MMORPG: Martial Gamer

Chapter 1883 1883: The Strongest Expert?

As the slow-motion replay played, the skills and effects of the two Pugilists were significantly stripped away, and the scene of their earlier clash was vividly presented before the audience.

In the replay, as Evil Rampage landed a kick on the Holy Apostle, the Apostle crossed his arms in front of his chest, successfully blocking Evil Rampage's rapid series of kicks.

At the moment the series of kicks erupted with damage, the struck Holy Apostle suddenly lunged forward and delivered a punch to Evil Rampage.

Simultaneously, a damage number appeared above both of their heads.

"What the hell is going on?"

Although the audience had just seen what happened, they were still puzzled as to why the Holy Apostle was able to retaliate despite being hit. Logically, he should have been knocked out or sent flying by the kick.

"It's a block counter!"

As the audience remained confused, the commentator excitedly shouted.

That's right! It's a block counter! Also known as a defensive technique, it allows the user to defend against an opponent's attack and retaliate in the moment when the opponent focuses their energy.

Although such skills are extremely rare, it's not surprising for a top-tier professional like the Holy Apostle to possess one.

This skill of the Holy Apostle is called "Holy Counter." When activated, it enters a prayer state that allows him to block 50%-100% of incoming frontal damage and return it entirely to the attacker. The longer the prayer lasts, the greater the counter damage, with a maximum prayer duration of two seconds.

In the earlier situation, the Holy Apostle clearly did not have two seconds to pray, so the block counter only achieved the minimum 50% effectiveness.

At this moment, both Evil Rampage and the Holy Apostle had about 30% health left. However, the difference was that Evil Rampage was a genuine Pugilist, a fragile character, while the Holy Apostle was fundamentally a tanky paladin.

Moreover, with the enhancement from the totem, the Apostle's defensive attributes and health were significantly boosted. Although he took half the damage from Evil Rampage's earlier kick, he fortunately did not die outright.

Evil Rampage, however, was not as fortunate; he had received half the damage from his own series of kicks and was instantly reduced to a ghostly silhouette.

In summary, it was self-inflicted damage.

"Ugh! So shameless!"

After understanding what had transpired, while the audience felt regret for Evil Rampage, they also directed their disdain towards the Holy Apostle, feeling that winning with such a shameless skill was truly disgraceful.

Of course, the audience's thoughts were quite subjective.

The Holy Apostle didn't cheat or use tricks; he simply employed a skill from his own profession to block the opponent's output. Objectively speaking, his victory was still quite legitimate.

Otherwise, what should he have done? Is it correct to take a hit without retaliating?

That's absurd. In the arena, when experts duel, a single move can determine the outcome. Everyone invests so much energy and money into planning their skills and equipment; under such circumstances, they must do their utmost to win the match. Just standing there and taking hits is completely unrealistic.

……

"What a pity!"

Seeing Evil Rampage lose the match, Ming Du grumbled beside him, "That guy's skills are really shameless."

It seemed Ming Du still had a bit of competitive spirit; he only found the opponent's skills shameless, without condemning the actions themselves.

Otherwise, considering the shameful performance of the Crowd of Misfits team, they might as well collectively commit seppuku to atone for their disgrace.

"No!"

Unexpectedly, Evil Rampage responded calmly, "Losing isn't regrettable at all!"

"How can it not be regrettable? If it weren't for that guy using the block counter, you would have won", Ming Du said, clenching his fist.

"Skills are just one part!" Evil Rampage waved his hand. "In that situation, even if he had that skill, it wouldn't matter. The fact that he was able to use it means he already won; this Holy Apostle is really impressive."

"This..." Hearing Evil Rampage say this, Ming Du was momentarily stunned.

Indeed, Evil Rampage's attack just now was fluid and seamless, with no flaws in the connection between skills. Especially that last kick—everyone present, including the top experts from various teams, none of them, except for someone like Wang Yu, had any confidence in successfully executing a block.

Yet, the Holy Apostle managed to defend and counter in that situation, showcasing a reflex, skill level, and mental fortitude that were evidently on par with Evil Rampage.

The comparison between martial artists isn't just about victory or defeat; every move in a match is worth savoring.

Not to mention, that block by the Holy Apostle left Evil Rampage feeling quite convinced about his loss.

One must understand, Evil Rampage had been practicing martial arts since childhood, developing such formidable overall qualities. The Holy Apostle, on the other hand, was merely a gamer; to possess such strong overall qualities indicated his high talent, probably just a notch below someone like Wang Yu, the unparalleled genius.

Evil Rampage respected strong individuals, and given the outcome of this match, he had nothing to say.

Furthermore, his calm attitude towards winning and losing, that kind of insight into the essence of things, added a touch of a masterly demeanor to his otherwise mercenary facade.

Even Yang Nuo couldn't help but say from the side, "I didn't expect you to be so dignified when you're not being a slacker."

"Exactly!" Wang Yu nodded in appreciation and said, "Your ability to think this way shows you've grown."

"Not at all!" Evil Rampage shamelessly replied, "Actually, I've always been this cultured; it's just that you all are blind."

"I..."

Hearing Evil Rampage's words, Wang Yu and Yang Nuo were momentarily speechless... this shameless guy really couldn't handle compliments.

……

While Wang Yu and others were reflecting on the situation, the victorious Holy Apostle was also transported back to his team.

At this moment, the Holy Apostle still felt a lingering fear from Evil Rampage's earlier performance.

His first words upon returning to the team were, "That Pugilist is really strange!"

"Strange?" Rockabye asked, puzzled. "Can I take it to mean he's very strong?"

"Not entirely!" the Holy Apostle explained. "Strength is just one part; the key is that I felt like he saw through me completely. Whether it was his skills or fighting style, it seemed like nothing was hidden from him. This time, I simply took advantage of the unfamiliarity with his professional skill set. If we were to fight again, it would be anyone's guess who would win."

At this point, the Holy Apostle paused and added, "After playing this game for so many years, it's my first time encountering someone so terrifying. He must be the strongest expert on the opposing side, right?"

"This..."

Rockabye frowned and glanced back at Wang Yu on the opposite side, saying, "I'm afraid not..."