The safehouse smelled of burnt espresso and adrenaline. Dust and shattered concrete littered the floor where the Hunter Elite had slammed through earlier. Brian stretched his arms, shadows flickering faintly along his jacket like liquid smoke.
Aria, still glowing faintly from the previous Fusion Mode, leaned against a wall, arms crossed. "Seriously, you do this every time you show up? Drag us into another multiverse war?"
Brian grinned. "Only when it's fun."
Natalie, Dylan, and Alex were already in combat-ready positions, weapons at the ready. Their eyes followed him, a mixture of skepticism and begrudging admiration. "We've seen rumors, Brian," Natalie said flatly. "But glowing powers, dimension-hopping, shadow fists? You're… insane."
Brian shrugged. "Call it extreme talent." He glanced at the System overlay flickering across his vision.
> [Hunter Elite Mark: Persistent Across Universes]
[New Mission Available: Scout Multiverse Threats + Protect Angels]
He smirked. "Looks like we have work to do."
Aria rolled her eyes. "You love saying that, don't you?"
"Guilty." He twirled his fingers, shadows coiling and flicking like tiny serpents. "Okay, ladies. Time for a little demo."
The Angels exchanged wary glances as Brian raised a hand. Shadows rose from the floor, merging with arcs of light that spiraled around him. The System pinged:
> [Skill Upgrade: Shadow Halo – Team Enhancement Active]
Natalie's eyes widened. Her movements sharpened instantly; reflexes and strength amplified beyond normal human limits. Dylan's grin was wicked as she tested the edges of her newfound speed. Alex flexed her fingers and fired off a series of rapid shots at the wall — bullets ricocheting with deadly accuracy.
Aria blinked. "Wow. You really did this?"
Brian smirked. "Consider it a gift. For old friends… and new recruits."
Natalie raised an eyebrow. "Recruits?"
Brian winked. "You'll see love."
Before they could discuss further, alarms blared. The safehouse cameras flickered. Shadows warped across the monitors.
Brian's grin faltered slightly. "Ah. And here comes our friendly neighborhood warning."
The System flashed:
> [Hunter Elite Aura Breaching Local Universe – Arrival Imminent]
[Recommended Action: Evade or Counter]
Dylan groaned. "You mean that thing from the multiverse is coming here?"
Brian flexed. "Yep. And it's persistent. Like a cat, but with wings and a halberd."
Aria muttered under her breath, "I hate cats like that."
The ground trembled. Outside, the city skyline reflected a distorted shadow as the Hunter Elite tore through reality, its aura bleeding across universes like black ink.
Brian looked at the Angels. "Team, position. We're about to show this thing how flexible we are."
The safehouse doors burst open. The Hunter Elite descended, halberd ready. Its wings extended, scraping the ceiling, sending a shower of sparks and plaster.
Brian stepped forward, shadows coiling into protective shapes. "Ladies, let's make this fun."
Natalie leapt, shadow claws slashing across the Hunter's arm. Dylan rolled under a swing, landing a spinning kick to the creature's torso. Alex fired, bullets glowing with shadow energy. Brian Shadow-Stepped midair, intercepting a blow with a shield formed of concentrated darkness.
Aria leapt onto his shoulder, dagger spinning. "Okay, okay! This is insane!"
Brian smirked. "And we're just getting started."
The Hunter's halberd spun faster, striking in arcs that bent the air. Brian's System pulsed:
> [Team Enhancement Duration Remaining: 2:17]
He grabbed Natalie's wrist, pulling her into a coordinated Shadow Step. They reappeared behind the Hunter. Shadows and light coiled together, wrapping around its legs. Dylan and Alex followed, strikes landing in perfect sync.
The Hunter roared, staggering back. Its single glowing eye locked onto Brian.
> [Critical Strike Opportunity Detected – Hunter Core Exposed]
Brian grinned feral. "Time for the Flex King finale Strick."
He slammed his shadow-clad fists into the Hunter's core. Energy erupted outward, knocking the creature back. Natalie, Dylan, and Alex converged with a synchronized assault, amplified by the System's Halo.
The Hunter's roar fractured into multiple dimensions, collapsing like a broken prism. Brian spun, fists raised, as shadows and light coalesced into a final strike. The explosion rocked the safehouse, sending debris flying, but when the dust cleared, the Hunter was gone — leaving only a faint aura shimmering in the night.
Aria exhaled sharply. "We did it?"
Brian laughed, wiping dust from his jacket. "We made it look easy."
Natalie studied him, a mix of awe and irritation. "You're insane, Brian."
Brian smirked. "And apparently irresistible. Shadows do that to people and you all love it right."
Dylan rolled her eyes. "Please. Save the cheesy lines for later."
Alex grinned. "I'm not complaining."
The System chimed one final time:
> [Hunter Elite Status: Banished – Aura Persisting Across Universes]
[Warning: Persistent Threat – Future Confrontation Likely]
[New Multiverse Mission: Scout & Recruit Allies Across Dimensions]
Brian's eyes flicked to the monitors. "Looks like our vacation just got extended. And guess what? You ladies are coming with me."
Natalie groaned. "You're dragging us across the multiverse?"
Brian grinned. "Like a boss with his colleagues or employees."
Aria muttered under her breath, "Why do I even let him do this?"
Brian winked at her. "Because deep down, you love it."
The Angels groaned collectively, but even they couldn't hide the spark of excitement. They had survived a Hunter Elite together — and now, the real fun was about to begin.
Brian's System pulsed again, highlighting new options:
> [Option: Scout Alternate Universes – Potential Harem Expansion]
[Option: Strengthen Bond with Angels – Increase Combat Efficiency]
[Option: Acquire Multiverse Artifacts – Potential Flex Upgrade]
He smirked. "Decisions, decisions… And don't worry, ladies. You're all on my team."
The safehouse trembled faintly as the persistent Hunter aura pulsed through reality, a reminder that even victory carried shadows.
Brian laughed. "Welcome to the multiverse. Flex King style."
Outside, the city lights flickered. Somewhere across the skyline, a shadow moved. The next adventure was waiting.
[TO BE CONTINUED…]