On the 99th floor of the Infinity Tower, the air crackled with tension as Shingo’s team confronted their formidable adversaries, Raijin and Fuujin. Few words were uttered because all who were present in the area already moved into action without warning.
The once-human forms of the two lovers transformed before their eyes, morphing into the majestic and fearsome True Garuda. The monstrous avian creatures exuded an aura of raw power, their feathers glinting ominously in the dim light. The whole team but one charged at the winged droids and flying drones.
Undeterred by the daunting sight, Chiyo, the team’s lightning mage, and True Garuda prepared to unleash their ultimate techniques simultaneously. As if responding to some cosmic symphony, the skies darkened above, clouds swirling with an intensity matched only by the gathering storm within the fighters’ hearts. A tempest of lightning energy crackled between Chiyo and the Garuda, both channeling the unfathomable power of the heavens, Wrath of the Skies.
In an instant, the atmosphere ignited with an electrifying surge. Wrath of the Skies, the culmination of Chiyo’s mastery over lightning magic, surged forth with devastating force. Arcs of lightning lashed out, illuminating the battlefield with a blinding brilliance. The air hummed with otherworldly energy as the unleashed tempest threatened to tear the very fabric of reality.
In the end, the original spell cast from the heart, like always, prevailed over the artificial one. Caught in the crossfire, True Garuda felt the full wrath of the skies descend upon it. Its imposing form shook under the onslaught of Chiyo’s heartfelt, awe-inspiring power.
Yet, as the dust settled and the lightning subsided, the team discovered an unsettling truth. The fallen garuda wasn’t what it seemed. Ryonoken and Keiji, always vigilant and ready to seize any opportunity, advanced toward the defeated figures. With a quick and decisive strike, Ryonoken’s twin kodachis severed the head of the fallen True Garuda.
The team observed as the garuda transformed back into two dead people, only to find that they were mere clones, created to deceive and confuse. The incubators containing Raijin and Fuujin’s real bodies they discovered later confirmed the fact.
A mixture of frustration and determination filled the air as the team exchanged glances. Their foe’s resourcefulness and cunning were becoming apparent, leading them further down a labyrinth of mysteries. But the fire within their hearts burned brighter than ever. With each revelation, they grew more resolute in their quest for the truth.
Shingo’s eyes narrowed as he surveyed the battlefield, his mind racing to unravel the enigma before them. The fight was far from over, and they could ill afford to falter in the face of such cunning adversaries. His comrades shared the same determination, their expressions etched with a steely resolve.
“We can’t let these clones deter us,” Shingo declared, his voice a low, resolute growl. “Our battle will be on the next floor, and we will uncover the secrets they seek to hide.”
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The 100th floor of the JMC was different from the previous ones. It was eerily quiet as if the air itself was holding its breath in anticipation. However, all the droids and drones surrounding the whole floor were stationary. It was as though their artificial intelligence and programming were set to obey one man, solely and absolutely.
Shingo and his team had successfully made it through the lower tiers and defeated their opponents, but their luck seemed to be running out as they were faced with the CEO of JinCorp, Noboru Jinbei.
Jinbei greeted them with applause. “Bravo, bravo,” he said. “Honestly, I never expected that a bunch of fighters and mages could break through the two areas in the JMC inner ring and come all the way here. And you’ve defeated my partners-in-crime, Akiba Maeda and Yasuaki Abe.”
However, his demeanor quickly turned dark as he continued, “However, here’s where your streak of luck ends. You all will sit back and witness all that’s going to happen here, whether at my side or in there… as batteries.”
Saying so, Jinbei pointed at the incubators around the floor and their contents, and those were just like the hostages they had seen in the incubators scattered around the building.
Shingo didn’t flinch, though. He spoke up, his voice firm and steady. “I don’t know about you, Jinbei-san. But I truly believe Shin Kamui has guided us all the way here for a purpose.”
Jinbei raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “The purpose being?”
“To remind you, with all due respect, that Shin Kamui has given enough, even very plentifully for the Jinbei Clan,” Shiori chimed in.
“And it came with a profound reason,” Keiji added, “Your ancestors’ loyalty and benevolence have been unsurpassed among Shogun Amigaharu Munetori’s retainers.”
Ryonoken continued, “For centuries, your family has enjoyed prosperity as the token of honor from the shogunate, and then the empire.”
Nishi spoke up, “Surely, you won’t spoil them all for a power so overwhelming, even our mundane bodies can’t endure?”
Jinbei smirked, “Who said anything about containing all the power in our bodies? Our original fragile bodies?”
Gale asked, “What do you mean by that?”
“I’m talking about a technology that can make godlike bodies and put our souls inside them,” Jinbei explained. “That way, we can contain the infinite power without fearing that it will damage our bodies or kill us.”
“You can use a much better, much stronger new body for your soul. Me, for instance, the godly new me will be tall and muscular like a real god,” he boasted, much to their chagrin.
Chiyo was quick to call him out on his delusions of grandeur. “I won’t paint a picture of you. Because no matter how good-looking you will be, you can’t hide the evil soul inside,” she declared, causing Jinbei to bristle with anger.
“How dare you call me evil!” he snapped. “I do this solely for the betterment of the human race, and ultimately the whole world.”
But Shingo wasn’t buying it. “You know we won’t fall for that. So, just end this madness and revert to the good old ways. I’m sure people will overlook your crime and still consider JinCorp as honorable and respectful as ever,” he reasoned.