Serizawa studied his unusual-looking opponent. His instincts told him this man was clearly stronger than the opponents he had faced in earlier rounds.
The contestant named Azhe was exceptionally muscular. Though his physique was not as flawless as Superalloy Darkshine's, his muscles looked far fuller than those of an ordinary bodybuilder.
Muscles that massive were bound to hold explosive power.
Serizawa had no doubt that Azhe possessed extraordinary strength, but the strange markings on his body caught his attention even more.
Those markings covered his skin, and his fingers were so dark they gleamed black. Together, they put Serizawa deeply on guard.
Azhe seemed extremely introverted. Since stepping onto the Competition Ring, he had not exchanged a word with Serizawa, or even met his eyes.
The whistle to start the match had barely sounded when Azhe launched his attack.
Thud!
Azhe sprang into the air. His jumping power was astonishing, and he closed the distance between them in an instant.
He raised a powerful arm and punched straight at Serizawa's face.
Serizawa hurriedly lifted his bat to block.
The instant Azhe's fist struck the bat, a violent jolt ran through Serizawa, forcing him back several steps.
What incredible strength!
Serizawa could not help marveling at it.
That punch ranked among the hardest he had taken from any opponent.
Yet this taciturn opponent fought with ruthless efficiency. He gave Serizawa no chance to catch his breath before leaping again.
This time, he was headed for a spot behind Serizawa.
Serizawa read Azhe's trajectory in midair and predicted where he would land. He swept his bat behind him.
But the moment Azhe's feet touched down, he sprang up again and hurtled straight into Serizawa's chest.
Serizawa's swing caught nothing. Azhe's massive frame slammed into him.
Azhe drove his head into Serizawa's abdomen