In the midst of the darkness, confusion grips me. Where am I? Is this some realm beyond life or death? It feels more like a state of unconsciousness than true demise. But how can I escape this shroud? My voice echoes futilely, calling out to Sarin, Mia, and Skid. The silence is my only response, mocking my vulnerability. I can't rely on CPR here; this is a puzzle beyond physical revival.
Abruptly, a surge of electricity courses through me, jolting me from the void. It's agonizing, as if I'm being defibrillated. In a pause between surges, I brace myself, realizing that someone is actively trying to bring me back. The second surge is stronger, wrenching me back into the world. My eyes open to a surgical room's stark light, a reality starkly different from the abyss.
"Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Sarin's voice reaches me, her relief palpable.
"Sarin, everyone, they're alright?" I query with urgency, relief flooding my voice.
"Yes, Hulaif. We're safe," she assures me, her eyes holding mine. "And as for you, you managed to faint at the most inconvenient of places."
A weak chuckle escapes my lips. "So, we're in a hospital now?"
Sarin shakes her head, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "No, we're in my surgical room. I couldn't just let you go unconscious without a proper diagnosis. Also, there are too many procedures to make if I want to send you to the hospital."
My memory starts to piece things together. "Ah, right. You're the one who treated me."
Sarin smirks lightly. "You're welcome. Just try not to make a habit of collapsing so suddenly."
I managed a sheepish smile. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for pulling me back from whatever abyss I was in."
She waves it off casually. "Don't mention it. Now, let's just make sure you're fully back in the land of the living, shall we?" I get up from the bed and stretched my muscle.
"Did you manage to examine the capsule I gave you?" I inquire, curiosity tinging my tone.
"Indeed, I've already dissected its contents," Sarin replies, her gaze fixed on some intricate equipment nearby. "The capsule housed a substance that seems to induce heightened aggression and uncontrollable behavior in humanoids. Judging by your encounter with that troublesome humanoid, it appears you've experienced its effects firsthand."
I nod, the pieces falling into place. "So, that's what drove him into such a frenzy."
Sarin's eyes meet mine, her expression grave. "It's more than just a chemical reaction, Hulaif. This substance has been engineered with precision, designed to exploit vulnerabilities in the humanoids' neural pathways. It's a cruel manipulation of their very nature."
A mixture of anger and determination wells up within me. "We can't let this continue. Whoever is behind this, they need to be stopped."
Sarin's lips curl into a determined smile. "Agreed. I've already started analyzing the substance further. With your firsthand experience and my expertise, we might just be able to counteract its effects and find a way to neutralize its impact."
"Before we delve into that, could you shed some light on what exactly these humanoids are?" I inquire, my curiosity piqued.
Sarin leans back, her expression thoughtful. "I assumed you were familiar with the concept. A humanoid is essentially a human augmented with advanced technology. It's a fusion of biology and artificial intelligence, where AI acts as an integrated brain for the human host. This AI enhancement provides them with heightened abilities, from physical strength to cognitive processing."
"Ah, I see," I respond, a touch of realization dawning. "So, they're like a combination of human and machine."
Sarin nods, her eyes glinting with knowledge. "Exactly. But their development is a double-edged sword. While it grants them incredible potential, it also poses risks, especially if someone exploits their AI components for nefarious purposes."
As our conversation flows, my stomach chooses that moment to make its presence known with a rumble.
Sarin chuckles. "Seems like your stomach agrees with me. How about we satisfy its demands before diving deeper?"
I grin in agreement. "Dinner sounds fantastic."
Sarin deftly prepares a meal, and we settle at a dining table just outside the surgical room. The ambiance is surprisingly comforting, given the circumstances.
Between bites, I ponder our next steps. "So, where do we begin our search for the person behind this drug?"
Sarin's eyes gleam with a touch of excitement. "Tomorrow, we can start by investigating the location where you encountered the humanoid affected by the drug. We might find leads there that could lead us to the culprit."
"That sounds like a plan," I reply, my determination reignited.
The air of the subway station is still tense as if bearing the weight of the chaos that transpired. The presence of police officers in the vicinity emphasizes the restriction placed on the area. I glance at Sarin, uncertainty in my eyes.
"Do you think it's wise to approach the police for information?" I whisper, mindful of the humanoid officers stationed nearby.
Sarin's response is immediate, her tone laced with skepticism. "Absolutely not. It's best not to attract their attention. Besides, they're humanoid police, which means they might be connected to the very forces we're trying to uncover."
Before I can ponder her words further, Sarin's device emits a distress signal, its urgency cutting through our conversation. Her eyes meet mine, determination evident in her gaze.
"I'm receiving a distress signal not too far from here," she informs me, her voice determined. "It might be worth investigating. Let's move quickly."
Nodding in agreement, I follow her as we navigate through the labyrinthine passages of the city. Eventually, Sarin leads me to an unexpected location - the entrance to a sewage system.
I raise an eyebrow at her, confusion evident. "Are you sure this is the right place?"
She places a finger to her lips, her expression focused. "Shh... Keep your voice down. This might not look like much, but trust me, there's more than meets the eye."
"Of course," I murmur in agreement, my curiosity intertwining with a sense of cautious excitement.
Our journey leads us to a path that appears unassuming, yet holds an air of secrecy. Ahead of us lies a door, an entrance to a hidden passage that promises to unveil the mysteries we seek. As we approach, the distant murmur of voices reaches my ears, prompting us to pause and listen.
Huddled near the door, we eavesdrop on a conversation unfolding not far away, the words carried to us in hushed tones.
"Did you hear about our lead operative? He's been apprehended. Could the police finally be making a move against us?" One voice, masked by a hood, speaks with concern.
Another response, his tone reassuring. "Worry not. I've erased his memories completely. The police won't find a trace leading back to us."
As the exchange continues, I feel the tension in the air, the weight of their words hinting at impending danger. My gaze meets Sarin's, our silent understanding telling of the grave situation before us.
"What's our next course of action?" a voice inquires urgently, cutting through the night's silence.
A plan is outlined, and the details spoke in veiled terms that hold their secrets close. "I've devised a plan for our next move. Let's rendezvous at the designated location," one of the voices proclaims, its determination unwavering.
As swiftly as their voices had emerged, they dissolve into the air, disappearing as if consumed by the very shadows that enshroud us. Their words leave behind an echoing uncertainty, a fragment of their intentions intertwined with lingering unease.
The room offers no immediate revelation; my gaze sweeps over the area, desperately seeking a sign, a trail, anything that might hint at an exit for the shadowy figures. But then, a subtle detail catches my attention – a ventilation pipe, an unassuming conduit, suddenly brimming with significance. Its connection to the building where their conversation unfolded unfurls before me, a clandestine observer's perfect perch, a fly on the wall for their secretive exchanges.
Breaking the silence, Sarin's voice is laden with urgency. "We must follow this, Hulaif. The repercussions of their actions could unleash dire consequences upon the kingdom. As a doctor, the weight of more lives lost is unbearable."
I mirror her determination. "Without a doubt. Let's begin by probing the 'usual place' they referred to. Clues there could cast light on the shadows they operate in. Any inkling of its location?"
Sarin nods, her mind a whirlwind of calculated guesses. "More pieces need to fall into place before we move. Remember, Hulaif, these adversaries aren't run-of-the-mill. Their manipulation of humanoids and cutting-edge technology gives them a fearsome edge."
A shiver runs through me, the gravity of our mission gripping my core. "I'm with you, Sarin. We can't falter. The kingdom's destiny hinges on our success. To usher in peace, we must first quell the forces that disrupt it. Let's employ the air vent system to infiltrate their base."
Sarin's concern spills over. "The vents are a breeze for me, but your height..."
I chuckle. "No worries. I'm not that tall for a teenager."
"Then, let's proceed." With a shared determination, we navigate the air vent, emerging into a dimly illuminated basement. The machines' hum underscores the gravity of our mission, every vibration reverberating with the task at hand.
"Stay alert for any clues," Sarin's whisper is almost lost in the silence. Our search, alas, yields only detritus and discarded remnants.
A feeble light beckons from a slightly ajar door. Anticipation mounts as we approach, the corridor beyond stretching like an enigmatic passageway into obscurity.
"Could this be it?" I voice my thoughts.
"Perhaps," Sarin muses. "Advance cautiously, but stay vigilant."
As we tread onward, the corridor eventually guides us outside, ascending the building. The moment we step onto the rooftop, the haunting words of the man from earlier echo through the air. "Seems you've trespassed into our domain. A curious choice to relinquish life's comforts for the pursuit of shadows."
"My name is Hulaif, a lover of puzzles. And you are Judy, the conqueror of toughness, it seems," I replied, deliberately seeking connection amidst the tension. As my eyes surveyed the rooftop, I realized he was the only visible presence. But where was his companion hiding?
"Judging by your demeanor, it's safe to assume you're not an Upper City inhabitant," Judy remarked, his tone probing. "What brings you here? Government affiliation, perhaps?" His words tugged at my confusion, leaving me bewildered. "How about you join us? I will let you go if you want to join."
"Hahaha, you've got an interesting way of recruitment. But I'll pass on your offer," I responded with a wry smile, rejecting his proposition.
"If you refuse, then your fate is to become eradicated since you've gained knowledge about us," Judy declared firmly.
Sarin intervened, her voice cutting through the charged atmosphere. "Hulaif, it appears your line of questioning hit a dead-end. It's your call to handle them. I could use a breather."
"Sarin, be cautious," I warned, a sense of foreboding tingeing my words. She settled near the door, positioning herself relaxed, while I maintained my stance, ready for whatever unfolded.
In an abrupt flurry of motion, Judy closed the gap between us, his fist hurtling towards me with startling speed. Instinct surged through me, propelling my swift response as I managed to deflect his blow, narrowly sidestepping the attack. The impact rippled through my arm, a tangible testament to the validity of his self-proclaimed title as the "conqueror of toughness."
Summoning my resolve, I launched a retaliatory punch, but a resounding clang reverberated through the air, like striking a solid steel surface. A sharp pang of pain shot through my hand, an agonizing realization that he was no ordinary adversary. "Argh!" I involuntarily grimaced, the ache throbbing.
With a mirthful chuckle, he taunted, "Surprised? My body is composed of a robust metallic substance. Think of me as a humanoid, not a mere robot. This composition renders me impervious to conventional harm or damage – a benefit of being fashioned from this resilient alloy."
It was a disheartening realization; brute force was futile against him. A renewed strategy was essential. I pondered his metallic constitution, mulling over a potential weakness. Could he be vulnerable to something, perhaps an electrical charge?
As the confrontation continued, a strategy crystallized in my mind. Given Judy's metallic composition, perhaps Skid's unique weapon ability could offer a tactical advantage. It was worth a try, and it might buy us the crucial time we needed. Simultaneously, I urged Mia to search for any environmental element that could potentially harness Judy's conductive nature, releasing a surge of electricity.
"You've brought a weapon, I see. Let's see if it has any impact on me," he taunted as I lashed out with Skid in its whip form. The strike landed, but to my dismay, it barely made a dent. A disheartening realization followed – he was also immune to water, rendering Skid's attack ineffective.
I clicked my tongue in frustration as Skid returned to its smartwatch form. "Seems like I've been outmatched. You're quite the magician, making your weapon disappear like that," he jeered, his words punctuated by a sudden punch that sent me careening into a wall. Pain shot through my body, but I fought to regain my footing, determined to stand my ground against this formidable adversary.
My next attempt to counter him was met with a relentless barrage of blows, each strike magnifying his immense strength. I grappled to keep pace, my body protesting against the overwhelming force he exerted. "Still standing, I see. Perhaps I should up the ante. You're proving more durable than I anticipated," he mused, punctuating his words with another punishing punch that left me dazed, the very ground beneath me cracking from the impact.
Amidst this pitched battle, Mia's timely input proved invaluable. "Hulaif, while I couldn't locate an electric source nearby, I did conceive of another idea. Lizark is on the verge of hatching. He might offer assistance."
My memory jogged – Lizark, the yet-to-hatch companion, could possess abilities that turned the tide in our favor. "I nearly forgot about him. Isn't his gender unidentified?"
"He's male, actually. A bit of a peculiar one, with a penchant for cosplaying as a woman."
Ah, I recalled now. "Could you assist me in binding Judy's legs? I need to regain my stance."
Mia sprang into action, deploying her web to immobilize Judy's legs, affording me the opportunity to rise. The distraction seemed to catch him off guard, and his attention was momentarily diverted.
"What's this chatter about? You're conversing with yourself?" he inquired, perplexed by the seeming exchange.
I seized the moment, leveraging Mia's assistance to haul myself up. "Ugh, still breathing. Your punches, impressive as they are, haven't taken me down yet," with renewed determination, I rose to my feet, drawing upon reserves of strength and willpower. Despite the pain coursing through my body, I refused to succumb to defeat. The cracks in the ground from our struggle seemed to mirror the fractures in my resolve – I was far from broken.
Judy's sneer hinted at his growing frustration, a reaction I welcomed. "Impressive resilience, I'll give you that. But it's only a matter of time before my strength overpowers you completely."
I clenched my fists, acknowledging the uphill battle that lay ahead. However, a new thought blossomed within me, rooted in Mia's earlier suggestion. "Judy, you think strength alone will decide this battle? I've yet to reveal all my cards."
Confusion flickered across his metallic features, curiosity mingling with wariness. "Cards? What are you talking about?"
A surge of energy coursed through me as I prepared to unveil my strategy. "Lizark, my companion. Come forth." With a triumphant gesture, I summoned Lizark, the small lizard materializing in front of me.
Judy's expression shifted from bewilderment to a mix of curiosity and anticipation. "What? Companion? And it's just a small lizard. Let's see if this one fares any better than the last."
Lizark's eyes gleamed with mischief and purpose, his figure radiating a confidence that defied his peculiar appearance. "Gladly, Hulaif. It's time for me to showcase what I bring to the table."
"Sure. But how about we experiment with a new approach this time? I'll employ my chesscraft ability to transform Lizark into something more fitting." I concentrated, utilizing the chesscraft feature to morph Lizark into a pair of formidable boxing gloves.
"What... what is this?" Judy's voice tinged with uncertainty – a rarity from someone who had exuded unwavering confidence thus far.
"This is my ability – the power of transformation. I can reshape my companion into a weapon tailored to defeat adversaries like you."
Renewed determination surged within me as I contemplated the potential of Lizark's weaponized form. Could he harness elemental forces – perhaps even electricity? It was an untested theory, and the uncertainty added a thrilling edge to our showdown. The pain that had gripped me earlier seemed to have receded, perhaps a result of the mysterious fusion between Lizark's essence and my own.
"Hahaha. Interesting. So, you plan to attack me with that glove? Go ahead, give it a shot. But it won't be enough to hurt me." Without delay, I unleashed a barrage of jabs, aiming to breach his defenses. A hint of discomfort flashed across his features. "What are you doing? I can't see your attacks, but I feel the impact."
"Quick, I just want to end this fight quickly."
"How dare you!" His voice dripped with anger. He launched an attack of his own, but I danced nimbly out of his reach, countering with a flurry of rapid jabs. He fell down as the trap Mia set earlier worked on him.
"Damn, your tactics are only making me angrier!" A slight distortion appeared in his form, a bend like molten metal forged under a relentless hammer. "Argh, you're pushing me to my limits!"
In a sudden move, he ingested a capsule, his body reverting to its original state. I sensed a surge of pressure, a raw power emanating from him. Had he truly enhanced his abilities further?
As his fist whizzed toward me, I sidestepped the blow, yet the sheer force of his attack sent a shockwave grazing me. "Woah! Hulaif, we're running out of time. Finish him before he brings the whole building down!" Sarin's voice rang urgently from behind.
Determination surged through me as I recalibrated my approach. I unleashed another barrage of jabs, only to find him deflecting them with newfound ease. The capsule had undoubtedly heightened his offensive and defensive capabilities. I needed to adapt my strategy accordingly, and my fighting skills might hold the key.
"Ever heard the phrase, 'float like a butterfly, sting like a bee'? It's a technique inspired by a renowned boxer from my world," I explained, focusing on my breath and energy. As his attacks came, I evaded each one with practiced agility. Patience was key, and I bided my time, channeling all my energy into a single, potent strike.
As the tension in the air heightened, I felt a surge of energy coalescing within me, like a storm gathering its strength. Each dodge, each maneuver, all were part of a dance that culminated in this decisive moment. My eyes locked onto Judy, his movements a blur as he closed in for another strike. This was the moment I had been waiting for.
With a sudden burst of power, I unleashed my technique. My fist, charged with concentrated energy, shot forward in a straight, unstoppable trajectory. Time seemed to slow as the punch connected with Judy's torso, and I felt a shockwave ripple through his body. The impact was profound, and for a moment, he appeared suspended in the air, as if defying gravity itself.
Then, with an explosive force, Judy was sent hurtling backward, crashing into the wall with a resounding thud. The building quaked from the impact, debris falling around us like rain. The force of the blow seemed to reverberate through every fiber of my being, a testament to the potency of the technique.
Sarin's voice broke the momentary silence, her astonishment evident. "Hulaif, what was that? Your punch... it was incredible!"
With a mixture of relief and satisfaction, I replied, "It's a technique that combines my understanding of combat with the power of the man-eaters. I call it the 'Thunder Strike.'"
Judy struggled to rise from the debris, his tough facade shattered, replaced by a look of disbelief. "Impossible... My body, my metallic body..."
I approached him, my own weariness hidden beneath a mask of determination. "It's over, Judy. Your reign of terror ends here."
He managed a weak chuckle. "You may have won this battle, but our cause won't be stopped. Others will rise in our place."
As I looked at him, a pang of sympathy tugged at my heartstrings for the person he might have been before becoming entangled in this dangerous path. However, I couldn't ignore the fact that his actions had caused immense suffering to countless innocent lives.
Sarin and I quickly moved to apprehend Judy, ensuring that he was immobilized and no longer posed a threat. The urgency to gather information from him was apparent – our victory in this confrontation was only a small step in understanding the larger web of intrigue that surrounded the humanoids and their advanced technology.