On the massive projection screen, the revelation struck like thunder.
"Parallel worlds?" Wanzhang muttered, his eyes wide in shock.
Zhantu, calm as ever, continued his explanation with gravity in his tone.
"In this world, there are countless parallel dimensions—realities layered beside one another, existing like reflections in an endless mirror. We call them parallel worlds. Using the white metal plate together with the black metal plate that Ebert holds, it's possible to connect to those other realities."
The group fell silent as they digested his words.
Huande frowned deeply. "If that's true… doesn't that mean both worlds will collapse and be destroyed?"
Zhantu slowly shook his head. His voice dropped to a whisper, but it carried the weight of conviction.
"No. Father's plan is different. His true intention is to merge our world with one of those parallel ones—a world without the Sky Wall. By combining them, he believes it's possible to create an entirely new world… a world free from division, free from walls."
The extraordinary chat group, observing the conversation from afar, burst into a storm of reactions.
Furnin typed excitedly: "Wow! I never imagined there could be so many parallel worlds out there in this lifetime!"
Mitsuki followed quickly: "Yes! It reminds me of the worldviews of Decade and Oma Zi-O from that other timeline!"
Hanabi chimed in: "Exactly. It's fascinating, almost frightening, but also inspiring."
Kiana added, "I've always loved stories about parallel worlds. To think we're living in one!"
Walnut: "It's thrilling, and terrifying all at once!"
Sayu raised a cautious question: "If that's true, then by using these metal plates—this so-called magic box—can we really merge two entire worlds together?"
Misora's voice carried an edge of worry. "But if there's another version of us in that other world… what happens if the worlds merge? Wouldn't one version of us vanish?"
Battle Rabbit—Steve—spoke up to clarify, his expression deadly serious.
"Think of it like this. Suppose the world we're in right now is World A. And suppose the world without the Sky Wall is World B. If those two worlds are fused together, what's created is a new existence entirely—call it World C.
"When the black and white metal plates are combined with Ebert's Pandora's Box, their energy output will reach unimaginable levels. The resulting force will create a violent distortion in space and time. Physics, as we understand it, will no longer apply. And it is through that distortion that the fusion of worlds becomes possible.
"That is how we will forge a new world."
Wanzhang listened carefully, his face full of concentration. But after a long pause, he scratched his head.
"…I don't get it at all."
The chat group erupted in laughter.
"Hahaha! Wanzhang always has the best reactions!"
"Same here, I don't understand it either!"
"+1!"
"+1!"
On the screen, Gris smacked Wanzhang lightly on the head. "Idiot. Pay attention." Then he turned back toward Steve with a more pressing question. "But what about Ebert himself?"
Steve's expression hardened. "When the fusion begins, the energy fueling the distortion of space-time will come directly from Ebert. His body and Pandora's Box will be consumed in the process. If this plan succeeds, he will be completely annihilated."
Gris frowned, deep in thought. "So, in order to defeat Ebert, we still need the black metal plate… and all ten of the Lost Energy Bottles, correct?"
Steve nodded. "Exactly. Right now, you're holding one of them. But all ten must be collected and refined within human hosts again. Only when the ten bottles are gathered together, fused with the black and white plates, can we create a new world. That's our only path forward… and our only way to save Earth."
The entire chat group fell silent. Even those who normally joked and played around felt the weight of his words.
In the Three Realms, across nations and even parallel planes of existence, countless eyes turned toward Steve and his comrades. They all shared the same hope—this was the final chance. If Steve and the others failed, then Earth truly would face destruction.
---
The Decisive Day
The following day arrived like the calm before a storm. The world seemed to hold its breath.
Across the country, televisions, radios, and live streams broadcast the decisive battle that was about to begin. Everyone knew: if Steve, Zhantu, and their team could not defeat Ebert today, the planet would fall.
Crowds gathered near Pandora's Tower, the ominous fortress that loomed like a scar against the skyline. Reporters rushed to the scene, broadcasting every moment. Soldiers patrolled, prepared for evacuation if necessary. Yet beneath the tension was an unspoken truth—there was no place to run.
Suddenly, from the sky above the tower, a helicopter descended sharply, engines roaring. People instinctively thought it was military support, but their hope was short-lived. Without warning, the aircraft swerved violently and crashed into the side of Pandora's Tower with an ear-splitting explosion!
The crowd gasped as flames erupted, painting the sky orange. But the nightmare had only begun.
From the wreckage, the helicopter turned its weapons on the civilians below, unleashing gunfire and missiles. Screams tore through the air as people scrambled for their lives.
"Run!"
"Get down!"
The chaos was overwhelming. Buildings shuddered, debris rained down, and fire spread rapidly. The helicopter finally detonated in a massive explosion, sending shockwaves across the plaza.
Through the smoke and fire, a single figure emerged—calm, cold, and merciless.
Ebert.
His voice was low, yet carried like thunder.
"Do you want to die?"
His gaze swept across the terrified civilians. The crowd broke instantly, fleeing in every direction. Mothers clutched their children. Men stumbled in panic. Reporters dropped their cameras and ran.
But while the masses fled, two figures walked in the opposite direction—straight toward the danger.
Steve and Wanzhang.
The sight struck the watching audiences deeply. Across the Three Realms, countless hearts trembled. Everyone saw the difference—while the people ran for their lives, these two heroes walked forward, unafraid, to face the terror head-on.
Admiration flooded the chat group.
Funina: "My heart is pounding. This is real heroism!"
March 7: "They're walking straight into death… and yet they don't waver. Amazing!"
Liuying: "They are heroes the world doesn't deserve."
---
Pandora's Rules
At the entrance of Pandora's Tower, Ebert stood waiting, a cruel smile curling his lips.
"Welcome, challengers, to Pandora's Tower," he said with mock courtesy. "I see you've brought the Lost Energy Bottles."
Zhantu stepped forward, holding up the glowing bottle for all to see.
"Good. Very good." Ebert's tone darkened. "Now, let me explain the rules of this game. You will fight your way to the very top of Pandora's Tower. But every ten minutes that pass…"
His eyes glinted with malice. "I will destroy one region of this country. Like this."
He raised his hand, and suddenly, in the distance, a massive black hole ripped open above a cluster of skyscrapers. The vacuum was immediate and horrifying. Buildings crumbled and were pulled upward like toys. People screamed as they too were dragged into the abyss, their cries silenced in an instant.
The watching audiences recoiled in terror. Even through screens, the image of the black hole made their scalps tingle and their stomachs drop.
"Monster…" someone whispered.
On the battlefield, Wanzhang's face twisted in rage. "What the hell are you doing!?"
Ebert's expression didn't change.
"The faster you reach the top, the more lives you save. That's the bargain. Now… entertain me. Show me your struggle."
He turned and disappeared into the tower's depths.
---
The Ascent
The battle through Pandora's Tower was relentless. Every floor was a gauntlet of traps, monsters, and corrupted warriors twisted by Ebert's power. The group fought with everything they had—blades flashing, fists flying, energy surging.
But the cost was high. Each clash drained them further, and with every ten minutes that passed, another black hole devoured a region of the country. The clock was merciless.
Then came the moment that broke them. Gris, fighting fiercely to protect the others, was struck down. His sacrifice cleared the path, but his body fell, lifeless, on the cold steel floor.
Steve knelt beside him, fists trembling. His voice cracked. "Gris… you didn't have to—"
Zhantu pulled him up, his own grief hidden behind resolve. "We can't stop. If we hesitate, his sacrifice means nothing."
Steve clenched his jaw, rage and sorrow burning in his chest. "Ebert… you'll pay for this."
---
The Final Confrontation
At last, battered and bloodied, Steve and his comrades reached the top of the tower. The wind howled around them, carrying the stench of smoke and death from the ruined city below.
There, waiting calmly, stood Ebert.
"I've been on this planet for ten long years," he said, his tone almost reflective. "I have witnessed love, hatred, greed, and sacrifice. And through all of it, I finally understand what humanity truly is. But now, the time has come to say farewell."
His eyes blazed with madness.
"As long as I seize the Lost Energy Bottles in your possession, I will achieve the ultimate power. The destruction of Earth will herald its rebirth. Beyond evolution lies true perfection!"
He raised his arms, summoning the dark energy of the Cobra Knight System.
"Cobra! Knight System! Are you ready?"
The air split with a mechanical roar.
"Transformation!"
"Black hole! Black hole! Black hole!"
The battlefield shuddered. Energy crackled. The world itself seemed to bend under the weight of the impending clash.
Steve stepped forward, his body trembling but his eyes blazing with determination.
The final battle… had arrived.
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