Rune stood amidst the grotesque laboratory, Vorn's horrifying secrets and his own role in the mad scheme now burned into his mind. His rage flared more intensely than ever, yet it was encased in a glacial layer of resolve. He was a crucial piece in Vorn's plan, a potential tool. Rune would never allow that.
As he turned from the chilling documents, preparing to delve deeper into the Dark Spire, a slow clap echoed from the shadows.
CLAP... CLAP... CLAP...
The clapping resonated through the vast laboratory, filled with mockery and disdain. Rune instantly spun around, his body transforming in a flash, his dark crystal armor hardening, bone-and-flesh tentacles extending, ready to strike.
A tall, slender figure emerged from between the wire-laden experimental machinery and bubbling tanks. He wore an immaculate, jet-black uniform, a stark contrast to the surrounding decay. His face was cold, almost expressionless, his deep blue eyes sharp as razors. On his shoulder, the Night Hunters Guild's symbol of the open eye within claws was intricately embroidered, but beneath it was another insignia – a shield with a lightning bolt piercing through it.
Rune felt the energy from this individual. It wasn't the raw physical might of Thanos, nor the subtle control of Seraphina, nor the defensive fortitude of Kael. This energy was sharp, lightning-fast, and utterly destructive.
"Interesting," the stranger said, his voice deep and resonant. "I heard a 'test subject' had escaped and was causing some trouble. But I never expected a high-level mutant with Assimilation abilities. Not bad, not bad at all."
Rune offered no reply. He merely stared, his crimson eyes locked onto his opponent.
"I am Zephyr, Vorn's Chief Overseer," the stranger introduced himself, the corner of his lip curling into a cold smile. "My duty is to ensure no 'specimens' stray from their designated positions. You... have strayed too far."
As Zephyr spoke, the air around him began to undulate strangely. Tiny sparks of lightning crackled from his fingertips, dancing around his body. The scent of ozone permeated the air. Rune recognized Zephyr's ability – Electromagnetic Manipulation. Not just electricity, but the capacity to control electromagnetic fields, an incredibly swift and dangerous form of power.
"You're an Assimilator, aren't you?" Zephyr continued, not waiting for Rune's response. "Then, I wonder... can you assimilate lightning? Or will you just be a pile of ash?"
With his final words, Zephyr lunged with terrifying speed, almost instantly. He moved faster than anyone Rune had ever faced. A lightning-fast punch, encased in an electromagnetic aura, shot straight for Rune's face.
Rune barely had time to react. He managed to raise an arm to block.
CRACK!
A small electromagnetic explosion erupted as Zephyr's fist collided with Rune's crystal armor. Rune's entire body violently shuddered. He felt an incredibly powerful electric current course through him, burning from within, making his muscles convulse uncontrollably. His crystal armor showed clear fissures, and he was thrown backward, crashing into a tank of bubbling liquid, shattering it.
Zephyr stood there, sneering. "Not bad, monster. You survived the first hit. But that's just the beginning." He raised both hands, and dozens of lightning bolts began to coalesce over his fingertips, forming dazzling blue energy javelins.
Rune growled, the pain of the electrocution still lingering, but he had already sensed the essence of this Electromagnetic Manipulation ability. Speed, energy, destruction. This was an entirely different kind of opponent. And Rune, with his Assimilation ability, knew he had to conquer it.
The battle with Zephyr would be Rune's true test of limits.