Relic of the Future: Chapter 146

Shaking, he rose from the bed, picked up the laptop and set it on the nearest table. He licked his lips and straightened his jacket in the mirror, wincing as another door – one closer than ever – was broken down. Smoothing his hair back and forcing a smug grin onto his face, he set one hand on the hotel table and faced the door, determined to face his defeat head on, well dressed and in complete control.

There was a pause outside, a moment of silence, and then the door came crashing inward, striking the carpet with a loud bang.

"It's too late!" Watts cried, casting his arms up dramatically. "For all your efforts, Ashari, you've achieved nothi-"

Pain blossomed across his face and the hotel room twisted. Or he did. Watts' mind went blank for a moment, the only sensation that of burning agony on his left cheek, before his eyes refocused and he realised he was laid on his side on the bed, knees curled into his chest.

How ignominious…

"I've got the computer!" Ashari was speaking into his scroll, shouting.

[...]

A strong hand fisted in Arthur's hair and dragged him to his feet. His eyes watered at such uncouth treatment and he tried to form the words, only to splutter out some blood and a loose tooth.

[...]

Jaune nodded his head at Watts. "I don't even think he's trained. He has aura, but he didn't have the reflexes to get it up in time. He's a scientist at best. A computer hacker with delusions of grandeur."

—Relic of the Future: Chapter 146