S17 - Power Armor Durability

He reached his hand out. Vines wrapped around his body and tightened, solidified into a unified and sturdy whole. His Power Suit. This would be what he needed to ascend. He took a few steps back, and knelt into a runner’s stance. Initially, he believed approaching to be foolish, that they would overwhelm him with their sheer numbers. And perhaps they still would. His plan was by no means a perfect one.

But he needed to ascend. And this was the only way.

He broke into a run. Sniper rounds slammed into his visor and nearly broke his stance. But he carried on. He raised the Lawmaster on his arm and fired heat-seeking missiles to destroy the rockets barreling towards him. He could not afford any evasive maneuvers. He needed to charge head-first for this to work.

Stone shattered beneath his feet as he ran faster and faster. His armor seared into his skin. He grit his teeth. He was under attack from within and without. Round after round slammed into his face and his body, as he strained his legs to maintain a steady sprint. And then.

FLOOM.

A rocket that he missed crashed into him. Flame engulfed him and his vision turned white. A powerful force pushed against him, and for a moment it seemed like time had frozen. And for a brief moment, he doubted if victory was even possible.

He heard the sound of his own breath. And he asked himself one last time: What separates man from beast?

Time resumed. Able, his armor aflame and sparking and shining, lowered himself to the ground.

Man accomplishes the impossible.

- Season 17 Round 4, /u/Ragnarust