Alex was about to answer when a city-shaking explosion near the forest was followed by an earthquake. Alex was surprised; the five women were shocked and turned toward the city.
"What the hell was that...?" Gura exclaimed, her eyes wide.
"That explosion came from the city," Mori corrected.
Alex, calmly watching the direction of the blast, thought, I sense dark energy from the explosion. His expression remained serious.
"We need to find the source," Mori stated.
"Let's check it out," Kiara said, her friends nodding in agreement.
Amelia turned to Alex. "It's nice knowing you, Alex Garcia… we'll see you later."
Kiara added, "Yeah, don't try to miss us, okay, handsome…" She winked.
Amelia opened her watch, creating a portal to the city. They stepped through, teleporting themselves there.
Alex watched Amelia use her watch to summon a portal. He had seen and fought someone who could manipulate time before; seeing Amelia use her watch to manipulate time wasn't shocking. But he didn't follow, as he could simply fly to the city himself. Alex watched the five women enter the portal with a stoic expression.
The portal appeared in the city center. Reaching the impact point, they found a seven-foot-tall, purple, hairless humanoid creature standing in the crater. It had two rounded antennae, a bare muscular body, and shapeshifting abilities; its larger, more complex form was armed with large teeth, claws, and fangs. People were fleeing.
"Is that the monster that caused the explosion?" Gura asked.
"Yes, that's the monster that caused the explosion," Mori confirmed.
"Mori's right. This monster possesses very dangerous energy…" Ina'nis agreed.
Amelia, as leader, told her friends, "Let's stop that monster before it causes too much destruction in the city…"
"Yeah, let's stop it, girls," Kiara added excitedly, her friends nodding in agreement.
Mori summoned her scythe. The scythe was a long, curved, sickle-shaped blade with a weathered grey metallic finish, possibly steel or iron. The blade's surface was rough, not perfectly smooth, and near the handle featured intricate detailing, including sharp, angular protrusions. The long, dark handle had an irregular, almost organic shape, contrasting with the lighter grey blade. A circular metallic element, with a smaller central hole, connected the blade and handle; this element also featured radiating, pointed extensions, adding to the weapon's ornate appearance.
Amelia, using her time powers, summoned her Magnum Taurus M692 Tracker: Dual Caliber Revolver. The revolver's barrel was long, characteristic of a large-caliber revolver designed for power and accuracy at longer ranges. It was smooth, cylindrical, and metallic silver, showing no visible rifling. The silver cylinder was relatively large, suggesting a substantial cartridge size, and its chambers were visible, though the cartridges themselves were not. The silver metal frame was substantial and sturdy, with visible details such as the ejector rod and hammer. The black grip, possibly rubber or plastic, contrasted with the silver metal and was ergonomically shaped for a comfortable and secure hold.
Gura summoned her trident. This three-pronged spear was rendered in a stylized, ethereal manner. Predominantly a pale, translucent teal or aqua, it had an icy or watery appearance. The three elegantly curved prongs were not sharply angular. The long, slender shaft incorporated a coiled, snake-like design element near the tip, adding a touch of fantasy. The weapon was presented against a dark background, enhancing its glowing, translucent quality. The overall style was sleek and elegant, suggesting a magical or powerful weapon.
Kiara summoned her weapons. Her sword had a predominantly dark red or burgundy blade with lighter, almost orange-gold accents along the edges and center. The tip was a pale teal or blue-green. The blade was relatively long and narrow, with a complex, angular design. The dark, possibly black or dark brown hilt was relatively short, topped with a small, dark green pommel. The overall style was sharp and angular, with a futuristic or fantasy feel. Her shield, larger than the sword, was primarily dark blue or indigo with orange-red markings forming a stylized pattern. The angular, asymmetrical shield had a pointed bottom and a lighter reddish-orange central area. Its rough or worn surface texture suggested age or battle wear. The intricate, geometric design echoed the sword's angularity, and the color palette of both weapons complemented each other.
Ina'nis summoned her book, the Necronomicon. The deep purplish-grey or maroon cover featured a large, stylized red eye within concentric circles outlined in darker purple, creating a geometric, occult-like pattern. The symmetrical, ornate design continued on the dark purplish-grey spine. A yellow band at the bottom displayed the title "Necronomicon" in stylized lettering, along with a tagline: "All the things you need to know, to serve the priestess," and a small, cartoonish illustration. The book appeared to be a small, possibly pocket-sized, hardcover notebook.
Back in the forest, Alex stood where the five girls had left, his expression unchanged. He closed his eyes, concentrating on sensing their energy. Sensing it, he placed his left index and middle fingers on his forehead and teleported to their location.
This teleportation technique, called "Dimensional Travel," was a space-time ability developed by the Forsaken monks. The user senses a living being's energy to teleport to their location or teleport by simply looking at them. It can also swap places with objects and people; the user needs to sense the target's energy or look at the target to swap positions. Alex had learned this technique at the monastery. (This teleportation ability is inspired by Son Goku's Instant Transmission and Sasuke Uchiha's Amenotejikara.)
Alex teleported in front of the five girls, shocking them.
"What the fuck…" Mori said, shocked by his sudden appearance.
"You… what are you doing here?" Ina," nis asked.
Alex turned, his expression stoic and serious. He could tell they were caught off guard.
"Don't tell me you're here to help us…" Kiara said with a mischievous smile.
Before Alex could answer, they all heard a child's cries. They turned to see the monster walking toward a crying girl who had lost her parents. The monster's giant clawed hand was about to crush the child.
"Daddy! Mommy!" the little girl cried.
The five girls were about to save her when, as the monster's hand closed, the child vanished. Alex had teleported her in front of the five girls, saving her.
The girls and the monster were surprised.
"What the…?" the monster said.
Alex looked at the five girls. "Take care of the child for me…" he said, turning and walking toward the monster. The little girl lay unconscious on the ground.
"Hey, where are you going...?" Gura said to Alex.
Alex turned his head, his expression serious and a bit angry. "I will handle this monster… you girls take care of the unconscious child." He turned back and continued walking toward the monster.
"Wait, it's too dangerous…" Gura said, starting to follow, but Amelia stopped her.
"Let him fight the monster, Gura…" Amelia said.
Gura was surprised. "Wait, are you serious, Ame...?"
"I agree; this is a good opportunity to see how strong he is…" Kiara said mysteriously.
"You think so too, Kiara?" Ina," Nis asked, raising an eyebrow. Kiara smiled mischievously. "It's not like we can just stand around and watch, right? We need to be prepared for anything."
Gura grumbled but agreed. "Fine, but if he gets hurt, we're going in there no matter what!"
Gura's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're really letting him fight that thing alone?" She was still reeling from Alex's sudden appearance and rescue of the child. The monster, however, was a different matter.
Amelia shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "He seems capable enough. Besides, we need to focus on the child. He might be stronger than he looks." She knelt and gently held the unconscious girl. Ina'nis crouched beside Amelia, gently tending to the child.
Meanwhile, the momentarily stunned monster turned its fury on Alex. It roared, its monstrous form contorting into a grotesquely enlarged, more powerful shape. Razor-sharp claws extended from its hands, its teeth elongated into jagged fangs, and its eyes glowed with a malevolent red light.
"And who do we have here?" the monster said. Alex's expression remained serious.
Alex stood before the monster, his long hairless wolf-like tail wiggling slightly. He didn't speak, but his eyes blazed with fierce intensity. He looked at the monster with a serious, cold expression. "Are you responsible for this chaos...?"
The monster laughed a raspy, echoing sound. "Yes, I am… You think you can just steal my meal, little man?" It bellowed, its voice booming. "You'll pay for that!"
Alex remained unfazed, his expression calm. "Who are you…" He said, his expression serious and cold.
"I was formed from the constant stream of pollution with which you humans have suffused the Earth. I am Xenomorph! The Earth is a single living organism. You humans are nothing but disease-causing bacteria eating away at her lifeforce. In order to obliterate the humans and their evil civilization, the Earth has given birth to me!" Xenomorph said. (This monster is inspired by Vaccine Man from OPM.)
Alex simply folded his arms regarding the monster with a stoic, calm expression, seemingly unconcerned about its identity. Xenomorph, however, took offense at this dismissive attitude. It roared again, a sound that shook the ground. "You dare mock me, you foul-scented creature!!! I am the mother Earth's greatest weapon, and you humans are a disease!"
Alex remained impassive, his expression unchanged but tinged with annoyance. The creature's incessant ranting prompted his action.
With superhuman speed—a blur of motion—Alex raised his right fist and, in an instant, appeared before the monster. His body was slightly contorted from the force of his movement. He delivered a powerful punch, his fist glowing with intense reddish-orange energy.
Xenomorph and the five girls were surprised by Alex's speed and the energy emanating from his fist—a burst of light and heat. The punch, delivered with immense force, was the focal point; his tightly clenched fist surrounded by a reddish-orange glow that indicated superheated energy or energy manipulation.
Hit at point-blank range, Xenomorph flew into a building, crashing through the wall. A plume of smoke billowed from the impact point. Alex, with a serious, cold expression, observed the scene.
"You talk too much," he said, his voice low and dangerous. Xenomorph, though crushed into the building, was not defeated. It coughed a guttural sound, its monstrous form beginning to reform from the rubble.
Slowly, Xenomorph pulled itself free. "You think you can just…," it began, charging toward Alex with massive claws extended.
But Alex blocked the attack. A lightning-fast right kick to Xenomorph's chin sent it flying. Using Dimensional Travel, he teleported behind the spinning monster and delivered a powerful spinning left kick to its back, sending it crashing to the ground with a loud thud and a billow of smoke
Alex floated in the air, arms crossed, his expression serious and cold as he looked down at the cratered earth where the monster lay. It groaned, shook its head, and slowly rose, its eyes burning with rage, focusing on Alex, who remained calmly at a safe distance. The five girls looked up, noticing Alex's ability to seemingly float in the air.
"Wait, he can fly. But how? He doesn't even have wings," Kiara said, shocked and intrigued.
"He's not flying," Amelia said calmly, despite the awe in her eyes. "He's using a form of levitation. It's a pretty advanced technique, but not unheard of." She glanced at Kiara. "But, again, you can fly without wings, like Mori, for example."
"Yeah, I can fly without wings too, Kiara," Mori said with amusement.
Kiara scoffed, still watching Alex. "Well, he's definitely got something going on," she whispered conspiratorially. "I wonder what kind of power he has."
Meanwhile, Alex, hearing their conversation, focused on Xenomorph. He wasn't surprised by their awe; this was simply another Ki ability—flight is granted upon mastering Ki. He glanced at Xenomorph, still struggling to regain its footing. The creature, reeling from the previous blows, roared in fury, its red eyes blazing as its claws scraped the ground, sending sparks flying.
"You're not going to get away with this," Xenomorph growled, its voice echoing with rage. "I am the Earth's champion, and I will not be defeated!"
Xenomorph's rage-filled eyes narrowed on Alex, who floated calmly at a safe distance. The monster roared, "You think you can defeat me? I am the Earth's champion, its protector. I am Xenomorph, and I will not be stopped!"
Alex shook his head. "You're nothing more than a misguided force, a product of humanity's dark side. You are not the Earth's champion. You are a virus." Alex slowly descended, his expression serious and unchanged.
Xenomorph raised a hand, and a wave of radiant blue energy surrounded it. "A virus? I am her champion," it said, unleashing its power as it charged at Alex with inhuman speed, its monstrous arms extended. Alex, unfazed, met the charge head-on, calmly waiting. He parried the monster's attack with his left hand, then connected with a powerful punch to Xenomorph's chest. The monster roared in pain, coughing up blood, and was flung backward, skidding across the asphalt and landing with a bone-jarring thud.
Alex continued his assault with swift punches and kicks. Xenomorph tried to retaliate, but Alex was too quick, too powerful. Alex landed a right elbow to Xenomorph's face, distorting it from the impact. The monster was sent flying and stumbling but quickly recovered. Alex, moving with inhuman speed, dashed forward. Xenomorph swung its monstrous right hand, but Alex dodged it, spinning his body and delivering a powerful right kick to Xenomorph's head, distorting its features. The monster grabbed Alex's leg and threw him toward the five girls. Kiara quickly moved in front of her friends, using her shield to protect them from the impact.
Before Alex hit the shield, he used Dimensional Travel, teleporting in front of Xenomorph. The monster's eyes widened as Alex landed a lightning-fast, powerful left punch to the monsters face, further disfiguring it. He continued his barrage of punches and kicks. Xenomorph attempted a right punch, but Alex deflected the attack and countered with a powerful left kick to its cheek.
"What the hell was that? He instantly appeared in front of the monster…" Gura said, shocked by Alex's sudden disappearance and the powerful left punch that followed, once again distorting Xenomorph's face.
"I think he uses a teleportation ability…" Ina'nis said.
"Wait, what did you just say, teleportation…" Gura said, surprised.
"Yes, a teleportation ability. And I think that's how he instantly appeared in front of us earlier…" Ina'nis explained.
Gura was speechless. She hadn't realized he could teleport so easily. "Wait, he can not only levitate but also teleport!" she exclaimed.
Amelia, Ina'nis, Mori, and Kiara chuckled at Gura's surprised expression. "I'm surprised he can teleport too…" Amelia said. "Also, I noticed he put his index and middle fingers to his forehead."
"Yeah, I noticed that too… He used his index and middle fingers to teleport…" Mori agreed.
Kiara lowered her shield, a mischievous expression replacing her previous concern. She was growing increasingly impressed by Alex, not just for his appearance, but for his unique abilities.
Xenomorph staggered back, its face contorted in pain and rage. Its roar echoed but now held a note of fear. This human, this seemingly insignificant creature, was a force of nature; not merely strong, but something… different, something beyond comprehension.
"You… you're not human!" Xenomorph finally spat out, its voice hoarse with disbelief.
Alex's expression remained serious, his gaze cold and dangerous. "I'm not sure, but I can guarantee you I'm more than an ordinary human…"
Then Xenomorph noticed Alex's hairless, wolf-like tail—a long grey tail protruding from his back. The monster seemed to shrink slightly, its confidence wavering for the first time. "What… What are you then?"
Alex remained silent, his gaze unwavering. The air crackled with energy, a subtle electric hum that sent a shiver down Xenomorph's spine. "I am the hope of the universe," he said in a cold, powerful tone. "I am the answer to all living things that cry out for peace. I am the protector of the innocent. I am the light in the darkness, I am justice. Ally to the virtuous! Enemy to evil!" A burst of golden ki instantly enveloped him. As smoke appeared, Alex's silhouette could be seen, his hair spiky. The smoke slowly dissipated, obscuring his form before revealing him in his base form, his golden aura gone. The five girls watched in shock, their eyes wide with surprise and fascination.
"Wh... What did he just do...?" Gura gasped.
"I... I have no idea… but I can sense that he released extreme power," Mori said, equally shocked.
Ina'nis, however, noticed something unusual. "It's not just his overwhelming power; his energy is different. It's not mana—I sense no magical presence. I think this is the ki he mentioned," she said, trying to understand its nature.
Amelia agreed, "I think you're right, Ina. I don't sense any magic either."
Kiara, however, felt nauseous. She knew the man they'd met in the forest was strong, but not this strong. She sensed he was holding back his true power.
Xenomorph, stunned by Alex's declaration and the subsequent burst of golden energy, hesitated. The aura's intensity was unlike anything it had encountered; purposeful, righteous, and primal, as if a wild beast resided within Alex.
Alex's cold, precise eyes locked onto Xenomorph's. The air crackled with tension as the two titans faced each other. Xenomorph roared, a sound that shattered the windows of nearby buildings, causing the five girls to cover their ears. The monster lunged forward, claws extended, fangs bared. Xenomorph rose to its feet, its eyes filled with a mixture of fear and anger. It snarled, its breath coming out in ragged gasps.
Seeing Xenomorph charge with inhuman speed, Alex assumed his signature relaxed fighting stance: a slightly crouched position with feet shoulder-width apart, weight shifted to his slightly bent back leg. His right leg extended forward, foot firmly planted, while his left leg extended backward, poised for action. His upper body twisted slightly; his left arm was bent at the elbow, hand raised and clenched; his right arm was lowered, hand fisted, suggesting both offense and defense. His expression remained stoic and serious, reflecting alertness and focus. (Inspired by Son Goku's fighting style during his fight with Vegeta in the Saiyan Saga.)
Alex moved with a speed that defied the limitations of human perception. He was a blur of motion, a phantom dancing around Xenomorph's furious attacks. The monster's blows smashed into empty air, each swipe and claw tearing through only the remnants of afterimages. Alex was everywhere and nowhere at once, a whirlwind of controlled chaos. He dodged, weaved, and countered with precise strikes, each blow impacting with bone-jarring force. A right hook to the jaw sent Xenomorph stumbling backward, followed by a lightning-fast left kick that cracked several ribs. The monster roared in pain and fury, but Alex didn't relent.
Alex pressed his advantage, a relentless barrage of strikes hammering into Xenomorph's massive form. Punches, kicks, and elbows rained down, each one expertly aimed at weak points. The monster's roars of pain echoed through the city, a testament to the brutal efficiency of Alex's attack. Yet, even under this sustained onslaught, Xenomorph refused to fall. Its rage fueled its resilience, its monstrous body absorbing blow after blow with terrifying durability.
Alex, however, showed no sign of tiring. His movements were economical, each action purposeful and precise. He danced around Xenomorph's wild swings, using the monster's own momentum against it. He anticipated every move, countering with effortless grace and power. He was a predator toying with its prey, drawing out the fight, savoring the dance of destruction.
Suddenly, Alex stopped his assault. He leapt back, creating distance, his eyes narrowed in concentration. Xenomorph, momentarily stunned by the sudden cessation of the attack, paused, its breathing ragged, its body bruised and battered. A dark energy began to emanate from the monster, a malevolent aura that warped the air around it. The ground trembled, and cracks spiderwebbed across the asphalt.
"This… this is it," Xenomorph rasped, its voice strained. "My true power…"
A wave of dark energy erupted from Xenomorph, engulfing the surrounding area in a vortex of destructive force. Buildings crumbled, the earth buckled, and the very air seemed to scream in agony. The five girls braced themselves, their faces pale with fear, but Alex remained unmoved. A serene smile played on his lips, as if he found amusement in the monster's final act of defiance.
Xenomorph lunged, a blur of claws and teeth aimed at Alex's heart. But Alex was ready. He shifted, a blur of motion, dodging the attack with an agility that belied his imposing physique. As the monster passed, Alex delivered a powerful right hook, catching Xenomorph square in the jaw. The impact sent the monster reeling backward, crashing into a nearby lamppost with a sickening crunch.
The lamppost shattered, sending shards of glass flying. The five girls gasped, their eyes widening in disbelief as they watched the monster struggle to its feet. Xenomorph, however, wasn't finished. It roared in fury, its eyes blazing with malevolent red light. It lunged again, this time with a ferocity that seemed to rival the burning rage of the sun.
Alex met the charge head-on, a whirlwind of movement. He danced around Xenomorph, his movements a blur of speed and precision. He dodged, weaved, and countered, each strike perfectly timed and executed with a power that seemed to defy the laws of physics. He landed a series of punches and kicks, each one a testament to his strength and control. Xenomorph roared in pain, staggering backward, its monstrous form seeming to crack and buckle under the onslaught.
The five girls watched in stunned silence as Alex rained down a barrage of attacks. They had never seen anything like it. He wasn't just fighting; he was a storm, a force of nature that seemed to be bending the world to his will.
Xenomorph, battered and bruised, finally managed to break free from Alex's assault. It roared in pain and rage, its claws scraping against the ground, sending sparks flying. The monster backed away, its eyes blazing with primal hatred.
"You think you can defeat me?" Xenomorph roared, its voice a guttural growl echoing through the streets. "I am the Earth's champion, its protector! I am Xenomorph, and I will not be stopped!"
Alex stood calmly, his eyes locked onto Xenomorph's. The air crackled with tension. The fight was far from over; the battle was just beginning.
"He's… he's incredible!" Gura whispered, her voice a mixture of awe and fear.
"He's beyond incredible. He's… something else entirely," Mori said, her voice laced with wonder.
Kiara couldn't take her eyes off the fight. The intensity of the battle seemed to be pulling her in, a strange mix of attraction and fear within her. She couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement, a thrill that ran through her veins as she witnessed Alex's raw power.
"Incredible," Ina'nis thought, her voice calm and measured. "I've never seen anyone move like that…" she said, impressed by Alex's display of power.
Even Amelia couldn't help but be impressed. She had seen countless battles, fought alongside heroes and monsters alike. But Alex was something different. His power wasn't just brute strength; it was about control, about understanding the very essence of energy. He was something beyond human, a force that seemed to be guided by something more profound.
Alex effortlessly parried Xenomorph's attack with his right hand. Xenomorph's expression shifted to surprise and fear; Alex's remained serious and cold. Seeing the monster's vulnerability, he countered with a devastating, lightning-fast right punch to the abdomen, forcing Xenomorph to cough up blood.
Alex continued his onslaught, exploiting Xenomorph's weaknesses. He unleashed a powerful five-hit combo: a right jab to the chest, a left punch to the chest, a right uppercut to the stomach, a left uppercut to the stomach, and finally, a right kick to the chin that sent Xenomorph flying. Each blow was lightning-fast, delivered at point-blank range, creating powerful shockwaves. (This move is a reference to Naruto's move from his first fight with Sasuke in the Valley of the End.)
While Xenomorph was airborne, Alex placed his left index and middle fingers to his forehead and teleported behind it. He then delivered a devastating axe kick as Xenomorph landed, creating a gigantic crater and sending up a plume of smoke. Alex remained in the air, his serious, cold expression unchanged.
The five girls watched, jaws agape, as Alex delivered the axe kick. The monster lay embedded in the crater, still and silent. They had never seen such power, precision, and speed.
"He just… teleported behind him again?" Gura exclaimed, her voice laced with disbelief. "And that kick… it was like something out of an anime!"
"Yeah, no kidding," Mori said, shocked by the axe kick's power. "Look at the damage!"
"Yes, he is very strong, putting the monster to shame," Ina'nis pointed out.
"He's a very strong man; I think I'm in love…" Kiara thought, her eyes narrowed in awe, her whole body giddy. "I wonder what else he can do?"
Amelia, usually the most composed, stood speechless, her eyes wide with amazement. "He's… he's incredible," she finally whispered. "A truly skilled martial artist."
To be continued.