Chapter 24: Speculation X Truth
Long before the match began, Jackie Chan had been analyzing Ryker's potential restrictions based on his past performances.
Especially after Ryker's last match, Jackie began to suspect that his opponent's abilities might involve some kind of vow and condition.
This idea took root after careful observation and days of contemplation, leading Jackie to a bold hypothesis about Ryker's potential limitations.
"This kid has never removed his hood or sunglasses since he started competing at Heaven's Arena. Not once. No one has ever seen his true face, and he's even gone to great lengths to avoid interviews.
That means one of two things: either he's afraid of being recognized, or he doesn't want anyone to see his face."
"If it's the first, then maybe the rumors are true—he's being hunted by enemies. Exposing his face during a televised match could make him vulnerable, especially with the Arena's audience being such a mixed crowd."
"If it's the second, then he might be hiding his face because he's ashamed of it—maybe he's disfigured or has some kind of mark that makes him self-conscious.
If that's the case, his personality could lean toward the extreme, and such psychological weaknesses could serve as a potential opening."
"But there's also a third possibility: his concealment might be tied to a vow and condition. And one detail stands out—if hiding his identity were the only goal, the hood alone would suffice. Why go the extra mile with sunglasses as well?"
"Regardless of the exact reason, his disguise is critical. If I can find a way to expose his face, it could shift the balance of the match entirely—possibly even deal a significant psychological blow."
With this plan in mind, Jackie resolved to break the current stalemate.
The folding chair he had placed behind him at the start of the match was just a few steps away. Retreating slightly, Jackie decided to shift strategies—first, he would amplify his strength, then disrupt Ryker's rhythm with a long-range attack.
Quickly stepping back to the folding chair, Jackie infused his mop with even more Nen, its defensive capability visibly increasing.
Then, with calculated precision, he hurled the mop like a javelin toward Ryker. In the same instant, he grabbed the chair with both hands and charged forward, following close behind the airborne mop.
From Ryker's perspective, Jackie's sudden retreat had caused him to strengthen his defense against the Nen bullets. The ease with which Jackie had deflected the projectiles suggested that his opponent was now operating at his true level.
Ryker observed the mop's trajectory and Jackie's synchronized advance, interpreting it as a deliberate attempt to break his rhythm.
Trusting his observations, Ryker maintained his strategy of keeping a safe distance, adjusting his position accordingly.
Jackie's mop missed its target, landing harmlessly on the ground, and he stopped at the spot where it fell, making no further moves. Meanwhile, Ryker also came to a halt at what he deemed a safe distance.
The two combatants found themselves locked in a temporary stalemate.
"So it didn't work. My best chance to close the gap was at the start, when I had both weapons at full strength. I didn't anticipate that kid having a technique like that to escape.
One step too slow, and I've already lost the initiative."
Jackie reviewed his options.
"Plan B, then. If I maintain my enhanced state with both weapons, he'll have a hard time breaking through my defense.
In a prolonged battle, my odds of victory are higher, especially since he has no idea what my true abilities are."
Jackie smiled inwardly.
"To this day, no one has fully uncovered the principles behind my abilities.
Most think my Nen strength comes from some restriction involving unconventional weapons, like mops and chairs, or that I avoid using lethal weapons as a self-imposed limitation."
"In truth, my power stems from the conditions I developed after awakening my Nen in a furniture Mall—my ultimate ability: the God of Furniture."
Jackie visualized the dramatic title reveal as if it were part of an anime scene, complete with exaggerated JoJo-style visuals.
His ability was straightforward: as long as there was furniture within a certain range, his physical and Nen capabilities—strength, speed, perception—would all be enhanced.
The degree of enhancement depended on the size and quantity of furniture within range. The closer the furniture, the stronger the enhancement, with direct contact providing maximum amplification.
However, this ability came with two critical limitations :-
1. The furniture had to be intact—any damage rendered it useless for enhancement.
2. The ability only worked on ordinary furniture, not weapons disguised as furniture or anything designed for combat.
To maximize this power, Jackie would wrap the furniture in Nen, both to increase its offensive potential and protect it from damage. Unless his opponent's Nen strength exceeded the reinforced furniture's durability, his ability would remain active.
"From what I've seen of that kid's Nen, it doesn't seem strong enough to destroy my weapons outright. As long as I manage my energy properly, I'm practically invincible."
Jackie's confidence faltered slightly as he analyzed Ryker's evasive maneuvers.
"Even with both weapons boosting my speed, I couldn't close the gap. This match might drag on longer than I'd like.
While I have the advantage in a drawn-out battle, there are always uncertainties. I need to bait him into making the first mistake and end this quickly."
His eyes flicked to Ryker's hood and sunglasses.
"The disguise. That's the key. If I can rattle him—make him question his concealment—I'll gain the upper hand. Whether he's hiding his face out of shame or because of a vow, exposing it will unnerve him.
Even if he's mentally strong enough to withstand it, the worst-case scenario is that the match becomes a war of attrition, and I still hold the advantage."
At the same time, Ryker was deep in thought.
"If this drags on, it'll work against me. I need to end this fast, but his Nen is too strong for me to risk an opening. I've been watching his every move, and there's something... off.
Two things don't add up. If I can figure out what's wrong, I might find his weakness."
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