At Hero Town
Dark Aera Headquarters
The doors burst open. Carter, Bruce, and Locki found themselves surrounded by dozens of powered individuals.
"Mr. Protector… I hope you remember me," the Boss said coldly through the massive screen. His face remained hidden.
Bruce stayed silent.
"A few years ago, you stopped my professional mercenaries. Every attempt to infiltrate your city—you crushed it. Do you remember?"
Bruce's mind raced, already calculating an escape, completely ignoring the man on the screen.
The Boss leaned forward. "Join me, Mr. Protector. I'll let your friends live. Together, we could rule this world."
"Go to hell."
Bruce hurled an iron rod straight at the screen, shattering it into sparks.
Locki's eyes glowed a sharp green—every enemy froze in place, unable to move.
"Let's go," Bruce ordered.
The three jumped through the window. Before hitting the ground, they activated the jet-wings strapped to their backs and shot into the sky.
"Catch them!" the Boss's assistant roared.
Jets launched into pursuit, joined by people flying under their own power. Cars and bikes roared below, firing fireballs, water blasts, and streaks of electricity upward.
Locki glanced back, his glare igniting sudden explosions. Jets burst apart midair; flying enemies went down screaming.
Bruce unzipped his bag, tossing down compact grenades. The ground forces were consumed in fire. Carter summoned Dark Faith into the shape of a giant scythe and cleaved through airborne foes in a single swing.
But more and more enemies kept coming—cultists from every faction flooding the battlefield.
Bruce called in his drones and tanks. The sky filled with explosions as the trio fought tooth and nail.
"I'll get the magnifying glass!" Carter shouted.
"Go!" Bruce nodded. Locki smashed ground troops with his telekinesis, raising them high into the air before slamming them down. Bruce's drones leveled the rest.
In the nearby city, Future Lia sipped her tea, staring at the distant fireballs. She sighed. They're fighting again…
Carter reached the Dark Aera building. And froze.
The Boss stepped into view.
"You…" Carter's eyes widened.
The man smiled. "Carter, my old friend. Surprised?"
"You're Liam. Lia's brother… the one who went overseas."
Liam's smile widened.
"What do you want?" Carter demanded.
"Revenge. For letting my sister die."
Carter lowered his gaze.
"She was always bullied, always beaten," Liam said, voice trembling with rage. "When she was with you, I saw her happy. I thought you'd protect her. But you let her die."
"I'm sorry," Carter whispered.
"Sorry?" Liam's expression twisted. "Sorry won't fix it."
"I am sorry."
"I'll kill you." Liam unsheathed a blackened blade. His aura of Black Sorcery pulsed through the air. "I built Dark Aera for this very reason—to destroy you and everyone you care about."
Carter summoned his own sword of Dark Faith. His eyes sharpened.
"If you want me, I won't run. But if you threaten Hero Town—I'll stop you no matter what."
Liam grinned. Their blades clashed. Darkness and sorcery erupted, shaking the skies.
In Scrubskey Gelenia-2
Ron sat alone, deep in thought. The woman had gone out, leaving him restless.
DA suddenly appeared. "Ron. Let's get out of here."
Ron frowned but followed.
As they ran, Ron froze—before them stretched the bridge from his dream. The bridge leading to the Bermuda Land.
His eyes widened. "That's…!"
"Wait, Ron!" DA called.
Ron tried to fly—but nothing happened. "What the hell? Why my powers don't work in this damn world!"
"Ron! Ron!" DA kept calling, but Ron ignored him, drawn forward.
Through the forest, Ron stumbled upon the exact spot from his dream. And there it was—an enormous mansion materializing from thin air.
Ron whispered, "No way…"
DA caught up, his expression darkening, "It's that place."
"You know this place?" Ron asked.
"This… this is where—" DA stopped as a volley of arrows rained down. Both men bolted. The arrows were created by some kind of magic. Suddenly, Two figures emerged—one ahead, one behind.
"Long time no see, DA," the front figure said.
DA's tone turned ice-cold. "You… Black Heart."
"Where's Eleanor ?" Black Heart demanded.
"We don't know," Ron cut in.
"Well, well… if it isn't Ron. It's an honor to meet you face to face, Mr. Ron. To be honest, You remind me of my teacher."
Ron groaned. "Not again. Why does everyone say that?"
"Tell me where Eleanor is, Ron."
Before Ron could reply, a woman's voice echoed. "You haven't changed at all, Black Heart."
It was the same woman who had aided Ron and DA before. She stepped into view. "The three of us… back in the place we once lived. And Ron carries the same vibe as our teacher. Almost feels like old times."
"Eleanor . Come with me," Black Heart urged.
"Excuse me, I am here, too," DA muttered.
"Oh, right—we forgot you," Ron teased.
DA glared, headbutting him. "You damn ancient fool. You're on my team!"
"I'm not going with you," Eleanor snapped. "You came here only to die."
"Then let's settle unfinished business," DA said grimly.
Black Heart ignored him, stepping toward Ron. His hand twitched as if to grab Ron's throat—but instead, he rested it on Ron's shoulder. "Stay out of this. I don't want to ruin our friendship."
Then his aura exploded outward. Trees tore from the ground. Even Ron staggered under the pressure.
"This power… it's insane," Ron gasped.
"So it begins," Eleanor whispered. "The three of us… fighting again."
"Excuse me," DA raised his hands. "My powers don't work here. So… I'll just wait and fight the winner."
Both Eleanor and Black Heart turned their glares on him—and charged.
DA paled. "Damn it. I'm cooked…"