As the smoke gradually cleared, the aftermath revealed the car was completely destroyed, a sign to the sheer strength of the void energy blast. Amongst the wreckage, Eliza and Vulcan were cocooned within a resilient, bubble-like shield that seemed impenetrable. However, a closer look revealed that they suffered a few injuries.
Vulcan, still dazed from the blast, looked upward, revealing the identities of the two silhouettes. Standing at an imposing seven feet was a formidable man, his stature emitting a commanding presence. Beside him, contrasting in height but equally imposing, stood a four foot tall woman. Despite her initially tranquil appearance, she radiated nothing but murderous intent.
The towering man was incredibly muscular and has dark skin. He wore a gladiator mask, shrouding his facial features. The man was shirtless, he only wore a flowing grey hakama, extending to his ankles, and dark grey boots that reached just below his knees. Two dark grey belts, adorned with gold studs and buckles, secured the hakama in place. In both hands, he wielded a large battle axe seemingly made out of void energy, its size matching the wielder. The man's grip on the axe hinted that he could swing the weapon with ease.
The petite woman has a captivating appearance with her flowing blonde hair and striking pink eyes, which only added to her alluring presence. She wore a buttoned-up shirt with a buttoned up collar and two-button square barrel cuffs. A vibrant red tie adorned her neck, adding a pop of color to the appearance. Below, she wore an indigo layered underskirt, and over it, a long white and blue skirt that buttoned up. A blue ribbon-belt cinched her waist elegantly. Sporting see-through leggings, she paired them with blue boots featuring a v-line at the top, decorated with a blue ribbon. The steel-soled boots hinted at both practicality and style. Her long braided hair flowed down, adorned with a bow-tie, and over her outfit she wore a light blue coat with a ribbon, complete with a sleeve band adding a refined touch her outfit.
Just like the man, she also wielded a weapon. The petite woman stood confidently, her hands resting on the hilt of the katana sheathed at her side. The blade, with its sleek black exterior, gave off an air of lethal elegance. The katana, noticeably larger than her, suggested a unique mastery over the weapon.
"Geez! Already starting the show without us, Power?" The petite women exclaimed, a tone of amusement in her voice.
"The White Crusader..." The towering man walked towards the hero, paying no attention to Vulcan and Eliza. His grip tightened around his weapon.
"Ohh, the hero! Now isn't this quite the reunion!" The petite woman trailed behind the towering man, her voice filled with a mix of amusement and mockery as they approached him.
"Hmph, I should've expected that you wouldn't come alone, Power. I hope you've gotten better with the sword, Lust, or I'll cut you down easily again like last time." The White Crusader's grip tightened on his katana, poised and ready to attack if they made any sudden movements.
"Little old me? Well, why don't you come closer and find out?" Lust taunted from behind her large teammate, a mischievous grin on her lips.
"Hmm? Is this the halfbreed?" The imposing man's gaze fixed directly on Eve.
"Eve, don't get closer. You don't stand a chance against Wrath. In fact, get out of here," The White Crusader sternly ordered.
As they were engaged in conversation, Vulcan slowly rose and grasped his sword. But before The White Crusader could shout to halt Vulcan's action, a cyan aura engulfed Vulcan, casting an otherworldly glow around him.
"Spirit Technique, Universal Soul Slash, level one!" With a surge of strength, Vulcan swung his sword, aiming for Forbidden Wrath's back. However, his attack was intercepted by Forbidden Lust, who skillfully blocked the incoming strike with her katana.
"Tsk tsk! You can't just attack without warning, you know. Where's your honor? You humans still care about that, right?" Lust parried Vulcan's strike with ease, leaving him wide open for a counterattack. However, instead of striking, she looked at him with a smug smile.
"This isn't much of a fight, then. Are we going to face nothing more than weaklings?" Wrath sighed.
"You know what the boss said; we don't have much choice. Although I have a task for you, Lust," Power said.
"You want me to chase that girl with the dagger, right? Say no more! No promises I'll bring her back alive though!" Lust stuck out her tongue before disappearing, leaving a trail of void energy behind.
"As for you, Wrath. Just kill those three; I'll deal with The White Crusader." Power said as he got closer, preparing for another fight.
"Very well..." Instead of approaching Eve, he turned around and reached out his hand, aiming for Vulcan's neck.
"Healing magic, speed!" Eliza cast a spell on Vulcan, allowing him to dodge in the nick of time.
"Tempest, lightning bolt!" Eve threw a bolt of lightning at Wrath, striking him in the back.
Seemingly unfazed by her attack, he turned and faced her. "Not only are you weaklings, but you're pests as well. I'll make short work of you," Wrath declared, pointing his axe at Eve.
Without warning, Power sucker-punched The White Crusader. "Now, why don't we start where we left off?" he taunted.
"You scum, if you're that eager to die, then very well. I'll make you regret ever coming back!"
As Mary, Bard, and Simon made their escape, Simon couldn't shake the feeling that they were already being followed.
"Hey, where the hell are we going without the car?" Simon asked, frustration in his voice knowing they shouldn't have left Eve and the others.
"Anywhere but here; we don't have the strength to deal with the Forbidden," Mary replied, their escape coming to an abrupt halt as a petite woman stood in their path.
"My, oh my~ how very smart you are. Although, why are you trying to run? Didn't you want to help us?" The petite woman mischievously smiled, her words laced with an unsettling charm.
"Mate! This is Forbidden Lust, do not fight her. I repeat, do not fight her!" The voice in Simon's head suddenly came back, urgency in its tone.
"If you're going to talk and nothing else, please shut up..." Simon whispered.
"Who are you? If you make any sudden movements, we'll be forced to attack. Please step aside," Mary asserted, her tone firm yet cautious.
Forbidden Lust chuckled mischievously, unsheathing her sword. "Geez, how violent! What if I was a normal human? Hah, unfortunately for you, I do want you to attack me. So, I'm ready when you are!"
As the town of Calla Lily unraveled into chaos in mere seconds, an older yet tall and muscular man walked towards the commotion. His warhammer swung around effortlessly. The man has white hair and a beard, he was wearing a white shirt with rolled sleeves. His gray pants were held in place by two purple suspenders, featuring shoulder pads adorned with spikes. Completing his outfit was his black shoes, gloves, and a distinctive green gem etched onto the collar of his shirt, secured by two green strings.
"I suppose she was right; peace really is a momentary thing. Oh well, as long as I'm alive, there will be peace for the people of Calla Lily," the man spoke to himself while skillfully practicing his warhammer swings.
"That reminds me, The White Crusader is here, isn't he? I wonder if he needs help. Hell, I wonder if he remembers me," the old man smirked.
"Master Sidgroth, you're speaking to yourself again," a boy riding a giant monster remarked.
"Now, if you say it like that, you make it seem like I'm crazy, but I'm monologuing. Completely different!" Sidgroth let out a hearty laugh.
"More importantly, you shouldn't be coming with me, Maxwell. I'm not sure even Gladiolus can keep you safe." Sidgroth said, looking at the beast the boy was riding
"Well, you need my ornament of luck, don't you?" Maxwell replied.
"Maxwell, I remain a member of the Victorious Ten, and I'm confident you understand the significance of that title. We never tasted defeat throughout the Void War," Sidgroth remarked with a proud smile.
"Yeah, you and the others were legendary. However, Master Sidgroth, you're way past your prime. You might need the luck this time around," Maxwell remarked.
"I concede. Very well, you may come along, but activate your ornament from a safe distance," Sidgroth advised.
"Hmm, I think the fighting is going on over there, Master Sidgroth," Maxwell pointed towards the supermarket.
"Hmm, stay here, Gladiolus. Look after the kid," Sidgroth said, patting the beast before making his way closer to the supermarket, trying to make sense of the unfolding situation.
"Forbidden Wrath?" Sidgroth observed his old enemy engaged in combat with three teens. "There you are, White Crusader," he said upon spotting his former ally battling Forbidden Power.
"Doesn't seem all that fair now. Very well, time to even the playing field!"