DC Technomacner: Chapter 8

“A rookie eh, don’t think just cause you have all those muscles this is going to be an easy fight,” Crazy Pete taunted as he walked back and forth staring Victor down with wide mud brown eyes. Saying nothing Victor simply raised his fists getting into a traditional boxing stance. 

“Alright all bets have been placed! Now are you lovely people ready to see a bloodbath!?” 

The crowd roared again and Victor almost winched at the volume they managed to reach, “Then let's get this show started!” Somewhere above the cage a bell rang, somehow drowning out the crowd momentarily. But Victor barely took notice as he walked straight at Crazy Pete not bothering to hide his approach. 

“Oh come on you’re making this too easy,” Crazy pete raised his hands and settled into a loose stance waiting for Victor to get in range. Continuing with his straightforward approach Victor reached Crazy Pete in a few long strides, plating his leading foot Victor turned at the waist as his right arm rocketed forward a textbook execution of a straight jab. Despite Victor’s speed Crazy Pete managed to react ducking underneath Victor’s punch and slipping to the side. 

Bracing his core just in time Victor felt two blows slam into his flank targeting his kidney and liver. Had the shots landed clean and if Victor was still a normal human he would have collapsed. 

But like a living rock wall Victor ate the blows without so much as a flinch. Spinning around to follow Pete, Victor leg snapped out in a front kick that managed to clip his opponent. Crazy Pete let out a strangled gasp as he spun out of control, one arm dangling limply a bruise already forming. 

“And would you look at that folks, Nex takes a vicious liver shot but remains unphased. Only to retaliate with da boot!” 

Ignoring the cheering crowd Victor only had eyes for Pete who circled around him looking for an opening. The initial cockiness in his gaze had been replaced with a wariness as he realized Victor wasn’t some slouch. 

Realizing Crazy Pete wasn’t going to make the first move Victor started to close the distance walking straight at his opponent. Crazy Pete snarled before he dashed at Victor, with an evil glint in his eyes. 

Timing his strike pulled back his arm and was about to throw another punch, when a grin spread across Crazy Pete’s face and he kicked the arena floor sending up a cloud of dirt and sand that wrapped around Victor's face. Dust filled Victor’s lungs and eyes clogging his airways and vision. 

“Gottcha!” Crazy Pete shouted as he dashed around Victor before jumping onto his back and wrapping his arms around Victor’s neck, “Say nighty nighty big guy!” 

Victor had to give it to Pete, he was a good fighter in his book there was no such thing as dirty fighting. This wasn’t a samurai duel for honor, it was a drag out bare knuckle brawl with money on the line. And had Victor been a normal human he would have been half passed out with tears streaming down his face. But having a sentient AI control your body’s every reaction was a real life cheat code. 

Reaching behind him Victor grabbed Pete’s arms nearly encircling his biceps with his massive hands. After making sure he had a firm grip Victor peeled Pete off his back holding him a foot off the ground with no visible effort. 

“What the-” 

Before Pete could finish his sentence Victor slammed his forehead into Pete’s face snapping his head back and flattening his nose with a crunch. Victor dropped the man who collapsed into a limp pile on the floor, there was a moment of silence then the crowd went wild, “And just like that it’s over!! The newcomer Nex completely demolishes Crazy Pete!! Give it up folks!” 

Turning around Victor walked out of the cage and took a seat. Grabbing a random towel Victor wiped the blood off his forehead and unwrapped his fists before putting on his sweatshirt. 

Walking over to the betting booth Victor ignored those in the crowd who tried talking to him or offered to buy him a drink.

“Well look at you, coming out of the ring without so much as a scratch!” The mutton chopped man jeered as the deposit box opened revealing a fat roll of cash inside, “All in all you take home nearly nine thousand.” 

Victor’s eyebrows rose slightly as the amount was far above his expectations. 

“Don’t get too excited, you were an unknown and only addicts bet on the unknown. After your little demonstration I don’t think a lot of people will be betting against ya.” The old man wheezed with a cackle. 

Frowning Victor was silent for a moment before an idea popped into his head, “Would your boss be open to an idea?” 

The man stopped laughing and he looked at Victor with an inquisitive eye, “What you have in mind?” 

“I step into that ring and I don’t come out until there’s no one left standing. No breaks or rests, me against anyone that can pay the fee.” Victor's voice was dead serious and his brown eyes gave nothing away. 

“You’re one crazy son of a bitch,” The man shook his head in disbelief before he picked up a phone and pressed a button.  After a brief pause the man put the phone down and looked back at Thane, “The boss likes your plan, but she wants to make it a special occasion. Nine o’clock Friday you step into that ring and you don’t leave until midnight.” 

Victor nodded as he pocketed the cash roll, “I want a twenty percent cut of all proceeds from the fight.” 

The man grinned as they started to bargain, “Twenty percent? Aren’t you getting a bit greedy, you’re still a new face around here.” 

“Then schedule matches for me leading up to events through the week. But not tomorrow I have a date. Get enough hype and you’ll have people willing to pay through the nose for tickets.” Victor countered calmly.

“I don’t know…” The man trailed off feigning indifference but the flash of greed in his eyes gave him away. 

“Fifteen percent non negotiable,” Victor put down his final offer. 

“Deal!”