Chapter 49

Haruka and Billy strolled down the bustling streets of Fawcett City, the younger boy's steps filled with energy.

"So, how are we going to find this Black Adam guy?" Billy asked, his brow furrowed with worry. "He sounds really dangerous."

Haruka glanced down at the boy, his expression calm and reassuring. "Don't worry, I've already deployed my Candroids to search the city. They'll be able to locate him and keep us informed of his movements."

As they walked, Haruka subtly activated the Candroids' tracking systems, the small robotic creatures dispersing to comb the city for any sign of the ancient antihero. He knew time was of the essence, and they needed to act quickly before Black Adam could unleash his full wrath upon Fawcett City.

Billy glanced up at Haruka, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "Should I say the 'word'? I could probably take this Black Adam guy down if I transform."

Haruka placed a hand on Billy's shoulder, his expression turning serious. "Not yet. Black Adam might have a way to track you if you transform. We need to be cautious and find him first before you reveal your powers."

Billy puffed out his chest, a confident grin spreading across his face. "Come on, Haruka. Me and you, we can take this Black Adam guy no problem. With my powers and your cool Kamen Rider suit, we'll have him running scared in no time."

Haruka raised a hand, his expression stern. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Billy. We don't know the full extent of Black Adam's abilities. From what I've seen, he seems to have similar powers to yours, if not more."

The young hero's bravado faltered slightly, his smile dimming. "You really think he's that strong?" he asked, a hint of uncertainty creeping into his voice.

"I do," Haruka replied evenly. "And he knows how to use those powers, which makes him a formidable opponent. We can't underestimate him or rush in without a plan."

Billy fell silent, his gaze fixed on the ground as he contemplated Haruka's words. The older hero could see the wheels turning in the boy's mind, the realization that this would not be an easy fight.

"Okay," Billy said finally, his voice steadier. "So what's the plan?"

Haruka's expression softened slightly. "First, we need to find him. My Candroids are searching the city as we speak. Once we locate him, we'll need to assess the situation and come up with a strategy to neutralize him without putting too many civilians at risk."

A Takacandroid approached Haruka, its mechanical wings fluttering. "Have you found him?" Haruka asked, his voice tense.

The Takacandroid nodded, its glowing eyes blinking rapidly. Haruka turned to Billy, his expression resolute. "Let's go."

The Takacandroid took flight, leading Haruka and Billy through the bustling streets of Fawcett City. They arrived at a large recycling center, the sounds of machinery and crunching metal echoing all around them.

"What's Black Adam doing in a recycling center?" Haruka wondered aloud, his brow furrowed.

Billy grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Maybe he's trying to turn himself into a greener villain. You know, reduce, reuse, recycle - all that good stuff."

Haruka couldn't help but quirk an eyebrow at Billy's attempt at humor, but he appreciated the boy's attempt to lighten the mood. "Come on, we need to be cautious. Black Adam is a serious threat, and we can't afford any mistakes."

Haruka and Billy crouch behind a stack of cardboard boxes, peering through a grimy window. Inside, they spot Black Adam, Doctor Sivana, and a large, lumbering figure they recognize as Sloth, one of the Seven Deadly Sins.

The manager of the recycling center approaches the trio, his expression a mix of confusion and anger. "Hey, you can't be in here! This is a private facility. Get out before I call the cops!"

Sloth lumbers forward, his eyes half-lidded and his movements sluggish. "You've had such a...long day," he drawls, his voice dripping with lethargy. "You're tired. You could sleep...for years. You will sleep for years."

The manager's eyes flutter, and he sways on his feet before collapsing to the ground, fast asleep. Sloth looms over him, a twisted smile on his face.

In the dimly lit recycling center, the other workers watched in stunned silence as Sloth approached a woman in a purple dress.

"It is time for you...to wake up, sis," Sloth drawled, his voice thick with lethargy.

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning crackled through the air, coursing through the woman's body. Her features sharpened, her hair shifting to a vibrant purple hue, and a look of pride blossomed on her face.

"What is this dreadful place?" she asked, her tone laced with disdain.

Doctor Sivana stepped forward, a triumphant gleam in his eye. "It is modern-day Pride," he replied.

Pride's gaze settled on Black Adam, who stood silently observing the transformation. "Black Adam..." she murmured, her voice tinged with reverence.

Black Adam turned to Pride, his expression severe. "The Wizard's champion must be found and eliminated. Join me, and together we shall remake this world as we see fit."

Pride's eyes gleamed with ambition as she regarded Black Adam. "It would be my honor," she replied, her tone laced with haughty pride.

Haruka's eyes narrowed as he observed the exchange. "This is bad," he muttered to Billy. "They must be the Seven Deadly Sins, and Black Adam is gathering them."

Billy's brow furrowed with worry. "What should we do?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Haruka's gaze hardened with determination. "We stop them here. Fortunately, only two Sins are present with Black Adam. Not ideal, but we have no choice."

Haruka nods to Billy, a resolute expression on his face. "Be careful, Billy. Black Adam is not someone to underestimate."

Billy takes a deep breath, squaring his shoulders. "Shazam!" he calls out, and a bolt of lightning envelops him, transforming him into the towering, muscular form of Shazam.

Haruka steps forward, the sleek Kamen Rider The First armor covering his body. The crimson scarf flutters dramatically as he faces Black Adam and the awakened Sin, Pride.

Black Adam turns, his gaze settling on Shazam and Kamen Rider. A faint smile crosses his lips. "So, you are the Wizard's new Champion. You saved me the trouble of finding you."

Shazam stepped forward, his booming voice echoing through the cavernous recycling center. "I heard you were looking for me. Why don't we sit down and talk and not cause trouble."

Black Adam's expression hardened as he regarded the towering hero. "I will have all of your powers, Champion. Even if I have to kill you."

Haruka raised his Shotriser, the sleek firearm glinting in the dim light. He took aim at Black Adam's head and fired, but the bullet simply bounced off the ancient antihero's chest, leaving no mark.

Black Adam turned his attention to Haruka, his brow furrowing. "Who are you?" he demanded, his deep voice rumbling with power.

Haruka stood his ground, his expression resolute. "I saw you kill that man," he accused, his voice unwavering.

Black Adam's lips curled into a sneer. "He was a pharaoh, living off the toil of his slaves," he spat. "I liberated them from his tyranny."

Haruka, still clad in the sleek Kamen Rider The First armor, stood firm against Black Adam's towering presence. His voice carried a steely resolve as he addressed the ancient antihero.

"That does not give you the right to kill him. This is not your era. We have rules against killing."

Black Adam's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening. "Rules?" he scoffed. "I have the power of the gods coursing through my veins. I am justice, and I will bring order to this world, whether you like it or not."

Haruka's grip tightened on the Shotriser, the weapon humming with energy. "Not if we have anything to say about it. I'm Kamen Rider, and we will stop you!"

Haruka saw Ada, the floating blue screen, appear before him. The AI system flickered to life, conveying a new mission. Haruka listened intently as the details unfolded, his grip tightening on the Shotriser in anticipation.

[Urgent Mission

Objective: Stop Black Adam from getting Billy Batson's powers.

Rewards: 2000 points, 1 gacha draw]

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