The doors of the Storm Arena slammed shut behind Shubh. Rain poured in sheets, whipping across the massive chamber. Thunder cracked above, and the wind howled like a wild beast.
Two figures stood at the center. The first shimmered with electricity, sparks arcing across his body. The second moved like the air itself, wind bending around him, twisting into cutting blades. Both were masters of their respective affinities, waiting for Shubh to make the first move.
Shubh's cloak flapped violently in the storm. His eyes narrowed, hands glowing faintly with the combined energy of his affinities: Gravity, Fire, Lightning, and Light.
"This is it," he whispered to himself. "Let them feel… UNBREAKABLE."
The Lightning Guardian struck first, hurling a spear of electricity toward Shubh.
"Heaven's Disperse!" Shubh's hand rose, and the lightning shattered into harmless sparks. Simultaneously, the Wind Guardian launched a slicing gust toward him.
"Celestial Blades!" Shubh's spinning blades of light intercepted the wind, cutting through it effortlessly.
The two guardians exchanged a glance, then attacked together. Wind and lightning struck in perfect sync, attempting to crush him. Shubh leapt into the air.
"Gravity Bind!" The air around the guardians thickened, slowing their movements. Stones floated up and slammed into them, forcing a stagger.
"Infernal Reversal!" Flames erupted from Shubh's palms, merging with the falling debris, creating a fiery, weighted barrage.
The Lightning Guardian shrieked, struggling against the combined force, while the Wind Guardian was flung backward by the gravity-enhanced debris.
The guardians coordinated, striking with all their might, but Shubh had learned from every fight. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed his Collapse Strike, sending a concentrated zone of crushing gravity downward. Both guardians were pinned, barely able to move.
He followed immediately with Blazing Fang Strike, fiery punches and kicks that struck in rapid succession, enhanced by gravitational pressure. Sparks, lightning arcs, and sliced wind currents clashed around him, but he moved like a storm incarnate.
With a final step forward, Shubh summoned Celestial Blades once more, forming a circle around the guardians before firing them inward. The combined attack sent them flying to opposite ends of the arena, leaving both unconscious.
The bell rang. Silence fell. Then, a low murmur spread through the spectators:
"He… he defeated both?"
"Floor 40… and the guardians?"
"No one has ever done this…"
The Tower's system shimmered, acknowledging his feat. A message echoed through the arena:
"Challenger promoted to Floor 290. Eligible to bring one ally."
Shubh breathed heavily, rain soaking his clothes, heart pounding. He glanced at Williams and the girl leader. One of them could accompany him to the nearly unreachable Floor 290, a privilege given only to those deemed worthy.
He remembered his rival, lost to Sun of West's command, and a fire of determination ignited within him.
"History is mine to shape," Shubh whispered, tightening his fists. "And I'll choose my allies carefully."
The storm outside seemed to roar in agreement, thunder and lightning heralding a new chapter in Shubh's journey—one that would bring him closer to the Sun of West, the Tower's ultimate secrets, and the path toward the Legend of Omniverse.