Chapter 49: Limited by man
Erling’s newly enhanced armor glimmers faintly, its design streamlined for speed and precision. His figure resembles a moving fortress, agile rather than bulky. Tobias, revolver in hand, observes him intently, his mind rapidly strategizing.
Erling moves in a blur, charging forward. Tobias barely has time to react as Erling’s stone-encrusted fist slices through the air like a blade. The cowboy sidesteps, but the sheer force of the swing generates a gust of wind that almost destabilizes him. Steadying himself, Tobias quickly fires two shots aimed at Erling’s knees.
The first bullet strikes, but the armor is thickened, only cracking slightly. The second bullet ricochets upward, clipping Erling’s shoulder and causing a small explosion. Erling grunts, momentarily stepping back, though far from defeated.
"Impressive shooting, Tobias," Erling growls in a menacing tone. "But let’s see how you fare against someone who won’t let you catch your breath."
Erling leaps forward, closing the distance in an instant and bringing down both fists like sledgehammers. Tobias rolls aside to avoid the blow, as the ground where he stood shatters into rubble. Unrelenting, Erling swings again, forcing Tobias into a retreat.
Dodging with precision, Tobias fires another bullet mid-motion. This one hums with electric energy, glowing as it impacts Erling’s chest. The resulting explosion forces Erling to shield himself, revealing cracks splintering across his armor.
"That’s the thing about stone types," Tobias remarks, reloading skillfully. "You’re tough, but not invincible. You just need the right bullet."
Erling smirks, undeterred. "Perhaps. But all I need is one solid hit to finish this. Let’s see who breaks first."
The ground trembles as Erling summons a towering stone pillar and propels himself upward. From his elevated position, he launches razor-sharp rock fragments at Tobias with the force of falling meteors. Tobias maneuvers through the storm, using the terrain for cover.
Amid the chaos, Tobias takes aim, his revolver clicking as he targets Erling’s chest. The bullet arcs gracefully around the debris, striking Erling squarely and detonating in a brilliant flash. Erling plummets from his perch, impacting the ground with enough force to shake the battlefield.