The neon glow of Neo-Lumina flickered nervously. After the last portal incident, the city's citizens were cautiously optimistic—until the air shimmered and the largest portal yet split the sky above the central plaza.
Kael gripped his quantum glove. "Okay… that's big. Really big."
Lira hovered above, her hoverboard leaving glowing trails. "And I don't see any pancake monsters. That's… slightly concerning."
Juno sniffled nervously, already sneezing. A small whirlwind sparked around him. "Uh… maybe this time, fewer sneezes?"
From the portal emerged dozens of shadow creatures, sleek and humanoid, eyes glowing cyan. They moved with precision, far faster and smarter than the imps or pancake monsters. The plaza erupted in chaos.
And then… a figure stepped forward. Tall, cloaked, with eyes that glowed like circuits, the shadowy villain from before revealed themselves. "Ah… our little heroes," they said, voice smooth and menacing. "You've been entertaining. But now… the real fun begins."
Kael's glove buzzed violently, summoning mini holographic Kaels, flailing wildly. "Uh… team, maybe less entertainment, more fighting?"
Lira smirked, sending out giant holographic chains to trap some of the shadow creatures. "Don't worry, I've got this… mostly."
Juno sneezed, lightning arcs shooting into the shadows, causing a few to stumble into traps. "Tactical sneezes… still works!"
Kael leaped, dodging attacks, using the glove to create spinning dojo domes. The trio fought in chaotic harmony—Kael's martial arts, Lira's holograms, and Juno's sneezes combining to hold off the enemy.
But the villain only smiled. "Impressive… but insufficient." With a gesture, the portal expanded, and more shadow creatures poured through, overwhelming the plaza.
Kael panted, looking at his friends. "This… this is bigger than anything we've faced. We need a plan, fast."
Lira glared at the villain. "And maybe a really clever digital trap."
Juno sneezed once more, creating a mini tornado that sent enemies flying—but the villain merely laughed, retreating slightly while observing.
The portal pulsed ominously, casting the city in alternating shadows and neon light. The villain's parting words echoed:
"Next time, Neo-Lumina won't be enough. I'll bring the entire dimension to you!"
Kael, Lira, and Juno stood amid the chaos, battered, exhausted, but alive.
Kael muttered, "Okay… that was terrifying. And exciting. But mostly terrifying."
Lira smirked, "Don't worry. We've survived worse… mostly."
Juno sneezed again, sparks flying. "Mostly, yes…"
And thus, Chapter 7 ended, leaving Neo-Lumina's fate hanging in the balance.