The city skyline was shrouded in fog. Mikey and Jin had been training relentlessly, mastering their new modes and techniques.
Mikey's Phantom Tempest now flowed flawlessly, each punch unpredictable yet precise.
Jin's Wrath Mode was now tempered with discipline and his father's teachings, his Copy ability sharper than ever.
But peace was fleeting. A ripple in the darkness heralded the arrival of something far more dangerous than Kang.
Obsidian Revealed
From the shadows emerged a figure clad in black, movements fluid, almost unreal.
His eyes glimmered with a cold, calculating intelligence. "So… the storm and the wrath," he said, voice low and measured. "I've been watching. Let's see if you're worth the fight."
He moved with Shadow Step, vanishing and reappearing, striking with pinpoint precision, testing Mikey and Jin simultaneously.
First Clash
Mikey rushed forward with a barrage of Phantom Tempest strikes, fists moving faster than the eye could follow.
Obsidian sidestepped with inhuman fluidity, redirecting momentum and landing a series of Bonebreaker Strikes aimed at Mikey's ribs and arms.
Jin joined, launching a spinning Pure Taekwondo Kick, but Obsidian used Void Flow Counters to turn the momentum against him, staggering Jin.
Both heroes realized instantly: Obsidian was different from Kang.
Strategy and Tension
Mikey and Jin fought in perfect coordination, but Obsidian's Phantom Clone Assault and Adaptive Defense kept them off balance.
Every strike they landed seemed predicted, forcing them to think creatively and combine their techniques in new ways.
Obsidian smirked, watching their frustration mount. "So much potential… yet so sloppy."
Cliffhanger Ending
Mikey caught a glimpse of a momentary opening, but Obsidian vanished before he could capitalize.
Jin gritted his teeth, aura flaring slightly, ready to push into Wrath Mode—but he held back, sensing he couldn't fully unleash it yet.
The shadow of Obsidian lingered as he disappeared into the night, leaving only the echo of his words:"Next time… I won't hold back."