Chapter 5: Do or Die

"This is Ajax reporting to The Kings' Shadow. It appears they are planning an attack on Sir Raiden. I've just sent voice messages. I'll be departing shortly," Noah transmitted his urgent message to The King's Shadow, tasked with safeguarding the Kings family at all costs.

As Noah discreetly exits The Night's party, a mysterious figure aware of his true identity awaits him outside the factory.

"Hey there, where do you think you're off to? The party's just getting started. Come, join us. Noah Or should I say Ajax?" The hooded figure addresses Noah by his undercover alias, indicating knowledge of his communications with The Kings' Shadow.

"Shit, I've been careless," Noah thinks to himself, realizing his oversight in maintaining secrecy during his mission.

"Come on, Ajax, cat got your tongue? Let's have a little chat," the hooded figure confronts Noah directly, blocking his path.

"I know who you are, Liam Beck, one of The Night's executives. Your rank is Elite, but don't think I can't handle you," Noah asserted, addressing the hooded figure named Liam.

"Now, now, Ajax, no need for hostility. I'm aware your messages may have reached your superiors, but leaving isn't an option," Liam responded, his tone becoming more serious.

"Fuck off now, or you'll regret it," Noah retorted, demanding Liam step aside.

"Ajax, it's too late. You're surrounded. Surrender now," a voice of a woman behind Noah interjected.

"HAHAHA, you're a dead man, Ajax," another voice of man, to Noah's left, mocked him.

"They should have sent someone of Legend rank for this mission, not a kid barely at Elite," a voice sneered from Noah's right.

Noah's panic intensified as he observed the three figures encircling him—top executives of The Night: Wilson Dean, Vin Grants, and Amy Ray. Each of them was at least at the Pro level.

"Ajax, you'd do well to heed us. It's do or die," Liam warned Noah, a sinister smile playing on his lips.

Noah's despair deepened as he realized that any attempt to make a move would result in instant death. Escape seemed impossible now.

"You all can go and kill yourself. I've fought too hard to reach this point. I'll go down swinging, and I'll take every last one of you with me," Noah retorted, attempting to mask his fear with bravado.

"Haha, it seems like this kid has some backbone. Looks like we'll have some fun before we take out that bastard, Raiden Kings," Wilson remarked, his tone gleeful at the prospect of facing a worthy opponent.

"No more words," Noah declared, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. With a surge of power, he activated all of his Forces, each one crackling to life with elemental energy.

The air around Noah stirred as he tapped into his Wind Force, granting him control over the very currents of the atmosphere. His Zero Pain Force surged through his veins, dulling his senses to any agony that threatened to slow him down. With his Phasing ability, he could move through solid objects as effortlessly as a ghost.

Across the battlefield, the executives of The Night tensed, their expressions grim as they prepared for the impending clash. Though they outnumbered Noah four to one, they knew better than to underestimate his strength.

Liam and Wilson, both semi-elite, braced themselves for the onslaught to come. Liam's Eagle's Eyes enhanced his vision to superhuman levels, while his Self-Healing Force promised to mend any wounds he might suffer. Wilson's Poison Force threatened to paralyse Noah's movements, while his Time Slow ability granted him precious moments of advantage.

Vin and Amy, formidable pro-level fighters, readied themselves for battle. Vin's Wire Force allowed him to ensnare his opponents with razor-sharp threads, while his Sound Waves disrupted their very thoughts. Amy's Gravity Force gave her control over the very forces of nature, while her Smoke Force obscured Noah's vision with thick, choking clouds. 

Noah dashes towards Liam, catching him off guard, and seamlessly phases through him. As he swiftly turns around, he unleashes a powerful "Wind Blast," hurtling Liam towards Amy. Reacting quickly, Amy manipulates gravity to slow Liam's impact. Meanwhile, Vin attempts to ensnare Noah with wires, but Noah effortlessly phases through them and advances towards Vin. Wilson intervenes, attempting to paralyse Noah, but Noah's resilience, fueled by his "Zero Pain" ability, allows him to retaliate with a devastating punch enhanced by wind force, sending both Vin and Wilson flying.

"Son of a bitch, how is he so formidable?" Liam curses as he activates his self-healing ability to rise to his feet. Amy suggests calling for backup, but Liam rejects the idea, citing the soundproofing of the area to maintain secrecy. Unbeknownst to them, both Vin and Wilson are incapacitated by Noah's single blow.

As Liam and Amy ponder their next move, they fail to notice Noah charging his ultimate technique. With a taunting gesture, Noah unleashes his ultimate move, "Cyclone Strike," sending a powerful blast hurtling towards Liam and Amy. Despite Amy's attempt to erect a gravity barrier, the blast overpowers her, and Liam also succumbs to its force. The explosion not only incapacitates Liam and Amy but also demolishes the factory where the celebration was underway, rendering all present unconscious.

"No need to worry after all," Noah muses to himself, satisfied with his victory. Realising the need to depart swiftly, he resolves to contact Luna and dashes towards the city in search of her.