Chapter 4: An Old Friend

"You—!" I exclaimed, my voice laced with disbelief and anger as I swiftly assumed a defensive stance to block the masked man's incoming attack.

Alright, I just need to buy some time...but are they really coming? I sure hope so. I can handle a good ol' punch-for-punch showdown, but when it comes to keeping Ayaka safe, I'm at a loss. So, for now, I'll face this guy head-on and brainstorm solutions as I go. Gotta think on my feet and make it work!

With lightning reflexes, I managed to intercept his strike, but the impact sent me hurtling through the thick tangle of tree branches, my body soaring through the air, carried away for miles. The world became a blur of green and brown as I desperately clung to consciousness.

Hold on a second, how is he still alive? Wasn't he supposed to be toast when that facility burned down? Oh yeah, right, he's some sort of weapon! Well, guess what? So am I! My body's reacting differently this time around. I can definitely put up a fight against him, but defeating him? Hmm, not so sure. Well, I guess there's one way to find out!

After what felt like an eternity of being tossed through the air, I finally managed to grasp onto a sturdy branch, my fingers digging into the rough bark, slowing down my momentum until I came to a stop and landesd on my feet.

Come on, gotta get it together! Recover, recover! I need to bounce back and fast!

Gasping for breath, I turned my head back towards the camp, my heart pounding in my chest.

The bandits are searching for something. They're in rush. Like they were under attack.

Looks like the camp is in a frenzy, but lucky for me, they haven't figured out that both 002 and I are here.

Alright, this could work in my favor and save me some unnecessary trouble—

"Let me show you a splendid show!" a voice called out, causing me to whip my head around. It was the masked man, a sinister smirk playing on his lips as he cracked his knuckles.

This guy...

I narrowed my eyes and clenching my fist

"Who are you really?!" I demanded, my voice filled with determination, even as I maintained my fighting stance.

His laughter sent a chill down my spine.

"I'm just like you. But stronger,!" he replied, his voice dripping with arrogance. And without warning, he charged at me, his movements swift and relentless.

All he wants is a good ol' brawl! It's like fighting is his only mission in life!

Reacting instinctively, I launched a punch towards his face, my fist aimed with precision.

H-Huh? He ducked?!

He proved to be more elusive than I anticipated. He swiftly ducked under my attack, his hand snaking up from below to seize my wrist. With a powerful twist of his arm, he sent me crashing to the ground, the impact reverberating through my body and shaking the surrounding trees.

"Argh-!" I grunted, the pain radiating through my every fiber. Blood trickled from my mouth, staining the ground beneath me.

Jeez! How fool of me to underestimate him!

Gritting my teeth, I looked up to find the masked man sauntering towards me, his confidence evident in his stride.

"Now we're even!" he taunted, his voice laced with sadistic satisfaction.

On your feet, Kazu! Stand up! You've got to-!

I staggered to my feet, my muscles protesting with every movement.

Oh no, not this again! Dodge, dodge, dodge! Can't let my body go numb, it's not exactly my idea of a fun day!

But before I could compose myself, in a lightning speed, he seized my wrist once more, hurling me towards a colossal tree with a forceful knee strike as continuation of his attack. The impact was bone-jarring, my body impaled upon the tree trunk as agony shot through me.

Arggh!!

I struggled to breathe, blood pooling in my mouth as I fought to stay conscious. Knees and elbow on the ground. Through blurred vision, I saw the masked man approaching, his steps unhurried and malicious.

"You-" A whisper comes under my breath

"Now now. Where's the guy who dared to strike me twice before?! I can't believe it's you!" he jeered, his laughter echoing through the forest, scattering the birds from their perches.

"There! There!" came a distant voice, growing nearer with each passing second.

Shoot! Trouble's on the way...! I can't handle all of them together! This is a complete disaster!

I strained to see through the haze of pain, spotting a group of bandits closing in on us. Without missing a beat, the masked man turned to face them, a wicked grin plastered across his face.

"It's none of your business. Now go back to where you..."

"Get them!"

His words were cut off as the bandit leader barked an order.

The masked man's smirk transformed into a confident and malevolent sneer.

"Tss!" he scoffed. "You asked for it."

With a swift and brutal efficiency, the bandits charged forward, each one meeting a swift and merciless defeat at the hands of the masked man. His strikes were precise, leaving behind a trail of blood and devastation. They were like rats foolishly pouncing on a lion, their feeble attempts at resistance crushed effortlessly.

I should take advantage of this moment to regain my composure... but I doubt I'll have enough time. Here I am witnessing how he kill the bandits one by one... he's not aligned with the facility. So why is he launching an attack against me? Why would he target the Veiled Guardians? What in the world is going through his mind?!

Blood continued to splatter, painting a macabre picture of the masked man's prowess as he dispatched his foes with ruthless efficiency.

Alright! Managed to recover a bit, but it's better than nothing!

After a much-needed respite, my body regained control. 002 effortlessly dispatched his final adversary, the leader, shattering the man's skull against a nearby tree.

"There you have what you're looking for—"

His gaze shifted towards me, but before he could react, a swift flying kick narrowly missed his face.

W-What? I missed? Again?!

He evaded with his agility. Almost look like my attack was just as fast as a flying paper plane.

Wait, he managed to infiltrate with just a split second? Well, that's impressive, I'll give him that. But hey, it's all part of my plan! I totally anticipated it!

In a battle, you gotta be flexible, play mind games. Make 'em think you're aiming for one thing to mask your true intentions. It's all about keeping them guessing, keeping 'em off balance.

So yeah, let them believe they've got me figured out!

I didn't look back; instead, I charged forward, my feet barely grazing the earth as I covered miles in mere moments. I managed to maintain a safe distance between us.

This will give me some time to think of my next move. Should I go back to the kingdom and—

"And where do you think you're off to?" a voice sneered from nowhere

From above-!

Without glancing up, I swiftly sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the explosion that erupted where I had just been standing.

"Oh? That's what I like to see! Come on then, come at me!" he taunted, pounding his chest heavily.

Facing him head-on could be a tempting choice, but...

No, my main focus right now is rescuing Ayaka! I need to prioritize her safety above all else. Now, how can I divert his attention elsewhere? Or perhaps, is there a way I can launch an attack and make a swift return to camp?

I must strategize carefully, considering both the risks and potential gains. Finding a way to accomplish both objectives would be ideal, but it's crucial to ensure Ayaka's well-being remains my top priority.

Scanning the surroundings, I searched for a way to outmaneuver my opponent and save Ayaka. I turn my head circling the forest around us.

"Don't even think about running. You know as well as I do, that you can't escape from me," he declared, stepping closer.

Ugh, seriously? This guy is driving me up the wall! What a total pain in the neck, this little weirdo!

"Tss!" I lunged towards him, my momentum creating a gust of wind in my wake.

He stared at me as his eyes widening, realizing he had little time to react. I charged straight at him, but at the last moment, he crossed his arms on his chest to defend himself.

Wrong move!

Swiftly, I executed a mid-air flip, changing my attack from fists to feet. With no time to spare, my feet connected with his crossed arms, and using his body as a springboard, I focused my energy into both legs. Propelled by this newfound force, I soared forward, sending him hurtling backward as I raced back towards the camp.

Eureka! I'm a freakin' genius! Time to save Ayaka! Just you wait, I'll be there in a flash!

Reaching the camp, I was met with a throng of bandits, their gazes fixed upon me as if they had been expecting my return.

Uh-oh, plan B...wait, what was plan B again?

"Surprise~!" A voice called out from behind.

Ugh, not him again! Why can't this Mr. 002 just give me a break? Seriously, dude, take a chill pill and leave me in peace! I've got enough on my plate without your constant presence.

"Why do you always try to run when you can launch an attack like that?! With your strength, you should be a fighter, and fighters are meant to fight, not flee!" His voice resounded from atop a nearby tree.

Enough with the gibberish!

My top priority right now is to ensure Ayaka's safety. I can't afford to let her slip away. Those attacks I've been launching might have triggered them to move their test subjects.

I ignored his words and charged at the bandits standing before me. They readied themselves as I closed in, drawing nearer with each step.

I may not know the full extent of my strength, but one thing's for sure—I'm definitely stronger than your average Joe. And these guys actually think they stand a chance against me? Haha, that's a good one!

I might surprise myself with what I can do, but it's pretty clear that their confidence is seriously misplaced. They're in for a rude awakening, that's for sure—

But before I could lay a finger on them, a hand yanked at my foot, hurtling me skyward.

In an instant, 002 appeared above me as if by teleportation, using gravity to his advantage as he struck me down with force.

I couldn't afford to be distracted by the battle; Ayaka was already inside the facility! Just you wait until I get Ayaka out of this place and I will give you the fight you want!

As if I'm doing a shadow boxing mid-air, I defend myself using an attack to deflect the force from falling.

I crashed to the ground, the impact resounding with a thunderous roar.

I refuse to let them claim another victim! Not on my watch!

And with it, I take advantage of the smoke billowing from the impact, I swiftly dispatched several bandits within its cover, their pained cries becoming the only sounds piercing through the haze.

And after half of the dudes taken down, an instant a shockwave from nowhere push me backwards, sliding my feet on the ground, and pushing away the dust.

"Enough playtime kid, and faced me like a man!" 002, an evil grin he's always showing vanished and changed into annoyed and angry expression.

Oh crap... This is bad... Really bad...

And again, my eyes wandering around as I look for alternatives. But shadow figures hopping in tree branches around the camp caught my attention.

"Is that them?? Oh, this is good... Really good

Now I can fully concentrate on the battle with this guy! I'm certain they'll head straight underground to obliterate that facility. I'll check on Ayaka later.

But for now... I know exactly what I need to do..."

And with that, I take his grin and open my arms wide.

"Come! Come at me!" Taunting him

"Now you've done it!" His movements almost making an after image due to it's super speed.

Oh I realized I can't keep up to him- but I can focus on the battle now! I can do it! Yes... Yes I can—!

And a straight punch landed on my face without actually realising it. It send me through the trees again.

Oh yea... Of course I can't...

"What are you doing? Taunting me and then catching my punch with your face? Haha funny" He said before getting ready to attack me again.

"I'm just warming up!" I said standing up as I wipe a blood in my nose

"Oh yea? Don't just talk! show me!" And directly straight at me again

Said the one who's always yapping!

And here we go-!

I stand still. With enough timing, I manage to block his punch and meet his head with a headbutt. He forcedly looked up by the impact.

Take that!

And I positioned myself to give him a back kick, it landed straight at his head sending him spinning in the air.

I watched him spin as I breathe, calming out my body.

Ugh, my body feels so stiff, like I'm moving in slow motion. Gotta loosen up and pick up the pace.

Time to take a deep breath, let go of the tension, and release that built-up pressure!

Whoo~ Let it out, shake off the stiffness, and get back in the game!

I inhale and exhale as 002 regaining his footing.

"That's was... Fantastic!" He said licking the blood from his mouth

What on earth is up with this guy? I mean... I know he's one of us, a subject, but he's off the charts weird!

"I'll offer you once again... Join me and conquer the world! You want to destroy this facility? I'll help you with it! You want to kill those who tortured you? Those who suppressed your freedom?" The grin on his face came back

"That is all part of this painful world. Let's create a new one, starting by killing what's on it first!" He walks towards me, and extended his arms offering a hand shake

"What do you think?"

"Well..." With a lot of doubt in my head I slowly lifting my hand

Do I want revenge? Yes...

Is he telling the truth? I'm not sure...

Is he not in the side of this facility? Pretty obvious...

He's one of us, yes, but is he trustworthy? I'm not yet sure...

What really is his intention? I don't know...

But one thing is clear...

It's his hatred for the world is overflowing that I can't even measure...

With that in mind, I take his hand.

Ha! And you fell into the same trap twice!

I pull his arms closer, for him to face another straight punch coming at him.

Oops- I was wrong

He catch it with his other hand

Not bad! How about this?!

I grab his other hand as well and pull him for another powerful headbutt. It creates a windblasts around us

But this time, he remain standing after the impact, leaving just a blood rushing from his forehead.

"My turn!" He said, loading up his head with dark thing circle matter thing forming.

It's like a mysterious shadow orb, emitting an intriguing aura. Pretty cool, I must admit, if it wasn't about to launch an attack on me!

Aware of my capabilities, I break free and take a step from behind to create some space. And he runs towards me with his head first carrying the shadow circle attached on his forehead.

"Come on! Don't run!" His tone full of sadistic yet annoyed expression

Attacking head first? What are you, a bull?? You're just killing yourself!

I lift my feet on the ground to make a counter attack.

His head meet my knee breaking the shadow orb that blusted pushing us backwards on each opposite direction.

I can't help but wonder what's cookin' inside that facility right now...

Gotta get in there and snoop around, ASAP...

But for now, it's time to buckle up and get serious!

After contemplating my thoughts, two mysterious figures glide towards me, leaving a trail behind them. They come to a halt, standing face to face with 002. Haru holds something in her hands, small objects that appear to be explosive, like rocks adorned with thorns. On the other hand, Kaito brandishes a gun, not an ordinary one, but a unique pistol crafted with dragon scales, giving it an otherworldly appearance.

"Ah, 020! We meet again! And you, 110! What a delightful reunion!" taunts 002, extending his arms wide in the air.

"Why can't you just leave us be? Are you not on the facility's side? Join us, or better yet, vanish without a trace!" Haru exclaims, her voice laden with anger and disappointment, gesturing for 002 to disappear to some faraway land.

"Oh no, dear. That's not how you greet an old friend," replies 002 mockingly, his eyes fixed on me, positioned between Haru and Kaito.

"If you were truly a friend, you would stand with us and halt this facility," Kaito interjects, tightening his grip on the gun pointed at 002.

"In that case, ask your friend over there," 002 remarks, directing his gaze towards me, fragile like a whisper.

"Perhaps you should persuade him to consider my offer. It could save us both time. Besides, I know you are aware that this facility is part of a larger community, aren't you? So think it through, young man," 002 suggests, winking before vanishing in a gust of wind.

Is he serious about this offer? Helping him bring about the destruction of the world in return? Absolutely not. I will not entertain such an absurd offer of his. We are more than capable of accomplishing our goals on our own. Who needs his assistance?

Following 002's disappearance, both Haru and Kaito turn their heads in my direction, curious about my response.