Hey Guys! Crescent Rider here and I welcome you all to an Original Episode. But before you all begin, there is something I'd like to tell you all.
This Episode wasn't my idea, rather it was submitted by The Disquieting One. Which proves that I take requests for Original Stories. Just make sure that they're sent via PM. Should I see one in the review section, that request is discarded no matter how good it looks.
Lastly, I want to let you know that I've decided to release Chapters in masses instead of individually. That way, you can enjoy more than just one chapter of an updated story.
That is all I have to say and enjoy the chapter!
Marcus' POV
With everyone out of the house, I cleaned the dishes and utensils on the sink and rinsed my hands after they were done.
As I hung my apron onto a hook, I went to the living room and recalled that almost everyone was out today. The only person still in this house was Jerry after he was fired from his job a few days ago.
What he does in his free time is a matter I won't delve into. So I went up the stairs but stopped in the middle when I heard Jerry's voice, "Hey, um... Marcus. By any chance you want to..."
"Hang out, not in your damn life, Jerry," I rudely responded, "In fact, I prefer to be alone in the house than have you around,"
After I walked back to my room, I shut the door, went to my bed, and lay down with my face against the pillow. There wasn't anything for me to do except wait for the day to pass by slowly.
To put it simply, I'm bored out of my polymorphic skull...
Though I don't show my boredom like most people, I lie down and wait for the sun to set and rise again. Still, I'm bored as hell, and I could go for any kind of activity. Then the answer came from the sound of my laptop receiving a notification and went to it.
As soon as I opened it to check this notification, I noticed that it was an event called the 'Hadur Arms Tournament' that sponsors newly developed weapons from said industry 'Hadur Arms'.
I had heard of them, and their variety of weapons in all fields was top-notch, especially when they were designing and developing their arsenal. With my interest piqued and my boredom at my lowest, I decided to sign up and the requirements for participation were simple.
Mandatory Details of the Participant and a Sponsorship agreement from their assigned Weapons Designer. The latter was quite tricky since I checked the list and most of the top-list sponsors have chosen willing volunteers to participate in the tournament.
Open positions were vastly scarce at this time. I assume that most volunteers sponsor large industries, high-profile designers, and even the weapon designers themselves would go into battle to sponsor the prototype version of their weapons.
But I wasn't going to give up as I went through the closet portal with my laptop...
Interdimensional Room
Upon entry, my Android greeted me as usual and I just went to my computer. After a quick browsing of job offerings revolving around the Hadur Arms Tournament, I found several job requests. And I browsed every last client to their background history and the prototype weapon they're sponsoring in the tournament.
Each client represents a shady background and images showcasing their prototype weapons that look poor or plagiarized. Not to mention that the reward money is earned should he and his sponsor survive the Hadur Arms Tournament and win said prize. So if I lose or die, I'd get squat from them.
For that, I spent hours grunting about every cheap and inexperienced designer while my android rubbed my shoulders and brought some refreshments to soothe me. She even offered to have sex with me, but I didn't want that I didn't want to lose focus on what I was doing.
Then came one individual on the screen, "Drake Antanova,"
I did some research and soon learned that he's the latest member of the Antanova and belongs to an alien race called Ashuruh, six-armed muscle-bound humanoids with blue-grey skin with a matte sheen, and one of the many known intimidating races out there.
But what makes him different than his kind is his birth defect that resulted in being born with only two lumped arms and a thin overall figure. Many would ignore him since he's considered an outcast among his kind, but I'm not like many as I inspected what he manufactured.
Scrolling through the pictures, my interest was piqued upon learning the versatility, reliability, and the way they're made and assembled as seen in one of his demonstration videos. Up next, I checked every detail of his biography and learned that his family once had ties with the Hadur Arms.
This means he might possess some degree of experience in weapons manufacturing from either of his parents. Thus, I took it upon myself to send a message to Drake Antanova, establish a mutual contract, and partake in the Hadur Arms Tournament.
Once all is settled, all I have to do is wait for Drake's reply. However, I would receive it a few moments later, and it also came with coordinates to a certain system. After I've memorized the coordinates, I went out of my interdimensional room and straight through Rick's garage.
With the mad scientist not there, I started making my version of Rick's portal fluid formula and a functioning portal gun. Though it wouldn't be like Rick's, it would be sufficient for a one-way trip.
After an hour, I completed making both, inputted the coordinates, and went back to my room to wear a few things: A black hoodie and long pants with a light but sophisticated plate that stops lasers and small projectiles (Similar to John Wick's Bulletproof Suit), an artificial and transparent cyber mask (Cobra Commander's helmet), and usual watch.
Once all is prepared, I'd open the portal stepped right through...
Aegialeus System
Upon arrival, I turned to my portal gun and snapped it in two. Then I disposed of it in a trashcan and continued onward. After several minutes of walking, I arrived at the diner and spotted the deformed Ashuruh eating away today's lunch.
I'd walk towards him, and he turned to me, "Drake Antanova?"
"Yes, and who might you be?" Drake inquired,
"Marcus," I introduced myself and sat on the opposite side of the table, "And I wished to be hired by you,"
"Oh, well. It's finally nice to meet you, Marcus," Drake said and stretched his hand,
"Likewise," I said as I shook his hand, "But before we discuss our terms, I'd like to see your arsenal in person. That way, I will know how it works, and as well as their performance in action,"
"Of course, Marcus. Whatever suits you, but I promise you. What I've made will meet your standards," Drake promised as he finished the last bites from his lunch,
Once he paid for his meal, we went out of the diner and headed somewhere...
Hours Later...
Drake had driven me to a secluded firing range and brought a medium-sized metallic bag on the table, "This is what you'll be sponsoring for the Tournament. State-of-the-art mobile fabricator unit. Designed to provide situational attachments for your primary weapon from long-range targets to close confrontations. Try it on, if you will,"
I would take the bag off the table and wear it around my back. Once the straps were onto my shoulders, they self-adjusted to better stick onto my back and I could feel the nanotech wrap itself around certain sections of my upper body and waist. (Imagine Bloodsport's attire from Suicide Squad)
"Not bad," I remarked, "Does the alloy of this unit provide any means of protection?"
"Only against small and medium calibers. But I won't recommend it as too much damage will render the fabricator inoperable until you find metallic resources to break it down," Drake explained, "Speaking of which, the fabrication unit can scan for nearby resources and salvage them to restore surface damage or serve as materials for making useful attachments. Try holding your right hand out to the side of your right waist,"
I did just that and what popped out was a disk with a gun-like handle and the top consisted of everything that resembled a pistol (Bloodsport's Rotating Pistol). I examined the gun's weight, frame, and overall features.
"That would be your primary weapon, a semi-automatic rotary pistol loaded with nano-tech rounds. In its primary stage, the rounds are small caliber but interchangeable based on your preference or who you're shooting at," Drake explained, "Whirl your finger around the disc to pick a specific caliber,"
With that said, I whirled my finger around the disc, picked regular caliber rounds, and looked down at the sights. Then I started shooting a few rounds at a target and saw how relatable they are to regular firearms. With another whirl on the disk, I chose armor-piercing rounds and hit the next target.
Much like regular rounds, armor-piercing stays true to its nature as they through the target especially armored targets but not against soft targets since they leave a straight and narrow hole.
The next rounds were hollow points, and they do exactly what they're made to do. Make small holes through soft targets, and big holes on the way out. They're ineffective against armored targets, but worth using for certain kills.
"How are the ammunitions replenished?" I asked,
Drake had brought a bag and dumped what appeared to be scrap metal on the table, "The fabricator unit is fitted with a sophisticated module that collects and breaks down almost all kinds of metal and converts them into materials you could use to replenish your ammunition or, as I've said before, make collapsible attachments to your gun,"
With that, I picked up the largest piece of scrap metal and small metal arms popped out of the fabricator's chest piece. They would dismantle the scrap metal like termites on wood and then those arms would emerge back to the chest piece.
It had lights flickering for a moment, then stopped before I turned to Drake, "What was that about?"
"Those lights flicker when processing the materials. Once it stopped, they are now at your disposal. But remember, not all metals are compatible and the fabricator will tell you after they scan them," Drake explained,
I nodded and listened to every detail regarding the fabricator and its weapons. From how their ammunitions are replenished, how the attachments are made and applied, and all the pros and cons of the fabricator is a more summarized form.
I was thoroughly impressed. Despite being an outcast to his species, he makes up for it with his knowledge of weapons design and manufacturing. Thus, I was ready to discuss the terms of our contract.
"Here are the forms you need to fill," Drake said as he presented the papers, "As for sponsoring my merchandise in the Tournament, how's seventy percent of the prize sound?"
"You're too modest, Drake Antanova. However performed this weapon, I won't mind thirty percent," I offered with the pen fiddling around my fingers,
"And you're too generous. Let's make it sixty since you're partaking in the tournament on my behalf," Drake counter-offered, "Given my... Physical Condition. I wouldn't stand a chance against all opposition in the tournament,"
"Tempting, but let's tone that down to fifty. For having the opportunity of being first to your arsenal," I stated,
Drake considers this, grabs the other pen, and writes his signature. Once that was done, I signed the paper as well and shook for the last time as we agreed, "I will not fail you, Drake Antanova,"
Drake just nodded and it was off to the Hadur Arms Tournament...
A Few Hours Later...
Drake and I made our way to the starport where the transport ship was boarding competitors and I was one of the last few to board it.
After a quick exchange of farewells, the bay doors were closed and everyone inside this large ship was my enemy. They all vary in species and some of these people happen to be mercenaries, bounty hunters, and even champions of their home worlds.
The larger ones would look down upon the small and weak, and it's no surprise that they were showing off their gear to them. A waste of time even if they're made by high-grade designers and manufacturers.
But out of all of these competitors, I'd find myself in an encounter with a familiar face, leaning against the ship's wall with a brimmed hat covering his eyes, a brown leather vest under a long coat, an ammo belt around his waist, long pants with blaster pistol holsters, and leather boots (If you want to know what he looks like, try imagining Cad Bane with the art style of Rick and Morty)
I'd approached that alien, and crossed my arms before him, "Never thought I'd run in with you here, Six..."
This alien would raise his head to look at me, and I could tell that he recognized me beneath my helmet, "Well, I never would have imagined that you would be here too. Perhaps this Tournament will be interesting,"
"Are you here on a job? Or here to sponsor?" I questioned,
"The latter, but more on myself than what I'm holding," Six revealed, "These guns aren't my style, but those who made them are paying me to use them,"
"Good to know," I remarked,
"What about you though? Surely, you aren't here because the Tournament is of interest to you?" Six inquired,
"The tournament is one thing, my sponsor is another," I revealed, "This armor I'm wearing was designed and manufactured by his hands, and he only has two even though he's Ashuruh,"
"So you're here under the impression that his prototype will benefit you and all future businesses. I guess that sounds like you in a way," Six said, "Always the one handling projects for UV-Sol-5's affairs,"
As this conversation ended, the ship we boarded rocked as it dislodged itself from the docking area and departed from the planet's starport. As we waited for whatever planet we'd be dropped at, screens began to open, and before us was a genuine Ashuruh coordinator of the Hadur Arms.
"Welcome one and all, to the Semi-Annual Hadur Arms Tournament," the Ashuruh coordinator announced with the first pair of arms behind his back, the second pair clasped their fingers together. The last pair were crossed onto each other, "From our estimated number of passengers on this ship, we have sixty competitors. That makes a total of a hundred and eighty competitors combined. All of you represent a weapons manufacturing company, sponsor their newly designed arsenal, and emerge victorious. There are rules to the tournament, but none would deter you from gaining the advantage such as potential team up, disarmament, and even death of fellow competitors,"
Six and I glanced at each other and silently agreed to our plan.
"Your destination will be Ceunope, A Desert Planet. Expect endless sand, ruined villages, and desert predators in the area" the Ashuruh coordinator announced, "Good luck, and may the best prevail,"
Just as the screen is turned off, the ship goes into hyperspace...
Ceunope
As the ship arrived at our destination, there was some drag upon entry which caused the ride to be a bit bumpy. When it stopped, there was a red blinker, a couple of signs stating that no one is allowed to kill anyone inside the ship or during the drop, and a bunch of parachutes available by the doors as their in the process of being opened.
Almost everyone prepared themselves for the fight ahead, while Six and I talked about a certain matter, "You need a parachute?"
"I've brought my own," Six revealed as he showed his gear, "You?"
"I would I need one?" I questioned and Six scoffed knowing full well that I didn't need a parachute,
Once the ship was hovering at an optimal altitude, the doors began to open and people started jumping out of the ship's doors. Six and I would wait at the back since we find letting the others die early easier than joining them. After a few competitors left, we jumped without our parachutes.
We also checked our flanks as we descended from the sky fast, there were indeed several other ships with competitors diving and thought of the same thing. As we get close to the ground, Six uses his rocket boots to decrease his descent while I unfurl my wings.
Once we reached the ground, we immediately went for the nearest cover while keeping our distance as shots and explosions were made nearby. I'd pull out my primary weapon and make it into a submachine with a collapsible attachment.
For Six, he drew his guns and gave a nod. That's when I started running out of the open, sprayed armor-piercing at any potential cove and a few competitors began shooting at me. This gives Six an opening as he stands, draws his sponsored weapons, and shoots those people dead with pinpoint accuracy.
He even shot vital points on a few weapons, causing a malfunction in their equipment and rendering them useless or in some cases, potential hazards as they blew up along with their wielder. Those who were still alive with broken weapons were disposed of with our combined efforts.
With the area clear and gunshots in the distance, Six spun his weapons before holstering them while I holstered them into my right hip.
"What now?" Six inquired,
"We start moving when that field starts closing," I declared and gazed upon the sky,
Six would follow suit and spot what appears to be three ships hovering by the planet's atmosphere and a bunch of mini-satellites in a wide but circular position. Those satellites would then form a chain of light and what comes down is a formation of barriers.
Moments later, we heard an announcement from mobile loudspeakers: "Twenty Minutes Before Zone Reduction"
Since our position was albeit close to the barrier, we decided to move forward since we wouldn't want to be disintegrated. Ashuruh tech is no joke, especially when they own and hold a majority of shares and merchandise across the weapons market via their company.
It wouldn't surprise me if they've made and sold something that scales to a moon-busting weapon. But more on that topic later, what matters now is that Six and I keep moving before the barrier reduces us into dust.
Later...
After an attempted ambush, Six reloads his weapons while I scanned the weapons of the fallen and reduced them into fine materials for ammunition and collapsible attachments. I even provided Six with a surplus of ammunition to ensure he didn't run out.
"That's a fine set of weapons, you hold. Who was it again that made it?" Six questioned,
"Drake Antanova," I reminded as I detached an attachment that made my weapon into a rifle, "A Deformed Ashuruh with a family history of the Hadur Arms,"
"Son of Jorath Antanova?" Six presumed,
"How did you know his father?" I asked,
"He's an acquaintance of mine. He designed highly efficient blasters I purchase, and I often work for him when dealing with potential threats to the competition," Six explained, "Naturally, I went along with it as long as he paid me in credits and not weaponry,"
"Did something go wrong with him and the company?" I inquired,
"Sources say that Jorath was released from the company, though they didn't explicitly say why," Six clarified, then drew his revolvers fast to kill a sneaky competitor wearing stealth tech and a sponsored rifle,
I just stared as that alien fell, then returned to the discussion, "And what of Jorath's status?"
"Alive, but disgraced," Six revealed, "Or so I've heard,"
This roused my suspicions, but I wouldn't let that distract me as I pulled a fast one on another competitor to my right. Attempting to be sneaky at an alley wearing holographic camouflage.
"There's a lot of stealth tech in this competition," I remarked,
"Makes you think if this competition is all about sponsoring weapons," Six added,
Then came another announcement: "Ten Minutes Before Zone Reduction"
"They're picking up the pace," I noted, "I'll collect what I can carry and we move after,"
Six just tipped his hat down and waited while I collected whatever salvageable material I could find. But as I was about to pick up a rifle, I noticed a glint of light from the bracer to the corner of my eye.
In that split second, I rolled forward just as a bullet struck through the ground and immediately hid behind a wall while Six vaulted through a closed window. I immediately fixed my posture, pulled my pistol, and started applying a few attachments that turned it into a battle rifle with a four-times tactical scope.
Since there wasn't a second shot to be made, I examined certain parts of my body and noticed that the bullet indeed hit me, but it went through the calf muscle. Fortunately, I closed the wound quickly and numbed myself from the pain.
I then turned to the shattered window where Six was hiding and conveyed a silent message, "Sniper, Shot me through the leg"
"Can you move?" Six questioned,
"I can" I replied,
"Want me to find him?" Six asked,
"No... Look for a vantage point. Take him down," I ordered,
Six just nodded and went through a different route where he wouldn't be within sniper's range. As for me, I would divert the sniper's attention while Six goes into position. I'd take a deep breath, then rush out of the open. Since the battle rifle is set to semi-automatic, I took chances on a few possible positions.
But the sniper was still hidden from the average lot as they took another shot and went straight through my shoulder next. I'd vault over the small wall and started recovering again. However, my shoulder caught the whole bullet as I wanted to and pulled out.
If it were a laser blast, it would have singed my shoulder. But this bullet was made with a special alloy similar to two of Earth's most poisonous metals: Mercury and Lead...
'Quite sadistic of them,' I remarked, threw the bullet away, and focused on extracting whatever poison that entered my calf muscle. I had assumed that this competitor was either sponsoring his weapons or they were here for the sheer thrill of killing people.
Any other reason can only learned by confronting the shooter, but that's something I wouldn't want since I consider these types of people to be bothersome. It's better to get rid of these types now than never.
Meanwhile... (3rd POV)
Six had found a suitable concealed vantage point covering a lot of ground and buildings. He didn't need any special gear to see things in the distance since his eyesight alone could easily spot a small fly fifty yards away and shoot its wings without killing it.
Additionally, Six possesses superior reflexes when it comes to drawing his guns. This is why Marcus dubbed him in the UV-Sol-5's Top Gunslinger and is currently one of the most notorious bounty hunters in several galaxies.
He'd normally stick to his usual blasters on the job. But in this case, he would try out the weapon he's sponsoring. These revolvers were interchangeable as he disassembled and reassembled parts into a modified six-chamber laser rifle.
However, he wouldn't include the scope since he always preferred his eyes over something that gleams in the open. He'd scan the surroundings for anything that stood out, and that's when he spotted the littlest detail which blew the sniper's position.
A large billboard with a small hole and a small suppressor sticking out of it. Six then looks down at the rifle's iron sights, and his finger is positioned on the trigger. He doesn't rush as he focuses on the target ahead of him, then he squeezes.
*BANG!*
"AAAAAAAAARGH!"
As Six lowered his rifle, he saw an alien fall from behind the billboard and clutch onto its stomach area while writhing in immense pain. Six disassembled his rifle back into dual revolvers and returned to the Marcus. All while hearing the following announcement: "Five Minutes Before Zone Reduction"
Back to Marcus (Marcus' POV)
As soon as I heard a scream, I left after extracting all the poison from my body and rendevous with Six. During that time, the barrier was shrinking but I wasn't concerned it wasn't fast. The real issue is how far the barrier keeps shrinking before the next appointed time.
But as I kept going, I spotted something parked near the ruined buildings. An idle hoverbike bearing an insignia of the Domnors (The design is similar to the BARC Speeder)
Before I commandeer this bike, I'd inspect it for the explosive ordinance, but someone had already beaten me to it, "Bike's clean..."
I turned and saw Six not too far from the bike with a toothpick in between his lips, "But you drive for me,"
"Agreed," I agreed, mounted the bike, and started it's ignition,
Six then sat behind me with revolvers drawn since there would be a gunfight as soon as we went closer to the center of this barrier and his brimmed hat on my head since he didn't want to lose it. Once the pedals were pressed, we left the area at high speeds and Six constantly whipped his head at our flanks.
Then shots were fired as competitors were popping out with their respective weapons. Six shoots them down while I provided a frontal shield thanks to the Drake's arsenal. What's more, Six often reloads his revolvers by grabbing ammunition that is stockpiled from my back and not from his belt.
Convenient and versatile, even for Six's sponsored revolvers. But we would notice that all these competitors were close and aiming at us rather than themselves. Eventually, I turned the hoverbike to drift and jumped off as we stopped by the center of four abandoned buildings, and a few competitors were prepared from the roofs and windows.
"You take half?" I asked as I pulled out my primary weapon,
"And the rest goes to you," Six finished,
What followed was a barrage of guns and laser fire from all sides while Six and I disposed of these threats. We'd spun around with our backs pressed against each other and Six used my body as a shield whenever he reloads.
Given how I'm a polymorph, this kind of damage will heal and I'm completely numb to the pain as I picked off half of every competitor present. When reinforcements came from the east, Six decided to take cover from the hoverbike while I took on the brunt of those barrages from the east.
I fell to the ground with a few holes in my head while Six had the bike go forward slowly as mobile cover. He often picked off a few reinforcements and finished the rest with a grenade from his coat. Though he wouldn't prime it, he threw it at them and shot it mid-air.
This ordinance was corrosive as it burned through competitors' skin, bone, muscle, and weapons. But their deaths weren't swift as the corrosive substance still burned through them and their last moments were writhing and screaming in agonizing pain.
As for Six's opinion, these types of ordinances weren't up to his standards as he prefers a more clean and efficient set of tools for the job and overkill isn't his style.
But after the area was cleared, he walked up to my mangled body and looked unbothered especially when he asked, "Are you done being dead, Marcus?"
I just sighed as I stared at the open sky, and then I raised my head at him, "Why ask a mangled corpse such a question?"
"Because... Polymorphs aren't so easy to die," Six remarked, and I rolled my eyes before healing all of my injuries and closing all the holes in my body.
Eventually, I regained some control of my body since my brain was burned or blown to pieces by the storm of bullets and laser fire. After a few seconds of recovery, I stood up though wobbly since I hadn't completely healed everything.
I even had trouble walking around normally, but I'll get over it after a few minutes have come to pass. Six only grumbled to himself especially when he took his hat back from my head. However, it was riddled with a few holes and the brim was damaged from laser fire.
Instead of wearing it back, he cast it aside and turned to me with a finger pressed against my chest, "You owe me a hat,"
"And I'll pay you after this is done," I clarified,
"Cower before me, simpletons!" Six and I turned to the source of the voice and saw what appeared to be a small alien species of Zernel (Imagine Invader Zim's Irken Species but their average size is similar to Peridot's from Steven Universe) wielding an obnoxiously large cannon that he managed to carry, "For this weapon I wield shall send you all to oblivion!"
With a pull of a trigger, this Zernel was manically laughing at the supposed demise of our lives. But instead of feeling threatened, I stopped Six as he raised his revolver at it and walked towards the Zernel.
Once I was close, I kicked the top part of the cannon upright as it fired a large stream of lasers into the sky. SIx and I only watched as the beam reached one of the planet's moons and caused a small but visible explosion.
I stared at the moon for a few moments, then looked down on the Zernel just as he started pounding the large but drained cannon with its hand several times. When he was futile, he released his cannon, turned to me, and shut its eyes just as it accepted his fate with open arms, "Alright then... Finish me,"
"Are you serious?" I questioned with a raised eyebrow,
"I am... For I, the Great Klyzar, have been bested in combat. Therefore, you will honor me with my death by your hand," Klyzar explained, "Now do it! Unless you wish to sully me with your sympathy,"
Instead of questioning his behavior, I turned to the faulty cannon and then back at him, "Didn't you participate in this tournament to sponsor weapons?"
"Of course, I know that, you low-born simpleton!" Klyzar yelled with open eyes, though I wasn't offended by his insult, "But I am not so low as to accept inferior weapons from inferior beings... This cannon is part of my unbound brilliance and ingenuity! Something you wouldn't understand,"
"Yet the flaws remained," I rebuked,
"Hmph! Had you stayed where you were, I would've disintegrated you easily!" Klyzar said, which earned an eye roll from me,
"Are you going to kill him now?" Six questioned, "There's still a few more rats left to take care of,"
I thought about it as I stared down at this Zernal. After some consideration, I grabbed Klyzar by the collar, lifted him from the ground, and looked straight in the eye, "I've decided not to kill you. But that doesn't mean I won't hurt you,"
"What?" Klyzar asked, then I knocked him with a sucker punch to the face,
While he was unconscious, I approached him and used my watch to store him in a safe place until the tournament was over. As insufferable as he looked, his inventions had some potential, especially when a redundant laser cannon could cause a small crate on one of the moons while on the planet's surface.
What comes next is Six and I pressed onward with this tournament until all other competitors were eliminated just as an announcement came from loudspeakers: "Sixty Competitors Remain... Only Ten Shall Prevail"
A Few Minutes Later...
Just as the barrier kept shrinking, so did the number of competitors. But these guys were veterans, and their weapons were high-grade in proficiency and lethality especially when Six and I hid against a wall to avoid gunfire that broke through concrete like paper.
"Any ideas?" Six questioned,
"One," I responded and started assembling my weapon from a pistol to a large grenade launcher. As for ammo, I'd switched it to flash rounds, set a number for detonation, and angled my aim around. Once aligned, I fired and a round bounced from one wall to the center of the path.
*BANG!*
At that moment, Six pops out of the wall and aims toward the shooter's location. Naturally, veterans are harder to kill as the shot hits no one, and Six grumbles. As for me, I switched back to high explosive rounds and gestured for Six to follow.
It was time for me to get serious as I changed my sight to see via x-ray and spotted someone waiting by a distant building, far from where we were standing. I'd aimed at the open window on the second floor. One round was fired, and the explosion came next.
*BOOM!*
When that competitor started running, I shot another round at the adjacent window and surely it was enough to kill them for good. I would reload my weapon after the first two shots. We'd keep moving as others will too.
And we'd be lying if we weren't enjoying ourselves since we're purging the board of notorious bounty hunters and mercenaries. Even a few of these people are above the average competition, and our combined efforts took longer than expected.
But after the barrier started shrinking again, Six and I resorted to using the barrier to our advantage by having a few put into unfavorable locations and disintegrated in the process. Quite a troublesome task, but an effective strategy.
I even used my grenade launcher to fire several rounds of deflectable projectiles and Six would them to ricochet his shots to key areas.
Eventually, the number had dwindled to ten competitors and the barrier immediately stopped dead in its tracks. What followed was an announcement through the loudspeaker: "All Ten Remaining Competitors! Please gather at the center of the barrier!"
"About time..." Six remarked and walked his way there
I would follow suit after I've holstered my weapons. What comes next is all of us gathering at the center of the zone and meeting the remaining eight competitors.
There was a Xenisian, Narduavrian, Korlunxe, Two Glindoozians, Zaranian (Uxorite but without the tail, a single pair of eyes, and an all-female race), A Droid (Commando Droid), and a familiar Gromflomite...
"Michael?" I called out,
"Marcus?" Krombopolous Michael called back before recognizing me with glee, "Marcus! Oh, it's good to know you are well these days!"
"Likewise, Micheal," I said back, "How's your wife?"
"Oh, she's fine! I'll tell her that you're faring well too. She is quite fond of you," Krombopolous Michael remarked,
"Like a friend, not a romantic partner since I don't have a thing for Gromflomites. No offense," I clarified,
"None was taken," Krombopolous Michael dismissed, and remains happy with my presence,
But moments later, ten Ashuruh droids were teleported to our location and the Ashuruh Coordinator appeared as a hologram, "Congratulations, all ten of you have prevailed in this annual tournament. Now would you please present your weapons to the droids? We will rank them accordingly, and advertise them across several galaxies,"
Everyone did what they were told and presented their sponsored weapons to the ten droids present. After a long and thoughtful process from Ashuruh's side, the top of the droid head opened a compartment and what appeared to be the top ten weapons of this year's tournament.
Some were well with pride and others acted indifferent or unimpressed.
"Wow, who knew my weapon would reach the top five," Krombopolous Michael remarked as his sponsored battle rifle was number five of the ten weapons.
Six's weapons were ranked sixth in the limit, but he couldn't care less as long as he went back to his usual gear. As for my sponsored weapon, it reached second place while the first place was a multi-purpose rifle of the Zaranian.
I didn't mind the second place, as long as I was paid for my contributions...
"A ship will come and pick you up, and thank you for participating in today's Tournament," the Ashuruh Coordinator thanked, and the hologram closed just as the barrier did,
Aegialeus System
It took a couple of hours and a few stops to arrive at the planet where Drake resides. Eventually the bay doors open after the ship docks over at the starport.
"Guess this is where we part ways, Take care, Marcus," Krombopolous Micheal said,
"Likewise, Micheal," I then turned to Six, "You too,"
"Don't matter me none, just share my options with your client," Six insisted,
With that, I stepped out of the ship and received a message from Drake Antanova just as the ship's bay doors were closed and I opened it to see his message.
Marcus,
Meet me at this address. It's time I pay you for your contributions
I just memorized the address and commuted my way there since I didn't want to use my polymorphic powers...
A Few Minutes Later
"Keep the change," I said to the driver and walked inside a rundown workshop of some sort,
As soon as I stepped inside, Drake Antanova was in the middle of working through a few improvements to the next weapon. I'd walked by him, had the nano-tech arsenal back into its original state, and placed it next to him.
"Ah, you're here. I thank you for sponsoring my equipment in this year's tournament. With it placed second in the ranks, I'm sure you put it into great use,"
"An acquaintance of mine even remarked on how convenient the weapon was," I revealed, "Told me to give his honest opinion when I meet with you for payment,"
I then looked around his workplace, and I deemed him unfit for the proper workshop. I may as well break this whole place down with a single kick like toppling a house of cards.
"How long have you been working here?" I asked,
"A few years, when I first started making weapons," Drake revealed, "One of my first prototypes nearly broke one of the support pillars of this place, but I managed to fix it before the damage became severe,"
"You ought to consider renovating this place from the ground up. From where I'm standing, it's an old but large death trap," I summarized,
"I know, but I kept this place from falling apart after the first few months. It even survived a storm when passed through here" Drake said, finished the first phase of his current invention, and picked up his tablet, "But enough about this place, you came here to get paid. And I intend to keep my word,"
With just a few buttons, Drake inputted a few details of his financial accounts and handed the tablet to me so that I could fill out mine. I would take it and type mine on the tablet.
Once the transaction had been completed, I returned the tablet to him and we shook hands after, "It's been a pleasure working with you, Marcus,"
"Of course, but given my appreciation of your arsenal. I've decided to gift you with this," I said and brought out the Zernal with my watch again. Though Klyzar had already regained consciousness,
"Huh?! W-Where am I?!" Klyzar exclaimed,
"You're in one of the planets in the Aegialeus System, the tournament is over," I explained,
"You?! How dare you sully me with such dishonor!" Klyzar yelled,
"Who is this?" Drake inquired,
"This is Klyzar, he's a Zernal who once made a laser cannon that caused one of the smallest craters on a planet's moon while on the planet's surface. I was hoping you'd take him under your tutorship, and have him become better than he is today," I explained,
"Wait, what?" Drake and Klyzar questioned simultaneously, then the former asked the following, "You want me to teach a Zernal with weapons manufacturing?"
"Of course, if you'll allow it," I replied,
"Oh no! I will not become a student of some lower being! You may as well kill me with honor than sully my dignity further!" Klyzar clarified,
"I would, but then no one would know the great and honorable Klyzar, Who could've studied under an Ashuruh to create weapons of mass destruction. The Zernal who reigns supreme above all races, the Zernal who could've been remembered as the best among the rest, and so forth," I elaborated in a dramatic but enticing tone, which effectively bruised Klyzer's overzealous mind and ego "But since you prefer death over tutelage. I won't mind putting you down, and letting pass up this opportunity,"
"Wait!" Klyzar demanded with a raised hand, took a deep breath, then cleared his throat, "Though I gain my honor through my own merits, I find your words quite appealing for my brilliance. Therefore, I will accept Ashuruh as my tutor and will study under him! Become a better manufacturer than he would be,"
Drake just raised an eyebrow at Klyzar before raising his head towards my general direction. But he would turn back to the small Zernal as he fixated his dignified posture before him and stretched his small hand to him, "I am honored to become your noble student, Sir Ashuruh,"
"Uh... Sure, I guess," Drake agreed while shaking the Zernal's hand in a perplexed manner,
"Now that we've settled that, I shall now start by modeling this putrid dump to fine workshop. I will require all the necessary materials needed for its reconstruction," Klyzar declared,
"You can start by salvaging the nearest scrap yard," I suggested, "It's just a few miles from here and no one wouldn't notice a thing if it goes missing,"
"Very well. Until proper materials have been delivered to this place, I will make do with what's salvageable," Klyzar declared,
"I'll be off then," I said and turned away from the turn
"Wait," Drake requested, and I stopped to glance at the Ashuruh, "I don't understand why you would do all this so suddenly. What is your goal with me?"
"My goal is to see your potential shine like the stars. The same goes for Klyzar," I answered, "When that day comes, I will return to you. Until then, good luck with your new apprentice,"
I'd walked away, and a portal opened before me. I would step into it and the portal closes behind me. Leaving Drake Antanova with Klyzar under his tutelage and recognition from his second-placed arsenal in the Hadur Tournament.
But a modest person like him wasn't just going to give me money for my hard work.
Earth
After I returned to my room, I switched back to my usual clothes and stretched my arms about.
I then sat down on my bed and breathed after everything that's happened. But then I received a message from my laptop and went to take a quick look at it. That's where I learned that Drake Antanova would start offering exclusive deals and first-hand access to potential prototypes.
I just sighed as I closed my laptop and took a nap for the rest of the day...
(Bonus Scene)
The next stop for the remaining top ten competitors was the planet where Krombopolous Micheal lives. As soon as departed from the ship, he was met by his wife who approached him, hugged him, and gave a small peck of cheek.
"Hi, Sweetie," Krombopolous Micheal greeted, "How are the kids?"
"Oh, they're doing fine. In fact, a few of them are already grown and out there killing again," Krombopolous Amy revealed,
"Ha ha! They grow up so fast," Krombopolous Micheal praised, "Oh, and I ran into Marcus during the tournament,"
"Really? How is he?" Krombopolous Amy inquired,
"He's doing fine, though he's still working a few things out from what I saw in him," Krombopolous Micheal stated,
"I'm sure he'll pull through. He's Marcus, after all," Krombopolous Amy said,
"Life can be harsh and cruel, it takes more than time to mend all his wounds," Krombopolous Micheal said, and his wife just leaned on his shoulder as they went home.
Meanwhile...
Aboard a Zeno Imperial Flagship, three individuals made their way to the bridge. The two Glindoozians and the Zaranian. When those doors are open, the one in command of the ship is present.
She was an adult Glindoozian with long brown hair, wearing the Zeno Imperial Navy Uniform, bearing the emblem that brands her as one of the Royal Imperial Family, and a sword hanging around her right waist.
This woman is Diolra Vex Andrel, Empress of the Zeno Empire, Military Prodigy, and Mother of Ragnarous Vex Andrel.
The three would bow before her presence after she turned to them, "I take it that you've succeeded in the tournament?"
"We have, Empress Diolra," The Zaranian responded before straightening her posture, "And the weapons developed by our loyal subjects will be sponsored under the Hadur Arms' behalf.
"However, we did learn a few things after the tournament came to a close," A Glindoozian Mercenary said, "Apparently, a few recognizable individuals were present in the tournament such as Krombopolous Micheal, Notorious Bounty Hunter 'Stul Toom' also known by his mantle as 'Six', and a Terran Male by the name Marcus as Krombopolous Micheal said,"
"Marcus was present in the tournament?" Diolra questioned,
"You know of him, Diolra?" The Zaranian inquired
"He is a close friend of my son and his fiance, considered as a son by husband, and a great ally of the Empire," Diolra summarized, then she expressed a solemn look at the thought of him, "Even I think the same as my beloved husband,"
"I didn't know the Imperial Family would be so close to a Terran mercenary," The Zaranian remarked, "I mean no offense, Your Imperial Highness,"
"It's alright, I understand. You aren't the first to make such a comment," Diolra assured, "Regardless, I still see him as such. So take note of this information, Tetna,"
"Of course, Diolra," Tetna responded,
"You, Kiava, and Nessa are dismissed," Diolra stated, and the three mercenaries left together,
They were Diolra's elite bodyguards and assassins, and they would follow every command under Diolra and the Imperial Family's name. Though the same could not be said for Marcus Smith
I must apologize for the long wait, you guys. There was a lot of stuff I've been working on. For that, I've decided that this story will be excluded in the Mass Update Release since each chapter is quite long to work on.
Also, I would like to thank The Disquieting One again for the idea of today's Original Episode but know this won't be the only chapter I'll be making in the near future.
Now that that's done, it's time I start replying to reviews of the last episode.
lukeanimelover: Though I can't promise it'll be good as I go by. But I'll try to keep things interesting as I go by.
Raidentensho: Never heard of Terra Formars, but Marcus can mimic their form. As for the roommate you've made, I'm assuming that it revolves around the Android in his Interdimensional Room. It's not a Polymorph, but I do have plans for it in the near future
Thunder Dragon: I'm afraid I don't do challenges. Therefore, you may as well find someone else to do that.
Timesliger: Here are the answers to your questions
1. Marcus doesn't possess any implants. It's more like he possesses the powers of a Polymorph but the mind of a human.
2. They do indeed, but keep it to themselves since boasting about it is like painting a big target on themselves. Both Friends and Enemies of Marcus will stop at nothing to get them. And they're worse than any of Rick's Friends and Enemies (Aside from Rick Prime)
3. You have no idea how possible and accurate that idea is...
4. I would say that they are two sides of the same coin. But Marcus is far superior to Rick in terms of combat experience and firepower.
5. I'll think about it... But know that it won't be in Seasons 1 - 3
6. Few are aware, but their view of the Marcus Group is neutral since there are never any interactions between them.
MawOfTheVoid: Much appreciated
Gamelover41592: Indeed, and it's only the first season!
And lastly, before I end this, I want to let you all know that in AO3, 'Rick and Morty: Marc'ed and Ready: Lemon Collection (I changed the name)'. I've decided that I'll be accepting requests of possible lemon in the Rick and Morty (Both Canon and My Fanfic) as long as the rules set in the Introduction are followed.
Do not post any lemon requests here! If I find one, it will be rejected without question!
That is all and I'll see you all in the next chapter!
The Crescent Rider has signed off...