Jack stood out being the ranked undefeated at such a mere level. The dome opened up and a pathway formed high above the fighting area. Chester walked out to welcome the contestants as only the top 24 would make it to the next round. " Apart from the actual tournament, you should consider looking for disposable allies, you will need them" said Chester before sound the starting siren.
Contestants of lower levels broke into groups of 3 to 5, while people who's level surpassed 10 tried to go it alone or was picky about allies. Jack looked around all the contestants in disgust and walked up to the a level 15 boy. He had deep blue hair and was wearing casual clothes ad a varsity jacket. " what's your name big shot?" started Jack, " Shawn Reeves" the boy replied, " How do you know the Modori style?" asked Jack trying to remain calm, " I could ask you the same thing" replied Shawn in an annoyed tone. " Have you heard of a man called Bruce Morrison" asked Jack testing a theory he had, " I'm his one and only apprentice... why?" replied Shawn as casually as one can be. " Liar" said Jack feeling insulted, " if you were then your level wouldn't be so naturally low.... and let's say you're telling the truth, where is he now?" asked Jack taking a few steps back. " I can't answer that " said Shawn feeling demoralized and ashamed at his lack of knowledge of his so called masters well being.
" Luckily you're not his only apprentice, or the style would have died ages ago... now clench your teeth", said Jack attempting to drive a rugipa into Shawns face, but Shawn ducked below, gave Jack an uppercut then performed a jowwannage. " I see" said Jack in slight shock, " You aren't a good for nothing poser". "No i'm not " said shawn attempting a rugipa to Jack's chest, but Shawn stopped in front of Jack's chest sensing imminent danger behind him. " Why'd you stop?" asked Jack, " I could ask you the same thing" replied shawn rolling to the side revealing Jack's leg about to perform a tenkegi on the back of his neck.
"Good eye" said Jack launching himself back to his feet, " Test!!" yelled Shawn as he dug his left foot into the ground, spun and swung his right foot in the air at Jack's head " Modori style Ribasuha". Jack was going to Dodge but tripped the ground foot instead, causing the move to miss and destroy everything in its new path. " You fight irregularly, any normal fighter would have their kick land there and not be able to reach my face" said Jack slightly impressed. Shawn gritted his teeth as he lunged his right foot aside and swung the other up in the attempt of a Haiku-teki. Jack stepped back just enough for the shockwaves to miss their target after which Shawn plummeted to the floor subconsciously feeling defeated. Shawn arose again hoping to push the fight on further but decided it was time to pull out all the stops, But he felt a similar entity as earlier except beside his head. He looked Just to to find Jack's foot clashing with another person's. This person proceeded to shove Shawns head aside and sent Jack flying into the wall with a single punch. " weak!!" the person yelled lunging his the same foot at Shawn " Honashi style teisoto-ki", in reaction Shawn threw a full powered rugipa at the spot Jack kick, Taking the leg off from the halfway down below the knee. As the leg flew past him, Shawn sweeps the man of his feet, then uses a rugipa to knock him to the ground completely destroying it, before finally raising his leg again twisting and dropping it in a diagonal pattern towards the boys stomach " Modori style Gaidoro". Shawn's foot was intercepted as it was about to make contact sending a shockwave all over the surrounding area. The interrupter was none other than Jack.
"What on earth are you doing?" asked Shawn angrily," You would have lost your leg just now.. the same way you would have lost your life if you didn't hit the same spot i did on his leg" replied Jack in a cold tone. " What are you talking about?" asked Shawn in earnest disappointment to Jack looking down at him, " That kick i sent you was strong enough to wipe out half the arena, yet he blocked it perfectly also nullifying the shockwave, which for anyone here, even you... is impossible, but in his case he has mastered the human body and would have taken your leg off had i not interfered... besides, i want you both in the finals", "and the other contestants?" asked the boy on the floor," they've been taken care off bye my people" replied Jack pointing towards Theodore and Mira standing over 36 unconscious and battered bodies.
" with that the first round is over, the remaining participants will be divided into groups of three and sent to the National stage" announced Chester as he walked back into the Dome. Stacy then turned to Nicolas " Don't you think having two of his pupils is dangerous for us?" in a seductive tone," you are right.... for now i'll have them on opposing sides... to weaken them" replied Nicolas losing his composure.