Josh's eyes narrowed as he took in the two B-Rank Villains before him. They were formidable, yes, but not quite the terrifying force he'd imagined.

  “In Alleran, these two would be a match for high-ranking warlocks or undead knights, perhaps even an average-sized Wyrm,” he thought. “But I've faced down great beasts and other dangerous entities, so I shouldn’t be in too much trouble… Still…” he mumbled to himself while tightening his fighting stance. “It would be unwise to lower my guard just for that.”

  “How interesting…” Lady Gorgon's voice dripped with a strange amusement on seeing his stance. "It reminds me of some martial arts movie or anime I've seen. But enough talk. Let's see what your magic can do against my meta-gene!"

  With a sharp gesture, she unleashed a barrage of metal tentacles. Josh reacted instantly, summoning his elven dagger from his pocket dimension—a shimmering distortion in the air—and with a series of swift, precise strikes, he bisected the tentacles. But the severed limbs writhed, regenerating and attempting to bind him.

  “Damn it!” he thought. He needed space. In a burst of speed, he vanished, reappearing across the arena. He channeled his power, uttering a phrase in the ancient, Latin-like language of the elven people through the dagger as he pointed it at the tentacles.

  “Glacies!” (Ice field)

  A wave of frigid energy emanated from his dagger as it then shot out a wave of cold energy, freezing the tentacles solid and entrapping the two villains' feet in ice.

  Yet before he could press his advantage, Toxic Skull roared, unleashing a torrent of intense heat that melted the ice instantly, freeing himself, Lady Gorgon, and her tentacles.

  "Is that all you've got?" Lady Gorgon taunted, her voice laced with mockery.

  Josh smirked. "Not nearly." He focused his energy again, this time gesturing with his dagger toward the pooling water from the melted ice. "Mist shroud."

  A thick, swirling mist billowed outwards, concealing him from view. Lady Gorgon's eyes darted, trying to pierce the gloom. Suddenly, she caught a flicker of red and lunged, tentacles outstretched, a cruel smile on her face. But the mist shifted, solidified. Her tentacles struck not flesh, but a barrier of light blue crystal. The enchanted structure spread rapidly, encasing both her and Toxic Skull.

  "What is this?" Lady Gorgon demanded, struggling against her crystalline prison.

  "An enchanted crystal," Josh explained, his voice echoing through the mist. "Stronger than reinforced steel, while encasing your entire body… feeling willing to surrender?”

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  Lady Gorgon's smile vanished, replaced by a snarl. "Surrender?” She spoke lowly, in a cold voice. “Have you already forgotten what would happen if you don’t!?”

  Josh hesitated, getting the memo, as his jaw tightened. Then, with a reluctant sigh, he tapped his dagger against the crystal, causing the structure to shimmer, then dissolve into dust.

  "On your knees!" Lady Gorgon barked.

  Josh slowly did as the woman said… and in an instant, Lady Gorgon was upon him. She used her hair-tentacles to slam him against a wall, then threw him to the ground, again and again, each impact a brutal reminder of his powerlessness. Yet, he felt no pain. He remained conscious, his body unmarked.

  Lady Gorgon, seeing this, only grew more enraged with each blow. Finally, she stepped back, breathing heavily. "The test is over," she declared. "We'll dissect him. Physically, mentally, and find out what he's hiding."

  Josh's eyes narrowed, and his face hardened. He would soon become a living lab rat to these people. He could only hope that the other heroes could rescue his parents soon.

  Meanwhile, at the mountainside...

  Blue Lock watched with a sardonic expression as his two opponents postured before him. “So, who are you two no-names anyway?” Blue Lock questioned dismissively.

  The white-haired man then smirked. “If you must know, you can call me Jackrabbit!”

  The older, larger man then stepped forward in a loud and deep voice. “And I, Tustgun!”

  The veteran hero then folded his arms and rolled his eyes. “And you know who I am?”

  Jackrabbit chuckled. “Of course, after all, who hasn't heard of the infamous hero Blue Lock?" He chirped. "One of the youngest heroes to reach A-Rank in his generation!”

  "Flattered," Blue Lock replied dryly. "But I can't say I've ever heard of villains like you two before."

  "We're the latest and greatest," Jackrabbit boasted. "C-Rank villains, employed by our very generous benefactor!" The white-haired man then lowered his body into a running stance. "With my super-speed," Jackrabbit declared, blurring into motion, "I'll reach A-Rank in no time, as I can run up to speeds at Mach 12!" He vanished, leaving only a sonic boom in his wake. Then, a flurry of blows, too fast to see, rained down on Blue Lock.

  At the same time, Tustgun transformed his body into a steel-like substance, his muscles bulging. He lumbered towards Starlight. “While I will crush you, little girl!” the large man shouted out.

  "Crush me?" Starlight said, a playful lilt in her voice, while dodging Tustgun's clumsy punch. "Wouldn’t it be better to play patty-cake instead?”

  Tustgun roared in frustration, swinging again. Starlight, light as a feather, evaded each attack. She twirled her scepter, and a shimmering pink energy net enveloped Tustgun, binding his arms and legs, before tightening and constricting him.

  "I Yield!" Tustgun bellowed as pain shot through his limbs. "Help me, Jackrabbit!"

  Jackrabbit, a whirlwind of motion, paused, surprised to see his partner ensnared. "Almost done here," he called back, a hint of strain in his voice.

  Blue Lock, amidst the onslaught of blows, raised an eyebrow. "Almost done… with what, exactly?"

  Jackrabbit risked a glance. And he froze.

  Blue Lock stood there, unmarked, a picture of boredom and annoyance.

  "What... how...?" Jackrabbit stammered, his speed faltering.

  Blue Lock finally retaliated, with a swift punch that connected solidly against Jackrabbit's jaw, sending the villain flying and crashing into a nearby wall. The hero cracked his knuckles, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

  "If you C-Ranks think those little play taps can take down an A-Rank hero," he said, his voice dangerously even, "you need a serious reality check."