>>9808116Nika had been reduced to a mere lab rat, at the mercy of Gustav's sadistic experiments. Her body had been battered with a metal bat, and every time she made a mistake, she was jolted with painful electrical surges. However, despite the torture, Nika emerged from her ordeal as a much more skilled fighter. Her dodging abilities were top-notch, and she moved with precision and efficiency.
But there was a darker side to her newfound skills. Nika's mind had been scarred by the constant pain and fear, and now she was plagued by a crippling cowardice. She was afraid to strike back, always second-guessing herself, worried that she might trigger another electric shock. Gustavo realized that this was a problem that needed to be dealt with, and quickly.
>>You're one of those types, huh? The kind who gets traumatized by a little shock therapy instead of getting used to it. Nika gasps for air, her breaths coming in ragged bursts that sound like the wheezing of an old steam engine. One can't help but wonder if she's about to crumble under the weight of her own exhaustion.
>>Hey, just so you know, they've scheduled you for another exhibition match. You're gonna square off against Holly Hope-Again.>...What?>N-no! Please, just let me have a rest!>>You don't want a rematch? Oh come on, Nika, don't tell me you're losing your nerve now. We had an agreement, remember? I thought you were all about the bloodlust, but it looks like you're turning into a real cowardly wimp. >I can't do it! My body just won't let me! What do you expect me to do in the ring? Flop and tumble over like a buffoon? I haven't slept in days! 