Chapter 64: Didn't we agree not to move?
The crowd dispersed, and Mason confidently stepped into the testing area.
"Brother, this is just a test—you don't need to defeat Snake Eyes," the young man recording glanced at Mason and kindly reminded him.
"In fact, no one in our entire G.I. Joe unit can defeat Snake Eyes in close combat, not even get a draw," another voice chimed in.
"Brother, you probably don't know who Snake Eyes is. If you witnessed his skills, you might question whether such a terrifying fighter could even be human!"
"Are these new recruits so arrogant they think they can defeat Snake Eyes?"
"Who does he think he is?" Amidst some friendly voices, there was also disdain for Mason.
Although the final test hadn't taken place yet, Mason's scores in the first two tests had already been leaked. If he didn't perform too poorly in this one, he should have a very high chance of becoming a first-tier G.I. Joe member.
This was incredibly hard to believe for many.
Everyone invited to join G.I. Joe aspired to become a key combatant in the first tier. But in reality, even after many years, the core members of the team remained extremely limited.
Mason's achievements naturally aroused jealousy among some.
"Trying to beat Snake Eyes? Are you just trying to show off?" Heavy Duty mocked at just the right moment. Hearing a key member speak, the atmosphere shifted slightly, and many who had been observing joined in.
A flash of disgust crossed Mason's eyes. Joining G.I. Joe was his primary goal, but that didn't mean he would blindly tolerate every member.
He sneered, looking Heavy Duty's massive physique up and down.
"I don't know if I can beat him, but at least I should have the confidence to try!" Mason glanced at Snake Eyes.
"But if it were you, I would win one hundred percent!"
"WOW!" A collective gasp rang out from the crowd.
As the team's heavy weapons expert, Heavy Duty's physique matched his nickname. He was over six-foot-six, his entire body covered in dark, thick muscles, looking like a human tank.
While Mason's physique was impressive, it paled in comparison to Heavy Duty's—he looked like a lightweight standing before him.
"This is a first, isn't it? A test subject actually dares to provoke a core member!"
"Kid, do you know what you're saying?"
A fierce glint flashed in Heavy Duty's eyes.
"Snake Eyes, let me do this test. I'm going to beat the hell out of him!" Heavy Duty strode forward, standing before Mason, his face grim.
In fact, there was a reason for choosing Snake Eyes for the combat ability test. He was a weapons master, proficient in various fighting techniques. A simple exchange was enough to determine a test subject's basic strength and physical attributes, even roughly estimating their growth potential.
He would then give different scores based on each person's situation, making this test, though seemingly simple, the fairest.
Furthermore, Snake Eyes was extremely measured in his attacks, often pulling his strikes. Everyone thought that if Heavy Duty were to participate, it would likely turn into a one-sided beatdown.
"Is this kid insane? He actually dares to provoke Heavy Duty to his face!" someone exclaimed.
"Heavy Duty is a heavy weapons expert, but it's said that before joining G.I. Joe, he was a special combat instructor in the Army. Don't let his massive build and appearance fool you—he's proficient in many types of wrestling and grappling techniques!"
"Combined with his powerful physique, he's probably the most terrifying person in the entire base besides Snake Eyes!"
"Hmph!" a cold laugh rang out.
"In fact, I'd rather face Snake Eyes than Heavy Duty. That guy goes overboard—even with body armor, there's a risk of broken bones!"
"I think this kid has really stepped in it!"
"Heavy Duty, what are you doing?"
Scarlett pushed through the crowd and walked in.
Crack crack! Heavy Duty cracked his knuckles as he clenched his fists. "Everyone can testify that this kid provoked me."
"Scarlett, this has nothing to do with you. I'm defending my honor!"
Mason sneered. "Don't try to sound so righteous. I know you don't like me, and perfect—I don't like you either. I just want to beat you up to vent my frustration!"
Mason took a few steps back, feet shoulder-width apart, striking a highly provocative stance. "I'll stand right here. If you can make me take even half a step back, I'll consider you the winner!"
These words caused a stir among the crowd.
"God, is this kid crazy?!"
"He actually thinks he can defeat Heavy Duty while standing still?"
"Hell, even Snake Eyes probably doesn't have that kind of confidence."
Heavy Duty's dark face flushed crimson. He grabbed the training staff from Snake Eyes' hand and hurled it at Mason.
Thud!
Mason casually caught the staff in his hand, and with a forceful snap, the arm-thick wooden staff was easily broken in two.
He tossed the broken pieces aside, then clenched his fist and looked at Heavy Duty. "That's for women! I'll show you the difference between us with my fists!"
"Come at me!"
"You're asking for it!" Heavy Duty's eyes were bloodshot with rage. He roared, his body slightly lowered, and he charged at Mason with his arms outstretched.
Heavy Duty's seemingly brute charge was actually highly tactical. Even two equally matched fighters couldn't completely deflect the force of another's full-force charge.
To stand firm against him was a fantasy.
Moreover, Heavy Duty's attack, which appeared to be a simple charge, was multifaceted and could easily evolve into a throw, tackle, or other technique.
"Thump, thump, thump!"
Heavy Duty's footsteps were thunderous, like a human bulldozer. Even without facing him directly, the people standing behind Mason all retreated, leaving a wide space for the two to fight.
"This kid is done for. He pissed off Heavy Duty. Will he be crushed in one hit?" someone whispered.
"I think we need to call the medics in advance, just in case someone gets killed."
"This guy's physical stats definitely exceed normal human limits." Mason squinted and carefully observed Heavy Duty's movements. According to his estimation, Heavy Duty's strength was definitely above 1.5!
This was already extremely terrifying data!
"Kid, you're finished!"
Heavy Duty's face was savage. No one could withstand his full-force charge unscathed. He could already foresee the scene after impact—his opponent with broken bones, coughing up blood.
"You coward! If it weren't for your weakness, how could the general have been shot?!" Just before impact, Heavy Duty's massive arms, like two steel beams, twisted toward Mason's waist!
Faced with this unavoidable attack, Mason contracted his body, dodging Heavy Duty's grappling arms, and then actually sprang out from under Heavy Duty's armpit!
"He... how did he move?" The onlookers stared wide-eyed, pointing blankly at the airborne Mason.
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