He barely felt the impact of Ryan's final blows against the impact that was thrown against him.  His body had already been on fire from the previous damage, though it'd be sore later.  What bothered Niko later was, of course, that he'd let this man hurt him so.  As he got upright and they were taking Ryan away, he shook his head.

[i][color=92278f]Should I have been more defensive?  No, that wouldn't have helped.  He'd've just whittled me down and backed me into a corner, and I can't afford that.  I've got to press on, really apply myself properly against my foes.[/color][/i]

He stood up when they called his name.  Well, his code name.  It's what he entered himself as here.  Someone might've felt it was a bit silly, some wrestlers have even weirder names, so could anyone blame him?  Still, as anyone cheering died down, he looked at his fellow competitors in a manner to say [color=92278f][i]'There, see?  Not so scary, am I?'[/i][/color], followed by getting off of the arena ground.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Once things had been cleared up, the sixteen remaining fighters were gathered, and the announcer stated what was to happen from here on.  Those who made it farther would be staying here in their personal facilities.  The man suggested getting some rest and Niko chuckled, muttering [color=92278f]"Good idea."[/color].  He was gonna need it.  As everyone began to disperse, he noticed the punchy girl from before had made it through, as well, though she looked far less damaged.  Heh...  Lucky.  He stepped over to where she sat, not willing to sit yet because what he [i]wanted[/i] to do was find a whole lot of ice to lie on.

[color=92278f]"I guess some had it easier than others.  [i]You must've dominated.[/i]"[/color]