CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE

HEAVY HITTER

Dang watched helplessly as the golden power that had filled him faded into the air, taking all his strength. His knees wobbled and stumbled, trying to catch himself.

Don’t be pathetic. The hero never falls after winning

He failed to catch himself and fell on his ass. Well, maybe its ok for the hero to fall a little bit from time to time.

He raised his hand to his comm, aiming to let his team know that he’d taken out Caden. The biggest of their problems had been solved, now all that remained was to shut down the rift and escape with the twins.

“Come in Wombat,” he spoke into his comm, “What’s the status on the twins?”

He was relieved when Wombat’s voice came back through, “We’ve secured the twins. Although…uhh…there’s a slight problem. The twins were brainwashed so we had to knock them out.”

“You what?”

“Don’t worry Dang,” Tiger’s voice came next, “I made sure he didn’t overdo it. They’re safe…sort off.”

“Okay good,” Dang exhaled with relief, “We can deal with the brainwashing later. As long as they’re fine.”

“That was the plan,” Wombat again, “What about you? Did you end up with Kai and Caden?”

“Yeah.”

“Did you win?”

“Yea-”

BOOM

A loud sound rang around the cave, interrupting him, and he felt his heart drop.

BOOM

It rang out again, coming from the hole that Caden had crashed through. Dust, debris, and smoke emanated from the hole.

“Actually, hold on for confirmation.” Dang said into his comm, “Over and out.”

He pushed himself to his feet and almost immediately regretted it. His vision blurred, and a sharp pain shot through his head, bringing with it, the worst hangover ever. The golden power had healed up all of his physical injuries, but his stamina was completely spent.

None of it had returned at all and it took every last morsel of his leftover energy to even remain standing.

“Why didn’t he just die after the big powerup…” he mumbled to himself.

The smoke started to thin and Dang could make out the outline of his toughest battle yet.

“Caden.” He said.

Caden walked forward, clothes tattered and body littered with bruises and scratches…but were fading. He had one of his hands - engulfed in his black power – on his body and the energy seemed to seep into him, healing him. A wide-eyed smile spread over his face.

“Haha, that was BRILLIANT!” His voice boomed through the air, “We simply must go another round.”

“How about another time? Preferably a couple hundred years?” Dang responded.

“Why? Are you all done already?

“Nah I’m good to go, I just want to make sure you have enough time to get stronger. So, you know, what just happened wouldn’t repeat itself.” Dang smirked, “I’m talking about me kicking your ass.”

“I’m not going to deny that I lost that round,” Caden started, “In fact, you were so close to taking me out permanently. If only you used a teensy bit more power.”

If only.

“Now get your hands up,” The bruises on his body cleared up, “Let’s finish this!”

Dang gulped. If he fought Caden in this state, he would be killed for sure. He needed to buy himself some time.

“I don’t suppose you’re itching to break into a villain monologue? Because now would be a great time.”

Caden raised an eyebrow.

Dang took the opportunity to continue, “Bellum’s plans, you never really talked about them. What does he want with all these worlds that he consumes? Is there an endgame? Or is he just a hungry boy?”

“I do not concern myself with Bellum’s reasons. I know my role in his army. I’m the one he sends when there are people that need to be reminded of their place in the universe, when those people start to form ideas in their heads. Ideas like ‘stopping the invasion’.”

“I don’t know man, that one sounds like a good idea.”

Caden chuckled lowly, “Your view of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ will be the end of you. Judging from your friends from before, you’ve cracked multiversal travel yourself, and instead of gathering your friends and moving to a universe where you and your friends have everything you’ve ever wanted, you’re here…sacrificing yourself to save a planet that will never appreciate you.”

“I don’t know how to say this in a way that you’d understand, but I don’t do this for appreciation.”

“Oh, why do you do it then?”

Dang raised his fists, “So that jerks like you and Bellum don’t have their way. Resonate.”

In an instant, his fists adopted the properties of the hard ground beneath his bare feet. His shoes had come off at some point during the battle but he didn’t remember exactly when. It wasn’t enough, but he couldn’t very well not go out fighting till his last breath. He had his reputation to protect.

Caden scoffed and raised his fists too. “You’re about to be soo disappointed.”

There was a flash of black and Caden shot forward, moving too fast for Dang to follow.

Ah, I guess this is it then, he thought, Fair enough.

Dang watched as Caden’s black blazing fist inched closer and closer to his nose. Once it connected, that would be all. His life would be over.

He’d never get to see Anna again, or his friends. Johnathan Cage would kick the kids out and they’d be back on the street with nowhere to go. Not that those things would matter anyway, because Bellum was coming through in a few minutes and he was going to destroy everything and everyone.

The fist sliced through the air, about to make contact before…

WHACK

Caden was sent backward, skidding along the ground. Steam issued from the side of his face where he’d been hit, and a baffled look spread across his face.

Dang blinked, taking a few moments to appreciate that he was still alive, before turning to see Daedalus there beside him, fist outstretched.

“You look like you needed help.” Daedalus smiled.

***

Dante strained against the weight of the portal that he kept contained within his fire seal.

The portal continued to grow in size despite his attempts to hinder it. It rose higher and higher into the air as it grew, breaking through the cave ceiling and rising higher. The beam of light connecting the portal to the capsule below it grew thicker, seemingly drawing more energy from it.

The room shook and pressure filled the room Dante was in.

The room shook again and his hands wavered, the fire seal he’d been maintaining flickered for a moment. The effects of whatever was happening in the other part of the cave was starting to spill over into this room.

Tch, at this rate, I’ll lose my focus on the seal.

Dante turned to the scav bot that Daedalus had sent to help him.

“You! Show me what’s happening!”

The scav bot obeyed and put out a holographic projection, depicting live footage from wherever Daedalus was. Dante watched as Caden and Dang face-off, but something was wrong. Dang looked wobbly on his feet. Almost like he was tired.

In an instant, Caden crossed the distance between aiming a punch right for his face but was interrupted with one to his own. Daedalus had saved Dang at the last minute.

“Okay, you guys look busy so I guess I can hold on for a little while,” He said, “but you better hurry up.”

***

Caden readjusted himself, the bruise on his cheek already clearing up. He regarded the second Dang that he was going to have to fight today. “Another one of you…very cliché.”

Daedalus turned to Dang, “You okay?”

Dang took a deep breath and exhaled. The hardened skin on his fists faded away, “I’m fine, just need to recover some stamina. You focus on Caden over there. I did some damage, weakened him. All you have to do is finish him off.”

Daedalus nodded.

“And Daedalus?” Dang spoke again, “Give him hell.”

“Roger.” Daedalus turned to face Caden.

“Oh? Dang, are you tapping out? Is round two going to be you now?” Caden pointed at Daedalus.

“Yep, I’m your opponent now.” Daedalus felt energy course around his cybernetic body, gearing him up for a fight, “I think you’ll see I’m not one to be underestimated.”

“If you’re anything like that Dang,” Caden pointed at Dang, who was now clearing the area, giving the two space to battle it out, “then I wouldn’t even dream of it. So, what can you do? I see the metal parts on your body so I assume you’re some sort of cyborg.”

“Close enough.” Daedalus entered his fighting stance, “ROCKET KNEE!”

Small pockets in his knee opened, and missiles flew out, all heading for Caden, who reacted by punching each missile individually with a fist engulfed in his black power. They exploded on contact.

Caden raised his hand to Daedalus, “Black Night Stream.”

A beam of darkness shot out from his hand, cutting through the air and straight at Daedalus, but he didn’t panic either. A couple of fins jutted out from his back and glowed. Caden’s attack collided with an invisible wall a few meters from their intended target.

“Impressive,” Caden said.

“There’s more where that came from,” Daedalus replied. He got into his battle stance and shot forward, at Caden.

Daedalus propelled himself forward. He swung a fist towards Caden, who swiftly dodged and countered with a sharp kick to Daedalus’ side. Daedalus barely flinched, absorbing the blow as he retaliated with a spinning back-fist that Caden barely managed to block in time.

The sound of their blows echoed in the cave around them, each strike met with an equally strong defense.

Daedalus shifted his stance, bringing out his Chainsaw Swords. The silver blades hummed with energy as they extended from his wrists.

He slashed at Caden, who ducked and weaved, narrowly avoiding the razor-sharp edges as he tried to close the distance between them. Daedalus pressed on. Caden met him head-on.

Daedalus went in for a low sweep, but Caden leaped into the air, twisting his body to deliver a powerful kick that caught Daedalus on the shoulder, pushing him back slightly. He activated his Propulsion system, using it to close the gap between them almost instantly.

“RAPID KILL BARRAGE!”

He unleashed a slew of punches and kicks, each one aimed at Caden’s weak spots, but Caden dodged in response. With a fist engulfed in black, he blocked and parried every attack. Each time the duo’s fists collided, a shockwave spread out around the cave, shaking it, and causing bits of the ceiling and walls to cave in.

The cave wouldn’t be strong for much longer.

***

Dante watched Daedalus go toe to toe with Caden, who was starting to struggle to keep up with Daedalus’ barrage of attacks. Every move was precise, each strike pushing Caden back further. Daedalus was relentless, not giving Caden a moment to recover.

It was clear to him now, clearer than ever before.

While Dang naturally took the lead and Dante filled the role of the unpredictable wild card, the team’s dynamic was more than it appeared.

Tiger and Wombat, with their seamless teamwork, were the pinch hitters, always ready to step in when needed…but Daedalus—he was different.

He’d spent most of his time on comms and research, operating from the sidelines, yet, as Dante watched him now, he realized Daedalus had always been the true powerhouse. There was a confidence in Daedalus' movements, a certainty that if the team ever faced a significant threat, he would be the one to step in and eliminate it.

He watched as Daedalus ducked under an attack and returned with a counter-attack. Caden jumped back to step out of the striking range and clapped his hands together, generating a wave of energy that Daedalus had to dash and roll to the side to avoid.

His thrusters roared to life bringing him to a stop and propelling him forward. He balled his fists and they glowed blue, sporting a tint of green, and went in for another round of exchanging blows with Caden, while his quantum supercomputer mind got to work, analyzing the most minute details about the way Caden fought, calculating weaknesses in the timing of his attacks and open spots in his stance, anything that could give him the edge in close-quarters hand-to-hand combat.

Caden took this as an invitation and accepted, dashing forward with his fists too.

“I respect a man who never hesitates to resort to his fists!” He yelled as his black power pushed him forward towards Daedalus. He threw the first punch, putting Daedalus on the defensive, making him weave to the side. Caden threw another, then another, then was forced to weave himself after Daedalus had thrown a counter-punch of his own.

The two continued this dance, one party throwing punches while the other dodged, and then switching roles.

Dante watched it all unfold on the holographic screen that the ScavBot was projecting. Daedalus moved swiftly and calculatedly, with an agility like he’d never seen before. If he was in the same situation, he’d have probably opted for the contest of strength route, seeing as his firepower was his specialty.

But Daedalus was smarter. He was gradually turning this into a contest of finesse, a domain where he was unmatched, and Caden was being baited to join him without him even realizing it, though Caden himself wasn’t half bad.

One look at him and his black powers and you’d think that he’d be the brute strength type too, but surprisingly, he was operating on Daedalus’ level quite well, displaying feats of precision and finesse that one wouldn’t typically expect from a bad guy.

Normally, it was all ‘I have overwhelming strength!’ type villains that were considered the final bosses but that’s what made Caden different from the rest. He wasn’t like that.

Of course, he didn’t go around looking for fistfights, but if he had no other choice, he wouldn’t be afraid to partake in them.

Dante wondered whether he could face this version of Caden, the version where he was being forced to think with his brain in combat instead of his fists. Back on Halcyon, he’d only ever needed to be strong. Strong enough to beat the invading forces, and strong enough to protect the surviving humans. He left all the brains of the operation to Anthea and her generals; they were just better at that sort of thing than he was.

He looked on as Daedalus and Caden continued to go at it with each other, locked in a contest of skill, but it was becoming apparent that Daedalus was pulling ahead. More of his hits were landing, too fast and placed well enough for Caden to react to.

A result of his supercomputer mind, no doubt.

Dante surmised that that was the difference between them. Daedalus could think ten times faster than he could and was a far better multitasker. In terms of raw firepower, he may have the most in the group, but when it came down to controlling that strength and utilizing it, Daedalus was far better suited for that.

In a case like this, where, overwhelming your opponent with sheer strength wasn’t a viable avenue, if that were your only trick, you’d be backed into a corner.

Luckily, our team’s genius knew more about fighting than just forcing your way through it.

More and more punches were landing on Caden now, and Daedalus was starting to get into a groove. He bobbed and weaved, like an expert boxer, and threw punches and kicks in return, which Caden tried to dodge by moving around. It was futile.

It was almost like Daedalus was predicting his moves before he was doing them.

‘Another function of his quantum supercomputer mind. Probability prediction.’ Dante thought.

It took all he had, and with help from his black powers, for Caden to be able to parry some of the attacks at the last minute, but Dante knew that he himself knew that it wasn’t sustainable. He’d have to do something about the threat in front of him.

He was happy that Daedalus was on their side, or else they’d have been in big trouble. Just like Caden was.

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***

Dang stood at a distance, watching the brutal exchange between Daedalus and Caden. Daedalus moved with precision, every strike aimed to incapacitate.

Or worse.

As he observed the battle, Dang couldn’t help but question himself. Would he really be able to kill Caden if it came down to it?

The thought gnawed at him. Dang had always fought to protect, to defend, but killing… That was different. It wasn’t just about skill or power; it was about resolve, the kind that Daedalus clearly possessed.

***

Daedalus hammered away at Caden with relentless speed. His punches and kicks came so fast that most opponents would be overwhelmed, a rapid barrage of attacks that left little room for evasion.

Each strike was aimed with precision, testing the limits of Caden’s defenses. But Caden stood his ground, swiping away each blow with almost casual ease. His black energy swirled around him, absorbing the force of Daedalus’ attacks and dispersing it into the air, leaving him untouched.

Caden’s eyes flashed as he noticed an opening in Daedalus’ onslaught.

With a swift movement, he countered a punch that Daedalus had thrown and drove a powerful punch of his own into Daedalus’ midsection.

Daedalus was sent skidding backward, his feet digging into the ground as he struggled to maintain his balance. He glanced down at where he’d been hit and saw cracks spiderwebbing across his armor, the black energy having pierced through the cybernetic protection.

“As I told the other Dang,” Caden said, black swimming around his fists, “my power absorbs everything it touches into the abyss of black. It doesn’t matter what it is.”

Tch, Daedalus thought, Very important information that would’ve good to know beforehand, Dang.

Somewhere behind him in the cave, Dang sneezed.

“Is that right?” Daedalus said, “I guess I’ll just have to be more careful now.”

He straightened, his expression hardening as he shifted back into a battle stance. Across from him, Caden mirrored the movement, both combatants eyeing each other with determination. The air crackled with tension, charged by the power between them.

Daedalus made the first move.

“CHAINSAW SWORDS.”

There was a mechanical whirr and two blades jutted out from his wrists, glowing with silver energy. The chainsaws revved to life, and Daedalus surged forward, swinging the swords in deadly arcs. The blades cut through the air with a high-pitched noise, aiming to slice through Caden’s defenses, but Caden was ready, his black energy coalescing around his arms like thick, impenetrable shields.

He raised his arms to defend himself and met the chainsaw swords head-on, the clash of energy and metal sending sparks flying.

Caden pushed back, employing his own strength, and for a moment, the two were locked in a stalemate, each pushing against the other with all their might, but Daedalus was far from finished.

He activated his propulsion systems, jets of energy bursting from his back and feet, propelling him into the air. He rained down a series of powerful strikes, alternating between rocket-powered kicks and slashing attacks with his chainsaw swords. The ground beneath them cracked under the force of his attacks, the intensity of their clash leaving a trail of destruction.

“Oh? That’s quite the power you have.” Caden taunted and splayed his fingers, from which black tendrils – acting as whips – grew from.

Caden met Daedalus’ attacks with equal power, his black energy morphing and shifting, strengthening the barriers and whips that he used to counter Daedalus’ attacks.

Every time Daedalus came close, Caden’s energy would lash out, forcing him back and preventing any direct hits, but Daedalus refused to give Caden any leeway.

He took a deep breath and with a sudden burst of speed, Daedalus closed the distance, breaking past the whips, and driving his knee forward in a rocket-propelled strike. Caden managed to block the knee, but the impact sent him staggering back, his energy flickering under the pressure of the attack.

Daedalus wasted no time. He revealed his chest panel, the metallic plates sliding apart to expose a rotating Gatling gun and quantum chest cannons.

“Take this!”

With a roar, the Gatling gun unleashed a wave of bullets, each one glowing with quantum energy. At the same time, the chest cannons fired off a series of blasts, the energy beams searing through the air toward Caden.

Caden grinned, “Yes…YES! You will make an excellent opponent for this round!”

He put his hands together, his black energy forming a massive shield that collided with the attack. The beams and bullets hit the shield and nothing happened at first, but the force was too much, and it began to crack under the pressure.

The energy beams from Daedalus’ cannons pressed harder, threatening to break through. Just when it seemed the shield would shatter, Caden diverted some of the energy into a counterattack.

Caden sidestepped, leaving the range of Daedalus’ attack, his black energy around him coiling like a serpent before launching forward, aiming to strike Daedalus at his exposed chest, all while a smile spread across his face.

Daedalus reacted, his power fins extending from his back and shoulders once more. The fins glowed brightly, acting as a shield and absorbing Caden’s attack.

The duo clashed again, neither of them willing to back down.

“FLASHSHINE!” Daedalus screamed, and his body obeyed. A blinding light erupted from his pulse lines, disorienting Caden. Daedalus joined his hands together, the armor on both hands meshing with each other, constructing a new weapon.

A canon.

“QUANTUM ERASURE CANON. 50%”

Daedalus grunted as he used this power for the second time today. The backlash was going to be massive but he’d deal with that later. Right now, he needed to focus on Caden.

Caden regained his bearings and launched himself back at Daedalus, his fists flowing with black.

They collided, the shockwave from their impact rippling through the air and shaking the ground. The two energies clashed and exploded, sending them both flying in opposite directions.

Daedalus’ thrusters kicked in, slowing him down midair and stabilizing him while Caden crashed into the ground, his black energy acting as a cushion for him.

“I’m confused,” Caden put his hand on his chin, “Where have you been? Why wasn’t it you I fought the first time? I would’ve loved to go all out against you, but unfortunately I’m not at full strength after fighting the other Dang.”

“If you fought me first, you’d be dead already.” Daedalus tried to sound as cool as possible but Caden just laughed.

“That’s funny.”

The cave trembled then, causing dust to rain down from the ceiling and lights to flicker.

“Oh,” Caden glanced down at his wrist, where his watch would’ve been if it hadn’t been blown away in the fights he’d just had, “Looks like the portal is nearing its completion.”

Daedalus looked over his shoulder, into the distance where a thick beam of light shot out into the sky. He could just barely make out Dante’s outline, arms outstretched as he tried to contain the portal but only succeeding in slowing it down.

“I guess it’s time to wrap up here.” He said from his place in the air.

“Yes, it is,” Caden said in response before raising both of his hands to the sky. “BLACK HOLE!”

His black power surged from his hands and gathered above him, swirling and swirling, forming a huge spherical mass of black energy.

“Sorry Dang, but this is the end for you!”

Daedalus watched as the ball grew in size. It was a pretty big attack but not anything that he couldn’t dodge, but then he noticed something.

Debris moved across the cave in response to the magnitude of the attack, but instead of away from it…it moved toward it. Soon, Daedalus could feel himself being drawn to it as well.

It’s generating its own gravitational field

“Nothing escapes from my black hole,” Caden said smugly, “Not even the fastest of heroes, but you should be grateful. Only two other people have ever made me use this attack. You should die knowing you are that strong.”

Then, he hurled the attack.

Daedalus watched as the ball of darkness approached him, growing bigger and bigger. He tried to move out of its path, but he saw that Caden was right. The black hole pulled everything around it into it. Daedalus searched his mind for an answer.

He thought about blasting the attack with the full power of his quantum erasure canon but decided against it. It wouldn’t have worked.

Think, Dang! Think! He thought to himself, watching as the black hole slowly advanced on him, what do we know about black holes except the fact that they’re basically a cosmic vacuum?

He searched his mind for anything that he could do currently that could help him dissipate the attack. Dodging wasn’t enough anymore. If Caden was right, then the black hole wouldn’t just stop at him, it’d keep going, bringing the cave down around them.

Dante was reoccupied with restraining the portal, so he’d be too distracted to notice before it would be too late. Wombat and Tiger were probably in the midst of battle themselves, judging from the power levels he recorded on his way here.

They’d both been putting out some serious power.

He then thought to Dang, and an idea formed in his mind.

His thrusters roared to life and he shot forward at full speed…towards the black hole instead of away.

“No use in running if I can’t run, right?”

He closed the distance between himself and the black hole, praying that his plan works and that he wouldn’t just be throwing his life away.

The panels in his knee slid open again and small rockets flew out, flying past him and heading straight for the tunnel. Same as him.

The rockets flew straight into it. No collisions or explosions. Just absorbed wholly.

No barriers. That was good at least. He sped up.

“What are you doing?” Caden asked, arms still outstretched as he supplied is attack with more energy.

“Watch me!” Daedalus replied.

He got closer and closer until…

WHZZOOP

Daedalus collided with the swirling darkness, and as he did, he felt a sudden, overwhelming pull. The black energy wrapped around him, and a chilling emptiness began to spread through him. He felt his strength draining away as if his very essence was being sucked into the void.

All his energy seeped out of him, leaving only his mind untouched, but even that too was starting to be encroached by the darkness.

The sensation was terrifying and disorienting. He felt hollow inside, his energy evaporating like mist in the wind. His once-vibrant systems now felt cold and lifeless, a mere shell of what they once were.

Okay, he thought, This isn’t as painful as I thought.

He tried to move, wiggle his fingers, or wiggle his toes, but nothing happened.

He just stayed there, floating amidst nothingness. Black. It was almost peaceful. If he ever died, maybe this is what it would feel like. A metaphysical lump formed in his throat. Maybe, this is how his parents felt – at peace.

Dad…Mom…I’m sorry, but I can’t be joining you so soon. You might have to wait a while.

Daedalus felt a soft hum coming from inside him, signifying that his backup power source had switched on. The circular indicator on his chest pulsed blue in response, and he made a mental note to thank Layla for her brilliant idea of having two power sources in case one got drained.

They’d laughed at her, saying that it was impossible for him to run out of power but she’d still insisted they included it anyway. Fortunately, no one felt like arguing with her and so they did as she asked.

He got to work before the black around him could drain this energy source as it did the first. He was fairly certain his armor would maintain its structural integrity for the time being, seeing as it was the most durable metal in his world.

Even that had to count for something, even across the multiversal threshold.

He curled into a ball, tucking in his arms and legs. It was easier to gather energy this way. The hum in him grew louder and louder as he pulled more and more energy from it. It was the first time he’d used the secondary power source; apart from the time he’d been forced to use it as an explosive while trapped behind enemy lines during a rescue mission, but this was the first time he’d had to rely on it.

Daedalus felt the energy course through his veins – or whatever replacement for veins ran through his cybernetic physiology – and he felt the life return to him.

Now came the hard part: preventing Caden’s power from sucking the energy right out of him.

He focused and steeled himself, drawing energy from his core but preventing it from seeping through his body. The moment that happened, he’d be drained completely.

Press it down. Condense it.

The energy gushed out and Daedalus kept a lid on it. He compressed it deep within himself, forcing it to condense and coil tighter, gathering strength. The process was agonizing. His whole body felt like it was under immense pressure, like a container on the brink of bursting. But he held it in, making the power denser, more concentrated.

Gradually, a faint glow began to emanate from him. It was subtle at first, barely noticeable amid the sea of black that surrounded him, but as he gathered more and more energy, the glow intensified. His pulse lines lit up, casting sharp, electric blue light that cut through the void like cracks in the darkness. The more he compressed the energy, the brighter he became, until the glow was not just contained within him but began to leak out through his skin, turning him into a ball of pure blue light.

The oppressive pull of the Black Hole lessened as the power inside him continued to build. The glow grew hotter, brighter, until he was burning. His body shook under the strain of holding it all in. His systems were now fully powered.

It was time.

He loosened his limit on the power and it surged, and with a roar, he exploded outwards with a wave of energy. The blue energy spread across the nothingness breaking through it. The void gave away and he was back to the real world.

The remnants of Caden’s attack faded into the air and Daedalus landed on the ground, his armor still glowing brightly.

Caden hissed. “Looks like my powers were more affected by the other Dang’s attacks than I thought. That was a finishing move.”

“If that was your strongest move, then I think you might need to reconsider what you call ‘finishing’” Daedalus quipped while his armor pulsed around him, ready for action.

“I said it was a finishing move. One of many,” Caden replied, “Here’s another.”

Caden stood, feeling the dark energy pour out of his hands and swirl around him. It crept up his arms like thick smoke, wrapping itself around his body. The power hardened into armor—black, jagged, and alive with a faint glow that seemed to absorb the light around him. The armor felt like a second skin, both a shield and a weapon, amplifying his strength and senses.

The energy pulsed within him, ready to strike. As he stepped forward, the ground cracked beneath him, and he smiled.

“SHADOW OF DEATH!”

Now they both stood, squaring each other up.

Blue vs Black.

Daedalus’ thoughts raced in his mind. He regarded Caden’s transformed figure, and a pang of doubt started to form in his mind. Because of the unconventional way he’d had to obtain the current surge of energy that flowed through him, his attacks were now severely limited.

He wouldn’t be able to alter the physical properties of his armor, not for a while. So that meant no canons or guns or missiles. He was going to have to do this old school; with his fists.

Caden’s energy armor shimmered, dark tendrils of black energy flowing over his body like living shadows. Opposite him, Daedalus radiated, his silhouette outlined by the intense energy of his power. His aura pulsing brightly, as if containing the power of a miniature star.

Neither of them moved at first, both knowing the next exchange would be decisive. Then, with a sudden burst of speed, Caden lunged forward, fists drawn back and wrapped in the dense black. Daedalus responded immediately, his own body moving like a blur as he launched himself to meet Caden head-on.

Their fists collided in the center of the battlefield.

Caden gritted his teeth as he felt the pressure of Daedalus’ power pushing against his own, but he wasn’t backing down. He twisted his body, spinning to land a kick. The moment his foot made contact, black flames erupted at the point of impact, scorching the air around them.

Daedalus staggered slightly but recovered, his body moving in tight, controlled motions. He swung his glowing fist upward in a powerful uppercut, the condensed energy trailing behind. Caden barely managed to deflect the blow with his forearm, feeling the heat from Daedalus’ energy brush past his face. But before he could retaliate, Daedalus was already moving again, pressing his advantage with more attacks.

Daedalus realized that in this state – ‘quantum supernova’ he’d decided to name it - Caden’s black power’s absorbing effect didn’t work. He was immune to it, meaning that he could go all out without having to worry about his armor being destroyed on contact.

It also meant that Caden’s defenses were weaker against his attacks.

Each punch was precise, calculated, and filled with the burning power of his quantum energy. Caden found himself on the defensive, blocking and dodging as best he could, but every time he met Daedalus’ fists, his black armor wavered slightly.

The energy was taking its toll, and Caden could feel his own reserves slowly depleting. Still, he wasn’t out of tricks.

With a grunt, Caden planted his feet and slammed both fists into the ground. Black energy erupted from the ground in jagged spikes, forcing Daedalus to leap backward. As Daedalus touched down, Caden was already in motion again, charging forward with a roar.

This time, he didn’t hold back, throwing his full weight into a powerful punch aimed directly at Daedalus’ chest.

The impact sent Daedalus skidding across the ground, his supernova light flaring wildly as he struggled to stay upright. For a moment, Caden thought he’d broken through, but Daedalus steadied himself and shot forward with a blinding flash of speed. His fists became blurs of light as he unleashed a relentless barrage of punches.

Caden roared in frustration as he blocked and parried as best he could, but Daedalus’ blows were unrelenting. His armor cracked under the pressure, dark energy flickering at the seams. But Caden refused to yield. He took a deep breath, gathering his energy into a single point within him before releasing it in a massive wave. The shockwave of black energy pushed Daedalus back, giving Caden a moment to regroup.

“Only punches and kicks? No canons? I see.” Caden smirked, “This is the cost of the power you’re currently using.”

Daedalus, unfazed by his attempts to get in his head, casually replied, “Don’t think I don’t see how much you’re struggling to keep up the strength of that armor. A few more direct hits and I’m going to break through.”

Caden kissed his teeth.

Both combatants squared up, the battlefield between them scorched and broken from their clash. Caden’s armor, flickering and unstable, but he still stood tall, his eyes locked onto Daedalus with a fierce determination.

Daedalus, too, was starting to feel the strain of maintaining his supernova state. The energy around him flickered slightly, the light dimming as he clenched his fists.

“This ends now,” Daedalus thought, knowing he couldn’t maintain the energy much longer. He dashed forward with renewed speed, his fists glowing brighter than ever as he poured the last of his energy into one final attack. Caden met him halfway, his own fists wrapped in swirling black energy as he prepared for the clash.

The two collided in a flurry of punches, each strike shaking the ground beneath them. Black energy and condensed light exploded with every impact, illuminating the battlefield with bursts of power for the umpteenth time that night.

Caden grunted as he took a punch to the ribs, feeling the heat of Daedalus’ energy burning through his armor. But he didn’t falter. He spun on his heel, launching a powerful roundhouse kick.

Daedalus ducked just in time, the kick grazing past him as he countered with a powerful punch to Caden’s throat. The blow sent Caden staggering back, clutching his neck as he gasped for air. Daedalus didn’t let up, pressing forward with a series of lightning-fast jabs aimed at Caden’s head and torso, but Caden, despite the pain, managed to block most of the blows, his dark energy surging in response to the threat.

Their battle reached a fever pitch as they exchanged blows with incredible speed and power.

Daedalus’ supernova light flickered wildly, the strain of maintaining his form evident in the way his movements were becoming slower. Caden, too, was feeling the toll of the fight, his black armor barely holding together as he continued to fight with everything he had.

Daedalus knew he had to end this soon. His quantum SuperNova was nearing its limit, the energy becoming increasingly unstable. He needed to deliver a decisive blow before it was too late. He channeled all of his remaining power into his fists, preparing for one final blow.

Caden, sensing the change in Daedalus's energy, braced himself. He could feel the intensity of the attack that was coming, and he knew he had to be ready. The black energy around him thickened, forming a shield.

Daedalus surged forward, his fists glowing with a blinding light. He threw a punch, hitting with the force of a meteor.

Caden's shield held, but only just. The cracks in his armor deepened, and the energy within it began to flicker.

With a final, ear-splitting roar, Daedalus broke through Caden's defenses, landing a direct hit on his chest. The impact sent Caden crashing through the ground, his black armor shattering into pieces as he dragged across the rocky earth.

He lay there, gasping for breath as the remnants of his power dissipated into the air.

Daedalus shuddered, as he powered down with a decrescendoing hum. The glow on his armor faded gradually until he was left standing there in his natural metallic color. He stepped forward, practically carrying the weight of his body across the cave.

Fatigue was a sensation he’d almost forgotten.

He stood at Caden’s feet and regarded the half-conscious half-naked figure covered from head to toe in scratches and bruises. Wisps of black surrounded him attempting to heal whatever damage they could but it was futile.

Caden laughed. It was hoarse and weak, indicative of where his strength was currently. “You might have defeated me…but this is only the beginning. More will come…and they’ll be far stronger.”

Daedalus watched his shivering form as he lay in the ground. As much as he dreaded it, Caden was right. This was only the beginning. Things were only going to get worse from here.

“Let them come. We’ll win every single time.” He said finally.

“You…can’t beat Bellum…you’ll lose every time…” Caden croaked.

“I won’t be so sure about tha-”

“When you can’t even see THIS coming!” Caden outstretched his hand, “BLACK NIGHT STREAM!”

The attack sliced through the air, straight at Daedalus. It collided with his armor but nothing happened.

Caden’s anger faded away. “Impossible.”

“Very possible.” Daedalus launched forward, grabbing Caden by the neck and lifting him off the ground.

Caden swiped at him with a black blazing fist but he caught it.

“I guess this is goodbye, Caden.” He cocked his other fist back and a panel opened in his elbow, revealing a thruster. It flared at full power and he was about to deliver the finishing blow when…

The cave wave in front of them exploded, the force momentarily disorienting him. A green ball burst through, sending debris flying in all directions. Daedalus instinctively jumped back, shielding his eyes from the dust and rubble. When the dust settled, he saw Kai standing in the middle of the wreckage, his body encased in a shimmering green force field. The force field pulsed with energy, and Kai’s expression was one of exasperation.

Bruises and scratches covered his entire body, and his clothes hung tattered around him. He’d just come from a fight of his own… but with who?

They locked eyes for a moment before Kai expanded the force field to encase Caden too – and part of Daedalus’ arm. He jumped back, ripping the arm off.

“Damn insects.” Kai hissed, “You puny humans of this backwater universe dare lay your hands on him?”

“Daedalus!” Dang called from behind. “Are you okay?”

Daedalus looked at where his cybernetic arm once was, now replaced with exposed wires and leaking tubes. “Yeah, I’ll be fine! Thankfully, I can’t feel pain!”

“You’ll pay for this! I’ll make sure of it!” Kai screeched.

Kai shot forward, the green force field around him. Daedalus barely had time to react as Kai barreled toward him, the force field smashing into him with the force of a freight train.

Daedalus was sent flying backward, towards Dang.

“Resonate.”

Dang’s skin turned to stone as he braced himself to catch Daedalus’ body. He grunted as the body collided with him, safely dropping his friend to the ground.

“Thanks,” Daedalus said.

“Don’t mention it.”

Kai turned to face them, as they struggled to get back on their feet. The green force field around Kai shimmered with an almost taunting brilliance, daring Daedalus to make a move. But Daedalus knew he was outmatched. The quantum supernova had drained him significantly, and without it, he didn’t stand a chance against Kai’s overwhelming power. Not even with Dang’s backup.

They were both simply tired.

Daedalus watched as Kai slowly backed away, dragging Caden with him. He knew he couldn’t let them escape, but his body felt like lead, and his mind was racing to find a solution.

Stall.

Just as Kai reached the hole in the wall, Daedalus mustered the last of his strength and called out, “Is that it? You come to our world, you cause damage and then you leave? That’s all?”

Kai stopped in his tracks and shot back a look. “You know nothing. Bellum and his army are coming. You and this worthless world will all turn to dust before him.”

“Blah blah blah, we’ve heard this before.”

“Your arrogance is laughable. Enjoy this victory while you still can, because the next battle will end with your demise. Your stories will be told as cautionary tales to future worlds that think it’s wise to fight Bellum.”

“Alright, I’ve heard enough.” Daedalus gathered the last embers of his strength and shot forward, aiming to finish off the duo.

His remaining hand glowed with a faint light as he attempted one last desperate attack, but Kai was ready. With a simple flick of his wrist, Kai expanded the force field outward, creating a powerful shockwave that knocked Daedalus off his feet and sent him flying once more.

“Stupid earthling.”

Kai didn’t linger after that.

With Caden in tow, he leaped through the hole in the wall, the green force field propelling them away from the battlefield at an incredible speed. Daedalus could only watch as they disappeared into the distance, the sound of their escape echoing in his ears.

Daedalus lay there for a moment, trying to catch his breath. His body ached, and his mind was clouded with exhaustion and frustration. He slowly pushed himself up, and took in the scene around him. The cave was in shambles, debris scattered everywhere, and the air was thick with the lingering energy of their battle.

Dang caught up to him. “That was dumb.”

“Yeah, I admit that I didn’t think that last one through all the way.” Daedalus replied, “Can you walk?”

“I can.”

“Great, because I can’t” Daedalus started to fall back down before Dang got under his arm and caught him.

“Easy there.” Dang laughed.

Daedalus sighed, grateful that the worst of it was over. His arm was no longer attached, but he emerged victorious against Caden, and he’d protected this world.

At least I didn’t fail two worlds in a row.

“Daedalus! A little help, please!” Dante’s voice came over his comm.

“On my way.”