**Chapter 18: The Unexpected Encounter**
The moon illuminated the forest as Lucas, Robin, and Maya made their way home, their hearts still racing from the victory over Shadow. They chatted excitedly about their abilities and how they could enhance them for the next challenge. Suddenly, a loud crash echoed in the distance, interrupting the group's joy.
*"What was that?"* Maya asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
*"It sounds like it's coming from the city,"* Robin replied, already preparing to investigate. *"Let's go!"*
The three friends ran toward the sound, and upon reaching the edge of the forest, they witnessed a chaotic scene: a gang of criminals was raiding a tech store. Amidst the turmoil stood a man in shining armor, skillfully fighting off the thugs with impressive agility.
*"It's Iron Man!"* Lucas exclaimed, recognizing the iconic figure. *"He's taking on those villains!"*
Without hesitation, Lucas and his friends decided to help. They joined the fray, forming an unlikely team. Robin shot his magical arrows with surgical precision, while Maya used her agility to dodge attacks and unleash bursts of energy that lit up the night.
Iron Man noticed the trio's arrival and smiled beneath his helmet. *"Looks like we have reinforcements! What are you waiting for? Let's finish this!"*
Lucas felt a surge of excitement fighting alongside a real hero. He activated his Elemental Mastery again, conjuring a storm of fire and water that engulfed the criminals in a dazzling display of lights.
*"Flame Rain!"* he shouted once more as flames danced in the air while the thugs were knocked down by his combined power.
With Iron Man's assistance—who fired his repulsors at the remaining enemies—the battle was swift. Each successful strike granted experience to the young guardians. Lucas noticed he was gaining more experience with each villain defeated.
After an intense fight, the criminals were defeated and tied up for the police to arrive. Iron Man turned to Lucas and his friends, admiring their skills.
*"You guys have talent! Have you ever thought about joining a bigger team? The world needs more heroes like you,"* he said with an encouraging smile.
Lucas was speechless for a moment. Fighting alongside Iron Man was something he had never imagined. *"We are the Guardians! And we will continue fighting for good!"*
After some encouraging words and a brief mutual thank you, Iron Man flew away in his shining suit, leaving the young heroes inspired and energized.
As they walked home under the bright stars, Lucas felt stronger than ever. The battle not only increased his experience but also solidified his determination to protect those who could not defend themselves.
**Lucas's Status**
- **Name:** Lucas
- **Level:** 13
- **Experience:** 30% to next level (gained 15% from battle with Iron Man)
- **Magic Power (MP):** 2700
**Skills:**
- **Elemental Mastery:** 110
- Fire: 95
- Water: 100
- Earth: 80
- Air: 95
- Ether: 100
- Light: 85 (increased after defeating Shadow)
- Shadows: 60
- **Hand-to-Hand Combat:** 90
- **Firearms Proficiency:** 85
- **Combat Strategy:** 85
**Additional Status:**
- **Strength:** 150 (increased after defeating Shadow)
- **Resistance:** 110 (increased after defeating Shadow)
- **Agility:** 95
- **Magical Intelligence:** 130 (increased after defeating Shadow)
**Inventory:**
- Green Potion (recovers 30% HP)
- Sacred Artifact (first artifact found)
- Blue Artifact (second artifact found)
- Red Artifact (third artifact found)
- Shadows Artifact (recovered after defeating Shadow)
And thus continued the journey filled with challenges and discoveries for Lucas and his friends—true guardians armed with powerful artifacts ready to face any adversity!