Match of the Millennium

Description: Fresh-faced and ready, Jae Hoon goes into his first Neo-League final match against a rather fierce competitor. Watched closely by NESTS, their operative kickboxing champ, Upsilon, puts up a fierce battle against Kim's youngest son. Keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, it is a wonder who will come out victorious in this passionate one-on-one!

[UPSILON]
Neo-League Top 8! For many, this would be a moment of pride and joy, of anticipation and anxiety. But within a white comms van, NESTS agent Upsilon sits and stews in a sullen and quiet fury. His arms crossed, his labcoat hanging long and open, exposing the black body suit compressed around him. Sensors plug at his wrists, ankles and chest. Brilliant, pulsing, orange chi flows along the tubing running over him. NESTS scientists read out data on a series of tablets. While a pink haired young woman in a face covering mask points to footage of Jae Hoon's path to Upsilon in this rendition of Neo League.

"I do believe this is a possible match up for you, I know you can do it, Upsilon!" The girl says with a sprightly attempt to make the agent feel better about the situation.

The man stays in position, looking only with his eyes to see the woman. "It should be. He's a child," he remarks. He flicks his eyes to the terminals. He looks at the footage of Jae Hoon taking on the big Finnish man that defeated Upsilon last. It puts a sour bite in his throat. He stresses the connection on his wrist to lean forward and adjust his glasses.

"I can't make the same mistakes as last time," Upsilon states. "Now disconnect me, I have a boy to send back to school."

In the clearing, the final pieces are being placed to get everything ready for the fight. A simple stage, advertisements for local Southtown businesses rather than major chains. Camera riggings for the fights, and a marked attempt to avoid potential destruction from the dangers to property that has happened in Neo League fights past. Raised cameras, tracks, distance mics. Enough technology to hopefully keep some things safe. Though what is missed are the small drones from NESTS keeping track of things and gauge the capabilities of the child of Kim Kaphwan.

Less people are there to see the fight than usual, a side effect of the more remote location. But after some of the destruction that has happened before, it's possible for the best that this one is kept from some crowds.

And it's while the crew finish their checks that Upsilon finally comes from the van toward the stage. He seals up his labcoat on his way. He makes a passing shrug off of the support crew and the Neo-League supplied staff. They are beneath his moment. The fire in the man's dark eyes matched only by the intensity of the chi flowing all around him.

[JAE HOON]
A dedicated fighter in every right, there is no doubt Jae Hoon has educated himself on the likes of every opponent he's to face right up until the Final 8 showdown. Excited beyond measure, and extremely pleased he'd managed to work his way up, tremendous efforts have been made to ensure he would be going into the match with some semblance of understanding of Upsilon. Observing previous matches was no issue, since he kept up with all the fights throughout the entire event as they were happening.

As such, he has a general idea of what to expect of the kickboxer, as he fast approaches the designated location of their fight.

Truly, it will be a great honour to stand against such a skilled practitioner, even if some parts of his fighter profile and persona is shrouded in mystery.

What is challenging is actually getting to where he needs to go, with how far the locale is from the heart of Southtown. It requires a bus for someone like him to arrive on time, but upon arrival, It isn't difficult to sight the specific spot of where the match will happen, given that cameras and crowds are clustered in tight groups and intermingle amongst the mass clearing.

So enthralled is Jae Hoon that he quite obviously misses the drones circling the enclosure, intimately capturing any movement he makes as he comes onto the scene.

Lingering on the center stage is his adversary, gaze intense as dark-coloured orbs look out at... nothing? Something? Hard to ascertain exactly what he is thinking with such a darkened glower. Jae isn't intimidated though, and after offering friendly greetings to the supplied staff, he makes for the platform. His own earnest expression casts a shadow over relatively handsome teenage features, alluding to the true nature of his intentions here.

The Korean teen is rather genuine when it comes to martial arts and fighting, often showcasing the true determination instilled in him through his entire upbringing by someone as disciplined as Kaphwan.

Comes with the territory, so to speak.

He is his father's son, after all.

With his belongings carefully discarded off to the side of the arena, Kim's son stands a few feet from the looming kickboxer, who stands a few inches taller than himself. A polite bow folds the teen in half, a motion that gets held for only a few moments before he rises to his full height once again.

"It is an honour to fight you today," he says rather amiably. "Your matches thus far have been quite intriguing. I look forward to seeing what the outcome will be for us."

[UPSILON]
For a man with such an intent and intense glare, Upsilon is not so deep as his eyes suggest. He seeks to win. He seeks to claim the tournament's prize, and the next one, for NESTS purposes. His goal is simple, his drives as well. It is only through a quirk of his tinkered genetics that he manages intense glowering and thoughtful contemplative looks.

Having mild myopia helps as well.

The boy greets Upsilon. Honors. The word rings hollow to the NESTS agent. Upsilon's attention drifts to his opponent. He pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose, sighs, and loosens up his wrists with a snap of his arms out at his side. "You really think this is an honor?" he asks with incredulity. "This is just the final eight. Any fool who can throw a punch can be here."

He shifts his stance, closer to his right basic fighting posture. "You are a practitioner of Taekwondo?" he question. He knows the answer, simply more rhetoric than real curiosity. "Don't disappoint me with a style that children learn to roughhouse."

A little bluetooth in his ear blinks, establishing contact with his comms team. Words exchanged. The drones have locked in on their target. They are beginning to track his outline for the purposes of data gathering. The collection can begin any moment.

"Referee! What is it are we waiting for?" he calls out, looking sharpish to the officials who are still finishing up and readying for the two to square off.

But the look on Upsilon's face suggest he care much more about the fight than the pomp and circumstance around it. Barely contained, like a coil ready to burst at the moment's notice.

COMBATSYS: Upsilon has started a fight here.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Upsilon          0/-------/-------|

[JAE HOON]
Not everyone views such an event as something honourable. Respecting that fact, Jae Hoon merely states his feelings because they are something akin to second nature, given his disposition and intention behind the act of fighting. Not only is he so interlaced with justice, he always wishes for a good, well-fought match between people. He learned a long time ago that not everyone views it in such a way. Fair enough.

Never stops the teen from announcing it himself. After all, in some ways, he does serve to bring pride to the Kim family name, and generally does so by the practice of Taekwondo. His opponent can interpret it however he likes.

That is to say, if this is just a way to beat down people into subordination, then that is his prerogative.

What doesn't sit well with the dark-haired scion is this thin veil of something disdainful that seems to shroud the kickboxer's commentary. Sure, the ancient Korean art isn't always appreciated by some folk, but it is never kind to outright insult the style itself for no reason at all. Unwilling to rise to the bait, Jae steels himself in anticipation of the referee's arrival so that the match could get underway.

Surely then, he'd be able to showcase the depth of his hard-earned skill, something that which cannot be spoken to by just the regular folk.

As stated before, he has every intention to rise to the name of his family, and will stop at nothing to do so.

With the approach of the ref comes the teen's earnest. Another bow before he dips into a proper defensive stance, knees bent over ankles that lightly bounce while he shifts his weight between the balls of each foot, back and forth. When the match is signaled off to begin, a sharply pointed hand swiping in the space between them, Jae Hoon remains where he starts.

For the time being, anyway.

COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon has joined the fight here.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Jae Hoon         0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0          Upsilon

[UPSILON]
In direct opposition to Jae Hoon, the man once known as Jakob is not one for honor or justice. Those are notions not fit for the world of fighting. They are shackles created by those fearful of power and ambition. They are the concepts created by those who don't wish to lose their powers to more energetic and capable peers. Old names, old schools, old techniques that cling to their fading power in the face of those outside their spheres.

The young Jae Hoon represents such a thing. And it's a nuisance to Upsilon. He just watches the man with a distinct disdain behind his glasses.

The hand falls. Upsilon comes off the mark. He's quick, trained and ready to pounce. The approach is direct and simple. A few steps in with tentative snapping fists. An outfighting combination. The aggression of the blows tempered with the clear and present practice of using them to gauge an opponent's abilities. The most basic of combinations, each of the strikes is bringing with it a bursting pulse of dangerous chi. The thrumming pulsing sound of the power behind his hands loud enough to hear once the kickboxer's heart picks up the pace.

COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon blocks Upsilon's Iteration One.

[  \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////// ]
Jae Hoon         0/-------/------=|-------\-------\0          Upsilon

[JAE HOON]
Of course, this isn't a life easily abided by according to many, which is easy to recognise. Like I said before, each to their own.

A moment is all it takes for Jae Hoon to observe the clear disdainful aura that practically radiates from the operative in thick waves that match the pulsing orange-coloured chi. A curiosity all in it's own right, but nothing he is going to focus on for the imminent moment.

Cool. Calm. Collected. All wonderful ideals

Everything he needs to be is what he hones in on, allowing it to swallow him into serenity that brings forth the determined nature of the youngest Kim scion. A pillar of strength and earnest attitude. Regardless of the outcome today, he would remain as such.

Not unexpectedly, his opponent is agile. A style like kickboxing requires the practitioner to be quick on their feet, and Upsilon is no exception to that rule. Like a tiger leaping to catch its prey, the fight shreds through the slight lingering distance between their bodies, encroaching in an approach that seems like something of a test. Akin to dipping toes in the water, the punches come towards him in simple formation, which easily gets deflected away by way of forearm and overhead blocks.

The vibration of this dangerous chi is somewhat uncomfortable against bare skin, however, but nothing that can't be bypassed in favour of virtuous sincerity. Jae Hoon pays no mind to the sensation, and only shifts away when a moment allows for him to do so.

Lithe frame steps back with a light hopping motion that forms a sliver of distance between them once more. Feet alternate mid-air as his torso swivels to allow for an impressive high kick to thrust skyward.

That is, if Upsilon isn't in the way.

If he is, he'll find the side of a heel driving into the underside of his chin. Despite their difference in height, Jae Hoon is able to clear that space with a flexible ease that comes quite naturally to him after all these years. The kick probably won't feel nice, but that's the point, as it drives home the fact that he is not someone to take lightly.

Child's play? I don't think so. Not for the likes of this scion.

COMBATSYS: Upsilon blocks Jae Hoon's Shou-Kyaku Hou.

[   \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Jae Hoon         0/-------/-----==|=------\-------\0          Upsilon

[UPSILON]
Sincerity meets the distant ennui of Upsilon's defenses. The man proves to know his basics. He prides himself on a matter of fundamentals and his superiority with chi is merely an add-on to a well trained body. The talented young man finds someone just a little older, and ready for his earnest, heavy blows. On thud as a rolling, lowering elbow block deflects Jae Hoon's strike. A blast of counterbalancing energy thrums outward, the blow absorbed readily.

And an Upsilon remaining steadyfast on the ground.

Data streams kick in on recording the blow. Readouts fill screens in the comms van. Predictions begin to flow. Questions come up regarding upper limit potential in comparison to expectations of someone Jae Hoon's age and size. The first physical models are presupposed in that van. The drones doing their work from the word go.

In Upsilon's mind, he reads the attack, he moves back from it, and it tells him the baseline that his opponent is working with. It gives him ideas of how to approach things. He lost his patience with the Finnish man, and that cost him his win. He vows to not make the same mistakes twice. He throws his body into a near rolling lurch to the right. He drops low, as his opponent seems to appreciate higher kicks. And when he sees the solid core of Jae Hoon's chest lines up with his own position, Upsilon thrusts himself forward.

The light pulses around, flowing and shifting the rush of chi out to Upsilon's hands. He steps in forward, both hands punch out together. It's a shift from trained kick-boxing standards, and a switch to a heavy double-fisted pair of blows to the chest. But its one that brings with it a breath-stealing, body shaking pulse of pure chi force intending to rattle the boy's bones and put him off his guard for the future.

COMBATSYS: Upsilon successfully hits Jae Hoon with Mass Driver.

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////    ]
Jae Hoon         0/-------/-======|==-----\-------\0          Upsilon

[JAE HOON]
A skilled fighter indeed, Upsilon is. Not a surprise that he has made it this far into the rankings of the Neo-League.

Just means Jae Hoon has to amp up his game if he's going to get anywhere today, which is not an issue given his determination. He may be met with a man who cares little for the honour he stands for, but that does not stop him from continuing to uphold those values, regardless of how things turn out.

The kick is blocked. No matter. The Korean teen motions to swerve himself around so that his foot may find purchase on the floor, though it only lingers for a few moments before his opponent is driving in once again. Swiftly taking advantage of the brief open space Jae offers him.

Absolutely, the handsome scion intends to get the hell out of the way, but in no way is the kickboxer allowing such a thing. Powerful fists come doubling into his sternum, impactful blows forcing any suspended air in his lungs to come whooshing out with a "hrk!" Such an assault has Jae stumbling back somewhat ungracefully as his ribs protest angrily in response to their unruly treatment just now.

It hurts incredibly, to be certain. His whole upper torso burns with aching. Probably will be smothered with purple bruises tomorrow!

With a sore chest, the somewhat rattled boy anchors himself back into a defensive stance, breathing somewhat ragged just from the aftermath of having his pectoral region driven into like that. Earth-coloured irises peer intently over raised fists, finding his adversary in his sights again.

And then he's off like a bullet.

Fast-approaching, like a blinding light that could be missed if one just blinked a little too long, Jae Hoon launches himself right into Upsilon's vicinity. Crouching low, palms press flat against the ground to create the base for an momentous shot upwards. Pushing his weight up, he becomes airborne, with his dominant leg flying out above him. Calf igniting with heat, flames burst from the limb, enveloping his heel as it aims for the kickboxer's jugular.

Likely will sear nice and hot across any exposed skin, I'm sure!

COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon successfully hits Upsilon with Hien Zan EX.

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////        ]
Jae Hoon         0/-------/-======|====---\-------\0          Upsilon

[UPSILON]
A hammering blow lands. The light bursts outward. The interior of the van lights up with data of Jae Hoon's reaction to the sudden crush of chi. Mitigation of force and the follow up actions are read and memorized by NESTS systems. The scientists murmur and debate over what their systems say about the situation.

Back in the fight, Upsilon reads what he sees, and that's to put more pressure to the situation. He strides forward with violent intent. He moves to push through the coming assault and to plough over the young man's hopes for an advantage in this fight.

The kickboxer's coat flutters when he shifts his pressure forward. He rolls his shoulder to hunker against the kick. But his base isn't heavy as it could be, as it needs to be, and the strike scorches, connecting hard. Back goes Upsilon, feet leaving the ground, a choking sound of disbelief coming from the Dutchman.

He hits the stage and rolls back to his feet. Shaken, but ultimately unperturbed. He seethes and twitches a crick from his neck. The jolting, throbbing ache at his neck is momentary. The pulsing power of the energy coursing through him pushes him onward.

With a thin-lipped frown broadcasting his displeasure, he readjusts his glasses and retakes his fighting posture. No more games, he thinks, and with a sudden flash of motion, he shifts his position. Dropping to a front leg stance, he swings a heavy rear roundhouse. Not to kick Jae Hoon, but the split the air with the very force of the strike. The blow creates a shockwave of orange colored energy that blasts outward with rippling force to sweep the young firestarter away with the sheer crushing power of his own surging energy.

COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon endures Upsilon's Flare Wave.

[                \\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////////         ]
Jae Hoon         1/---====/=======|=======\-------\0          Upsilon

[JAE HOON]
No more games, indeed.

A serious fighter by nature, Jae Hoon calculates the movements of his opponent thoroughly. He is not backed by any operatives or drones doing the technical work for him, but he certainly is skilled enough to take note of when someone is motioning to do anything resembling a kick.

That is, after all, his specialty.

Figuring that perhaps Upsilon is keen to ensure his failure, the Korean teen determines that a sheer demonstration of will is required. Oftentimes, he can stand like a pillar, unwavering against most things threatening to take him down. With full intention to show the kickboxer he means business, doubled up with the desire to showcase his power, he crouches low.

The lithe practitioner tightens his body in preparation for the incoming assault, knowing full-well this is going to be something rather unpleasant to endure. Like a boulder, Jae steels himself...

And then, the brightly hued chi soars towards him, embedding in.

A shockwave is the best way to describe what this assault feels like. Blood pathways and vessels vibrate and burn under his skin as the forcefulness of the attack barrels into him. In some ways, he reckons it'd feel better if his limbs would just come right off, instead of this intense sensation that they may just blow off the joints instead. Unlike Upsilon's intention to send him away, the scion remains rooted, but it is clear that he is not enjoying being blasted by this crushing energy that threatens to blast him airborne.

A fierce cry bellows from his lips as the adrenaline courses through him, helping him to endure this full-body maddening pain. The veins at his neck pop and cord to represent the effort it takes for him to remain standing until the last moment...

Then, he's off again.

Another ferocious cry signals a kick that aims right for his opponent's temple, likely stunning him upon landing due to the sheer strength backing the attack. Following that a swift motion where Jae Hoon actually rotates backwards so that his back leg swings up, intent on driving into Upsilon's pectoral muscles in order to laugh him into the air once more.

No way this one is going to feel good, should it land!

COMBATSYS: Upsilon blocks Jae Hoon's Hou-yoku Ten-Shou Kyaku ES.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////             ]
Jae Hoon         0/-------/-======|=======\-------\1          Upsilon

[UPSILON]
A brutal kick. One with purpose, intent and the mighty heart of justice behind it. It comes for the head of a bitter, callous competitor. But not simply a void of kindness and compassion, the man called Upsilon is also a product of science as much as training. And no point is that more evident than when Jae Hoon's glorious technique strikes a wall of force.

The initial block cracks hard, Jae Hoon's instep met with a raised, braced forearm. The force of the blow ripples through Upsilon. To compensate, the force of the chi power flowing through his body backblasts outward and cracks the stage, but keeps him mostly in place. It continues to do so when Jae Hoon spins and smacks his second blow into Upsilon's paired hands. This too, sends a rippling wave of energy off Upsilon's back. The force breaking open the man's long white coat.

And with the opening of the coat, the full black compression suit covering Upsilon from neck to limbs is visible. As is the network of body-tight tubes that run from points along his body and pulse with each breath of his lungs. A coursing, surging energy contained and force directed to his extremities in a mixture of inner strength and scientific augmentation.

"Is that what's gotten you this far?" he questions, his glasses still curiously steady despite the forces of the strikes. "You are still a boy chasing dreams. Go back to school."

He pushes back from Jae Hoon and crosses his arms. His chest rises and falls with heavy breaths, his coat open, wavering in the ripples of the energy that demands release from his body. Upsilon's eyes settle on his young opponent and he considers the next movement, the next step in his approach to the situation. With tactical assessment being fed into his earpiece from the watching eyes in the sky.

COMBATSYS: Upsilon focuses on his next action.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////            ]
Jae Hoon         0/-------/-======|=======\-------\1          Upsilon

[JAE HOON]
Certainly, his opponent is one of great skill, as noted previously.

Such things are not missed on an advent follower of professional fighting, who merely finds great joy in being able to test his prowess, strength, and all-around enjoy the company of other passionate folk. Unfortunately, there are times where this adoration is met with balk, and it is something Jae Hoon has gotten rather used to.

To him, fighting does mean something if you win, but only where it matters. In good sportsmanship, friendly competition is a tremendous fuel to inspire greatness and companionship among decent folk. When it counts, victory should be secured against the truest of evils, thus spurring the desire to enact justice.

It is of no great surprise that Upsilon regards him like some withering school boy, even if he himself doesn't feel that way. In spite of the Neo-League being a tallied championship that eventually results in a winner, Jae still believes in the honour he brings to each fight.

"I do not think it is wrong to always be chasing dreams," he murmurs, his tenor soft like the gently blowing breeze as it rustles the loose-fitting uniform against his slender frame.

The comments shared with him roll rather easily off his shoulders, as a result of this approach. Handsome features of the Kim scion set in collected determination that meets the considering expression that decorates the kickboxer's face. Seeing that he is holding himself rooted where he stands, the Korean shifts into a posture that allows for deep breathing.

Undeterred, with brown irises half-lidded, he begins to transcend himself into a state of meditative contemplation. Recovering stamina is needed, he senses, and therefore he allots the appropriate energy into the spaces requiring mid-fight maintenance. Any aching muscles or painful joints subside into the calm as a warm flowing force carries throughout his limbs.

Recollect. Recenter.

COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon enters a meditative state.

[               \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////            ]
Jae Hoon         1/-------/=======|=======\-------\1          Upsilon

[UPSILON]
Earnest words from an earnest young man. One with a great heart and a golden spirit. He can shape worlds and do better by lighting the dark places.

But the words and the spirit and young man is speaking to the cold eyes and flat face of the former Jakob van der Lans, now simply known as Upsilon. An agent for NESTS, and a man who only wishes one thing; to prove the world that he is the superior fighter. That he is the one to win. He has given his body and spirit to empower himself beyond his earlier frailties.

His body tenses, his breath picks up. The air seems to visibly warp about him as the chi coursing over his body starts to flush and pulse. "If all you do is chase your dreams, you have quite literally accomplished nothing. It is the words of a boy who fears his failures."

He pushes his glasses up his nose. "Let's finish this," he says. And words given, he blasts forward toward Jae Hoon. His arm cocks back with his approach and flicks forward with a chin cracking fist. The force of the blow shown by the shuddering thrum of chi empowerment that bleeds off the wake of his form.

COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon blocks Upsilon's Aggressive Strike.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////             ]
Jae Hoon         1/------=/=======|=======\==-----\1          Upsilon

[JAE HOON]
Something Jae Hoon has encountered often in professional fighting is the egos of the other contestants.

Not all of them strut about with prideful boasting, but some do, as if that makes them all that much better of a fighter. It is quite a show, sometimes interesting to watch, other times more annoying to endure.

What can be sensed in Upsilon is something different than egotism.

A drive that can't quite be pinpointed upon initial glances. Deep within, a desire pushes the kickboxer to be the best of the best, and it's not something that really is the Korean teen's business, but it clearly serves the weird disdain the man has for him.

Oh well. We all have our reasons, right?

"I am not afraid of failure," the dark-haired scion informs his opponent, a slight smile gracing his handsome features. "It is an opportunity for growth, not something to run from or be ashamed of." As his father has said countless times in the past, experience is the best teacher. What good does it do to hide away in fear from the things that are meant to encourage the building of character, morality, and other such life lessons? Jae Hoon sees no point in it.

"If you defeat me today, there are only things for me to learn from. Nothing more."

That doesn't mean he won't try to reign victorious, however!

With the chit-chat decidedly ended by Upsilon, the fight continues. Chi radiates off the kickboxing practitioner in waves, thrumming thickly off his person as he advances forth. Power imbued in his strike, Jae doesn't underestimate the force that this fist would slam into him. As such, he maneuvers his stance so that his torso rotates around, thrusting his non-dominant hand forwards so that the attack collides with the side of his forearm. Muscle twinges slightly as his wrist snaps into motion, effectively bouncing the incoming hand off and away from him.

The motion of this block gives the Taekwondo fighter the momentum he needs to spin himself about, allowing him to circle his entire body around so that a crescent kick may fly from his back leg. Lifted upwards, it's destination is Upsilon's jaw, then mid-way shifts into an airborne splits that would slam his heel right into the bigger fellow's sternum. Fire would puff out in brilliantly hued flames, intent on searing into his opponent further!

COMBATSYS: Upsilon blocks Jae Hoon's Hangetsu Zan.

[                  \\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////               ]
Jae Hoon         1/------=/=======|=======\===----\1          Upsilon

[UPSILON]
Jae Hoon's summation of the ego that is Upsilon is correct. Beyond a need to brag, or a need to flash and trash talk, there is a deep seated drive to dominate those who stand against him. Not for want of leadership, not for the desire of good competition, but to see others driven down.

He wants to win, and he wants Jae Hoon to know he has been beaten.

He pushed forward with fundamentals. To test the boy. To buy his time and catch his breath, letting the pulsing the chi flow work around him. The boy rebuffed him. So Upsilon stood his ground. A strong kick, trained despite the youth's, well, youth. Another one aimed for the head. A fiery blow. It was good, but basic.

A thrumming pulse of chi blasts outward when Jae's kick meets Upsilon's blocking arm. A blast of entwined forces lashes out around. The air filled with a spout of flame and a vibrant flashing orange hue. Stopped from feeling the most of things, Upsilon's glasses are askew. He looks through the tilted rims and stares with cold eyes to Jae Hoon. "An attempt."

The kickboxer throws his arm aside, pushing off Jae Hoon's leg and kick stepping back to take a slightly distant position. He tucks his head down. And the power rolls off of Upsilon. Thudding sounds echo with the growing pulse of chi around Upsilon. The force of the sudden uptick in localized energy bends the air around the kickboxer. The ebb and flow of lights streaking over his bodysuit bright on its black fabric, colorful on the white of his coat.

He tenses, and with one pumping fist a thundering shot of force rockets for Jae Hoon. With the other, a second heavy blast. But those just the vanguard for when, in a single swift motion, Upsilon kicks his foot up high above his head.

Down comes his heel, a crushing axe kick that splits the air and the stage underneath the fighter's feet. A column of orange concussive chi crashes forward toward Jae Hoon, splintering the ground and digging a plough's furrow en route to crush whatever remains within its way.

COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon blocks Upsilon's Coronal Dominance.

[                      \\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////                ]
Jae Hoon         1/---====/=======|==-----\-------\0          Upsilon

[JAE HOON]
Upsilon moves quick, a block prepared to halt the assault descending upon him. Not an easy maneuver to achieve, but done nonetheless, the Taekwondo practitioner is mildly impressed by such skill. Another thing for him to appreciate in the world of professional fighting, where one can learn about countless different styles and how they manage to counter against his own.

There is not much of an in-between once the kickboxer deflects his limb away, which Jae takes with subtle grace. It would normally serve to unbalance someone, but he manages to lever himself in a way that the foot lands without interruption on the mat of the stage in one fluid motion.

Perhaps it is a bit premature to say that Jae Hoon is beaten.

In comes another imbued attack, enhanced by thrumming so intense the ground shakes a little underneath them. Undeterred, the Korean teen swerves his lean torso out of the way of the blasts coming straight for him, avoiding the impact of their radiation about as well as he can, given the sheer size of the projectiles.

Eyes remaining trained on his opponent, he is able to anticipate the follow-up axe kick as Upsilon rises to the occasion of it. Jae Hoon raises his arms, folding the forearms in a cross over his head to brace for impact. As the kick comes down, wrists hook onto the ankle, absolutely twinging and aching up along the muscles of his limbs and into the joints of his shoulders just from stopping the attack from crushing his skull. Knees bend to compensate, allowing him to push upwards and force the kickboxing fighter's weight off.

"Thank you for the lessons today!" Where this comes from, or what it actually could mean? It's anyone's guess. Kim's son isn't about to divulge as he races in, reducing the distance between them to nothing further than half his height.

It is in that space that his leg shoots out, intent on a barrage of kicks meant to go for the head, neck, and shoulders. Each would hit harder than the next, lifting his adversary further and further into the air, inch by inch. From his heel, fiery explosions would occur, if only to add to the searing effect of each blow, until both fighters are launched so high airbourne...

And then, the onslaught would end upon the conclusion of a massive exploding force that would ignite bright flames and conduct incredible and probably unbearable heat.

COMBATSYS: Upsilon interrupts Chou Hou'ou Kyaku from Jae Hoon with Remix Wave.

[                           \\\  < >  ////////                      ]
Jae Hoon         0/-------/---====|====---\-------\0          Upsilon

[UPSILON]
Why won't the damn kid stay down?

Raging thoughts of disgust and ego swarm within Upsilon's mind as he expects there to be nothing but a flattened, defeated young man. What he sees instead is the resolute Jae Hoon standing, unstopped, unbowed by Upsilon's assault. Worse yet, for Upsilon, is the confidently polite thanking for the lesson. It eats, poisons Upsilon's pride.

And then when the relentless assault comes, Upsilon finds himself on his back foot. Back and back he's pushed. Defending with his arms, each kick causes a burst of orange chi to fire off from the impact point. The steadily rising sense of fury from his bruised pride pushes and pushes Upsilon to his breaking point.

"Enough!"

His body blazes, burning bright, he opens wide and throws back at Jae Hoon. A swipe of his arm warps the air before him. A twisting chi spirals out, a sharp disc of force that ripple and dissipates the flaming bursts from Jae Hoon and strikes the young man hard.

A retreating shot, it places Upsilon back a distance, holding his place, giving him a spot to breath. A place to think. He tosses his glasses aside, askew and broken as they were. And further, his earpiece. Tattered coat open, exposing the work NESTS has done to improve his chi capability, he waves a beckoning hand to Jae Hoon. "Come at me, boy. If you won't learn your place in this world. I'll teach you a lesson in what it means to take a victory."

[JAE HOON]
This is the face of determination in the form of the youngest Kim's son.

Unwilling to bow, prepared to stay standing until the very end, Jae Hoon is a force of his own. He didn't relentlessly train for nothing, you see. In order to compete with the natural-born abilities his brother boasts, hard work and fierce passion had to be what carried him to where he is today.

When push comes to shove, the moments where he knows he won't succeed count just as much as when he will reign in the victory. Something can always be learned in matches such as these, and it is a strange concept even now to consider not observing them with this sort of attitude. Therefore, Upsilon's mild frustration earns the kickboxer a rather puzzled glisten in his eyes as he gazes across the expanding space.

Even when the rippling effect of the orange-coloured chi thrusts back at him, rendering every bit of his assault practically useless in some respects, his expression only shifts to the realm of steadfast and unwavering ferocity. Most certainly, it hurts. The air twists around him, throwing heavy weight into his torso that steals the breath from his lungs. Every bit of the impact very nearly throws him off balance, but his feet manage to find purchase over the ground as he skids back some distance from his opponent, scraping sensitive skin as he does so.

Sensing that increased irritation all the way where he stands, the Korean teen recaptures the air back into his lungs, shoulders heaving with the effort of such. Very much aware that he is at the end of his run here, he regains his wits, then crouches low and dashes into a blur upon invitation.

Closing the gap once more, and with movements so quick they could easily be missed by the untrained eye, Jae Hoon aims to drive his heel right into Upsilon's midsection, sending him skyward. In that moment, he would further take advantage of the opening so that he could bring himself up above the kickboxer's head to intentionally crash the back of his heel into the top of an unsuspecting cranium.

COMBATSYS: Upsilon blocks Jae Hoon's Ryuusei Raku.

[                            \\  < >  //////                        ]
Jae Hoon         0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0          Upsilon

[UPSILON]
Crash! A heel crashes down against a raised forearm. Chi explodes outward at the clash. Light and force kaleidoscopes as the two energies pulse outward from the clash. Upsilon, standing in the wake of the explosiveness, ragged, furious, but standing all the same.

The brunt of the blow taken, the force of the fight showing on him. His battered frame, the torn open jacket, his palpable rage.

He stamps forward. The goal is simple, break Jae Hoon. He wants the teen to know 'his place'. He craves it. And he will push through the coursing pain to take this victory. The NESTS need, which has long since been met, be damned.

The lines of chi crossing his black bodysuit light with a brilliant orange. He bursts forward, turning on heel, twisting forward. He doesn't have the energy, or the focus, to put everything behind advanced technique and style. His movements are solely focused on winning. Simple and direct, and bringing a hammering concussion of a snap roundhouse to the side of Jae Hoon's face.

COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon dodges Upsilon's Light Kick.

[                            \\  < >  //////                        ]
Jae Hoon         0/-------/---====|=====--\-------\0          Upsilon

[JAE HOON]
A calculated blow is blocked. Not bad!

Mildly, Jae Hoon is impressed by the sheer stubbornness of this man, coupled with his skill. It is clear to him that he is well trained, though the means of such allude him at this time. Not that it is something that matters entirely in this exact moment, just a curious thought passing through.

What is recognized is this impatience, however. Quite obviously, the kickboxer is rather perturbed by the Korean boy's tenacity and refusal to go down without swinging. Serving to keep him on the edge of his seat, the Taekwondo practitioner lives up to the name his father carries. Probably makes for an interesting fight to onlookers, though to Jae, he is absolutely determined to shine with honour.

And shine he shall.

The careless movements of his opponent make the intention easy to predict. With only one goal in mind, the lack of focus radiates from that snapping roundhouse as it aims for his head. Swiveling his lean form, the dark-haired scion passes underneath the attack, feeling the rush of the air brushing against his cheeks.

An opportunity opens, once more, and as he should...

He takes it!

No hesitation lingers in the assault that comes. With Upsilon's leg hovering above, Jae Hoon draws in his knee tight to his body. In a flurry of kicks that follows, the limb appears to have almost disappeared in the rapidity of which they fly out, going square for the mid-rib area of the taller fighter. A barrage, one, two, three, four! They will all slam right in collectively, precision kicks intent on skidding him further and further away.

"Shakka Shuu!"

COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon successfully hits Upsilon with Shakka Shuu EX.

[                            \\  < >  //                            ]
Jae Hoon         0/-------/----===|=======\-------\0          Upsilon

[UPSILON]
There once was a man named Jakob van der Lans. He had been a hopeful in European kickboxing rings. He had hoped to show the world his skill. He had wanted to be like the powerhouses that showed up in grand tournaments, that shaped worlds and had the people in the palm of their hand with their great exploits. He never got the chance to be that great fighter. He never had the power needed to bring himself to that level. Not at the pace that he desired.

Until, that is, NESTs came to him. They enhanced him, built him up, opened the floodgates of chi that pulsed over his body. It burned, but it gave him power. So long as he paced himself.

But he had not done so.

An early block falters. Upsilon lurches. A kicking strike that knocks wind from his body. A second cracks a rib. A blur of motion, but the visual shuddering and twitching of Upsilon's body show more than enough of the impact that Jae Hoon is having on the fight.

Back, stumbling, dropping to a knee. Upsilon coughs up a frothing mixture of blood and saliva. He clutches his side. He pants exhausted. He looks at the young man across from him. Upsilon slams a fist on the ground. The sound of basso, thudding, pulsing chi courses in the air around the man.

Stubborn rage bubbles, burbles, bursts around the kickboxer. The pregnant energy in the air hangs, going still for the moment as the building noise cuts out in a horrific silence.

"Enough!" Upsilon bursts, and around him, the air explodes with violent orange chi. A sudden, tearing blast as power releases in a raging torrent about Upsilon.

COMBATSYS: Upsilon can no longer fight.

[                            \\  <
Jae Hoon         0/-------/----===|

But in the end, all that's left in the blast, is Upsilon's downed, fallen form, barely clinging to consciousness, but bereft of enough strength to pick himself back up off the ground.

COMBATSYS: Upsilon successfully hits Jae Hoon with Flare Jammer.
- Power hit! -

[                                <
Jae Hoon         1/------=/=======|

[JAE HOON]
What a rush!

Each foot collides with their intended destination. One after the other, they slam quickly in, and effectively drive Upsilon from the teen, who remains standing albeit somewhat unstable. The exhaustion is real, creeping in on the edges of his awareness, as he realises he's spent a lot of energy in trying to keep up with his opponent's intense blasts of chi.

Both fighters linger for a moment, trying to catch their breaths. Attempting in all ways to keep going, right until the last possible moment.

However, some part of Jae knows that he won't be walking away with a victory in this fight.

Maybe it's that ferocity burning in the eyes of his kickboxing partner. The way the taller man holds himself, completely ready to bestow all that he has, therefore causing the youngest Kim scion to prepare himself with bated breath.

This is it.

An intense wave of energy flies towards him, intent on barrelling him down. Feet finding their purchase, he attempts to swivel out of the way of the attack, but it is to his misfortune that he underestimates the size of it. Bigger upon proximity, Jae Hoon is unable to avoid the thing entirely, receiving the blow along the frontmost part of his body. The force sends him flying, stealing all the air from his lungs.

Soaring from the ring, the Korean boy topples to the earth, his body rolling over itself until it comes to an abrupt stop in the dirt and grass nearby. Holes tear into his uniform where small rocks have embedded themselves into his skin, and while they don't cause much more harm than slight intrusions to the surface, he most certainly isn't comfortable where he lays. Groaning from the impact of hitting hard ground, he rolls onto his back, effectively rendered breathless and sated. In the distance, he hears the referee call for the winner...

... And despite his losing today, there is no denying the satisfaction of such an honourable fight.

This is what he thinks of as he stares up at the bright blue sky, a half grin tugging at the corner of his lips. No doubt, he has made his father proud today.

COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon takes no action.


COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon can no longer fight.


[UPSILON]
Whirring drones watching the goings capture the ending, the results, and zip away in the aftermath. Back over at a white comms van, the little drones dock amid the clutter atop the van's roof. The people within the van read a litany of data streams and comparative footage. Money exchanges hand for a few of the scientists who decided to take a few bets on the bout between their own agent and the young man. Not all of them bet on 'their guy'.

One who did is the pink haired girl with a mask. She's currently counting out the cash she's taken for trusting in her boss. It's always served her well. And tonight, she'll be able to afford a few rounds with her coworkers on their own dime.

"Someone's got to go get him," one of the scientists remembers, looking at the still flat and prone form of Upsilon.

What follows is a long and steady silence as many look to the pink haired girl to be the one to do so.

As the Agents go about their retrieval operations to reclaim the unconscious Upsilon, all the data they've taken on Jae Hoon's skills are being sent back to base. More information for the NESTs command. More knowledge of skill and chi technique for their archives. More grist for the mill. And all it costs is the ego of one agent.

All in all, a successful day for NESTS.

Log created on 12:18:29 08/09/2021 by Jae Hoon, and last modified on 22:12:52 08/25/2021.