The room stood still as Akbar's distorted voice echoed ominously, his tone laced with malice, amplified by the strange oxygen-like mask covering his face. "I will say this for the last time," he growled. "Whoever brings me Adam... or if Adam comes willingly, I will spare all of your worthless lives and leave this place unharmed. Resist me, and you will face my wrath. "A chilling silence filled the arena as Akbar's words sank in. The candidates exchanged worried glances. Tension tightened like a noose. Adam’s heart pounded as he clenched his fists, his instincts screaming at him to act. He wanted to step forward, to confront Akbar and protect everyone in the room—but before he could move, someone else did.
The first man to attack Akbar earlier lunged forward once again, his muscles straining as he delivered a swift, powerful punch. This time, however, Akbar—no longer a clone—caught the fist mid-air with ease. A sinister smirk spread beneath his mask as he asked, "Are you Adam? "The man gritted his teeth and growled back, "No. But I won't let you have him." He twisted his wrist free and prepared for another attack. Before he could strike, a sudden blast of sandy wind shot across the room, blinding Akbar temporarily. It was the man with the wind powers, leveraging the moment to create an opening. Seizing the opportunity, the first attacker kicked Akbar hard, sending him crashing into a wall.
Akbar staggered to his feet, a low, guttural laugh emanating from him. “Pathetic,” he spat, dusting himself off. “I’ve had enough of this nonsense. The room darkened suddenly as a thick, black smoke filled the arena. Akbar vanished from sight. The candidates tensed, scanning their surroundings anxiously. Then, without warning, Akbar reappeared behind Adam, grabbing him by the neck.
"Are you Adam?" Akbar demanded again, his grip tightening.
Adam stayed silent, his mind racing for a way to escape. Suddenly, a sharp crack of electricity tore through the air. The girl who had been silent up to now—standing quietly behind Adam—had unleashed her weapon, a hidden electrical device, directly at Akbar. The electricity surged through him, causing his gadgets to spark and malfunction. His tools were fried, rendering him vulnerable—except for his enchanted cape, which had allowed him to vanish moments earlier.
Akbar staggered backward, his mask sparking, and reached for his communicator to call for reinforcements. But his devices were useless. Frustration twisted his features as he realized he was on his own.
Adam, free from Akbar's grip, collapsed to the ground, gasping for air. The girl who had electrocuted Akbar stepped forward, her eyes cold and determined. The other candidates, seeing Akbar weakened, felt a surge of courage. They circled him, their weapons raised.
Akbar’s eyes darted around the room as he realized the odds were no longer in his favor. His grip tightened on his cape, his last hope of escape. Just as he prepared to vanish again, a strange burning sensation spread through his body. His eyes widened in horror.
Far away, at THE GENERAL’s headquarters, THE GENERAL watched the events unfold through a flickering hologram. Disgust twisted his face as he muttered, "Useless." He reached into his chest and pulled out a small, charred bone. Holding it over a black candle, he set it aflame. "Your time is over, Akbar," he said coldly.
Back in the arena, Akbar’s body ignited in eerie green flames. He screamed in agony as the flames consumed him. His enchanted cape burned in gray fire, disintegrating into ash. The candidates stepped back, horrified and confused by the sudden turn of events.
As Akbar's body collapsed into smoldering ash, the oppressive atmosphere lifted. The room fell silent, save for the crackling of the fading flames.
The man with the wind powers stepped forward and knelt before the ashes. Despite Akbar’s cruel actions, he folded his hands in a gesture of respect. "May your soul find the punishment it deserves," he murmured, a quiet prayer for the damned.
Adam, still shaken, stared at the remains of Akbar. Questions raced through his mind. Why had THE GENERAL sacrificed one of his own? What kind of power was at play here?
Before anyone could process the gravity of the situation, the lights flickered back on, and the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the corridors. A squad of resistance soldiers burst into the room, their weapons drawn. The candidates sighed in relief as the soldiers secured the area. Their leader, a tall woman with an authoritative air, surveyed the room.
"You’re safe now," she announced. Her eyes landed on Adam for a moment, a flicker of recognition crossing her face. She turned to her squad. "Secure the survivors. We’re moving out."
As the candidates were escorted out, Adam lingered, his gaze fixed on the ashes of Akbar. The girl who had electrocuted Akbar walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You did well," she said softly. "But this is just the beginning."
Adam nodded, his resolve hardening. He knew now that the fight ahead would only grow more dangerous—and more personal.
End of Chapter 17.
What will happen next? Who is the girl who saved Adam? Why did THE GENERAL sacrifice Akbar? What is the resistance’s next move? Stay tuned for Chapter 18!
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