499 watches in the stands, his eyes glued to the fight as he reflects on the battle's circumstances and Navar's miraculous comeback. "Although it seemed ignorant, Navar's strategy was clever. Since Juyon is a close-range combatant, he invaded his space to observe how he used JōKai Amplification. Then, once he saw how Juyon was doing it, he picked up on it at an unheard-of learning rate. Though reckless, he shows extraordinary potential as a Supernatural," 499 tinks to himself.
Juyon wipes away the blood trickling from his lip, his face contorting in frustration as he stares at Navar. "Just because you learn some new power doesn't mean you can beat me."
Navar's face lights up with a grin as he chuckles. "That fat bruise on your face says otherwise."
"Let's see how long you can run your mouth," Juyon summons Hard Terrain JōKai on his fists, the sound of his thudding footsteps echoing in the air as he sprints towards Navar.
"It never stops runnin', and you better get used to it," Navar drops his sword to his waist and charges forward, the wind whistling past him as he runs towards Juyon.
Juyon's body glows as JōKai Amplification surges through it, magnifying his strength. He rears his arm back, then delivers a heavy left hook that fills the air with a whoosh. "Bellowing Bison!"
"Woah!" Navar avoids Juyon's punch by ducking down, then he swiftly springs up and slices Juyon across his chest. Even though the slice lands, Juyon remains still, prompting a deep, exasperated groan to escape Navar's lips. "He's tough," Navar thinks to himself.
As Navar is still in midair, Juyon throws a right hook, and it connects with Navar's arm and deltoid, resulting in Navar skidding across the arena's floor. Navar places his hand on the ground to steady himself, feeling the rough texture as he slides until he reaches the arena's edge. "Phew, that was close," Navar thinks to himself.
"He's on the edge of the arena. I'll bombard his defense to cause him to ring out," Juyon closes the gap between them, and the force of his left hook reverberates through the air.
Navar evades Juyon's attack with a leap to the right, and the sound of his blade cutting through the air fills the space as he executes a cross-body slash aimed at his head. Juyon summons Hard Terrain JōKai, and with a clang, his fists and Navar's steel blade collide and echo through the area. The power of the clash is so strong; they're sent meters away from each other, the vibrations shaking the ground beneath them. After taking a second to regain their composure, they both run toward each other. Navar sheathes his sword, then launches a flying kick to Juyon's abdomen. Juyon tenses his muscles and absorbs the shock of the kick. Juyon secures Navar's leg and gives it a sharp yank, pulling him close. He then lets loose a punch so powerful it sends Navar careening across the arena.
With a sense of urgency, Navar grabs his blade and wraps his hands around the hilt as he tumbles toward the arena's edge. To avoid ringing out, he plants his sword into the arena tile, the sound of metal clashing against the stone echoing throughout the arena. Navar steadies his breathing, then shoots Juyon a worried glance. "He's tough. He won't go down no matter how hard I hit or slash him. But he has scratches all over his body—maybe a few more outta do him in," Navar thinks to himself.
Juyon observes the clear JōKai Amplification aura on Navar's body. "Just a couple of moments ago, he couldn't even fight on par with me. Now he can keep up with me blow for blow and withstand my attacks. However, the way he's using that amplification technique.. no matter, I have to defeat him before he progresses anymore in this battle."
Navar and Juyon speed across the arena, their sweat-drenched clothes clinging to their skin. Navar wildly swings his sword, aimed at Juyon's head, but Juyon blocks it with his Hard Terrain JōKai-infused right fist. Then, with a powerful thrust of his fist, Juyon propels into Navar's gut, lifting him from his feet. "This one should do it right here!" Juyon drives his arm back, and his fist tightens as JōKai Amplification and Hard Terrain JōKai surge through it. "Bellowing Bison!" Juyon's punch connects with Navar's chin, sending him reeling meters away from him. Navar lies on the floor, and Juyon feels his palms sweating as he clenches his fists, hoping his last attack ends their fight. "Please, just stay down. I don't want to cause you any more pain," Juyon watches in dismay as Navar rises to his feet and unsheathes his blade, the sharp glint of the metal catching the light. "Goddammit, he's still standing even after I tried to knock him out," As he continues to reflect inward, he feels his body become overwhelmed by the exhaustion brought on by the battle. "And to make matters worse, I'm getting exhausted. No matter, I'll have to bet it all on this attack. This will end him,". Juyon charges toward Navar; then his arms move so fast they show an illusion of hundreds of fists.
With Juyon's attack looming, Navar's vision blurs, and he feels a wave of exhaustion over him. "I don't know if I can block that attack again. The more I try to watch his hands slow down, the more tired I get," Navar thinks to himself.
"Don't look lost out there, Navar! Don't give up. Remember what you said to Jax and me?! Remember our promise?! Get it together!" says Miri.
"She's right! I didn't come all this way just to lose; I came here to become a great Warrior! Losing like a chump won't do me any good!" Navar clutches his blade tightening the grip and assuming a defensive stance as he's ready for Juyon's attack.
Juyon closes in, the force from his fists causing the wind to rustle Navar's hair as he prepares to land his finishing blow. "Mandruk Barrage!"
Navar's senses sharpen as he squints to identify a vulnerable spot in Juyon's defenses. When he finds an opening in Juyon's defense, he grasps his blade firmly. "There it is!" He brings his sword up in a powerful arc, smashing Juyon's fists and leaving him unprotected. "Okayasu Blade: Okayasu Parry!"
Miri stands up from her seat and takes a deep breath. "Get him, Navar!" says Miri.
Navar, mustering his remaining strength, shouts as he lets out a battle cry, swinging his blade at Juyon's chest. "Okayasu Blade: Brave Man's Slash!" Navar jumps backward to avoid an incoming strike from Juyon. "That should do it," Thought Navar. Juyon moves his hand around his chest, and the sight of blood dripping from his palm causes him to take a sharp intake of breath. Juyon looks at Navar, and then his legs give out, sending him tumbling to the ground. Navar lets out a long sigh, feeling the tension ease out of his body. "Yes! I brought him down. Hopefully, that does it," Unfortunately, Juyon rises from the ground, causing Navar's face to contort in frustration. "Damn, I thought that would finish him."
Juyon finishes wiping the blood from his chest, then looks up to meet Navar's gaze. Then, Juyon turns to Navar with a warm, inviting smile. "You're a worthy opponent, Navar. I don't recall ever having a fight this fun."
Navar flashes a toothy grin. "I guess you can say I feel the same way."
"Interesting. Although they are fighting, they have a profound sense of respect. It's been a couple of years since we've seen entries fight with this much respect in the exam," 499 thinks to himself.
Juyon's face alights with anticipation. "Why don't you and I put this fight to an end?"
"You bet, Juyon!" Navar attempts to coat his body in JōKai Amplification, but he is overwhelmed by a sharp, burning sensation, rendering him unable to move. "What is this pain?! Why does it hurt so bad? Ahh!" Navar stumbles, his body giving in to exhaustion as he hits the ground.
"Navar!" Juyon bounds toward Navar and shakes him. "Navar, Navar! Are you alright?!"
499 walks into the arena and examines Navar's body. "Seems the battle strain and the careless use of JōKai Amplification was his undoing," 499 raises Juyon's hand in the air. "The winner of this match is Juyon."
Miri sighs, her breath carrying her disappointment. "It's a real shame he lost the way he did. He turned the tide of the battle only to have the damage he suffered to be his downfall."
499 motions over a couple of doctors toward Navar. "Take him in for treatment."
Miri walks alongside the doctors, gently brushing Navar's arm as they load him onto the stretcher and take him to the hospital room.
499 turns his gaze to the vast expanse of seats in the arena. "The next fight will be Astran versus Miri, which will begin in 30 minutes. You may take this time to take a break before watching the other match."
As the doctors, Navar and Miri, enter the hospital suite, the white bed and mattresses shine in the soft light, and Navar is gently placed onto the bed. "Is he going to be ok?" asks Miri.
A middle-aged female doctor's warm hands soothe Miri's shoulder. "Don't worry, sweetheart; he'll be ok. It's just minor battle injuries, so we'll give him some medicine. He should wake up within a couple of hours."
"What caused it?"
"It was too much of a use of JōKai Amplification, which caused an immense strain on his body."
"Oh, I see. Well, Thank you…."
"Anytime, sweetie. Just let me know if you need anything," The doctor leaves the room and closes the curtains.
"I think I should get him some water," Miri exits Navar's room, the cool air of the hallway brushing against her skin as she walks toward the water dispenser. When she arrives, she notices Juyon's slumped posture against the wall and the faint sound of his guilt-ridden sighs. "I apologize for what I did to your brother."
Miri giggles as she fills two paper cups with water, the sound of the running liquid tinkling in the air. "You don't have to apologize for doing what you were told. If anything, I should thank you."
"Thank me. Why?"
"Well, with this battle, you made Navar stronger. I'm sure he'll be thankful for it even if he's hurt."
"I appreciate the kind words. Thank you," Juyon's shoulders rise and fall in a shrug; then, he ambles toward the double door exit, his footfalls echoing throughout the hallway. "That was strange," Miri thinks to herself.
Then, a loud "Where the hell am I?" gathers Miri's attention. She twists her head and looks back into the room. "Navar?"
Miri enters the room to see Navar sitting upright in his bed, his eyes wide and alert. "Hey, Miri! What am I doing here? Wasn't I just fighting Juyon?"
"Yeah, about that… you lost."
"Lost?! No way! How in the hell did I lose?"
"You passed out during the battle."
Navar thumps his hands onto the gray armrest of the hospital bed. "Dammit, why did I lose that way?!"
"Relax, Navar, 499 looked impressed by how you fought back into the battle. We all were. You did good."
"Yeah, but I still lost the fight, Miri…."
Miri turns her stance from Navar, then trudges toward the exit. "Sorry I can't see you too long. I just came here to make sure you were ok before I went off."
"What do you mean by go off? Where are you going?"
"I have a fight, remember? You and Juyon aren't the only ones fighting in the exam."
The doctor from before arrives in the room, her steps light and her hand holding the needle steady. "Ok, now t- goodness you're awake already!" She gazes at Navar's legs, which hang off the side of the hospital bed. "No, no, no, mister, you can't go anywhere with your injuries; you're staying here."
"Then how will I be able to watch her fight?!"
The doctor takes the remote and presses a button, the TV flickering to life. "We have access to a private drone, which gives us a view to watch the match," She turns to a channel, which projects the arena TV display.
"Wow, thanks, nurse lady!: Navar glances over his shoulder at Miri, who stands in the doorway. "Good luck Miri!"
"Thanks, Navar," Miri departs from the hospital room, the clatter of her footsteps echoing through the hallway.
As the nurse examines Navar's wounds, his quick healing captivates her attention. "His wounds from before have vanished fast. That's not normal, even for a Supernatural."
Navar glances over his shoulder to see a needle inches away from piercing his skin. "Wait, get that thing away from me! I hate needles!" Navar's heart races as he watches the nurse approach him with the needle, and he lets out a terrified shriek.
As Miri hears the faint screams echoing down the hallway, a smile tugs at her lips. "He fights a tank of a person, yet he's afraid of needles. What a weirdo."