Chapter 28: Hulk Is a Walking Cheat
Hey guys, I'm really sorry I haven't updated recently. I have been having issues with funding my college education, so it made me depressed, but I would continue to update, with every bit of will I have. Thank you all for your support, guys.
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(Zayne's POV)
The dust hadn't even fully settled yet when I heard it—a guttural, rage-filled howl.
RAAARRRGHHHH!!!!
Pieces of debris scattered as Hulk burst out from the pile of shattered tanks and busted armored transports. His eyes glowed with raw fury, his massive chest heaving. Cracks formed beneath his feet as he stomped forward, lifting a full-sized military tank like it was a toy.
"You gotta be kidding me, even after that kick. He should have at least stayed down for some minutes," I muttered, shifting my stance.
Hulk hurled the tank at me with frightening speed.
KRAKOOOM!!!
I leaped forward, flipping into the air as I stepped on the tank in mid-flight. My momentum carried me into a full backflip.
"Let's see how you like this," I muttered.
My boot connected with the side of Hulk's skull with a resounding THWACK!
Hulk staggered back with a howl, his body absorbing the impact. But I knew better than to celebrate.
"RAHHHH!!!"
He retaliated instantly, slamming a wild haymaker in my direction. I blocked with both arms, but the shockwave sent me sliding back. I gritted my teeth.
"Alright then," I whispered, cracking my knuckles.
We rushed each other.
BOOM!
A punch.
BOOM!
A counter.
Another. And another.
We traded blow for blow, each strike resonating like a cannon blast. My fists moved faster than light to most human eyes, but Hulk kept up, his fists nearly as fast, and packing ridiculous power.
Ten punches. Twenty. Thirty.
"Is this what a real fight feels like?" I muttered through clenched teeth.
But my inner thoughts were different. It was blood-pumping. I yearned for battles like this. It was like my body and mind were hungry for it. Our fists kept on colliding at supersonic speed.
I almost couldn't believe it. If the Hulk of this universe were this strong at the initial stage, how strong would he eventually become? I shook off my thought and concentrated on the battle.
I redirected a punch back at Hulk, causing him to hit his face.
BOOM!!!
A shockwave was sent, cutting through the atmosphere. I then sent a flying kick aiming at his Jaw.
Hulk unexpectedly blocked it and snarled in anger.
RAWRRR!!!
He punched back, aiming at my chest. I instinctively blocked the incoming attack with my hands crossed above my chest.
FORTY. (A/N: This is the number of attacks exchanged)
I skidded back a few meters. The surprise on my face was evident, but couldn't be seen because of my Ranger helmet.
"Damn, he's getting stronger. I have to end this fast." This echoed in my thoughts.
I rolled my shoulders, making a stance for a strong punch
"You're pretty tough, Big Guy. But I'm not done!"
FIFTY.
The ground beneath us should've been pulverized, but it remained pristine—thanks to my Innocence skill. Every shockwave, every crater we would've created was nullified instantly, reversed to keep the city safe.
From afar, the SPD troops and Ross' men could only watch.
"Is he seriously... matching that beast?" one SPD officer gasped.
"What kind of material is that suit made of. Rangers aren't supposed to be this strong?!" a soldier whispered.
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Ross stood frozen in his observation vehicle, fists trembling.
"This power... It should be for the military. Ours. Not... not some unknown ranger!"
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Inside the Dino Lab, Tommy and the others watched with wide eyes.
"He's going toe to toe with him..." Ethan muttered.
"That's insane," Kira said.
"He's holding his own... but Hulk's not slowing down," Tommy noted.
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And he was right.
Mid-punch, I felt it.
A surge. A spike in gamma.
"Oh no," I muttered.
Hulk's eyes glowed brighter, his muscles expanded slightly, and the sheer pressure of his presence multiplied.
"RAHHHHH!!!!"
His punch slammed into my gut.
CRAAAACKK!
Pain exploded through my midsection as I flew backward, flipping through the air before crashing into a nearby office building. My Innocence skill immediately activated, restoring the structure as I rolled out from the rubble.
"Guhh..."
I coughed.
"Damn, he got stronger," I muttered, wincing as I stood up.
I took a deep breath and narrowed my eyes.
"Two can play at that game."
I raised my hand.
"Grid... deploy Quantum Defender. Max output."
[Affirmative, Master. Weapon manifesting.]
My signature weapon materialized in my grip with a bright flash. The Quantum Defender hummed with radiant energy, its blade pulsating with crimson light.
"Let's go."
I dashed forward, activating the blade mode first.
SWISH!
I slashed across Hulk's chest. He stumbled, growling.
He charged.
I switched to laser mode, firing a volley of beams that impacted his chest and shoulders.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
He roared and swiped at me. I ducked and rolled.
We clashed again.
SLASH!
BAM!
CRACK!
Move after move.
I spun and delivered an upward slash, then flipped and fired mid-air.
He grabbed a nearby transport, swung it at me, but I slid under and blasted the wheels, detonating them.
"Come on, Hulk! You're strong, but I'm stronger!"
I pressed forward, driving him back.
One strike to the knee.
A slash to the shoulder.
A punch to the jaw.
We were nearing fifteen exchanges in under a minute.
The SPD squad watched in awe.
"He's pushing it back again. How strong is this dude!"
"This guy's not your regular ranger!"
Even Ross was speechless.
"What in God's name is he made of...?"
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In the shadows of his fortress, Mesogog stared at the projection of the battle, eyes narrowed.
"He's... stronger than I anticipated. This Omni-Ranger..."
Zeltrax stepped beside him.
"Shall we initiate a strike, Master?"
"No," Mesogog snarled. "We need more preparations. And patience. But rest assured... when the time comes. He would be crushed completely."
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I was currently dominating the battle and charging up my Omni-Force, ready to end the battle. I couldn't drag this battle on for long. This is world-breaker Hulk, I'm talking about. The dude's growth potential is crazy strong. I'd rather not be on the receiving end.
As if the universe was mocking me, I felt it again.
Another spike.
"Oh come on!! Isn't this too much of a cheat!?"
Hulk had grown stronger again.
His power now felt like a whole tier above.
And I still had to stop him.
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How was the chapter, guys? Was the fight scene to your satisfaction? I'm open to reviews, comments, and ideas. Love you all. I'll try to update another chapter too.