"Ora!" The driver charged at Dorian, unleashing a low sweep kick. It was like striking an iron tower—Dorian didn't budge an inch.
"Ora Ora Ora Ora!" The driver's fists pounded Dorian relentlessly, the impact thudding against the open space. Yet even standing still, Dorian didn't falter, didn't retreat.
Hundreds of Shinshinkai members behind the driver stared in disbelief.
Is this man a monster?
"The gap… it's too big…"
Bang! Impatiently, Dorian lifted his leg, a chopping kick descending like a battle-axe.
"Ah!" The driver flew backward, blood spewing from his mouth, collapsing unconscious.
Dorian collected himself slowly, gaze cold as it swept over the stunned disciples.
"By Shinshinkai rules, this should leave you speechless," he said. "No matter how many gather, each of you faces me alone. Defeating me is nearly impossible. I was merely mocking you. If there's nothing else, I'm leaving."
He turned away, pushing open the large amusement park gate, disappearing into its depths. The metal gates thudded closed behind him.
---
In a quieter part of the park, Sol Mirek and Retsu Kaioh sat on a bench, speaking softly.
"Sol, if we meet Dorian later, I hope you'll deal with him," Retsu Kaioh said, his voice hoarse.
"Why can't you act?" Sol asked, curiosity piqued.
Retsu Kaioh gazed into the distance. "Dorian… he was once a Kaioh. Martial artists of our school cannot fight one of our own."
"Dorian is a Kaioh?" Sol raised an eyebrow, surprised.
Retsu Kaioh nodded, a mixture of pride and regret flickering across his face. "Our martial arts have a method called 'rock striking.' One hammers a rock into a near-perfect sphere through strikes, bumps, and kicks. Each Kaioh's sphere is stored in the temple. Dorian's was so large, it could barely fit in the chamber. Forty years ago, he carved out a cave in a single night."
He looked at Sol, eyes pleading. "Please… spare his life."
Sol considered him for a moment. Fighting Dorian or a less skilled opponent was no challenge—it was only a question of duration. But Retsu Kaioh's request carried weight.
"Alright," Sol said lightly. "I'll hold back. But I have one condition."
"Anything."
"Once this Dorian matter is over, I want to return for proper martial arts training."
Retsu Kaioh hesitated, then patted Sol's shoulder. "I understand. Thank you for considering this."
Sol's expression was unreadable, a playful smirk hidden beneath the moonlight. Dorian's constant provocations had been irritating—he considered whether to leave the man unconscious for good.
---
Tap, tap, tap.
Footsteps echoed through the empty amusement park.
Dorian wandered among the rides, a faint smile on his lips. "How nostalgic," he murmured, standing in front of a merry-go-round. He touched the wooden horses, then laughed, almost childishly, as he sat on one.
Hahaha! For a moment, the cunning, vicious death row inmate seemed like an innocent child, moving among the rides as if decades hadn't passed.
"Hey, get down, I still have a home to go to," Sol's voice came from the bumper car arena. Dorian stiffened.
A figure leaned against the fence, black training suit swaying lightly in the night breeze. Moonlight blurred the youth's expression, but his presence was terrifying.
Dorian's confidence faltered. Where were Katsumi and Doppo? This wasn't supposed to be his playground—he only wanted a taste of victory, not to die.
"Where are Katsumi Orochi and Doppo?" Dorian asked, masking fear with composure.
Sol tilted his head. "Them? They're still waiting on the other side. This is my area."
Dorian's eyes darted, seeking escape. The roller coaster caught his attention. Perhaps he could run.
Sol stomped lightly, cracking the ground beneath Dorian like spiderwebs. A calm voice followed him.
"Don't even think about escaping. This time, you won't move."
Dorian's composure snapped. He flicked a silver wire from his sleeve. Swish! It whistled toward Sol's throat.
Sol didn't flinch. In an instant, he caught the wire with one hand and yanked it violently.
Bang! Dorian was lifted into the air and slammed against the railing, disbelief flashing across his face. He weighed over two hundred pounds, yet Sol had pulled him airborne with a single hand. The difference was catastrophic.
"Is that all you've got?" Sol tugged again, and the wire snapped. "I'm tired of your tricks. If there's nothing new, this ends now."
"Wait!" Dorian stumbled, fear flickering. He pulled a silver object from his suit—a military smoke grenade.
Bang! Smoke erupted, filling the bumper car arena. Dorian bolted for the roller coaster.
Sol watched him sprint, amusement in his gaze. A little entertainment never hurt. At worst, he'd just tell everyone he was seriously injured while apprehending a death row inmate and take the day off tomorrow.
---