At this moment, the two fighters entered a delicate balance, creating a brief stalemate.
Both of them were deeply focused on devising new strategies in their minds, leading to an unspoken agreement to cease any action.
The unusual stillness confused the commentator. "Both fighters have suddenly stopped moving. Could this be the effect of one of their abilities?"
The crowd, however, was less patient. Having paid good money for their tickets, they expected a spectacle. If not a brutal, visceral fight, at least a clash of immense energy.
Instead, the two combatants seemed frozen, as if trying to defeat each other with mere stares.
"Hey, what's going on up there? Move already! I didn't pay to see a staring contest!"
"Yeah, if you two aren't gonna fight, get off the stage! Ref, do something!"
The growing unrest rippled through the arena. What started as a few murmurs turned into a roaring wave of dissatisfaction.
However, the more experienced audience members—including the referee—ignored the commotion. They knew the slightest change could signal the beginning of a decisive move.
Meanwhile, both Jackie and Ryker were engaged in mental chess, refining their respective strategies.
Jackie was determined to force Ryker into making the first move, aiming to exploit his opponent's disguise as a potential weakness.
"A prolonged battle is too risky. Too many variables. I need to pressure him psychologically, break his focus. No matter how strong he is, he's still a kid.
His mind can't be as sharp as an adult's—experience takes time to build, just like battle instincts."
Jackie's plan took shape.
"Two steps. First, I'll plant the seeds of doubt, poking holes in his confidence by analyzing his ability out loud.
It'll add pressure, make him second-guess himself. If he's hiding something about his power, I'll force him to reveal it.
Second, I'll throw him off with false information. Confuse him. Make him question his own understanding of the battle, and he'll inevitably slip up."
On the other side, Ryker was also reviewing the current situation and analyzing Jackie's actions so far.
"Everything is going according to plan. His defensive strength is just as I expected—nearly impossible to break through with my current level of aura output. But something about him doesn't add up.
Twice now, I've observed strange fluctuations in his aura's intensity. Not the amount of aura—its density."
He recalled those moments in detail.
"Aura density usually remains consistent during combat unless someone undergoes long-term training. Even when a fighter uses [Hardening], it's more about reallocating aura rather than changing its quality.
But twice, Jackie's aura suddenly became weaker. Why?"
"The first time, it plateaued at a lower intensity, but the second time, when he threw his mop, it kept dropping steadily.
That's not normal. Is it possible his ability's conditions forced the change? What's the common factor between those two moments?"
As Ryker puzzled over the anomaly, Jackie decided it was time to act.
"Young man," Jackie began, his voice steady but laced with intent, "your name is Ryker, isn't it? For someone so young to reach this level… you're the strongest child I've ever seen."
Jackie's words seemed like praise, but they carried a pointed edge.
"I couldn't help but wonder—what kind of bloodline or training could allow a kid like you to achieve this? Even for a prodigy, this power shouldn't be possible at your age. Unless…" Jackie paused, letting the tension build.
"Unless you've made a contract. A vow..."
Ryker's expression remained hidden behind his mask and goggles, but his body shifted slightly, a subtle reaction Jackie didn't miss.
"You know, I've walked a similar path. I also used a vow and limitation to gain power. You could call it a high-risk, high-reward gamble.
But you know the price—it always comes with strict rules. Break those rules, and the backlash is devastating."
Jackie's voice grew sharper.
"Your disguise… it's more than just hiding your identity, isn't it? It's part of your contract. Am I wrong?"
Ryker's thoughts raced.
"He's fishing for information. Trying to unsettle me by pretending he's figured out my ability. Classic enhancer-type simplicity. But still… he's surprisingly observant."
To keep up the ruse, Ryker made a calculated move. His body tensed, and his aura rippled unevenly—just enough to suggest nervousness. He even let his posture falter slightly, as if Jackie's words had hit a nerve.
Jackie didn't miss the opportunity.
"Got him. He's shaken. Just a little more, and he'll crack."
Ryker, however, had no intention of cracking. While he feigned unease, his mind worked furiously to validate his earlier observations.
"Let him think he's in control. If I play along, I might learn more about his ability. And if the opportunity arises, I'll use my ace. This battle isn't over yet."
Both fighters stood locked in their mental duel, the tension between them mounting with every passing second. The next move would determine who would take control of the fight.
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