---
The team trudged forward, cutting down any monsters that crossed their path. Each step was heavy with exhaustion, yet their blades and powers never faltered. Despite their best efforts, they couldn't ignore the absence of Mrs. Mi. She had vanished during the chaos, leaving an unspoken dread among them.
Ken's voice broke the silence. "Stay sharp. We can't afford to lose anyone else."
Their vigilance came at a price. As they fought through the relentless hordes, some of the team suffered grievous injuries. Simon winced as he tightened a makeshift bandage around his hand, two of his fingers lost in the battle. Akamatsu's expression was grim as he helped him up. "This forest wants to break us. Don't let it."
But the tension within the group reached its peak when Cameron abruptly stopped in his tracks.
"Cameron!" Ken shouted, turning to him. "What are you doing?"
Cameron, panting heavily, grinned. "This team is holding me back. You'll see. One day, I'll be the strongest man on Earth!"
Before anyone could stop him, he bolted into the shadows, his figure quickly swallowed by the forest's oppressive darkness.
"Let him go," Akamatsu muttered, his tone cold. "If he values power more than loyalty, he was never one of us."
Now reduced to Simon, Akamatsu, Ken, and Anji, the group pressed on, their resolve shaken but not broken.
---
As they approached a clearing, the ground began to quake. A guttural roar pierced the air as monstrous forms emerged. These creatures were different—larger, faster, and radiating an aura of invincibility.
Ken gritted his teeth. "Get ready! This won't be like before."
The monsters charged, their claws tearing through the earth. The team hesitated for a split second, fear creeping into their hearts. Then Ken surged forward, his sword flashing in the dim light.
Simon raised his staff, conjuring barriers of light to protect them. "We've got this! Focus on their weak spots!"
Akamatsu unleashed a wave of dark energy, warping the battlefield to disorient the creatures. "If they're invincible, let's see how they handle the impossible!"
Anji's golden aura flared as he summoned chaotic energy. His strikes were erratic but devastating, ripping through the monsters' defenses. "If they think they're unstoppable, we'll show them otherwise!"
The battle was fierce, but their combined strength overwhelmed the monstrous foes. With one final, coordinated attack, they brought down the last creature.
As the dust settled, something strange appeared in front of them—a glowing pedestal etched with intricate symbols. The air shimmered as a mechanical voice filled the clearing:
[Beast Team: The Strongest Team Created. System Loading. Choose Your Superpower.]
The team exchanged uncertain glances, their breaths still ragged from the fight.
Ken stepped forward cautiously. "What is this? Another trick?"
The voice ignored him, continuing:
[First user: Akamatsu. Searching... Found. Choose wisely.]
Temporal Manipulation: The ability to pause, rewind, or fast-forward time selectively.
Reality Bending: The power to rewrite the fabric of existence, making or unmaking laws of physics.
Pocket Dimension Creation: The ability to create and trap people in alternate dimensions.
Akamatsu frowned, his gaze lingering on the options. "This feels like a trap… but if I must choose, I'll take Reality Bending."
[Good choice. Next user: Ken. Choose.]
Mind Hive: Control countless minds at once, creating a collective consciousness.
Soul Extraction: Remove souls from bodies and trap them or use them as fuel.
Emotional Puppetry: Manipulate emotions to control actions indirectly.
Ken hesitated, then nodded. "I choose Soul Extraction."
[Good choice. Next user: Anji. Choose.]
Void Manipulation: Control destructive anti-energy that erases existence.
Starforge: Harness the power of stars to create weapons or obliterate landscapes.
Primordial Chaos: Summon uncontrollable chaotic forces from before the universe's creation.
Anji smirked. "Primordial Chaos. Let's see how far I can push it."
[Good choice. Next user: Simon. Choose.]
Evolutionary Mastery: Instantly adapt to threats or environments by evolving new traits.
Plague Generation: Create and control deadly viruses or biological horrors.
Shape-Stealing: Absorb the abilities and forms of others permanently.
Simon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I'll take Shape-Stealing. It might give us the edge we need."
[Good choice. Next user: Ken. Choose.]
Absolute Weaponry: Summon indestructible weapons tailored to any opponent's weaknesses.
Gravity Dominion: Control gravity to crush, suspend, or distort enemies and objects.
Unstoppable Momentum: Once in motion, no force can stop or deflect their attack.
Ken nodded firmly. "Unstoppable Momentum."
[Good choice. All users have leveled up. Congratulations. The system will return tomorrow. Prepare for the challenges ahead. Goodbye.]
The glowing pedestal vanished, leaving the team in stunned silence.
Simon broke it first. "We've just stepped into something far bigger than ourselves."
Ken sheathed his sword. "We'll adapt. Together."
Akamatsu stared at his hands, feeling the surge of power within him. "Whatever this system has planned, we'll be ready."
The team moved forward, their steps heavier but their resolve stronger. The forest awaited, and so did their destiny.