Long Battle

You will pay, Tony," Shot growled, his voice echoing with a metallic distortion.

Tony looked at him with pure disgust. "You traded your soul for power... you had life, and you threw it away."

Shot didn't care for Tony's words. With a burst of speed, he lunged forward, his fully mechanical body moving like a machine of war. He grabbed Tony, crushing him in his iron grip, trying to break him.

Tony felt the pain shoot through his body, bones straining under the pressure—but he refused to show it. He only glared at Shot.

Shot smirked. "You can act tough, but I see your pain."

His mouth opened, and from within, a gun barrel extended. He aimed it directly at Tony's head.

Tony gritted his teeth and struggled with all his might. "Try!" he roared, using every ounce of his strength to break free.

Shot's tongue wrapped around the trigger. "Die!"

BANG!

But Tony was gone.

Shot's eyes darted around the area. "Coward. Heroes don't hide!" he snarled.

His head turned sharply toward the police. They had arrived, surrounding him with their guns drawn.

The police chief stepped forward, aiming his weapon. "You are under arrest."

Shot let out a laugh. "So, you think you can stop me?"

BANG! BANG! BANG!

The officers fired, but the bullets bounced harmlessly off his metal body.

Shot grinned, his smile twisted. "Pathetic."

Tony clenched his fists. The police were in danger. He spoke urgently. "Togo, how many officers are here?"

Togo's voice echoed in his mind. "Sixty-five."

Tony exhaled sharply. "Great."

He closed his eyes, focusing on the destruction around him—the ruined buildings, shattered roads, and the chaos left behind.

"Restore."

Suddenly, the city around them changed. The destruction reversed itself, like time was rewinding. Crumbled buildings stood tall again. Streets that were cracked and broken became smooth. The wreckage disappeared as if the battle had never happened.

Togo gasped. "What…? How did you—"

Tony opened his eyes. "I'm still figuring it out."

Shot stared at the restored city in shock. "How…?"

Tony didn't waste time. He dashed forward and delivered a powerful kick to Shot's chest, sending him crashing through a nearby wall.

He turned to the police chief. "Get as far away from here as possible. Hide in the buildings."

The chief frowned. "No. We won't run."

Tony's eyes darkened. "You need to run, or you will die."

The chief stood his ground. "Then I will die."

Tony sighed. "Fine. You can throw your life away. But what about your men? They have families. They have dreams. Let them go."

The chief hesitated.

Tony pressed on. "Imagine you die here. Who will take care of your family?"

The chief's mind flashed to his wife and daughter, waiting for him at home. His grip on his gun tightened, and finally, he made the call.

"Fall back!"

The officers hesitated but obeyed, retreating.

Togo's voice rang in Tony's head. "Sixty-five lives saved. New power unlocked: Fire Control. If you master this power, you can increase your flames to burn as hot as the sun."

Tony smirked. "Looks like I just got stronger."

Shot, still standing, raised his gun and fired.

BANG!

Without moving, Tony dodged the bullet, shifting just enough for it to miss him.

Shot's eyes widened. "Fast reaction."

Tony stepped forward. "It's time."

Shot narrowed his eyes. "Time for what?"

Tony's eyes closed. "Enemy Threads."

Shot wasted no time, charging straight at Tony.

Then Tony opened his eyes.

Everything became clear. He could see Shot's movements before they even happened—the invisible threads of fate that guided each attack.

Shot threw a punch. Tony slipped past it effortlessly.

He countered. A devastating gut punch.

Shot gasped, stumbling back.

Tony didn't let up. He stepped forward, slamming his foot down on Shot's hand, pinning it with all his strength.

Then, with a single, decisive motion, he grabbed Shot's head—

And slammed it into the ground.

Silence.

Shot lay still.

Tony stood victorious.

A few minutes later, the police arrived at the scene.

They found Tony sitting beneath a tree, staring at Shot's unconscious body.

One officer stepped forward cautiously. "Did you kill him?"

Tony glanced at them. "No."

Then, without warning, Tony kicked Shot.

Shot's eyes snapped open.

The police chief stepped in, immediately grabbing him and locking handcuffs around his wrists. "You're coming with us."

As they began dragging Shot toward the police car, Tony raised a hand. "Wait."

The chief paused. "What is it?"

Tony approached Shot, staring at him for a moment. Then, he spoke a single word.

"Restore."

Shot's mechanical body shifted. His metal limbs melted away, his human flesh returning. Within seconds, he was fully human again.

Shot looked down at himself in shock. "What…?"

Tony met his gaze. "You're lucky. Your soul wasn't completely gone."

The chief nodded to his men. "Take him to jail."

As Shot was dragged away, Tony exhaled, leaning back against the tree. "It's nice to finally win a long fight."

Togo's voice echoed in his mind. "Ohhh? And what pain and bad memories were you talking about earlier?"

Tony's expression darkened. "Never ask me that again."

Togo sighed. "Fine."

Tony started walking away, then suddenly stopped. A bad feeling crept into his chest.

"Wait…" he muttered.

He turned, scanning the area.

"Where is Aria?"