Iron Sledge began walking down the hill, clutching his sledgehammer tightly. Following behind him was Sam. "So, I know I'm like nine times your age, but can I say you're really cool?" Sam said excitedly. I get to see live combat from a soldier!"
"I'm flattered, really, but this won't be that type of fight. Against someone like Lola, we'll need to switch it up a bit and use a different strategy. So tell me, what do you notice right now?"
Sam looked around, seeing nothing out of the ordinary. Shrugging his shoulders, he looked back at Johnson. "A lot of grass?"
"Just remember this specific path later. It'll save you a headache. It's why we're having Frederick stay back; we'll test his capabilities."
Stopping a few meters away from Lola and Hyena Girl, the two duos locked eyes. Iron Sledge and Sam would be going against Lola and Hyena Girl. "Don't you ever get sick of fighting?" Johnson asked. " I feel like ever since you girls got here, you have been nothing but issues. To top it all off, you are responsible for taking a decent portion of a city. Before that, you were sinking a ship with thousands on it. You are aware all of those people died, yes?"
No response came from either of them as they stared at Anthony and Sam. "I can only imagine how much-corrupted shit you did for that old hag up there. I could kill you two right where you stand... but someone apparently sees the good in you two. Even though I don't agree with it, I'll support it regardless."
With a crack of her knuckles, Lola began moving forward, as did Hyena Girl, who started trotting. Sam's veins glowed with red energy, "I have the support of three thousand soldiers going through my body! Let's go!"
The four began charging at one another. Hyena Girl's jaw became unhinged as she pounced toward Anthony with canine bearings. Using his sledgehammer, he blocked her and threw her to the side. Readjusting his grip, he swung downward toward Hyena Girl. She rolled out of the way, avoiding the devastating attack. The hammer slammed into the ground, releasing a powerful blast from underneath it. The shockwave hit Hyena Girl, blasting her hundreds of meters away. "OK... all doubt I had has disappeared. I really thought I was going to die...." Anthony said to himself, looking at his sledgehammer. "I really wanted to test it out on that Lola gal... but I guess you will also suffice."
Recovering almost instantly, Hyena Girl sprung back into action, running back to Iron Sledge, growling in frustration. "She's fast!" he noted, preparing himself for the next attack, aware that this battle was far from over.
Hyena Girl lunged at Iron Sledge, her movements a blur as she closed the distance between them. Her feral instincts took over; every muscle in her body coiled like a spring ready to unleash chaos. With a savage snarl, she pounced, her arms splayed wide as she aimed to tear into him with both claws and teeth. Sledge barely had time to react. He raised his sledgehammer just in time to block her vicious swipe, the impact reverberating through his arms. She was on him instantly, her claws raking against the reinforced and enhanced metal of his exoskeleton suit, sparks flying as she clawed him in a relentless fury. She snapped forward inches away from his face with her canine teeth gnashing against the protective visor of his helmet.
Anthony gritted his teeth, feeling the pressure of her attack. The exoskeleton whirred and clicked as it responded to the stress. The suit had been designed to absorb absurd amounts of force while significantly increasing the overall performance of the person who donned it. But being who she was, Hyena Girl had pushed the suit to its limits. Her fighting style was wild, and it had been hard to predict what she would do next. All four limbs had been in motion, claws slashing, jaws snapping with unyielding aggression.
He knew that he couldn't stay on the defensive for long. While Anthony had never combated a foe like Hyena Girl before, he started drawing on his military experience. He twisted his body to the side, using Hyena's Girl's momentum against her. As she overextended, he shifted his weight and delivered a powerful knee to her abdomen, sending her stumbling backward. Before she could recover, Anthony had hit her with a hard shoulder tackle followed by a swing of his sledgehammer. He swung his sledgehammer in a wide arc, the weapon humming with the force of the strike. The hammer connected with her side, the sheer power of the blow by the enhanced sledgehammer, Anthony's strength, and the enhancements the suit gave sent her crashing to the ground. A crater had formed beneath her from the impact. Dirt and debris filled the air, but Hyena Girl was far from finished. She rolled back onto her feet with an animalistic growl, her eyes burning with rage. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, but it seemed to only increase her madness.
She darted forward again, feinting to the left before slashing upwards with her claws, aiming for vulnerable joints in his armor. Iron Sledge reacted quickly, twisting his body to avoid the worst of the blow, but her claws still managed to rake across his shoulder, leaving deep gouges in the metal.
Feeling the pressure, Anthony grunted in pain. Seeing an opportunity again, he used his momentum to swing his sledgehammer in a brutal attack, catching Hyena Girl in the ribs. The impact was enough to lift her off the ground. She readjusted herself in midair, landing on all fours like a feline. Coughing up a bit more blood, she wasted no time launching herself at him again, aiming low to knock him off balance.
Bracing himself, he planted his feet firmly on the ground, and she collided with him. She attempted to pull him down, but he held his ground. With a roar, Iron Sledge brought the hammer down toward her head. Seeing this, she dodged to the side, her jaws snapping at his arm.
She bit down hard. With jaws that could crush even steel and titanium, she began piercing the outer layer of his suit. Alarms blared in his helmet as the system registered the breach, and Anthony could feel the pressure of her bite straining the armor. He didn't panic, as he had no time for it; instead, he found the exoskeleton activating a surge of power. With his free hand, Anthony struck her in the jaw, forcing her to release her grip.
Taking advantage of the moment, Anthony swung the hammer in a vast, horizontal arc. The head of the sledgehammer connected squarely with Hyena Girl's side, sending her flying through the air. She crashed into the ground, skidding across the field until she rolled to a stop.
"OK, this suit is totally badass! I feel like I am in a video game!" Iron Sledge cheered.
"You know, this is the first time I have actually heard you get remotely excited! So cute!" A female voice said through the helmet.
"Shut up, Jackson. That never happened," Anthony said, reverting to his calm and serious demeanor. "How long before the cavalry arrives?" he asked.
"No less than five mikes... think you can hold out for that long?" Jackson asked.
"Do I have a choice? She's definitely getting back up.... that little bitch is unrelenting." He commented on seeing Hyena Girl struggle to rise in the distance. Her body was battered, her breathing ragged, but the fire in her eyes had not dimmed. She snarled, baring her teeth, her body trembling with the effort to stand. Despite the punishment she had taken, she still wanted to fight, driven by her primal urges.
Iron Sledge charged at her with a determined glint in his eyes, his sledgehammer firmly grasped. Hyena Girl roared in defiance, taking full sprint. When close enough, Hyena Girl leaped to meet him head-on. The two clashed once more in a violent flurry of attacks. Anthony used a combination of his sledgehammer and hands to meet with Hyena Girl's claws and teeth. Each strike the two aimed at one another sent shockwaves that rippled.
Iron Sledge using his training and superior intelligence to stay one step ahead of her relentless assault. Hyena Girl may have been exhausted and injured, but he quickly learned that she wouldn't stop unless she took him down or forced her unconscious to make her stop fighting. He was aware that she pushed the armor to its limits as she began to crack it more and more. It wouldn't be much longer before he found himself in massive trouble.
Finally, seeing an opening, Hyena Girl had overcommitted to an attack. Her claws swung wide, aiming for his head. Ducking, Iron Sledge, with all his strength, drove his hammer into her chest with a devastating upward swing. Blood left her mouth, spilling all over the visor of his helmet as she was sent flying upward and away with bone-crushing force.
Not too far off into the distance, Lola, who had been dealing with Sam at the time, briefly saw Hyena Girl soaring into the sky. Sam, who also noticed it smirked looking up at Lola who had been awestruck. "Didn't I tell you that we were going to win?" Lola snapped her head back at Sam's comment, growing visibly frustrated. "Struck a nerve little girl?"
Crashing into the ground into the distance Hyena Girl lay still, her body battered and broken from the violent swings. "Did you kill her?" Jackson asked Anthony through his headset. "I know we were supposed to not do that, but I am certainly not opposed if you did either...just saying."
"You and I both know that we would be doing the world a favor getting rid of someone like that. From the intel that was given, she does exactly what she is told by that old hag, even going as far as to eat people, too, without any mercy. However, it is also stated that this girl is severely challenged and unable to decipher right from wrong. For that, I find myself actually feeling sorry for her."
"Challenged? I kind of had that same idea about her. She didn't say a single word during the fight, which I found interesting. But she has eaten people. How do you reform someone like that?" Jackson asked.
"It'll be hard, but someone like her can be changed given enough ti—" Anthony cut himself off, looking off into the distance, seeing that Hyena Girl had been twitching.
Her body began convulsing, and the muscles in her body grew larger, and she became monstrous. "You got to be kidding me... how many mikes did you say?"
"ONE! WHAT IS THAT THING!" Jackson shouted.
Standing up right, Hyena Girl's form expanded, and Anthony could clearly see she towered over him even in the distance. At over ten feet tall, her eyes glowed with wild, untamed power. Her claws grew longer and sharper, her teeth more menacing and protruding, and her body covered in wild fur. She no longer looked like a human. Instead, she had become a towering force of nature, a supernatural Werehyena.
Taking a stance, Hyena Girl moved with terrifying speed, her newfound strength could be felt through the ground as she charged toward Anthony. She closed the gap her claws slashing through the air faster than he could react.
The attack slammed into the side of Anthony's body, launching him across the field. Hyena Girl let out a deafening cry that almost sounded as a laugh. She took to all fours, drool going into the wind as she stampeded over.
Jackson began panicking advising Johnson that retreat is strongly recommended. He got to his feet seeing the side where she had struck had been severely damaged seeing a hole. "It's OK... we lasted just long enough."
Closing the gap between them, Hyena Girl lunged her massive claws mere feet away from Anthony's body.
Bang!
Hyena Girl had been struck in the hip with a powerful bullet, making her lose balance and fall off to the side. Iron Sledge used this opportunity to swing his sledgehammer at her, striking her in the snout as she began standing up, forcing her to stumble back.
In frustration, Hyena Girl kicked Anthony with her leg, sending him hurling in the air. "THE NEW BULLET WENT THROUGH BUT IT DIDN'T PHASE HER!" Jackson screamed over the mic. "Johnson! That suit can probably take one more hit before she starts hitting flesh!"
"This is such a thrill!"
"STOP DOING THAT!" Jackson snapped.
Hyena Girl's attention shifted as she locked onto the direction the bullet had come from. Even from nearly a mile away, her enhanced vision zeroed in on the faint glint of the sniper's scope. Her lips curled into a cruel smile.
"Clever girl..." the sniper muttered, realizing she had spotted him. He quickly radioed in. "Johnson, she knows I'm here."
Anthony struggled to his feet, panting heavily. "That's OK Flinney... you've got her off me, and that's all we needed."
Without wasting another second, Hyena Girl bounded toward the distant sniper, her blood still trickling from the bullet wound but doing little to slow her down. She moved with the deadly precision of a predator, her eyes locked on the sniper's position as she closed the distance in a straight line. The sniper adjusted his aim, knowing he had only one more shot before she was upon him.
He pulled the trigger.
Hyena Girl twisted her body mid-stride, the bullet whizzing past her harmlessly. She snarled, her lips curling back to reveal her sharp teeth, and with a final, mighty leap, she prepared to pounce on the sniper.
But just as she was about to reach him, another loud bang rang out from a different direction. A forceful impact hit her square in the side, throwing her off her trajectory and slamming her into the ground. Snarling in anger, Hyena Girl scrambled to her feet, scanning the area for her new attacker. This time, she couldn't immediately spot them—her eyes darted around, trying to catch any hint of movement or the telltale glint of a scope.
The sniper used the opportunity to reposition, moving quickly to another vantage point. "Damn, she's quick," he whispered, adjusting his aim again.
Her blood boiling with rage, Hyena Girl was now caught between two unseen enemies. The thrill of the hunt had become a dangerous game of survival, and for the first time, a flicker of doubt crossed her mind. But she pushed it aside, baring her teeth as she prepared to unleash her fury on whoever dared to challenge her.
Over to Sam and Lola, the two had gone back and forth. With his superior speed, Sam dodged Lola's continuous blows, fully aware that her strength was still leagues above his, even with the boosted strength from the soldiers. Standing atop a hill away from Lola, Sam stood, crossing his arms in disappointment. "Hmph, it seems like your friend is on the losing end. It won't be long until you are the only one left, Lola."
Hearing this, Lola charged forward, taking a swing at Sam.
Sam leaned back, evading the hit, only to be struck in the side with Lola's massive fist. Her knuckles sinking into his side, Sam coughed up blood as she launched him into the air away from her.
"Damn it... I don't understand!" Sam said in frustration. "She's still as tough as she was a few days ago! I'm gonna need more power if I want her to begin using her stamina."
Landing on his feet, Sam used his forearm to wipe away the blood trickling from his mouth. "Sam... how are you holding up against her?" Jackson asked over comms.
"This girl has been fighting nonstop with very little chance to rest, but she's still going strong. I'm gonna need more if we really want to beat her..."
"Copy... the new weapon should be there in another mike or so... listen that path that Johnson told you about. Make sure she stays on it at all cost. It's a clear line of sight for the gun, and as soon as I radio in, I need you and Johnson to clear the area. The weapon will take care of the rest."
"Will it kill her? You know we can't do that... even though we both know they deserve it."
" No, it will force her to defend herself, however. This weapon that's coming is known normally as a 50 caliber machine gun... a powerful weapon meant to decimate lightly armored vehicles. One shot from it spells death for anyone unfortunate enough to be hit by it. On Lola, from the intel we gathered, is someone who is completely durable... the 50 cal would be useless."
Sam looked over in the distance seeing vehicle lights approach.
"But... Frederick has manifested the weapon to its utmost potential and upgraded our latest bullet. Over the past few years, our enemies across the waters have gotten clever... equipping better armor for their personnel and vehicles. Our usual bullets don't seem to work anymore. So, with this bullet, its purpose is clear... you'll be the first to see it in action, and Lola is the perfect test dummy."
"Awesome!" Sam shouted
The vehicle stopped in its position, and the gunner mounted into the hatch with the heavily upgraded machine gun. "We're in position." The driver of the military vehicle said.
"Perfect, I'll give the signal when to fire. Remember, aim only for Lola. I am almost certain that she'll be forced to toughen herself up, and combined with Sam's onslaught and me, she'll begin losing defenses."
"Affirmative... you heard that CASS?"
"Loud and clear... just letting you know Sledge. I can't help if that Hyena Girl gets in the way and she is struck."
"I know, just follow your best judgement. Flinney, I want you two to try to keep her occupied with as long as possible. Like I told CASS, use your best judgement just don't kill her if you can help it, please."
Lola and Sam continued their fight, with the vehicle in position Sam was now focused on distracting her as long as possible. As soon as the gun fires, Sam will be forced to move out of the way. Going of what Jackson said, this should lock her down effectively.
Lola grabbed Sam by the throat, slamming him into the dirt with force. Using her other hand, she smashed her massive knuckles into his face. A gush of blood left Sam's mouth as he looked up, only to be struck again. The strikes echoed throughout the field catching the attention of Anthony.
"Don't you even think about going over there! That suit can't afford another hit! She hits you once and you'll be obliterated!" Jackson said over comms.
"If I don't do anything now, she'll take him!" Iron Sledge began running toward Lola as she pummeled Sam.
Closing the gap, Anthony jumped on Lola's back, pulling her head back using her hair just as she was about to strike Sam again. Lola, now angered because he had grabbed a fist full of her hair, shook violently.
Retreating back, Anthony used this opportunity to grab Sam and run away. Shifting her attention, she started pursuing the two. "CASS! TAKE IT NOW!"
Over from the distance, Cass pressed down on the machine gun's butterfly trigger, letting off powerful rounds down range. The boom echoed throughout the area. Lola stopped in place, turning toward the direction of the gunshot only to be pelted with a barrage of bullets that were actively pushing her back. She raised both her arms up, using her forearms to block the incoming shots, but still found herself being pushed back greatly.
Lola couldn't block every bullet as the others hit her in legs and midsection. Even though the bullets didn't penetrate her body's extreme defenses. Massive shockwaves were sent throughout her body. That was the new bullet's intended purpose.
The bullet was far longer than the average cartridge. The major difference between the two, however, was the tips. The tip of the bullet was far more rounded than normal. This was due to what was held within. Once hitting an armored target, that bullet releases powerful explosive energy, effectively weakening the area and allowing for easier penetration from other bullets.
Increasing her defenses rapidly, Lola had still been pushed back. The shockwaves erupted throughout her body as she blocked. Initially, the bullets didn't hurt her, but she quickly realized the bullet's intentions after the first hundred rounds that had been shot well under a minute. Had she not done what she had done just now, she would have run the risk of being extremely hurt.
"Take the shot!" Jackson commanded. As Lola was being locked down by CASS, a third sniper had already spotted Lola.
"Roger..." Within a few seconds, the third sniper took a shot directly at Lola's forearms. The bullet, traveling nearly two miles a second, struck her right where the sniper intended.
"No effect!"
Hearing the third shot coming from a different direction, Hyena Girl shifted her body and, without a second of hesitation, gave into pursuit. Despite her wounds, she found the energy and strength to muster up, determined to kill this third sniper. Her claws dug into the earth as she propelled herself forward.
"She's onto me!"
Hyena Girl launched herself across the field, claws extended, her sights set on the distant glint of the sniper's scope. Just as she soared through the air, another gunshot rang out—a bullet tore through her leg, forcing her off her original trajectory. She crashed to the ground, her landing awkward, sending a fresh jolt of pain up her wounded leg. Snarling, she quickly recovered, crouching low as her eyes flicked over to her attackers, her gaze unrelenting even as blood ran down her thigh.
Each time she tried to lunge forward, another bullet cracked through the air, striking just in front of her, close enough to keep her off balance. The shots were precisely aimed, stopping her from gaining momentum and forcing her to retreat, her frustration growing with each close call. Yet even slowed, she prowled forward, her muscles coiled as she continued her relentless pursuit.
On the other side of the battlefield, Lola still found herself under the high-powered machine gun's unyielding barrage as it hammered into her. Positioned from a distance, the gunners unleashed shot after shot, their aim calculated and relentless. Each bullet struck with a heavy thud, sending shockwaves up her arms and through her body, though Lola had fortified her defenses to the point where these impacts barely affected her.
The advanced rounds were designed to create shockwaves upon impact, their explosive energy dispersing against her body without penetrating her defenses. Lola clenched her fists, her gaze steady, absorbing the unrelenting barrage without flinching. Though the rounds didn't pierce her, the physical force was still significant, nudging her slightly with each successive hit as she rooted herself firmly into the ground.
Lola's fortified state wasn't even close to her maximum power, but she held steady, allowing the bullets to strike as she assessed the battlefield, seemingly unbothered by the continuous assault. She was clever enough to know that eventually that weapon would have to stop, and the moment that happened, she would destroy that vehicle.
A few moments passed before the weapon came to an abrupt halt. The ammunition ran dry, and the weapon had overheated. "I'm out!" the gunner called; his frustration clear in his voice.
In that instant, Lola's eyes narrowed as she sensed her chance. A subtle grin formed as she prepared to advance—until a powerful blow collided with her head. Iron Sledge had closed in, swinging his sledgehammer with full force. "You're not going anywhere!" he shouted, his face twisted in determination.
Lola barely flinched, her head turning slowly as if more annoyed than harmed. She locked eyes with Iron Sledge, her expression stoic and unimpressed. Before she could react, another strike came in—a fierce right hook from Sam, who had charged forward in tandem.
The blow landed solidly against her jaw, but Lola didn't budge. Her hardened frame absorbed the impact effortlessly, as if Sam's hit were no more than a light tap. The two opponents stood momentarily frozen; their attacks almost trivial against her resilience.
Lola's gaze shifted between Iron Sledge and Sam, assessing them coolly. With a slow, deliberate step forward, she prepared to make her move.
Iron Sledge and Sam braced themselves, sharing a silent understanding that this would be a battle of endurance more than strength. Without hesitation, they continued their relentless assault. Iron Sledge swung his weapon repeatedly, bringing down the sledgehammer with crushing force. Each strike echoed across the field as if he was trying to shake the ground beneath Lola's feet.
Sam followed his lead, darting in with rapid, precise strikes. He unleashed powerful punches and kicks, aiming for any vulnerable spot he could find, moving with all the speed he could muster. His fists collided with Lola's body repeatedly, each hit backed by the strength he'd borrowed from his enhancements.
But Lola stood unmoved, allowing the attacks to land without resistance. Her body absorbed the blows effortlessly, her stance unwavering. Her expression remained calm, indifferent to their onslaught, as if she were merely waiting for them to tire themselves out. Even as Iron Sledge's hammer crashed against her with bone-rattling impact and Sam's fists drove into her like battering rams, Lola's fortitude was absolute.
Iron Sledge and Sam exchanged a quick glance, momentarily questioning how long they could keep this up. Despite the power of their strikes, Lola was a wall they couldn't seem to breach. Yet, neither of them faltered.
Jackson's voice crackled urgently over the comms. "Flinney, we need to draw Lola away. Take the shot at Hyena Girl—that's the only way she'll disengage!"
The sniper hesitated. "Specialist, Hyena Girl can't take another hit like that without risking killing her! That isn't our mission!"
Jackson's tone was unyielding. "I understand that! But that's the only option we have. There's nothing we can do to bring down that girl. We need to get her out of here! Now, take the shot!"
Still catching his breath from the relentless strikes he and Sam had delivered to Lola, Johnson broke in over the comms, his voice stern. "No! Don't take that shot. Jackson, stay out of this!"
The tension on the comms was palpable.
The silence that followed was thick with indecision. Flinney's finger hovered over the trigger, eyes locked onto Hyena Girl, watching her struggle, still defiant despite her injuries. She was already battered, her movement slowed, but her fierce resolve was undeniable. Flinney clenched his jaw, knowing a shot might tip the scales, but at what cost?
Jackson's voice cut through again, low and insistent. "You don't understand, Johnson. We can't handle Lola! She's toying with the two of you! Now imagine if she decides to go all out! If we remove Hyena Girl from the picture, Lola will stop fighting and withdraw. This isn't just about us—it's about everyone here. Take the shot, Flinney!"
Johnson's voice came back, sharper now, filled with conviction. "I made a promise that I wasn't going to kill anyone here! If you want it done so badly, and you're willing to explain to them why you did it, come out here and finish the job yourself!"
The line went silent, tension simmering between the team members as they faced the gravity of their choices.
The silence on the comms hung in the air, Jackson's absence an unspoken apology. Iron Sledge, or Johnson, kept his gaze steady, his resolve unwavering as he stood firm on his promise. He shifted his grip on his weapon, prepared to face whatever came without resorting to lethal measures.
Lola, still towering before him, had caught enough of the exchange to recognize the integrity in his stance. For the first time, her expression softened—just slightly. A flicker of respect gleamed in her eyes as she looked down at him, acknowledging his restraint and resolve.
Despite the chaos surrounding them, an understanding passed between them, one grounded in principles and conviction.
Just as Hyena Girl found a surge of strength, her eyes locked on Lola in the middle of the field, determined to join the fight despite her injuries. She staggered, but her resolve was unwavering as she charged forward, ignoring her body's limitations.
From the mountain, Flinney had her in his sights, his finger on the trigger. The gunner readied his aim, attention riveted on the field below, as Sam and Johnson braced themselves.
Suddenly, a massive wave of hair burst erupted from underneath the battlefield, sweeping across with startling speed and precision. Thick, rope-like strands snaked around Hyena Girl, encasing her securely and then around Lola. Before anyone could react, a swirling portal opened in the middle of the field. Both Hyena Girl and Lola were lifted effortlessly into the air, disappearing into the portal in seconds.
The strands of hair vanished as quickly as they'd appeared, leaving behind a heavy silence over the field. Then, Isabella emerged, standing in front of both Sam and Johnson. She looked between them with an air of determination.
"We'll take it from here," she announced her voice firm. "We'll free the others and bring the city back!" She nodded toward Johnson with genuine gratitude. "Thanks for everything, Iron Sledge."
Then, her gaze shifted to Sam. "Come on. There's more work to do."
Sam turned to Johnson, a rare smile softening his usually intense expression. "Take care of my love, Frederick, for me," he said quietly. "Tell him I'll be back."
Without another word, he stepped forward, following Isabella into the portal, disappearing into the unknown. The portal's light faded, leaving Johnson alone in the stillness of the battlefield, Sam's words lingering in the air like a promise.
Back on the female island
Lola, Hyena Girl, Isabella, and Sam found themselves in a vast, dimly lit lobby as the dust settled from their chaotic fall. All around, captive boys from the first island stared in shock before bursting into ecstatic cheers at the sight of Sam.
"SAM?! SAM IS HERE TO SAVE US!" The shouts echoed off the walls, a wave of hope flooding the room as the boys erupted into screams and applause, their eyes locked on Sam with relief and admiration.
Lola immediately scanned the crowd, her gaze sharp and alert, silencing the room almost instantly with a single glance. Her eyes shifted from Sam, then to Isabella, who now stood at his side, her expression caught between urgency and fear.
"Lola," Isabella began, stepping forward with a plea in her voice. "Listen to me—we don't need to do this. I know this looks wrong, but if you let me explain, you'll see that we've been lied to. Master Nem has been using us, all of us! It's time we stop blindly following orders."
Lola's expression barely changed, but her nostrils flared, and her jaw tightened. She seemed to hardly register Isabella's words, her stare focusing only on Sam, her mind whirling with suspicion and anger. To Lola, Isabella's betrayal could only mean one thing: Sam had somehow gotten to her and twisted her loyalty. For her, he was the only possible cause of this divide.
Sam, taking advantage of the stunned silence in the lobby, turned to Isabella. "You mentioned there was a city here, didn't you?"
Isabella nodded. "Yes, it's connected to this lobby. Why?"
"You'll see soon enough," he replied, a sly grin spreading across his face before he raised his voice. "Everyone here—lend me your strength!"
In an instant, the lobby came alive again as shouts and cries filled the air, the boys' energy responding to Sam's call. Streams of vibrant life force flowed from each of them, their forms slumping as they slipped into unconsciousness, their power coursing into Sam. The immense surge of energy radiated from him, his aura growing brighter and more intense, his body practically crackling as his strength multiplied. Despite being in another dimension, Sam still had three thousand soldiers' energy in his body, adding to the amount in the lobby, which had nearly already doubled his maximum of five thousand on the first island.
With this newfound power, Sam's presence was overwhelming. He clenched his fists, feeling the raw energy burning in his veins, a strength surpassing his expectations. His eyes scanned the space, finally resting on a glowing sphere near the corner of the room, a portal that led to the floating city that Isabella had mentioned.
"There it is." Sam pointed toward the city sphere, a glint of determination in his eyes as he looked back at Lola. "This lobby is far too small for what's about to happen. Let's finish this in there, just you and me—winner takes all."