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Chapter 24 - “First Encounter with the Heroes of the West – Is a New Threat Approaching?”

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The moment the Warriors set foot in the Western Universe, a deep sense of shock spread through the entire group. They had traveled through countless worlds before, faced unfamiliar lands, and survived dangerous encounters, but this place felt entirely different. Even the air itself felt heavier, pressing down on them with an unfamiliar weight. The structures looked rigid and severe, and nature appeared wild, raw, and unforgiving.

Pugo slowly turned his head, carefully observing his surroundings.

"This place…" he said quietly, "it doesn't feel like the other universes at all."

Mariana stepped forward, her expression calm but serious.

"That's because the Western Universe isn't a single world," she explained. "It's divided into multiple realms. Each one follows its own rules, its own balance of power. There's the Volcano Universe, the Ice Universe, the Poison Universe, and many others."

Solom crossed his arms, studying the distant horizon.

"If all those different powers exist together," he said, "then this universe must be extremely dangerous."

Mariana nodded without hesitation.

"Yes. But that danger is also what makes the West so powerful."

After a long journey, the Warriors finally reached the Volcano Universe. The change was immediate and overwhelming. A suffocating heat wrapped around them the moment they arrived. Rivers of lava flowed endlessly across the land, massive volcanoes towered into the sky, and the ground itself glowed with dark red and orange tones. The air shimmered, distorted by the intense heat.

Lino wiped the sweat from his forehead and exhaled slowly.

"Even standing here is exhausting," he said. "Living in this place must be incredibly difficult."

The people of the Volcano Universe moved through the heat with ease. They wore magma-patterned clothing, their appearances shaped by fire and molten stone. To the Warriors, it was clear that this environment had forged its inhabitants just as much as they had learned to survive within it.

As Stardust carefully observed the crowd, a quiet man suddenly approached him. Without saying a single word, the man placed a folded map into Stardust's hand. Stardust lifted his head, ready to ask a question, but the man had already vanished into the crowd.

"That was strange…" Stardust muttered.

He unfolded the map and called the others closer.

"There's a location marked here," he said. "I don't know why, but I feel like it matters."

Luka examined the markings closely.

"If someone went out of their way to give us this," he said, "then it's worth checking."

The Warriors followed the map without delay. When they reached the marked location, they stopped in place. Before them stretched a wide open area, and standing in the center of it was a group of eight individuals. Each one radiated a distinct presence, their power clear even without a single move.

The first to step forward was Akiro. His long hair flowed like molten lava, and his eyes glowed with fiery intensity. A black cloak rested on his shoulders.

"I am Akiro," he said firmly. "A user of volcano techniques."

Beside him stood Lazoro, wearing an ice-blue hat that partially concealed his face. Despite the extreme heat, a chilling aura surrounded him.

"I wield ice," he said calmly. "Even fire can be silenced."

Next, Lenor spoke with a relaxed posture.

"Poison doesn't need to be loud," he said. "It works quietly."

Lotto adjusted his glasses and smiled faintly.

"Hypnosis," he added, "controls without being seen."

A cold voice followed as Rossie stepped forward, her long black hair moving slightly.

"Nightmares are unavoidable."

The massive figure of Groza moved next.

"Earthquakes bring everything down."

Then Silvistier spoke, towering over the rest.

"Sun and Moon exist to maintain balance."

Finally, a small child walked to the front. Lamboy smiled innocently.

"I imagine," he said cheerfully, "and what I imagine becomes real."

At his side appeared Mikasu, an orange-and-yellow phoenix. Mikasu cried out playfully and flew in wide circles above them.

Pugo stared, unable to hide his disbelief.

"He's just a child… yet his power feels overwhelming."

Introductions were made, but true trust did not form between the two sides. Still, the Warriors continued to explore the Western Universe. They walked through its streets, observed its people, and experienced moments of enjoyment, even if only briefly.

High above the land, unseen by most, a massive spaceship hovered silently. Inside stood Eldor, the being sent by Ludos. He had a long white beard, wore a hat, red pants, and a flowing cloak. Masked men surrounded him.

"Establish a connection with Ludos," Eldor ordered.

When the connection was made, Ludos' cold voice echoed.

"Wait," he said. "I have a better plan."

Eldor narrowed his eyes.

"And that plan is?"

"You'll fight Pugo," Ludos replied. "Defeat him, and take his technique."

Eldor said nothing, but a faint smile formed.

Meanwhile, the Warriors sat together in a restaurant, enjoying food, drinks, and conversation.

Leonardos leaned back slightly.

"It feels strange to relax like this," he said. "Almost too peaceful."

Mariana glanced around cautiously.

"Don't lower your guard," she warned. "This universe is full of surprises."

Later, they moved into a hotel. Laughter echoed through the halls before everyone eventually went to sleep.

As night deepened, Eldor released his masked men. They spread through streets, houses, and hotels. Two large masked men aimed their weapons at Pugo.

At that exact moment, Solom shouted, summoning powerful winds.

"Now!"

The wind pulled the attackers away, and Luka restrained them with poisonous vines.

Pugo woke suddenly.

"What's going on?"

"Masked men," Luka replied quickly. "They're everywhere."

Outside, a massive battle erupted. No matter how many enemies fell, more kept appearing. The pressure mounted with every passing second.

"This isn't working," Jamie said with concern before transforming into a bird and flying off to warn the Western heroes.

Though the Western heroes initially refused, Lamboy spoke calmly.

"Mikasu, go with him."

During the chaos, Pugo was grabbed by one of the masked men.

"Let go!" he shouted as he summoned his energy serpent, destroying many enemies at once.

Leonardos, Stardust, Luka, Pegas, Luvo, Solom, Lino, and Mariana fought together relentlessly. Then, suddenly, a massive field formed around the masked men. One by one, they collapsed to the ground, unable to move.

Silence followed.

Pugo slowly looked up.

"Jamie… Mikasu…"

Exhausted but relieved, everyone sat down, catching their breath. The battlefield finally grew quiet, broken ground and lingering energy all around them. The Warriors slowly stood up as the silence settled even deeper. Pugo took a long breath, feeling the weight of the battle gradually leave his body.

At that moment, the Western heroes appeared from behind.

"You said you wouldn't come," Pugo said in disbelief.

Akiro answered calmly.

"We refused on purpose. We wanted to see your strength."

Silvistier nodded.

"And now we have."

The Warriors were praised, and a special tournament was proposed. A sense of excitement mixed with tension filled the air.

Pugo clenched his fist, then relaxed it.

"That attack wasn't random," he said quietly. "Someone planned it."

Mariana looked at the others and spoke softly, reminding them that the Western Universe was only beginning to reveal itself. No one answered immediately, because each of them understood the same truth.

Far away, unseen, Ludos waited patiently. The calm did not mean safety. It only meant preparation. What they had faced was merely the first step, not the end yet.

End of Episode 24

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