Having narrowly escaped the security guards in Professor Elden Thorne's office and with no sign of the professor returning to guide them, Jake, Carter, and Akane found themselves wandering the sleek, futuristic corridors of FuturForge Innovations. The hallways, adorned with minimalist elegance and characteristic of cutting-edge design, seemed to stretch endlessly as they moved aimlessly, hoping luck would lead them to Luna.
"Not sure how we're going to find Luna now. Are we just going to barge into every room and hope she's there?" Carter voiced his frustration, knowing the daunting task ahead with 60 floors to search and the potential encounters with more security guards.
As they continued down the corridor, they noticed an unusual quietness—no guards seemed to be present, which was strange given the commotion they had caused earlier. This eerie silence only added to their unease. Suddenly, Akane pointed ahead, drawing their attention to a door marked "CEO's Office."
The trio exchanged glances, realizing they were standing outside the office of the corporation's highest authority. The presence of the CEO's office presented a new opportunity. Carter spoke up, "If Luna is being held somewhere important, the CEO might have some involvement or at least know something. This could be our best chance to find out where she is." They hesitated for a moment, understanding the potential risks of confronting someone so powerful but also recognizing the necessity of the situation.
Carter, stretching his muscles with the readiness of an athlete, voiced his impatience. "What are we waiting for? Let's just barge into the office and demand to know where Luna is!" His frustration was palpable, and he continued, "As the leader of the company, he must be the mastermind behind this abduction!" He suggested they storm into the office together, eager to confront whoever was inside.
Jake and Akane, however, hesitated. They exchanged uncertain glances, weighing the risks of such a direct approach. Jake, always the strategist, considered the potential consequences of barging in without a plan. "If we just burst in and start making accusations, it might backfire. We need to think this through," he cautioned, his voice steady but filled with concern.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/63/Isabella_Sinclair_Profile.png]
Before the trio could decide whether to act on Carter's bold plan, a lady suddenly appeared in front of them. Dressed in a crisp white blouse and a grey pencil skirt, she exuded a sense of professionalism and authority, signaling her capability and readiness to take charge within the walls of FuturForge Innovations. Jake, Carter, and Akane sensed that she held an important role even before she spoke. The click of her red heels against the polished floor, along with her matching red handbag, a stylish accessory that completed her look, hinted at her meticulous attention to detail.
Before they could react, still in awe of the lady's presence, she spoke first. "Slow down, kids," the lady's voice was both calm and commanding, effortlessly cutting through the tension. Her confidence was unwavering despite the unexpected confrontation. "Your friend isn't here. But where are my manners? I'm Isabella Sinclair, personal assistant to the CEO of FuturForge. And you are?" Her introduction, though polite, carried a sharpness in her observation. Her demeanor was professional, yet undeniably imposing, making it clear she was someone not to be taken lightly.
Taken aback by Isabella's composed and authoritative presence, Jake, Carter, and Akane found themselves momentarily at a loss. The confrontation they had planned shifted into a cautious exchange of names. "My name is Jake Harada, and these are my friends, Carter Brooks and Akane Miyazaki," Jake responded, feeling compelled to follow her lead due to her commanding aura. It was clear that Isabella not only held a position of power but also seemed to have an understanding of their purpose, adding to their hesitation and curiosity.
Isabella, with her steady gaze and unwavering smile, acknowledged their introduction with a mix of intrigue and amusement. "I understand you've been causing quite a commotion. The CEO of FuturForge isn't pleased. Let me assure you, we have no part in your friend's kidnapping," she stated. Her assurance did little to calm the storm of questions in their minds, as she seemed well-informed about Luna's situation.
Jake tightened his grip on his baseball bat, pressing for answers. "Then where is she? The abductors had a FuturForge staff card!" he demanded, his voice filled with urgency.
Carter joined in, echoing Jake's urgency with a mix of challenge and plea. "If FuturForge isn't involved, then help us find her. Where is our friend?" he implored, desperate for any assistance in locating Luna.
Isabella smiled back with a devious grin, unfazed by the trio's demands for answers. Knowing she held the upper hand, she decided to offer an unexpected and audacious proposition. "To get what you want, you have to show you deserve it," she stated in a commanding tone. "I'll make you a deal," she continued, her voice carrying a hint of cunning. "Beat me in a one-on-one fight, and I'll give you the information you're after. But if you lose, you'll leave this place immediately." Her confidence was evident, as she seemed certain in her combat skills and dismissive of the trio's abilities, believing they were no match for her.
"Do you think this is a trap?" Akane whispered, her caution highlighting the potential risks. She worried that agreeing to Isabella's terms might lead to betrayal, such as calling security on them once the fight was over.
"Don't think so; she looks professional," Carter countered, noting Isabella's composed and businesslike demeanor. He believed that her professionalism meant she would likely honor the deal, which made him more willing to take the risk and fight her for the information they needed.
Jake nodded in agreement with Carter. "I agree with Carter. Let's take the risk," he interjected, his strategic mind weighing the pros and cons. "If we reject her offer, we'd be stuck searching FuturForge's 60 floors blindly. But if we win, we can uncover the truth about Luna's whereabouts." He concluded that the one-on-one fight was a necessary gamble, potentially their best shot at finding Luna. His assessment solidified their decision to accept Isabella's challenge, seeing it as the best option despite the inherent risks.
"So who do we pick to go against Isabella?" Akane whispered, ready to step up if Jake and Carter wanted her to. However, Carter, confident in his physical prowess and driven by a strong sense of justice, stepped forward. "I'm up for the challenge," he announced, his voice full of conviction as he gripped his hockey stick. "I think my strength can overcome her," he boasted. "She looks pretty fragile, and I'm not sure what kind of weapon she might use." Carter's confidence in his ability to take down Isabella was evident.
"Okay, Carter! I believe in you! Do it for us!" Jake encouraged, offering his full support. He trusted Carter to handle the situation and secure the information they needed. The group felt a mix of anticipation and determination as they prepared for the impending confrontation.
Carter stepped forward, poised with his hockey stick, embodying his athletic ability and strength, ready to take on Isabella. The area outside the CEO's office had transformed into an unlikely battleground. Jake and Akane stood by, watching their friend prepare for the confrontation, offering their full support.
"Ready to lose, Miss Sinclair? Where's your weapon?" Carter quipped, attempting to unsettle her with a mix of taunt and jest, his confidence buoyed by his youth and physical capabilities.
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image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/09/Red_handbag.png]
Isabella smiled back, unfazed by Carter's challenge and maintaining her composure. "I like your energy and youth, Mr. Brooks," she retorted smoothly, her confidence evident. "Did you not notice that I've been carrying my weapon all along?" She gestured to the red handbag hanging from her shoulder—a seemingly ordinary accessory that she now revealed as her chosen weapon. It symbolized her unorthodox approach and hinted at the unforeseen depths of her skill. "This is going to be fun for both of us!" she added with a sly smile, her demeanor cool and assured.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d4/Icebreaker_Strike.png]
Carter, embodying his youthful vigor and athletic prime, initiated the engagement with his Icebreaker Strike, his hockey stick delivering a powerful, straightforward blow, capable of breaking through defenses much like a player breaking through opposition on the ice rink. Yet, this was only the beginning of the battle. Isabella, maintaining her composure and grace under pressure, evaded the assault with ease. Her nimbleness, which contrasted sharply with her formal attire, allowed her to move with precision, her heels clicking on the polished floor as her movements remained sharp and deliberate.
"Not bad," she remarked, the glint in her eyes betraying a flicker of respect for her opponent's skill. Her voice, laced with a playful challenge, prefaced her counterattack. "But let's see how you handle this."
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d9/Bag_Bash.png]
With a fluid motion that merged elegance with unexpected force, Isabella swung her handbag in a Bag Bash, transforming the accessory into a weapon aimed with unerring accuracy at Carter's head.
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/c/c3/Strap_Snare.png]
Carter, driven by instinct and the adrenaline of the moment, ducked beneath the handbag's trajectory, launching his counterattack with a Power Check—a move inspired by hockey body checks, where he attempted to use his physical strength to unseat Isabella's balance. Yet, she was a step ahead, executing a Strap Snare maneuver with cunning precision. Using her handbag's strap, she skillfully entangled and destabilized him, showcasing her intelligence and resourcefulness in the heat of battle.
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/9/9c/Bag_Block.png]
Carter quickly picked himself up, undeterred by the previous setback. Realizing that his straightforward approach might not be enough to overcome Isabella, he recalibrated his strategy. He unleashed a Hockey Stick Sweep, executing a wide, sweeping motion reminiscent of a powerful hockey slap shot in an ambitious bid to topple Isabella's defense. However, Isabella, ever composed, countered with precision, raising her handbag in a well-timed Bag Block. The bag absorbed and deflected the sweeping strike with ease, her poise and technique unshaken.
Both opponents refused to back down, the echo of their exertion filled the air, with the clash of Carter's hockey stick against Isabella's formidable handbag creating a rhythmic symphony of their intense duel. Each dull, percussive thud resonated through the corridors, a testament to their fierce contest. Jake and Akane watched with bated breath, their hopes pinned on Carter's victory.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/5f/Rink_Runner%E2%80%99s_Rush.png]
Carter, growing increasingly frustrated and eager to end the match quickly, tapped into his Rink Runner's Rush. This maneuver augmented his movement speed, allowing him to close the distance between him and Isabella with lightning-fast agility. His strategy was clear: outpace and outmaneuver her defenses before she could react.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f8/Stylish_Distraction.png]
In a display of cunning that mirrored the complexities of corporate strategic planning, Isabella unleashed her Stylish Distraction, an unorthodox move that saw her holding up her handbag, flaunting her fashionable appearance with an air of nonchalance. Carter, caught off guard and uncertain of her next move, hesitated, his caution leaving him momentarily vulnerable.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/e/e2/Bag_Lure.png]
Capitalizing on Carter's distraction, Isabella seized the fleeting advantage and executed a clever Bag Lure. She feinted with her handbag in one direction, drawing Carter's attention and instinctive focus toward it. In that split second, as Carter's eyes followed the handbag, Isabella struck from the opposite side, delivering a swift and decisive blow. This maneuver highlighted her devious and deceptive nature, turning the tide of the battle in her favor.
Carter, momentarily caught off balance by Isabella's cunning ploy, stumbled but quickly regained his footing. His resilience and determination flared up, driven by the spirit of competition and an unwavering resolve not to let his friends down. "I am not going to lose!" he declared, summoning every ounce of his strength and skill.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/11/Final_Buzzer_Blitz.png]
With a fierce determination, Carter initiated his Final Buzzer Blitz—a relentless barrage of rapid strikes, mirroring the high-pressure moments of a hockey game when every second counts. His hockey stick became a blur of motion, each swing aimed to overwhelm Isabella through sheer force and speed. This onslaught was not just a display of athleticism but a testament to Carter's unyielding will to secure victory, channeling all his energy into this decisive moment.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/9b/Isabella_Sinclair_performing_Bag_Block%2C_where_she_uses_her_red_handbag_defensively_to_absorb_and_deflect_incoming_attacks.png]
Carter's barrage of rapid strikes proved too intense for Isabella to fully counter. Despite her best efforts, deploying her Bag Block to absorb and deflect the blows, the sheer speed and force of Carter's Final Buzzer Blitz began to break through her defenses. A few of his strikes found their mark, hitting Isabella from various angles, causing her to stagger slightly under the relentless assault. The tide of the battle seemed to shift, with Carter's determination and skill finally putting Isabella on the defensive, inching him closer to victory.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/e/ea/Bag_Takedown.png]
Though a few of Carter's strikes had landed, Isabella remained undeterred. Observing the signs of strain in Carter's movements after his intense barrage of attacks, she recognized the perfect moment to turn the tide. With a fluid and decisive movement, she executed her Bag Takedown. The handbag, deceptively simple in appearance, snared Carter's ankle with surprising precision. The sudden pull was both unexpected and effective, sending Carter crashing to the ground. His hockey stick flew from his grasp, disarmed and exhausted from the fight, signaling the abrupt end of the battle.
Isabella, standing tall with an air of triumph, extended a hand to Carter, helping him to his feet with a touch of sarcasm. "Impressive, Mr. Brooks, but not quite enough," she said, her voice dripping with a mix of arrogance and authority. It was clear now that she was far more than just an office worker; she had proven herself as a formidable combatant.
Carter, rising with a mix of humiliation and embarrassment, managed a wry smile. "Sorry, guys. I didn't expect this," he admitted, feeling the sting of defeat and the weight of having let his friends down.
Isabella, her confidence bolstered by her victory, turned her gaze towards Jake and Akane. "Who's next?" she asked, her tone both taunting and challenging. Her demeanor exuded excitement and a touch of malice, fully aware that her plan to eliminate the intruders was unfolding exactly as she had intended.