As evening fell and the city dimmed, Jake Harada, Carter, and Akane set out on their covert mission to save Luna, accompanied by the steady hum of Fumio's car. Their hearts were filled with a mix of anticipation and determination as they approached FuturForge Innovations. The keycard from their earlier encounter, now in Jake's hand, represented their crucial means of entry. Nearing the car park entrance, they prepared for the moment of truth, hoping not to alert the security.
A security guard stood at the gantry, shining his torchlight into the car as Jake stopped for inspection. "Yes, what brings you here?" the guard asked, performing his routine check.
"We're here for our regular delivery," Carter replied with a friendly smile, trying to appear casual. The guard, noticing the trio in the car, grew suspicious. Sensing this, Jake quickly added, "It's not our first time here. We can prove it with the keycard." He held up the card, hoping to dispel any doubts.
"Alright, go ahead," the security guard said, still watching them closely. He remained alert as they approached the gantry, curious if their claim about the keycard was true.
As they neared the gate, the trio collectively held their breath, hoping for smooth passage. Jake tapped the keycard on the terminal, and with a reassuring beep, the gantry gate swung open, granting them access. "Phew!" they collectively sighed in relief. The security guard, seeing the gate open as they claimed, relaxed his suspicions and returned to his routine duties. With the access granted, the trio drove into the building, their covert entrance successfully secured.
Jake guided and parked his father's car in a discreet location within FuturForge Innovations' car park. They exited the vehicle with a heavy heart, bracing for the dangers ahead. Standing outside the towering building, which loomed with over 60 floors, they felt the weight of their task. "It's a tall building with a lot of floors," Carter remarked, feeling the pressure of searching for Luna without a clear starting point. "Let's get inside and figure it out," Jake urged, leading the way as they approached the entrance.
Entering the lobby of the FuturForge building, they found security relatively lax due to the late hour. The receptionist's desk was unattended, allowing them to move around without drawing attention. To access the lift, they needed to use the keycard. Jake tapped the card on the panel, and with a "Ding!" the lift doors opened, granting them entry. As they stepped inside, they faced a panel with 60 floor buttons.
"Where should we even start?" Carter asked, overwhelmed by the sheer number of floors. "We can't just go to each floor one by one looking for Luna; we'd likely get caught," he continued, noting the impracticality and risk of such an approach. The vastness of FuturForge presented a labyrinth of possibilities, with each floor potentially hiding Luna but no clear path to her.
Carter suggested, "How about we split up to cover more ground?" He hoped that dividing their forces would speed up the search.
However, Jake and Akane immediately shook their heads, disagreeing with the plan. "No, it's too risky. We should stick together," Jake insisted, understanding the dangers of separation. If any one of them were caught or overpowered, it could spell disaster for their mission. The group unanimously decided to stay united, knowing their strength lay in their unity as they faced the uncertainty and peril of searching for Luna within the vast corporate labyrinth.
Faced with over 60 buttons on the lift panel, the group pondered where to start. Time was running out, and they needed a strategy. Jake, using his intelligence and strategic thinking, proposed a plan. "Let's go to the cafeteria. It's a place where people tend to be more relaxed, and we might overhear conversations that could give us clues about Luna's whereabouts," he suggested.
The group agreed with Jake's plan. With a decisive press of the button for the 40th floor, they set their course towards the cafeteria area, a location where their presence might attract less scrutiny. "We'll blend in better there," Jake rationalized, confident that this environment would allow them to gather information without drawing too much attention. The decision, underpinned by a blend of tactical acumen and practicality, felt like the best way to start their search.
As the elevator doors parted, revealing the 40th-floor cafeteria of the colossal FuturForge Innovations complex, Jake, Carter, and Akane were met with an unexpected and familiar figure. Standing before them was none other than Professor Elden Thorne, clad in his pristine white laboratory coat and holding his walking stick. "What are you all doing here?" The surprise in Professor Thorne's voice was unmistakable as he encountered the trio, clearly shocked to see them in such an unlikely place. His gaze swept over them, concern and curiosity evident as he tried to grasp the reason behind their presence, knowing they had no business being at FuturForge.
Quickly, the professor ushered them back into the elevator. "It's not safe if anyone sees you here. Quick, back into the elevator," he instructed, his voice low but commanding, indicating his awareness of the complexities and potential dangers of the situation. As they retreated into the confines of the elevator, Jake remained cautious with his words, mindful of the professor's erratic reaction when he learned about Luna being a time traveler.
"Professor, why are you here too?" Jake asked, growing suspicious of the professor's presence in the building.
Professor Elden Thorne began to explain, "Besides working at Starlight University as an academic professor, I also work here as a research professor." He continued, "I use my knowledge of weapons history to contribute to pioneering research at FuturForge, spanning both theoretical studies and practical applications." His explanation seemed justified and convinced Jake and his friends that there was nothing particularly suspicious about his presence at FuturForge. The professor's dual roles at the university and the corporation made sense, easing their initial suspicion and allowing them to focus on the task at hand.
Jake, sensing sincerity in Professor Elden Thorne's eyes behind his blue-lens spectacles, decided to reveal their purpose, hoping the familiar face could help them locate Luna more quickly. "Professor, we're in dire need of your assistance. Luna has been kidnapped, and our clue about her whereabouts led us here," he explained, his voice reflecting the urgency of their situation and the critical role they hoped the professor could play.
Upon hearing Jake's plea, Professor Thorne's initial shock quickly shifted to comprehension, as he pieced together the implications of their presence at FuturForge. "I'm not aware of Luna's location or whether she's even in FuturForge Innovations," he admitted, showing a hint of confusion. "But I can take you to my office to avoid detection and help you find any clues if Luna is around," he offered.
The elevator came to a stop on a floor, and Professor Thorne led them out with the confidence of someone who knew the building well. As they walked, he navigated the hallways with ease, guiding them to a secure location where they could begin their search without drawing unwanted attention.
They stopped in front of an office labeled "Professor Elden Thorne, Research Professor." Professor Thorne opened the door and ushered the group inside. This office was distinctly different from the one they had seen at Starlight University. It was a captivating amalgamation of the ancient and ultra-modern, where relics of weapon history stood in quiet dignity alongside the gleaming marvels of futuristic technology. The space was a physical manifestation of Professor Thorne's life's work, showcasing his expertise in both historical and contemporary realms. The trio stood in awe, taking in the eclectic and impressive collection.
"You all should stay here. It's safer," Elden recommended, casting a protective gaze over the group. He explained that his status as a staff member afforded him a certain level of invisibility within the company's ecosystem, allowing him to move around without arousing suspicion. "I can move around without causing alarm. Let me see what I can find out," he offered, his voice filled with resolve. His tone was both comforting and commanding, assuring the group that he was committed to aiding their cause. With a nod, he left the office, leaving the trio in the unique and secure space to await his findings.
As the door clicked shut behind Elden, Jake, Carter, and Akane found themselves momentarily adrift in the silence of the office. They were surrounded by artifacts that whispered tales of ages past and devices that hummed with the promise of tomorrow. The eclectic mix of ancient and futuristic elements in the room intrigued them, revealing how ordinary items could be ingeniously modified into formidable weapons.
"Jake, look at this," Carter said, showing him a glove capable of discharging electricity. The device, seemingly innocuous, demonstrated the innovative fusion of historical concepts with cutting-edge technology.
Meanwhile, Akane examined another artifact, an intriguing blend of historical design and advanced tech. It was fascinating to see how everyday objects could be transformed into weapons, showcasing the depth of Professor Thorne's research and expertise.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
As they explored the office, their thoughts kept drifting back to Luna, hoping Professor Thorne would return with positive news about her whereabouts. The wait felt interminable, but they remained patient, clinging to the hope that their presence in the heart of FuturForge would soon lead them to their friend.
As they waited patiently, the minutes stretched into what felt like an eternity, each second amplifying the gravity of their predicament. Despite the intriguing artifacts around them, the trio's thoughts were focused on the urgency of finding Luna. "The professor is taking a long time," Carter muttered, growing restless and eager to leave the office. Just as the tension in the room reached its peak, the tranquility was abruptly shattered.
The door flew open with a force that seemed to split the very air, and ten security guards surged into the room. With batons drawn and poised for confrontation, they embodied the immediate and uncompromising response of the establishment's defense mechanisms.
"We've got intruders!" announced one of the guards, his voice booming through the space, bouncing off the walls adorned with relics of history and futuristic technology.
The group stood frozen for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden intrusion. Jake clenched his baseball bat tightly, readying himself for a confrontation. Carter and Akane exchanged a glance, steeling themselves for the unexpected battle. Carter gripped his hockey stick, while Akane, drawing her sais, underwent a stark transformation, exuding an aura of intimidation as the blades gleamed ominously in the fluorescent light.
"Stay close!" Jake instructed, demonstrating his adaptability and strategic thinking, cutting through the chaos with his command. The trio positioned themselves back-to-back, ensuring they didn't expose any blind spots. The calm sanctuary of Elden's office had swiftly transformed into a battleground, as they braced themselves to defend against the overwhelming force of the security guards.
"Surrender now! You don't stand a chance," one of the security guards commanded, as two guards approached Carter with their batons, intending to overwhelm him with sheer numbers. Carter's resolve hardened, a determined glint in his eye as he braced for the confrontation. "Looks like we're doing this the hard way," he muttered, tightening his grip on his hockey stick.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/3b/Hockey_Stick_Sweep.png]
Without hesitation, Carter sprang into action, executing a Hockey Stick Sweep with precision and force. The maneuver created a formidable barrier, its wide arc catching the approaching guards off guard. The first two guards reeled backward, unprepared for the strength and ferocity of Carter's defense.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/cb/Whispering_Willows.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/70/Sai_Serenity.png]
Another guard made a beeline for Akane, but she quickly deployed her Whispering Willows technique, her movements a study in lethal grace. As the guard's baton swung through the air, Akane seemed to vanish, her fluid dance of evasion leaving the attack futile. With the precision of a master, she executed Sai Serenity, a technique that allowed her to disarm her adversary with a deft, swift motion. The guard's baton was knocked from his grasp, skittering helplessly away across the floor.
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/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]
Jake, not to be outdone, stood ready with his trusty baseball bat, a symbol of his resolve and determination. "We're just here to find our friend," he declared, his voice a mix of frustration and defiance. He unleashed a Home Run Swing, a powerful arc that intercepted a guard's baton mid-strike, sending it flying. Agile and alert, Jake swiftly executed a Slide Dodge, smoothly evading an attack. Seizing the opportunity, he retaliated with a Fastball Flick, using a paperweight pilfered from Elden's desk as an impromptu missile. The paperweight flew through the air with pinpoint accuracy, striking an advancing guard and momentarily halting the assault.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/79/Power_Check.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/4/42/Silent_Cherry_Blossom_Thrust.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1c/Grand_Slam.png]
Together, Carter, Akane, and Jake exhibited a remarkable synergy, their actions in perfect concert amidst the tumult. Carter's Power Check maneuver effortlessly dispatched another guard, sending him crashing to the ground. Akane, with her Silent Cherry Blossom Thrust, targeted her foes with surgical precision, her strikes incapacitating with a minimum of movement but maximum efficiency. Meanwhile, Jake's Grand Slam was a spectacle of raw power, propelling another guard into a shelf laden with ancient texts, a testament to their collective determination to stand their ground.
"We're not here to hurt anyone!" Jake's declaration pierced the tumult of the skirmish, a desperate plea for understanding amidst the chaos. Yet, the guards, driven by their duty and undeterred by his words, pressed on, their resolve as steadfast as the walls of the institution they protected.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f3/Whirlwind_Retreat.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/11/Final_Buzzer_Blitz.png]
In a remarkable display of unity and strategic acumen, Carter and Jake formed a protective barrier around Akane, enabling her to execute her Whirlwind Retreat. With the grace of a seasoned martial artist, she spun into action, her movement a captivating dance that ensnared the attention of several guards, drawing them into her whirlwind. This tactical diversion left the adversaries vulnerable to Carter's Final Buzzer Blitz, a formidable onslaught of rapid strikes delivered with the precision and intensity of a playoff finale. His hockey stick became a blur, each hit disorienting the guards further, their ranks thrown into disarray by the unexpected ferocity of the assault.
The transformation of Professor Thorne's office from a sanctuary of intellectual pursuit to a fierce battleground was stark. The air was filled with the tumult of conflict, books tumbling from their perches like casualties of war, papers adrift in the air like leaves caught in an autumn gale, and the resonant clash of combat reverberating against the scholarly confines.
When the dust settled and the last of the guards succumbed to the relentless tide of the trio's combined might, Jake, Akane, and Carter stood victorious amidst the upheaval. Their breaths came in heavy gasps, their bodies bearing the marks of the fray, yet their spirits remained indomitable. "We just wanted to find Luna," Jake managed to articulate, his voice a testament to their singular purpose, echoing around the room now littered with the remnants of their struggle.
Navigating the polished, futuristic hallways of FuturForge Innovations, Jake, Carter, and Akane encountered a fresh wave of security personnel, determined to halt their progress. Yet, the trio, bolstered by their recent victory and the urgency of their mission, stood undaunted. They were a cohesive unit, each member ready to leverage their unique abilities against the looming threat.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/95/Batter%27s_Intuition.png]
Jake, embodying the essence of a seasoned athlete, tapped into his Batter's Intuition, transforming the space into his field of play. His baseball bat became an extension of his will, a whirlwind of motion that parried and repelled the guards' attempts to subdue him. His innate agility allowed him to weave through the advancing figures with ease, his movements a blend of precision and grace that left his would-be captors grasping at shadows.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/3b/Hockey_Stick_Sweep.png]
Carter, the group's tactician, read the battlefield with an expert's eye, predicting the guards' movements with uncanny accuracy. Employing his Hockey Stick Sweep, he crafted openings in the guards' ranks as if moving pieces on a chessboard. His strikes, delivered with the timing and precision of a clockmaker, served to disrupt and disorient, turning the guards' coordinated efforts into a disarray of missed opportunities and confusion.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/cb/Whispering_Willows.png]
Akane, the embodiment of lethal elegance, moved among their adversaries with the fluidity of water. Her Whispering Willows technique was a spectacle of martial prowess, each motion of her sais a stroke of artistry that left the guards bewildered and defenseless. Her actions, swift and decisive, rendered their attempts to engage her nothing short of futile, her mastery of combat turning the tide in their favor with seeming effortlessness.
The guards, though undoubtedly skilled and well-prepared, found themselves outmatched by the dynamic synergy of the trio. Each attempt to form a blockade or gain the upper hand was met with a swift counter, their efforts unraveled by the seamless coordination of Jake's agility, Carter's strategic acumen, and Akane's precision. As they advanced through the corridors of FuturForge Innovations, their path was a testament to their unparalleled teamwork and the depth of their commitment to their cause.