Continuation...
Four Months Later...
Maimalari Barracks, Borno State, Nigeria
The air crackles as the shimmering green portal dissolves behind me. I step out, boots crunching against the gravel. The hum of conversation and distant drills dies instantly, replaced by the unmistakable click of rifles being raised. A dozen soldiers stare, fingers hovering over triggers, their eyes wide with disbelief.
"Stand down!" a sharp voice barks.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja emerges from the ranks, his sharp gaze locking onto me. His uniform is impeccable, his posture rigid, but a flicker of unease crosses his face.
"Who the hell are you?" he demands.
I raise my hands slowly, palms outward. "Christian Vincent," I say, my voice calm but firm. "Epic Sorcerer. The only one in Nigeria."
The soldiers exchange uneasy glances, their guns still trained on me.
"And why are you here?" General Lagbaja asks, his tone hard but laced with curiosity.
"To talk," I reply simply.
Before he can respond, a second portal shimmers into existence behind him, revealing the interior of his office. The room is pristine—mahogany desk, military maps, and a lone Nigerian flag standing proud in the corner.
"What the..." The general turns, stunned.
"It's a portal," I say. "Takes you anywhere on Earth. Let's use it to have this conversation in private."
He hesitates, glancing at his soldiers before nodding. "Stand down," he says again, and this time the rifles lower. "Follow me."
---
**Inside the General's Office**
The office door shuts with a quiet click, and the general gestures for me to sit. His eyes narrow as he studies me from across the desk.
"I'm listening," he says.
I lean back in the chair, meeting his gaze. "You've heard of the golden alien wreaking havoc across Nigeria. Calls himself the herald of Goliath."
His jaw tightens. "We've noticed. The damage has been catastrophic. We're doing everything we can to stop him."
"Guns won't be enough," I say bluntly. "This is bigger than Nigeria. We need the Ventures—the American heroes. Together, we can end this threat."
"End it? What exactly are you proposing?"
I lean forward, the light in the room casting shadows across my face. "This isn't just about stopping him temporarily. It's about making sure he never comes back. I've faced things like this before. With Master Hong and Dewayne, I helped take down the Chronic Beast—a demon that would have leveled half a continent. But even that required strategy, teamwork, and power."
The general's skepticism is evident in his furrowed brow. "If you're so powerful, why don't you handle this alien yourself?"
I smile faintly. "Because even the strongest need allies. Two heads are better than one, and in this case, two forces—yours and mine—are Nigeria's best chance. So I ask you, General: will you join me? Or will you let this alien turn our country into ruins?"
The room falls silent, the weight of my words hanging heavy in the air. Finally, Lagbaja leans back in his chair, his fingers drumming against the desk.
"If you're serious about this... you've got my attention. But you'd better deliver, Sorcerer. Nigeria doesn't have room for false promises."
Ultimate Tower
MORINJO
Jessica and I stroll towards the living room, laughing at some forgotten joke, the sound of our voices echoing through the quiet hall. Then, without warning, the air thickens, and the world around us shifts.
The seven chairs dissolve into fine dust, swept away by an unseen force. In their place, two small seats materialize—plain, unassuming, and out of place. The television blinks out of existence, replaced by a grand staircase that seems to stretch infinitely upward. Its hues of deep red and brown pulse faintly, as though alive.
"What the hell is going on?" I demand, stepping back instinctively.
Jessica clutches my arm. "If you're doing this, please stop," she pleads, her voice trembling.
I shake my head. "This isn't me. I swear."
Above us, the ceiling ripples like water, morphing into something both alien and familiar—the Sanctum. The white walls shimmer into a slick, silver surface, while the floor beneath our feet hardens into smooth, polished brown stone.
"Show yourself!" I shout, forcing my voice to stay steady.
The air hums with energy, and six green portals erupt around us, their edges crackling like lightning. From each one steps a figure, identical in appearance. Their robes of vibrant green and yellow flow as they move, their faces calm but unreadable.
Jessica gasps. "How is this possible?"
I glance at her. "He's a sorcerer," I say grimly, watching as the six figures move in unison.
"Do you know him?"
"No, but this... this is sorcery. Classic Chinese style."
The figures approach, their movements eerily synchronized. As they near us, their forms blur and merge into one. A man now stands before us, his expression calm, his voice rich with confidence.
"Fear not, heroes. I am Christian Vincent, the Epic Sorcerer, the one and only Nigerian sorcerer."
"Nigerian?" Jessica whispers, her brows furrowing.
I nod. "I heard it too."
I step forward cautiously. "What do you want from us, sorcerer?"
Christian smiles faintly. "I'm here to support you, Morinjo and Jessica."
Jessica stiffens. "How do you know our names?"
Christian chuckles softly. "I'm a sorcerer. That's what I do. But it's not just about knowing—I've spent four months mastering the dark arts."
Her eyes narrow. "That doesn't explain why you're here."
He nods, his grin fading into seriousness. "I'm here to help you capture Belteshazzar before he brings Goliath into your world. If we don't act now, it'll be too late."
I exchange a glance with Jessica. "What are your plans?" I ask.
He raises an eyebrow. "You haven't answered mine, Morinjo. Are you with me?"
Jessica speaks up, her voice hesitant. "Shouldn't we speak to the others first?"
I shake my head. "There's no time for that. This alien is a threat here, just like in Nigeria. If we consult everyone, it'll turn into arguments and delays. As a leader, I make the call."
I turn back to Christian, meeting his gaze. "So, what's your plan?"
His lips curl into a sly grin. "Let's begin."
---
Sprinble Company
Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
DESMOND
I step into Sprinble's office, my thoughts focused on the speech I'm about to give. The familiar hum of creativity fills the air—the rhythmic clatter of keyboards, bursts of laughter, and the faint aroma of coffee. But as I cross the threshold, something shifts.
The sleek workstations and vibrant décor dissolve like mist, replaced by gleaming silver walls that pulse with a faint, otherworldly glow. The ground beneath my feet shifts into polished wood, its surface unnaturally smooth and reflective. Ahead, a grand staircase unfolds, its deep brown and vivid red steps seeming to pulse with life.
"What is this?" I whisper, my voice swallowed by the unnatural silence.
The transformation continues, erasing every trace of Sprinble. The silver walls shimmer, casting surreal reflections, and the air itself seems alive, charged with a calming yet disconcerting energy. I'm no longer in an office. I'm in Sanctum.
As I climb the staircase, the air thickens, heavy with an inexplicable tranquility. Each step draws me deeper into this strange realm, where creativity and serenity blend in perfect harmony. Yet, a nagging sense of unease lingers, like a shadow I can't shake.
A voice echoes through the stillness, low and commanding. "You haven't seen true power since you lost yours, have you?"
I stop, scanning the empty space. "Show yourself!" I demand.
The wind stirs, rushing through the open ceiling above. It swirls and condenses, forming a figure. Slowly, the haze solidifies into a man.
"Christian," I breathe, recognizing him instantly. Samuel Vincent's brother. The Warmonger.
"Impossible. How did you escape?"
Christian smirks. "No one bailed me out. Derek Thompson—a prisoner with impressive kung fu skills—helped me and another... friend. But that's not why I'm here."
"Then why?" I ask, my voice sharp.
He steps forward, his gaze steady. "I need you to do two things. First, tell my brother I've returned—not as Warmonger, but as the Epic Sorcerer. Second, I'm here to help you and Sam."
I laugh bitterly. "Help us? After all the destruction you caused? Why would we trust you?"
His expression darkens. "Because you don't have a choice. Belteshazzar is here—the glittering alien who's enslaving humans and tearing your world apart. After I escaped, I went to China. Spent four months mastering the black arts. And now I'm back because Samuel can't stop him. The Nigerian military can't. Even the American heroes failed. Together, Desmond, we can end this nightmare and restore peace."
I glare at him, anger simmering beneath my silence.
He steps closer, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder. "Don't let the past hold you back, Desmond. The future is waiting, but it needs your courage. Just tell Samuel. If he agrees, let me know."
I clench my fists, my voice low. "Fine. I'll tell him."
Christian smiles faintly, his form beginning to fade. "Good. See you around, Desmond."
The wind rises again, scattering his figure like dust. I stand alone in Sanctum, the weight of his words pressing heavily on my chest.
SAMUEL
I step into the armor chamber, the hum of robotic machinery filling the air. The sterile light glints off rows of polished suits, their reflective surfaces casting sharp, dancing patterns across the walls. The faint scent of oil and metal lingers as I inhale deeply, grounding myself.
"Robots," I call out, my voice slicing through the hum. "Are the armors ready?"
One of the sleek A.I. robots swivels its head toward me. "Yes, Mr. Vincent. Repairs and upgrades are complete. Your armors are fully operational."
Excitement wells up inside me. "Excellent. Unlock the doors."
A third robot presses a button, and the chamber doors slide open with a soft hiss. I stride forward, my boots clicking against the steel floor. Rows of gleaming armor stand before me, pristine and battle-ready. A grin spreads across my face.
"Time Manipulator is back." I can't help but laugh, the sound echoing in the vast space.
"Your next move, sir?" one robot asks, interrupting my moment.
My grin fades. "To end this alien threat. This time, no holding back."
As if on cue, faint voices drift from the other side of the house. Mom. Chioma. Jennifer. Sophia. They're probably chatting about Desmond's return. I let the sound ground me for a moment, but a sharp knock on the door pulls me back.
"Who's there?"
"It's Desmond. Can I come in?"
I press a button, and the door slides open to reveal my best friend, his face weary.
"What took you so long?" I ask.
Desmond exhales, stepping inside. "Meeting with professors. We're rescheduling the wedding."
"Another one?" I smirk, crossing my arms. "Better move fast before the alien crashes this one too."
He chuckles weakly but then grows serious. "Listen, I've got news. You're not gonna like it."
My smile fades. "What is it?"
"Christian's back."
The words hit me like a punch. My body tenses, memories flooding back—the betrayal, the battles, the chaos he unleashed.
"No. That's impossible!" My voice rises. "I can't deal with this right now!"
"Sam, calm down—"
"Calm down?" I snap, turning on him. "I'm trying to stop a damn alien from destroying the country, and now you're telling me *Christian* is back to make it worse?"
Desmond places a hand on my shoulder. "He's not here to cause trouble. He says he wants to help."
I stare at him, disbelief burning in my eyes. "Help? *Christian*? Why would I trust him?"
Before Desmond can answer, the door bursts open, and Mom, Chioma, Jennifer, and Sophia flood in, their faces etched with worry.
"What's going on?" Mom demands.
Desmond glances at me, then turns to them. "Christian is back."
The room falls silent.
"What?!" Chioma gasps.
Mom's hand flies to her chest. "Are you sure? Christian?"
Desmond nods. "He's calling himself the Epic Sorcerer now. Says he's spent months mastering black magic in China. He claims he wants to help Sam defeat the alien."
Jennifer crosses her arms. "So, after all the destruction he caused, we're just supposed to trust him? Sounds like a trap."
"I don't know," Desmond admits. "But he seems genuine. He said Sam's been struggling and wants to help end this threat."
Mom steps forward, her voice firm but soft. "Samuel, you need to give your brother a chance."
I shake my head, anger simmering beneath the surface. "You can't be serious, Mom."
She takes my hand, her gaze unwavering. "He's your brother. No matter what he's done, he's still family. You don't have to forgive him, but you can't shut him out when he's offering to help."
I pull my hand away, pacing the room. "You don't understand. Christian isn't like us. He's manipulative, dangerous—"
"And you're perfect?" Mom cuts in. Her words sting, but she presses on. "You've made mistakes too, Samuel. Big ones. But we stood by you. Why can't you do the same for him?"
I stop, my fists clenched. "Because I don't trust him."
"Trust takes time," she says gently. "But if he's here to help, let him. You can't do this alone."
The room falls silent again. Everyone's eyes are on me, waiting. I take a deep breath, the weight of their expectations pressing down on my shoulders.
"Fine," I say through gritted teeth. "I'll hear him out."
Mom smiles faintly, but I turn away, my mind racing.
This isn't over. Not by a long shot.
MORINJO
Joseph storms into the room, his voice booming. "Are you out of your mind?! What do you think you're doing?!"
I stay calm. "I'm fine, and my decision stands."
"What decision? A stranger shows up offering help, and you just accept it?"
"We don't have a choice, Joseph. We need to trust him."
"Trust? You don't know anything about trust, Johnson."
"Oh really? Enlighten me."
"Trust means having confidence in someone's reliability, honesty, and integrity. It means believing they'll keep their promises and act with good intentions. It's built over time through consistent actions."
"Great definition. Maybe you should be a teacher."
"You're making a huge mistake, Morinjo. If this goes wrong, I won't let you off easily."
"Are you blind or just ignoring reality? Belteshazzar, the glowing alien, is destroying cities all over the world. We can't stop him. His powers are unstoppable."
"That doesn't mean we should trust a stranger! You know nothing about his character or intentions. Yet, you're ordering us to work with him."
"Yes, I am. Time is running out and if we don't discover another way to stop him, he'll destroy the Earth and we'll fail. End of discussion." I tried to walk past Joseph, but he grabbed my arm.
"If this plan fails, or if the sorcerer betrays us, I swear I'll make you pay."
I shake off his hand and utter before walking away "Get prepared, we're heading to Nigeria."
Edumanom Forest Reserve, Niger Delta, region of South East, Nigeria.
Epic Sorcerer descends slowly to the ground, his aura of power palpable even in his controlled landing. The General arrives with his army, positioning nuclear weapons strategically around the area. Then, with a forceful descent, a man covered in an armor of blue, red, and gold lands beside him. The sorcerer have succeeded in convincing them to team up.
"Thank you, everyone. I'm glad you all accepted my offer of help. And I promise you won't regret this..." he began, his voice steady and reassuring.
Menace steps forward, his curiosity barely contained. "Why are we all here?!"
"We're here to capture the deadly alien, and this is the perfect place," the Sorcerer explained.
Jessica, skeptical, asked, "And how do you know this is the perfect place?"
"There are so many leaves, branches, and a river that can distract his sight. He won't see clearly," the Sorcerer replied with confidence.
"So, what's the plan?" another voice inquired from the shadows.
"You'll all know soon enough," the Sorcerer assured them.
The military missile launchers are concealed within the forest, in different direction. Zetacode, Menace, Jessica, and I set up machines containing electronic force fields in another direction. Everyone hide after making their arrangements, except for Jessica. She stands alone, her hands trembling as she awaits the alien's arrival.
Minutes later, the golden alien appears, moving steadily closer to Jessica. Her hands shake uncontrollably, betraying her inner turmoil as fear and panic waged a relentless battle within her.
"Guys, he's here. Are you sure this is a good idea?" she asked, her voice quivering.
"Jessica, you need to stay calm and cooperate. If you make a sudden move, he'll notice it's a trap," I whispered into her earpiece.
Summoning her courage, Jessica steps forward, meeting the alien's gaze as he floats towards her.
"Miss Jessica, pleased to meet you," the alien said, his voice unexpectedly polite.
"How do you know my name?" she asked, her eyes narrowing.
"I know those whose skills are professional. The last time I fought you, your martial arts skills were far better than any other martial artist I've seen on Earth. I admire your flexibility, strength, speed, and hand-to-hand combat abilities," he replied, almost admiringly.
Cutting him short, she demanded, "Why are you destroying things and executing people on our planet?"
"Why are you alone in a thick forest?" he countered, suspicion creeping into his voice.
"The reason I'm here is because I want to speak with you. So, why are you wasting people's lives and demolishing properties in different countries?" she pressed on.
"I have no choice. My master ordered me to give an announcement: the god of all villains is coming. If humans don't accept him, then I'll destroy everything." he explained, a hint of regret in his tone.
"No, you're not doing this because of your master. You're doing this because of your family. Your master destroyed tons of cities on your planet, and the only way to save your family and planet was to become his slave." she said, her voice softening with understanding.
"Don't you dare talk about my family. You know nothing about them. Rumor is what you heard," he snapped, anger flaring in his eyes.
"It's time to strike," Christian said through the comms.
"Not yet. We still need Jessica to interact with him," I replied, my eyes fixed on the scene.
"We're running out of time. General, command your men to open fire," Christian insisted.
"You heard the man! Release the missiles!!" the General ordered.
Out of nowhere, a missile streaks behind the alien with deadly precision. With an almost imperceptible flicker of movement, he turns around at lightning speed.
"It's a trap." he realized in an instant.
In a breathtaking display of agility, he snatches the missile out of the air, absorbing all its detonator's energy. The missile switch off in his grasp, crushing the twisted metal effortlessly.
"Impossible," Jessica breathed, her voice trembling.
"Oh, Jessica," the alien mocked, his voice dripping with contempt. "Your plans are futile. Your team has always been a failure."
More missiles scream through the air, honing in on their target. With a disdainful glance, the alien soared upwards, waiting until the last possible second. Then, with a thunderous clap, he obliterates the incoming projectiles, transforming them into a mesmerizing, fiery spectacle against the morning sky.
The soldiers unleashes a barrage of missiles, their determination unwavering. Belteshazzar, the glowing alien, darts through the sky with mesmerizing agility, evading the deadly arsenal. As he flies towards the soldiers, he deftly catches two missiles in mid-air, hurling them back at the missile launchers, which erupted in fiery explosions.
Undeterred, the soldiers continues their relentless assault. Belteshazzar's strategy shifted; his movements become a blur. In a stunning display of speed and precision, he catches twenty-five missiles, one after the other, and hurls them with devastating accuracy at the soldiers' vehicles. The soldiers pull back and stand frozen, their jaws dropping and eyes widening in disbelief. It was as if a sudden jolt of electricity had coursed through their veins, leaving them momentarily paralyzed.
Hovering in the sky, Belteshazzar pauses for a moment. His body begins to glow with an intense golden light, radiating from his eyes and hair. The sight fills me with dread—I know he is about to unleash a catastrophic attack.
Without hesitation, I reveal myself, sprinting towards the soldiers and screaming at the top of my lungs, "Run! Fall back!"
But my voice seems to vanish into the chaos. Desperation surged through me as I shouted again, "Hold your fire! He's going to destroy you all!"
Belteshazzar raises his hands, and a blinding photon energy blast erupts from his palms. Just as the deadly beams surged forward, the Epic Sorcerer conjures a large, shimmering green shield. It envelopes the soldiers, the General, and himself in a protective barrier. The photon blasts collides with the shield, creating a spectacular explosion of light and energy.
The air crackles with tension as the Epic Sorcerer's shield holds firm, protecting everyone from Belteshazzar's wrath. The soldiers, though shaken, begin to regroup behind the glowing green barrier, their eyes fixed on the formidable alien still hovering in the sky.
The moment Belteshazzar flies towards Leonard's direction, I chase him. With each step, I feel the surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins as I sprint towards Belteshazzar. My focus sharpens, every heartbeat echoing like a drum in my ears. I initiate the transformation sequence, triggering the nanotechnology embedded within my suit.
Instantly, I sense the nanobots spring to life, cascading over my body like a tidal wave of liquid metal. The cool, smooth sensation spread rapidly from my fingertips, racing up my arms and down my torso. I can see the sleek, segmented armor materializing before my eyes, each piece snapping into place with perfect precision. The suit gleams in a striking black and gold design, the colors merging into a flawless blend of elegance and power.
As the helmet forms around my head, my vision adjusts to the new HUD display, a dazzling array of data streaming across my line of sight. The sensation is exhilarating, a symphony of power and precision melding seamlessly with my every movement. The black and gold patterns of the suit shimmers, reflecting the intensity of the moment.
The transformation is complete in a matter of seconds, yet it feels like an eternity as I revels in the sheer power of the Path Finder suit.
"Ultimate Ventures, let's roll!!!" I scream out of my lungs
My steps become more powerful, more assured, as the advanced exoskeleton amplified my strength and speed. The hum of energy thrums beneath the surface, ready to unleash at a moment's notice.
To be continued...