The numerical disadvantage was obvious. Eight against Zeki, five against Isadora, and the two siblings against the leader. The situation was far from favorable.
This isn't good, Zeki thought, his mind racing. Should we run? But if we retreat now, they might go after our families—they've already seen our faces. There's no other choice.
He walked over to Gustavo and Bia, determination hardening his expression.
"Gustavo, Bia… can you handle Chapo?"
"Wait, why us?" Bia asked, confused. "He's clearly the strongest one here. Shouldn't you be the one fighting him?"
"I don't see a problem," Gustavo replied, confidence gleaming in his eyes.
Chapo watched them, a mocking smile forming on his lips. "You three having a little chat? Seems like you don't understand the situation you're in."
"There's no time to explain," Zeki said in a low, firm voice. "I'll take on those eight. Don't question it."
Without waiting for a response, he stepped away, exchanged a brief glance with Isadora, and positioned himself in front of Chapo's men.
"Alright…" Bia sighed, resigned. "I just hope you have a good plan."
"That won't be necessary," Gustavo replied, resolute.
"So, what's it going to be?" Isadora taunted the men surrounding her. "Are you just going to stand there, or are you coming at me?"
"Hey, Chapo, can we start the chaos already?" Chipilo asked eagerly.
Chapo raised his hand slightly. "Have fun."
The battle erupted into a storm of motion.
Zeki and Isadora quickly distanced themselves to avoid being surrounded. Zeki now faced eight opponents—Zi, Zo, Za, Zé, and their enhanced counterparts: Zi2, Zo2, Zu, and Zé2. Each wore a sly, predatory grin.
With a flick of his mind, Zeki raised a psychic barrier around himself.
Zi, Zo, and Za—enhanced by physical augmentation—charged forward, slamming into his defense.
"Hey, kid! You really think that barrier will hold us? What a joke!" Zi sneered.
"You're nothing but a toy to us. We'll break you!" Zo added.
Zeki pushed them back with telekinesis, but they kept pressing forward relentlessly. Then Zu, with his explosive bullet ability, began firing.
"Try dodging this, smart guy!"
The bullets detonated on impact against the barrier. Zeki held it steady, but strain began to show. At the same time, the four fire users unleashed waves of flames, rapidly heating the battlefield.
"Not bad, kid… but I'm going to burn that barrier to nothing," Zé said with a cruel grin.
Zeki realized the disadvantage. With a burst of psychic force, he blasted them away and shifted his focus—dodging flames while attempting to neutralize Zu's explosive attacks.
Meanwhile, Isadora was surrounded by five of Chipilo's gang: Basoto, Zoupouli, Natan, Jujulo, and Tofo. Strengthened by the drug, they were far more dangerous than before. Chipilo, engulfed in flames and wielding his blazing sword, led the assault.
"So, Isadora… ready to become barbecue?" he sneered.
Using her agility, Isadora weaved through attacks while deflecting Chipilo's strikes.
"You think you can intimidate me? Don't get cocky just because you're a little stronger now," she shot back.
"You're brave," Basoto laughed. "That just makes beating you more fun."
"Let's finish this quickly so we can celebrate," Zoupouli mocked.
"You're already done—you just don't know it yet," Natan added coldly.
"Crush her! You'll pay for what you did to us!" Jujulo shouted.
Isadora fought back fiercely, using her strength to keep them at bay, but the pressure was mounting. Flames and strikes collided in a relentless exchange.
"Let's see how far your courage takes you," Chipilo said, flames roaring around him. "You'll regret ever being born."
Not far away, Bia and Gustavo stood facing Chapo.
They exchanged determined looks.
"Looks like we're taking this guy," Bia said, uneasy.
"We're ready. Let's bring him down," Gustavo replied.
"You two—stop whispering!" Chapo barked, grinning cruelly. "Didn't you realize? You're next. I'm going to crush you."
The fight began instantly.
Chapo charged forward, relying on overwhelming brute strength.
"You really think you stand a chance? I'll crush you like insects!"
Gustavo met him head-on, fists glowing with energy. "Bring it on! Let's see if you're as strong as you claim!"
Bia, more cautious, formed arcs of electricity in her hands. "Careful, Chapo… wouldn't want you to get burned. Literally."
"You're funny," Chapo laughed mockingly. "But you know the saying—'the bigger they are, the harder they fall'? Let me show you how you fall."
The battle intensified. Gustavo attacked relentlessly, but Chapo blocked with ease. Bia struck whenever she saw an opening, her lightning forcing Chapo to step back momentarily.
"That's it? I expected more," he mocked.
"We're not done yet!" Gustavo shouted.
"Gustavo, watch your position! Don't let him corner us!" Bia warned.
The siblings began to synchronize their movements, gradually increasing the pressure.
That's when Chapo changed.
A violent aura began to pour out of him.
"You're starting to annoy me," he growled. "Enough games. Time to show you what I can really do."
"Something's wrong… he's getting more dangerous," Bia said, tension rising in her voice.
"Bring it!" Gustavo shouted, standing his ground. "We're not backing down!"