The two men, standing in separate batting cages, ready themselves for their duel. They were in an area that allowed them to see the other but not would be able to interfere with the other. The objective was simple: Hit the incoming baseballs at an increased rate until all were gone. The game would be over if someone missed a single ball. “I’ll need you to polish that weapon before you hand it over.” Ryotta jokes. Xerxes laughs but largely ignores the man, opting to show him just how much he was underestimating him.
Suddenly, the first round of balls fires out, each man hitting the balls with precise accuracy. Their hits were in synch, only the booming echo of metal and cowhide being heard. The machine increases its speed, as Xerxes matches Ryotta strike for strike. Sweat beads down their faces as they continue to hit, Ryotta outwardly impressed that someone is able to match him. As the last ball rockets out, both strike simultaneously, hitting the ball easily. “Wow, I must say I’m impressed. You kept up with me. How about we do this then. I know the owner of the cages and he’s installed a hidden setting to the machines. It shoots out the balls even faster than the original settings. We’ll do one shot each. You up for it?”
WC: 223
TWC: 1,119 / 1,000