Far from where they were, a solitary figure emerged amidst the tumultuous rain of exorbitant gravity. Surrounded by a red aura of infernal energy, a shield that seemed designed to withstand the immense pressure of the environment, he stood firm.
His sharp eyes fixed on the distorted horizon, a landscape that seemed to change with every second. He had arrived there just minutes ago, for no apparent reason, and before he could comprehend it, he found himself trapped in this gravitational rain.
An unknown sensation invaded him, a pressure never before experienced that his senses interpreted as magnificence. That strange vibration emanated from a specific direction, pulling him with an irresistible force.
Without hesitation, he launched forward at a moderate speed, using his power to repel the crushing gravity surrounding him. His mind was focused on a single question: what the hell was really happening in this strange place?
---
After a bluish light enveloped the surroundings, a dome about a hundred meters high rose, and the distorted environment began to regain its shape. Those who were sheltered in the energy spheres moved quickly as they dissolved.
Elizabeth and Rías ran, driven by a single thought: to assist their fallen companions.
Dr. Richards approached them, accompanied by a support drone. Elizabeth fell to her knees, placing her hands on Goku, who had just moments ago done everything to save them. She was in shock when she saw the lifelessness on his face.
—Mr. Richards! He... Mr. Goku isn't breathing! —screamed Elizabeth, her voice trembling with desperation.
Elizabeth's face was pale, marked by anguish. Goku lay before her on the ground, motionless, showing no signs of life. Beside him stood Rías, horrified as blood trickled from the warrior's lips.
—No, please! —murmured Rías, her eyes filled with anguish —. It can't be!
Superman was also nearby, in critical condition, unconscious and vulnerable, just like Goku. Both had fought with all their strength, but the overwhelming weight of relentless gravity had proven too much for them. They had exhausted every drop of energy in their attempt to resist, dangerously close to the brink of death. Goku, in particular, seemed on the verge of extinguishment, his life hanging by a thread.
—Computer, give me an analysis of their vital signs and the damage to their bodies! —ordered Richards, his tone firm despite the desperation surrounding him.
The drone, the size of a basketball, black and scorpion-like in appearance, moved quickly toward the two fallen heroes. It deployed its mechanical arms, ready to scan.
—"Detecting multiple muscle tears and damage to several internal organs" —responded the drone, its voice cold and calculating —. "Goku's heart shows a fissure in the brachial artery. My calculations indicate he won't last much longer if not treated immediately."
The present individuals fell silent, absorbing the gravity of the situation. The pressure of time became palpable.
Reed thought quickly of a solution but was interrupted.
—Elizabeth! —exclaimed Rías, her voice trembling with anxiety —. You can use healing magic! You need to use your magical power, please, you have to heal them!
She spoke, her words almost pleading, directing them toward the other girl who remained in shock. Elizabeth was trapped in memories of her world, and the scene unfolding before her felt painfully familiar.
Upon hearing Rías's plea, she snapped out of her daze. Elizabeth, awakening from her trance, still on her knees, found determination within herself.
—I... I will try! —nodded Elizabeth, determination shining in her eyes as she extended her hands toward them.
A golden aura began to envelop her, illuminating the gloom of the place. Her hair lifted slightly, revealing the heterochromia of her right eye, which sparkled with a determined glow.
Reed, watching the scene in amazement, had never imagined the girl possessed such ability.
—Come on, Elizabeth! —shouted Richards, encouraging her to save them —. Do your best, we can't lose them!
Despite the panic invading her, a look of resolution took over Elizabeth's face.
—Trust me —whispered Elizabeth, her voice firm —. I will do everything I can.
Rías stepped back a bit, feeling chills from the power emanating from Elizabeth, but still decided to trust her. She knew it was their only chance.
Things turned to anticipation as they waited for the girl's power to help the fallen heroes.
But as if the situation weren't bad enough… Suddenly.
"!!GRRRRROOOOOOAR!!!"
A deafening roar resonated in the air, shaking the ground beneath their feet.
—W-what the hell was that? —asked Reed, feeling a chill that made his voice tremble.
The tense and desperate atmosphere that had prevailed a moment before changed entirely to one of uncertainty and fear. Those who heard the piercing roar froze, paralyzed by the imminent and unknown danger.
They directed their gaze toward the source of the sound. Many meters beyond the dome that protected them, a titanic figure loomed on the distorted horizon.
A monster about twenty meters tall emerged from the shadows, its eyes glowing with a terrifying intensity and emanating a thick aura of darkness from its being. Its inhuman body was covered in dark scales, and its sharp claws reflected the light of Elizabeth's golden aura. A murderous instinct and a desire to end everything in its path emanated from it. It was a sensation that made their breaths stop.
But that wasn't all. More figures began to emerge around it; although they were smaller than the original, their presence was equally threatening. Those dangerous creatures approached slowly despite the unmeasurable gravity.
—This has to be a joke! Right now?! —shouted Richards, instinctively stepping back.
Dr. Richards sharpened his eyes at the creatures. He understood perfectly how dangerous those beings moving outside the protective dome that repelled the gravity capable of crushing anyone must be.
The energy dome that kept them safe did not act as an impenetrable barrier. In reality, it generated an anti-gravity field around it, allowing both those inside and those outside to pass through without difficulty.
However, once the artifact was activated, it became a trap: they could not move to a safe place, as deactivating the dome meant losing their protection. Thus, they found themselves trapped, at the mercy of what lurked beyond their fragile refuge.
Aware of the gravity of the situation, his gaze fell on the fallen companions around him. Without their strength, the hope of repelling those creatures faded like smoke in the wind. The shadows of the beings drew closer, and if they continued advancing, they would not have the chance to face them all head-on.
Reed, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, made a firm resolution. With renewed conviction, he decided to take the lead in this desperate fight. He knew it was time to act.
— We must protect Kal-El and Goku at all costs! —exclaimed, addressing the two girls —. Elizabeth, you have to heal them as quickly as possible, or we won't survive. They are our only chance.
Reed's words resonated in the air, filled with urgency. Dr. Richards's face reflected great confidence in the girl enveloped in the golden aura. She felt the weight of their expectations and nodded with determination.
The monsters let out multiple roars, getting closer, as if they had sensed the fear in the air. Elizabeth, feeling the pressure of the moment, looked at the monsters and then at her fallen companions.
—Yes! —exclaimed, her voice resonating with firmness —. I will not let them die! I will heal them at all costs!
With a deep breath, she closed her eyes and began to concentrate, channeling her energy into a bright light that enveloped Goku and Superman.
Dr. Richards extended his hand toward the ship, making his way to the weapon cabin, taking an MA5 assault rifle. As he took one of the weapons, he turned to Rías, the red-haired girl.
—Lady Rías —he said, his voice firm but filled with urgency —. I don't know what kind of abilities you have, but if they can help us buy time, I need you with me.
The red-haired girl turned to Dr. Richards, hesitated for a few seconds, but nodded.
—Alright! —she replied, her voice resonating with courage as she wrapped herself in a red and dangerous aura —. I will do my best!
With her resolution firm, she extended her demon wings, revealing her true nature. There was no time to hide.
She had decided to keep a low profile, hiding that she was a demon. Initially, she believed her allies might treat her differently if they knew. Although the others already had an idea of this.
—Computer! —shouted Reed, raising his weapon —. Elevate the ship to a safe height! Activate attack protocol, targets 'hostile creatures'!
Upon receiving the order, the AI took control of the ship's systems and began to rise into an attack position, preparing its energy cannons. Rías, who took flight with her wings, conjured a magic circle beneath where Elizabeth and their fallen allies were, and they also rose to safety. They didn't know how long it would take for the girl to fully heal them.
—Don't let them get close! —instructed Reed, his voice firm.
With a fixed gaze, he watched as the smaller monsters approached the dome, about to breach it. The tension was palpable in the air, as if at any moment the area would turn into a bloody battlefield.
Without warning, the battle began.
"¡GRoaaahhhg! ¡GRRRR! ¡ROOAAAHHG!"
The creatures roared again as they crossed the barrier, moving with a terrifying speed that left black trails in their wake. Reed's eyes widened, feeling the adrenaline surge through his body like a torrent. Without thinking, he propelled himself, stretching his leg into the air to dodge one of them. From that height, he began to shoot his weapon.
"¡Bang, bang, bang!"
The bullets echoed throughout the place, signaling the start of chaos. Beside him, Rías clenched her fists with determination, while multiple circles with different red engravings appeared around her.
—Take this! —she shouted with conviction, launching red spheres and various elements at the monsters.
The colorful explosions lit up the battlefield upon impacting some of the creatures on the ground. The ship initiated its attack, firing plasma bursts from its cannons, creating a chaotic spectacle that filled the air with smoke and flashes.
Amid all the chaos, the creatures began to leap from the ground, trying to reach them, forcing them to take evasive actions while attacking.
Reed struggled to dodge the monsters that jumped from the ground, moving through the air thanks to the circles Rías had conjured for support. He stretched his body, narrowly avoiding the creatures while using his weapon.
Despite his shots hitting, they failed to penetrate the tough skin of the creatures. He grew a bit irritated knowing his conjectures had been correct.
—Damn it! —he exclaimed, frowning —. My conjectures seem to be true.
—What do you mean? —asked Rías, while conjuring more magic to defend and attack.
—The gravity outside is too high. That they can withstand it suggests they have an overly dense structure in their bodies!
Rías quickly understood and looked around. The monsters did not seem to take damage from their attacks.
—Maybe if we combine our powers! —she suggested urgently —. If I distract one, you could try a precise shot at a weak point like the eyes!
She expressed her idea in a hurry. Reed nodded, believing it was a good strategy.
—Alright, let's do it! —he replied, focusing on the nearest monster.
—Now! —shouted Rías, launching a beam of energy that lit up the sky, drawing the monster's attention.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Reed took a deep breath, stretching his body for a better position. He adjusted his aim, ready to deliver the decisive blow.
—Take this! —he shouted, pulling the trigger with all his might.
A burst of bullets impacted the rest of the creature, provoking a cry of pain that resonated in the air. Although the damage was minimal, it was a step forward.
Reed positioned himself next to Rías, starting to combine their movements to incapacitate the monsters, which were becoming more numerous. The air filled with the strident sounds of sinister roars and exuberant explosions.
Elizabeth, high above on Rías's magic circle, was focused on healing the two combatants before her, giving it her all. It was harder than usual, and she didn't know why, but she wouldn't give up.
—Elizabeth! Watch out!! —shouted Rías, her voice filled with worry.
One of the creatures had breached their defense and was heading toward the girl, its claws ready to pierce her.
Elizabeth turned toward the terrifying beast threatening to take her life. Reed and Rías tried to direct their attack to protect her, but it seemed they wouldn't reach her in time.
As it got so close to her, the monster was repelled.
"Bang" resonated a shot that pierced the creature's eye. With a strident sound rising above the din of the place.
Those watching were astonished to see how the beast had been sent flying to the ground by an unknown force.
The monsters roared with fervor, sensing a powerful presence near them.
—Sorry to interrupt your party, but could you give me a ride? I'm a bit lost! —the voice of a stranger resonated across the battlefield, defying the chaos.
Everyone stopped attacking to look in the direction of the sound. Across the field, a man stood out like lightning in the storm, holding a pistol.
He had messy silver-white hair falling over his forehead, giving him a rebellious and carefree air. His intense blue eyes were expressive, revealing a mix of determination and a touch of melancholy. He wore a red leather jacket that fit his athletic figure, and beneath it, a black t-shirt that highlighted his toned and agile physique. His dark leather pants were practical, and his hands were covered by gloves that showed his strength. A large sword rested on his back, as if waiting for the right moment to unleash its power.
—Let's do this! —exclaimed the stranger, flashing a confident smile that challenged the chaos around him.
He had no idea what was happening, but one thing was clear to him: the monsters were the enemy to be defeated.
The creatures lunged at the stranger with the clear intention to kill. With impressive speed, he began firing his two pistols at the creatures that charged at him.
Each shot was imbued with infernal energy, sending the creatures flying backward.
—Who is that? Is he an ally? —Rías asked, watching how the man charged against the creatures with astonishing speed almost effortlessly.
She could feel immense power within him. Not only that, but she sensed a familiar aura that reminded her of her world. Reed also observed him closely but decided to set that aside for the moment.
—It doesn't matter who he is, we have another problem —Reed replied, directing his gaze toward the largest figure emerging from the darkness.
There, the most imposing monster crossed the threshold, roaring with a sound that shook the ground beneath their feet.
Reed, along with the ship and Rías, concentrated their fire on the giant monster, leaving the smaller ones to the care of the stranger in the red jacket. They fired with everything they had, trying to keep the monstrous creature at bay.
The white-haired man, observing the gigantic beast, realized they were facing a great problem. If those strangers had decided to attack the largest, he would have to take care of the smaller ones.
The smaller creatures charged at him at great speed, testing all his skills. They were numerous and extremely fast. No matter how many bullets he used, it seemed nothing worked.
—These bastards are pretty tough, huh? —he said, with annoyance, as he unsheathed his sword from his back.
It was a long two-handed sword, with a wide double-edged blade that glimmered with a threatening sheen. The peculiar hilt featured a guard shaped like fingers, and the pommel had a kind of orange crystal.
With agile movements, he dodged and attacked, causing the creatures to retreat. His sword danced in the air, launching multiple aggressive combos. Although he landed some hits, he couldn't cut them.
—Damn! How the hell do you kill these things? —he inquired to himself, frustrated that his attacks seemed to have no effect.
The largest monster began its charge with terrifying speed toward all of them, which they could only dodge at the last moment.
—Miss Elizabeth!... How's it going on your side?! —shouted Reed in a frantic tone as he stretched to dodge the attacks.
—I need more time, my power isn't having enough effect on them!! —the girl replied, still using her energy.
—We have to get out of here! —Rías said, her voice laden with urgency as the battle continued to unfold around them.
—We can't —Reed replied, his gaze fixed on the protective dome —. This shield is the only thing keeping us safe. Once activated, it cannot move without deactivating. We can only hold out until they wake up.
He informed the red-haired girl, who looked at him with understanding. The ship began to take evasive actions, avoiding the largest monster from reaching them. It initiated its attack again, firing at the creature's face.
"!!GRRROOAAAAAHHHG!!" The roar of the larger monster resonated.
Everyone froze at the sound, the strident noise taking their breath away. All who heard it watched in horror and disbelief as the black creature began to split into two beings.
"GRRRAAh, ROAAAHHG, GRRIAAHHG" roared the smaller ones.
The roars of the scattered creatures on the ground echoed throughout the area as they also began to divide in two.
—Look! This can only get worse! —shouted the white-haired stranger, his eyes reflecting the incredulity he felt at the situation.
Both the group composed of Dr. Richards, Rías, and Elizabeth, and the white-haired stranger understood that things had worsened a hundred percent.
Their only hope was that the two fallen men would wake up to turn the situation around.
To be continued.