Chapter 7 - Episode 7: The Corrupted Core

The journey back to Earth was swift, but the sense of foreboding that clung to Ben and Diagon grew with each passing moment. They arrived just outside of Bellwood, the familiar landscape now tainted with an unsettling stillness. The air crackled with residual energy, and a faint, acrid smell hung in the air. "Something's wrong," Ben said, his senses on high alert. Diagon nodded, his gaze sweeping across the horizon. "The energy…it's concentrated in the city center." They approached Bellwood cautiously, their powers at the ready. As they entered the city, they were met with a scene of utter chaos. Buildings were crumbling, vehicles were overturned, and the streets were deserted. But it wasn't just the physical damage that was unsettling. It was the atmosphere, the feeling of dread that permeated the air. It was as if the very soul of Bellwood had been corrupted. Suddenly, they were attacked. Twisted, monstrous figures emerged from the shadows, their eyes glowing with an eerie light. They were the citizens of Bellwood, transformed by Malakor's lingering influence. Ben and Diagon fought back, using their powers to subdue the corrupted citizens without causing them permanent harm. But the attacks were relentless, the numbers seemingly endless. They were being overwhelmed. "We need to find the source of the corruption," Diagon said. "This is just a symptom." Ben agreed. He focused his senses, trying to locate the center of the disturbance. He felt a strong energy signature emanating from the Plumber headquarters, the very place where he had started his heroic journey. "It's the Plumber HQ," Ben said. "That's where Malakor's influence is concentrated." They fought their way towards the Plumber HQ, battling through hordes of corrupted citizens. As they neared their destination, the attacks intensified. The corrupted citizens were becoming more powerful, more aggressive. They were being pushed to their limit. Finally, they reached the Plumber HQ. The building was in ruins, its once proud facade now crumbling and decaying. The air around it was thick with dark energy. They entered the building cautiously, their weapons at the ready. As they ventured deeper into the HQ, they discovered the source of the corruption. In the center of the main chamber, a pulsating core of dark energy throbbed with malevolent intent. It was Malakor's lingering influence, amplified and concentrated into a single point. The core was radiating a wave of energy that was corrupting everything around it, transforming the citizens of Bellwood into monstrous puppets. "That's it," Ben said. "That's what's causing all this." "We need to destroy it," Diagon said. "But it's heavily shielded. We'll need a powerful attack." Ben nodded. He transformed into Alien X, ready to unleash his full power. But as he prepared to attack, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Albedo, his eyes glowing with the same eerie light as the corrupted citizens. He was under Malakor's control. "Tennyson," Albedo hissed. "I have been waiting for you." He raised his hand, unleashing a blast of energy towards Ben. Ben dodged the attack, but Albedo was relentless. He unleashed a barrage of attacks, each more powerful than the last. Ben struggled to defend himself and Diagon, his power stretched to its limit. He knew that he couldn't fight Albedo and destroy the core at the same time. He had to make a choice. "Diagon," Ben said. "I need you to destroy the core. I'll handle Albedo." Diagon nodded, his expression grim. He charged towards the core, his powers surging. Albedo turned his attention to Diagon, unleashing a wave of energy towards him. Ben intercepted the attack, shielding Diagon from the blast. He engaged Albedo in combat, their powers clashing in a fierce battle. The Plumber HQ trembled as the two Galvanic Mechamorphs fought, their attacks tearing apart the already weakened structure. Meanwhile, Diagon reached the core. He focused his will, channeling his energy. He unleashed a powerful attack, shattering the shields that protected the core. The core was exposed, vulnerable. But just as Diagon prepared to destroy it, a figure emerged from within the core itself. It was Malakor, or rather, a manifestation of his will, a phantom image brought to life by the dark energy. "You cannot destroy me," Malakor said, his voice echoing through the chamber. "I am eternal. I am inevitable." He lunged at Diagon, his hand outstretched. Diagon braced himself for the attack, but it never came. Suddenly, a figure stepped between them. It was Gwen, her eyes glowing with mana energy. She had managed to break free of Malakor's control, and she was ready to fight. "Get away from him!" Gwen shouted, unleashing a wave of mana towards Malakor's phantom. The mana struck the phantom, causing it to flicker and fade. But it wasn't enough to destroy it. Malakor's phantom retaliated, unleashing a blast of dark energy towards Gwen. Diagon pushed Gwen out of the way, taking the brunt of the attack. He cried out in pain, his body convulsing. He collapsed to the ground, weakened and vulnerable. Malakor's phantom turned its attention back to Diagon, preparing to deliver the final blow. But just as it was about to strike, a figure charged towards it, a blur of green energy. It was Kevin, his body transformed into a mass of hardened metal. He slammed into Malakor's phantom, sending it crashing into a nearby wall. Kevin roared in anger, his body pulsating with energy. He was ready to fight, to protect his friends. Ben, still locked in battle with Albedo, saw what was happening. He knew that he had to do something, but he was trapped. He couldn't leave Albedo, not without risking everything. But he couldn't let Malakor destroy his friends. He was torn, desperate, overwhelmed. Suddenly, he felt a surge of energy within him. He looked down and saw the Ultimatrix glowing with an intense light. It was reacting to the situation, adapting to the threat. It was offering him a new transformation, a new power. He hesitated for a moment, then made his decision. He slammed his hand down on the Ultimatrix, ready to embrace whatever new form it offered. As the green energy engulfed him, Ben braced himself for the transformation. But this time, something was different. This time, it felt…wrong. The energy was unstable, chaotic. It was as if the Ultimatrix was being corrupted by Malakor's influence. Ben screamed in agony, his body twisting and contorting. He was losing control, his mind fracturing. He felt himself being pulled in two directions, torn between his own will and Malakor's influence. He was becoming something…else. Something…darker. As the transformation completed, Ben stood before his friends, his eyes glowing with an eerie light. He was no longer Ben Tennyson, the hero. He was something else entirely. As the corrupted Ben turned towards Gwen and Kevin, a chilling smile spread across his face. "Hello, friends," he said, his voice distorted and menacing. "Let's have some fun." The question hung heavy in the air: could Ben possibly overcome Malakor's corruption, or would he become the very thing he had sworn to destroy? And could Gwen and Kevin possibly stand against their friend, now twisted into a weapon of unimaginable power? As the corrupted Ben prepared to unleash his newfound abilities, the fate of Bellwood, and perhaps the entire universe, hung precariously in the balance. The battle for Ben Tennyson's soul had just begun, and the stakes had never been higher.