Magnus struggled to get back up to his legs, Angel clutching onto his side, blood gushed from between his fingers.
Angel's thoughts: That stab was well put. It's really going to hamper my movements from now on…
Magnus reached into his pocket, pulling out yet another knife. Angel laughed, holding his kunai in front of him. Both made their way to the other, each of their weapons striking the other. Magnus' other knife made its way around, only for another sharp sensation to fill his arm.
Angel: Angelic Ninjutsu - Stinger
Magnus immediately lost grip of the other knife before a punch soared across his face. Angel made some distance before striking Magnus away with a kick. Angel rushed forward before bringing his foot up once more. His large toes stood out before his foot rapidly came down. A slash came across Magnus' chest, blood spurting out.
Angel: Angelic Ninjutsu - Sword of the Heavens
Magnus stumbled back, putting a hand over his chest.
Magnus' thoughts: He conditioned his body to make just about any and all parts a weapon. So even if he can't reach me with a kunai or ninja star, I'm still at the mercy of being cut up. I see now. Ninjas truly can be unpredictable. But there's nothing I won't let go outside my predictions.
Magnus widened his stance, moving his right hand behind himself as he held out his left, the knife aimed directly at Angel.
Angel's thoughts: He's still standing after that? How much punishment can this guy take?
Magnus: You're impressive, ninja. Extremely impressive. But there's something extremely valuable you just showed me.
Angel: I showed you something? Man, I didn't know you were seeing the pearly gates already.
Angel brought a fist up to the side of his face, and with a quick flick of his wrist, several ninja stars appeared between his fingers. He quickly threw them at Magnus, Magnus ducking before charging in. Angel pulled out his second kunai, moving his hands in a hypnotizing manner. Magnus could see several hands and kunai spinning in a circle, but he smiled. Before Angel could move his hands, Magnus pulled his right hand out from behind his back, stabbing a sickle into Angel's right hand. Angel let out a yelp of pain before getting his head punched back.
…
Magnus stood in the woods, his hands weighed down by sandbags. He kept his focus, his eyes darting everywhere before swinging the sandbags to his right, stopping a knife from striking him.
???: Impressive. You're getting better with your reaction time.
Magnus: I thought that was foresight at work, master.
A palm strike stopped just short of Magnus' face, his master pulling it back. His master's name was Kay Yotei, a man with greying brown hair and a stern face.
Kay: Foresight is more than just knowing where the attack is coming from. Your analytical ability should tell you this much.
Magnus: Then what exactly is it? You're always so vague about it.
Kay: Foresight is a term usually used for psychics, but it has its own usage in martial arts. It's the ability to tell what's going to happen next. You learn your opponent's next move, and that'll decide whether you're able to respond before or after it. Your analytical ability should give you an advantage in learning how to master it.
Magnus: So how far can I go with foresight?
Kay: Those experienced in foresight are capable of predicting their opponent's next move first and moving before their opponent can. You take the lead, and your opponent will be shaken up. If you can learn how to do that much, you'll be able to take on foes that may be more powerful than you.
Magnus: Then I'll train as hard as I can! I won't stop until I do it!
Kay ruffled his hand through Magnus' hair, Magnus struggling to push the hand away with the sandbag weighing down his own.
Kay: You have a bright future, Magnus. So show me that you'll take what I've taught you even further.
…
Magnus released his grasp from the sickle, Angel staggering as he grabbed at his right wrist. Magnus smiled, Angel's composure had completely fallen.
Remy: That's brutal!
Gonzalez: It looks like his objective wasn't to do much damage, but to destroy Angel's focus and lead him to make more mistakes. He read just a move before Angel this time.
Magnus struck an elbow into the side of Angel's head, Angel falling to the floor before grabbing his kunai and chucking it at Magnus. Magnus narrowly avoided the kunai, a cut appearing on his left cheek before he ran forward at full force, slamming a soccer kick into Angel's face. Angel was still before his body collapsed to the ground. Magnus let out a laugh before seeing the referee swing his arms.
Zachary: AND WE HAVE A WINNER! THE WINNER OF THE ASSASSIN VS NINJA BATTLE IS THE ASSASSIN MAGNUS KIBSOOONNNN!!!!
The audience erupted in a roar of cheers, Magnus smiling before looking down at Angel.
Magnus: You should practice some foresight yourself. You might've ended the match sooner that way.
Magnus stumbled out of the ring, Shizu and Simon waiting for him at the entrance.
Simon: You did, Magnus!
Magnus tripped over his own step, falling into Simon's arms.
Magnus: Yeah, I promised I'd get the next victory for us, after all…
Shizu: You did amazingly, Magnus. I am sure the others are proud as well.
Magnus: Hey Simon… Mind getting my weapons back for me? Don't touch the ninja stuff, that isn't really my style…
Simon: Don't sweat it! Just make sure to rest up for the second round.
Paramedics met with Shizu, Simon, and Magnus in the hall, taking Magnus away as Simon ran into the ring to gather Magnus' things. He picked up Magnus' sword before glancing at Angel's kunai. They were promptly picked up by Veronica, who placed them gently into a white cloth. Simon and Veronica met eyes before looking away from one another. They both left the ring from their opposing entrances, Simon's face filled with an annoyed look.
Shizu: Why the long face, Simon? We claimed another victory.
Simon: I hope we beat those Imperium bastards. I can feel the annoying royalty from here.
Shizu's thoughts: Oh yes, his dislike of royalty. This side of him is rare, but it easily appears whenever he's close to someone connected to royalty.
Simon and Shizu disappeared into the halls. Remy let out a sigh, leaning back in his seat. Gonzalez brought out his nearly empty popcorn bag, reaching in and taking another bite.
Gonzalez: Angel was not properly equipped for Magnus. So he paid the price.
Remy: That really sucks, man. He gave me confidence, too…
Abraham: There is nothing to worry about, Remy.
Remy: Ah! How long have you been sitting next to us?
Abraham: Long enough. We must make up for the losses of both Angel and Mike. Both of them have shown us who we must keep our eyes on. Thong and Magnus will prove themselves to be frightening foes.
Gonzalez: That much is true. Those two have a lot of potential, so I hope Daniel takes his next match seriously.
…
Daniel sat on the lap of Theresa, who groomed his hair. Daniel began to purl, Theodore laughing.
Theodore: Daniel, your match is coming up next. Are you sure you wish to keep relaxing?
Theresa: But Teddy, he seems so peaceful.
Ziyad: Your highness, you mustn't hold him back. I know Daniel's strength, he'll come back to you in one piece.
Daniel: Ya ya! Daniel strong! Daniel fight!
Theodore: That's exactly what I'd expect from you, Daniel. So go out there and make us proud.
Daniel: Yes papa. Byebye, mama.
Daniel hopped off Theresa's lap, walking out of the room and into the halls. Theresa put a hand to her cheek, a soft smile appearing on her face.
Theresa: He'll give us a match to remember.
Ziyad: I just hope that boy doesn't eat anything on his way to the ring.
Theodore: He does have quite the appetite. But he'll be fine. He's one of our finest, and one of the highest-ranking in the Eclipse.