The ground trembled, smoke surged high into the sky.
The horizon, lined with countless halos, could only bear witness.
Two red beams pierced through the thick smoke, accompanied by the constant crackling of electricity from the tip of Krisna's spear.
Is this the gift she meant? Krisna wondered.
The robot's screen continued scanning for Krisna's presence hidden within the smoke.
Due to its wide frame, its mobility was severely limited—especially in the relatively narrow alley.
The alley walls cracked and crumbled as the robot kept forcing its way in.
With a sweep of its arm, the robot unleashed a high-speed gust of wind, thinning the billowing smoke.
As the smoke faded under the force of the wind, Krisna's spear flew forth—aimed straight at the robot's head.
However, the spear was halted by an energy shield deployed just before impact.
The spear was deflected—
Floating in midair.
But Krisna leapt, caught the spear midair, and rolled across the ground.
Dust scattered as the smoke completely dissipated. The scent of oil wafted from inside the robot.
Krisna stood upright, staring at the robot's square-shaped screen.
His hands gripped his spear and shield tightly.
Through gaps in the robot's frame, Krisna saw several suited girls unable to pass through.
Their gazes locked.
As the robot's left arm swung—
Dor, dor
From the sky, one of Krisna's drones—equipped with a small rifle—fired shots, all blocked by the robot's shield.
The robot's left arm swung slowly, preparing to smash Krisna with brute force.
Seeing this, Krisna remained still, standing firm.
When the robot's fist entered Krisna's range, he swiftly twisted his body.
Activate Skill: Slippery, Krisna thought.
———
Skill: Slippery
Activated
———
Brak
The robot's fist slammed into the ground, sending pebbles flying.
Krisna ran, dodging the robot's strike. His target was the suited girls behind it.
Naturally, the robot didn't remain idle. It moved both arms, attempting to grab Krisna.
But Krisna was far too fast—like an eel.
As he charged closer, his body was repelled by the robot's energy shield, sending him rolling across the ground.
Krisna's skin was slightly torn as he rolled. Staggering, he stood again and stared at the robot.
His mind raced for a way through—until a light flickered in his thoughts.
With all his strength, Krisna hurled his spear into the sky.
He stepped his left foot back, lowered his body slightly, his right fist clenched beside his head.
Taking a deep breath,
"Lis, activate Skill BJJ," he muttered softly.
———
Are you sure?
———
Krisna nodded slightly, eyes filled with resolve as he read Lis's message.
———
Very well
Skill: BJJ (Big Jab Jab)
Activated
———
Instantly, Krisna's right arm grew unbearably heavy as massive energy flooded his muscles.
His heart pumped violently, forcing blood into his arm until it turned crimson.
Breathing heavily, Krisna stared at the robot as it aimed its fist toward him.
Krisna inhaled—and swung his heavy arm.
The air seemed to gather around his fist as he launched the punch.
Fwush
As their fists were about to collide,
the wind concentrated tightly between them.
Dbug!
When their fists met, a storm-like blast erupted, hurling dust and suited girls away.
The ground shook as if struck by an earthquake.
A deafening impact echoed.
Krisna screamed. Blood burst from his mouth. His eyes shut tightly as dust assaulted his vision.
His legs felt like they were about to shatter…
Bolts burst loose from the robot's arm under the force of Krisna's punch.
The energy shield attempted to mitigate the impact—then shattered instantly.
Iron clashed against flesh, producing a thunderous boom.
Far away, Aiko turned her head.
Please… hold on, Krisna, she prayed.
Finally, with the shield destroyed, Krisna's fist shattered the robot's arm.
Duar!
Components of the robot's arm flew into the air, causing severe damage and forcing the massive machine to stagger backward.
But the skill compelled Krisna to throw a second punch.
Blood surged rapidly from his right arm to his left, making his heart feel like it might explode.
Fresh blood poured from Krisna's mouth, nose, and ears—
yet the skill refused to deactivate.
Though his second punch did not strike the robot directly,
the concentrated wind around his left fist obliterated the robot completely.
Duar!
The robot exploded instantly.
Krisna's punch left a massive hole gaping through its body.
Driven by recoil, the huge robot slowly toppled backward,
instilling terror among the masked girls.
---
———
Krisna…
Are you alright?
———
Because of Skill BJJ, Krisna's body was drenched in his own blood.
Slowly, his vision blurred, his legs failing to support his exhausted body.
"Yeah… I'm fine," Krisna replied, staggering.
The spear he had thrown into the sky descended, landing right beside him—
as if offering its support.
Krisna grabbed the shaft, at least keeping himself from collapsing.
His breathing grew heavy. His body leaned backward—
Puft
Aiko caught him as he fell.
With heavy eyelids, Krisna looked at her.
"Aiko…? Why didn't you run…?" he asked weakly.
Hearing him, Aiko only smiled—a smile that erased all of Krisna's exhaustion.
"Thank you, Krisna."
Through his fading vision, Krisna saw Aiko—and Alisa, now awake.
Sleep once again pulled Krisna into its grasp.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Somewhere in Millennium.
The roar of machinery echoed endlessly. Black smoke filled the dark corridors.
Girls with halos of various shapes worked diligently, accompanied by armed robots.
Footsteps rang sharply against the steel floor—
belonging to a masked figure bearing a truck symbol.
A black suit with a red tie clung to his body, giving him the appearance of a mafia enforcer.
Gdebug
His steps halted when a girl collided into him.
The girl looked up.
"I-I'm s-sorry, s-sir," she pleaded, her trembling hands clasped together.
Hearing the apology, the man remained silent.
From behind his mask, pitch-black eyes stared at her coldly.
Debak
The sound of a slap echoed through the entire room.
Fear sealed her lips, unable to utter a single sound.
"You blocked my path, bastard," the man spat.
Trembling, the girl crawled aside, clearing the corridor.
Seeing her shaking in silent terror, the man resumed walking.
The working girls who witnessed the scene were filled with fear, whispering quietly about the unfortunate fate of the girl who had collided with him.
---
The man continued through the winding corridors until he reached an iron door.
Klack
The rusted hinges creaked as it opened.
Inside, a large tank filled with strange green liquid stood at the center of the room.
The stench of medicine and chemical gas permeated the air.
In the far corner, a professor was busy mixing compounds.
The man approached the massive tank.
With a hollow gaze and a slow exhale, he placed his hand on the glass.
At the bottom of the tank, a dust-covered nameplate revealed only a single letter:
"Q"
The man gently stroked the glass.
"At last… we meet again," he murmured with a faint chuckle.
———
Lis said,
"Continued…"
———