As Zappardi began to walk, he noticed a strange rhythm—every step he took was echoed by another. Someone was following him. A massive silhouette loomed within the dust and ruins.
A high-pitched hum filled the air as a red light streaked across the sky. A figure in a green cloak, perched atop a skyscraper, looked down. She brushed aside her long purple hair, her eyes filled with raw ambition, and plummeted from the height.
She landed in a cloud of dust. From the shadows, people began to emerge, cheering her name: "It's Magnima!"
A heavy iron box fell from the sky, marking her arrival. Zappardi felt he had to ignore it. Before him stood a tall, imposing man with a broad chest and a condescending gaze.
No words were exchanged. Zappardi opened with a heavy punch to the man's chest. The man didn't even flinch. He responded with a slap so powerful it sent Zappardi skidding across the asphalt.
"Cough... cough!" Blood splattered from Zappardi's mouth. He clutched his stomach, searching for a weakness. Biting his shirt to suppress his rage, he discarded his green vest. The man's mocking gaze infuriated him.
Zappardi attacked again, but the man was an immovable fortress. A faint smile played on the man's lips as black smoke began to curl from his head—a sight that made Zappardi tremble. The man balled his fist, a hand so large it could crush steel.
"Full Filthy Crush!"
The punch moved with incredible speed, creating a shockwave equivalent to dozens of sticks of dynamite. Zappardi barely dodged the lethal blast, losing his balance in the process.
The opponent praised Zappardi's speed. He introduced himself as Finch, the Co-leader of Magnima. Finch shed his remaining burdens, revealing muscles honed through years of brutal training. He was a master martial artist with the power of pure destruction.
Before the fight could resume, a blur of motion intervened. A massive fist slammed into Finch, sending the giant flying in a bloody explosion.
The newcomer flicked a lighter and ignited a cigarette. Dressed in a black blazer with red accents, he looked every bit the legend he was. This was the Leader of Team Dracer, known as "The Brutal Scratch"—Phrillo.
"Go, Zapp. Rico needs you. I'm sure of it."
A white truck pulled up. Inside were Hikaru and Merthyl. Merthyl screamed for Zappardi to get in. Their destination: The Broadcasting Building.
"Is it really okay?" Zappardi asked Hikaru as they sped off. "The building is swarming with people. It's dangerous to be reckless."
"Relax," Hikaru said calmly. "Just focus on the task at hand."
When they arrived, Zappardi realized his fears were misplaced. The building was gargantuan, its spire piercing the clouds.
Inside, Hikaru explained the situation: 46 floors. Even by elevator, it would take seven minutes. But the elevators were dead—the aquarium facilities on the 12th and 34th floors had leaked, shorting out the entire electrical system. They would have to take the stairs to the 34th floor.
At the 14th floor, they heard the sounds of a party. Strangely, the guards let them pass without a word.
After 54 minutes of climbing, they reached the 34th floor. But something was wrong. A mysterious figure stood there, cloaked in a robe so large they looked like a walking sack.
"Shred."
Before Zappardi could react, a thin, razor-sharp cut appeared on his body, causing heavy bleeding. Hikaru moved instantly as the figure lunged.
"Binding Edge!"
Yellow and blue light erupted as the silhouette of a giant padlock appeared, trapping the figure in place. Zappardi struggled to his feet. He saw the ceiling of the 34th floor was on the verge of collapse. He thrust his hand forward, gathering energy into a tight fist.
"Zwerith Release!"
The ceiling imploded, and the floor beneath them shattered. As smoke and debris filled the air, Merthyl suddenly pushed Zappardi aside in a panic. "Watch out, Zappardi!"
A blade flashed through the air. The figure was already behind them. Had they moved faster than sound? No—as they turned, they saw two identical figures.
"There are two of them? What is this?" Zappardi gasped, out of breath.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Trickster," the figure said, his form shimmering.
He leaned back, arms outstretched, then vanished—only to reappear in front of Merthyl, striking her down. Zappardi swung, but the Trickster moved with fluid grace. He leaned in close to Zappardi, whispering something that set Zappardi's blood boiling.
The Trickster grinned wide and pulled back the hood of the second figure. Zappardi's eyes widened in horror. It was his old friend... Lewis.