Inside the HQ
Before the battle can start, I decide to organise the information that I have gathered from D.A.I.S.Y. and add whatever I could remember about my opponents from my own meta knowledge.
The Melter - Bruno Horgan
Bruno Horgan is an ordinary man who accidentally invented a device that can melt anything. The device produces a ray that attacks the binding force between atoms, causing them to loosen, giving the effect that the substance is melting.
According to his file, he uses a chest harness device that originally could only melt iron, but judging by the gun in his hand and no chest harness, it can be conferred that his device has received a considerable upgrade.
For now, I don't need to worry about him since he is trapped in a Temporal Loop. Unless some external influence disturbs him or I lose concentration, he will remain that way for several minutes at least.
The Grey Gargoyle - Paul Duval
Paul Duval was an ordinary chemist until he accidentally spilled a potion contaminated by an unknown organic substance on his right hand. Since then, anything his right hand touches, whether inorganic or organic, turns to stone for the duration of one hour.
If he touches himself with his right hand, he can transform his body into stone while maintaining sentience and mobility.
This pile of stone is a bit dangerous, I have to especially be careful of his right hand. His stone body will be very difficult to inflict any damage to, and he will most probably hit very hard too.
The Basilisk - Basil Elks
Basil Elks, a small-time crook, stumbled upon some artifact which I know from my comic knowledge as Alpha Stone. The stone fused with his body, granting him extraordinary abilities, including the ability to project powerful optic energy beams from his eyes.
These beams, composed of microwave-related energy, can accelerate or decelerate the molecular motion of any surface. So he can regulate the temperature enough to melt steel or create an encasing of ice.
The beams can also generate enough force for direct attacks. His entire body was also morphed into a reptilian creature, providing him with enhanced strength and durability.
He is another foe to 'look' out for.
While the Temporal Loop has successfully immobilized the Melter, it seems less effective against The Basilisk and The Grey Gargoyle. This could be due to their higher power levels or the increased number of people I am trying to affect, thereby diluting the loop's effectiveness.
Regardless I have to take care of these two as fast as possible as Toni might be in need of my help.
I stand tall, my golden-white armor gleaming under the dim lights. "I have already dealt with your men," I say, my voice steady and confident. "Now it's your turn!"
I assess my options, knowing that most of my powers might not affect a rock-bodied opponent like the Grey Gargoyle. Deactivating his powers is risky, especially considering the danger of his right hand. One touch could petrify me instantly. I ponder ways to make his right hand ineffective, perhaps by binding him with my metal manipulation powers or restraining him using his own clothing. It would be momentary stillness but it just might give me the edge I need.
Pure attack, whether physical or through my abilities, is another option. However, I also consider the possibility of sending him away through a portal, though I remember how Dr. Doom has already survived that strategy. Both the Grey Gargoyle and the Basilisk might not be as formidable as Doom, but underestimating them could be fatal.
A crucial factor weighs on my mind: the public nature of this battle. Every move, every power I display will be recorded, studied, and dissected. Even with precautions, the information will spread. It is the burden of a Hero, a reality I must navigate carefully.
Round 1
Lucas:
Forcefield Blast (Adept): 46 (5%)
Forcefield Construct (Adept) (Agility fail) (1%)
Temporal Loop (5%)
Agility Saving Successful (for petrification)
Before: AC: 9 Energy: 110% Health: 110
After: AC: 9 Energy: 99% Health: 87
Gargoyle:
Agility Saving Successful (for trip) (2%)
Petrification touch (Agility Fail) (2%)
Before: AC: 20 Energy: 170% Health: 170
After: AC: 20 Energy: 166% Health: 170
Basilisk:
Energy Beam: 32 (Critical) (15%)
Before: AC: 19 Energy: 180% Health: 180
After: AC: 19 Energy: 165% Health: 153
_
The Grey Gargoyle charges toward me in a rage, his stone body rumbling with each step. The Basilisk tries to follow suit but stumbles over the black cloak he had discarded earlier. I snicker inside my helmet, but quickly regaining my focus on the imminent fight.
Thinking fast, I extend my hand and activate my Forcefield Construct. A shimmering invisible barrier materializes in front of the charging Grey Gargoyle, aiming to trip him. Simultaneously, I direct a Forcefield Blast at the already stumbling Basilisk.
The Grey Gargoyle's stone body stays firm as he barrels through my construct, unaffected. He keeps charging toward me with unrelenting force.
"UGGAAH!"
However, my forcefield blast hits Basilisk squarely in the head, causing him to scream in pain and deal significant damage. The crowd gasps, some pulling out their phones to film the unfolding battle.
"You are done!" Gargoyle yells, his voice echoing like gravel grinding together.
I brace myself, knowing that Gargoyle's touch can turn me to stone. His right hand reaches out, but I know it is coming so I sidestep swiftly, avoiding his petrifying touch.
"Slippery bastard!" Gargoyle speaks annoyed.
Before I can counter, I notice Basilisk's eyes glowing a sinister red, his face twisted in rage.
He fires an energy beam from his eyes straight at me. The beam strikes me in the chest, forcing me back. I grunt in pain, but my metal helmet hides my expression. The force of the blast leaves a smoking dent in my suit.
"Got you!" Basilisk sneers, his reptilian eyes glinting with malice.
I grit my teeth, feeling the burn from the energy beam. These two are definitely tough, but I am sure that I can take them down swiftly.
I replace the dent in my suit quickly through my Metal Constructs power and get ready for the fight.
---
Outside the HQ
Toni had just been run over by the car she tried to save, she shakes her head and tries to get up.
Woosh!
Just then Obadiah uses his thrusters to jump and land beside her. He raises his massive fist and delivers a mighty punch.
Bam!
The impact is brutal. Toni is thrown to the side of the road, crashing through a truck. The metal of the vehicle crumples around her, and she feels the shock reverberate through her suit.
"Ugh," Toni groans, her head spinning. She struggles to get her bearings, knowing Obadiah won't give her a moment to recover.
---
Inside HQ
Gargoyle is just in front, he looks ready to charge at me again. The Basilisk looks like, he looks like he will just keep using his energy beams.
My last attack was effective but I still think that I have better options to choose from.
The best would be to de-power both of them and then take care of them easily. For Gargoyle's right hand I can keep it restrained by using his own clothes against him, it should work as all I need to activate my own power is to touch him.
Or I can just keep attacking them both, I feel like I am trained enough in Holy fire magic & Forcefield blasts to attack them both at once.
Or I can just pummel them with enhanced Chi attacks!
But I should make sure that their focus is on me, as they haven't realized yet that if they attack their companions like if they shove them, then they would be broken out of the time loop! At that point I will have to face many of them at once.