“How unfortunate. To meet me of all people in the round of 16.” Stated Block.

“Indeed. Let’s get this over with.” Hawk replied.

To most people’s surprise, Hawk only held Icebrande in his hand.

As soon as the countdown ended, Hawk dashed toward Block and slashed at him. Hawk stated, “I hate your fighting style, not only does your Ability reset my Chain Gauge, but Rockhard triggers randomly as well. Maybe it’s as one retard said, ‘if you can’t outplay a coinflip that’s your problem.’”

Blocking his strike, Block replied, “One sword? Are you looking down on me?”

Hawk smirked and continued his aggression towards the Block’s defensive playstyle. Hawk forced opportunities in which he could land a strike; however, a counterattack would surely be traded back to him if he ever took the opportunity, so he never capitalized.

If they simply traded blows one-for-one with each other, Hawk would surely lose regardless of Rockhard. Has he no choice but to reveal that now?

“Terrible match-up is terrible…” commented Zoe as she watched Hawk fruitlessly try to find a safe opening on Block.

After three minutes of no hits landing, Hawk finally landed an attack but an immediate counterattack came from Block. Hawk lost 16% Health while Block lost 10%.

“Why doesn’t Hawk used both swords?” asked Kotel.

“The second sword would increase Hawk’s damage by 6% assuming it hits. Doubling the chance of Rockhard, which does around 5%, would increase the damage Hawk takes from 1% on average to 2%. The mini-stun would also open Hawk up to another possible hit. Assuming this happens half the time, Hawk would be taking an average of 8%. In summary, Hawk would go from 10% damage dealt to 16% but damage taken would go from 15% to 24%. Both increased by 60%; however, using both sword takes more effort.”

After landing another strike for 10% damage, Hawk barely failed to avoid the counterattack, which lost him 15% Health. Hawk struck for a third time, triggering Rockhard and taking two strikes in the process.

Block still had 70% Health while Hawk was already down to a third.

Hawk ran back and stared at Block, clearly annoyed by the match-up.

Neither Player made a move for a few minutes. Hawk waited for his Health to regenerate to half, allowing Block to regenerate to around 85% in the process.

Hawk attacked once more; however, he barely managed to avoid and landed another attack after avoiding it. For the first time in the Duel, Hawk showed his smirk.

Irked by the smirk, Hawk annoyed Block further by stating, “Looks like it’s my victory.”

Hawk immediately dashed after Block and attacked. Once again, Hawk managed block the counterattack, but couldn’t capitalize with another hit; however, he continued to pressure Block who was at 55% Health.

After landing another hit, Rockhard triggered and Hawk took an attack, but managed to evade the second one and landed another attack. Hawk was one hit from losing while Block was three strikes away. Even so, Hawk smiled as if his victory was assured.

Icebrande slashed Block one more time. Simultaneously, Block was cursed by Skadi’s Caress, mini-stunning him. This allowed Hawk to land one more strike. Block attempted to counterattack, but his vision was greeted by Hawk’s other sword, which appeared for the first time in this duel, swinging down at him.

Rockhard triggered, but Hawk had already been declared the winner of the Duel.

Hawk high-fived me after winning the Duel. Canary jumped and hugged him as well.

“Greedy much? You should have it already.” Interjected Zoe.

“Saving strats for the intergalactic.” Replied Hawk in a joking tone.