Part-177

  But James wasn’t about to let Rya crushed. With a quick burst of speed, he unched himself at Arad, driving his shoulder into Arad's side with full force. The impact caused Arad to lose his bance, f him to release Ryan.

  Ryan stumbled back, clutg his arm but still standing. "Thanks," he muttered, shaking off the pain.

  James nodded, not taking his eyes off Arad, who had recovered quickly, his expression darkening. The pyful arrogan Arad’s eyes was gone, repced by a cold fury.

  "You think you’re clever, don’t you?" Arad growled, his voice low and dangerous. "You’ll pay for that."

  He charged at James again, but this time, James was ready. Using his Sloth Vision ability, James slowed down time in his mind, analyzing every movement Arad made. The world around him seemed to crawl, giving James a split sed to dodge Arad's ining punch. He ducked and tered with a quick palm strike to Arad's chest, followed by a swift leg sweep.

  Arad stumbled, his footing momentarily lost. But he was far from done.

  Before James could capitalize on the moment, Arad shifted his weight and threowerful kick aimed at James's midse. The force of the kick sent James sprawling backward, crashing into the dirt.

  Ryan rushed forward to cover for James, but Arad was relentless. He sidestepped Ryan’s attad grabbed him by the colr, hoisting him off the ground as if he weighed nothing. "I could snap your neck right now," Arad snarled, his eyes filled with malicious i.

  Ryan struggled, gasping for air, but just as Arad was about to deliver the fatal blow, Sourov, despite his injury, came charging bato the fight. With a roar of defiance, he tackled Arad from the side, knog him off band f him to release Ryan.

  The three friends regrouped, breathing heavily but still standing. Arad, clearly stronger, never show signs of fatigue. "This isn't over," Arad hissed, bag away. "But I’ll make sure yret ever crossing me."

  James turo Ryan and said, "I've called 'him' to help us, but it seems he's running a bit te. Oh well, before that, I'll give everything I've got to take on Arad." Ryan immediately knew who James was referring to and nodded. "My Judo club members are struggling with Arad's boys too," Ryan added. "I'll assist them with Sourov—you handle Arad."

  James nodded in agreement and stepped forward, log eyes with Arad.

  James stepped forward, his muscles tense, his heartbeat steadying as he entered Crisis Mode. The familiar hum of Semi-Auto Battle Mode kicked in, his body instantly responding with perfect efficy. He could feel the shift in trol, his movements being more precise, his reflexes sharpened. In this mode, his mind stayed in the background, only guiding his focus while his body took over the fight pletely.

  Arad, standing a few feet away, cracked his knuckles and sneered. "Think that's gonna help you, kid? I’ll crush you."