384,000 PL, in response to what remains of Salary Cut. With Extraterrestrial it gains the Lightspeed Sparking Variant. With Efficient Adaptation its KP cost is reduced by 1. Technique Specs:1KP || 60% Power (+20% more w/ Restrained Might & MP Power Boost) || Evasive, (Lightspeed)
Midnight Dance [384000 PL] VS Salary Cut [340000 PL] Midnight Dance beats Salary Cut, this means it is a clean dodge! No damage sustained.
Nero uses [Offense || Light] Swift Masenko for 240,000 PL, aimed at Russ. Technique Specs: 1KP || 20% Power (+30% more w/ Restrained Might & Lightspeed Boost) ||
KP: 0/6 (-1 & -1 for techs) MP: 0/6 (-4 for Transform Boost & -2 for Power Boost) HP: 0/290% Resources:Extraterrestrial [0/2], Hardy, Efficient Adaptation, Tactician, Restrained Might
Russ stylized ki-based weapon made contact with Nero's crystalline coating and shattered its defenses. That guy was definitely down for the count, Russ unloaded all of his energy into that attack, the chance of anyone walking away unscathed is slim to none. But with Nero, anything was possible.
Sometimes it's better to keep one's mouth shut as the jovial man took Russ'words to heart and disappeared, moving so fast his eyes could not comprehend. 'He dodged it!?' Stunned as Russ searched frantically for his opponent, there is no sign of Nero. Shortly after, a cackling sound of energy rang through his ears from above. Russ looks up to find Nero preparing an energy wave, fresh from the oven and ready to eat.
Russ bore those teeth again and raised his arms up, shielding his face. Common sense tells him to create a barrier or skedaddle, but his legs won't budge. Nero's energy wave released and hit their target "UGH!" Russ was knocked off his feet and flew in the air until his back touched the tiled arena.
Picking himself off the floor, the boy suffered noticeable scratches, burns, and charred spots on his clothes. He rests his hands on both knees and catches his breath. It was bad enough his signature ki sword drains so much of his power, an amplified version is much worse. Russ chuckles "Color me impressed! No one's ever dodged Salary Cut before. I put everything I had in that technique, not a single scratch on ya." Until now his opponents either blocked it or they don't get a chance to see it.
Russ regained some energy, not much but it was more than enough to fight back. He runs at Nero and held his wrist, charging up a very familiar blue energy aura and glowing Z. "Platformers are my favorite kind of game...but I'm in a mood for Whack-a-Mole!" Russ threw his fist at Nero's face, attempting to land an uppercut on the chin.
Russ received 60% damage from Swift Masenko (240,000)
He may have missed his mark but a Minimum Wage (20% 30%, 1KP, 120,000) will fix that!
|| Nero’s PL: 400,000 || | x4 Howling Oozaru is Active ||
Nero rolled his shoulders, fully expecting Russ to rise again, there was no way that he would be out of the fight as a result of that attack Nero had just made. So, indeed, Russ did rise. He even admitted that he was impressed! “Hah, I’m honored to be the first one capable, but hey, that’s the thing with battles, you gotta think outside of the box, beyond your comfort zone— because others won’t do what you do. This goes for everyone, friend and foe, because you’re the only you there is.”
There was a lot to a fight, really. From Nero’s perspective, even the strangest of things can heighten or lessen morale in people, acting unlike anyone else proved to be a boon for him since his fighting style could be very unconventional and bizarre if he wanted it to be. Nero flashed a fanged smile, he felt like he could get a bit wild now, actually. “Ohoho, well, you best be careful, Russ... You’re not playing Whack-A-Mole!”
Nero reared his head back, roared and actually headbutted Russ’ fist directly! Was he crazy!? An ordinary man may have been, but Nero didn’t seem as fazed by that hit as most people would be, despite the obvious broken skin on his forehead and soon-to-be light bruising. What the hell was he made of?! Nero let out a mischievous chuckle as he looked directly down after his insane maneuver. “You’re playing Whack-A-Wolf, and I’m sorry but this wolf bites back!” Nero’s gaze immediately snapped upward again as he howled and then lunged at Russ, attempting to not only smack the guy across the face, but to bite the arm that he just punched with!
Nero facetanks Minimum Wage, taking 30% damage.
Non-Kp fighting! Ya-hoo!
KP: 2/6 (+2 for no tech) MP: 2/6 (+1 for post, +1 for damage) HP: 30/290% Resources:Extraterrestrial [0/2], Hardy, Efficient Adaptation, Tactician, Restrained Might