26 Chapter 26: Rei Vs Spec

Spec displayed a technique known as Apnea Rush, a skill which involves holding one's breath while delivering rapid punches. It was an extremely lethal move which targeted the weakness of humans in general.

[Skill [Brawling] Level 3] [Stamina: 38->39]

After reaching Level 3 in this skill, Spec's barrages felt like marshmallows to Rei. Now, Rei couldn't improve his proficiency even by a fraction. Progress was possible, but it would require enduring half an hour of relentless pummeling to gain a single percentage point.

"See, kid, under my relentless assault, you're defenseless," Spec taunted Rei with a smug grin on his weathered face. After nearly ten minutes of relentless assault, the teenager could only maintain to maintain a defensive posture.

"Yes, I dare not fight back. The moment I retaliate, you'll be knocked out," Rei retorted.

Suddenly, a fleet of police cars arrived at the park, surrounding the two fighters. Officers brandishing pistols walked out of their vehicles and immediately noticed Baki lying on the ground. It was clear that Spec, a notorious death row inmate, was the culprit.

"Spec! Cease this at once; you're cornered!" The lead officer shouted through a megaphone.

Ordinary threats had no effect on Spec. Standard pistols and shotguns posed no real threat to him. Usually, he was satisfied with his little games, which might just involve the death of some innocents, but now, only by beating Rei to a pulp could he find satisfaction.

"Kid, run!" As Spec prepared to strike Rei again, the officer leading the charge shouted. But soon, his voice was drowned out by his own astonishment. "That boy is actually catching Spec's fist!"

"Spec's punch can literally pierce a cement wall and even shatter a car. Yet this boy is managing to block it!" This kid was nothing short of a monster!

"Have there ever been so many monsters in a generation?"

"I suddenly feel that Martial Arts Grandmasters defeating tigers with a single slap isn't all that impressive."

Rei abandoned his defensive stance and stood still, enduring Spec's mighty blows. Each punch landed on his handsome face, causing agony that would incapacitate an ordinary person. Yet, thanks to Rei's thirty-nine points of endurance, he could bear it.

His face showed only slight bruising, his voice still clear: "Spec, you're tired. It seems your Apnea Rush can only last for fifteen minutes at most. Now, let me show you a genuine Apnea Rush."

"What?"

In the next moment, Rei inhaled deeply, creating a powerful suction force that even altered the airflow, directing it towards his mouth.

[Hold your breath Level 5 (max)]

"The wind... it's picking up!" An officer's hat was whisked away by the gust, heading towards Rei and Spec.

"It's the kid; he's inhaling!"

"Are we sure this isn't a mini tornado?" An officer said as all the debris in the park alongside the dried leaves and dust particles started swirling around Rei.

"I think I need to clean up the park more often."

"... I think so too."

Spec's aged face registered a trace of horror. Apnea Rush was something he prided himself on. In his experience, few surpassed him in this regard. He knew full well what Rei's feat meant.

This kid's lung capacity far exceeded his own, on a completely different level!

Just as Spec was stunned, Rei made his move. Thirty points of agility were fully unleashed. Both hands moved so fast, only afterimages were visible. With the combined prowess of Iron Fist and God Hand, Rei flawlessly wielded his double strength. Each punch left Spec with dents several centimeters deep.

"Mu Da Mu Da Mu Da..."

By the first punch, Spec was already out cold. But by the second, pain jolted him back to consciousness. Repeatedly, he teetered on the edge of life and death. Although still alive, it was solely due to Rei's unrelenting assault.

If Rei were to stop, Spec would perish instantly. Even if he continued, Spec couldn't endure much longer. His body was pushed beyond its limits, howling continuously. Blood splattered from behind Rei, whipped up by the wind generated from his punches.

[Street Fighting Proficiency 8%] [Street Fighting Proficiency 7%] [Street Fighting Proficiency 7%] [Street Fighting Proficiency 6%] ... [Street Fighting Proficiency 1%] [Street Fighting Level 2 (94%)]

It was a slight regret that Spec met his end just before he could upgrade his street fighting skill. Hitting and kicking lifeless bodies didn't contribute to proficiency.

Rei exhaled deeply, a gusty wind following.

He wiped away the sweat glistening on his forehead, a truly invigorating workout today.

Approaching the lead officer, Rei extended his arm, pointing back. "This guy is yours now, alright?"

Covered in Spec's blood, Rei made his way to a small pond in the park to clean himself off. The blood mingled in the water, quickly dissipating. Just like Spec, who would remember him once he perished?

"Sir, could you please wait a minute and help us record a statement?" the captain asked Rei with a smile.

Rei didn't respond.

A junior officer approached Spec's body and gently prodded the fist-sized imprint on him. "He's not human. Not just Spec, but that teenager too."

The next moment, the indented spot began to bulge, followed by the others.

In a matter of seconds, the tall Spec swelled up like a balloon. Then...

"Boom!"

He exploded!

Blood shot into the sky, raining down.

The officer who poked him squatted in time, avoiding a bloody shower. Those further away weren't so lucky, except for Baki, who remained unconscious.

Spec lay there, blood pooling around him.

Seeing this, the lead officer turned to Rei. But where he once stood, there was no one there now, as if he was a phantom.

"Where did he go?"

"Did he disappear?"

"Hey, Kato, did you see that boy just now?"

"He's gone... Where is he?"

"Is this the knight who does good deeds without leaving a name?" An officer remarked, as he looked at his colleague.

"Captain, were you trying to arrest that teenager just now?"

"No, I wanted to tell him that after recording his statement, there's a reward for catching death row inmates. I hoped he'd come back with me to claim it."

******

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