Eleo scratched his head, his ears twitching as he frowned at Tony. "Okay, so my dad's a god, right? Shouldn't I be super strong or something? Like, I don't know, lifting mountains or shooting lightning out of my hands?"
Tony adjusted his monocle, exhaling a puff of smoke as he leaned on his cane. "Kid, it doesn't quite work like that. You're one percent god."
Eleo blinked in confusion. "One percent? What do you mean?"
Tony tapped his bony fingers together, clearly trying to find the right words. "Well… see, your mom was fifty percent god because, uh, Maldrath passed on a little piece of himself to her."
Eleo tilted his head. "Passed on? Like, how? Did he give her some kind of superpower or something?"
Tony hesitated, scratching his jaw. "Not exactly. He, uh… put his seed in her."
Eleo's nose twitched, and his eyes widened. "His seed? What do you mean by seed?"
Tony waved his hands quickly, clearly regretting his choice of words. "Forget I said that! What I mean is, your mom got a chunk of his godly essence, and when she had you, you ended up with just a sliver of that. That's why you're only one percent."
Eleo frowned, his ears drooping slightly. "So… I'm just a sliver? That's why I'm not super strong?"
Tony nodded. "Exactly. Maldrath didn't exactly give his kids the full package. You're more like… a spark of his power. And honestly, that's a good thing."
Eleo tilted his head. "Why's that good? I'd love to have all his power! Then I could definitely be the strongest!"
Tony shook his head, his voice dropping slightly. "Kid, trust me. You don't want what Maldrath had. His power came with a cost—a big one. Besides, you don't need to be fifty or one hundred percent god to be strong. You've got heart, determination, and that ridiculously stubborn drive to keep going. That's worth more than any godly percentage."
Eleo's ears perked up a little, though he still looked skeptical. "So you're saying I can be the strongest with just one percent?"
Tony smirked, giving him a light pat on the shoulder. "I'm saying strength isn't about numbers. It's about what you do with what you've got. And you, kid? You've got enough to make a difference."
Eleo thought for a moment, then grinned. "Alright, Tony. One percent is all I need. I'll show everyone what I can do!"
Tony chuckled. "That's the spirit. Now let's move. We've got bigger things to worry about than math lessons."
Tony adjusted his monocle and gestured toward a lively bar to their left. The muffled sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and rowdy conversations spilled out onto the street.
"Alright, kid," Tony said, his bony hand resting on his cane. "If we're going to make this team of yours any good, we're gonna need someone else. And I know just the guy."
Eleo tilted his head, ears twitching with curiosity. "Really? Who is it? Some kind of super strong fighter? Maybe another god?"
Tony chuckled dryly, smoke curling from his teeth. "Not quite. But he's got his own… charm, let's call it. He's in that bar over there. Follow me."
As they walked, Eleo glanced around, taking in the bustling city street. Vendors shouted about their wares, and groups of adventurers passed by, boasting about their latest feats.
"So, who is this guy, anyway?" Eleo asked, hopping slightly to keep up with Tony's steady stride.
Tony didn't look back as he spoke. "His name's Kenji. He's got the kind of skills we'll need. If we can convince him to join, that is."
"Skills?" Eleo asked, squinting at the bar ahead. "Like what?"
Tony smirked. "You'll see. Just… don't be too quick to judge. Kenji's got a, uh, unique way of handling things."
The two stopped outside the bar, a rickety wooden sign swinging overhead. It read *The Tipsy Griffin* in peeling paint. The sounds of rowdiness grew louder as Tony pushed the door open, motioning for Eleo to follow.
As Tony and Eleo made their way through the crowded bar, the air thick with the scent of ale and loud conversations, they approached the man Tony had pointed out. The figure sitting in the corner was unmistakable, with an aura of calm confidence surrounding him, despite the chaos that roared around him.
Kenji sat back in his chair, one leg crossed over the other. His piercing blue eyes gleamed with a quiet intensity as they flicked between the crowd, his hand lazily twirling a blade with practiced ease. His vibrant blue hair framed his sharp features, contrasting with the darker hues of the bar, and his gaze seemed to cut through the noise, unfazed by the surroundings. He wore a long, simple yet refined coat, and his sword rested by his side, its hilt worn from years of use.
Eleo couldn't help but stare for a moment, awe-struck by the man's presence. There was something almost mesmerizing about his aura. "Is this the guy?" Eleo whispered, still unsure of what to make of this person who seemed so calm in the midst of the chaos.
Tony grinned, a glint of mischief in his empty sockets. "Yep, that's Kenji alright. He may look cool and collected, but trust me, kid, he's got a temper when it comes to certain things. We just need to... convince him."
As they approached the table, Kenji's eyes flicked toward them, acknowledging their presence without a word. His expression didn't change, but there was a flicker of curiosity behind those sharp eyes.
"Well," Tony started, leaning on his cane and giving Kenji a nod, "you're a hard man to track down, Kenji. We've got a proposition for you."
Kenji's lips twitched upward slightly, but his eyes remained fixed on Tony. He didn't seem all that interested, though the faintest glint of amusement danced in his gaze. "A proposition? I'm listening. But make it quick." His voice was calm, steady, almost like he was used to this kind of thing.
Eleo stepped forward, his ears twitching nervously. "We're looking to form a team, and we need someone with your skills. We've got a big fight coming up, and we could use someone like you."
Kenji's eyebrow arched as he looked Eleo over. "A team, huh? You're a bit young for this kind of business, don't you think?"
Eleo bristled slightly, his usual cocky attitude flaring up. "I'm more than capable. You should've seen me in the arena. I can hold my own."
Tony, sensing the tension, quickly added, "And he's not alone. We've got a solid group, but we need you to round it out. Your skills, Kenji... they'd make all the difference. We're going after something big."
Kenji leaned back in his chair, considering the offer. He twirled his sword idly, a soft smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Sounds interesting. But what makes you think I'd be interested in your little team?"
Eleo didn't hesitate. "Because I've got a feeling you're the kind of guy who can't resist a challenge. And we're offering you one hell of a challenge." He wasn't backing down now, and there was a fire in his eyes that wasn't there before.
Kenji's gaze lingered on Eleo for a moment longer, then he slowly stood up, his expression neutral. "Alright. I'll join you. But don't expect me to go easy on you. I fight to win."
Tony nodded, a wide grin creeping across his face. "That's the spirit!" He turned to Eleo, "Looks like we've got our team."
A soft, blue glow suddenly appeared in the air, and a message floated between them, confirming their new alliance.
**Eleo Team: Kenji**
Kenji said, "Okay, now let's get out of here."
Tony asked, "Why?"
Kenji replied, "Well, I pissed off the Supreme Council people, and now I'm in trouble. They're looking for me."
Tony shook his head, exasperated. "Good grief. Alright, Eleo, do you have a boat we can all fit in?"
Eleo scratched his head. "Uh, yeah, follow me. I'll lead us there."
They nodded and followed. As they walked briskly toward the gate, suddenly a beam of light shot out, narrowly missing Eleo. The group froze, startled. A figure stood on the rooftop, shrouded in a commanding aura, his silvery-white hair glinting in the light.
"Well, Kenji," the figure said with a calm yet ominous tone, "I didn't expect to see you again so soon."
Kenji looked up, his expression darkening. "Hikaru."
Hikaru stood tall and imposing, his silvery-white hair tied in a sleek, high ponytail, loose strands framing his noble features. His glowing golden eyes locked onto Kenji with an intensity that radiated authority. His pristine white coat, embroidered with golden patterns, shimmered in the light, and the sun emblem on his chest seemed to radiate power. The flowing silver cape behind him added a regal, almost ethereal presence.
Eleo blinked, awestruck. "Wow, he's so cool. I want to fight him."
Tony groaned, grabbing Eleo by the shoulder. "Eleo, no! This guy isn't just some random soldier. He's a commander. Do you even know what that means?"
Eleo smirked. "Yeah, it means he's strong. I like strong."
Kenji, ignoring the banter behind him, stepped forward. "What do you want, Hikaru? Or do I already know?"
Hikaru's smile was razor-sharp, his golden eyes narrowing. "You know exactly why I'm here. You've caused enough chaos, Kenji. I've been sent to collect you—dead or alive. The choice is yours."
Suddenly, a group of officers emerged from the shadows behind them, laser guns trained on the group. Their uniforms were clean and efficient, a stark contrast to the tense, chaotic situation.
Eleo turned to glance at them, then back at Hikaru. "Oh, I remember these guys now."
Hikaru smirked. "Little Bunny and Mr. Skeleton, I suggest you leave. We're only here for Kenji. This bastard killed a lot of our men."
Kenji crossed his arms, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "And I'd do it again."
Hikaru's expression darkened, his voice dropping an octave. "I'm sure you would."
Eleo stepped forward, grinning mischievously. "No way. He's with me. If you want him, you'll have to go through us."
The air grew tense as the officers cocked their laser guns, their movements synchronized like a well-oiled machine. Hikaru's golden eyes flickered, studying Eleo.
Hikaru stood tall, exuding an air of command. With a flick of his hand, he uttered, "Okay, men. Get them."
The officers sprang into action, their laser guns lighting up as they advanced in formation.
Eleo cracked his neck, stepping forward with a grin. "Alright, fists only. Let's make this fun."
Kenji unsheathed his blade, its edge gleaming dangerously. "Guess I'll do some cutting today."
Tony stood at their side, rolling his shoulders and stepping into his fighting stance. "I'll handle this my way. Let's see what they've got."
The first wave of officers rushed in. Eleo darted forward, moving like a blur. He ducked under a laser blast, then sprang up, delivering a devastating uppercut to the nearest officer. The impact sent the man flying into two others. As they staggered, Eleo spun on his heel, driving a rapid series of punches into their midsections, finishing with a spinning backfist that dropped them.
"Who's next?" Eleo said, bouncing on his feet like a boxer.
Kenji leaped into the fray, slashing through the air with precision. His blade shimmered with every strike, cutting through the officers' armor like paper. One officer lunged at him, but Kenji sidestepped, slashing in a single, fluid motion. As another came from behind, Kenji ducked and swept his leg, tripping the assailant before plunging his blade downward in a finishing move.
"Come on," Kenji taunted, his smirk widening. "You'll need more than that."
Tony stepped into the fight with calm precision, using Wing Chun techniques to dismantle the incoming officers. He deflected an incoming baton strike with a smooth parry, then delivered rapid palm strikes to the attacker's chest and chin, sending him staggering. Another officer swung at him, but Tony leaned back, grabbed the man's arm, and used his momentum to flip him over.
"Too slow," Tony muttered, pivoting to block a laser blast with a nearby shield before tossing it like a discus into another officer.
As more officers poured in, the trio worked in perfect harmony.
Eleo launched himself forward, landing a powerful flying knee into one officer's chest before grabbing another by the arm and flipping him over his shoulder. "Kenji, toss me one!" he shouted.
Kenji obliged, kicking an officer toward Eleo. Eleo caught the man mid-air and slammed him into the ground with a thunderous force.
Tony intercepted an officer lunging at Kenji, delivering a rapid series of chain punches to their torso before finishing with a sharp elbow to the jaw. He turned, grabbed another attacker's wrist, and twisted it to disarm them before delivering a devastating low kick that knocked them off balance.
Kenji moved like a whirlwind, combining strikes with precision footwork. He slid under a laser blast, slashing upward to disarm one officer, then spun to block another attack with his blade.
"Let's finish this," Kenji said.
The three synchronized their moves. Eleo charged ahead, weaving through attacks while delivering devastating punches and kicks. Tony followed, using fluid Wing Chun movements to deflect and counter every strike, creating openings for Kenji to follow with deadly precision, his blade cutting through weapons and armor.
As the last officer fell, the battlefield was littered with groaning soldiers. Eleo brushed off his hands, grinning. "That was fun. Anyone else?"
Tony adjusted his stance, ever calm. "They weren't too bad. Maybe next time, they'll send a challenge."
Hikaru clapped slowly from the rooftop, his golden eyes gleaming. "Impressive. But that was just a warm-up. Now, it's my turn."
Kenji glanced up, his smirk returning. "Bring it, Hikaru."
Hikaru tensed, ready to leap from the rooftop, when a sharp chime echoed from his wrist. He paused, annoyance flickering in his eyes as he glanced down.
"What?" he barked into the communicator, his body still poised to attack.
"Commander Hikaru, there's been an incident at the Animal Kingdom. It's the Ascendants—one of them has been killed."
Hikaru's sharp features tightened, the weight of the news momentarily breaking through his composed demeanor. "What?" he snapped, his voice like a whip.
The voice continued, hurriedly: "The scene is chaotic. We're still piecing it together, but the culprit might still be nearby. You're needed immediately."
Hikaru's stance shifted, his focus snapping to the message. The battlefield below seemed to blur as the weight of the words sank in. "Who was it?" he demanded, his voice cold and clipped.
"We don't know yet. Details are scarce, but you're needed immediately."
He exhaled sharply, glancing once more at the figures below. "Fine. I'm on my way."
Kenji smirked, leaning on his blade as he took in the sudden shift in Hikaru's demeanor. "Trouble in paradise, Commander?"
Hikaru shot him a glare, the fire in his golden eyes unwavering. "This isn't over, Kenji," he said curtly. "You've bought yourself a few hours at best." He turned to the officers still conscious and motioned for them to regroup.
Eleo, ever curious, cocked his head. "Animal Kingdom? Ascendants? What's that all about?"
Tony nudged him. "Quiet, kid. This sounds big, and we don't want to stick our noses where they don't belong."
Kenji sheathed his sword, watching as Hikaru barked orders to his remaining men. "Seems like something more important just came up," Kenji muttered.
Without another word, Hikaru leaped onto the nearest rooftop, his cape billowing behind him like a streak of silver. His squad followed, their movements swift and methodical, leaving the trio in the dust.
As silence fell over the street, Eleo scratched his head. "So… what now?"
Tony sighed, adjusting his monocle. "Now, we make ourselves scarce before they change their minds. Let's get to your boat before someone else shows up."
Kenji chuckled, his smirk returning. "Smart move. Though I have to admit, I'm curious about what just spooked Hikaru so badly."
Tony shot him a sharp look. "Curiosity gets people killed, Kenji. Let's keep moving."
Eleo glanced back in the direction Hikaru had gone, his ears twitching with a mix of excitement and unease. "Animal Kingdom, huh? Sounds like a place worth checking out someday."
Tony groaned. "Not today, it's not. Let's go, Eleo."
After a few hours of walking and dodging patrols, the three of them finally made it to where Eleo boat was. Eleo hopped in first, followed by Kenji, while Tony settled himself at the oars with a grumble.
"Great," Tony muttered as he began rowing, the boat creaking with every pull. "Now I've got to go around Wylls Island. Just what I needed today."
Eleo leaned back, a smug grin on his face. "Well, I guess that makes me the strongest in that city now, huh?"
Kenji rolled his eyes, leaning against the side of the boat. "Okay, okay, so Eleo, right?"
Eleo nodded, his ears twitching slightly.
Kenji leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. "So let me get this straight—you want the three of us to fight the strongest person in the world? That's your grand plan?"
Eleo shook his head, his grin widening. "Not quite. You got something wrong."
Kenji raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? And what's that?"
Eleo leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with determination. "I don't want just the three of us. I want fourteen people to join me. And I've already got two."