Chapter 52: Quarterfinal War - Jerkins vs Javier I
Chapter 52: Quarterfinal War - Jerkins vs Javier I
The crowd pressed forward, voices building to a roar that bounced off the walls.
Both fighters surged toward center ring, sneakers squeaking against canvas. Jerkins bounced on his toes, establishing jab range with predatory precision. Javier hunched forward, craving the fight already, looking to crash inside where his swarmer style thrived.
Their first collision sent shockwaves through the gym. Gloves met with violent pops that echoed off the walls. The sound made spectators wince.
Jerkins unfolded his signature combination with beauty - the jab, jab, cross. The first jab snapped Javier’s head back, sweat flying. The second caught his chest protector with a dull thud. But the cross exploded against his headgear like a sledgehammer.
Pain shot through Javier’s skull. His knees dipped, legs suddenly heavy. Stars burst behind his eyes while the crowd gasped. Sweat stung the cuts around his mouth guard.
[ENDURANCE: 21/100 → 20/100]
[DEFENSE +0.1, CURRENT: 17.1/100]
Vicente materialized at ringside, his ghostly form blazing with urgency. "Get inside! Make him fight dirty!"
The ghost’s voice cut through the crowd noise. Canvas trembled under both fighters’ explosive movement as they reset, breathing hard already.
Javier could taste blood now, metallic on his tongue. The lights above too bright, making everything sharp-edged. His heart hammered against his ribs.
Following Vicente’s command, Javier changed tactics. Instead of walking into Jerkins’ jab, he started weaving like a snake. Slipping punches by millimeters, feeling the wind from missed shots. His pressure became relentless, forcing Jerkins to backpedal.