image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/00/Marcus_Steele_Profile.png]
Marcus's obsidian eyes narrowed as he took in the motley crew before him. His voice was as cold and commanding as his posture. "This is a restricted area. What are you doing here?"
Elliot, recovering from his initial shock, tried to muster his courage. "We're just here to, uh, showcase our final project," he stammered, hoping his vague explanation would buy them some time.
Marcus wasn't convinced. His hand gripped the taser a little tighter, the electric hum punctuating the tense air. "A final project, at this hour? Seems unlikely," he replied, his tone skeptical. "Do you think I'm stupid, Mr. Harper?" Marcus's voice took on a harder edge. "I'm testing how truthful you are as a staff member of FuturForge."
Cyrus, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward, his voice steady. "Uncle Marcus, how are you?" he greeted, revealing a familiarity that surprised everyone.
Marcus's eyes flicked to Cyrus, and his expression shifted slightly. "Cyrus Thorne, son of Elden Thorne. I'm surprised to see you here," he said, flicking his taser on and off. "What are you doing here with these unwelcome guests?"
Cyrus met his gaze unflinchingly. "I wish to use the research and development lab. If you could let us through, we'd be grateful," he said, determination lacing his words.
Marcus shook his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'm afraid I can't let you through, Cyrus. You're on private property. We can do this the easy way, where I escort you out, or the hard way, where I subdue you with my taser."
Noah, sensing the tension, nudged Elliot again. "Go on, show him the power of your vacuum cleaner!" he urged, pushing Elliot forward.
Mustering his courage once more, Elliot stepped up, raising the telescoping wand of his vacuum cleaner. "We are not leaving, Mr. Steele. I challenge you."
Marcus Steele let out a deep, amused laugh. "Sure, this will be fun. Prepare to be shocked!"
As Marcus readied his taser, the air between them crackled with anticipation. Elliot stood firm, the vacuum cleaner humming to life, its advanced mechanisms whirring. The confrontation between the two adversaries became an electrifying standoff, each preparing to demonstrate their unique combat prowess.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/8/81/Cordless_vacuum_cleaner.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/08/Taser.png]
Cyrus, Ji-eun, and Noah watched intently, their breaths held as the stakes of their mission suddenly felt higher. Ji-eun's eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and anxiety, while Noah's confident grin never wavered. The quiet hum of the vacuum cleaner contrasted sharply with the menacing buzz of Marcus's taser, creating a tension that could snap at any moment.
"Your move," Marcus said, his voice low and dangerous.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/cc/Elliot_Harper_using_his_cordless_vaccum_cleaner_as_a_unique_weapon.png]
Elliot took a deep breath, gripping the vacuum cleaner's wand tighter. "Here goes nothing," he muttered, stepping forward. With a swift motion, he directed the vacuum cleaner towards Marcus, the advanced technology within whirring to life. Marcus responded with a flick of his wrist, his taser crackling as he prepared to strike.
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/d/d8/Air_Shield.png]
With a sudden movement, Marcus lunged forward, his taser with a Taser Strike aimed directly at Elliot. The device discharged a bolt of electricity, but Elliot reacted swiftly, raising his vacuum cleaner and initiating an Air Shield, creating a temporary barrier of intense airflow that deflected the electric charge. The air hummed with energy as the shield dissipated the taser's power, protecting Elliot from the immediate threat.
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/3/38/Suction_Snare.png]
Undeterred, Marcus narrowed his obsidian eyes and used his taser's electric charge to attempt an Electro-Disarm, aiming to disable Elliot's vacuum cleaner. The air crackled with electricity as the charge arced toward Elliot's device. Quickly countering, Elliot directed the powerful suction toward Marcus's taser, initiating a Suction Snare that pulled at the weapon and momentarily disrupted Marcus's grip.
"Quite impressive for a geeky guy with a vacuum cleaner," commented Noah, a mix of admiration and sarcasm in his voice.
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Cyrus remained focused on the battle, his expression tense and concentrated. Ji-eun, meanwhile, clung to Cyrus's arm, her face showing a mix of fear and concern as she watched the violent scene unfold before them. Her wide eyes peeked out from behind Cyrus, her body language betraying her anxiety.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/24/Voltage_Surge.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/73/Dust_Devil_Spin.png]
Marcus tightened his hold and swung the taser back with renewed force, amplifying its output for a short, intense burst of electric power with a Voltage Surge. The surge lit up the corridor, and the hum of electricity filled the air. Elliot leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the electrified strike, and initiated a Dust Devil Spin, using the vacuum to create a mini whirlwind that disoriented Marcus. The gusts of wind swirled around the corridor, kicking up debris and forcing Marcus to shield his eyes.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/b7/Debris_Barrage.png]
Seeing an opening, Elliot took advantage and initiated a Debris Barrage, reversing the vacuum's flow to launch accumulated dust and small objects at Marcus. The barrage struck with surprising force, pushing Marcus back a few steps.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/8/8a/Taser_Whip.png]
Marcus gritted his teeth, shaking off the debris. "Is that all you've got?" he growled. With a swift motion, he extended the taser's wires, turning the device into a flexible whip for a Taser Whip attack that lashed out toward Elliot. Elliot tried to dodge, but the whip caught him on the arm, sending a jolt of electricity through his body. He winced, but his grip on the vacuum remained firm.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/2e/Clean_Sweep_Finisher.png]
Desperate to turn the tide, Elliot activated his ultimate move, combining the vacuum's suction and blower capabilities to initiate a Clean Sweep Finisher. The corridor erupted into chaos as flying debris and fierce winds surged toward Marcus, creating a maelstrom of dust and objects.
Ji-eun, Cyrus, and Noah ducked for cover, shielding themselves from the swirling debris. "Hey, careful! You might hit us!" Noah shouted over the din.
"I'm trying!" Elliot called back, his voice strained with the effort of controlling the powerful vacuum cleaner.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/7a/Shockwave_Shield.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f7/Non-Lethal_Takedown.png]
Marcus stood his ground, emitting an electrified shield with his Shockwave Shield that deflected the incoming assault. The barrier held firm, neutralizing Elliot's ultimate move. As the dust settled, Marcus advanced. "You fought well, but it ends here," he stated coldly. With a final, precise move, he struck Elliot with a powerful taser blast for a Non-Lethal Takedown, incapacitating him. Elliot crumpled to the ground, his vacuum cleaner slipping from his grasp.
From the sidelines, Noah couldn't hold back his frustration. "Boo! That's not fair!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the corridor.
Elliot, struggling to stand after the intense clash, looked apologetically at his team. "Sorry guys, I tried my best! He's just too strong."
Marcus turned to the remaining members of the group, his expression stern as he scanned the trio. He saw Noah, a mere child; Cyrus, unarmed and determined; and Ji-eun, whose innocent appearance seemed no threat to him.
"Surrender now. You have no chance against me," he declared, his voice brooking no argument.
Cyrus stepped forward, fists clenched. "I'm not leaving, Uncle Marcus. If I need to fight, I'll do it with my bare knuckles."
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f7/Non-Lethal_Takedown.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a9/Kitchen_Knife.png]
Marcus smirked, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "I like your guts, Cyrus, but there's a fine line between bravery and stupidity." He readied his taser for another Non-Lethal Takedown, aiming a powerful blast at Cyrus. Before the electricity could reach its target, a kitchen knife flew through the air, deflecting the shot.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c9/Obsessive_Guard.png]
"No one hurts Cyrus!" Ji-eun shouted, her Obsessive Guard kicking in. Her reflexes and speed increased exponentially, her red irises glaring fiercely at Marcus. Her transformation shocked not only Marcus but also Noah, Elliot, and Cyrus.
"So, you've been concealing your abilities all this time. Let's see what you've got, girl," Marcus challenged, his stance shifting as he prepared for a new opponent.
"You've made me mad for denying and hurting the man I love. I will make you pay!" Ji-eun declared, her voice filled with intensity.
Noah, wide-eyed, leaned toward Cyrus. "Did I hear that right? She said she loves you?"
Cyrus, equally bewildered, responded, "I thought you guys just met?"
"I swear, I just met her!" Cyrus insisted, still in shock as he looked at Noah.
The tension in the air thickened as Ji-eun and Marcus prepared to face off. Ji-eun's fierce protectiveness and Marcus's authoritative confidence created a palpable charge in the corridor. Each movement was deliberate, each breath calculated, as they gauged their opponent.
Ji-eun, her kitchen knife ready, took a step forward, her eyes never leaving Marcus. "You've underestimated me. That was your first mistake," she said, her voice low and dangerous.
Marcus, unfazed, tightened his grip on his taser. "And your mistake is thinking love will save you. Let's see how far your emotions get you in this fight."
With tension crackling in the air, Ji-eun and Marcus squared off, their eyes locked in a fierce glare. Each movement promised a battle of extraordinary skill and unwavering resolve. Ji-eun’s agility and speed were set to clash with Marcus’s brute strength and tactical prowess, creating a whirlwind of motion and energy in the confined space of the corridor. The stakes had never been higher, and the outcome was anything but certain. As they prepared to engage, the fate of their mission and the future of their quest hung in the balance, leaving everyone breathless with anticipation.