Listening to Diamondhead's taunting words, both Kraab and SixSix fell into heavy silence. The mechanical crab hovered menacingly in mid-air while the armored Sotoraggian advanced from the ground. Without needing to communicate, they moved into position with perfect tactical coordination.
Asher Tennyson.
Not one of them could defeat him alone.
"You two are seriously lacking in manners!" Diamondhead's voice rang out with mocking laughter. "Before fighting me, you each boasted about your skills and called yourselves elite mercenaries. But now you need to team up just to deal with me?"
Both bounty hunters remained stubbornly silent. The truth stung too much to refute. They could only glare at the crystalline warrior with mounting anger, their pride wounded by the undeniable reality.
Once again, an uncomfortable quiet descended over the confrontation.
Diamondhead and his two enemies created a tense standoff in the shadowy underground mines, like wolves encountering a tiger in the jungle—natural predators facing an apex hunter. Fear and hunger warred within them, creating a dangerous equilibrium where neither side dared make the first careless move.
However, this stalemate didn't last long.
"Diamond Gatling!"
Diamondhead knew his transformation time was limited. The Omnitrix wouldn't maintain this form forever, and he needed to capitalize on every available second. He made his move decisively, his right arm restructuring into a honeycomb-patterned rotating Gatling formation aimed directly at SixSix!
CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!
Countless diamond shuriken erupted from the spinning crystal barrels, creating a deadly barrage that filled the air. The projectiles flew in a concentrated stream toward SixSix's position, each one gleaming with lethal intent!
SixSix's data sensors immediately flashed with cascading red warnings across his helmet's internal display. Every trajectory calculation showed the same result.
Danger! Critical threat detected!
All projectiles aimed directly at vital systems!
The Sotoraggian mercenary reacted with desperate speed, hurling several grenades toward the incoming diamond storm!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Explosions erupted in mid-air, creating an expanding fireball that consumed countless diamond shuriken. The crystalline projectiles that weren't vaporized by the blast fell to the ground, embedding themselves deeply into the concrete floor!
But Diamondhead wasn't finished. The moment SixSix dealt with the aerial assault, he immediately dropped his diamond Gatling configuration!
Kraab had broken into his line of sight, charging forward with terrifying momentum. The cybernetic crab swung his massive pincer with bone-crushing force, the weapon whistling through the air!
"Diamond Wall!"
Diamondhead bent low into a defensive crouch, his palms slamming against the ground. The impact left two clearly visible handprints in the concrete. In the next instant, a massive diamond wall rose from the earth directly in front of him—a crystalline barrier standing over two meters tall!
The transparent wall gleamed like the most beautiful rare gemstone in existence, refracting light into rainbow patterns!
"He's reached this level of mastery already," Tetrax murmured from his observation position, unable to hide his shock. "Creating diamond constructs from nothing but raw molecular manipulation. This is incredible."
According to Petrosapien combat records and Tetrax's own extensive experience, only first-tier warriors who had fought for many years could demonstrate such terrifying control over their crystallokinetic abilities.
And this child had achieved it in mere weeks.
Remarkable.
CLANG!
Kraab's massive pincer struck the diamond wall with tremendous force, but the crystalline barrier held firm. The impact sent shockwaves through the structure, but not a single crack appeared. Instead, the tremendous recoil threw Kraab backward, his mechanical legs scrabbling against the floor!
Behind the protective wall, Diamondhead crouched for just a moment before launching himself upward. He used the diamond barrier as a stepping stone, propelling himself through the air with explosive force as he rocketed toward SixSix's airborne position!
His true target had always been the flying mercenary!
The smoke from the grenade explosions had just begun dispersing when SixSix's sensors detected the massive crystalline figure rushing toward him through the clearing haze!
The oppressive presence hit SixSix like a physical force. Those glowing green eyes locked onto him with predatory focus, making him feel like prey facing down a hunting beast!
Terror!
SixSix's combat programming kicked in. His right hand clenched his samurai blade tighter while his left retrieved several more grenades. He hurled them directly at the approaching Diamondhead!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Explosion after explosion filled the air between them!
But Diamondhead burst through the smoke completely unscathed, his crystalline body unmarked by the blasts! His eyes remained fixed and unshakable, burning with determination!
He was getting closer and closer to SixSix. His crystalline hand reached out, palm extended, fingers spread wide—almost close enough to grab the mercenary's ankle!
WHOOSH!
The rocket thrusters mounted on SixSix's armor suddenly erupted with bright blue flames! His body shot upward several meters in an instant, narrowly evading Diamondhead's grasping hand!
"Damn it! Missed you!" Diamondhead snarled in frustration.
His ascending body stopped abruptly in mid-air before gravity reasserted itself. He began falling rapidly, dropping back toward the ground like a crystalline meteor!
SixSix looked down at Diamondhead in shock, his sensors barely processing what he'd just witnessed.
He didn't dare face this warrior alone under any circumstances!
"Your opponent is me!" Kraab's electronically synthesized voice roared with rage as he rushed forward. The cybernetic bounty hunter raised his enormous pincer high overhead, bringing the weapon smashing down toward Diamondhead's body!
"In my eyes, you're nothing but a turtle in a jar," Diamondhead responded, his voice carrying an icy edge. His eyes narrowed dangerously. His crystalline body remained motionless as he stood like an unmoving statue, making no attempt to dodge or defend!
Not moving?
Kraab's optical sensors flickered with confusion. Had this kid finally exhausted his stamina? Was his energy depleted?
That would explain everything! The incredible power display must have been achieved through complete physical overdraft! His body couldn't maintain that level of performance!
"It looks like it's my turn to step in," Tetrax muttered quietly from his concealed observation point. He slowly rose from his seated position, preparing to intervene. "He's still just a human child beneath that transformation. Despite his impressive combat abilities, he lacks the endurance of a seasoned warrior. I can't let him get seriously injured here."
As long as Diamondhead was sent flying by this attack, Tetrax would immediately move to rescue him and end this fight!
But then something unexpected happened.
WHOOSH!
Just as Kraab's massive pincer was about to make contact with Diamondhead's chest, the crystalline warrior's body tilted slightly to the right! The enormous claw swept over his shoulder with barely a centimeter to spare, missing its target entirely and slamming into the concrete ground!
CRASH!
The floor buckled and cracked from the tremendous impact. A massive crater opened up where Kraab's pincer had struck!
"You... you dodged?" Kraab's synthetic voice carried disbelief.
"No matter what form I take, I still have a solid foundation in martial arts," Diamondhead replied coolly. "And even though this crystalline body can't perform techniques like Bajiquan, I can see through your clumsy attacks at a single glance!"
Before Kraab could process this, Diamondhead moved with devastating speed. His right leg rose high into the air, restructured crystals making it as sharp and deadly as a battle axe. The crystalline limb came crashing down mercilessly on Kraab's mechanical jaw!
CRACK!
The kick connected with bone-shattering force. Kraab's head snapped upward violently, sparks erupting from damaged circuits. His audio systems screamed, "AHHH! My optical sensors are malfunctioning! I can't see properly!"
"What?!" Tetrax watched this scene unfold with stunned disbelief, falling backward from his observation position in pure shock!
That massive cybernetic bounty hunter had been defeated in a split second? With a single strike?
What exactly was this "martial arts" concept the young warrior kept referencing?
Diamondhead pressed his advantage. His crystalline fists became a blur of motion, opening from both left and right. "Bang! Bang! Bang!" The rapid strikes hammered every accessible part of Kraab's mechanical body with precise brutality!
The cybernetic crab's form became like a small boat caught in a raging storm, rocking and swaying wildly under the relentless assault. Visible cracks spread across his armored chassis, structural damage accumulating rapidly. It looked as though he might be shattered completely!
"This is bad!" SixSix recognized the critical situation immediately.
If he didn't intervene right now, Kraab would be beaten to complete destruction!
The Sotoraggian mercenary dropped from the air rapidly, pulling out his samurai blade. He descended with maximum force, bringing the weapon down in a powerful overhead slash aimed at Diamondhead's exposed back!
"You're so annoying!" Diamondhead's voice carried genuine irritation.
Without even turning around, he retracted both fists from his assault on Kraab. His arms crossed defensively, restructuring themselves into a thick diamond shield configuration. The crystalline barrier intercepted SixSix's blade with perfect timing!
CLANG!
The samurai blade struck the diamond shield with tremendous force, creating sparks and a ringing metallic sound that echoed through the facility!
But Diamondhead's body didn't move even a millimeter. The strike had no effect on his defensive stance whatsoever!
"Damn it! Damn this brat!" Kraab's voice crackled with static and rage.
The color in his optical sensors faded intermittently, flickering between normal vision and complete blackness. His mechanical body staggered around as if intoxicated, movements erratic and uncoordinated. Every synthesized word dripped with pain and fury!
He had nearly been killed just now! The damage to his systems was extensive!
Even if death came for him today, he would drag this insufferable child straight to hell along with him!
WHOOSH!
Kraab's mechanical tentacles whipped through the air, lashing out with desperate ferocity as he swept them toward Diamondhead with all his remaining strength!
In that critical moment, two elite bounty hunters attacked simultaneously!
Diamondhead's left arm remained configured as a defensive shield, blocking SixSix's samurai blade. His right arm transformed into a massive crystalline battleaxe, the weapon meeting Kraab's mechanical tentacles head-on!
CLANG!
The axe and the tentacles collided with explosive force, creating a moment of perfect equilibrium. Neither weapon could overpower the other. They remained locked together, trembling from the strain as both combatants poured everything into this clash!
On Diamondhead's left and right sides stood two vicious and experienced bounty hunters, both attacking simultaneously with lethal intent!
Yet the crystalline warrior maintained an incredibly oppressive posture, standing firm as he fought against both enemies at once!
Whether facing the samurai blade or the mechanical tentacles, neither weapon could make him retreat even half a step!
His defensive shield held strong against SixSix's assault while his battleaxe matched Kraab's desperate attack perfectly!
"If only the Omnitrix's transformation time could last forever," Tetrax thought wistfully from his hidden vantage point. "That would be perfect."
The Petrosapien bounty hunter had harbored doubts before this encounter. Questions about whether this young human truly deserved to wield the most powerful device in the galaxy.
But now? After witnessing this display of skill, determination, and raw combat prowess?
He was completely convinced. Asher Tennyson was indeed the perfect candidate to wear the Omnitrix!
"It's almost time for me to make my move," Tetrax murmured, climbing back onto his hoverboard. He spread his arms wide, his expression turning deadly serious as he prepared for combat. "You've shown me genuine hope in the fight against villains like Vilgax. I won't allow you to die here today!"
The experienced warrior positioned himself strategically, ready to intervene the moment the situation turned critical.
But even as he prepared, Tetrax couldn't help feeling a surge of respect for the young hero still holding his ground against impossible odds.
Asher Tennyson had truly earned his place as the Omnitrix's wielder.