Chromdome's urgent voice cut through the tension in the air. "We can't do anything with the orb yet; it's still in its purest form. We should contain it immediately!"
However, before anyone could react, an ominous force pulsed through the room. The concealing cloak on Jimothy's arm was obliterated, forcing everyone back. An eerie, disembodied voice resonated in the space.
"It's been a long while, Puppet Master!" the Necrodrift (in orb form) greeted.
"Why, it has been a long while. I see you were sealed into this man's arm, correct?" replied the Puppetdrift (also in orb form).
"Yes, but here's a plan," suggested the Necrodrift. "You take over that steel armor and get C2 to possess it. Tell her to release me from this boy's arm by removing the restraint."
The Puppetdrift agreed. "I don't see why not."
In a sudden surge of energy, the Puppetdrift orb entered the steel armor, transforming it into a metal woman with long chromatic hair, shaking the very foundations of the cellar.
"Is everyone okay?" Vman shouted, his concern echoing through the debris-filled space.
Chromdome, Jimothy, and Anon confirmed their safety amidst the chaos.
The newly formed entity identified herself. "My name is C2, the puppet drift user, one of the 4 great drift users."
Chromdome recognized her immediately. "C2!? This is bad; we have to run!"
However, Anon was resolute. "I don't plan on running! THE WILL OF THE LIVING!"
Anon unleashed a powerful technique, but it failed to affect C2 as he had hoped.
Vman voiced his worry. "How could you use that so casually? It didn't work, and now you can only use it once more!"
Anon, undeterred, assured Vman. "Don't worry, I will be fine. If it fails, it uses up only a very small percent of spirit. I can still use it."
C2 taunted them, confident in her new form. "What do you mean 'use it'? I know that technique. In fact, I've seen you do it before. I had one of my puppets follow you and they found out your great and powerful technique, But now I am no longer living nor a monster, I am a soul inside an object! Your best technique is no longer effective on me!"
Anon acknowledged the truth but remained undaunted. "I know, I was just trying. However, I can still defeat you."
C2 retaliated swiftly, creating numerous golem puppets from the remnants of the castle and nearby surroundings.
"If you are so cocky, then good luck. You wont lay a finger on me!" she declared as her golems closed in on Anon.
With swift reflexes, Anon countered. Jumping into the air, he gathered his strength and unleashed a devastating attack.
"Tectonic Aftershock!" Anon's voice resonated with power as the ground shook beneath him, obliterating all the golems in his vicinity.
In response, C2 revealed her true capabilities. "It's all going to plan actually. Create Puppet!"
C2's arm transformed into sharp razors, flying around Anon, slashing relentlessly.
Vman, fearing for Anon's safety, screamed. "Anon, watch out!"
Channeling his ID, Vman hurled a powerful energy ball toward the razors, shattering them into fragments.
"Direct hit!" Vman exclaimed triumphantly.
However, their victory was short-lived. The razors reassembled, hurtling straight toward Vman.
But Anon stood firm, determined to protect his comrade. In a blur of motion, he intercepted the razors, catching each one with his bare hands.
"I won't let you get to him, C2!" Anon declared, his voice laced with determination.
Their battle escalated further, both combatants demonstrating incredible speed and skill. Anon and C2 clashed, their movements creating afterimages never seen. The speed of each slash and punch causing shockwaves that cleared the battlefield, turning the once-rubble-filled castle into a pristine battleground.
"Why won't you die?! REFORM, FULL SHAPE!" C2 exclaimed, attempting to overwhelm Anon.
Anon, calm and collected, countered her moves effortlessly. "Looks like you're not fast enough."
Before C2 could transform completely into razors, Anon seized the opportunity. With a swift, decisive motion, he punched the orb with a powerful right hook and cracked it, incapacitating C2 and ending the battle.
"It's done. She's alive, but she will be in a coma. Let's go back to camp, take her with us as well. You too, Chromdome; we have business with you," Anon announced, his tone unshaken like the battle never happened.
Chromdome, still in awe of Anon's prowess, questioned him. "You never told me you were such a powerful man. How did you do all of that?"
Anon smiled mysteriously, promising answers. "Your questions will be answered, but you have to help us out. Come with us."
The group left the battlefield, heading back to camp. As the sun dipped below the horizon, they shared a meal.