“You… you’re that faceless prick!” Stu said recognizing Archer, “You bastard my brother is in jail because of you!” He screamed out loud as his body began to swell and grow.

In an instant his arms and legs elongated, sharp canines appeared on his face as his head transformed to be more wolflike. Black fur grew from every inch of his body as his long, bony fingers had metal glinting claws on the ends of them. With a half howl, half laugh, he stared at Archer with red, pupilless eyes.

“I got these things for Cassia.” He said showing his metal-coated claws, “But you’ll be more than adequate to wet these blades.” He snarled. In all honestly he was as scared as he was excited facing the masked vigilante.

Yes, he was going to take the person who took his brother down. But again, he took his brother down, with ease. And there was just this air of foreboding that clung to Archer. Of course it was Archer’s little monster repellent ability that was causing Stu’s hair to stand up. None of that mattered now, now he needed to kill Archer.

With a roar Stu charged Archer, massive claws collapsing down onto Archer. But Archer did not take a single step back, instead to Stu’s astonishment, Archer raised his arms and caught Stu’s. With a tight grip the two were now momentarily locked in place. Stu tried to put more force downwards only to find his stuck in place. Both combatants' arms trembling slightly over this test of strength. Though with great effort, it seemed that Archer was able to handle his raw strength.

“I’m… stronger….” Archer hissed out and Stu could swear he saw a phantom smile appeared on that faceless face.

“What?” Stu said as Archer broke the test of strength off, forcing Stu to take a few steps back as he was pushed away.

Stu then stared as Archer simply stretched his shoulders a bit and walked forward. Stu was not ready for this, he thought his fight would involve his opponent sticking and moving throughout the fight. It was why he was excited they were fighting at the back of the building, it was narrow, it favoured his power-based strategy. But now he's fighting something that he has to be able to match his power against. Stu snarled, nothing was going right.

***

Just as Liliana announced the fight to begin and a buzzer sounded indicating for them to begin, Igor raised a hand towards Ran, indicating for a quick pause.

“What is it?” Ran asked frowning.

“I know you have thoughts of grandeur, so let me crush them quickly. Hit me.” Igor ordered.

“What?”

“You heard me. Hit me, you get one free shot.” Igor said with open arms which got a reaction from the crowd.

“Kids bold.” Jarold the first-year S-rank said watching from the stands in a VIP section along with his fellow S-ranks who decided to come and watch.

“Not really, there isn’t a threat.” Another S-rank with messy curly brown hair said.

“Then why are you here?”

“To watch Liliana.”

“This whole thing is a farce, but it is fun to see idiots being slapped into reality.” A blonde S-rank said with long curly twin tails, “What do you think Mary?”

“I don’t know.” A girl with a seafoam bob cut said monotonously.

“What?” An S-rank looking like a delinquent with frosted tips said, “The results are obvious.”

“I wouldn’t know about that.” Mercy said arriving and finding herself a seat, “He doesn’t feel like an average F-rank. Besides, A-ranks have been helping him.”

“Still doesn’t mean he’s that much stronger.” Frosted tips replied.

“I thought you were making the rounds?” Jarold said to Mercy.

“I was, I finished.”

“That’s quick.”

“I’m efficient.” Mercy said before her eyes shifted upwards, “Sister?” She said surprised.

“Huh? Oh yeah, I did think it was weird that she also came to watch.” Jarold said looking up at the press box where the principal and a few other teachers were watching from, “Is it not normal for her to watch?”

“Never mind.” Mercy said quickly concentrating back on the fight.

“Why?” Ran asked back down in the ring staring at Igor trying to figure out his game.

“Because you’re not going to hurt me and after that I kill you.” Igor said with a casual shrug.

“I get a free hit?”

“It’s the only hit you’ll make.”

“Huh, okay.” Ran said nodding his head, “That works for me.”

“He signed his death wish.” Lothar said appearing in the S-rank section as well. His cold eyes silently judging Ran.

“Why are you here?” Jarold asked narrowing his eyes at him.

“It is the duty of a senior to look after his juniors.” Lothar replied evenly.

“I thought most second and third years would be swamped with their schedules.”

“I am not most second years.”

“Hmm, well either way I think you’re wrong.” Jarold said looking at Ran who raised his blade and wound up for a swing.

“What do you-” Lothar began to say before Ran swung.

The moment Ran’s hit made contact with Igor, a massive clang rumbled throughout the room. Igor with his metal club raised up, managed to block the hit as his eyes were wide with surprise. The attack was quick, and Igor barely had time to react.

“Huh.” Ran said pulling his blade back and smiling, “I thought you said I got a free shot.”

“Damn bastard. Don’t get cocky!” Igor shouted as he swung down on Ran.

Jumping backwards Ran avoided a downward strike that left a crack on the ground. Smile disappearing off Ran’s face, he focused on the fight and pressed his counterattack. Ran was quick, Ran was fast, Ran was good.

For an F-rank that is. But Igor was a D-rank ready to become a C-rank, this speed and this power were within what Igor could handle and handle he did. Every strike was blocked, every time Ran tried to circle for a better angle, Igor blocked him off and would swing back.

Though Igor’s attacks weren’t the most threatening. The man was a huge human being armed with a club. Which meant that he had a lot of power behind those swings but also lacked any elegance. There was no feinting with swings, there was no light on the feet movement. It was simply load up and swing, it was predictable and Ran had no trouble avoiding the heavy shots thrown his way. He wasn’t as strong or as fast as Nick, he wasn’t going to hit Ran.

Thus the two were locked in a stalemate, Igor wasn’t fast enough to hit nor was Ran able to bust through Igor’s defence. It looked like whoever blinked first would be at a disadvantage here. The only question is who.

Petyr watching from the crowd shook his head. This was a fools errand, sure Ran was stronger than he thought, a lot even. But the end result was always going to be the same. All due to the two fighters style.

“He’s slowing.” Esme from elsewhere in the crowd said noting Ran’s change in body language.

Evan watching shook his head. That was the inevitability. Igor’s secret talent was that when armed with his club any object he hit became heavier. Or at least had a chance to become slightly heavier. It wasn’t the most helpful unless it was a drawn-out melee battle, like this.

Ran was not strong enough to beat Igor’s defence quickly, he had to fight him slowly. Without that ability Ran would eventually get through, but thanks to the ability that option was impossible. Still, Evan remembered it occurring far quicker before. He also remembered that Ran’s attack was never blocked. There was no need, it simply bounced off Igor. But here Igor was sweating.

Still it doesn’t mean that it would do anything. Ran has limited attacks. The game only allowed him basic attack, specials and combos get introduced later. Even if he can make it work with basic attacks, once Igor’s health bar drops to a certain level, a cutscene plays. Even the best players can’t get past it without hacking the game. Petyr thought. He wasn’t even sure why he came to watch, he’d seen this scene play out several times in his past life. Though he had to admit, he didn’t expect to see Igor sweat. It was a bit weird but whatever, it wasn’t going to be enough.

Ran suddenly broke of the engagement and retreated to the corner of the ring. He winced as he stared at his sword. It was hard to raise up. He’s making my weapon heavier. Luna was right. Okay, then I guess I can’t do it my way. Dang it. Ran thought as he tried to recall what the advice Luna gave him was. Right, I’ll do that.

***

Archer and Stu’s fight moved from the back of the building of the main school to atop the rooftop. In all honesty Archer was shocked that there were so few people around. Most students were either at the stadium or left. Even the teachers were either watching or gone home for today. Though Principal Electa sort of made sure that Archer would have some freedom when dealing with Stu.

This fight as high-risk and dangerous as it was, was straightforward enough. Stu wasn’t an expert fighter, he was a teenager that was given a bunch of superpowers. Archer on the other hand was a teenager with a bunch of superpowers, who knew how to fight. It made things simple for Archer and allowed him to think.

Everything was just too relaxed here. No cameras, no extra security, even the barriers and walls here haven’t had as much maintenance as they should’ve. It made sneaking around and more dubious extracurriculars easy. Which was the point.

Not so that students could skip out and go drinking or whatever. But so that they could learn and go hunting during school time, at least in theory. It did cause a lot of people to simply flake class and go shopping or underage drinking.

Honestly this entire time Archer had always had a thought of how flawed the entire place was. Sure it produced genuinely capable talent, but that was more so due to the fact the place held a monopoly on any potentially capable superpowered freaks. Besides the place was pretty cutthroat with competition. Produced a lot of people, some even being good talent on the top but a lot of people bottomed out due to this all.

Granted there are at least a lot of people being produced… quality aside. Archer thought as he slipped past a wild swipe by Stu and managed to circle behind Stu. Without a wasted movement Archer stomped down on the back of Stu’s calf.

A howl of pain erupted from Stu as he stumbled. Barely managing to catch himself from falling, he turned around and howled at Archer only to take a painful punch to the snout. As Archer watched as Stu took another step back he saw the muscles shift back in place.

Right, werewolves heal. Archer remembered. This might be good practice. Still wish he was at least a bit stronger. At least make me think more. I wonder how Ran is doing? It has to be more interesting than this. Archer thought as he struck the werewolf with a punch to the liver.

***

Ran charged forward and threw a basic slash. Igor easily brought his club up and blocked it. As the two were stuck in a bind, Igor gave his first smile.

“Sword feeling heavy yet?”

“A little.” Ran admitted.

“Hard to swing it around?” Igor said pushing on Ran.

“Not as hard for your leg?”

“What?” Igor said looking confused before his eyes widened as the world became momentarily slanted after being kicked in calf and he stumbled to keep himself upright. Ran then followed it up with a blade strike straight across his head.

What would have normally been a killing blow wound up being a simple thwack to the head. The protective seal works then, perhaps too well. Stu managed to shrug off the blow and swung towards Ran again forcing him to back off.

Ran frowned slightly angry that he was able to finish Igor off with one hit. But he still hit him and that meant he could do it again.

“Don’t get so cocky.” Igor said as if reading his mind, “Even without the protection you would’ve only scratched me.” He said placing a hand on the spot where he was hit with a pained wince he charged forward again.

Ran ran forward to meet him, as he did he couldn’t help but notice the weight of his blade. It was heavy, extremely so. He was hoping that the hit was enough to knock Igor out, especially with the added weight. He wasn’t sure how long he could keep up this pace. His arms were burning from the strain of swinging the sword.

“That’s some heavy breathing.” Igor noticed, “How much longer can you keep that pace?”

Ran said nothing, he simply gritted his teeth and moved forward. He couldn’t waste his breath, he didn’t know how long he could keep up if he did. More than that he knew he needed to change how he was fighting, but how? What style would work?

***

Archer saw a swipe to his left come at him. To his surprise he realized that he couldn’t just dodge this one, as he raised his arm to block it he thought. He wasn’t led into some sort of trap that left Archer open, Stu just got faster and stronger, forcing Archer to take a couple steps back.

That was bad. Not only did that mean that his fight was going to get harder, but that also means that Stu’s body is at a greater risk of breaking down. Archer recalled what Stu would have procured. Enhanced fangs and claws, on a whole cocktail of pills. He also drank a vial of something.

Archer realized what it was as he took a clean shot to the top of his head. A combustion berserker vial. Highly effective and dangerous, which is why it was a black-market item. Slowly increases your power over the course of twenty minutes and you stay at a peak for around an hour or so. After that, your heart might stop. Might.

Who knows how fast it will take when in combination with everything else? Archer realized as Stu managed to grab him with his large claws. I need to detox him, need to unarm him. He thought as Stu bit him on the head.

Archer gave an annoyed grunt of pain as he slammed a hand onto the throat of Stu pushing him away. No more playing around then, physical danger aside, Archer needed to make sure this guy didn’t die in this petty scrap. No more fooling around.

***

“What is he doing?” Selena said watching Ran in astonishment. Ran had momentarily sheathed his sword and had grabbed onto Igor’s mace, and the two were now wrestling for it. At the same time Ran would throw strikes when available, a punch when available, a quick kick to the leg of Igor.

“He’s fighting a bit like how Luna was taught.” Esme said realizing the clinch work was similar to what Archer tried to teach Luna.

“It’s a cruder version of an already crude mimic, but yeah.” Julia said nodding, “It might be better than Luna’s even.” She said.

“She did say that Ran was good.” Esme said nodding.

“Who taught her that? Luna doesn’t have any hand-to-hand combat classes.” Trista asked, “Neither of you fight like that.”

“A mutual friend.” The two said in unison.

“Keep your secrets then.” Renice said, “Still he’s pretty good.”

“Most people focus on weapons combat and even with that they’re trained to deal with large monsters.” Julia said.

“So when you’re forced to fight someone in a style you’re not used to it really messes you up.” Esme said.

“That mutual friend say that to?” Trista asked.

“Something like that.” Julia answered.

Elsewhere in the stadium Ran’s friends watched on with excitement. Emmra was loudly cheering him on.

“Come on Ran you can do it!” She cheered as Ran began to focus on Igor’s leg some more.

“Hmm.” Luna said looking uneasy.

“What is it?” Joyce asked noticing her unease.

“Ran is losing the fight. He doesn’t have enough power. His form is all wrong.” Luna said worried.

“What so you’re an expert now?” Selena asked looking annoyed.

“No, but I know one and I know Ran could be generating a lot more power and use less energy.” Luna said as she watched Igor hitting Ran back, “He’s stronger than Ran.”

“She’s right.” Alex said watching Ran get hit with way too many strikes.

“Ran can take it. He can win this.” Selena said.

“But he needs to break away.” Luna said, “He can’t take more head shots like that.”

“He knows what he’s doing.” Selena said as Ran took a particularly hard punch to the face forcing him back.

Igor rubbed his jaw slightly before turning to Ran who was currently doubled over, “You’re too weak.” He said before grimacing as he looked down at his left leg.

“What’s happening? Why isn’t he chasing him?” A student asked, “The F-rank is done for.”

“He can’t walk.” Nick realized watching him, “Igor’s foot is swollen and numb. He can’t move. Where did he learn that?”

Watching Igor slowly limp his way forward Luna remembered something that Archer told her. The legs are sensitive, and a good leg kick will first hurt like hell then completely numb the leg. Those who lack any good healing factor will find themselves unable to walk properly, it takes only seconds for the swelling to begin and freeze the leg. Of course being good at leg kicks requires conditioning and practice but any solid hit is a good hit especially against someone who isn’t used to it. Against a bigger opponent you need to chop down the tree. Now do more push-ups.

“If he can’t move then he can’t win. Ran just needs to pick him apart.” Luna whispered returning back to reality.

Igor as he struggled to drag his dead leg around saw Ran pick up his sword again and began to circle him. Ran quickly lunged forward and struck Igor across the shoulder. One in the ribs, another to the head.

Shit, I’m losing. What did he do to my leg? Igor wondered not understanding how his leg could be so badly damaged. It didn’t matter that Ran’s sword was heavy as hell, Igor couldn’t move. Ran had full freedom to attack him. What could he do?

Igor’s eyes then drifted up towards the crowd. He locked eyes momentarily with his ‘sponsor’ B-ranker Madeline Mabel. She said nothing but gave him only a glare that he immediately understood.

Damn it. Igor thought as he dug out a pill. It was embarrassing that he needed to use this, but it would be worse if he lost. He quickly popped the pill in his mouth and swallowed just as Ran attacked again. To Ran’s surprise his sword clanged off the head of Igor without even a reaction from the D-ranker. Worse than that, Igor somehow looked to have gotten bigger.

Right, then this happens. Petyr thought nodding his head. Here it was, once Igor hit half his health bar, he would take a special pill and a cutscene plays. That cutscene results with Igor beating Ran, though this was a lot different from how it happens in the game, it was happening nonetheless.

“What the-” Ran said trying to process Igor’s change Igor struck him with a closed fist to his gut. He was faster, way faster than before and hit even harder.

Ran slid across the ring, stopping right at the edge completely in the fetal position as he found that he could no longer breath. Igor took a deep breath and patted his leg, it still felt swollen but it no longer hurt. That pill is something else. He thought as he trudged his way towards Ran.

“Get up.” Nick willed, “Get up man.”

“You need to move!” Luna shouted.

“Come on Ran, pull yourself together!” Emmra screamed.

“He’s getting closer!” Alex warned.

“Please. Get up.” Selena begged.

As Igor closed the distance a loud bang was heard above him. Looking up curiously he saw cracks begin to appear across the roof of the stadium. Wide eyed he realized that something was about to break through it and he quickly leapt backwards as the roof gave way.

Falling down from the top of the stadium, two bodies smashed into the middle of the ring. One large Lycan body and another, human-like figure landing atop the beast. The man was dressed in black, wore a fedora over his messy greasy looking hair and most strikingly had no face.

Julia saw in the crowd exchanged looks with Esme as she asked to no one in particular, “Is that…”

“I think so.” Esme said nodding her head slowly.

Principal Electa Cowen sat in her seat watching the entire fight said only one word to denote her surprise at the intruders, “Archer.”