Steve was just settling back into his usual routine when the office door burst open. The collector rushed in, his wings flapping erratically, and his eyes wide with panic.
“What’s wrong?” Steve asked, immediately on alert.
“Twu is gone! He flew away!” the collector exclaimed, pacing back and forth.
Steve furrowed his brow. “Do you know where he went?”
“No,” the collector said, shaking his head. “But I think Twu went to Crusher Temple on Mythical Island.”
Steve raised an eyebrow. “Crusher Temple? Why would Twu go there now?”
The collector took a deep breath, his words tumbling out in a rush. “Every 100 years, the temple awakens. It’s only open for a month. But if you go in and don’t get the ancient Noobulus Trophy and leave the temple within that time, you’ll be trapped there forever.”
Steve leaned back, considering the enormity of the task. “So, you want me to bring Twu back and get the Noobulus Trophy?”
“Yes! Please, you’re the only one who can do it,” the collector pleaded.
Steve sighed, grabbed his gear, and prepared for yet another dangerous journey. With his magic bag packed and determination in his heart, he took off toward Mythical Island.
The Journey to Crusher Temple
After a grueling day of swift and relentless flying, Steve arrived at Crusher Temple. The structure was ancient, its stone walls covered in moss and carvings that seemed to pulse with an eerie energy. The entrance loomed ahead, dark and foreboding. As he approached, Steve heard a faint, familiar chatter echoing from within.
“Twu,” he muttered to himself. “I know that’s you.”
Without hesitation, he stepped inside. Suddenly, the stone floor beneath him shifted, carrying him forward on a conveyor-like path. The air grew heavy as Steve spotted two spinning blades on either side of the narrow corridor. A sign loomed overhead:
“Arm Shredders.”
The floor began to accelerate, the blades spinning faster. Steve tucked his arms tightly against his body and flattened his wings as much as he could. One blade grazed his left wing, leaving a deep cut. Pain shot through him as he gritted his teeth and pushed forward. Flying was no longer an option.
The corridor opened into a larger chamber, where another ominous sign awaited him:
“Head Crusher.”
Steve stopped in his tracks, carefully studying the massive crusher that slammed down from above at regular intervals. He timed it carefully, walking backward to position himself for the perfect moment. When the crusher rose again, Steve sprinted forward and leapt across just as it came crashing down behind him. His heart pounded, but he kept moving.
The Lava Pit and the Fire Gauntlet
Next, Steve faced a pit of bubbling lava. He paused, calculating the distance, and then jumped as far as he could. He instinctively tried to flap his wings for extra lift, but the pain from his injured wing grounded him. Despite the setback, he barely managed to clear the pit.
The next challenge was marked by a sign that read:
“Side Crushers.”
Steve watched as massive stone walls slammed inward, threatening to crush anything in their path. He waited for the perfect moment, then darted through as quickly as he could, his heart racing.
Just as he thought he’d caught a break, a wall of fire erupted in front of him. The flames shot straight up, covering the lower half of the corridor. Steve jumped over the flames, attempting a flip, but the heat scorched his already injured wing. He winced in pain but pressed on.
The final obstacle was a freezing blast descending from above. This time, he used his wings as a shield, letting the icy air cool the burn and soothe the cut. Though the frost stung, it gave him enough relief to continue. He narrowly avoided a set of grinding gears by leaping just in time, finally reaching the end of the moving floor.
The conveyor halted abruptly, and Steve felt himself being lifted upward. As he ascended, he spotted two objects in the chamber above: Twu and the Noobulus Trophy. Both glowed faintly, as if waiting for him.
The Escape
Steve wasted no time. As soon as he reached the top, he grabbed Twu, gently securing the creature in his magic bag, and tucked the Noobulus Trophy beside it. Suddenly, the floor beneath him tilted, sending him sliding down a funnel. Spinning blades whirred dangerously at the exit, but with a burst of effort, Steve spread his wings just enough to glide through the narrow opening. He tumbled out of the temple’s front door, which slammed shut behind him with a deafening thud. The temple was sealed once more, its secrets hidden for another century.
Steve lay on the ground for a moment, catching his breath. The humid air of Mythical Island felt oddly comforting after the chaos inside the temple. Clutching his magic bag, he began the journey back to Bat City.
The Return
After a few exhausting days, Steve finally arrived home. He trudged into his office, where the collector was anxiously waiting.
“You’re back!” the collector exclaimed. “Did you… did you find them?”
Steve opened his bag and carefully pulled out both the Noobulus Trophy and Twu. The collector stared in disbelief.
“You actually got them both?” the collector gasped. “No one has ever made it out of Crusher Temple alive, much less with the Noobulus Trophy and Twu!”
Steve shrugged. “Guess I’m just good at my job,” he said with a faint smile, though the weariness in his voice betrayed just how close the mission had been.
After handing over the trophy and Twu, Steve returned home. He collapsed into his hammock, the familiar hum of Bat City lulling him to sleep. For now, the city was safe, and Steve’s work as the Bat Detective could rest—at least until the next challenge came knocking.