"Get ready. Here I come!" The pumpkin final boss shouted. His thick voice was like a rolling tsunami impacting Dugu's eardrums.
Dugu Yun solemnly glared at his opponent. A powerful momentum arose from the tall muscular man wearing a pumpkin. An apex predator was awakening!
Each step the other party took was like a mountain dressing against his heart.
Dugu knew…this was aura!
An invisible pressure stronger lifeforms exerted on the weaker. Of course this aura was definitely not the illusory colorful halos emitted by characters in comic works.
Martial artists referred to aura as the state of a fighter. From the temperament and posture, to even the state of mind, every subtle action influenced the fighter's appearance and reflected back into their opponent's heart. Essentially it was similar to a form of psychological intimidation culminated by a variety of factors.
For example, wouldn't a large hunk with scars appear more intimidating than a skinny bamboo pole? A serial murderer would xarry a "gloomy aura". Or a deraged patient would carry a "crazy" impression
Yes, this was precisely the "aura" referred to by martial artists. To carry oneself in a confident manner to deter the opponents! A lesson engraved into the hearts of all fighters and a deadly weapon to the weak willed.
Dugu's body involuntarily tensed as his senses picked up signals of danger. He frowned and suppressed the reaction.
In a split fraction of a second before the pumpkin reached him, Dugu decisively made a decision.
Talent ● Bullet Time Activated!
Talent ● Unity Rectivate!
Warm currents spread throughout his body filling him up. His limiters were removed!
Although his talents were powerful, disrupting the body's natural balance in order to go beyond the limits naturally took a toll.
Let alone superimposing two talents on top of each other, he hadn't even had a chance to rest from the usage of unity earlier. It was foreseeable he was going to be very sore and unable to get out of bed but in order to face an 'innate' he had no choice…but to go to the very extreme!
Unlike unity which bridged the connection between mind and body allowing him to control his body like a precise machine, bullet time involved the brain domain!
Something that only saints dared to touch…
By crazily stimulating the brain through muscle contractions, he was able to extract hormones and secret adrenaline optimizing his brain into a battle state.
It was based on a scientific principle that Dugu found in his previous life while studying as a material scientist back on Earth.
The contraction of the body muscles releases small proteins called myokines in response which can thereby affects metabolic and psychological response in the brain not limited to mood, cognition, and behavior.
All the while in this bullet time state, his heart would also increase blood flow to the brain in order to deliver more oxygen and nutrients speeding up neural impulses.
Instead of mind over matter it was the body affecting the brain. The opposite of unity!
The byproduct of this crazy stimulation was the rapid firing of neurons and the liberation of the mind. This was the true liberation of the mind derived by reversing unity and the familiarity with his body! The culmination of being able to read and control himself turning the unconscious into conscious decisions.
Information from the surroundings poured into Dugu's mind and his brain crazily processed information fully harnessing the power of the human subconscious.
From the crispness of the breeze and the individual lines on the opponents pumpkin mask to the chattering of the onlookers. Every trace of information captured by his senses was filtered and translated into battlefield data.
For a normal human, the information they typical process was about 50 bits per second. But the real amount picked up by the senses was actually more than 11 million per second! The only problem was that the brain's capacity wasn't enough to handle so much data so the subconscious mind would naturally ignore most information.
But as Dugu's limiters were removed, the barriers constraining this information limit were naturally gone.
Like a buff,
perception +1
His enhanced brain captured the surrounding data with high efficiency and presented it in a 3 dimensional model.
All this accelerated brain activity created an illusion that the outside world had slowed down. The movement of the opposite pumpkin boss was clearly captured to predict his next moves.
Time returns to the battlefield.
As Dugu turned off his limiters, Luke Anchovy in the pumpkin mask had already approached Dugu.
The pumpkin boss squatted down and jumped, his leg muscles and gluteus maximus swelled propelling him into the air.
Against all possible calculations, Luke Anchovy chose to leap into the air with the ferocity of a jaguar.
Impossible! Dugu's eyes widened slightly with disbelief.
Didn't this man know that it was common sense to avoid fighting midair?
Although the physique of martial artists were outrageous, they had not yet left the concept of human beans. They were still terrestrial creatures that drew power from the ground. Except in movies, in reality all martial artists knew not to lose the stability of their footing.
It was as if this battle was just a joke. A mere act…
Amidst Dugu's slight shock, Luke Anchovy shouted.
"Take My Ultimate move! Look at my Overlord Skull Crusher!"
High up in the air, Luke Anchovy pointed his elbows at Dugu preparing for an elbow drop.
He wanted to "remind" Dugu in his own way that this wasn't a duel of life and death and there was no need to seriously exchange moves. Luke only intended to quickly perform a few moves to satisfy his employer requirements.
Was this against work ethics? No way! Did that person seriously think that a gang member would do their job properly?
By deliberately jumping in air leaving himself full of openings and blatantly announcing his next attack, he was sure that the boy who was an "experienced" martial artist would understand his signal.
High up in the air, the eyes behind the pumpkin holes blinked wildly as if trying to convey a message.
Dugu stared solemnly at the rapidly descending figure of Luke. Under the acceleration of his thoughts, it seemed that time had slow down. His mind spun quickly trying to anticipate the intentions behind Luke's midair elbow drop.
Why? Could it be…giving up all defense for offense? After all there was a saying in the martial community of using 'one force' to break 'all laws'. Or perhaps…a unique martial art that used gravity to accelerate?
Dugu's wild guesses had completely missed Luke Anchovy's intentions.
To him it seemed that this was a very serious dilemma and he could only hope to last a little longer.
To fall down with grace and dignity of a handsome man!
Um? What's that?
Dugu Yun suddenly caught sight of the pumpkin boss wildly blinking.
Huh? Did the sand blown by the breeze get into his eyes? Didn't the opponent know that it was taboo to be distracted during a fight? Foolish.
And…
Opportunity!
Dugu lowered his center of gravity and extended a palm. Relaxing his body he prepared to greet the 'devastating' blow
Whoosh
At the moment of collision, Dugu's palm suddenly turned like a wandering snake narrowly avoiding the edge and slapping the side of the elbows.
Every ounce of strength was squeezed from his body and an incredible force burst out deflecting the direction of the elbow.
Luke Anchovy was naturally sent tumbling out of path. At the critical moment, the pumpkin boss tucked his body and performed a somersault. With an innate martial artist's incredible reflexes Luke firmly landed on two feet with his back against Dugu.
The two gradually turned to each other.
At this moment different thoughts were running across the two people's minds.
Luke Anchovy nodded with satisfaction and rubbed his sore elbow. The boy cooperated well! The force was just right, not too heavy, not too light as if perfectly reading his intentions. It seemed that this 'Dugu' was indeed the real deal!
No wonder that person wanted to test his strength. He was probably looking for a rival as well!
But how should he report the strength? Hmm, 'innate' sounds just right!
On the other side, Dugu solemnly glared at the pumpkin boss, wary of his next move. He had used his full potential in that one strike draining him of strength. But the battle wasn't over yet!
Through his ability to fully control his body, an ability even the innate warriors didn't possess, he was able to regulate his breathing enough so that the other party would not notice his weakness.
But in reality Dugu felt strength was rapidly sapping from his body. It seemed that there was something very heavy weighing on him!
The palm of his hand that came in contact with the opponent tingled. The skin of the innate realm was way too thick! ( ｡ •` ⤙´• ｡)
Oh no! He couldn't hold it in anymore! His lungs were on fire!
He needed more oxygen!
On the opposite side, Luke Anchovy was very happy that he had found the perfect competitor who could "understand" his intentions. Being able to read the opponent accurately was a valuable skill. This boy has the bearings of a martial saint! Just like me!
Underneath the pumpkin mask, Luke regretfully sighed
He wanted to quickly establish further fist to fist contact with this little boy but unfortunately he had to bring his brothers to the doctor.
Right before he was about to regretfully bid farewell, all of the sudden, Dugu gasped, panting heavily.
Hmm? Ohh!
Luke Anchovy patted his pumpkin head. He nearly forgot!
"Swisshh, Hu hE Hu He," Following Dugu's example, Luke Anchovy also rapidly panted, taking deep vigorous breaths.
Had it not been for this boy, he would have nearly forgotten! They had just used their "full strength" and he had just used his "ultimate move". Wouldn't it be suspicious if they were exhausted?
There were still a few onlookers around watching the excitement. He couldn't just chase them all away. What if that employer sent someone to inquire if he took the commission seriously?
This boy…Smart!
Luke Anchovy wildly laughed, grinning from ear to ear. Unfortunately the joyful expression was covered by a pumpkin.
"Wahahahahaa. You are very good! Not bad at all! You are qualified to be my rival!"
The pumpkin boss gave a big thumbs up to his opponent and sighed in regret, "Too bad we couldn't meet under better circumstances. Next time, we can be brothers and have a proper fight."
Looking meaningfully at the grocery bags Dugu still didn't realize he was carrying, Luke left the scene with anticipation for their future meeting. The mysterious man wearing a pumpkin hat proudly walked past Dugu with his head held high and chest out.
"Let's go."
Luke lifted up the nearly dead Scar who had his backdoor brutally ruptured, hoisted him over his shoulder, and took his brothers away walking towards the sunset.
Life was good. And money was made.
Feeling happy, the pumpkin boss couldn't help but jolfully laugh.
"Wahahahahaha."
"Umm..boss?"
"Yeah?"
"We're going the wrong way…"
"...."
—---
The Overlord Gang came and left like the wind leaving Dugu dumfounded.
That's it?
He thought it would at least be several chapters of intense confrontation, bitter tears, and a three year timeskip training arc.
But the entire fight started and ended inexplicably leaving him uncomfortable.
Looking at the various strange behaviors the other party made during the duration of the fight…
Shouting the name of the move while attacking like a chunibyo, rashly leaping into the air, the excessive blinking, and even inexplicably treating him as a rival…
Could it be that the other party was mentally ill?
Dugu Yun thoughtfully glanced at the retreating figures of the gang members. Watching them hurriedly switch direction it confirmed the suspicion in his mind.
Shaking his head with pity, he simply wished the best for the Overlord Gang. Having a mental illness in this age was really unlucky. That man must have been ostracized a lot leading to his current character right? (wrong)
Ahh! No wonder these gangsters liked to cosplay with such strange costumes! (wrong)
The central plains were not like modern times back on earth
There was no specialized scientific research into the brain nor the advocacy of mental health.
Having mental illnesses was basically a death sentence.
Times were changing but not fast enough.
Being excluded and ostracized was normal. In the worst cases it may even be misunderstood as demonic possession and barbie q'ed alive to the steak.
Because demons actually existed in this world!
The only group of people most likely to have access to the secrets of the brain were probably the martial saints. But for the common people figures like them were too far away…
Dugu shook his head. Matters unrelated to him were not something he should worry about. If he couldn't help his own family, how could he be qualified to speculate on the thoughts of others?
Much less people he would probably never come across again…
Anyways if there was a chance maybe he could open his own psychiatric clinic in this world…
Making money telling people how they should live their lives…hehe not a bad idea!
"Rubia, let's go home…"
Damn! Where did such a big person go?
Shaking off the messy thoughts in his, Dugu turned around looking for his cousin.
But the person wasn't there!
Could it be…
Dugu's heart thumped. This was exactly what he was afraid of…
Someone taking advantage of the citation and making a despicable sneak attack!
Dugu frowned and anxiously searched around until he caught sight of a waving figure.
"Hey, over here!"
A familiar voice caught Dugu's attention. Looking up, he saw that in the distance a golden haired girl was sitting delicately on a wheelchair and waving at him.
Next to her was the ever familiar signboard of a ramen shop and the slightly chubby boss watching the show with interest.
Sensing Dugu's gaze looking over, Rubia hurriedly hid the bacon strips in her hands along with the "on the house popcorn" the boss had given earlier behind her back.
Dugu's face darkened.
It was unknown when, but Rubia had made her way back to the ramen shop and even had the leisure to order some snacks for the show.
Wtf?...while he was fighting for his life(not really), this woman had the nerve to treat it as a source of entertainment? This was not some martial arts competition!
Dugu rolled his eyes and walked over, gently flicking the girl's forehead.
"Hiss"
Clutching her forehead in pain, Rubia pitifully looked up and met Dugu's squinting eyes and darkened expression.
It couldn't help but remind her of the little boy she used to bully.
"Pftt hehe." a small chuckle escaped. The clear laughter resembling silver bells was like a refreshing breeze blowing in the winter. Chilling people to their bones.
"Sheesh," Dugu helplessly signed. "Lets go."
For a moment everything seemed just like the olds days…the same people but different places.
…
"Hey, by the way, that was quite impressive!" Rubia randomly threw a few punches in the air mimicking the martial arts fighters she knew. "Even while carrying groceries you were still able to repel them!"
"As expected of my little cousin!"
"What are you talking about…huh?"
Dammit! No wonder he felt his body was being drained of strength as if something heavy was weighing on him!
__________________________________________________________
New Characters Card Unlocked!
Not Very Mysterious Old Man (non-evolvable): Obviously the newbie experience package for Dugu. Very experienced battle veteran but reaching his end. Calm temperament and not easily fooled. His recent obsession is a certain piece of martial arts. (★)
Ramen Shop Owner (???): Not to be confused with his twin from another universe. His dreams are to spread ramen all over the world. Quite literally. (???)
Luke Anchovy (evolvable): Refuses to use weapons. Likes a good ol 'flesh to flesh connection. A very serious but gentle person. Dreams of fighting a Marital Saint despite being a weak chicken. Doesn't like the city. In his opinion city folk are too complicated. Intimidating but good at heart. (★★★)
Disguised Luke - melon version (non evolvable): He only wants to reach the physical peak, retire, and sell melons. He likes his women the same way he likes his fruits.…big! Once considered marrying an honest village girl but she was too much for him to handle. He considers himself a principled gangster not targeting the weak, old, or disabled…unless he was poor. (★★★★)
—-(i actually wanted to name the overlord gang, team rocket or zfighters or something, but the problem was that there are more suitable characters later in the story that i want to introduce ehe :p )----
I wonder how many references can be spotted. This cat has included at least dozens i think…