The Cobra King's Return

Training before Hero Arena

The next day, the cafeteria was lively as usual, filled with the sound of clinking plates and chatter. Lily strolled in, her usual cheerful demeanor shining through. She spotted Peti, Poci, and Hokori at their table and made her way over.

"Morning, team!" Lily greeted with a bright smile as she slid into a seat next to Poci.

Peti, nursing a hangover and looking worse for wear, groaned. "Ugh, do you have to be so loud in the morning?" he muttered, rubbing his temples. "Did someone invite you, or did you just follow the scent of bad coffee?"

Lily smirked. "Still rude, I see. Guess some things never change." She turned to Poci, ignoring Peti's sarcasm. "By the way, Poci, I was thinking... We should team up for the Hero Arena Fight."

Poci raised an eyebrow. "Why me?"

"Well," Lily began, "you've adapted to my electricity twice already—like that time I accidentally zapped you when you were exhausted, and you turned it into a power boost. Remember how that helped you beat Hadaki? I think we'd make a great pair."

Poci nodded after a moment of thought. "Makes sense. Alright, I'm in."

Meanwhile, Hokori gave Peti a sidelong glance. "What about you?" he asked with a smirk. "Our combined powers—the Demonos Cobra and my light abilities—worked well together before. Remember the Shadow King? And Sakuro? We could do it again, maybe even better this time."

Peti leaned back in his chair, still grumpy from the hangover. "Fine, whatever. Just don't expect me to carry you," he said, though there was a glint of amusement in his eyes.

Lily chuckled. "Peti, Hokori's going to carry you if you show up like this."

"Try me," Peti shot back, taking a sip of his water and grimacing. "But don't expect me to save your butt, either."

The group shared a laugh, the anticipation of the upcoming Hero Arena Fight buzzing in the air as they discussed strategies over breakfast.

Peti strolled into the lab, his footsteps echoing against the metallic walls. His head still throbbed from the hangover, but he pushed through, determined to get things done. Brilliant Bridgette, the genius behind most of their experimental gear, was hunched over a workbench, her goggles glinting under the bright fluorescent lights.

"Are the soundwave gloves ready?" Peti asked gruffly, rubbing his temples. "And what about Poci's growth power serum?"

Bridgette looked up, her expression a mix of pride and concern. "Yes, they're done," she said, holding up the sleek gloves, their surface gleaming faintly with an otherworldly energy. "But listen carefully, Peti. These gloves are no joke. They amplify soundwaves exponentially. If you overdo it, you could blow off your entire hand. Got it?"

Peti smirked but nodded. "Noted. And the serum?"

Bridgette handed him a small vial of glowing liquid. "This will boost Poci's powers significantly, but it's risky. She already has so much potential—this might overload her. Use it wisely, and make sure she's aware of the risks."

"Got it," Peti said, pocketing the vial. "Also, you got anything for a headache? I feel like my skull's about to split."

Bridgette rolled her eyes and tossed him a small bottle of pills. "Here. But don't mix them with alcohol, you idiot."

Peti popped a pill and left the lab, making his way to Poci. She was lounging in the training room, stretching lazily like the cat she was. Without much preamble, Peti approached her.

"Hold still," he said, holding up the vial.

"Wait, what—" Poci started, but before she could finish, Peti injected the serum into her arm. She screamed, her body convulsing as the serum coursed through her veins. Sparks of energy crackled around her, her eyes glowing momentarily before she collapsed to her knees.