Cyberknight: One Path

⁕ Duel of Fates (part 1)

Though Mike spoke with passion, he also understood that the rot went too deep inside the Empire for anyone to openly agree with his ideas, even if they knew them to be true. Holding no delusion when, predictably, none of the bystanders or the six knights reacted to his speech, Mike continued.

[Mike] - "I know there is no convincing anyone here of the wrongs of this bloody bastard in his crimson-stained crown, so let's set this straight. When you joined the Empire, was this what you expected? The same rot that plagued the old world remaining, but just under the administration of newer faces? The worship of a self-proclaimed God as your duty when he is but a man, just like any of you under that helmet? The execution of anyone who dared to oppose him, just like the brutal dictatorships all of you bled to take down? I saw the face beneath that mask, and I know he is no God! Humanity has but one chance; if none of you will cease it, then I will! "

Yelled Mike as he accusingly pointed his finger at Sniper.

Looking around, Sniper saw no reaction from the crowd. Taking this as confirmation of his divine rights as God, Sniper clapped a few times for Mike while laughing cruelly at him as if he had just heard the most amusing joke of his life.

[Sniper] - "Truly, Michele must be rolling in his grave right now. "

However, Mike didn't feel discouraged, as he saw what Sniper couldn't see through the lens of divinity. As a man, Mike saw the subtle expressions on the faces of the crowd that Sniper couldn't understand. Before him, Mike witnessed the uneasy movements of the knights, whom Sniper didn't bother to analyze. His message was well-received, yet people needed a spark to start their fire.

Suddenly, a distinct white glow flashed before Mike as Sniper activated his crystals.

[Sniper] - "Existential Judgement: 12 Labours of Hercules! "

Just as Mike was preparing to defend himself, he was suddenly launched out of the mountain base. Once in the air, the hills around him rose from the ground and crushed Mike under thousands of tons of soil. Just as Mike was about to escape his prison, gas crystals formed from the air and stabbed him in the back. But with a single cast of his defensive technique, Mike shielded his flesh from any further injuries.

Meanwhile, the sheer amount of gas crystals kept piling on Mike until they forced him to crash into a river below. As soon as he found himself under the water, a massive amount of pressure suddenly began to crush him like the centre of a planet. The pressure was so great that Mike had to use all of his power just to keep himself alive. Soon, the water turned to ice before eventually turning into plasma out of sheer pressure.

Mike thought for a second before coming up with an escape plan. Using his ability, he began to generate a reversed drilling motion inside the plasma, which caused the pressure atop him to translate into a rotational force which went under his body. With this gap, Mike finally escaped from captivity by smashing through the area of lower pressure. Now, Mike finally understood why so many feared Sniper. What he just experienced was nothing but an appetizer. Sniper has yet to unleash the full extent of his power.

To be continued...

*EXTRA:

- Profile: Mike

- Complete name: Mike Gioacchino Mundy

- Ability: [Distant Dreamer]: "One of the rarest abilities obtainable for a crystal user, with only 3 known cases. Mike's ability can manipulate molecules and energy in any way he desires as long as it follows the rules of physics and chemistry.

A limitation of the ability is Mike's lack of a specific ability. For example, a crystal user with a flight ability can use his ability easily without spending much mental effort, while Mike has to focus and formulate the thought of flying in his head. In Mike's case, the more complex the task, the more mental efficiency and focus are required.

When Mike's mind or ability is idle, a passive molecular shield is activated subconsciously, which protects Mike from unexpected harm. Mike often prefers direct fist attacks and basic molecular shields as they are the easiest abilities to conjure and maintain. On top of that, a basic kinetic punch often carries more power than spending your time conjuring weapons from your environment. "

-Ability stats:

Power - S

Speed of the ability - S

Speed granted by the ability - A

Range - A

Durability of the ability - S

Durability granted by the ability - S

Precision - A

Potential - S