The Adventures of Mighty Zander

Leo woke up in the cell, groggy and confused. A woman stood in the shadows, her eyes sharp.

"Who are you?" he croaked.

"That’s not important," she said coolly. "What matters is that you come with me."

She gestured for him to follow, and though unsure, Leo obeyed. Outside, he blinked at the sight of Divine Troopers training in perfect sync, like a wave of power.

They walked through a grand hall lined with red carpets and golden walls. At the end, a huge door opened, leading to yet another imposing hallway. They stepped onto a platform that began to descend through the palace. Layer upon layer of rooms passed by, each more elaborate than the last. It felt like they were entering a new world with every level, the spaces shifting as they went deeper.

They stopped in front of a massive door. Venus opened it, revealing a man seated at a table, sorting through shards scattered across its surface.

"Lord Mercury," Venus said.

"Ah, Venus... and the Tiger," he replied calmly. "Leave him here. Go train the troops."

Without a word, Venus left, and Leo remained, unsure of what was to come. Mercury stood from his chair. Here's a refined version:

Mercury stood and approached Leo.

"So, Leo, I require your... assistance."

"What kind of assistance?" Leo asked, his guard up.

"Your fighting skill," Mercury said smoothly. "I've been watching you for some time now, and I believe you fit the role of someone strong... and as bloodthirsty as you."

Leo narrowed his eyes. "You've been spying on me?"

"You could say that," Mercury replied with a smirk. "In this realm, I see everything. I've watched you fight—creatures, monsters, humans... you tore them limb from limb." He paused, eyes gleaming. "I have to admit, you're incredibly ruthless."

"So, what do you want from me?" Leo asked, his voice edged with suspicion.

"You, Leo," Mercury said, eyes narrowing. "I need strong people to carry out my plan. And it just so happens that you're one of them. You will join me and help me achieve my goal."

Leo straightened, his gaze hard. "I... refuse."

"What?" Mercury's voice darkened, his expression shifting to one of cold disbelief.

"I have my own goal to achieve," Leo said firmly. "I won't help someone who took me against my will. So, I won't help you."

Mercury chuckled to himself, shaking his head. "Oh, Leo, Leo, Leo. You don't have much of a choice.I mean, I could just... you know what? I have an idea," Mercury with a sly grin spreading across his face.

With a snap of his fingers, two Divine Troopers materialized at his side.

"Take him back to the cell," he ordered, his voice low. "And torture him for a while. Maybe about thirty minutes."

In the cell, Leo's screams echoed, filled with pain. Mercury heard it and grinned, satisfied.

Time and time again, he tortured Leo, not just physically but mentally. He took Leo to a jungle and forced him to watch as he set it ablaze, killing all the tigers that resembled him. Mercury did this every day for six months, breaking Leo down piece by piece. Each torment chipped away at his spirit, until finally, Leo was a shell of his former self, utterly defeated and compliant to Mercury's will.

On that fateful day, as he stood in the ashes of the jungle, watching the charred remains of his kin, Leo understood the depth of Mercury's monstrosity.

Back in the present, Leo said, “Those were the worst times.”

Zander replied, “I’m sorry, Leo. That Mercury guy sounds awful.”

“Yeah, that was the day I was sent to kill you and your group. I wasn't in the best shape.”

“And I beat you into shape.” said Zander.

“Ha, I guess you did.” Said leo.

“I’m guessing that’s why you were captured and hanging from that pole?”

“You’re right. He found me and chose to hang me there for three years.”

“I suppose this Mercury guy is quite dangerous. How about we go after him?” said Zander

“Kill him?” Leo asked, taken aback.

“Absolutely! If he poses such a threat, we should track him down and eliminate him.” said Zander.

“I’m sorry, Zander, but your thinking seems rather dense,” Leo remarked.

“No, I’m quite intelligent,” Zander replied confidently.

“Well, that’s debatable. Mercury is an immensely powerful god. It would take a lifetime to equal his strength.” said Leo.

“I suppose you’re right,” Zander acknowledged.

“Let’s get moving, then. I’m weary of lingering in this old place,” Leo replied.

“Very well, Leo,” Zander agreed.

They set off to explore new ventures, but above them, a figure with wings soared through the sky at high speed. Clad in black raven armor and wearing a crow mask, he spotted them below.

“There they are,” he remarked, his voice echoing through the air.