The elevator ascended toward Level 46, its mechanical hum filling the silence between Jake, Carter, and Akane. Exhausted from the day’s encounters, none of them spoke. The enclosed space provided a brief respite, a moment to catch their breath before what they knew would be another inevitable battle. Each held their weapon tightly, preparing for whatever lay ahead. As the doors slid open, they were greeted by exactly what they expected—obstructions on their path to finding Luna.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c9/Marcus_Steele_patrolling_inside_the_futuristic_FuturForge_building.png]
As the elevator doors slid open, just as Isabella had warned, Marcus "Thunderbolt" Steele stood before them, an imposing figure of authority and intimidation. The harsh fluorescent lighting bounced off his smooth, bald head, giving him an almost otherworldly presence. His cold, unwavering gaze locked onto the trio, making it clear that this was no ordinary confrontation. Behind him stood ten security guards, each armed with batons and standing in disciplined formation, waiting silently for orders from their Chief Security Officer.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/08/Taser.png]
In Marcus's hand was the weapon that earned him his fearsome moniker—his taser, "Thunderbolt." The occasional crackle of electricity from the device pierced the tense silence like a warning shot. Jake, Carter, and Akane instinctively tightened their grip on their weapons, bracing for the inevitable standoff that awaited them. The air was thick with the weight of what was about to unfold, a battle of epic proportions looming on the horizon.
"Just three teenagers, managing to get past my entire security team," Marcus's voice boomed down the corridor, carrying an unsettling blend of admiration and sarcasm. He casually flicked his taser on and off, small sparks crackling from it, amplifying the aura of intimidation that surrounded him. With his arms folded, he stared down at the trio. "I'm impressed," he continued, his expression stern. "Looks like I'll need to retrain my whole team—and maybe re-evaluate our entire security system." His words, while commendatory on the surface, hinted at a deeper, more menacing meaning. Marcus stood as an imminent threat to Jake, Carter, and Akane, his presence alone cultivating an aura of both fear and respect.
Carter, ever the embodiment of straightforwardness and justice, stepped forward undeterred by Marcus’s imposing presence and the forces assembled before them. His voice was steady and resolute, carrying a tumultuous mix of anger and determination. "If you know what's good for you, you'll let us through," he declared, his stance defiant as he held his hockey stick in a battle-ready position. The challenge in his words was unmistakable, a direct confrontation to the authority Marcus wielded.
Marcus, however, was not intimidated but rather amused. His response—a dark chuckle that resonated with menace—sent a shiver down the trio's spines. The cold glint in his eyes, deep and polished like obsidian, hinted at the formidable presence and decisive actions that made him an intimidating figure, especially to those who dared to challenge him. "Your friend is right behind this door. I had quite a time using my taser on her. Hearing her screams... though she's tougher than she looks, didn't spill a thing." His words, cruel and taunting, were designed to unnerve them, casting a shadow of doubt and fear over their resolve.
Upon hearing Marcus's cruel words about Luna's torture, a spark of anger ignited within the trio. The usual cheerful and optimistic Jake now bore an expression that told a different story. His grip on the baseball bat tightened, the wood creaking under the pressure, a clear sign of his mounting fury. "Why bully someone who clearly knows nothing?" Jake asked, his voice steady but edged with anger, showing he was not intimidated by Marcus's imposing presence.
Marcus looked at Jake with his obsidian eyes, remaining the picture of composure, his demeanor unaltered by the accusation. "What can you do to me if I did?" he asked, his voice dripping with the authority of someone who is used to having his orders followed without question. "And I don't bully, kid. I enforce," he corrected, his tone carrying an air of finality.
"Your words mean nothing to me, and your journey ends here," Marcus declared. "If you want to do something about it, beat me in a fight—if one of you can. I dare you." His proposal for a one-on-one match resonated with cold assurance as he held up his taser, blue sparks crackling ominously, ready to enforce his will. "My team won't interfere. I really want to see how capable all of you are." Though his words offered a fair duel, the trio couldn’t ignore the suspicion that lingered in their minds, especially with the 10 security guards flanking him. It was clear that this was a challenge they had little choice but to accept.
As Jake stepped forward, ready to face Marcus one-on-one, Carter, already positioned in front, intervened. He placed a firm hand on Jake's chest, preventing him from moving any further. "Jake, leave this to me," Carter said, his eyes locking with Jake’s, filled with determination. The strong sense of brotherhood that defined Carter radiated in that moment, and Jake could see in his friend's eyes that this was something Carter needed to do.
In his mind, Carter knew he wanted to redeem himself after the loss to Isabella, which had left a scar on his pride. Winning against Marcus would not only restore his confidence but also make him feel like he was truly contributing to their mission. Jake, understanding there was no room for argument, nodded in agreement, stepping back to let Carter take on the challenge.
Marcus smirked as he ordered his 10 security guards, who had been flanking him, to stand down and move behind him. He stepped forward like a seasoned enforcer, the sterile glow of the fluorescent lights reflecting off his polished bald head, emphasizing his commanding presence. He activated his taser, the electric hum a sinister prelude to the confrontation, a taunt of the electric shock his challenger was about to face.
Carter, undeterred by Marcus's imposing presence, raised his hockey stick, ready to confront the Chief Security Officer of FuturForge Innovations. "You're going down!" he declared, his stance poised and resolute, a testament to his determination to redeem his loss from the last battle and save his friend. Jake and Akane stood by, their trust in Carter unwavering, hoping he would emerge victorious in this critical confrontation.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/3b/Hockey_Stick_Sweep.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/9e/Electro-Disarm.png]
The clash between Carter and Marcus "Thunderbolt" Steele began with explosive intensity. Carter, wielding his hockey stick with the precision of a seasoned player, made the first move with Hockey Stick Sweep, a wide sweeping motion akin to a hockey slap shot, strategically aiming to destabilize Marcus and gain an early advantage. However, Marcus was unfazed by the maneuver. In a swift counter, he executed Electro-Disarm, exploiting the close range of Carter's attack. With a deft move, Marcus sent a jolting surge of electricity through the taser, directly towards Carter's weapon, forcing Carter to release his grip as the electric charge coursed through the stick.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/7c/Athlete%27s_Agility.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/24/Taser_Strike.png]
"Carter!" Jake shouted, alarmed at seeing his friend disarmed, while Akane watched with growing concern. Carter, however, remained composed despite the clear disadvantage. Undeterred and now unarmed, he tapped into his innate Athlete's Agility, a testament to his exceptional reflexes, and quickly reclaimed his hockey stick. He narrowly dodged Marcus's subsequent Taser Strike, the air crackling with the dangerous electric charge meant to incapacitate him. Marcus clearly intended to end the fight swiftly, but Carter refused to be taken down easily.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/79/Power_Check.png]
In a bold counter, Carter launched himself into a Power Check, using his physical strength and momentum to push Marcus back. Though the force of the impact was strong, Marcus’s solid build and seasoned resilience absorbed the blow, causing him to slide back but not fall.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/27/Stun_Grenade.png]
"You've got spirit, kid," Marcus remarked, his tone tinged with grudging respect. "But spirit won't save you here." With that, he deployed a Stun Grenade, modifying his taser to emit a blinding flash and a deafening sound. The sudden detonation temporarily robbed Carter of his senses, disorienting him in a tactical move designed to weaken his resolve.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/6a/Puck_Precision.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/7a/Shockwave_Shield.png]
Blinded and unable to locate Marcus even at close range, Carter improvised with Puck Precision, hurling small, hard objects as makeshift projectiles in a desperate attempt to regain the upper hand. But Marcus, ever prepared, remained a step ahead. From a distance, he activated his Shockwave Shield, emitting an electrified barrier that effortlessly repelled Carter's assault, showcasing his technological superiority and strategic defense with ease.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/11/Final_Buzzer_Blitz.png]
Carter, still disoriented but fueled by his reserve strength and determination, reached his limit as he initiated his Final Buzzer Blitz, a rapid, all-out offensive that embodied the intense final moments of a hockey match. Desperation drove him as he swung his hockey stick wildly, hoping that at least one of his multiple strikes would land. However, Marcus, anticipating this last-ditch effort, merely stepped back, avoiding each strike with a calculated ease, as if toying with Carter's resolve.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/24/Voltage_Surge.png]
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"Is this the best you can do?" Marcus taunted, his voice dripping with condescension. With a cruel smirk, he unleashed Voltage Surge, amplifying his taser's electric output for a short burst, the shockwave powerful enough to incapacitate even heavily armored foes. The surge caught Carter off guard, sending him reeling backward, a physical manifestation of Marcus's overwhelming dominance in the confrontation.
As Carter lay defeated, Marcus loomed over him, his silhouette a stark reminder of authority and victory. "Is this really the teenager who managed to get past my security?" he sneered, his voice echoing coldly in the aftermath of their battle. "I guess I really do need better training for my team." He cast a pointed look at the ten security guards standing behind him. They averted their eyes, unable to meet Marcus's gaze, clearly ashamed of their failure.
Marcus continued to toy with his taser, flicking it on and off, the occasional crackle of electricity cutting through the tense silence. His presence remained an unyielding obstacle, the final barrier in the trio's quest to rescue Luna.
Akane and Jake swiftly moved to Carter's side in the wake of his brave yet ultimately unsuccessful duel, their actions driven by deep concern. With careful, deliberate movements, they assisted Carter, who was still disoriented from the intense voltage surge, guiding him to the relative safety of a nearby corner, creating a makeshift safe zone away from the looming presence of Marcus Steele. "Are you okay?" Akane inquired, her voice a gentle whisper, her usual reserve giving way to genuine concern for her comrade.
Carter, visibly fatigued and pained from the encounter, put up a brave front despite the internal turmoil he felt. He mustered a nod of assurance to both Jake and Akane, not wanting them to worry. "I'll be fine. I'm sorry, guys. I let you both down again," he responded, his voice tinged with regret. Though he wasn’t crying, the glistening in his eyes betrayed his feelings, the weight of his belief in brotherhood and team spirit pressing heavily on him. His attempt to reassure Akane and Jake was as much about bolstering his own spirits as it was about easing their concerns.
Marcus, devoid of empathy for the teenagers, continued to toy with his taser, the crackling electricity echoing his cold indifference. Shifting his attention squarely onto Jake and Akane, he surveyed them with a challenging gaze, an eyebrow arched in anticipation. His smirk deepened, laced with mockery as he taunted, "So, who's next? Or have you had enough seeing your friend suffer in shock?" His voice dripped with provocation, a deliberate attempt to incite anger and despair in Jake and Akane. Marcus stood tall, his posture as imposing and steadfast as ever, ready to take on the next challenger without hesitation.
Jake placed a reassuring hand on Carter's shoulder. "Bro, you did your best, and we appreciate it! Now, it's time for me to show him what's right." Rising to his feet, undeterred by the prospect of facing FuturForge's chief enforcer, Jake gripped his baseball bat with a determination that radiated from him. He met Marcus's gaze with a defiant glare, embodying the bravery and resolve that defined him when confronted with danger or injustice.
Seeing Jake's resolve, Marcus knew he had found his next opponent. With a confident smirk, he cracked his neck and taunted, "You think your baseball bat can take on my taser?" The confidence from his recent victory over Carter was evident in his voice.
But Jake, undaunted, faced Marcus with a determined glint in his eye. "I'm not as easy to take down as you think," he declared, his voice a blend of youthful bravado and unwavering resolve. His stance, relaxed yet poised for action, signaled his readiness to engage in the battle that lay ahead.
Marcus met Jake's challenge with a smirk that spoke volumes of his experience. Activating his taser with a flick of his wrist, he retorted, "Let's see if you can back up those words, kid." His deep, resonant voice, filled with the anticipation of the impending clash, reverberated through the corridor, setting the stage for their showdown.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/14/Home_Run_Swing.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/24/Taser_Strike.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/95/Batter%27s_Intuition.png]
The battle was a fast-paced, high-tempo clash. Without hesitation, Jake launched into the offensive with a Home Run Swing, his bat slicing through the air with lethal intent, aiming to knock out Marcus immediately. The security chief, quick on his feet, countered with a Taser Strike, intending to neutralize Jake swiftly and make him temporarily immobile. However, Jake's Batter's Intuition kicked in, allowing him to read Marcus's movements with precision. This keen sense of timing enabled Jake to swiftly dodge the electrical onslaught and close the distance, showcasing his adaptability and skill.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/9e/Electro-Disarm.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/91/Stealing_Bases.png]
Marcus, recognizing the threat posed by Jake's prowess, attempted an Electro-Disarm, aiming to neutralize Jake's bat and gain the upper hand by disarming him. However, Jake’s combat skill was not just about physical strength; he relied on intelligence and strategic thinking to overcome obstacles. He quickly employed Stealing Bases, using his agility to move swiftly and stealthily, evading Marcus’s attack and keeping him at bay. Jake's movements were a testament to his preparedness and tactical acumen, effectively countering Marcus's attempt to disarm him.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/27/Stun_Grenade.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/98/Slide_Dodge.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/e/e5/Fastball_Flick.png]
"You’re tougher than I expected, but I've faced tougher opponents," Marcus acknowledged, a grudging respect for Jake's abilities surfacing amidst the heat of battle. Refusing to concede any ground, Marcus deployed a Stun Grenade, modifying his taser to emit a blinding flash and deafening sound, aiming to disorient Jake and seize the upper hand. But Jake, ever vigilant, having witnessed this move used against Carter, executed a Slide Dodge, skillfully evading the grenade's effects. He countered with a Fastball Flick, turning the corridor’s debris into impromptu projectiles and hurling them toward Marcus.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/7a/Shockwave_Shield.png]
Unfazed, Marcus activated his Shockwave Shield, the electrified barrier from his taser effortlessly deflecting Jake’s barrage of makeshift projectiles. The battle escalated into a dynamic exchange of strategy and agility, a testament to the combatants’ equal prowess and unwavering determination.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1c/Grand_Slam.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/8/8a/Taser_Whip.png]
In a decisive move, Jake unleashed his Grand Slam, channeling all his strength into a powerful leaping swing, bringing his bat down in a powerful arc aimed directly at Marcus. The security chief, attempting to counter with his Taser Whip—extending the taser's wires to turn it into a flexible, whip-like weapon meant to strike and immobilize—found himself at a disadvantage. Jake had already closed the distance, rendering the whip less effective at close range. With overwhelming force, Jake's bat connected, dislodging the taser from Marcus’s grasp and leaving the security chief momentarily stunned.
"It's over!" Jake declared, holding his bat at the ready, poised to deliver the decisive swing at any moment. Marcus, now disarmed, was on the brink of defeat. "Bring us to Luna! We’ve won!" Jake demanded.
"You're better than I thought, kid," Marcus admitted, his gruff tone betraying a grudging respect for Jake's skill and tenacity. "But I didn’t make any deal with you!" Despite being momentarily disarmed, Marcus refused to concede defeat. With swift, calculated movements, he retrieved his taser, his resolve unshaken.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a5/Emergency_Beacon.png]
In a sudden shift of tactics, Marcus activated his Emergency Beacon, emitting a distress signal from his taser that alerted backup, signaling the great lengths to which he would go to maintain control. The ten security guards who had previously stood down behind Marcus were now on high alert. They drew their batons and quickly surrounded Jake, Carter, and Akane, making it clear that the battle was far from over.
Akane drew her pair of sai, while Carter, recovering from his earlier fight, picked himself up and gripped his hockey stick, ready to stand united against the security team. "You can all surrender now! There's no point in resisting!" Marcus commanded, his authoritarian tone brooking no argument.
"We're not leaving until we find our friend!" Jake shouted, his resolve unwavering.
"You've left me with no choice!" Marcus signaled his team to charge, initiating the next intense onslaught as the trio prepared to defend themselves against the advancing security force.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a2/Curveball_Confound.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f6/Twilight_Mirage.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/3b/Hockey_Stick_Sweep.png]
Facing overwhelming odds—three against ten—the trio seemed at a significant disadvantage, but their remarkable teamwork quickly turned the tide of the battle. Jake employed his Curveball Confound, hurling objects that curved unpredictably through the air, sowing confusion among the ranks of the guards. The erratic trajectory caused the guards to falter, unable to defend against the unforeseen angles of attack. Meanwhile, Akane enacted her Twilight Mirage, using the reflective surfaces of her sais to dazzle and disorient the guards, creating crucial openings. Seizing the opportunity, Carter followed up with his Hockey Stick Sweep, performing a wide, powerful sweep with his hockey stick, reminiscent of a slap shot, aimed at knocking down multiple opponents in one go.
Despite being outnumbered, the trio's coordinated efforts dismantled the security team, causing the guards to fall like dominoes. Marcus watched in horror as his battalion crumbled before his eyes. "You all are useless! Why do I always have to do everything myself?" he roared, frustration and anger overtaking him.
In a rage, Marcus activated his taser and charged at the trio, abandoning any semblance of strategy. His failure and frustration clouded his mind, driving him to attack with reckless abandon.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c4/Jake_Harada_performing_Home_Run_Swing%2C_swinging_his_baseball_bat_with_exceptional_power%2C_aiming_to_knock_out_opponents_or_send_projectiles_back.png]
Spotting an opening, Jake delivered a Home Run Swing, a powerful and precise strike aimed directly at Marcus's sleek, polished bald head. The force of the blow was undeniable, sending Marcus stumbling backward before collapsing to the cold floor, knocked out cold. The level 46 corridor fell into an exceptional silence, broken only by the trio's heavy, exhausted breaths as they surveyed the aftermath of their hard-fought victory.
"…Is it really over…?" Carter asked, his voice tinged with exhaustion as the trio tried to catch their breath, their chests heaving. The quiet corridor echoed with their panting breaths, a stark contrast to the fierce battle that had just taken place. Jake, Carter, and Akane scanned the now-silent scene, the once-chaotic space now littered with the unconscious forms of security guards sprawled on the floor. Satisfied there were no more threats, they lowered their weapons.
"We… need to keep moving…" Jake managed between breaths. Carter and Akane, equally drained, nodded in agreement, too tired to respond verbally. Without wasting any more time, they began walking forward, heading towards the R&D room, hoping to find Luna and bring her back safely, praying they wouldn't face another confrontation.