Aiden and his team moved forward. The place was massive, filled with poisonous mist that burned the air. They had crossed nearly half the zone when an alarm blared, and red lights flashed across the walls. Everyone tensed, ready for whatever was coming next.
From a large steel door, soldiers marched in formation — and behind them came the guard of Level 0, Mercury.
Aiden felt the pressure immediately. He's strong, he thought.
"You guys handle the soldiers," Aiden said, stepping forward. "I'll take that big man alone.""Ok!" they replied.
There were about 130 soldiers. Aiden charged through them, his speed leaving a trail of air ripples, and headed straight for Mercury. Their fists collided — the shockwave shook the ground, creating a burst of pressure that echoed across the hall.
"UV, how many are there?" Aiden asked, clashing again."131 for now, but more are coming this way," UV replied.
"Ok…" Aiden rose higher, then smashed through the top of the prison to release pressure and sealed off the main gate behind him. He shot several energy bullets at Mercury, but the guard didn't even flinch. His skin looked metallic, absorbing the blasts like nothing.
"He can't dodge because of his size," Aiden thought, "but his body's too tough."
He dashed low, aiming for Mercury's legs to unbalance him. Mercury lifted one massive leg — the ground cracked beneath it — and the sheer force sent Aiden flying back.
Aiden regrouped. Shadows emerged beside him, forming identical figures. "Confuse him," Aiden ordered. They spread out.
Mercury shrank his body by half, revealing a heavy hatchet that expanded in size and weight as he gripped it. He swung hard, splitting through Aiden's shadows. Sparks burst on impact.
Aiden stopped to analyze. Mercury's roar thundered through the hall, the vibration shaking dust from the ceiling. His muscles glowed faintly — energy surging through artificial veins.
"What a monster… UV, analyze his body," Aiden said, dodging another swing and flying just above Mercury."Aiden, you were right. He's an artificial being," UV confirmed.
"Well, I don't have much time. I have to neutralize this poison… I'll use it," Aiden said, eyes glowing. "Shadow, keep him busy. UV, measure the strength of this building.""Ok," said his shadow.
Aiden called more shadows to form a barrier around him and Mercury. The energy pulsed — a dark sphere sealing them in.
"I'm going to use my strongest attack. I don't know if I can handle a hundred percent, but I'll try." He began concentrating energy into his hand, forming a burning sphere of light.
Meanwhile, his shadow drew its sword and charged Mercury head-on. Mercury gathered surrounding energy and released it as a continuous beam. The shadow stepped forward and took the attack directly, sword trembling. He swung it wide, tearing open a rift — the beam vanished into the shadow realm.
Aiden gritted his teeth. He couldn't help the shadow now. He focused harder, the sphere glowing hotter — like a miniature sun.
"Artificial Sun, thirty percent… is that my limit? Fine," Aiden muttered.
He raised his hand, shaping the sphere perfectly. The light grew whiter, the air around him distorting from the heat.
"Shadow, release. I'll take it from here.""Do it, Aiden. I'm counting on you.""Got it."
The Artificial Sun stabilized — small but with the true mass and radiance of a sun. The shadows held the barrier tight to prevent the area from collapsing.
"Hey, you monster," Aiden shouted. "How about this — Artificial Sun!"
He flew straight toward Mercury and struck. Mercury didn't dodge; he swung to destroy it, but it was too late. The instant contact was made, everything flashed white. The explosion consumed the arena, vaporizing Mercury completely.
The barrier barely held, shaking under the force. When it faded, the room was silent. Aiden's suit was scorched, flames still clinging to his arm. He clenched his fist and extinguished them.
Without wasting a moment, Aiden joined his team, helping them finish off the soldiers. Then they advanced to Level 2.
To his surprise, the area was quiet — no security, no alarms.
He raised his voice. "Who's the poison master here?"
A calm voice answered from three rooms ahead. Aiden ordered his team to free the others while he walked toward the voice. Inside, he found a man who could use his blood to create antidotes for any poison in the universe.
Aiden received the antidote.
After resting for two hours, he stepped out, the air still heavy with toxin but clearing. He looked ahead toward the exit.
Without a word, Aiden started moving again with his members.