Chapter 16: Portals of Destiny

The boss of the thugs, sweating profusely, rushed into his dimly lit hideout. Panic filled his eyes as he fumbled for his phone, his trembling fingers struggling to dial the number. Finally, he managed to press the buttons and waited anxiously for the call to connect.

The phone rang for a few moments before a gruff voice answered on the other end. "Speak," the voice commanded, sending shivers down the boss's spine.

"Sir," the boss stammered, fear lacing his words. "We... we encountered some powerful fighters, sir. They... they took down our men without breaking a sweat."

There was a pause on the line, and the boss could almost sense the superior's disappointment. "I warned you to report any unusual occurrences immediately. Describe these fighters."

The boss gulped, his voice barely above a whisper. "They... they were like nothing I've ever seen, sir. One of them had a rank of 80 and the other... the other was just as powerful. They were skilled, quick, and had an aura of strength around them. I... I don't have any record of fighters with such high rankings visiting Ondo State."

The superior's voice grew colder, sending a chill down the boss's spine. "You fool! How did you let this happen? We can't afford any interference in our operations. Find out who they are, where they come from, and report back to me immediately."

The boss's heart sank further, realizing the severity of the situation. "Yes, sir. I will do as you command. They won't escape our grasp."

The superior's voice dripped with disdain. "See that you don't disappoint me again. This matter is of utmost importance. Do not underestimate these fighters."

The call ended abruptly, leaving the boss in a state of deep contemplation. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. The realization of the potential danger he had unknowingly stumbled upon weighed heavily on his mind.

"I should have known better," he muttered to himself. "But why is their presence here such a concern? Who are they?"

As he pondered, his thoughts swirled with curiosity and apprehension. He was an underling of one of the founders of the World Fighters Union, yet he found himself trembling in the face of unknown adversaries. A sense of unease settled within him as he made a silent decision not to divulge this particular case to his superior just yet. There was something about these powerful fighters that intrigued him, and he wanted to uncover their identities and intentions before exposing his vulnerability to his higher-ups.

With a determined expression on his face, the boss began to investigate, delving into the depths of the underground fighting world, hoping to unearth any information that would shed light on the enigmatic duo who had disrupted his plans. The stage was set for a clash of power, secrets, and the unfolding of a grand mystery that would test the very foundations of the World Fighters Union.

As Aduke and Ebuka pressed forward in their arduous quest, their senses sharpened, attuned to the subtle vibrations of mana that beckoned them onward. The winding path led them to a concealed portal, its existence known only to those chosen to embark on this extraordinary journey. Eager anticipation mingled with a tinge of trepidation as they stood before the enigmatic gateway, veiled in an impenetrable darkness that concealed its secrets.

Three ethereal doors floated before them, each adorned with a vibrant hue that seemed to emanate a faint, otherworldly glow. Suspended in the air, they commanded attention, their presence captivating the senses. Adorning the top of each door, words inscribed in elegant script beckoned the intrepid travellers to choose their path.

[EASY] [HARD] [MORTAL]

Aduke's eyes scanned the first door, its color a serene blue, and the word "EASY" written above. She studied it intently, contemplating the implications and potential challenges that lay beyond. Beside her, Ebuka's gaze fixed upon the second door, radiating an intense crimson, proudly displaying the word "HARD". The third door, a mysterious shade of purple, bore the inscription "MORTAL".

An instructional plaque, meticulously placed beside the doors, elucidated the rules that governed their choice.

[Exclusive entry for a single CHALLENGER, barring simultaneous access by multiple foes.]

It emphasized the importance of proceeding individually, cautioning against the perilous consequences of attempting to enter more than one door at a time. Aduke and Ebuka exchanged glances, their minds awash with the weighty decision that lay before them.

Aduke, her eyes shining with determination, broke the silence. "I'll take the hard door. My clairvoyance skill may prove invaluable inside, even if it means facing life-threatening situations. I believe I can navigate through it and come back safely."

Ebuka furrowed his brow, searching for an argument to dissuade her, but he faltered. He couldn't deny the logic behind her choice.

Reluctantly, he conceded, realizing his own limitations without a skill like clairvoyance. "Alright, if you're confident, then I'll enter the easy door. Our priority is to ensure both of us make it out alive."

Aduke chuckled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Well, since you insist, I'll graciously accept the offer. Ladies first, right?"

With a gentlemanly bow, Ebuka gestured for Aduke to proceed. She stepped forward, opening the door labeled "HARD". As she crossed the threshold, the room dimmed, an ominous sign that a formidable challenger awaited her on the other side.

Meanwhile, oblivious to the subtle change, Ebuka pushed open the door marked "EASY". But as he entered, an inexplicable transformation occurred—the name on the door abruptly switched from "EASY" to "GODS", a level surpassing even the "MORTAL" challenge. Unaware of this sudden twist, Ebuka ventured deeper into the unknown, ready to face the trials that lay ahead.

The portals had been chosen, destinies intertwined, and their individual paths set in motion. Within the realms beyond, Aduke and Ebuka would be tested, their skills, resilience, and determination pitted against the forces that awaited them.

As Ebuka stepped inside the door labeled "GODS," a surge of energy pulsed through the portal. The room transformed, the surroundings shifting from a serene landscape to a majestic realm filled with towering mountains and cascading waterfalls. Ebuka's eyes widened in astonishment as he realized the gravity of the situation.

Meanwhile, inside the hard difficulty door, Aduke found herself in a dimly lit chamber. Shadows danced along the walls, and the air crackled with an eerie energy. She could sense a formidable presence nearby, lurking in the darkness.

Unbeknownst to both Aduke and Ebuka, their chosen paths had led them to separate realms, each holding its own set of challenges and adversaries. The fate of their encounter, their reunion, and their journey forward hung in the balance, with uncertainty shrouding the outcome.

With the doors closed behind them, Aduke and Ebuka were now faced with trials that would test their strength, resilience, and the depth of their friendship. What awaited them within these doors? How would they fare against the unknown forces that lie ahead? The answers would be unveiled in the chapters to come.