Just as frustration began to mount, Eleo suddenly stopped in front of a large, ornate door. "Uh, guys? I think I found something."Tony and Kenji walked over, peering inside. Beyond the door was a swirling portal, its edges shimmering with an eerie light.Tony looked at his companions, his face determined. "Well, in case this portal kills us or leads us to a death trap, I'll be the one to head in first."Kenji nodded in approval. "That's very noble of you."Eleo, his usual cheerfulness tinged with worry, said, "Good luck, Tony. Try not to die."With a final nod, Tony stepped through the portal. For a few agonizing seconds, there was nothing but silence. Then, Tony's skeletal hand emerged, giving them a thumbs-up.Kenji and Eleo both sighed in relief and Eleo puts helmet-kun down saying I'll miss you buddy before following Tony through the portal.On the other side, they found themselves on a narrow stone bridge suspended high above a sea of bubbling lava. The heat was intense, the air thick with the scent of sulfur."Wow, it's pave," Eleo said, staring in awe.Kenji rolled his eyes. "No, it's called lava.""Oh," Eleo mumbled, slightly embarrassed."Come on, guys," Tony urged. "Let's head across the stone bridge."They moved slowly and cautiously, the stone beneath their feet hot to the touch. Just as they were about to reach the other side, a voice echoed from the shadows."That's far enough."A man stepped out from the darkness, a smirk playing on his lips. He was tall, with dark skin and a powerful build. His open leather jacket revealed a sleeveless shirt underneath, and his slim, cargo-style pants were tucked into worn combat boots. A silver chain necklace hung around his neck, catching the light.Kenji, Tony, and Eleo stopped in their tracks, readying themselves for whatever came next. The man's eyes gleamed with a dangerous intelligence, and the smirk on his face only grew wider as he sized them up.
Kenji's grip tightened around the hilt of his sword as he stared down the man. The air between them buzzed with tension, the faint hum of electricity emanating from the man body, and the cold steel of Kenji's blade reflecting the pale light of the overcast sky. The bridge beneath them groaned under the weight of the confrontation, the wind whipping around them, carrying the scent of ozone."Go," Kenji ordered, his voice a low growl, eyes never leaving Man. Tony hesitated for a moment, but then, understanding the gravity of the situation, nodded and grabbed Eleo. They dashed towards the far end of the bridge, their footsteps echoing against the stone.In a blur, man teleported behind Eleo, his kick aimed to send the boy plummeting into the abyss below. Kenji and Tony lunged to save him, but man was gone before they could react. Panic surged in Kenji's chest as he scanned the surroundings, fearing the worst."Damn it, the kid…" Kenji muttered, gritting his teeth."This can't be happening," Tony echoed, despair tinging his voice.But then, a laugh—light and triumphant—echoed from below. "I'm okay!" Eleo's voice rang out, followed by the sight of him hoisting himself back onto the bridge. Tendrils of ink, thick and dark, extended from his stomach, clinging to the underside of the bridge like a web. With a final pull, he was back on solid ground.Kenji let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "Quick thinking, kid."But man was relentless. In a flash, he materialized again, aiming to strike. This time, Tony was ready, delivering a powerful kick that sent the man skidding across the bridge. Kenji seized the moment. "Go now!"Tony nodded, grabbing Eleo's arm and bolting. As they disappeared into the distance, Kenji turned his full attention to the man before him."You got a name?" Kenji asked, his tone even, almost casual."Olorun," the man replied, his voice crackling like static. "And you?""Kenji." There was a moment of silence, both warriors sizing each other up. "We both know what's about to happen."Olorun nodded. "Yep."The air between them seemed to crackle with anticipation. With a sudden burst of speed, Kenji rushed forward, his sword slashing through the air. Olorun dodged effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise. Lightning sparked around his fist as he swung at Kenji, but Kenji met the punch with his blade, the force of the impact reverberating through his arms."So, you've got lightning powers," Kenji remarked, pushing back against Olorun's strength."Yeah," Olorun grinned, the electricity in his veins surging with excitement. "i got it from a soul orb they are extremely rare" Kenji's eyes narrowed as he held his ground, his sword humming with tension. "A soul orb, huh? Never heard of one."
Olorun smirked, the electricity dancing along his arms intensifying. "That's because they're not something you stumble upon, kid. Soul orbs choose their wielder. The power they grant? It's... unique."
Kenji tightened his grip on his blade. "Guess I'll have to take your word for it."
Olorun chuckled, his voice carrying a dangerous edge. "Oh, you'll feel it soon enough."
Without warning, Olorun surged forward, his fists crackling with electricity. Kenji sidestepped the first strike and brought his sword up in a swift arc. The blade caught the light of the lava below, its edge gleaming as it slashed toward Olorun's side.
Olorun twisted his body mid-strike, narrowly avoiding the blow. With a spin, he planted his foot against Kenji's blade, using it as a springboard to launch himself backward. Sparks scattered into the air as their clash created a burst of raw energy.
"You're quick," Kenji said, his eyes never leaving Olorun.
"And you're not as slow as you look," Olorun countered, grinning.
Kenji darted forward again, his blade slashing in a precise series of strikes. Olorun weaved between the attacks, his body moving like liquid. With a sudden burst, he closed the distance, landing a solid punch against Kenji's guard. The electricity coursed through Kenji's body, making him grit his teeth as he staggered back.
"Feel that?" Olorun said smugly. "That's the power of a soul orb."
Kenji steadied himself, shaking off the lingering numbness. "Not bad. But I've fought stronger."
Olorun's grin widened. "Big words for someone about to lose."
Kenji's eyes darkened as he shifted his stance, his aura intensifying. "You're not the only one with something special, Olorun."
Without warning, Kenji's blade erupted with golden energy, crackling like a storm. The sudden surge of power made Olorun take a step back, his grin faltering for just a moment.
"So, the kid's got some tricks," Olorun muttered, his own electricity flaring up in response.
The stone bridge trembled under the weight of their combined energies, the lava below bubbling more violently as the heat rose.
"One question," Kenji said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.
Olorun raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"
"How rare are these soul orbs?"
Olorun chuckled. "Rare enough that you'll never get your hands on one."
Kenji smirked. "Guess I'll have to take yours, then."
With that, the two clashed again, their powers colliding in a brilliant display of light and energy, the echoes of their battle reverberating across the fiery chasm.