Winds of Freedom

Chapter 8: Iron Valley Zone

Chapter 8: Iron Valley Zone

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Dragon Valley – Iron Valley, Noon Hours

The metallic clang of Sonic's shoes striking the cold, steel floor reverberated through the dimly lit corridors of Iron Valley. The industrial zone, with its harsh, mechanical ambiance, was a stark contrast to the lush greenery of Dragon Valley outside. The flickering lights cast eerie shadows along the halls, with the hum of machinery creating an ominous backdrop. But despite the menacing setting, what they encountered was far from the dangerous fortress they had expected—it was, quite frankly, underwhelming.

Sonic zipped ahead, effortlessly dodging obstacles and traps that seemed more like afterthoughts than genuine threats. "Iron Valley," he muttered with a wry grin, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "More like Boredom Alley. Come on, Eggman, I expected better! Minus one for originality!"

Lilac followed close behind, deflecting a series of saw blades with her Cyclone attack, her twin tails whipping around like a whirlwind. "Yeah, where's the challenge? Minus two for presentation!" she added, her tone tinged with disappointment.

Carol, riding her red motorcycle with practiced ease, leapt over and narrowly avoided a missile that exploded just behind her. "This place has all the charm of a rusted can opener—minus one point seven for guest accommodations!" she quipped.

Sonic came to a halt, skidding to a stop as he turned to Tails, who was flying alongside him. "Well, Tails, what's the verdict?"

Tails tapped his chin thoughtfully, a playful smile on his face. "Let's see... Minus fourteen from Sonic, minus eighteen from Lilac, and minus twenty-one point seven from Carol. And I'll throw in a bonus minus ten for the dubious structural integrity." He grinned. "Iron Valley now has a score of minus sixty-three point six, ranking lower than Marble Zone."

Sonic whistled, shaking his head in disappointment. "Guess Iron Valley isn't winning any awards anytime soon." He turned his gaze upward, addressing the absent villain. "C'mon, Eggman! These girls want to have the full evil base experience!" He gestured toward Lilac and Carol, who both nodded in agreement.

As they advanced through the seemingly deserted corridors, Tails' expression grew more serious. He glanced around with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. "It's strange, though. Robotnik usually has his bases heavily guarded. We haven't seen a single Badnik since we got here."

"Maybe he's slacking?" Carol suggested.

Lilac frowned, her eyes narrowing as she observed the surrounding metal walls. "No, Tails is right. Something feels off. Torque mentioned that Robotnik's been here for weeks. He would've had time to set up proper defenses." Her gaze drifted to the walls, where parts of the mountain's natural rock exterior were still visible beneath the metal plating, suggesting a hastily constructed base.

Sonic shrugged, unfazed by the apparent lack of danger. "Whatever it is, we'll handle it." He flashed a confident grin at the group.

As they continued through the corridors, the eerie stillness of the base began to wear on them. Aside from the occasional laser trap or missile, the complex was surprisingly hollow—lacking the usual intensity of Robotnik's other strongholds.

Eventually, they came to a dead-end corridor, confusing the group. But before they could decide on their next move, they found themselves face-to-face with a lone Motobug, idling in the middle of the hallway.

Sonic cracked his knuckles, ready to charge. "Finally, some action!"

"Dibs!" Before he could move, Lilac dashed forward, her Dragon Boost turning her into a streak of purple as she rammed into the Motobug, smashing it into pieces. She turned back with a smirk, playfully sticking her tongue out at Sonic.