Arriving at the location, I realized it appeared to be a power plant, operating on combustion-based energy.
"Peter, observe the surroundings. Look for any unusual individuals or anyone in need of help. If there's danger, use what I gave you to protect yourself, and if you see anything, use your communicator."
He agreed, and of course, I used my usual strategy—I left three bees with him while sending others to spread out.
More than 100 bees dispersed. At my Scarlet Queen Bee's current level, she could produce over a hundred of them. Their speed, strength, and sensory capabilities had also increased.
After they moved, I took action myself. Reaching the plant's walls, I used my Doa Doa no Mi power to enter the area. Once inside, I activated my Divine Eyes and Observation Haki to extend my senses while continuing to move, utilizing my ancient wind power and light magic.
However, I halted when I received an urgent transmission from one of my bees. The image showed Peter fighting someone. He had clearly attempted to communicate with me but was unable to due to the enemy interfering with electromagnetic waves and equipment.
Realizing the danger, I immediately used Apparition to appear near the area. There, I saw Spider-Man battling a bluish figure made entirely of pure electrical energy. His webs and physical attacks were ineffective, but he used his energy absorption and redirection abilities to absorb the being's energy and counterattack. It was effective, but not at a high level. Recognizing the severity of the situation, I teleported above the enemy.
My right hand conjured a large wind arrow, while my left created a magic circle, launching dozens of ice spears. When the ice struck, the electricity was partially transferred to the solid object. Then, with a flick of my finger, the wind arrow shot forward at incredible speed.
Wind didn't seem to affect his energy-based body much, but the natural energy embedded within it did. Soon, the electrical form reconstructed itself, revealing the image of a man. His energy was slightly reduced, proving that Peter's and my attacks had been somewhat effective.
"A being made of electricity… But the energy doesn't seem infinite. That means we should be able to deplete it by transferring it into other objects, just like we did earlier."
I murmured to myself and brought both hands together.
"Ice Make: Great Ice Spears!"
A massive magic circle appeared before me, emitting freezing energy. Gigantic ice spears shot forward. This time, the enemy defended himself, unleashing a massive electrical explosion that destroyed many of them. However, several spears still struck his body, and the magic-infused cold began invading his energy.
I poured even more internal energy into this attack, making it highly effective.
"You…" A raspy voice buzzed into my ear as his body began materializing in front of me.
"Don't get in my way! Or I won't hesitate to destroy you both!"
"Big words for an electric man. Hey, do you remember we're two against one, right?"
I asked with a smirk, and he finally seemed to recall. Stealthily, Peter leaped into the center of his body, his hands beginning to siphon a large amount of energy.
Concerned, I withdrew my wand. Spinning it in the air, I quickly cast reinforcement spells on Spider-Man while using other spells to redirect the energy. I also channeled even more Soul Energy.
The yet-unnamed enemy's body shrank further. He attempted to defend himself by launching more energy blasts, but with my spells and Peter's absorption, they proved ineffective. Peter wasn't too injured, thanks to my protective spell, his enhanced body, and the items I had given him. As for me, my Borg was already up, while wind swirled around me for extra protection.
As the situation deteriorated and part of his body started turning human, the enemy changed tactics. Peter's Spider-Sense seemed to alert him, prompting him to leap backward just in time.
And then—
"BOOM!"
An even greater energy explosion erupted. Unnoticed by us, he had connected to a power line, forcibly drawing a massive amount of electricity for a stronger attack. I was thrown several meters back, small fractures appearing in my Borg. I nearly fell, but I directed the wind to regain my balance and reinforced my Borg, regenerating it.
My mental power surged as my eyes and Haki scanned the surroundings. But the enemy was nowhere in sight.
However, I noticed something—tiny currents of electricity were surging through the wires, traveling rapidly away.
"His speed is greater than I expected."
I approached Peter. "Love, I'm fine, ack—"
I saw him clutch his chest, and even without seeing it, I knew he was injured from the high-voltage shocks.
Without hesitation, I activated my ring's power. A pink Phenex appeared above me, its wings wrapping around Peter, rapidly healing all his injuries. Just as when I had helped my father, I was grateful to have acquired such an effective healing ability.
Seeing his expression improve, I deactivated the ring and turned toward the direction of the escaping energy. This entire situation deeply irritated me—especially thinking about Peter's injuries.
"Anturian, investigate any unusual power losses or energy surges in the city. Report any similar occurrences."
My voice carried a cold, lethal tone.
"As you wish, Master," came the response from my Omnitrix.
"Love…" Peter's hesitant voice reached me from behind, making me smile.
"It's okay. We'll find him later. We also need to come up with a more efficient way to contain his abilities and prevent his escape."
I teleported us back to the hideout so we could rest and plan. Several solutions came to mind, but we would have to evaluate them later.
...
3rd POV
In the distance, a man staggered into an alley. His body was injured and exhausted, flickering between a physical form and pure energy.
"Who were those two…?"
"Especially the one who controlled ice and wind. Is he a mutant? But if so, what was that yellow energy he emitted?"
He took a deep, heavy breath, glancing to the side. Electrical wires hummed nearby.
"I will become stronger… I will absorb even more energy… Nothing will stop me."
Lightning crackled in his eyes, and the sky darkened, as if echoing his growing menace.
....
MC POV
The next day, we started designing ways to counter his attacks. Using Arthropod, I devised a few ideas, while Peter, with the help of Anturian, the minions, and my droids, began crafting them.
Meanwhile, I focused on my own strategies.
A chime echoed before me.
"Ah, the system—my trusty ally for missions and rewards."
Mission: Don't Stick Your Finger in the Socket
Objective: Defeat and seal Electro alongside Spider-Man.
Reward: Set of technological weapons: 1x Plumber Submachine Gun (Ben 10); 2x Blaster Pistols (Star Wars); 1x Ben 10 Hoverboard.
Description: A being of pure energy has appeared. He does not seem to be a mutant, but his power is high and dangerous. Be careful, especially with his ability to escape. Finding a way to contain him is crucial.
The rewards weren't great, considering the enemy's threat level, but they were still satisfying.
I closed the system screen and returned to work. Anturian was working at full capacity to track his movements. We had a good idea of his most likely destination in New York, but we were still trying to confirm it for safety reasons.
I also contacted S.H.I.E.L.D. I hadn't wanted to involve them, but I didn't have a prison for superhumans. This man wasn't a mutant either, so I couldn't hand him over to the other group.
Of course, I spoke with my father first to ensure the man wouldn't be subjected to experiments. Given the suspicions of infiltrators within S.H.I.E.L.D., this precaution was crucial.