Chapter 288: Kai vs Atom
The heavy gates creaked open as Kai stepped outside the shelter with Atom following close behind.
The Sentinel’s black armor looked so new, and no one had actually realized that it was Atom at first.
"Trust me... That’s an Evolved Atom!" Kai could only say as the others couldn’t help but look wary.
"Awesome..."
"That looks beautiful."
"I want to have one as well. Wait... Are you going to hunt outside, Sir Kai?" One of the guards asked.
"We’re just going to spar. I don’t think it’s appropriate to use the training grounds." Kai replied.
Hearing that they were about to spar, many residents had gotten curious. Even the escorts of the Merchant Caravan couldn’t help but look interested.
They wanted to see some entertainment before leaving this shelter.
Just like that, from the ramparts above, several survivors leaned over the edge, curious.
Vera, Steven, and Juno were among them, their eyes were also filled with anticipation. Others gathered in the watchtower as they waited for the match to start.
It wasn’t every day they saw Kai spar with Atom, especially now that the Sentinel had ascended to a higher level.
Kai stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders, warming up his body.
His muscles felt really nice under the effect of Great Protection, every movement smooth and more controlled.
"Hu~"
He drew in a deep breath, letting Slayer’s Flow circulate Spirit Energy through his body more efficiently than ever before...
"Alright, Atom," Kai muttered, his voice steady. "Let’s give them a show. Don’t hold back too much."
Atom didn’t respond, but its eyes or optics glowed brighter.
Soon, the blade extended with a metallic hiss, gleaming like obsidian. Its stance shifted, precise and deliberate, as if acknowledging Kai’s words.
Kai smirked faintly. "Good. Let’s begin."
Kai had three Gene Weapons. They were Specter Edge, Strength Gauntlet, and War Lance.
He could immediately start with these Gene Weapons, but for now, he decided to rely on his physique.
Bam!
The spar started with a sudden burst. Kai launched forward, activating Titan Step. His body moved so quickly, phasing briefly as he dashed across the open ground.
Boom!
The impact of his landing sent a ripple through the dirt, a shockwave of force that made the ramparts tremble.
Atom raised its blade instantly, intercepting Kai’s charge and meeting his palm strike!
"Let’s see!"
Steel clashed against Spirit‑reinforced Flesh.
Bam!
The collision echoed like thunder.
Kai gritted his teeth, pushing forward with brute strength, his arm swelling under the residual effect of Beast Arm woven into Titan Step.
Indeed, despite the fusion, the essence of the Beast Arm was still there!
’So this is what it means by combining high compatibility skills...’
Atom held firm. Its body was able to absorb the impact from his strike... Still, the blade scraped against Kai’s hardened skin.
"Not bad," Kai muttered before stepping back. After adjusting his balance, he then raised his hand.
And used up a chunk of his Spirit Points...
[ Skill Activated: Spirit Dominion ]
Chains made of Spirit Energy burst forth, lashing out toward Atom.
They wrapped around its limbs, with its suppressive force. At the same time, a shockwave erupted, disrupting the air and scattering dust.
Boom!
Even the ramparts shook as the energy pulse reverberated outward!
Atom staggered for a moment, but its systems quickly realized the strength of his Gene Skill and swiftly adjusted its power!
Still, the chains tightened, immobilizing its arms. Kai smirked. "Got you."
But Atom finally gathered its momentum!
Its Adaptive Energy Shield was activated, covering its entire body. The chains strained, then shattered against the barrier.
Atom stepped forward with its blade slicing through the air!
Thankfully, his movement skill refreshed its cooldown, so he activated Titan Step again. His body vanished, phasing past the strike, before reappearing behind Atom.
"Haa!"
He swung his fist, reinforced by the titan force behind the movement skill!
Kai wasn’t sure where the best place to hit but in the end, he struck Atom’s back!
Bam!
The blow landed with a resounding crack, forcing Atom forward a step.
The crowd gasped.
But Atom didn’t stop...
Its self‑repair protocols engaged! Soon, its circuits started glowing as the damage was sealed almost instantly.
"What in the world... Is that some kind of nanotechnology? How is the fare?" Kai muttered as he realized how terrifying S-Grade Sentinels were!
Furthermore, he somehow felt the power hidden within Atom!
Kai was sure that Atom was just matching his strength to avoid killing him in the process. After all, he was still the owner, and well, he had made the three laws of robotics, which was quite for his sake alone.
Soon, Atom turned with its blade sweeping in a horizontal arc.
Whoosh~
Kai ducked, rolling across the dirt, then sprang up... His Spirit Dominion had already refreshed and it started surging once more.
Chains erupted again, this time striking from multiple angles. They lashed around Atom’s legs, pulling tight. Kai followed with a burst shockwave, the disruption rattling the Sentinel’s systems. Atom stumbled, forced to one knee.
Kai exhaled, sweat dripping down his brow. "Even you can be pushed down."
Atom seemed to have been offended by those words just now as its eyes turned red for a brief moment...
Apparently, its Overdrive Mode was triggered. The Sentinel’s body pulsed with a strong and hot energy before its movements started accelerating!
Crash!
The chains snapped apart as Atom moved!
Kai’s instincts screamed. Slayer’s Flow sharpened his awareness, warning him of the incoming strike. He activated Titan Step, moving sideways just as the blade carved through the air where he had stood. The ground split, a deep scar etched into the dirt.
"Damn... Are you sure you’re not killing me?!" Kai muttered, but his smile widened! It means that he had forced Atom to show a bit more of its strength!
He deserved at least that much recognition!
Atom pressed forward, and Kai felt that he was already reaching his limit...
In the end, Kai had enough hand, and with a wave of his hand, his Gene Weapon appeared!
It was his War Lance!
