Chapter 8

Smoke and flames billow from the window of the burning building, terrified people fly into streets. Fear and horror fill their souls as they watch the building burning rapidly. All of them are desperate to get away from the calamity.

Speedbolt arrives on the scene and he is join by Night Howler ready to save people trapped inside. The building is engulfed in flames and smoke billow the window.

"I will get the people out." Speedbolt says to Night Howler. "See you in a minute." And he's out of sight, running into the building.

Night Howler uses his repulsive beam to stabilize the building structure.

Meanwhile, Speedbolt zips inside, moving so fast that the flame can't touch him. He runs through the hall finding people who are trapped and carrying them to safety. He races around the building, saving dozen of people in blink of an eye.

But then, Speedbolt hears a cracks that seem to be coming from the building foundation. Stopping in his track, realizing what it means.

"Mark! The building is about to collapse." He shouts warning Night Howler the great danger that's about to happen.

Hearing to Speedbolt's warning, Howler increases his beam energy using all his power to hold the building up but the building begin to shake and crumble

" That's a bad sign. " Mark mutters to himself. Then his visor spot a group of people huddle in one of the room but due to his current situation, he can't leave his position. "Hey, Malik. There are some people trapped in the room twelve and you have got few seconds before it crumble and perish those people." Mark informs.

Speedbolt accelerates, making the time seem like it ticking slower than before as he runs through the rooms, dodging falling debris and weaving through the collapsing wall. He can feel the air rush by, like a hurricane wind but he didn't falter. He had to save those people.

Finally, he reaches the room front door kicking it down, scoops the people in his arms and dash out as the room demonish after. Malik runs into the open air and he slow down. The people look around in wonder as the world come back into focus. They are saved.

"Nice one, Malik." Mark praises, but their celebration is cut short when another person start to shout for help.

"There's someone inside. I'm going in." Malik says and off he goes. As he digs through the rubbles, he hears a metallic clanking sound. He looks up and sees a figure clad in suit of gleaming metal, striding towards him.

"Help, please." The figure pleads.

"Just hang on, you have nothing to worry about." Speed then dash toward the figure but he is met with an unexpected ambush by the figure, sending him back while the figure starts to laugh evilly, shocking Malik. 

"Hahahaha! Pathetic," The voice spats. "There's no danger here, hero. I am the danger, and I am here to put an end to your little clownish heroic show." The man raises his arm and shoot a repulsive blast at Speedbolt but he manages to dodge it in time.

"You've come to try, amigo." Then the two collide and a shockwave of force radiate outward knocking over debris and sending dust swirling through the air.

" You're the one who started the fire. Who are you? "Speed demands, throwing fist and the other.

" Ironclad and yes, I'm the one behind the fire. "The villain answers, dodging Speed incoming attack.

" Why? Don't you think of lives and properties you will damage? Psychopath!" Speedbolt exclaime, gives his nemises a head punch sending him few miles back destroying some weak wall in the process.

" Long story short, I don't care. I just want to draw you children's ass out here to discipline you. The one I wanted most wasn't even here. What a waste of time. "Ironclad charges again at Speedbolt, but before he reaches Speedbolt, a blast of energy struck him from behind, sending him sprawling again. Speed looks forward seeing it is Night Howler, his repulser ray charge.

" Look who decided to join the fun in the burning hell. Night Howler himself. I shall enjoy moping the floor with you too. "Ironclad mutters getting back on his feet.

" We will see about that. Ironclad. "Night Howler commence to shoot at the villain continually until he stumbles back.

"ENOUGH!" Ironclad bellows unleashing a powerful energy knocking both heroes off their balance. They struggle to get up, but their nemesis is on them in an instance, his fist striking with incredible force. His attack is relentless and they are rapidly losing ground.

"I told you, you are no match for me!" And he delivers the fatal blow to them. He picks them up and smashes them against the wall, and the room begin to collapse. Seeing that the building won't last much longer, Ironclad disappears into the dust.

The entire building state to crumble to the ground and the heroes manage to get back and flee out before it's too late. The building turned into nothing but brick and smoke.

An ambulance have arrived, tending to the injuries. 

"What happened here?" That is Galban first question when he arrive at the scene.

"Some random man in a robot suit, the same you fought with days ago, but this time it was a male operator. He said he had a issue with you. He set this whole place on fire as a bait to drag you out of your shell." Malik answers and then fold his arms around his chest.

"He's a psychopath." Mark mentions. "His name is Ironclad. I've had fight with him before. He's a mad scientist as far as I know. The last time I fought him he was that strong, but today was totally different. His has upgraded himself. "Mark says. Then he remembers something, " Oh! Hem- I need to get going now, I have some where to get to. So, I'll see you guys later." And he is gone.

Night Howler arrives at the earlier bridge he talked with Luck but there is no sign of him anywhere.

"Where is he?" He murmurs the question before leaping Into the sky and fly away.