Bear Vs Bear -1-

The center's atmosphere had transformed, charged with an electric anticipation that flowed through its corridors like a wildfire. Word of the imminent clash between Yuriy and Vasyl had spread like a shockwave, sending ripples of excitement through every nook and cranny. The center, usually bustling with routine tasks, now pulsed with an energy that was undeniable.

Whispers of the face-off echoed in every conversation, each syllable a building block of the imminent spectacle. The center's inhabitants, from the tech wizards to the vision scouts, clustered in tight groups, their fervent discussions painting an audacious portrait of what was to come. Workstations stood deserted, the allure of the battle too potent to ignore.

Yuriy and Vasyl had inadvertently become the talk of the center, their virtual exploits portraying them as two dualists responsible for testing the new technology taken from the enemy. In a team soon to be formed, consisting of a technologist, a vision scout, a strategic defender, a master tracker, and an unyielding offensive force—often referred to as a dualist—one of them will ultimately prove who deserves the title of dualist.

The tension grew as the clock approached 3:00 PM, the time the two had set for their battle. Speculations ran wild; each corner of the center was abuzz with discussions of tactics, strategies, and potential outcomes. The rivalry was infectious, captivating even those who loved placing bets. It was as if Yuriy and Vasyl had unknowingly woven a web of unity, each thread anchored by their determination to prove their mettle.

During those events, the center's yard transformed into the battlefield for the anticipated battle. It was no longer just a training ground. The center members certainly brought the scene to life.

When the appointed moment arrived, the sun hung lower in the sky. It wasn't early morning anymore, casting a warm hue upon the gathered crowd. This signified that the two should arrive at the arena at that precise moment.

The harmony among the center members was evident in that moment. Everyone within the center shared a strong bond with one another, not merely as friends, but as something deeper than family.

The clamor filled the rear arena; some cheered for Vasyl due to his history at the center, while others shouted loudly for Yuriy, recognizing his exceptional video gaming skills. Even though Yuriy was a recent addition, many had already rallied behind him.

In those critical moments before the face-off, Vasyl strode onto the stage with the weight of the helmet settled atop his head. This helmet, containing a small chip device masterfully crafted by enemy experts, was his conduit to control the bear that would stand against Yuriy.

Vasyl's demeanor was resolute, his eyes fixed on the imminent challenge. Time seemed to stand still as he paused in his place, his sudden pallor perplexing the onlookers. Whispers rippled through the audience—why had he halted so abruptly? The collective uncertainty hung thick in the air, until Vasyl's voice broke the silence with a mix of frustration and sheer disbelief. His brows furrowed foolishly as he declared, "Damn it, I forgot to bring the controllers with me" This shattered the solemn atmosphere, leaving the crowd shaking their heads at his foolishness.

Then, like a storm cutting through the tension, a figure emerged from the wings, his face dripping with determination. He clutched his helmet in his right hand. Every step he took radiated a burning desire to win, his purposeful stride signaling his intent. It was Yuriy, the young man everyone had gathered to see. The crowd around him leaned in, their murmurs filled with awe and admiration. "He's here—the virtuoso ranked fifth in the very game he used to dominate. Fifth? That's absurd! He must be a genius."

As if orchestrated, the veterinarians led two impressive brown bears into the spotlight. After ensuring they were in good health for the bout, the bears were adorned with wrestling gloves. Their presence radiated strength and energy. However, when juxtaposed with Teddy, it was clear that Teddy was unparalleled.

A battle is about to ensue, the first in the country's history using the new device.

The two of them settled near two separate tables, facing each other from a distance. They powered up the Latusha device, and in an instant, they found themselves fully in control of the bears' movements.

Taking their time, they adjusted the motion sensitivity and tested the control buttons. Once everything seemed to be functioning as intended, they began to leap, bound, and move in every direction, striving to synchronize with the bears' motions.

Suddenly, Vladyslav approached, revealing himself as the referee. As the sole expert in video games, he held the authority to declare the winner based on his experience. Vladyslav announced, "The victor is the one who brings down the other bear with a K.O strike." Then, he added a statement that sent a shiver down Vasyl's spine, catching him off guard, "You have only one minute to adapt to the receiver." The "receiver" referred to the bears they were controlling, a revelation that left Vasyl deeply uneasy.

As the minutes dwindled, an intense tension gripped the onlookers, imbuing them with unease and confusion. Murmurs rippled through the crowd, echoing their shared apprehension. "Did he mention one minute to adapt with the receiver? Will that suffice?" hushed conversations interwove with uncertainty.

In the midst of the unfolding drama, Vasyl's disquiet was palpable. His unease deepened as the true magnitude of the challenge became clear. Feeling cornered, he sought more time. "What do you mean by only one minute to adapt to the receiver?" he protested, his voice laden with concern. Yuriy interrupted Vasyl, directing a firm statement at Vladyslav: "Agreed." The words hung in the air like a gauntlet thrown. As Vasyl grasped their significance, a shiver of something akin to fear trickled down his spine. He silently questioned Yuriy's intent: "Is he genuinely serious? It's impossible, even for geniuses, to adapt in just one minute."

After the one-minute preparation time presented by Vladislav to both of them concluded, a loud and firm voice initiated the shout of commencement. That shout was enough to awaken all of Yuriy's senses.

A powerful surge emanated from Yuriy's face as his heightened senses awakened in that moment. The feeling was akin to being semi-conscious, where one is almost aware, but the truth was that he had delved into what was essential in that very moment—the sensation of being the bear under his control. His imaginative sense activated to provide it with extraordinary movements, movements not easily comprehensible. This was the ability that Yuriy honed through his continuous manipulation of video game characters, mastering control over in-game personas. However, would he be able to control the bear in just a minute this time?