,
---
Chapter: The Gorilla's Grip and The Unseen Shadows
---
The Aftermath of the Battle:
The room falls silent after Vandido's massive body crashes to the floor. Alexier's chest heaves, his arms trembling as the adrenaline of the fight starts to ebb away. The scent of blood, sweat, and smoke fills the air, the aftermath of their chaotic battle echoing through the empty space.
Kenji checks his surroundings, his eyes darting across the room, but something feels off. Yashiro is nowhere to be seen. The tracker was supposed to be with them, but there's no sign of him in the wreckage. A cold shiver runs down Kenji's spine.
Kenji (gritting his teeth, voice sharp):
"Where's Yashiro?"
Alexier (frowning, scanning the room):
"He was right behind me. Damn it, we can't leave him behind."
Kenji's eyes narrow, and without a second thought, he motions to Seiran. "Stay here and keep watch on Vandido. I'll find him."
Seiran, still recovering from his own wounds, gives a slight nod. "Hurry." His voice is tight, the edge of pain still lacing through his words.
Kenji dashes out of the room, his footsteps echoing down the long, cold hallway. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He knows this kind of trap—Vandido is just the bait.
---
The Hidden Room:
Kenji's heart pounds as he reaches the end of the hallway. He stops dead in his tracks, hearing muffled sounds from behind a door. It's Yashiro. His voice is strained, but there's something unsettling in his tone—he's been captured.
Yashiro (through gritted teeth, voice raspy):
"I wouldn't do that if I were you…"
Kenji pushes the door open with one fluid motion. What he sees makes his blood run cold. Yashiro is tied to a chair in the center of a small, dimly lit room, his wrists bound tightly with heavy chains. The room is adorned with expensive furniture, but the air is thick with the stench of danger. Standing in front of him is Vandido, who is already on his feet after the battle, his monstrous form towering over Yashiro like a living nightmare.
Vandido (grinning maliciously, voice deep and mocking):
"You're a stubborn one, aren't you? I almost admire that. But now, it's my turn to play."
Yashiro, though bound, looks unflinching. His eyes are full of fire, and despite his position, he's not afraid. Kenji can't help but feel a flicker of admiration for him.
Kenji (pulling his gun, tone venomous):
"Let him go, Vandido. You've already made your point. Don't make me turn this into a massacre."
Vandido chuckles deeply, the sound like the growl of a beast. He moves toward Yashiro, his massive hand grabbing the younger assassin by the chin, tilting his head up.
Vandido (mockingly):
"You've got guts, kid. Too bad it won't save you."
Before Kenji can move in, Yashiro's voice rings out, sharp and quick.
Yashiro (with a wicked grin, despite the situation):
"If you think you're the only one who can play dirty, you're sorely mistaken."
Without warning, Yashiro twists his wrist, activating a hidden mechanism in his watch. A burst of smoke floods the room, thick and choking. The blinding cloud confuses Vandido, causing him to stumble back. The smoke screen is only a second long, but it's enough.
Kenji rushes forward, his hand flying toward Yashiro's chains. With a flick of his wrist, the chains shatter under the force of his specialized cutting tools. Yashiro is free.
Kenji (grinning, adrenaline pumping):
"Nice timing, Yashiro. Let's get out of here before this place becomes a graveyard."
Yashiro doesn't even flinch as he stands up, his eyes locked on Vandido, who is still disoriented. The smoke begins to clear, revealing the towering form of the beast, now roaring in fury.
Vandido (snarling, voice thick with rage):
"You think you can escape? I'll rip you both apart!"
---
The Final Confrontation:
Yashiro cracks his neck and rolls his shoulders, looking almost bored despite the situation. "I've faced worse."
Kenji smirks. "Let's finish this."
The two move in sync, flanking Vandido with deadly precision. Kenji takes the left side, while Yashiro darts to the right, moving in a blur of speed. Their teamwork is seamless—Kenji distracting Vandido with rapid fire shots, while Yashiro uses his agility to find weak points in the gorilla-like monster's defense.
Vandido's rage grows as he swings wildly, trying to catch both of them, but it's clear he's struggling to keep up. Yashiro dodges a powerful swipe and strikes at Vandido's knee joint, causing the beast to stumble. Kenji steps in, delivering a brutal punch to the back of Vandido's head, causing the giant to stagger further.
But Vandido isn't finished. He roars, his fists slamming into the ground, sending a shockwave of force through the room. The entire building trembles.
Kenji (dodging, grinning despite the chaos):
"Man, this guy is like a one-man wrecking crew!"
Yashiro (teasing, as he slices through the air with his blade):
"You always did like fighting gorillas."
But even as they press the attack, Vandido's eyes gleam with a sinister glint. He's not just any target. He's been holding back, and now it's clear: He's going to fight dirty.
---
Twist and Chaos:
Suddenly, Vandido lunges at both of them with a surprising burst of speed. Kenji is forced to dive out of the way, but Yashiro isn't as lucky. The beast's massive fist catches him in the side, sending him crashing against the wall. The room shakes, dust falling from the ceiling.
Kenji (roaring with anger):
"Yashiro!"
He doesn't wait. With a growl, Kenji charges in, his gun blazing as he leaps over Vandido's giant fist, landing behind him. He kicks off the ground, using his full body weight to drive his knife deep into Vandido's shoulder joint.
The beast roars in agony, but just before he can retaliate, Yashiro is back on his feet. With a final, deadly swing of his blade, Yashiro drives the katana deep into Vandido's chest, right into his heart.
Yashiro (panting, cold-eyed):
"I'm getting too old for this shit."
Vandido lets out one last, thunderous roar before collapsing, the life fading from his eyes. The once unstoppable monster falls to the ground, defeated.
---
The Aftermath:
Kenji kneels next to Yashiro, offering a smirk. "That's how you deal with a gorilla, huh?"
Yashiro gives him a tired, yet amused look. "That's the last time I'm letting you talk me into taking down a beast like that."
Kenji chuckles. "Nah, you'll be fine. We make a great team, after all."
----
The Aftermath of the Battle:
As the massive form of Vandido falls, the ground shakes beneath their feet, and the room goes eerily silent. The smell of blood and smoke fills the air, but something heavier lingers—concern.
Kenji breathes hard, his chest heaving, adrenaline still coursing through his veins. He glances over at Yashiro, who's leaning against a nearby wall, his hand gripping the wound at his side. Despite his usual bravado, there's something in his posture that speaks volumes about how close to the edge he's come.
Kenji is about to say something when a voice cuts through the air—Seiran's voice, sharp and tinged with worry.
Seiran (bursting into the room, his face pale with concern):
"Yashiro!" His voice cracks slightly as his eyes lock onto his teammate, checking for signs of injury. His gaze is frantic, his usual calm demeanor nowhere to be found.
Yashiro (grinning despite the blood dripping from his side, wincing a bit):
"I'm fine. Just a scratch. Nothing you need to worry about."
But Seiran's eyes narrow as he storms over to him, grabbing Yashiro's arm before he can stand up fully. The worry in Seiran's eyes is unmistakable, even as he tries to keep his composure.
Seiran (his voice tight, gripping Yashiro's arm a little too hard):
"Don't lie to me, damn it. You're hurt. You're bleeding." His breath comes out in a rush, and his grip on Yashiro's arm tightens.
Yashiro (chuckling weakly, despite the pain):
"I said I'm fine. I've been through worse." He gives a cocky smirk, but it's clear he's not in as good a shape as he's trying to let on.
Seiran (frustration creeping into his voice):
"Don't do that, Yashiro. You're not invincible." His eyes soften slightly, but the edge of worry doesn't fade. "If something happened to you... I wouldn't be able to... I—"
He cuts himself off, a flash of vulnerability in his eyes before he quickly masks it with anger. Yashiro notices it, his eyes flicking over to Kenji for a brief second.
Kenji (raising an eyebrow):
"It's a bit late for Seiran to start worrying about you, huh? I thought you two were practically siblings by now."
Yashiro (sighing, looking more seriously at Seiran for the first time):
"You know I'm fine, Seiran. But... thanks. It's nice to know someone cares." He says it with a half-smile, but it's different from the usual cocky grin. There's a hint of something deeper in his tone.
Seiran (looking away, his voice soft):
"Don't make me worry like that again." He lets go of Yashiro's arm, but his gaze lingers, eyes full of unspoken words. He stands close enough to Yashiro now that his presence is undeniable, his protectiveness impossible to ignore.
Yashiro (quietly, as if thinking to himself):
"I won't. I'm not done yet." He reaches out and pats Seiran's shoulder, his touch more tender than usual.
---
Kenji (smirking, trying to lighten the mood):
"Alright, lovebirds. Can we get back to the mission now?" He shoots them both a teasing look, but the playfulness doesn't quite mask the relief in his voice. Even he's relieved that Yashiro's alright.
Seiran (glancing at Kenji, annoyed but soft):
"Shut up, Kenji." But there's no heat in his words—just the lingering tension from his worry.
---
The emotional moment lingers for a while, with Seiran's protective instincts clearly on edge, but Yashiro's recovery starts to shift the atmosphere. Their team's bond is undeniable. Even in the chaos, the moments of care stand out.
---
Regrouping and Rushing Against Time
The air is thick with tension as the aftermath of the battle with Vandido plays out. The team gathers their bearings, but the reality of the situation is clear—Vandido may be down, but there's still so much at play, and the clock is ticking.
Kenji (adjusting his jacket, his tone sharper than before):
"Alright, now that we've gotten our asses kicked by a giant gorilla-man, let's make sure we don't waste any more time." He glances at Seiran and Yashiro, their earlier exchange still hanging in the air. "We've got to find Alexier and Yashiro before they end up as our 'boss' for the day in some underground hellhole."
Yashiro cracks a wry smile, his injury clearly bothering him, but he tries to hide it. He flexes his arm, testing the strength in it.
Yashiro (sarcastically):
"Nothing like a good ol' knockout by a dude who can bench press a tank. Makes me feel like a real hero." His sarcasm barely hides the pain, but there's no mistaking the grit in his voice.
Seiran (sharply):
"Don't joke about this, Yashiro. We need to focus." His hand rests on Yashiro's shoulder for just a moment, a silent gesture of solidarity. He's still visibly worried, his sharp eyes scanning every corner of the room, but the atmosphere is starting to calm. "Kenji, any ideas where they could have taken them?"
Kenji cracks his knuckles, his usual cocky grin returning as he scans the room. The smoke had cleared, but the urgency of the situation hadn't. His mind ticks, thinking of the dark underworld they were navigating.
Kenji (smirking, glancing at Seiran):
"Of course I do. Vandido's people love to play dirty. My guess? They're somewhere deeper in this godforsaken building. A hidden room. Too bad it's not on any map."
Raven (interrupting, her voice cold and calculated):
"Actually, there is a way. I put a tracker in Alexier's bow. I trust you, Kenji, but you need to move faster." Her voice is calm but the urgency underneath it is palpable.
Kenji (nodding, serious):
"Got it. Let's move."
---
A Race Against Time
The team moves fast. Their goal now is clear—track down Alexier and Yashiro before they disappear entirely from their grasp. They race through the building's corridors, the urgency of the situation making their movements sharp and fluid.
Kenji takes the lead, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of an entrance to the deeper levels. Seiran and Yashiro follow closely, the latter still walking with a slight limp, but his eyes sharp and focused. Yashiro's usual cockiness has dimmed, replaced by a more serious demeanor.
Yashiro (gritting his teeth as he moves):
"I swear to god, when I find Vandido again, I'm going to rip his damn head off."
Seiran (glancing at him, his voice laced with concern but masking it well):
"Focus, Yashiro. We need to get them back first. Revenge can wait."
The halls grow quieter, but there's a sense of growing dread. Kenji's eyes flicker to a small, unmarked door. It's set apart from the rest, looking almost out of place.
Kenji (smirking):
"This is it. Looks like our gorilla's been hiding some good stuff in here." He kicks open the door with ease, the hinges squealing in protest.
---
The Hidden Room
Inside, the room is dimly lit, and the air is heavy with a strange tension. The floor is covered with thick, plush carpets, and the walls are adorned with expensive-looking paintings, making the room feel almost luxurious. But beneath the surface, the danger is palpable.
At the far end of the room, Alexier and Yashiro are chained to a large steel chair, both unconscious. Vandido's men stand around them, armed and ready, but they're distracted, giving Kenji and the others just enough time to slip inside undetected.
Kenji (whispering, his voice low):
"Stay quiet. We get them out fast, or we're toast." He doesn't wait for a response. With swift precision, he pulls out a dart gun and takes down two of the guards in a single shot. The other two don't even realize what's happening before they're knocked out as well.
Seiran (cutting the chains binding Yashiro, his hands steady despite the situation):
"Yashiro... come on, wake up." His voice is rough with urgency. Yashiro's eyes flutter open, groggy, but the moment he realizes where he is, he stands up quickly, ignoring the pain.
Yashiro (grinning despite the situation):
"Told you I wasn't going down that easy."
Seiran (pulling Alexier's chains off):
"This isn't over yet. We've got to get out of here, now."
Just as Seiran gets Alexier free, a loud crash echoes from the hallway outside the room. The heavy footfalls of Vandido's men are getting closer.
Kenji (cursing under his breath):
"Shit, we've got company. Move it, now!"
---
A Chaotic Escape
The moment Alexier and Yashiro are free, the team springs into action. They race out of the room, Kenji taking the lead. They don't have time for finesse now—they're running, weaving through the corridors of the underground lair. The walls seem to close in around them, and every step feels like they're on the edge of disaster.
But then, just as it seems like they might make it to safety, Vandido himself bursts into view, his massive form blocking the exit.
Vandido (smiling like a predator, his voice booming):
"Leaving so soon? I haven't had my fun yet."
Kenji's eyes narrow, his hand instinctively reaching for his weapon. But Vandido charges with terrifying speed, swinging a massive fist straight at Kenji.
Kenji (dodging at the last second, smirking):
"You're slow for a gorilla, old man."
The battle escalates quickly, Vandido's strength clashing with Kenji's agility. Seiran and Yashiro take up the rear, holding off the other guards that are closing in. It's an all-out battle now, with fists flying and weapons clashing.
Kenji and Vandido exchange brutal blows, Kenji using every trick in his book to stay one step ahead of the hulking man. But even with Kenji's speed, it's clear—Vandido isn't going down easily.
Kenji (panting, eyes narrowing):
"Damn... you're tough. But not tough enough."
With a swift, fluid movement, Kenji flips behind Vandido, landing a heavy strike to the back of his knee. The giant stumbles, and Kenji takes his chance, aiming for the vital spots with deadly precision.
The Final Showdown: Kenji vs Vandido
---
The air in the hidden room crackles with tension as the team rushes to escape. Vandido's hulking figure blocks their path, his grotesque, gorilla-like physique looming over them. His deep, rumbling voice fills the space.
Vandido (grinning wickedly):
"You think you can just waltz in and take what's mine? You're going to regret that."
Kenji (grinning, eyes narrowing):
"You talk too much for someone who's about to get knocked out."
But even Kenji's cocky smirk can't hide the fact that Vandido is massive, far stronger than him. The two of them lock eyes, and the rest of the team stands ready, knowing this isn't going to be an easy fight.
---
Round One: Clash of Power
Vandido roars, swinging a massive fist at Kenji. The air is thick with the force of it. Kenji barely has time to react, throwing himself backward to dodge the blow, his feet sliding across the floor as the punch smashes into the wall behind him, leaving a crater.
Kenji (grimacing, his voice sharp):
"Holy shit, that almost turned me into a pancake."
Vandido laughs, a deep, guttural sound that echoes through the room. He's enjoying this.
Vandido (smiling cruelly):
"I'm just getting started, pretty boy."
Kenji, now on high alert, rushes in with a series of rapid punches, aiming for Vandido's head, but the giant just grins, barely flinching as Kenji's blows hit him. His skin is tough as stone, and every punch feels like hitting a wall.
Kenji (sighing, stepping back to catch his breath):
"Damn it, this guy's built like a brick house."
Vandido charges again, swinging his fists wildly. Kenji narrowly dodges, but one of the massive fists clips his side, sending him tumbling across the room. He crashes into a pillar, gasping for air.
---
Round Two: The Fight Turns
Kenji pushes himself up, pain shooting through his ribs. He's hurt, but he knows this fight isn't over. He takes a moment to assess, his mind racing.
Kenji (to himself):
"This guy's fast for his size, but I can't go toe-to-toe with him. I've gotta outsmart him."
Kenji runs to the far side of the room, grabbing a long, heavy metal pipe that's been discarded on the ground. He swings it at Vandido, who blocks with a massive forearm. The impact reverberates through Kenji's hands, but he doesn't stop—he uses the pipe to keep Vandido at bay, ducking and weaving with the precision of a skilled fighter. Every time Vandido tries to charge, Kenji uses the pipe to deflect or redirect the blow, not giving the gorilla-man a chance to get in close.
Kenji (smirking, his voice strained but sharp):
"Come on, big guy. You think you can keep up with me?"
Vandido snarls in frustration, slamming both fists down to the ground in an attempt to crush Kenji beneath them. But Kenji is too fast, slipping out of the way just in time. The floor shatters where Vandido's fists land, the shockwave knocking a few of the nearby guards off their feet.
---
Round Three: Trickery and Strategy
Kenji knows this fight won't be won by brute force alone. He needs to outsmart Vandido, exploit his weakness. As Vandido lumbers toward him, Kenji feints left, making the giant swing wildly with a powerful backhand. Kenji uses the moment to dart in, slipping under Vandido's guard, and using his momentum to land a few heavy blows to the giant's ribs, targeting a spot he's seen earlier.
Vandido lets out a grunt, staggering backward, but quickly recovers. He spins around, bringing his massive fist down in a haymaker that catches Kenji square in the chest. Kenji gasps for air, feeling the impact like a punch from a freight train. He stumbles back, but instead of retreating, he sees an opening.
Kenji (to himself, his voice low):
"This is it... time to end this."
Kenji doesn't wait. He rushes forward, evading another one of Vandido's wild swings. He ducks under the giant's arm and slams the metal pipe against Vandido's knee. The sound of metal against bone echoes in the room. Vandido roars in pain, stumbling, and that's when Kenji goes for the final move.
With a speed that surprises even himself, Kenji leaps up, grabbing the back of Vandido's neck, and using his legs to spin the gorilla-man's massive body around. He locks his arms around Vandido's throat in a brutal chokehold, his feet planted firmly on the ground for leverage.
Kenji (gritting his teeth, his voice steady):
"I'm done playing with you."
Vandido thrashes and roars, trying to break free, but Kenji's grip is unrelenting. With each passing second, the giant's movements slow, his strength waning as Kenji squeezes tighter, cutting off the oxygen.
Vandido's arms flail weakly, and with one final desperate push, Kenji uses all his strength to bring the massive beast down to the floor. The giant slams against the ground with a thunderous crash, the last of his strength finally giving way.
---
The Aftermath
Kenji stands over Vandido's fallen form, his chest heaving with exhaustion, but the job is done. He wipes sweat from his brow, a grin creeping onto his face as he watches the giant struggle to breathe.
Kenji (breathing heavily, his voice smug):
"Told you, didn't I? Big guy like you... should've stuck to wrestling bears."
---
The Escape
Seiran and Yashiro move to help Alexier to his feet, the whole group now in sync again. They all know the danger isn't over, but this victory feels sweet. Kenji has proven that no matter how tough the enemy is, there's always a way to win—through quick thinking, speed, and a little bit of luck.
The True Challenge: Alexier vs. Vandido
---
The Fight Begins
Alexier stands poised in front of Vandido, his heart pounding in his chest. He knows that one wrong move could mean his life, or worse, the life of his team. Vandido, the massive, gorilla-like target, glares down at him, a devilish grin curling on his lips. The surrounding room is dim, filled with the heavy scent of smoke and tension.
Vandido (snarling):
"So, the little bodyguard thinks he can protect anyone? Let's see how long you last."
Alexier's mind races. His hand tightens around the hilt of his blade, and with a deep breath, he moves, not with reckless speed, but controlled precision. He knows his body is his weapon, but it's no match for Vandido's brute strength. Every movement is calculated, aimed at disarming or disabling, rather than full-on assault.
---
Round One: The Power Struggle
Vandido charges, the ground shaking with his heavy steps. Alexier rolls out of the way, narrowly avoiding the giant's fist that crashes into the floor, sending shockwaves through the room. Alexier's feet skid as he gets back on his feet, his mind racing. He needs to take control—slowly, methodically.
But Vandido is quick, swiping with his other arm. The force of the blow nearly sends Alexier flying, but he dodges at the last second, the air whistling past him as he flips backward to avoid being crushed under Vandido's weight.
Alexier (gritting his teeth):
"Not today."
Alexier rushes forward, using his agility to close the distance. He slashes with his blade, aiming for the legs, but Vandido's thick skin turns his strikes into mere glancing blows. The giant laughs, swatting Alexier aside like a fly.
Vandido (roaring with laughter):
"Is that all you've got, little man? You're no match for me."
---
Round Two: Outwitted and Outlasted
Alexier stumbles but quickly recovers. He needs to think faster, move smarter. He can't match Vandido's power, but he can outlast him. Alexier begins to use his environment, leaping off walls, using pillars as obstacles, and staying just out of Vandido's reach.
As Vandido lunges forward again, Alexier ducks under his arm, slicing at his ribs this time. The giant lets out a sharp breath but doesn't seem to feel it. His muscles are too thick. Alexier's face tightens in frustration.
Alexier (thinking to himself, grimly):
"I can't keep this up. He's too strong. I need to find a way to break him."
---
Round Three: The Moment of Desperation
The longer the battle drags on, the more Alexier feels his strength waning. His strikes are getting weaker, his movements slower. Vandido's endurance is endless, and the pain in Alexier's side is beginning to make it hard to breathe.
Vandido sees his opening and grabs Alexier by the neck, lifting him off the ground. His massive hand tightens around Alexier's throat, crushing the life out of him with a single squeeze. Alexier gasps for air, his vision blurring as the pressure increases.
Vandido (smiling cruelly):
"You're nothing. A pathetic bodyguard. I'll crush you like I crushed the rest."
Desperation sets in. Alexier's hands tremble as he grips Vandido's arm, trying to pry it off. His vision fades in and out, but something inside him refuses to give up.
---
Round Four: The Turning Point
Alexier's fingers brush against the hidden blade in his boot. He can't see it, can barely move, but his instincts are still sharp. With his last bit of energy, he drives the blade upward, piercing Vandido's wrist. The giant howls in pain, dropping Alexier to the floor.
Alexier (gasping for air, his voice hoarse):
"You... you're not invincible."
Vandido staggers back, clutching his bleeding wrist. Alexier's body trembles from the effort, but he stands, his chest heaving with every breath. He knows this is his last chance. If he doesn't end this now, he's done.
---
Final Round: Tactical Victory
Vandido charges again, furious, but Alexier is ready. Using everything he has left, he feints left, then spins to the right, narrowly dodging the swing. He uses the last of his strength to leap onto Vandido's back, locking his legs around the giant's torso and stabbing his knife into the weak spot between Vandido's ribs. The giant howls in agony as Alexier twists the blade, pressing it in deeper with a final surge of willpower.
Vandido's body goes rigid as his legs buckle beneath him. With a final crash, the massive figure collapses to the ground, blood pooling around him.
---
Aftermath
Alexier stands over Vandido's defeated form, breathing heavily, his body covered in bruises and cuts. His muscles scream for rest, but he doesn't allow himself to relax. Not yet. He looks around to make sure the others are safe.
Kenji (stepping into the room, grinning):
"Not bad for a bodyguard. You almost made it look easy."
Alexier (barely able to stand, his voice strained):
"Shut up. I'm not done yet."
The Battle Escalates: Vandido and His Allies
---
The Room Grows Darker
As Alexier and Vandido clash, the sound of footsteps echoes from the shadows. It's not just Vandido. From the corners of the dimly lit room, several men step into the fray, their eyes glinting with malicious intent. These aren't ordinary thugs—they're elite guards, handpicked by Vandido himself. Each one has a unique combat style, and they're all ready to ensure their boss's survival.
---
The Bodyguards Arrive
First, there's Marek, a hulking brute with a bulletproof vest and steel knuckles, stepping forward with a menacing grin. His arms are crossed, eyes cold, as he sizes up Alexier.
Marek (grinning):
"You should've known, little man. You're not the only one who knows how to fight."
Then, there's Rita, a fast and agile assassin, wearing all black and blending into the shadows. Her weapon of choice: a pair of razor-sharp combat knives. She circles Alexier like a shark, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Rita (mocking):
"Pretty boy's got spirit, I'll give him that. But can he keep up?"
---
The Fight Intensifies
As Alexier begins to face off against Vandido, Marek lunges at him from the side, throwing a powerful haymaker. Alexier ducks just in time, narrowly avoiding the blow. But the force is so strong that it shakes the entire room, and Alexier is thrown off balance.
Kenji (in the earpiece, panicking):
"Alexier, they've got backup! Get out of there, NOW!"
Alexier (his voice strained, but determined):
"I can handle this. Focus on Yashiro."
But it's already too late. Rita springs into action, moving faster than Alexier anticipated. She slashes at him with both knives, aiming for his torso. Alexier barely manages to parry with his blade, the impact ringing out as the steel meets steel. He spins, narrowly avoiding her second strike, but she's already back on him, relentless.
Alexier (thinking fast):
"I can't keep dodging forever. I need to take out one of them—fast."
---
Vandido Joins the Chaos
Vandido roars in rage and lunges at Alexier once more, but this time Alexier's movements are more calculated. He's weakened, his body bruised from the previous exchange, but he's not backing down. He uses his agility to roll under Vandido's massive swing, slashing at his underbelly.
Vandido (grunting):
"You're faster than I thought, boy. But it won't matter in the end."
Before Alexier can deliver a fatal blow, Marek grabs him from behind, lifting him off the ground. He grins, squeezing tighter, making it harder for Alexier to breathe.
Marek (laughing):
"You're done now."
But Alexier isn't finished yet. With a burst of strength, he drives his elbow back into Marek's gut, causing the giant to stagger back in pain. Alexier takes advantage of the opening, dropping low and kicking Marek's legs out from under him. The brute crashes to the ground with a loud thud.
Alexier (smirking, through gritted teeth):
"Not yet."
---
Rita's Surprise Attack
Rita doesn't give Alexier time to recover. As soon as Marek goes down, she's back on him, spinning in the air with one of her knives aimed straight for Alexier's neck. It's a perfect strike.
But just as the knife closes in, there's a sudden blur of motion. Yashiro, though battered and exhausted, has managed to escape from his captors. He tackles Rita mid-air, knocking her off course, and they crash into a pile of crates nearby.
Yashiro (breathing hard, but with a grin):
"Did you really think you could have all the fun?"
---
The Turning Point: Kenji's Plan
As the fight rages on, Kenji bursts into the room, kicking down the door with a flourish. He's not the kind to hold back—he moves in with the sharpness of a trained professional, aiming to disrupt the battle and confuse Vandido's forces.
Kenji (grinning, eyes glinting):
"Well, well, well, seems like I'm just in time. Hope you didn't get too comfortable."
Kenji tosses a smoke bomb into the fray, creating an explosion of thick, blinding smoke that fills the room. Vandido roars in frustration, but Alexier knows this is his moment. With the enemies momentarily disoriented, Alexier strikes, aiming for Vandido's exposed side.
Vandido (bellowing, his voice shaking the walls):
"You think a little smoke will save you?"
---
The Final Stand: The Last Strike
The smoke clears, and the battlefield is chaos. The guards are disoriented, Rita and Marek are recovering, but Alexier isn't giving them a chance. He's on the offensive now, moving with precision, his body pushed to the limit.
Vandido sees this and charges, his brute strength like a freight train. But Alexier's quicker now. With a swift maneuver, Alexier rolls behind Vandido and, using the last of his strength, slashes across the giant's Achilles tendon. Vandido stumbles, collapsing to one knee, giving Alexier the opening he needs.
Alexier (with finality, his voice steady):
"This ends now."
With a sharp, decisive motion, Alexier drives his blade into Vandido's back, right between his ribs. The giant howls in pain as he falls, blood spilling onto the ground.
---
Aftermath: The Team Regroups
Alexier stands over the fallen Vandido, panting, his body covered in sweat and blood. But he's alive. He's won. Slowly, his teammates make their way toward him.
Kenji (smirking, looking around):
"Nice work. Took you long enough, though."
Alexier (barely able to stand, exhausted):
"Shut up, Kenji."
Raven (over the comms, voice calm but firm):
"Good job, team. Now get out of there before we're overrun."
The Escape: Blood and Chaos
---
The Clock is Ticking
With Vandido's body collapsing to the floor, the room's air is thick with tension and the scent of blood. But the battle isn't over yet. Alexier can hear footsteps in the distance, growing louder by the second. The other guards, though shaken, are regrouping. If they don't act fast, the escape route will be blocked.
Kenji (grinning, voice calm but urgent):
"We've got company. Looks like this party isn't over yet."
Seiran (already moving toward the exit, eyes scanning the room):
"I'll cover the rear. Alexier, move."
Raven (over the comms, voice steady but with a sense of urgency):
"Get to the van now. The tracker's pinging. I'm close, but don't wait for me. I can't guarantee backup in time."
---
A New Wave of Danger
As Alexier attempts to catch his breath, his muscles aching from the fight, he hears the unmistakable sound of more guards rushing in. Marek is getting back on his feet, his massive frame already pushing toward Alexier. Rita isn't far behind, her knives glinting in the dim light as she prepares for another strike.
Marek (snarling, wiping blood from his mouth):
"You think you can escape that easily? Not gonna happen."
Rita (laughing coldly, eyes narrowing):
"The boss isn't dead yet. And neither are you."
Alexier (to Kenji, through gritted teeth):
"We're not out of this yet. They're tougher than I thought."
---
Kenji's Response:
Kenji steps forward, his eyes flickering with the thrill of combat. He has a plan, and it's always chaos in his style. He throws down a handful of smoke bombs in the middle of the room, filling the space with a cloud of dense black smoke. The guards begin to flail, trying to adjust, but the smoke gives Alexier the window he needs.
Kenji (shouting over the chaos):
"No time to be dramatic, just go!"
---
The Chase Begins
Alexier dashes toward the exit, hearing the shuffling footsteps behind him as the guards scramble in the smoke. He can feel his heart racing, adrenaline pumping through his veins. He's not just running from them—he's running for his life.
As he exits the room, the cold air of the hallway hits him like a slap to the face. He can hear footsteps gaining on him. Yashiro's voice crackles through his earpiece.
Yashiro (still locked away in his room, voice strained but calm):
"Alexier! You better hurry. They've got reinforcements coming."
Alexier (panting, grinning despite himself):
"I'm almost there."
---
The Final Standoff
Just as Alexier reaches the exit door, a massive figure steps into the doorway. Vandido—though bloodied and battered, still very much alive—grins, his strength not quite spent.
Vandido (glaring, voice dripping with malice):
"I told you… You'd never get away. This… ends… now."
Before Alexier can react, Vandido lunges at him with a brutal punch. Alexier barely manages to sidestep it, but the force behind the blow knocks over a nearby pillar. Debris falls, and the entire room begins to shake.
Kenji (entering the hallway from behind, voice nonchalant):
"Well, this is awkward. Can't you just stay down already?"
With a snap of his fingers, Kenji pulls a stun grenade from his belt and tosses it directly at Vandido. The explosion is deafening, and when the smoke clears, Vandido is on the ground, twitching slightly but still breathing.
Alexier (holding his side, laughing weakly):
"If that's the best you've got, I'm disappointed."
---
The Escape Route
The ground shakes beneath their feet as the building begins to collapse. Seiran is already at the van, gun ready, scanning the area.
Seiran (shouting through the comms):
"Move, NOW! We've got seconds before the whole place goes up in flames!"
Alexier doesn't need to be told twice. He sprints toward the exit, his legs aching from the fight. Behind him, the sound of Vandido's enraged scream echoes in the hallway. But it's too late.
Kenji (on the run, throwing one last glance back):
"I'm getting too old for this."