Chapter 62: Killing Game

"What? You want Gusion's corpse? Don't get too cocky! The technology you provided hasn't even been verified yet!"

"As for the other people in the arena, that's fine, but what do you want their corpses for? It doesn't seem related to research, does it?"

After a few more exchanges, Xia Yan hung up the phone with a sullen expression.

"How did it go?"

Edward Wu asked.

"That sneaky guy wants Gusion's corpse. He said as soon as he sees Gusion's body, he'll start the separation for the Connector."

Xia Yan frowned. He didn't trust that so-called Fusion Freak, but the man had indeed demonstrated some unusual abilities.

Now that the Tiger's Vessel has been killed, if the Connector doesn't want to wait decades to create another one, it seems they may have no choice but to consider that guy's proposal.

In Xia Yan's eyes, if the Connector is dissatisfied, the world itself could be in danger of destruction.

…

Amidst the tide-like cheers, Gusion stepped out from the passage, facing off against a man who showed no signs of age.

Today was the final day of the Kengan Annihilation Tournament. The semifinals had just ended, and now it was the grand finale.

In the semifinals, as expected, Gusion defeated Raian, while Kuroki defeated the Wild Tiger Wakatsuki Takeshi.

Kuroki Gensai's strength in the tournament was obviously beyond his original appearance in the source material; influenced by this world, he had improved even further. In his match against Wakatsuki, he didn't even get injured.

That match was similar to Gusion vs. Raian—complete domination, making the audience feel only one thing: control.

Wakatsuki had superhuman physical strength. Even with Kuroki's evolution, into pure physical power, he was still inferior. But Kuroki never tried to compete in strength; he used extreme techniques to leave Wakatsuki completely helpless.

Afterward, Wakatsuki could only sigh at how terrifyingly strong this middle-aged man was.

Now, many fighters Kuroki had defeated were cheering for him in the stands, because of their stereotype that the Fang of Metsudo must be the final boss. Gusion's strength certainly matched their impression.

That previous fight between Gusion and Fei Wangfang had shown a terrifying combination of strength and skill, making the other fighters shudder. They simply couldn't find a weakness in Gusion.

"You really kept me waiting, Kuroki."

Gusion stared into Kuroki's eyes. At this moment, he could hear nothing—the commentary, the audience's cheers, the fighters' encouragement—there was only his opponent before him.

Kuroki took his stance. "You're strong. Stronger than me…"

His words shocked the audience and the fighters. They hadn't expected this seemingly invincible veteran to admit Gusion was stronger.

What was this? Was Kuroki going to forfeit?

As people wondered in surprise and confusion, Kuroki continued:

 "But there's no absolute strength or weakness in this world. In the end, a warrior's victory or defeat depends on the result."

Gusion couldn't help but smile, baring his white teeth. "Then let me experience the might of the Devil Lance."

No sooner had Gusion finished speaking than both fighters moved almost simultaneously, their figures colliding.

Just as the spectators expected a brutal brawl, the nearest referee was shocked.

"What's going on!? Both are throwing punches rapidly, but none of them are landing!"

The host, Katahara Sayaka, cried out in astonishment. In the ring, Gusion and Kuroki were attacking continuously, but both kept dodging each other's blows.

"These two are monsters! They see through each other's moves and dodge in advance, making all attacks miss!"

In the VIP room, Agito stared tightly at the two figures. Though reluctant to admit it, he realized that if the Fang of Metsudo hadn't been replaced, his benefactor—the Chairman—would have lost today!

"Damn it, so when he fought me, this guy wasn't even using his full strength!?"

Raian shouted angrily, looking frustrated. Every time he felt he'd caught up to Gusion, he would find Gusion already at a higher level.

Gusion was like an endless abyss of martial arts.

"Gusion, go for it!!!"

On the stands, Karura cheered Gusion on, making Erioh scowl. He turned away and left the arena.

Before the finals began, Gusion had warned him that the Worm might make a move.

Even without Gusion's warning, Katahara Metsudo's private army had already detected some clues, and his instincts told him some unwelcome guests had landed on the island.

"Edward Wu, it's time for us to settle things."

Erioh, looking serious, left his seat. He didn't call Karura, but all the Kure clan's top fighters, including Raian, quietly left with him.

Hunting time had come.

At that moment, a thunderous boom erupted in the arena!

Gusion, still in his punching stance, his fist tinged with a dark sheen. Kuroki was sent flying to the edge of the arena, smashing a huge hole in the wall.

Gusion slowly withdrew his fist, feeling the pain in his knuckles. He'd found an opening and met Kuroki's Devil Lance with his fist. Even with Armament Haki, his hand was almost destroyed.

"Even harder than the Indestructible of the Niko Style. This doesn't seem to be muscle or bone hardening. Have you touched on something deeper…"

Kuroki stepped out of the dust, his Devil Lance hand swollen. His fingers had broken and he'd forced them back into place.

Yet he showed no reaction to the pain, his sharp gaze fixed on Gusion.

 "…The ultimate in martial arts!"

Gusion grinned, "To borrow your words, 'The path of martial arts is endless—there is no ultimate.'"

Their auras clashed invisibly. Just as Gusion was about to attack, a building-shaking boom interrupted both men's movements.

Boom—boom—boom—!

The explosions continued. Dust fell from the bowl-shaped walls, and lights flickered out as the power went down.

The audience panicked at this sudden event, and the fighters looked shocked.

In the VIP room, Katahara Metsudo's face was terrifyingly dark. He had predicted that Hayami from Toyo Electric wouldn't behave after losing the tournament; he might rebel.

He also knew the Worm was targeting the venue, but hadn't expected them to slip past his elite guards and plant bombs in key locations.

The force Worm deployed far exceeded his expectations. Hayami was just a clown, but the real issue was that, because of the tournament's importance, dignitaries from all over the world were present. Among the audience were many high-ranking individuals.

If their security was breached, it could destabilize the world order!

"Looks like game time is over…"

Gusion's tone was a mix of regret and reflection. He'd thought he could fight Kuroki a bit longer.

"Hahaha! The friendly sparring is over. Now it's my turn to play with you…!"

From the passage behind Gusion, a tall figure strode out of the swirling dust, holding a broad-bladed machete in each hand, a ferocious grin on his face.

Kuroki frowned at the man emerging from the smoke. "Lu Tian, from Purgatory…"

With a cruel smile, Lu Tian's skin turned purple-black, veins writhing like snakes. He'd entered his Guihun state.

 "…A game called slaughter."

With that, he lunged, dual blades slashing at Gusion at incredible speed.

"Watch out!"

Kuroki tried to warn him, but what he saw next was beyond belief.

Gusion moved like mist, dodging Lu Tian's slashes in the tiniest of gaps. As he dodged, a cold flash swept through the air, leaving a blood-red arc.

Lu Tian's head spun through the air, still locked in a cruel, excited expression as it hit the ground.

Gusion flicked the blood from his blade and looked at the Worms emerging from the passage, grinning.

 "As you said, the killing game has begun."