First Match (Pt 1)

~A determining factor in a battle between Ability Users is compatibility. The strength and potential of an Ability are meaningless if it has poor compatibility with the opponent's own, placing it at a disadvantage. As such, no Ability is absolute~

TIME PASSED: Approximately 30 minutes

LOCATION: VALERIA (Ruined World)

"What?!" Tenny asked with his eyes widened in surprise.

Michael had just told them that their going to Orion depended on them actually beating him.

Tenny knew Michael meant business, and he would not joke about something like this. He had also expected that his brother would provide a condition should they fail, but he never realized it would be this harsh.

"You heard me" Michael stated.

"The truth is that in your current condition you'll only slow me down. Also, know that the both of you were not in my original plan, and so I can't afford to take any chances, especially if it risks Project Inversion."

Tenny felt a sting within him, but he did not react. He was sure that it was Michael's intention to motivate him, for him to try harder, and that was what he would do. Michael was yet to acknowledge him, and this was his perfect chance.

"I won't lose!" Tenny said with conviction.

Michael looked down and smiled. He knew for a fact that they would definitely lose.

Was he trying to get rid of them? Did he not intend on involving them at all in his Project? Or was it that he was curious about the outcome itself? None was certain, the only clear thing was that willpower would not be enough to win. He looked forward to the next month, and what would occur in it.

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TIME PASSED: Approximately 11 hrs. 38 mins

"Shit" Tenny cursed under his breath.

It had been over 11 hours since they started the Game of Tag, and he was yet to land a single hit on Kyron. Of course, Kyron could not reach him as well, which made the battle a stalemate. They had less than 8 hours left to spend in the Ruined world, and he had still not passed the first hurdle. He needed 3 hits to progress and he was yet to land even one, how pathetic.

He glanced at Kyron who appeared to be just as frustrated with the game as him, though he tried to hide it. Tenny was however not tired as Michael kept using his ability to revitalize him, as well as Kyron. He had thought up various strategies and had aimed for his behind and side, which were a person's most basic weak points, but Kyron's senses were too sharp for him to sneak up on him. Other than that, Tenny's speed and agility were no match for his. His reflexes had grown sharper, but he was still not on Kyron's level. Before he could land a hit, Kyron would notice him and attack, which would force Tenny to automatically retreat.

Tenny hated to admit it, but the exercise seemed impossible to win.

Kyron glanced over in Tenny's direction. He was tired of the situation. It was not physical exhaustion, since even without Michael's ability, his stamina was still plenty.

He was mentally exhausted!

Kyron could not catch Tenny, and this irked him beyond description. Since he was a predatory creature, he instinctively obsessed over the subjugation of his prey. Since Michael had told him not to hold back, to a certain extent, he had released his urge to hunt, but he could not connect.

Tenny was weaker than him in all departments, even speed, however, his automatic teleportation was a pain to deal with. As long as he had energy, Tenny could always evade his attacks, even if he could not land a hit.

A great deal of time had passed since the game of tag began and it seemed to be heading nowhere. He did not want to lose to Tenny, but most of all, he did not want to be left behind by Michael. He had to keep going, and hope to land a hit should Tenny slip up.

Michael observed the situation and kept silent. He knew why the both of them could not hit the other, and he knew of a way to change that, but he chose not to say anything. This was training, not just for their abilities, but for them as individuals.

"Tenny is weak in combat, so this is the perfect opportunity for him to get experience and improve. If he learns how to intentionally warp space, then that will also be a plus." He spoke to himself as he glanced at Tenny who seemed to be formulating another strategy that Michael knew would be pointless.

Michael glanced at Kyron who was waiting for Tenny to make a move so he would counter it. He couldn't help but shake his head at the sight.

"Kyron is at optimal condition, and his abilities are more or less mastered, but... He is still at a disadvantage because his abilities are meaningless if he can not reach Tenny." Michael sighed.

"What Kyron lacks is control. His new body will take some getting used to, but other than that, he needs to learn to limit and control his abilities entirely, only drawing out exactly the amount he needs. Another thing he needs is strategy and observation, he has those eyes for a reason. He needs to read Tenny's patterns and even counter Tenny before Tenny makes his move or after..."

There was still more to see, but so far Michael wasn't impressed in the slightest. At this rate...

TO BE CONTINUED...