CHAPTER 2: SIN COMBAT

JIRO

Sin Combat was a game made up by the fourth king of the second generation. He was known to be fun of games and battles which made him come up with a way to show-off one’s strength and dominance without the use of Orikami or sense enhancing spells. It was originally for the selection of guards and soldiers that will serve the king but years passed and it became a tradition to determine the strongest of all Sins. The fifth king was also declared through Sin combat which gave the idea that Sin combat is another method of determining the next king. Soon, it was deemed a tradition for Sins to determine supremacy.

Still, it didn’t take long for the alliance to get a grip of the news about the Sin Combat. The alliance started bribing Sins to spy on combats and sabotage it, causing for a lot of them to be captured even outside the combat zone. 

The fourth king then came up with the idea of masks to protect the identities of the competitors. Which later on evolved into built-in masks made by a human that was deemed quite close to the royal Sins. The fourth king also ordered for extreme surveillance before and during combats. He assigned MCs that made sure every combat was safe and fair. He designated second-level hearing sense enhancer, also known as Jo-chin Sirusen, as MCs which was passed on for generations of Sirusens.

The MCs used a third level spell that generated combat zones which were invisible to the naked eye and were hundred percent undetected by the government’s alarms. Sins then came up with nicknames and decided to form groups. It was then that the MCs declared that only Sins belonging to groups could participate in Sin Combat to avoid the intrusion of government spies.

It was obviously a risky and dangerous event to pursue, especially with the alliance being aware of it. Then again, it’s the only tradition that Sins had. It’s the only thing that reminded Sins of the past. Regardless of the danger, Sins continued it until the present day.

..

“Jiro, I can't see them anywhere.” Ken whispered as he got near me, pertaining to the Knights.

Another combat is held under the Halo Bridge and the zone is crowded with Sins in their respective areas assigned by the MCs.

“Yo Frost! Glad you made it bro!” the MC greeted as I sat on the hood of our car.

“Aren’t they here yet?” I asked, still looking around.

“Nope. It’s still early bro, they’ll be here in a minute.” He assured and tapped my shoulder.

In the Combat Zone, my name is Frost, the leader of The Mist. Ken is Cent, Kristopher is Top, Mark is Bill, and Mike is Kid. Just like us, other Sins have their own groups and names. Following the original rule made by the fourth king, there is a dominant rule under inside the Combat Zone.

‘Use of Orikami is forbidden.’

The MC makes sure that everyone follows the rule, especially in the arena. Sirusens have very sensitive sense of hearing making it easy for them to detect any forbidden action. If the MC senses the use of Orikami, the contender is contained and isolated until all matches are over. The violator will receive due punishment such as paying a fine, depends on the penalty the jury decides on.

..

The huge hologram clock ticked 10 and the Knights arrived in the zone. I followed them with my eyes as they walked through the crowd to their area and I couldn’t help but grit my teeth in annoyance.

“King, Queen, Heart… wait, only three of them? Where’s Spade and---”

“Ace.” I whispered in vex.

I came here to see Ace but seeing her absence makes me want to vent out.

“Yo Frost, chill. Maybe she’s late.” Ken said trying to calm me down.

The Knights is a group of five Sins famous for strength and unity. The members are King, Queen, Heart, Spade, and Ace, the leader. As of now, The Knights are on top of the leader board after defeating us last month. I’ve been aiming to challenge Ace again but the rules won’t allow two team members in combat consecutively. The combat schedules are made by the MC’s and they made a system wherein a no Sins will fight again within a span of four months. That means I have to wait to be able to fight Ace again.

Deep in me, this combat doesn’t mean that much. I just came here to see her again. I wanted to know who she really is. I once had my doubts but things just add up that caused me more confusing.

“Alright! Are you ready!?”

I got back to reality when I heard the crowd scream and realized that it’s about to begin.

“What is up! I know you missed me and I missed you guys a lot too.” The MC teased as the crowd shrieked in disgust, jokingly.

“Oh come on! Spare me for once.”

The MCs are very famous in this side of Sins. They are known to be friendly and protective when it comes to combat. They also have a huge part in monitoring Sins all over the world and some even say that some MCs are a part of the group that served the King. Still, no one knows it but them.

“Let’s begin! This is…”

“COMBAT! COMBAT! COMBAT!”

The crowd got wild as the MC jumped in excitement. Then, on his last jump, he raised his hand as a signal of silence.

“Tonight, we will be witnessing another legendary combat. We have… The Mist! And… The Knights!”

I looked behind me as our team was called and saw the guys getting ready. Though I felt disappointed of Ace’s absence, I had to participate as the leader.

“I see three cards tonight. The Knights seem to have a few members missing.” The MC noticed.

“Three will be enough.” Queen said with confidence.

I decided to try and enjoy the match. Tonight’s combat will be against Top and Heart. It’s actually a re-match. A re-match Top has been waiting for after losing from Heart a year ago. Top stood in the middle of the arena wearing his black sweatshirt and black jeans, showing-off his slim but muscular body. Though his face is covered fully, just like us, his eyes still show-off how scary he can be. Heart stood elegantly on the other side of the arena wearing her black jeggings, high boots, red topper, and leather jacket. Her nose and eyes are hidden behind her black and red mask as her red lips make-up for her total aura. Though the lower part of her face can be seen, no one can still find out who Heart really is. Her identity, including the members of the Knights, is purely confidential. Only a few MCs actually know who they are. Also, the MCs seem to forbid anyone to get near the Knights.

..

(THIRD-PERSON FIGHT OVER-VIEW)

“I see you haven’t learned your lesson, Monsieur Top?” Heart teased as they stood a few feet apart.

“Oh don’t worry. I learned just enough.” Top smirked behind his mask as Heart just formed a sweet but sinister smile.

HEART from THE KNIGHTS

SENSE ENHANCED: TASTE

AGILITY: 78%

CRITICAL THINKING: 76%

PHYSICAL STRENGTH: 74%

EMOTIONAL STATE: 75%

VS

TOP from THE MIST

SENSE ENHANCED: TASTE

AGILITY: 77%

CRITICAL THINGKING: 75%

PHYSICAL STRENGTH: 78%

EMOTIONAL STATE: 76%

..

“You know the rules, No Orikami. Now! Let the combat… begin!” the MC signaled as the crowd went wild.

As the MC stepped back, Heart immediately went for an attack. She lunged towards Top and stopped to her starting stance. She then twisted her body and moved her rear foot at front, aiming for Top’s head.

Top was quick enough to use his arm to block Heart’s attack and push her away. As Heart stepped back, Top had his chance to step forward with a strong punch aimed at Heart’s left cheek. Still, Heart was able to avoid him by skipping another step away.

Top stood still after his attempt and fixed his sleeves then cracked his knuckles. Top lunged towards Heart in full force, attempting to lock Heart in his arms. As Top drew near, Heart had the opportunity to jump above Top. Heart then held her right wrist with her left hand for support, folding her right elbow then striking Top on his shoulder. Top dunked his head on the ground due to the force of Heart’s attack.

As Top was getting up, Heart tried to follow with another attack, a kick on Top’s head, but Top was able to get up quick enough to counter her. Top countered by holding Heart’s right leg with both his hands and pulled Heart causing her to lose her balance. Though out of balance, Heart used it as an opportunity to push Top down to the ground.

Top didn’t expect Heart to push him intentionally and eventually fell to the ground. Heart immediately got over him and attacked him with strong punches to the face. On the Heart’s fifth punch, Top caught her hand and pulled her aside, changing their position. Heart’s eyes widened as Top locked her legs with his thighs and pinned her to the ground by holding her hands.

“You're fast… but I'm stronger… Heart.” Top whispered behind his mask as her looked at Heart.

Top stood up and pulled Heart with him, still holding her hands. Heart aimed a low kick in between Top’s legs but he was able to counter it using the hands he is holding.

“Not too fast baby.” Top teased as Heart bit her lip in annoyance.

Top then held Heart’s had high and locked her in a back-hug, choking her with her own arm. Heart tried to escape from his grip but it choked her more.

“I’ve been really curious lately…” Top suddenly whispered in her ears which placed Heart to a stop.

“If you’re the one I'm thinking of…. I miss you.” Top whispered with a broken tone.

Heart felt Top’s lock loosen and grabbed the chance to free herself. Heart used her left elbow and struck Top’s head which made him let go. Heart quickly distanced herself from her opponent and stood in her starting stance. As she was going to attack, Top suddenly raised his hand.

“I surrender!” Top shouted.

 (END OF FIGHT OVER-VIEW)

..

“What the f-ck was that?” I asked as Top came back to our area.

“You know…I got to realize something today…” he said with a sad gaze in his eyes.

“That you're a chicken?” I cut him off jokingly.

“Assh-le. It’s not about what happens in combat you idiot. But what happens after the combat.” He said as he glanced at the Knights.

“A-ah! I'm drowning!!! T-to deep!!!” Mike teased as we laughed at Top’s sudden realization.

“For real though, why did you do that? You could’ve won.” Ken asked but he didn’t answer.

“So… Top lost. How about we have another f--- hey!”

We looked at the stage as we heard a commotion with the MC only to see Heart with the mic in her hands.

“Who wants to fight me?” she demanded as the crowd got quiet.

“Hey-hey, calm down. You can't---”

“I said… who wants to fight me…” Heart repeated as she looked at the MC with her threatening eyes.

“I'll fight you.” A voice from the crowd stood out as a smirk was formed on Heart’s face.

Heart then threw the mic to the MC and stood in the center of the arena. Once again, the Knights’ superiority is made known to everyone.

“O-okay then! Our second match for tonight! Falcon of Black Parade and Heart of The Knights!” the MC announced and the crowd was more excited compared from a while ago.

..

 (FIGHT OVER-VIEW BY THIRD-PERSON)

HEART from THE KIGHTS

VS

FALCON from THE BLACK PARADE

Sense Enhanced: Sense of SIGHT

AGILITY: 77%

CRITICAL THINGKING: 74%

PHYSICAL STRENGTH: 77%

EMOTIONAL STATE: 74%

..

Falcon stood six feet, 5 inches, with a well-built body that can be seen through his fit shirt. A work-out addict with a brutal fighting style, opposite from his opponent that is known for her elegance and grace in the arena.

Falcon immediately attacked Heart with a punch to the face but Heart easily dodged it by sliding her way behind him. Heart was able to give Falcon a strong drop kick on his back. Falcon let out a smile that’s seen from his diagonally broken mask, exposing half of his face, and ran after Heart as if unhurt form her attack. Heart easily avoided him because she was obviously faster than him and Falcon was well aware of it.

Falcon then stopped at the center of the arena and closed his eyes, as if waiting for her to attack. Heart could only focus on hurting someone after the anger Top caused her. Heart knew it was a trap but she could not stop herself from the urge of letting out her rage. Knowing the chance of being caught, she still took the bait and quickly aimed for a punch from behind but as expected, Falcon caught her hand.

Falcon held her hand tightly as he turned to face her. Heart struggled but was stunned when a strong blow hit her stomach. Falcon then yanked Heart’s hair, still holding her right hand, and made her meet his level. An evil smirk formed in Falcon’s face as he watched Heart tiptoe as he pulled her hair. The crowd went wild as they witness Heart’s vulnerability. She usually fights Sins who have weaker vitals but her rage made her get into a fight without even knowing her opponent’s full vitals. Realization struck Heart as she looked at Falcon’s face. She knew that he’s way stronger than her. Yet again, she thought of a plan to escape the huge man in front of her.

“Damn… you fight like a girl.” Heart teased which made a few of the crowd laugh.

“Still cocky, I see. You may be fast but my eyes are faster Miss Heart. Surrender and I’ll spare you the embarrassment of being defeated naked.” Falcon advised while looking at Heart’s chest down to her waist.

“Oh boo-hoo, should’ve prepared myself for perverts like you.” Heart said with a smirk.

Heart thought that she needed an attack that will shock him enough to let his guard down. Thus, she decided to do a risky trick. As soon as Falcon let go of her hair and prepared to grasp her chest, she turned counterclockwise causing her arm to dislocate. The sound and scene shocked Falcon, as well as the crowd, causing him to lighten his grip. Heart got the opportunity to attacked Falcon with a roundhouse kick to his head. Falcon lost his balance and felt a subtle dizziness as he watched Heart fix her own arm. She held her dislocated arm and to her shoulder. The crowd fell into silence as they heard a loud crack from Heart. The crowd was stunned in the sight of Heart. One broke the silence and let out a shout of astonishment causing the crowd to go wild.

Falcon tried to stand still and attacked Heart with a punch but she easily dodged it. Falcon suddenly froze as their eyes met and chills lurked through his body. Heart’s gaze changed compared from a minute ago. It became dark and threatening, as if she plans on killing him with her own hands. Heart let out a deep breath and started to attack Falcon as the crowd shouted in excitement.

(END OF FIGHT OVER-VIEW)

..

We all watched as Heart brutally beat up Falcon until he was laying on the ground. Everyone could see that she was furious and some are obviously amused by it. Her fighting style usually shows off as elegant and clean. This is the first time she beat up someone this bad in a combat.

She finally pulled up Falcon’s hair and looked at our direction, specifically at Top. Heart held her hand up, aiming for an attack to Falcon’s neck but right before her had landed on Falcon, he raised his hand as a sign of surrender.

“Damn. Never thought she’d go that far.” Ken whispered as he rubbed his arms.

“Well there’s a first time for everything.” Top said, still staring at Heart.

Somehow, I keep getting a weird feeling about Top and Heart. It’s like they already know each other.

As I was about to talk to Top, I suddenly smelled a familiar scent. I looked everywhere and followed the scent and found out that it’s coming from outside the arena. I stood on the barrier and saw a girl standing above the bridge wearing a familiar mask. I can't see her face but her eyes were surely looking at the arena, looking at me.

“Yo Frost! Where you going?” Mike called out but I had no time to explain.

“Let me through.” I ordered the gatekeeper and he opened it for me.

I got out the arena and went straight to the bridge just above us but she was gone. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

“Esto kuhiro…” I whispered as I opened my eyes and saw her scent’s tracks.

Esto kuhiro is a spell used by Suhikos like me to enhance our sense of smell, strong enough to see tracks of scent with our eyes. First-level spells don’t trigger the alarms making Sins use it in their daily lives. Though it doesn’t trigger the alarms, violence caused by such spells pretty much gives out signals, notifying the government of the location and status.

I pressed a button on my ring which hid my mask. Walking around with a Sin’s mask isn’t such a good idea. I followed the scent’s track as it led me to the capital. The capital is filled with people because of the night market and it did not help in my searching.

I focused on a strand of scent that differed from the crowd until it ended on the back of a girl standing in front of the fountain. My heartbeat started to raise as I stepped near her and held her shoulder. The thought of finally finding Ace rushed to my mind as she turned to face me.

“Y-you?” I mumbled as I saw her face.

“Jiro?” she asked as she looked at me with her brown eyes and a trace of cotton candy on the side of her lips.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I asked in annoyance and disbelief.

“Strolling? Is the capital for certain people only?” she asked confusingly.

“I have to check something.” I said as I got nearer, held both of her arms and smelled her neck.

Ace’s scent disappeared. Rayne smelled of sugar and sweets, far from Ace that let out a different smell, somewhat close to blood and silver.

“J-Jiro! What the---” she exclaimed in shock but I pushed her away.

“You reek.” I uttered which made her face red.

“You rude piece of---” she stopped when I wiped the side of her lip that had cotton candy on it.

Her eyes locked to mine as I looked at her face then I suddenly felt Ace’s presence. I looked round and saw someone on top of a building near me, a girl wearing Ace’s mask. I heard Rayne shout my name as I left her by the fountain and got in the building. It was there that I saw a string of Ace’s scent heading to the rooftop.

“Took you long enough?” A voice greeted me as I reached the rooftop.

“Heart?” I asked as I gasped for air from running.

It was then that I realized that the three of them were here, still wearing their masks. Heart sat on the edge of the building with Ace’s mask in her hand, Queen stood beside her, and King stood a few steps away from me with his hands on his pockets.

“Where’s Ace?” I asked them.

“Aren’t you getting tired of following her? You are such a sour loser.” Queen said as she placed her hands on her waist.

“Is she hiding from me?” I asked which made King laugh.

“Hiding? From you!? Hahaha! Why would she—”

“Prosper Academy.” I cut him off.

I sensed strong energy filled the rooftop. They were obviously triggered from the information I knew.

“I’ll keep looking for her. And none of you can stop me.” I said as I turned back to leave them.

“You can't beat her Jiro. You know that.” Heart coldly stated from behind which made me chuckle.

“Who ever said I wanted to beat her?” I said and left.

I have to know the truth and that means I have to find her.

..