(Sorry for the short chapter. I'm just so tired. Tomorrow's chapter will be more beefy.)
Fukido and Mark stood opposite each other on the sparring mats. Unlike when Mark and I spar, this fight would not make use of protective equipment. This was a real combat trial that would show Mark's capabilities under real world scenarios.
I took a step off of the mat, standing near it. "You may begin."
Fukido bursted forwards, resembling a bullet leaving the chamber as he sped towards Mark. It appeared that he was going for a grapple. At least, from my experience, this was a huge mistake.
His hands were out, ready to grab Mark. However, Mark wouldn't make it so easy. Mark swiped his right hand across his body, displacing Fukido's grapple easily. He then swung his other hand across, grabbing Fukido's wrist and using his opponent's momentum to flip him over.
While in the air, Fukido twisted, breaking free of Mark's grasp. Hitting the ground, he did a backwards roll, landing back on his feet.
Fukido took a deep breath, centering his body and widening his stance. "Hoooo, totemo yoi. Kite." He beckoned towards Mark as if inviting him forwards.
Mark decided to take the invitation and aggressively approach. He stomped his feet, each time his bare foot hit the mats, it sounded like thunder clapping through the room. With each step, he gained momentum.
Then, he was in range of Fukido. Mark raised his right foot and performed an axe kick with unrivaled power. Fukido's eyes noticeably widened as he watched Mark's foot approach his head.
Fukido's response was to take his right palm and intercept Mark's ankle, throwing the kick off course. He then took advantage of Mark only having one foot on the ground and shoved his left palm into Mark's chest.
Mark stumbled backwards, backpedaling quickly to regain his balance. "Hmmmm."
I was shocked. Although it was just a simple noise, this was the first time I had ever heard Mark audibly think. His mind is essentially a computer. All "thought" processes should just be carried out without any show. At most, his eyes would flash as he processes something. Unfortunately, I was probably the only one who understood the significance of such a seemingly normal thing. It meant he was becoming more "human."
Switching it up, Mark took a different approach this time. He began circling around Fukido, trying to find an opening. Unfortunately for him, Fukido remained in place, just slowly turning to keep Mark in his sights. This kept up for several seconds, both fighters looking the other straight in the eyes.
Eventually, Fukido broke the deadlock with a quick dash and lightning fast right kick towards Mark's head. Mark held up both of his hands to block. Within the space of a literal dime, Fukido stopped his kick, using it as a counterweight to spin his body through the air, now kicking with his left foot.
Having learned from when I pulled off this same move, Mark's right hand shot out and caught Fukido's foot. The man was now at the full mercy of the android since he was fully airborne.
Twisting his wrist, and Fukido's entire body along with it, Mark turned away from him. He then pulled Fukido over his shoulder and flung him to the ground.
*THUMP*
Fukido bounced off the mats and rolled for a bit before coming to a stop. He wasn't moving.
Mark turned to me. "He is unconscious."
I nodded, turning towards the audience. "As you can see, Mark is quite formidable in terms of reaction speed and strength. Without delay, let's move onto the second fight…"
Tim cut me off, wearing a shit eating grin on his face. He seemed unnaturally excited. "How about the three of us that remain take him on together?"
I raised my brow. This could be interesting. It would honestly even the playing field. Of course, there was Sun Lu, who I doubted would be an easy opponent for Mark if he can win at all.
I shrugged, turning back towards the crowd. "Well, I guess there has been a change of plans. Mark will now take on the remaining fighters at once. This includes Tim, Master Lu, and Sarhata. Since they have never fought together before, I will allow them to prepare for a few minutes. You may use this time to grab some refreshments or make conversation. We will reconvene in five minutes."