Swoosh! Swoosh!
Fists tore through the air in blurs, Kicks sliced through the air like butter.
Two Figures could be spotted in a polished mahogany floor as they exchanged moves. Their exchange was unlike anything a normal human could perform. As this superhuman like exchange occurred.
Three figures sat some distance away from the blur of motions, the observers of this superfluous exchange. Among this legs-crossed seated figure was Rex Axel. A boy with dark hair, deep blue eyes that radiated calm and a face that words can't do justice. He was clothed in a White breathable top, that seemed to be too large for his moderate frame, and an ash joggers, that not minding its bogus form, afforded him all the freedom he would need in a few moments.
"251 meta drip, 252 meta drip, 253 meta drip" Rex counted off monotonously in his mind. An act aimed at helping him combat the boredom of sitting and observing a match he could not follow. The two fighters were "Advanced", A term used to refer to people that their body had improved beyond the genetic limit of humans.
This he was not, the advanced were not naturally born this way. Their improved capabilities were achieved by gaming.
"Silly right", they had not achieved peak human capabilities by ingesting drugs or training their body like saitana, but rather from something as entertaining as gaming.
254 meta drip, 253 awhh. . ."
Rex's count of boredom was suddenly broken by a sudden development among the two above human ability combatant. One of the fighters was no longer within the fighting circle or rather one of the fighters was currently airborne on a path to reunite with the white padded wall of the training hall.
This was the fate of every single member of this dojo on every single wednesday of the week. The ritual "Shuttling". The culprit of the event stood triumphantly with his hands on his hip.
Big-Boned Ben, the weekly initiator of this shuttling event stood unchallenged in the circle, as his most recent prey… (ehmm sorry) student, made contact with the wall in a not-so-dignified pose. Big Ben was a former Pro level Mixed-Martial Arts fighter, after the launch of "Cosmic Ascendance" in 2218. The ultra-realistic virtual game that had taken the world by storm, he had switched professions, as his fighting skills helped him to make quick advancements in the game, and even brought physical improvements to his body. It was a no-brainer decision to make. But maybe in tribute to his earlier fighting days or simply for excitement, he had opened Forge Fitness.
Feeling satisfied with his most recent "Masterpiece". Big-Ben's eye rested on his next pre.., (sorry) student, Rex Axel. He was the only unadvanced student of his, a situation that was not by choice but rather a product borne from circumstance. Cosmic Ascendance, the VR game that could advance physical capabilities, As wonderful as it was, had a single requirement on aspiring players.
They had to be above the age of 17 and the mysterious game developers took this rule very seriously. Players weren't asked to confirm their age or anything like that. When anyone below the required age limit logged into the game, all that met them was a countdown to their 17th birthday.
Rex made his way to the ring, under the predatory gaze of his trainer and teacher, Big Boned.
"Huu–haa, Huu-haa"
Rex took in large bouts of air, in.. and out..
An action aimed at fully keeping him tethered in the present. He couldn't afford any distractions at the moment.
"Softer, Softer, Softer"
Big-Boned repeated to himself. As he made mental notes to himself, to take it as easy as he could. The moment he lost expert control over his raw body strength. Rex would be as wounded as a broken heart.
Boom!!
Rex shot forward, his fist moving as synchronously as his feet. A punch headed for his trainer's head.
In Big-boned's advanced eye, His movement couldn't be anymore slower and obvious. Slightly tilting his head backward. The punch sped past it. He did not counter yet. Nope.
He had to observe, study and learn. To see what improvements his student had made. Had he gotten any better or developed any pathetic flaw that needed to be corrected.
Fwoosh!! Fwoosh!!
Rex fist tore through the air again and again. Slicing through the air to meet nothing.
"This boy is seriously inspired"
Declan the last challanger remarked.
Studying Rex with a dismissive look.
"Every single week, he just comes here to get a beating for what exactly".
In this Era, with the physical advancements that could be gained from Cosmic Ascendance. Body training was purely a showmanship, for displaying improved body capabilities.
Which was why the other members of this Dojo were here.
They were only here, to fully appreciate and monitor the growth of their physical capabilities . But Rex was an exception.
"You know, he comes here almost every day of the week, for physical training, don't look down at his effort" a beautiful lady with a refined Aura about her, who sat immediately beside Declan responded to his haughty remark.
"Yh, like you aren't saying that because of how cute, you think he i…."
Declan's words were suddenly cut off abruptly,
As things rapidly changed within the combat circle.
"TWIIIIPPP!!!!"
Rex was airborne.
But not in a similar style as Declan. He had initiated his own flight.
..
Once again Big-Boned had tilted backward to avoid his punch, but things went differently from before,
With a sudden forceful step on his knee. Rex had shot upward, his leg slicing through the air as it headed for a head kick.
Big Boned eyes formed slits as he observed Rex's recent movement.
A smile already spreading across his lips.
He could avoid the kick. But he was going to let it land. He was thoroughly impressed with his youngest students' advancement.
"Dum" A suppressed dull sound resounded as Rex's feet made contact with Big-Boned's head.
The contact, sent pain through his feet up to his brain. As he employed the force of the rebound to shoot backward.
But before his feet could fully make contact with the floor, Boom!!! A punch landed squarely on his abdomen. Sending Rex "Shuttling" towards the padded wall of the dojo. His most recent escapade had not spared him from the weekly ritual.
"HAHAHA"
Big-Boned's laughter resounded across the hall.
"You never fail to entertain me every week, I actually look forward to our duels" Big Boned, brimming with excitement popped open a water can, that he quickly emptied like a thirsty frog.
Rex slowly pulled himself up, as he made his way back to join the group of cross sitting audience, his face spotting a hardly noticeable glint.
"Meet me before you go home Rex"
Big-Boned said with his gaze locked in on Rex and bearing a pleased grin.
The next set of their weekly training began. The point where Big-Boned gave everyone personalized pointers, based on their duel with him.