In the streets of Technopia, the chaos of the fire's aftermath was reaching its peak. The sirens of the emergency droids were screaming, and the crowds near the Modern Bridge were cheering for the five friends.
Then, everything stopped.
It wasn't just the noise that ceased; it was reality itself. A bird, mid-flight above the scorched remains of School – 4, remained suspended in the air. A falling drop of water from Robert's rescue gear hung like a diamond, unmoving. The flames of the dying fire froze into orange sculptures.
The people of Technopia—the teachers, the children, and even the Technoking—turned into living statues. Only Erif, Donald, Tom, Robert, and Micheal remained mobile, looking around in bewilderment as the vibrant world turned into a silent, colorless photograph.
"What is this?" Robert whispered, reaching out to touch a frozen raindrop. "Tom, is this one of your experiments?"
"Impossible," Tom replied, his scientific mind racing. "Physics doesn't just... quit."
Before they could speak another word, a blinding white light erupted from the center of the city hall. A gravitational pull, gentle yet irresistible, caught them. In the blink of an eye, the asphalt of Technopia vanished, replaced by the shimmering, crystalline floors of the God's Assembly.
They stood before a throne made of starlight. Seated upon it was the Supreme God, his presence so immense that even Erif, usually the first to shout, found his breath taken away.
"Heroes of Technopia," the God spoke, his voice sounding like the harmony of a thousand instruments. "I have watched your courage. I have seen your kindness toward the smallest of my creations. The universe of ILTAW is dying, and its balance must be held by hands that do not tremble."
He raised five glowing orbs of pure energy.
"Erif," the God declared. A sphere of roaring crimson fire drifted toward the angry young man. It sank into his chest, and his eyes momentarily flared with the heat of a sun. "You are Erif Ignus. The flame of justice is yours."
"Donald," the God continued. A sphere of heavy, golden-brown light moved to the naturalist. As it merged with him, Donald felt the weight and strength of the mountains enter his limbs. "You are Donald Lithness. The foundation of the earth is yours."
One by one, the others were transformed. Tom received the jagged, sparking blue energy of Tom Tonitrus (Thunder). Robert felt the cool, fluid power of Robert Aqua (Water) flow into his veins. Micheal was enveloped by the invisible, swirling force of Micheal Ventus (Wind).
As the power settled, the Supreme God leaned forward, his expression grave. "With these gifts come the Sacred Precautions. To break them is to invite the darkness."
He spoke the ten laws that would govern their new lives:
Never misuse your powers.
Never expose your faces while using your gifts.
Never walk the path of evil.
Never harm the innocent.
Never believe the lies of the Evil Supreme God or Iqtadar.
Never seek profit from your divinity.
Never use your powers unnecessarily.
Always fight against the shadows.
Never attempt to cheat the Creator.
Be cautious, for your powers will evolve only when you are qualified.
"Go now," the God commanded. "The Evil Supreme God has already noticed your awakening. He will come for you, and he will use your hearts against you."
A final flash of light blinded them. When their vision cleared, they were back in Technopia. The bird finished its flight, the water drop fell, and the sirens resumed their scream. To the world, not a second had passed.
But as Erif looked at his hand, a small spark of flame flickered between his fingers. It wasn't just a gadget anymore. It was a part of him.
"We need a base," Donald said, his voice deeper and more grounded than before. "And we need to hide who we are."
The Five Friends were gone. The Gods of Elements had arrived.