Chapter 46 - Rattle

Mason let out a sigh, stretching as Lorisian stared on. Mason's expression became more laxed, Lorisian broke out into a charge. Mason's gaze became empty for a moment, Lorisian sending out a quick right hook aimed at Mason's head. Mason's arm shot out and grabbed Lorisian's wrist, quickly dropping to the floor as the audience watched the larger Lorisian get flipped into the air and slammed into the ground.

Zachary: What's this?

Zenzo: Lorisian was able to react to Mason's throw earlier, what changed it this time?

Cero watched as Mason jumped back from Lorisian, Lorisian still laying on the ground.

Cero: He was able to quicken his attack. He was able to flip him before Lorisian could properly respond.

Kammy: W-What? We saw before that Lorisian could respond to his throws.

Tico: It's more like he used Lorisian's own attack to quicken the pace. Lorisian already did part of the job by having his arm stretched out, but the real kicker was the type of throw.

Cero: Before, Mason used his body directly to make up for Lorisian's weight. But he's slowly finding out a way to deal with that difference. The real question is if he'll find the solution to that armor.

Mason watched as Lorisian slowly sat back up. He pushed himself back up and patted himself down. He turned to Mason before placing both fists to his waist.

Lorisian: I wilt thank thee f'r not following up on the attack! Thou art quite stout!

Mason: Don't mention it. I was just being nice. I haven't really shown myself how to deal with your types.

Lorisian: My types?

Mason: Let's get on it already.

Mason dashed at Lorisian, immediately raising his forearm as Lorisian shot out a quick right straight.

Mason's thoughts: His attacks are fairly simple. But that's probably why they're so fast despite that armor. His physique must be pretty great, huh?

Mason immediately aimed for the neck with a quick right, Lorisian grabbing the punch before yanking on him, lifting Mason into the air before spinning around and aiming towards the ground. Mason prepared himself, slamming his feet into the ground before his body made impact. Lorisian held tightly onto Mason's fist before Mason quickly yanked himself out.

Zenzo: Did Lorisian just try to flip Mason?

Zachary: Is he challenging his skill?

Lorisian immediately moved directly to a right hook, Mason quickly dodging before jumping back. Lorisian followed suit, charging at Mason as he went for several more punches. Mason continuously dodged Lorisian's punches, looking at the armor closely. Lorisian moved in for another right hook, only for Mason to step in as well, grabbing onto Lorisian's outstretched arm and moving it away before moving right leg behind Lorisian's and sweeping his legs. Lorisian immediately dropped to the ground as Mason jumped away, noticing Lorisian grab for his leg.

Mason's thoughts: I dropped him on his head and he still went for the grab. His endurance is pretty good.

Kammy: L-Looks like he's got a bit of an edge.

Tico: Yeah, looks like he came up with a sort of strategy to deal with the armor.

Kammy: He did?

Cero: Most definitely. He's trying to rattle Lorisian's head, mess him up mentally by constantly dropping him. Lorisian likely is great in armed combat, but he's outclassed in terms of skill against Mason.

Kammy: So this is basically checkmate!

Tico: Not exactly. Look at Mason.

Kammy turned his attention back to the ring, noticing Mason breathing heavily as Lorisian got back up.

Tico: Even though he has the experience, trying to deal with that size and weight difference while including the armor's added defense, he's gonna get tired out. Mason is practically on a timer.

Kammy: W-Wha?!

Cero: Mason still isn't down yet. So trust in his ability.

Lorisian got back up to his feet, raising his fists once more as Mason stared at him, smiling weakly at him.

Lorisian: Sir, thee behold quaint not restful. Shouldn't thee wend rest?

Mason: Rest? What type of insult is that? The fight isn't over yet, buddy.

Lorisian: Thee has't quite the spirit. Alloweth us carryeth on.

Mason's thoughts: I can't even get a grasp on what he's like. And his old english definitely isn't making things easier for me. He's pretty well hidden.

Mason reached down before taking off his shirt and tying it around one of his arms.

Mason: There we go, a lot better.

The audience watched as Lorisian charged in once more, Mason stepping back as he brought his fists up for the first time in the match. Lorisian shifted in a grapple, Mason's eyes following him closely before his foot rocketed off the ground, sending Lorisian's head soaring upward. Mason's foot came back down, blood dripping off of it as he stepped back. Lorisian stumbled back, but Mason looked annoyingly at his foot.

Xavier: Looks like he tricked Lorisian.

Jason: Yeah, I'm not surprised. Lorisian isn't an idiot, but he isn't the most bright when it comes to fighters like Mason. But looks like Mason gave himself too much credit there too.

Xavier: Yeah, looking at his foot, he definitely tore some skin by attacking the armor incorrectly. I don't think he's fractured a toe yet. You fighters are pretty durable.

Jason: Some more than others, yeah.

Lorisian slowly regained his composure, raising his fists once more as Mason looked at him annoyingly.

Lorisian: Thee did look quite annoy'd.

Mason: Yeah, I sure do. You're becoming a bit of a pain in my ass right now.

Mason unwrapped the shirt from his arm, throwing it to the side before snapping back to attention as Lorisian broke out into another tackle.

Mason's thoughts: He's a bit too low, I won't be able to throw him properly from here. There's only one thing I can do…

Mason immediately widened his stance as Lorisian's arms wrapped around his waist. Mason grabbed onto Lorisian's shoulders as Lorisian's dash pushed them closer and closer to the ring wall. The audience stared as the dash got slower and slower while Mason gritted his teeth. Lorisian immediately undid his grip before landing an uppercut on Mason. Mason let out a gasp of air as he stumbled back. Lorisian followed up with a left jab to Mason's side. Mason's body began to slouch as Lorisian shifted into a right hook once again. Mason's left arm reached out, pulling Lorisian's arm back before Mason kneed him in the gut. The impact was slowed down by the armor, but there was a noticeable dent from where Mason had hit. Mason immediately pushed Lorisian away, Lorisian trying for the left hook next. Mason grabbed onto the arm before throwing Lorisian to the ground once again. Mason stepped back, his calm composure crumbling as his pupils became a little more dilated.

Zachary: What's this? The low-ranking Lorisian is pushing Mason hard! What unexpected tenacity!

Cero: Lorisian is really showing off his endurance. Mason's fighting style doesn't have many hard-hitting attacks, and with how close Lorisian gets, throwing him becomes harder.

Kammy: So what you meant earlier was…

Tico: Lorisian has a pretty good chance of winning right now. Especially with that crazy endurance and strength he's packing.

Cero: But I know it'll take more than that to take down Mason.

Mason slowly stepped back from Lorisian, letting out heavy pants as Lorisian struggled to get back up. Mason put on a weak smile as he saw Lorisian turned his head slightly to face him.

Mason: Looks like I was able to get some response out of that body of yours. I guess there is a limit to it.

Lorisian: T seemeth yond we art but softly reaching the end

Mason: Yeah, I'll take you down alright. I'll make that helmet rattle like a bell.