If you're a fan of fighting games, you're likely familiar with the ebb and flow of match dynamics. Often, after a series of exchanges between fighters, the battle can devolve into a passion-fueled confrontation or a prolonged, tepid clinch. In truth, neither of the athletes truly desires the latter scenario. At that moment, both competitors might feel a bit dazed, unsure of their opponent's physical state, thus leading them into a tense stalemate. If one fighter is still alert, the other may find their evasive maneuvers slowed, making it strategically more beneficial to remain close and engage directly. This offers a chance to land random strikes amidst the chaos, and in that turmoil, both fighters rely on instinct to occupy the other. A misjudged dodge may result in an opponent countering with a vicious combo—a risk best avoided.
The essential nature of combat is that, in the throes of battle, the instinctual urge of an ordinary individual tends to be wild flailing and an indiscriminate barrage of punches. Meanwhile, professionals channel their rigorous training into their responses. Boxers often find themselves in visceral scenes, fighting while blood paints their faces, and spectators fervently describe the intensity present in the ring. However, most of these brutal exchanges are steeped in instinct rather than calculated strategy. This is precisely what is occurring right now with Ye Chen and Ava.
At this juncture, Ye Chen is entirely oblivious to Ava's condition. His thoughts are clouded, almost blank, causing him to instinctively throw a haphazard set of punches. In that chaotic moment, a notion flickers in his mind to execute a hefty swing or a sweeping kick. But, he clings to the last remnants of his reasoning, preventing him from abandoning caution entirely. Ava, on the other hand, senses Ye Chen's confusion. Having nearly toppled his opponent with just one strike, it's natural for Ye Chen to hesitate. This awareness emboldens Ava to surge forward and engage, despite having not fully regained his own footing.
Suddenly—"DEEE..."—the atmosphere erupted as both athletes unleashed a torrent of punches in rapid succession. Ye Chen lost count of how many strikes he absorbed, but the impact was electrifying. They were in front of cameras, and the sound of their attacks resonated through the venue. The surrounding noise was frenetic; audience members straining to catch sight of the unfolding drama may have missed the visceral nature of the strikes. However, those watching the live broadcast heard every thud with crystal clarity, and the crowd erupted with excitement. The energy charged the air, and numerous eager spectators in the front rows nearly attempted to vault onto the stage.
In a harrowing moment, Ye Chen felt the sting of a solid punch connect with his chin. Sweat sprayed into a mist, coating both the camera lens and the photographer. That one precise strike sent his entire vision spiraling as pain erupted in his jaw, making it feel as though it might fracture under the pressure. His legs weakened, nearly giving out beneath him, but against all odds, he managed to stay upright. The arena roared in approval; his resilience after such a punishing blow almost seemed like a feat of cinematic finesse.
At the very instant Ava's fist smashed into his chin, Ye Chen retaliated, landing a punch squarely on Ava's jaw. It's hard to quantify the force behind Ye Chen's attack, but Ava's head snapped back violently, and blood seeped from the corner of his mouth, staining his braces. Whether it was a broken tooth or just a cut, the injury was evident. Striking with the ferocity of a professional, Ava chose to clinch Ye Chen, burying his face into Ye Chen's chest, recognizing both the devastation of the exchange. For any athlete, as long as there's awareness of their opponent being stunned, the instinctive response is to capitalize on the moment with a flurry of follow-up punches. Given Ava's lack of additional strikes, it was clear he wasn't feeling much better than Ye Chen at this point.
"Canelo, put him down, take him out hard!" Ava's corner shouted urgently. As the second round unfolded, the tide seemed to favor Ava's advantage, urging him to maintain that momentum. Nevertheless, the situation shifted dramatically as both fighters exchanged blows. The corners urged Ava to maintain composure, but as he landed a significant hit on Ye Chen, their excitement surged, instructing him to finish the match. In that moment, Ava was oblivious to the chants, his focus narrowed onto Ye Chen, instinctively delivering jabs to his opponent's abdomen.
The fight had become a test of recovery. Meanwhile, the referee moved in, seemingly inclined to halt the bout. The commentary team, situated in the venue, were incredulous. Commentator No. 1 exclaimed, "Ye Chen just landed a heavy punch. This is astonishing! Ava actively sought to escape the clinch, and that last shot was no joke. Ye Chen's skills in the ring are proving impressive." Commentator No. 2 chimed in, "Ye Chen's condition appears grim—his vacant eyes reveal he's nearly lost consciousness. Remarkably, he landed a strike against Ava without being knocked out." Commentator No. 3 added, "Despite Ye Chen's physical prowess, Ava's strikes seem more potent. I wouldn't be surprised if the referee calls the fight due to Ye Chen's inability to continue effectively."
The excitement outside the venue matched the frenzy within. At Ye Chen's home, Catwoman and her friends watched the live broadcast from the living room, their vocal enthusiasm filling the space. Although they weren't intimately familiar with Ye Chen, they were acutely aware of the stakes. If he lost, their disappointment would be palpable. Fear of seeing Ye Chen defeated overshadowed their camaraderie.
"Come on, Ye Chen! Hit him fast!" the enthusiastic friends cheered, seemingly forgetting their original purpose of accompanying pregnant women during the match. Despite the frenzy, Catwoman remained pensive. Watching Ye Chen navigate this critical moment was unlike anything she had seen in his previous matches. Beneath her tension, unease swelled, wishing for his victory and fearing that a serious injury could result from the brutal exchanges happening in the ring. The latest punch he received left her shaken, her complexion paled with worry.
Meanwhile, in the arena, both fighters were finding brief moments of relief. A sense of return filled Ye Chen's mind, compelling him to regain control of the fight. Realizing his position was precarious, he attempted to push Ava away, but his legs felt shackled, reliant on the ropes behind him for support. Ava, now lucid, sensed Ye Chen's intent to create space. The referee's impending intervention loomed, pushing Ava to act quickly.
He stepped back and, with a lowered head, executed an uppercut aimed at Ye Chen. Yet, he underestimated Ye Chen's reflexes. The moment he advanced, Ye Chen's senses kicked in, preparing him for Ava's attack. Just as Ava separated, Ye Chen sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the sharp punch that whipped past his cheek. This quick thinking showcased Ye Chen's honed fighting skills; as Ava pulled away, Ye Chen straightened, twisting to exploit his opponent's moment of vulnerability.
In a swift motion, he took hold of Ava's left arm, anticipating any sudden aggressions while simultaneously positioning himself for a counter. As Ava's center of gravity shifted, Ye Chen unleashed a straight punch from a tightly wound stance, taking advantage of the moment when Ava was least stable—his finest shot at turning the tide of this brutal encounter.