Gen Nanami drifted into a deep slumber, the world around him dissolving into darkness. Slowly, a dimly lit room emerged from the haze. The familiar coldness of this place sent a chill down his spine. He walked cautiously forward and sat in the lone chair that faced the mirror. He waited, the silence deafening—until a voice sliced through the stillness.
"Hello," said Crexa, his tone cold and eerie.
Gen flinched. "Ugh, still can't get used to that." He crossed his arms. "Alright, what now?"
Crexa stepped forward from the shadows, his face illuminated by the dim light. He waved a hand over the mirror beside them. The fog cleared to reveal a man sitting confidently in a massive leather chair inside a sleek skyscraper office.
"Woah," Gen said, leaning forward.
"This is your next opponent," Crexa stated. "Ito Takahashi."
Crexa began his introduction. "Ito is a renowned businessman, head of the largest and most efficient transportation company in the country. His rise from poverty to power is the stuff of legends—hard work, determination, and relentless focus."
Gen nodded slowly. "So... an admirable guy?"
"Respected, yes," Crexa said, his voice dipping lower. "But also feared. He's ruthless. And he may be your toughest opponent yet."
"And richest," Gen added with a nervous grin.
"Go to the Linguang Tower, north of your home. Climb the roof, enter through the top window, then descend the safety hatch. You'll end up in a hallway. From there, take the elevator to the penthouse office."
Gen furrowed his brow. "Alright... anything else I should know?"
"He only has one ability—Duplicate. But he's maxed out in both speed and strength."
"Wait—what do you mean, dupli—"
Gen jolted awake in his bed.
"God damn it!"
Later that day, Gen stood at the base of Linguang Tower, staring upward until his neck nearly snapped backward.
"Yeah, I'm not climbing that," he muttered.
Instead, he strolled confidently into the building's main entrance. People glanced at him with curiosity. An employee approached.
"Can I help you with something, sir?"
"I'm here to see Ito," Gen replied casually.
The employees laughed. "Sorry, Mr. Takahashi doesn't take visitors. He's extremely busy."
"Oh, alright... I'll just hang arou—"
Suddenly, Gen bolted toward the elevator.
"STOP HIM!" someone shouted.
Employees and guards gave chase, but Gen's speed was unmatched. He dove into the elevator and mashed the close-door button as the guards nearly reached him. The doors sealed just in time.
"Phew..." he exhaled, the soft chime of elevator music playing overhead. He bounced on his heels nervously. "This is gonna take a while."
Several minutes later, the elevator dinged.
Gen took a deep breath.
As the doors slid open, he stepped into a breathtakingly sleek and modern office. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrapped around the top floor, offering a stunning view of the city skyline.
A large chair sat behind an imposing desk. The figure seated in it faced away, hands clasped behind his back as he looked out over the city.
"So... you've arrived," Ito said, his voice smooth and deep.
Gen tensed. The man was about his height—but bulkier, more muscular. The sheer presence of him radiated power.
"My guards informed me someone was heading up. I take it this is the sign I've been waiting for—"
He turned slowly.
"—to complete my mission."
"Mission?" Gen echoed.
Ito glanced at his own status screen. "Ah, yes. 'Defeat one ranked opponent.' That must be you."
He opened a drawer and calmly slid on a pair of brass knuckles, polished to a mirror shine.
"After I'm done with you... you'll be my fifth kill."
"Kill?!" Gen recoiled. "What do you mean kill?"
"As in death," Ito said nonchalantly. "You might not understand this, young buck, but I complete my missions thoroughly. You let your targets live. I do not."
"You can't just kill people!"
"I can. I'm a businessman." He smirked. "And I always finish my work."
"You're insane!"
"Enough chit-chat. Time is money."
Ito extended one hand.
"Duplicate."
Two identical clones emerged from his body, each as large and imposing as the original. One moved left, the other right.
"What in the hell?"
Gen's fists clenched. "Let's do this."
The clone on the left lunged forward, swinging. Gen ducked—but the right one swept his legs, knocking him flat on his back.
"Shit—they can work in tandem?!"
He twisted and launched a powerful ground kick, sending both back a few steps. Gen sprang to his feet and activated Swift, dashing forward and landing a devastating punch that obliterated one clone's face.
Just then, the second clone appeared behind him, hands clasped together like a hammer.
Gen spun, delivering a side kick with Swift, blasting the clone into the elevator doors with a metal-crunching impact.
The clone disappeared.
Ito narrowed his eyes. "You dare destroy my property? After everything I've built, you vandalize my office?"
He yanked down his brass knuckles tighter.
"Let's see how you like this."
"DUPLICATE."
A flood of clones burst from Ito's body, the room filling quickly with carbon copies of the titan.
"You see, Gen... I can play dirty too."
The army advanced, fists raised, brass knuckles gleaming in the light.
"How does it feel... to fight FIFTY of me at once?"
Gen backed up until his spine hit the dented elevator doors. His breath quickened. Sweat rolled down his brow.
"S-Shit... I'm out of room."
The clones closed in, their shadows swallowing him.
TO BE CONTINUED...