Reboot: Mechanic

The patrons' attention was immediately drawn toward the source of the voice. The disruption caused by Vanessa's power seemed to freeze for a moment as everyone's gaze turned toward the entrance of the restaurant.

Standing at the entrance, unaffected by the chaos that had unfolded within, was a figure covered with a mask. The voice had a calm yet mocking tone, almost as if the scene before them was nothing more than an amusing spectacle.

Vanessa, still radiating with the aftereffects of her unleashed power, turned her attention toward the newcomer. 

Despite the surprise of this unexpected interruption, her expression remained composed. She had a way of masking her true emotions behind a veneer of confidence, especially when the situation was tense and serious.

Shi Tian, by her side, had also shifted his stance, his mechanical right hand subtly activating, ready for the potential threat. His eyes were fixed on the masked figure, evaluating the situation. 

'The Tomahawk in his hand… so he's the one that's been throwing those Tomahawks at us.' Shi Tian thought to himself, becoming wary of the masked figure. 

He might have managed to successfully deflect all the Tomahawks that were thrown at them, but it had caused quite a strain on him. 

Yet the masked figure in front of him seemed to have just begun his attack. It was as if those Tomahawks he threw were merely warning shots or testing the water, determining his opponent's strength.

Meanwhile, Vanessa's lips curled into a faint smile, her voice steady as she responded, "Child's play, you say? I'm merely getting warmed up."

The masked figure stepped forward, revealing more of his features. He had an air of confidence that matched Vanessa's, his presence imposing.

"Ah, confidence is an admirable trait," he remarked, his voice smooth and dripping with a mix of amusement and disdain. "But let's see if your confidence holds when faced with a true challenge."

And with that said, he swung his Tomahawk, and almost as if he was slicing tofu, the earthy vines that Vanessa created were cut cleanly. 

Vanessa didn't flinch at all when she saw her earthy vines doing next to nothing toward him. 

While the masked figure made a few more swings, opening a clear path for him, he chuckled softly. "Oh dear, it looks like I have almost cut everything that you had created. Are we going to the main show now?" 

"Hadn't the main show already begun the moment you revealed yourself, Kralos Tal?" Vanessa sneered coldly, identifying him on the spot.

"Hahaha, not bad. Though I didn't wear a mask as a disguise, to begin with, so it's not hard to recognize me." Kralos Tal laughed merrily, taking off his mask and the cloak that covered him. 

Standing at an imposing height, he had a lean and muscular build that spoke of both agility and strength. His attire was a seamless blend of dark clothing that seemed to meld seamlessly with the shadows around him, emphasizing his affinity with darkness.

His hair, jet black and slightly tousled, framed a face that was chiseled and sharp. His eyes were a piercing shade of crimson. Those eyes held an intensity that seemed to bore into the very core of whoever met his gaze, carrying an air of calculated determination.

Adorned in a mix of practical armor and rugged attire, Kralos's most distinctive feature was the pair of Tomahawks hanging from his belt.

Although not shown on the surface, Vanessa was clearly nervous at the appearance of Kralos Tal.

'Lovely, my enemies are actually that generous to hire a hunter like Kralos Tal. Am I really worth that much?' She found it hilarious how she failed to estimate her worth. 

If it was someone else that she had to face, then there might still be a chance. 

However, it was clear that Kralos Tal was truly a formidable figure, to the point that she didn't even know whether or not she could fight him. 

Seeing Vanessa not making any moves, Kralos Tal smirked, "Hmm, since you're not taking action yet, then why don't I begin?"

As he spoke, Kralos Tal went into his pocket and took out what appeared to be a series of dark, ethereal tendrils. 

These tendrils are specialized stems with a threadlike shape used by climbing plants for support and attachment. But in this particular case, it was tendrils from the cellular invasion by parasitic plants, Cuscuta.

Vanessa narrowed her eyes at the appearance of such tendrils. If it was ordinary Cuscuta parasitic plants, then there was nothing to be afraid of.

However, with the environment and mutation, these tendrils could very likely be lethal. 

"Here's a small gift from me. Hope you accept it." Kralos Tal smiled coldly. 

And with a flick of his hand, he sent the tendrils shooting toward Vanessa and Shi Tian, their movements swift and unpredictable.

Vanessa's expression remained focused, her concentration unwavering. She raised her hands, and the Magicule responded, forming a barrier of earthy vines that intercepted the dark tendrils. 

The two opposing forces clashed, creating a brief spectacle of light and shadow.

Shi Tian, on the other hand, activated his boosters' suit, propelling himself into the air to avoid the oncoming tendrils. His mechanical right arm generated a powerful force, and with a swift movement, he aimed to counterattack, launching a blast of energy toward Kralos Tal.

Kralos Tal held a cold smile on his face when he witnessed Shi Tian's futile action. He twisted his body, evading the blast of energy with graceful agility. 

And with a light step on the ground, he closed the distance between himself and Shi Tian, swinging his Tomahawk with precision.

Alarmed by the sudden appearance, Shi Tian's mechanical right arm moved to block the Tomahawk strike. 

The clash of metal against metal resonated in the air. 

And using the force behind the Tomahawk's swing, Shi Tian utilized it as an opportunity to retreat away as he held his ground, his expression determined.

"Go to your right side, Nathan!" Vanessa's voice resounded. 

Without hesitating, Shi Tian used his Fleet Footwork to head toward the right side, creating an opening for her.

"The small gift is appreciated, but it's best that you keep it to yourself." Vanessa snorted, deflecting the tendrils that Kralos Tal had thrown at them.