Chapter 77

Abel took a moment to gather himself after the ferocious assault. He glanced back at the pile of cars now reduced to rubble, feeling a mix of relief and determination. But just as he turned to leave, the ground trembled ominously beneath him.

A thick orange beam erupted from the debris, cutting through the fiery wreckage like a knife through silk. In an instant, Abel recalled Tony's warning about the energy weapon mounted on the back of Obadiah's Iron Overlord, a weapon he had underestimated in the heat of battle.

"No!" Panic surged through him.

The beam was nearly upon him, and the weight of his earlier overconfidence crashed down like a ton of bricks. He had become complacent, thinking he could leave unscathed after gaining the upper hand.

As the energy beam rushed toward him, Abel knew he had to act fast. Apparition wouldn't work in this critical moment; it required time and concentration, neither of which he had. He decided to rely on his strongest defenses instead.

Raising his right hand, he summoned his magic with fervor. "Protectio Superarmor" he chanted, and with his left hand, he formed a protective seal.

In an awe-inspiring display, a radiant shield of light materialized alongside a fiery magic circle, merging to create an amber-like protective barrier. The shield pulsed with a power that felt otherworldly, as if it were more than just a simple spell—a fusion of his belief in his own strength and the immense pressure exerted by Obadiah's attack.

Just as the beam collided with the shield, a shockwave reverberated through the air. The combined magic held for a moment before bursting apart into a flurry of light particles that spiraled into Abel's wand and then into his body.

Boom!

The explosive force dissipated, leaving Abel momentarily stunned but invigorated. In that split second, a new magic blossomed in his mind—Seraphim Shield Armor. This magic was unique to him, an evolution born from the merging of his defensive spells, something that felt distinctly personal and powerful.

As he absorbed the new magic, a strange energy coursed through him. It felt like a new authority, a magical potential waiting to be unlocked.

But he had no time to ponder; he turned to see Obadiah emerging from the flames, his imposing figure now even more menacing with the energy cannon mounted on his shoulder. The six arc reactors behind it flickered ominously, indicating that the weapon was still primed for another devastating shot.

"You were able to withstand that?" Obadiah sneered, disbelief evident in his voice. "Who are you? Why are you aiding Tony Stark? What has he promised you?"

As the black smoke billowed around Abel, swirling to form a cloak that clung to him like shadows, he spoke with a voice tinged in darkness. "Obadiah, I know all about you and your plans. You're merely a pawn, caught in the web of your own greed."

He took a step forward, the cloak swirling with his movements, enhancing his imposing presence. "You've allied yourself with Vanke and even bowed to Hanmer for the sake of power. But what you promise is nothing but a mirage."

Obadiah's face twisted with frustration, but he quickly regained his composure. "You don't understand! If we eliminate Tony Stark and Hanmer, the assets of Stark Industries will be ours! We could be the richest and most powerful in the world! I'll give you half of everything!"

Abel's eerie laugh echoed through the parking lot, reverberating off the remnants of the cars. "A tempting offer, but I'm not easily swayed. You've underestimated my resolve."

"Think about it!" Obadiah urged, desperation creeping into his voice. "Together, we could rule everything!"

Just then, Abel noticed the energy readings on Obadiah's armor spike dangerously high. The moment had come.

With a swift motion, Obadiah activated the mortar on his left shoulder, and a barrage of ammunition rained down upon Abel, each round poised to obliterate him.

"No!" Abel shouted, raising his newly acquired Seraphim Shield Armor in defense.

The world around him slowed as the projectiles hurtled toward him. He channeled his new magic, feeling its power surge within him. This time, he wouldn't just defend; he would counterattack.

The amber shield shimmered in response, illuminating the darkness around him. As the first rounds struck, a cascade of energy erupted, creating a barrier that absorbed the impact and redirected the force.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Each explosion illuminated Abel's face, reflecting his determination. He wouldn't allow Obadiah to win.

As the dust settled, Abel steeled himself, focusing on the wave of energy flowing through him. It was time to turn the tide of battle. He had a new magic and a fierce resolve.

"You're done, Obadiah!" Abel declared, his voice steady and powerful.

With a flick of his wrist, he conjured a powerful blast of energy, channeling the raw magic of his Seraphim Shield Armor directly toward Obadiah.

The time for negotiation had passed; now was the moment for action.