As dust filled the air, people emerged from all directions, determined to fly even more dust. Before long, the monsters started to appear, each one with its own unique and terrifying appearance. It was as if they had stepped right out of a person's worst nightmare.
As the martial artist participants stood their ground, a formidable monster approached them, effortlessly knocking them out one by one. His body was filled with sharp spikes, and his face bore old, deep wounds. With four red eyes, he glared at all of us with an unfriendly gaze.
"Weak! Even after all these years, you are still weak!"
As soon as I heard the monster's words, which seemed to explode in the air, I couldn't help but wonder, 'What on earth just happened? Why does this monster seem to know us?'
Instead of receiving an answer, I was hit with a wave of dizziness that made it hard for me to catch my breath. Before I knew it, the monster had appeared right in front of me. Its presence was incredibly intimidating, and despite my attempt to stand my ground, my body couldn't help but tremble.
"Lin Lin, huh... I gotta say, I was pretty impressed when I found out you were a martial artist. It's not every day you see a woman in this field, so it speaks to your skills and determination."
Once again, this monstrous creature somehow knows my name. Raising my head, I was at a loss for words. However, I'm pretty sure my shocked expression gave me away as he chuckled softly.
"So, here's the deal... I'll give you a shot at greatness. Just gobble up this monster cell and see what happens. Depending on your potential, you could become as strong as me, or maybe even stronger-"
"W-Wait a minute, I don't know what you're saying. Who exactly are you?"
In the midst of the spectators' cries, as they were mercilessly slaughtered one by one, staining the stadium seats crimson, I found myself engaged in a conversation with one of those monsters. Every now and then, I couldn't help but sneak a glance at Suiryu, who was still caught up in a fierce battle with three monsters that resembled crows.
"Hahaha... I guess you could say my looks are the cost of getting stronger, but hey, it's all good. I'm not the same weak Gouketsu I used to be."
After that, Gouketsu pulled something out from under his clothes. I felt a wave of nausea wash over me as I laid eyes on an object that resembled a fleshy lump. What made it even more unsettling was the way it pulsed, as if it had a life of its own.
"Now, go ahead and chow down on this monster cell. Trust me, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness firsthand how you can transform into the powerhouse just like I am today."
I started feeling unsteady, both physically and emotionally. I was silent for a while until Gouketsu unexpectedly did something that caused me to jolt, and then I was overcome by intense pain throughout my entire body.
"You know what? You're so weak that you can't even see my attack coming... so just give up and accept this monster cell."
Initially, I figured I could resolve this predicament by having a conversation with Gouketsu, given his background as a fellow martial artist. Eventually, he transformed into a heartless beast and crushed me beneath his massive feet.
'So, if I eat that cell monster, does that mean I'll end up transforming into a monster just like him?'
However, I'm left with very few options at the moment, as it appears that this situation will ultimately lead to my demise. I was trampled mercilessly, my body merging with the ground and fading into obscurity.
"I've had enough of waiting. It seems like your fate, as a weak creature, is to meet your end beneath my feet."
I could feel the weight on my back increasing, and at that point, I didn't even bother attempting to get up because I knew it would be pointless. I could feel blood trickling from my mouth, a clear sign that my insides were in turmoil.
In an instant, the deafening roar of the stadium faded into silence as my vision blurred. However, I soon noticed a figure strolling towards me with a relaxed demeanor.
He looked like your average guy, dressed casually in a jacket. But there was something intriguing about him. It was strange, though, because when I blinked, he vanished right before my eyes.
"It would really suck if you had to bite the dust right here. I'm still holding out hope that you'll come join the Blizzard group."
The weight on my back vanished instantly, bringing a wave of relief that washed over me. However, it was quickly replaced by a harsh cough, accompanied by the unsettling sight of blood.
I knew it was him for sure. He just reached out and took my hand, pulling me close into his embrace. I could sense the genuine warmth he was trying to express, but eventually, I came to a realization.
"Kaiser? What happened to Gouketsu?"
His hand gently caressed my bewildered face, his fingers attempting to stem the flow of blood from the corner of my mouth. Despite the slight chill that sent shivers down my spine, my attention was elsewhere.
"Gouketsu? Who's that?... Oh, you're talking about that monster?
I'm not exactly sure what went down, but Gouketsu, who used to completely overpower me with his sheer strength, is now sprawled out nearby. I glanced back at Kaiser, taken aback by his next words that instantly snapped me out of my daze.
"We need to get out of here before that monster wakes up. Once he's awake, he's definitely going to take out his anger on me."
"Hold on a sec, aren't you capable of taking it on? Why are you running?... we can lend a hand to these people-"
Just as I was speaking, a thunderous roar erupted, resembling the fierce cry of a wild beast, as Gouketsu's body gradually rose. The creature's four red eyes emitted a menacing aura, causing me to momentarily hold my breath in fear.
Just like before, his massive frame was barreling forward at a pace that left me in the dust. But I could tell he had his sights set on us, so I held onto Kaiser even tighter.
"Ahhh!... no, I don't want to die... Kaiser!... do something!" Finally, all I could do was shut my eyes, desperately wishing that this man had some sort of magical ability to fix this predicament.
A gentle breeze suddenly swept around me, wrapping itself around my body. The chaotic noise that used to engulf me like a siege now seemed distant.
"You're safe for now," Kaiser's voice was gentle as it resonated in my ears, yet I hesitated to open my eyes, consumed by fear.
"Where did the arrogant female martial artist from before go?"
I let go of my hug suddenly, my eyes widening. It wasn't because of what he said, though. I could feel his hand gripping my ass, and I'm not sure if it was because of anger, but my body started to heat up.