The Summit of Resolve

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Three years had passed since that fateful day at Oni, and two years had passed since Benji disappeared following a near defeat at the hands of Sentry Prime. The memories of battles fought together faded into a distant echo, replaced by a nagging worry that lingered like a storm cloud over Mira, Daichi, and the others.

In that time, the remaining members of Oni had continued their work, facing threats that required all their strength and unity. Peacebringer and Kitsune led the team with unwavering resolve, drawing on their experiences and cosmic powers to keep the city safe. Yet, even in their triumphs, there was a palpable absence—a hole where Benji's fierce spirit and godlike abilities should have been.

Meanwhile, on the frozen heights of Mount Everest, Benji was no longer the boy who had been thrust into battle. He had transformed. The harsh winds and biting cold were no match for him now; his body was an embodiment of strength, forged by the elements and his relentless training. His muscles had become sinewy and powerful, capable of enduring punishing workouts and the extreme conditions of the mountain.

He stood at the summit one crisp morning, the sun rising behind him, casting a golden hue over the endless sea of white. As the light broke upon his face, he felt the surge of Divine Energy coursing through him, a warmth that contrasted sharply with the icy air around him. This power was not just an extension of his energy abilities; it was a transformation that elevated him beyond the mortal realm. He could feel it thrumming beneath his skin, ready to be unleashed at a moment's notice.

Benji closed his eyes and focused, drawing on the wellspring of energy within. In an instant, he radiated a celestial glow, the very essence of divinity. The air shimmered around him, and he felt the connection to something greater, something vast and unfathomable. He was not just Benji; he was a guardian, a force of nature.

But beneath the surface of his newfound power, a restlessness brewed. The memories of his time with the team haunted him—laughter shared, battles fought side by side, and the friendships that had grounded him. They were not just allies; they were family. And yet, he had chosen isolation, believing it was the only way to become stronger.

"Do they even think of me?" he murmured into the wind, his voice lost among the icy gusts. He had trained relentlessly, pushing himself beyond all limits, but the emptiness of solitude weighed heavily on his heart.

As the sun climbed higher, illuminating the vast expanse around him, he sensed a shift in the air. A shiver of foreboding ran down his spine, a reminder that the battle was far from over. Nemesis, the darkness that had once engulfed them, still loomed in the shadows, waiting for the moment to strike again.

In the depths of his training, Benji had learned to sense these fluctuations in energy. It was a warning, and it pierced through the tranquility he had fought so hard to cultivate. He opened his eyes and looked out over the mountain range, determination flooding through him.

"I won't let them down again," he vowed, feeling the weight of his choices. "I'll return stronger, and I will protect them."

The wind howled around him as he tapped into his Divine Energy, channeling it through every fiber of his being. With a single, powerful leap, he blinked away from the summit, the world blurring around him as he transported himself back to where he truly belonged.

As he emerged from the shimmering light, the familiar sights of Tokyo surrounded him—its vibrant chaos, the bustling streets, the sounds of life. But beneath it all, the tension was palpable, a silent reminder of the storm gathering on the horizon.

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