《World battlefront: Era of Salvation》


 Chapter 1 the calm before the storm (1)

    A hulking, fortified compound loomed ominously in the heart of the dense, mist-choked forest. Its towering concrete walls loomed like giants, casting long shadows over the twisted, dead trees below. The air crackled with static, like a live wire barely held together. The distant, rhythmic thud of helicopter blades echoed sporadically in the eerily silent night, the sharp hum of surveillance equipment cutting through the stillness. At the center of it all stood an imposing antenna, bristling with communication arrays, its dark form a constant, watching sentinel. And surrounding it, a hundred watchtowers pierced the sky, ever-vigilant.


    Somewhere in the darkness beyond the walls, something stirred¡ªsomething that wasn¡¯t supposed to.


    Two guards leaned against the towering metal gate, rifles loosely slung at their sides. The younger man shuffled nervously on the spot, his breath misting in the cold air.


    "God, this is miserable. This place gives me the creeps," he muttered, peering over the towering walls at the forest, as though expecting something to emerge from the trees.


    "Shut it," the older guard hissed, eyes darting toward the ever-watching cameras that dotted the compound like silent sentinels. "You really wanna tempt fate and get us pulled from guard duty for complaining?"


    The younger man scoffed, nudging a small stone with his boot. "Nothing ever happens. Who¡¯s even gonna attack this place? What¡¯s the point of this damned fortress?"


    "You don¡¯t get it," the older guard snapped, voice low, urgent. "This place? It keeps the monsters out. Without the perimeter and the tech, we¡¯d be swallowed whole, faster than you can blink."


    The younger guard rolled his eyes, dismissing the warning. "Whatever," he muttered, clearly uninterested.


    Suddenly, a sharp crack split the quiet¡ªa twig breaking.


    Both men froze, every muscle tensing. Their eyes flicked to the trees beyond the gate, scanning the shadows where darkness seemed to congeal and writhe. A figure emerged from the blackness¡ªa hooded silhouette that moved with unnerving precision. Silent. Slow. But there was no mistaking it: purpose in every step.


    "Stop! You¡¯re in a restricted zone!" barked the older guard, his hand tightening on his rifle. His voice wavered just slightly, the first tremor of uncertainty making him take a step forward. "This is your last warning. Turn back, now."


    But the hooded figure didn¡¯t flinch. Didn¡¯t stop.


    Then the ground itself seemed to tremble. A sudden, deafening crash ripped through the compound as a watchtower, abandoned and now vulnerable, buckled and fell, crumbling into the earth. The air exploded with the sound of alarms, their shrill wails grinding into every inch of their nerves.


    "We¡¯ve got a breach¡ª!" The older guard''s command came too late.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    Blood sprayed¡ªcrimson and unnatural. The older guard collapsed with a wet thud, his body crumpling like ragdoll into the dirt. The younger man barely had time to react before his world plunged into darkness, his body hitting the ground with a sickening snap.


    The hooded figure stepped over the fallen guards, their bodies little more than obstacles on his way, as he entered through the now gaping, defenseless gates.


    ---


    Inside the compound, chaos erupted like a broken dam. Guards scrambled through narrow hallways, weapons clutched tightly, breaths ragged with fear. Distant gunfire erupted, echoed by muffled shouts.


    "Stop! Stop right there!" shouted a voice ahead, commanding and firm, despite the obvious nervous edge. A hundred guns rose in perfect synchronicity, trained on the figure standing in the hallway, still as death. The stranger tilted his head slightly, scrutinizing the soldiers with an unnerving calm.


    "So quick to die," he murmured softly, like one savoring a doomed offering. The air around him shifted then, vibrating with malice. From his back, four iron chains sprouted like the limbs of some ancient, monstrous creature. They slithered, creaking as if coming alive, their sharp, gleaming tips catching the overhead lights.


    A commander roared through the chaos. "FIRE!"


    A hundred shots echoed through the narrow space¡ªa storm of bullets filling the air, ricocheting off the coils of chains. But the figure didn¡¯t so much as flinch as the onslaught clanged off the metallic barriers he raised.


    *Click click*¡ªempty magazines.


    Time seemed to slow as panic bloomed. Soldiers scrambled to reload, hearts racing, hands shaking. Then, the air shimmered with dangerous anticipation.


    "No more games," the stranger whispered.


    The chains shifted, their form warping into thousands of needle-like spikes, their razor edges reflecting the glow of the overhead lights. A sharp, sinister flick of his wrist sent them soaring forward.


    The sound of screams filled the hallway, the tragic chorus of metal meeting flesh, bodies dropping like shattered mannequins.


    Suddenly, a thunderous *crash* shattered the killing frenzy.


    Dust billowed through the air as something massive crashed into the floor¡ªan enormous mech, towering over all. Its crimson eyes glowed bright, ferocious against the encroaching dark, its powerful metal limbs scraping against the floor.


    [Target identified.]


    The robotic voice was cold, unfeeling, as mechanical jaws clicked in readiness, its fists tightening.


    The hooded figure didn¡¯t flinch. His gaze met the monstrous machine''s with a strange, twisted amusement. "Well, well¡­ what do we have here?" His voice was taunting, laden with a malice that hung in the air, suffocating all who heard it.


    Then another presence approached from behind¡ªthe muscular form of a man, taller, broader, his armor straining under the sheer size of him. "Finally, some fun!" he shouted, a wide grin flashing. "Let¡¯s see if we can take this thing down, huh?" His fists clenched in eager anticipation.


    The ground quaked as the man lunged forward, meeting the mech¡¯s massive fist with a vicious collision. The shockwave of the impact sent debris and bodies scattering.


    The mech staggered, sparks flying as its servos screamed in protest, before quickly regaining its stance to charge again.


    "That¡¯s more like it!" The man¡¯s voice held a laugh, his movements a blur of motion as he dodged and weaved with astonishing speed. His foot struck with surgical precision, snapping the mech¡¯s leg joint with an earsplitting crunch.


    ---


    In the control room, the atmosphere was thick with desperation. Officers shouted in vain, faces drawn with panic as monitors flickered wildly, displaying carnage outside. The alarms were deafening¡ªunnerving in their insistence.


    "Send a distress signal!" The commander''s voice rose above the din. "Activate everything¡ªNOW!"


    Suddenly, a loud *clank* rang through the room, resonating from beyond the reinforced doors. They shook under an unseen weight.


    "Barricade the entrance! Quick, move!" the commander ordered, a steely look in his eyes as his men scrambled, using desks, furniture¡ªanything they could find¡ªto block the door.


    Silence descended once more. The world seemed to hold its breath.


    "Did it leave?" one soldier asked, his voice trembling.


    A low, guttural odor filled the room, thick and metallic. One soldier bent over, coughing violently before blood spurted from his mouth, a horrible sight in the stillness.


    "Poison gas!" someone screamed, panic washing over them as they tore at their equipment, struggling to protect themselves.


    But it was too late.


    *CRASH*¡ªthe doors exploded inward. Metal fragments sprayed like deadly confetti, monitors exploded, bodies were thrown like ragdolls against the walls.


    Footsteps.


    Slow, deliberate. Closer with each agonizing second.


    The commander¡¯s sword was already drawn, his face grim but determined.


    He had known this day would come. He only hoped it would end better than he feared. His thoughts shifted quickly to his son¡ªthe boy waiting back home. But before he could blink, the door slammed open.


    And death entered.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 2 the calm before the storm (2)

    Tension thickened the air, settling like a suffocating fog. The commander stood frozen, every muscle coiled in anticipation, blade gripped so tightly his fingers ached with the strain. His gaze never left the figure in front of him. ¡°Mordred¡¯s Solace.¡± His voice was a low, gravelly growl, tinged with rage, but underlined by something darker¡ªsomething almost primal. ¡°Bold of you to show your face, traitor.¡±


    The man before him was a ghost, his figure shrouded in the dim light of the underground chamber. A mask obscured most of his features, but his eyes¡ªthose glowing red eyes¡ªburned through the darkness like embers from a dying fire. The black hair that framed his face seemed to absorb the light, adding to the eerie presence he exuded. Mordred¡¯s chuckle was like the crack of ice, cold and hollow. ¡°Traitor?¡± He tilted his head, his voice soft but mocking. ¡°I prefer ¡®freedom fighter.¡¯¡±


    The commander¡¯s heart pounded in his chest, a frantic rhythm that clashed with the cold, calculating calm of his foe. His instincts screamed to strike, but the weight of memories, of years of this every man being called a hero, held him in place. His grip on his sword tightened, the blade trembling as if it too sensed the agony of what was to come. ¡°Freedom fighter?¡± he spat, the words bitter on his tongue. ¡°You¡¯re no hero. You¡¯re the one who slaughtered innocent lives. The massacre¡ªbecause of you and your comrades, how many are dead?¡±


    Mordred¡¯s head tilted slightly, eyes unreadable. His voice, serene and unbothered, was like a knife cutting through the tension. ¡°Necessary sacrifices,¡± he said, his words so carefully chosen they stung like poison. ¡°For a better world.¡±


    ¡°Sacrifices?¡± The commander''s voice cracked, fury bubbling up from the depths of his soul. ¡°You¡¯ve gone mad!¡± Without warning, the world shattered. Mordred''s blade moved in a blur, a streak of silver that sliced through the air. Pain exploded in the commander''s body. His scream echoed off the concrete walls as the blade cleaved his arm clean off, severing muscle and bone with effortless precision. Blood erupted from the stump in thick, spraying arcs, painting the floor a deep crimson. His sword clattered to the ground with a hollow ring, swallowed by the chaos of his agony.


    Mordred stood over him, an almost casual observer to the destruction he''d wrought. He wiped the blood from his blade onto the commander¡¯s cloak, the action disturbingly deliberate. ¡°Interrupting me... how rude,¡± he murmured. His eyes flicked down to the severed arm, which twitched unnaturally. With cold detachment, Mordred picked it up, his fingers pressing it against the security panel on the wall.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    [Access granted.]


    The voice of the security system was mechanical, emotionless, and utterly indifferent to the suffering unfolding. It was a stark contrast to the commander''s ragged gasps, the sound of which seemed to fill the room with desperation. Mordred¡¯s red eyes gleamed as he turned back, his smirk hidden beneath the mask. The commander writhed, clutching the stump of his arm, eyes wide with terror and pain. ¡°You¡­¡± he hissed through gritted teeth, voice trembling. ¡°I¡¯ll... kill you.¡±


    Mordred¡¯s response was silence. He didn¡¯t need words. His boots clanged on the concrete floor as he stepped closer, the sound like a death knell in the tense air. He stooped, collecting the commander''s fallen blade as if it were an afterthought, inspecting it with a dispassionate gaze. ¡°Let¡¯s put an end to this, shall we?¡±


    The world held its breath. The commander''s eyes widened, panic flickering in his gaze. Time stretched as realization dawned, and then, with the swift motion of a predator, Mordred brought the blade down.


    Thud¡ª!


    The commander¡¯s headless body collapsed with a sickening squelch, the sound amplified by the vast, empty room. Blood pooled beneath him, creeping slowly across the concrete floor like a dark tide, staining everything it touched. The echo of his fall was swallowed by an oppressive silence.


    Mordred stood still for a long moment, his eyes fixed on the growing pool of blood. The air was thick with the scent of iron. ¡°Ah,¡± he muttered, almost as though he had forgotten something. ¡°You three.¡± In the shadows, three soldiers trembled, their faces ashen, their eyes wide with terror. One of them whispered, barely audible, ¡°P-please¡­ spare us.¡± Another broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. ¡°We¡¯ll do anything! Just let us live!¡±


    Mordred¡¯s gaze lingered on them for a moment, cold and unreadable. He extended his hand with excruciating deliberation. The blood of the fallen commander stirred, rising into the air with a sickening fluidity. It twisted and reformed, coalescing into a wicked weapon¡ªa scythe made entirely of blood. The sight was both beautiful and horrifying.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid,¡± Mordred intoned, his voice as empty and lifeless as the void between the stars, ¡°your time has come.¡± In one smooth, practiced motion, the scythe cleaved through the air, the sound of it cutting through the atmosphere a whisper of death itself.


    Thud¡ªSplash¡ª


    The soldiers¡¯ bodies crumpled, lifeless, their heads rolling from their necks with a grotesque finality. The growing pool of blood mingled with theirs, a sickening testament to Mordred¡¯s ruthlessness. Mordred, unfazed, turned back to the security panel. His fingers moved with practiced precision across the interface.


    [Removing rift shield: Confirmed.]


    Outside, the fortified building''s antennae crackled to life, sending out a signal so powerful it made the air itself tremble. The city¡¯s shimmering barrier, once a symbol of protection, flickered and sputtered, then collapsed entirely. The light sputtered out like a dying star, leaving only the darkening sky in its wake. Distant explosions shook the earth, the sound like the rumble of an approaching storm. Mordred stepped toward the window, watching the chaos unfold with quiet satisfaction. His red eyes gleamed, and though no one could see his smile beneath his mask, it was there, hidden in the shadows.


    ¡°Let the blood of the fallen pave the way for the New World.¡±


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 3 A boys wish

    In a classroom, a boy stares at the bluish sky. He leans back in his chair, doodling on the desk without a specific purpose, his eyes drifting out the window. "Man, I wish I could have some excitement." Rei''s gaze lingers on the students outside. Their laughter echoes like a distant melody, a reminder of the thrill he craved. "Must be nice to have grace." His fingers tighten around his pen, the longing twisting into a knot of frustration in his chest.


    "I mean, why even try to become something more when I¡¯ll always be¡ª" He pauses, the words catching like a thorn in his throat. He doesn¡¯t want to admit it, even to himself. Admitting it would make it real.


    Then, someone walked up to him. "Hey, suki. How long are you gonna sit there and stare at the sky?" "Come on, let''s go! School''s finished!" A voice of a girl with black shoulder-length hair dragged him out of the classroom. Her eyes sparkled as she bounced on her toes, contrasting with Rei''s slumped posture.


    "Hey-! wait Kristine, don''t drag me like I''m some sort of luggage!" Rei remarks as the boy continues to drag him. "Oh please, you''re overreacting. You want excitement, right? Then let''s go have fun. Or am I too much of a burden for you, Rei?" She gives a playful shrug, nudging my arm before we start walking through the school hallways.


    Whoosh-


    A gust of wind whipped past them. It rustled papers and sent loose hair dancing. Then, a student ran past them at super speed. "HEY! GET BACK HERE, YOU!" another student yelled, riding a body of water as he chased the other students. From the office, a teacher shouted with frustration, ¡®For Pete''s sake! No use of powers on school grounds! How many times do I have to say this?!¡¯ as two students chased each other. A student soared overhead, using the wind to flip. I clenched my fist with a touch of tension, bitterness rising in my chest. Here I was, always on the sidelines, wanting just one moment where I could feel that rush too.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Graces, our world''s very own superpowers. It felt like a cruel joke; almost everyone around him could tap into these powers, while he stood powerless. He couldn¡¯t help but feel small, like he didn¡¯t belong in a world where strength was right at everyone else''s fingertips. The isolation settled deep, a weight pressing against his ribcage, squeezing tighter with every laugh he heard from those around him. Maybe Kristine sensed it too. She always did.


    As we walked in silence, my mind wandered off, drifting back to all the times I¡¯d tried. A sudden tap on my shoulder as I turned Kristina looked at with a worried look "Hey suki, you kinda spacing out..." I shook my head and pushed down those thoughts with urgency. "Sorry, I had something on my mind," I answered back to her, breaking away from her grip. Though she didn''t seem convinced and sighed. "I know it¡¯s tough not having a grace, but you¡¯ve still got options."


    "Like what?" I countered, irritation slipping into my voice before she spoke about becoming a magic engineer. "It''s the closest you can get to a grace after all," she countered. But her words only made the ache worse. Second-best. That¡¯s what it felt like. Another path, another thing that wasn¡¯t what he really wanted. Still, he nodded, letting her think she¡¯d helped. It wasn¡¯t her fault that he was stuck feeling like a shadow, and he didn¡¯t want her to feel the weight of it too.


    "So, what do you want to do? Suki?" she said, turning to me with a small smile. She put both hands behind her back. "Well, I don''t have any pla-" "Great! Let''s go to a cat caf¨¦ then; I bought the new volume of the novel I''ve been waiting for ages!" She then took my hand and started walking towards the school entrance.


    We walked out of the school until we stopped at the entrance. "Ah crap! I forgot my bag." "I''ll be right back, Kristine," I said. Then, I sprinted at full speed. I wasn''t as fast as the other guy with super speed. But, I was faster than the average person. "HEY! WATCH OUT!" I heard Kristine''s voice shout as I turned my head, seeing a soccer ball shot toward my face.


    "Oh crap¡ª" My thoughts filled with surprise and confusion. I turned my head to the side to avoid a direct hit to my face so I wouldn''t break my nose.


    Crash-! Thud-


    The world spun as the soccer ball struck me. Darkness enveloped me as my eyes blurred while I braced for impact.


    [End of chapter]

 Chapter 4 An Old memory

    I blinked awake, disoriented, my vision blurring as I struggled to focus. Shadows flickered around me in shapes I couldn¡¯t quite pin down. The familiar hum of voices, the echoing chatter of footsteps, and the distant clatter of lockers¡ªall of it was gone. An oppressive silence pressed down in its place, thick and unnatural.


    ¡°Huh?¡± My voice barely broke the stillness, swallowed by an air that felt as heavy as fog. The campus, usually a hive of movement and noise, had transformed into a ghost town in my absence. Shadows stretched long, twisting and warping with silent malice.


    ¡°Where is everyone?¡± I whispered, the question lingering in the silence like a fragile thread. Panic bubbled beneath my skin, pressing harder with each breath. My eyes flitted from one corner to the next, searching for signs of life. Shadows pooled around the edges of buildings, spilling across the pathways like spilled ink. Nothing moved. My pulse quickened, each heartbeat crashing against the hollow quiet. Kristine¡ªmy last hope¡ªhad promised not to leave me behind. She¡¯d sworn it. But now...


    The emptiness clawed at me, twisting in my gut. ¡°How could they?¡± I yelled, voice breaking against the walls. The echo returned, hollow, mocking my desperation. I clenched my fists, forcing myself to swallow the rising dread. I could almost hear her laughter¡ªwarm, familiar, but fading, like the last notes of a song. She wouldn¡¯t just leave¡­ would she?


    ¡°Was it someone¡¯s grace?¡± I muttered, pacing in slow, tight circles. Graces had their limits¡ªthey couldn¡¯t erase people or wipe them from existence without a trace. The thought planted an uneasy seed in my mind, one that twisted and grew as dread slithered through my veins.


    And then the ground shook beneath me.


    A deep, guttural growl resonated up from the earth, like the groaning of something monstrous buried deep. It rolled through my legs, rattling up my spine. Trees swayed violently, their branches thrashing in the windless silence as leaves tore loose, spiraling down like dark omens. Birds exploded from the treetops in a frenzy, their cries like fractured glass piercing the stillness. Dust rose around me in swirling clouds, stinging my eyes and catching in my throat.


    ¡°An earthquake?¡± I gasped, bracing myself against the pulsing ground. The vibrations increased, a thick, unnatural energy thrumming beneath the surface. I stumbled, clutching onto a tree for balance as the quaking intensified¡ªthen stopped abruptly, vanishing into the same silence as before.


    The stillness returned, even thicker and more suffocating. My legs gave out, and I sank onto a bench, the rough wood pressing hard against my back. I sucked in a shaky breath, heart hammering as tension lingered heavy in the air. And that¡¯s when the memory surfaced¡ªKristine.


    ***


    The clacking of wooden swords echoed around the Kendo dojo, punctuated by sharp grunts as I pushed through my final set of strikes. Sweat beaded down my brow, my limbs heavy, muscles protesting each move.


    With one last swing, I lowered my shinai, catching my breath as the instructor dismissed us. "Good work, Moutsuki," he nodded, and I gave a brief bow before slipping off my helmet. A refreshing coolness settled over me as I moved to the edge of the dojo, grabbing my towel and water bottle.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    As I stepped out into the late afternoon sun, the world seemed louder¡ªthe chatter of students, laughter, plans for after school. I blended into the crowd, savoring the post-training calm as I let myself drift through the bustling campus.


    Then, a voice cut through the noise. ¡°Come on, it¡¯ll be fun!¡± A boy¡¯s voice¡ªplayful, but insistent.


    ¡°For the last time, I said no!¡± a girl replied, her voice tight with fear. My steps faltered at the strain in her tone. I followed it to the source, rounding the corner. There, pressed against the wall, stood a girl with a pale face and wide, panicked eyes. A boy leaned over her, smirking, his posture radiating smug confidence.


    ¡°Pfft, you¡¯re just playing hard to get,¡± he sneered, inching closer.


    ¡°I said back off!¡± Her voice shook as she pushed him, defiance flickering through her fear. His eyes narrowed, his fist clenching with dangerous intent. Instinct took over before I could think. ¡°Stop it! That¡¯s enough!¡± I shouted, lunging forward and grabbing his wrist mid-swing. His eyes snapped to mine, darkening with fury.


    ¡°Oh, I get it. Trying to play the hero, huh?¡± He scoffed, his words dripping with disdain. ¡°Talk about¡ª¡± I cut him off with a punch to the face. He staggered back, sprawling onto the ground as the hallway fell silent around us. He didn¡¯t move. A couple of students nearby whispered, eyes wide with shock, but nobody dared to speak up.


    The girl stood against the wall, her breath coming in shallow gasps. ¡°Take care,¡± I muttered, already turning to leave.


    ¡°Wait!¡± she called, her voice shaky but growing stronger. ¡°Let me repay you.¡± Her tone shifted, a hint of resolve creeping in.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it for you,¡± I said, shrugging her off. ¡°That guy was just pissing me off.¡± But she blocked my path, arms outstretched in stubborn determination. ¡°It¡¯s called common courtesy!¡± she insisted, her voice gaining confidence. ¡°Let me repay you.¡±


    With a sigh, I gave in. ¡°Fine. If it¡¯ll get you to stop bugging me, then sure.¡±


    Her face lit up with a small, triumphant smile. ¡°Great.¡± Without warning, she grabbed my arm and led me down the hall. Her energy was infectious, despite everything. We stopped at a small storefront, its sign shining in the late afternoon light. "Neko''s Cat Caf¨¦," it read, in warm, inviting letters.


    ¡°A cat caf¨¦? Really?¡± I raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°What? I never told you where I was taking you!¡± she replied, smirking as she held the door open. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t be shy. They won¡¯t bite¡­ unless you deserve it.¡± She flashed a playful grin, ushering me inside. Warmth and the scent of coffee washed over me, mingling with the soft hum of purring cats. Cats lounged on cushions and perched atop climbing trees, their eyes lazily following us as we entered. A sleek black cat padded over to her, purring as it rubbed against her legs.


    ¡°You come here often?¡± I asked, noting how the cats all seemed drawn to her.


    ¡°Uh-huh! This place is practically my second home. The cats here? They adore me,¡± she said, her eyes sparkling with pride. ¡°I¡¯m their queen.¡±


    ¡°Queen, huh?¡± I leaned against the wall, struggling not to smile. ¡°And what¡¯s your royal decree?¡±


    ¡°Simple.¡± She pointed at me with dramatic flair. ¡°All visitors must pamper the cats. It¡¯s the law! Noncompliance means banishment!¡±


    ¡°Banishment? Harsh penalty,¡± I replied, amused despite myself.


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t blame me! It¡¯s a cat¡¯s world, and we¡¯re just living in it.¡± She crouched down, scratching the black cat under its chin. ¡°Besides, these little furballs know how to get what they want.¡±


    ¡°Cute,¡± I muttered, letting a small smile slip.


    ¡°Right?¡± She glanced up, catching my expression. Her eyes twinkled with playful intent. ¡°But you know what¡¯s even cuter?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You, pretending not to be a cat person.¡± She pointed a finger at me, her grin growing wider.


    ¡°I¡¯m not pretending!¡± I replied, crossing my arms.


    ¡°Sure, sure. Just wait till Mr. Fluffykins works his magic.¡± She lifted the black cat, cradling it. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s order.¡±


    We approached the counter, placed our orders, and took seats at a small table. She set the black cat on my lap with a conspiratorial grin. ¡°There! You¡¯re officially under royal orders.¡± The cat rubbed its head against me, and I sighed, finally relenting to pet it.


    ¡°Aha! You¡¯re now a servant of the kingdom.¡± She paused, her face softening. ¡°By the way, I don¡¯t know your name.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Rei. Rei Moutsuki,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Rei... I like it,¡± she said, beaming. ¡°I¡¯m Kristine. Kristine Lay. So, we¡¯re friends now, right?¡± She held out a hand, and after a moment, I shook it. ¡°Sure.¡± Her smile widened, pure delight on her face. ¡°Yay! Can I call you Suki?¡±


    My heart skipped a beat, but I nodded. ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°Awesome! You won¡¯t regret this, Suki!¡± she cheered, and the name felt warmer than I expected. My chest tightened, and I quickly glanced away, hoping she wouldn¡¯t notice the flush on my cheeks.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 5 fight for survival (1)

    I shake off the memory of Kristine, swallowing the guilt that gnaws at me. "I¡¯ll be with you soon, Kristine," I whisper, struggling to keep my voice steady. The empty halls of the school feel suffocating, as if they¡¯re closing in around me. I jump up from the bench, desperate to break free. "I¡¯m getting out of this hellhole." My jaw sets with a burst of determination¡ªno more feeling sorry for myself. I need out of this nightmare, a fresh start, somewhere far from the shadows that linger here.


    Boom¡ª!


    A deafening explosion rips through the air, shaking the walls. My heart skips. I grit my teeth, trying to calm myself, though every fiber of me screams to get away. "What''s up with this damn place?" I mutter, resisting the instinct to bolt in the other direction. I don¡¯t have to check it out, but something makes my feet start moving toward the source. Curiosity, or recklessness. It¡¯s like I¡¯m tied to this place, bound to its chaos. I tell myself it¡¯s a look¡ªbut it feels like walking into a trap I can''t resist.


    As I get closer, the air grows colder, oppressive, as though the warmth is being stolen right from me. A shiver creeps down my spine. "What next?" I whisper, half hoping for an answer. This chill isn¡¯t cold¡ªit¡¯s wrong, like the world itself is warning me to turn back. I slow my steps, the weight of dread sinking in. But I press forward, despite every instinct telling me this isn¡¯t a mystery worth solving. Part of me wants to leave, but I¡¯m already in too deep, and the thought of retreat tastes like cowardice.


    The explosion had sounded close, somewhere in the school garden. I reach the spot, my heart pounding, but the air remains in an unsettling calm. No fire. No smoke. The heavy scent of flowers¡ªvibrant and cloying, almost mocking the tension in the air. It feels like a trap, and for a second, I want to turn and run. But then¡­


    Roar¡ª!


    A blood-chilling roar tears through the air, sending a fresh wave of panic through me. "Great... I just had to see what¡¯s going on," I mumble, staring at the entrance to the school, my mind waging war with itself. The roar is something primal, something that doesn¡¯t belong here. And yet, part of me wants to know what it is. What if it¡¯s not just a rift barrier malfunction¡ªwhat if it¡¯s something beyond any grace we¡¯ve seen? My mind spins, warning me that once I step inside, I might not come out. But if I walk away¡­ I¡¯ll always wonder. I take a deep breath, steadying my nerves.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Crash¡ª!


    Shadows swallow me as I cross the threshold. The school''s familiar halls become an alien, dark, silent maze. The floorboards creak under my feet, breaking the stillness. Each step echoes, each footfall driving home the choice I made to enter, but I now regret it much. Memories of brighter days drift through my mind. But, each step dims them, as if something looming ahead snuffs out the light.


    Another tremor shakes the ground; lockers rattle, lights sway. And yet, I can¡¯t stop moving forward. My instincts scream that I should turn back, but my pride won¡¯t let me. If I don¡¯t face this¡ªif I run now¡ªwhat does that make me?


    The air turns foul, thick with a stench that sends my senses into high alert. My stomach clenches. Whatever¡¯s ahead isn¡¯t human. its presence before I see it, a shadow far too large and far too close.


    Swoosh¡ª


    Something huge streaks past, out of my peripheral vision. I whirl around. But, before I can register it, it crashes down behind me, creating a crater in the floor. I freeze. There it stands: a monstrous, grotesque figure. Its jagged, dark skin glints in the dim light. Its knife-like teeth are ready to tear through flesh. Its breath rattles as it glares down at me, its blood-red eyes narrowing. Fear grabs hold of me, twisting my insides.


    Fight or flight. My mind stumbles over the choice, neither option promising survival. My muscles scream to run. But, I''m rooted to the spot. I''m torn between retreating and proving I''m not a helpless victim. If I try to fight, there¡¯s a good chance I won¡¯t make it, but if I flee¡­ the shame of turning my back eats at me. Pride. It claws at me, tells me to stand my ground, to show that I¡¯m not afraid. But deep down, I know I am.


    My hands tremble as I scan the area. There¡¯s nowhere to hide, nowhere to go. My heart pounds, the blood rushing in my ears, drowning out everything else. "Combat¡¯s out. What now?" I whisper, swallowing the panic clawing up my throat. I search for an escape route with a sense of urgency, seeking any plan that doesn¡¯t end with me on the floor.


    The silence is crushing, broken only by the monster¡¯s heavy breaths. My mind races, weighing my chances, every second another beat of terror. If I run now, it won¡¯t give chase¡­ maybe I can make it out of here alive. But the thought of retreating and letting this moment haunt me gnaws at my mind. There¡¯s no time for hesitation. I need to decide now, to act before I lose every shred of nerve I have.


    The creature roars and lunges, closing the gap in an instant. The choice slips from my grasp. I''m left with a breath, a heartbeat, as the ground shakes beneath me. I try to will my legs to move, to choose survival over pride, but they stay frozen. The realization settles with a chilling weight¡ªI can¡¯t escape this.


    [end of chapter]

 Chapter 6 fight for survival (2)

    I stare at the monstrous beast closing in. Every second stretches endlessly, time moving like molasses. My heart pounds¡ªeach beat a brutal drum. "Why won''t you move?!" My body betrays me, frozen in place, fear tightening its grip. "I can''t die like this!" Panic claws at me, but I wrench my gaze from the creature''s feral eyes, forcing my thoughts to Kristine''s smile. That fleeting memory sparks something within me¡ªsomething fierce. I''m not done yet. Not like this.


    My limbs spring to life with a groan of protest. Every muscle feels like it¡¯s on fire, but they obey. A surge of purpose floods me¡ªnot just for myself, but for Kristine, for the people I care about.


    CRASH!


    The ground quakes as the monster''s massive fist collides with the pillar behind me. I throw myself aside, heart hammering. Dust chokes the air, mingling with the sharp scent of sweat and panic. "Way too close," I mutter under my breath.


    I glance back, dread creeping up my spine. The beast looms, blocking out the light, its thunderous steps making the very earth tremble. It¡¯s fast. Too fast. My body aches from the near miss. There¡¯s no more room for escape, but I refuse to be caught¡ªnot like this, not now.


    I scan the wreckage around me¡ªcrumbling columns, shattered stone, jagged debris. I can¡¯t outrun it, but maybe I can outsmart it. Something clicks in my mind.


    I smirk, the adrenaline pulling at my lips. "Guess running¡¯s not gonna cut it."


    I dive sideways again, narrowly dodging another crushing blow. The beast roars with unhinged fury, its gaze blazing with rage. ¡°Missed, idiot!" The taunt bursts out before I can stop it. The monster growls low, angrier now, and charges at me again¡ªblind, brutal, relentless.


    "Come on, big guy! Is that all you''ve got?" I run towards another pillar, breath coming in ragged gasps. Fear gnaws at me, but I push it down, refusing to let it show. But as I glance back, my confidence wavers. The beast is faster than it should be. ¡°Shit, how is it keeping up?"


    CRASH! THUD!


    The sound is deafening as the creature smashes into the pillar, shaking the ground beneath my feet. I barely sidestep in time, hearing the loud crack of wood splintering behind me. ¡°Need a hand with that?¡± The sharp mockery stings the air. I dart behind the next pillar, my breath ragged. It¡¯s too close now¡ªits shadow stretching long across the ruins.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got you figured out, you brute," I mutter, but there''s doubt creeping into my voice. I can feel its rage pulling at the very air around us. And then it happens. The creature¡¯s eyes narrow, a dangerous glint flickering in them. Without warning, it seizes a boulder¡ªits massive fingers crushing it as though it¡¯s paper.


    "What the hell?" I freeze, stomach dropping. This is different. The monster¡¯s adapting.


    WHOOSH!


    A gale rips through the air. Rocks shoot toward me, tearing the space between us. The whistle of deadly stone is all I hear before I dive, arms raising in an instinctual guard. The ground explodes as rocks crash into the walls, followed by a cascade of dust. My side bursts with searing pain as a jagged stone strikes, but I bite down on the scream, forcing myself upright. I can¡¯t stop. Not yet.


    Behind the column, blood slicking my cheek, I hear a sound that freezes me. The unmistakable roar of the creature uprooting something. I peek around, dread pooling in my stomach¡ªit¡¯s pulled a tree from the ground.


    The earth shudders as the monster turns, hoisting the tree with terrifying ease. "No way..." My heart sinks, vision tunneling.


    With a bellow, it hurls the tree through the air like a child¡¯s toy.


    ¡°DAMN IT!¡±


    I throw myself to the side. The tree hits with the force of a freight train, shattering the pillar like brittle wood. A shockwave shudders through the ground, and debris rains down around me. I scramble, bruised and aching, but the way ahead is narrowing, the collapse closing in.


    The creature jumps¡ªits massive shadow blotting out everything in its wake. Its fist slams down.


    I feel the blast of air just before impact. My spine shudders in terror, but by sheer instinct, I roll just out of reach. The fist lands with a deafening crack, sending a tremor of pain ripping through me. Blood bursts from my mouth. My vision flashes to white.


    "Shit... this is it.¡± The words tumble from me, a breathless, broken admission.


    The monster¡¯s fist curls around me with brutal precision. It lifts me effortlessly, like a rag doll.


    With a sickening snarl, it throws me into another pillar. My body smashes into it, the impact like a thousand sharp blades raking across my skin. My ribs scream in protest.


    It lumbers toward me, slow, deliberate¡ªeach step making the very ground moan under its weight. The air presses tight around my chest as the creature raises its massive fist.


    This is it. I won¡¯t make it. Not like this.


    But I can¡¯t stop now. Not when I can barely breathe. I twist desperately, throwing myself away from the column¡ªjust as the punch lands where I was. The column behind me splinters in two, sending rubble crashing down as the structure groans.


    My mind whirls. There¡¯s no more cover. No more room. I make a split-second decision, diving behind a broken chunk of debris¡ªmy heart thundering in my chest as the building above groans dangerously.


    Come on, come on...


    I grit my teeth, pushing past the pain, refusing to stop. Then the sound of the final crash tears through the air, deafening.


    The pillar collapses.


    And the monster with it.


    Dust clouds the air, thick and choking. I can barely breathe, but I can¡¯t afford to stop. My body screams, but I won¡¯t give in. My vision starts to fade, the weight of the collapsing ruins pressing on me.


    "Dammit, Rei... keep your eyes open," I whisper, forcing my eyelids to stay open, even as everything around me threatens to go dark. The world fades, but something keeps me fighting.


    Not yet. Not yet.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 7 long awaited gift

    I opened my eyes as someone typing on a keyboard echoed in the room. "Huh?" I rose and scanned my surroundings with care. "Am I in the nurse''s office?" I glanced over the room and, sure enough, I was definitely in the nurse''s office. Viewing the room more, a familiar face entered my vision. "Nurse Rena?" I caught her attention and said, "Oh, you''re finally awake." The nurse, glancing at me from her laptop, my gaze fixed on her, searching for answers.


    "What time is it?" I asked her when I felt a sudden throbbing pain in my head. "It''s about a quarter to five." "It would be best if you rested first," she replied, her eyes examining mine with intensity. She stood up and walked towards me. "Why exactly? So I got knocked out, huh?" raising another question as the nurse sat in a chair by my bed.


    "This might be overwhelming. Just take a look," she said, holding up a mirror to show me my face. "Huh?" A cold sweat prickled my palms. I felt icy fingers gripping my spine as I took in the surreal sight. "This can''t be... It can''t be real right..?" I looked with doubtful eyes as I looked at the mirror.


    The right side of my face, particularly my right eye, appeared distinct. "Is that a clock in my eye?" The clock seemed to pulse in my eye. Its hands froze, yet remained alive, as if time mocked my confusion. I struggled to grasp the strange reality. Observing more, the hands of the clock weren''t moving. "Wait... Then does that means...." I glanced at her, searching for confirmation.


    "You''re correct, you''ve manifested your grace," she said, studying my right eye. "Wait a second. Are you telling me that I miraculously manifested one!?" I questioned, my brow furrowing in disbelief. Seeking answers, "I can''t believe it... Just how?" Thoughts ran through my mind as I turned to the nurse with a confused yet curious expression. "I don''t get it... Did some God take pity on me?" Hundreds filled my mind as I glanced back at nurse Rena to continue.


    She nodded and dove into an explanation. "I know this must be confusing for you, but you''re a late bloomer," she expressed, leaning back in her chair. "Children usually develop a magic vessel at ages four or five. It absorbs magic particles, known as MP, which fuel our world''s powers. They serve as the foundation of graces." I nodded, my brow furrowed as I took this in. It was something we learned in school. For a graceless person like me, the information was probably of no value. I didn''t need it, but I paid attention to it anyway.


    My gaze went back to Nurse Rena as she took a quick pause in her explanation to let me clear my thoughts. "You can continue now, Nurse Rena," I stated as she gave me a quick nod and started explaining again. "Sometimes, a kid''s magic vessel is too low to store it. Or, the body absorbs too few MP to activate the grace." She finished her explanation and looked at me for questions. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Is there something you want to ask, Rei?" she asked, ready to help with any problem. As her words settled in, a wave of realization started to flow over me. My mind flashed to a memory I had wanted to forget a long time ago


    "Wait a second. A doctor told me my body had almost no MP when I was first diagnosed. So, how did I gain enough for my grace to manifest so unexpectedly?" I glanced at her to confirm. "Well, I thought so too. But I dug more and found something that might intrigue you," Nurse Rena replied. She showed me something on her table.


    "This is typically the appearance of a magic vessel core." She showed me an image of a small, yellow, spherical orb. "Now this one is what yours looks like." She switched the image to a similar previous core. When I looked closer, my eyes widened in disbelief. "Is that a core inside another core?" I questioned, looking back at Nurse Rena to confirm. "It seems so. I''ve never seen this phenomenon before. So, I don''t know the second core''s purpose." She looked back at me, looking at my reaction.


    I looked down at the sheets, my mind swirled with different emotions. "I can''t believe it... all this time I had a grace of my very own." My heart raced as disbelief mixed with hope. A wave of wonder crashed over me, leaving me breathless. It was as if I had found a long-lost part of myself. I gripped the sheets with my hands as tears dripped down my cheeks.


    Realizing the situation, she then spoke, "Well, I let you take in the news." She stood up and left the room, the sound of the door sliding shut behind her. Silence filled the space, leaving me alone with my thoughts. "All my life, people have told me that I am nothing special." My heart ached as memories flooded back of a past I didn''t want to remember. I couldn''t hold back the tears.


    A flood of childhood memories overwhelmed me. In particular, the day they deemed me graceless, the time I hoped to be close. The day they declared me graceless. I closed my eyes as my mind drifted back to a simpler time.


    ***


    In the kitchen, the sound and smell of food filled my nostrils. I tugged on my mom''s apron and asked, "Mom, can I please watch TV?" I looked at her with pleading eyes. "Fine, I''ll let you watch TV," she caressed my hair with affection; my laugh filled the room with warmth. "Yay! Thank you, Mom!" I shouted with joy as I rushed over to the living room.


    I went over to the couch, grabbed the remote, and turned the TV on to watch the news. "Ladies and gentlemen! The generation of monsters finally debuted! They defeated a catastrophe-type monster!" the reporter announced. The scene switched to a cheering crowd.


    I declared, my eyes sparkling with excitement, ''When I grow up, I want to be just like Dad and them! With a smile so bright it could light the world, I heard a giggle. Turning around, I saw Mom leaning on the kitchen doorframe, watching me with a smile on her face.


    Her teasing voice rang out. "Addicted to the news, eh?" I sprang up, bubbling with excitement. "Just wait! When I''m older, I''ll be up there too!" My eyes sparkled, fixed on that distant, glittering future.


    "Alright now, little Esper, it''s time for bed now," Mom stated, bending down and picking me up as she carried me to bed. "What? Nooo! I wanna watch more...." I objected, waving my tiny arms around. "If you want to be an Esper, Rei, you must sleep. You need to grow big and strong like them," she said. She placed me on my bed and sat next to me.


    "Awww... But I wanna stay up more," I protested, using my cuteness to convince her. "That move won''t work twice against me, dear. Tomorrow is the day you find out what your grace is," she countered, settling me on the bed. Before kissing me on my forehead. "Sweet dreams, dear," she turned off my lamp as my eyes closed.


    [End of chapter]

 Chapter 8 A mothers plead

    I sat beside my son, Rei, in the sterile hospital room, the hum of fluorescent lights pressing down on us. The walls were a lifeless white, a stark contrast to the warmth I tried to give him in every hug, every quiet laugh we shared. Now, the room smelled of antiseptic and faint traces of blood, a sharp reminder of the vulnerability I¡¯d spent his whole life trying to shield him from. The faint, relentless beeping of machines filled the silence like an unyielding countdown, each sound tugging at my heart.


    "Miss Myouga," the doctor began, his voice heavy and detached, "I''m afraid your son''s grace won¡¯t manifest." The words fell like stones, reverberating in my mind, cracking something deep inside me. I forced myself to look at Rei, my heart breaking as I saw the light in his eyes dim, like a candle being snuffed out. The dreams he had shared with me, all his hopes of becoming an Esper, seemed to drain from him in an instant, leaving behind only the shadow of a child too young to carry such disappointment.


    ¡°What do you mean by that, doctor?¡± I managed, my voice barely a whisper, each word a struggle. How could I find the strength to understand this? How could I hold the weight of this news for both of us?


    The doctor¡¯s gaze drifted to the monitor, where a pale yellow orb¡ªa representation of Rei¡¯s core¡ªpulsed weakly. It was delicate and transparent, a faint color that seemed like it might vanish at any moment. "The core structure is nearly transparent," he explained, "as if it''s fading." His tone was clinical, detached, yet I could feel his unease. His words hung in the air, bringing with them a terrifying, oppressive silence.


    My hand found Rei¡¯s, his small fingers trembling in mine. His warmth was the only real thing in that room, grounding me as fear clawed at my chest. I wanted to be strong for him, to be the unshakable mother I had promised myself I¡¯d be. ¡°Is there¡­ is there something we can do?¡± I asked, my voice breaking, the desperation slipping through despite my efforts to hold it back.


    The doctor¡¯s expression darkened as he studied the data on his screen. "We¡¯ll need more tests, and the treatment will be costly," he said, his words calculating, as if the figure that would follow could be measured against my love for Rei. ¡°Approximately 150,000 USD.¡±


    The number hit me like a punch. It loomed between us, a wall I could never hope to scale. "One hundred fifty thousand¡­¡± I repeated, the words hollow and unreal. How could a number come between me and my son¡¯s happiness?Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    A sudden, fierce voice broke the stillness. ¡°We won¡¯t do it.¡± Rei¡¯s voice, usually so small and gentle, was now filled with a fierce determination. I turned to him, my shock evident as his gaze met mine, filled with unshed tears. "I don¡¯t want you to do it, Mom."


    My heart twisted painfully. "Rei¡­ I thought you wanted to be an Esper," I murmured, each word a plea to understand his sudden change of heart. I wanted so badly to give him this chance, to see him become everything he had dreamed of. But now, the one thing he had wanted most, he was pushing away.


    He looked up at me, his tears spilling over, his face tight with anguish. "I wanted it because¡­ I thought it would make you proud. I thought if I was strong, you¡¯d be happy. But if you have to hurt, if you have to struggle¡­ I don¡¯t want it." His voice broke, each word raw and filled with pain, and it shattered the barrier I had tried to build around my own emotions. This was my son, putting my happiness above his own dreams, even when his world was falling apart.


    ¡°Rei,¡± I whispered, my own tears slipping down. I reached out, but he pulled away, shaking his head.


    ¡°No! You don¡¯t understand!¡± His small body shook with the weight of his emotions. "I can¡¯t watch you go through this for me, knowing it¡¯ll hurt you. I don¡¯t want to be the reason you suffer."


    Each word tore into me. How could he think this was his fault? How could he believe he was anything less than my joy, my reason for everything? ¡°Rei, please,¡± I whispered, struggling to keep my voice steady. I wanted him to feel my love, to know that he wasn¡¯t a burden.


    "But what if¡­ what if it costs you everything?" His words, so quiet yet so heavy, settled in the air. "I love you, Mom. I don¡¯t want you to give up your life for me.¡±


    My hand reached for his, trembling as I held him close. "You are my life, Rei," I whispered. "I would give anything, everything, for you to be happy. I know it¡¯s hard to understand, but love¡­ love is worth sacrificing for. And I¡¯d make this choice again and again, for you."


    He looked up at me, his face a mixture of disbelief and longing. I could see the battle within him, the struggle to accept that he was worthy of such love, even if it came with sacrifice.


    ¡°Mom,¡± he said, his voice barely audible. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to cry because of me. I don¡¯t want you to suffer.¡±


    ¡°I cry because I love you,¡± I replied, holding back the flood of emotions threatening to break. "I am proud of you, every day, for your kindness, your strength. You¡¯re more than any title, Rei. You don¡¯t have to be an Esper for me to love you. But if there¡¯s a chance for you to live the life you want, I¡¯ll do everything in my power to make that happen. I want us to face this, together.¡±


    Silence settled between us, the weight of our words pressing down but somehow lifting the burden, too. His gaze softened, and he hesitated, then slowly leaned into me. I wrapped my arms around him, feeling his small body relax in my embrace. In that moment, the hospital room, with all its sterile light and cold machines, faded away, leaving only the fierce bond between us.


    Whatever the future held, we would face it side by side, mother and son.


    [End of chapter]

 Chapter 9 The coming of the Storm (1)

    Boredom hung over me like a thick, oppressive fog as I lay sprawled on the bed, staring at the ceiling. My body felt still, almost frozen. But the remnants of my earlier meltdown clung to me like static, an echo of a scream lost in some far-off void. The storm inside had passed twenty minutes ago, yet the silence left behind was worse. It felt suffocating. Each second dragged like quicksand, pulling me deeper into an abyss of nothing.


    "Screw it." The words slipped out, sharp and sudden, before I realized I had spoken. I needed to get out¡ªmove, do anything to escape this stifling cage. I pushed myself up, muscles stiff with tension, and stormed toward the door. Each step landed heavier than the last. Impatience crackled in my veins like electricity. The doorknob¡¯s cold metal grounded me for a heartbeat. I twisted it and stepped into the hallway without hesitation. Would Nurse Rena care if I left without permission? The thought flickered for a brief moment, but I shoved it aside. "Not my problem," I muttered, seeking comfort in the sound of my voice. I just needed to move.


    The hallway stretched out before me, a gaping maw of unsettling emptiness. Dim lights flickered. Shadows moved along the floor, resembling ghostly fingers. My footsteps echoed in the stillness, each thud amplifying the whirlwind in my head. The day''s madness churned in my mind like a storm. I woke up in a twisted mirror at school. I battled a nightmarish creature from a horror show. And I felt an inexplicable surge of power coursing through me.


    "Dammit." I rubbed my temples, fighting off the dull throb settling in behind my eyes. The weight of everything pressed down, each bizarre event compounding the pressure. It felt almost unbearable. But I kept walking, as if moving forward might somehow unravel the chaos swirling in my mind.


    BOOM-!


    The ground jolted beneath me. I lurched, grabbing the concrete railing as the world trembled. The rumble echoed through the hallway, fading into a low groan. My heart pounded in my ears, each beat drowning out reason. An explosion? An earthquake? Panic seized me. "No way¡­" I breathed, a cold realization creeping in. Was the dream trying to warn me? I sprinted down the hall, my feet pounding the floor. The air was electric with fear. I darted past fleeing students, their faces twisted in terror. Each one reflected the dread clawing at my insides. My gut clenched. I knew what I would find.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    I skidded to a stop. Something blocked my path. It was a beast, a quadruped. Its black fur, like midnight, rippled over its hungry, taut muscles. Claws gleamed like knives under the flickering lights. Its head was just a skull, empty eye sockets that should have seen nothing, yet I knew it saw me. A darkness deeper than anything I could comprehend loomed before me.


    "Shit¡­" I breathed, staring at the creature¡ªa Hellhound. The name slipped from my lips like an old curse. Common enough in this twisted world, but that didn¡¯t make it any less terrifying. The thing was huge, its bony jaw snapping at the air, tasting the fear that dripped like sweat from my brow. My hands trembled as I realized I had no plan, no backup, just me standing in the path of this monster.


    The hound growled a low, guttural sound that shook my bones. Its skeletal maw opened wide. I tried to back up. But my feet felt glued to the ground. A familiar paralysis crept in. I needed to move. I needed to fight. Latent energy pulsed beneath my skin, a dormant force ready to awaken. The peculiar grace I had felt before lingered, a whisper away from resurfacing. But would it come when I called? The Death Hound growled again, a warning, and then it charged, claws and jaws poised for my flesh. "Crap, already!?" I cursed myself, scrambling to find something to defend myself.


    Tick¡ªtick¡ª


    The clock in my mind twitched, and my vision flared. A ghostly trail marked the path of death. Instinct kicked in. I swerved just in time. "What...?" Thoughts scrambled as I processed what had happened. Had I glimpsed its strike? There was no time to ponder. It lunged again. Once more, the phantom trace revealed its deadly intent. My newfound sight guided me, a dance with danger unfolding before me. "So this is my grace power: foresight!" A smile tugged at the corners of my lips, even as the hellhound glared back at me, frustrated.


    I glanced behind me and spotted a broom propped against the wall. It might not be much, but it was better than nothing. "Alright, let¡¯s dance, dog," I taunted, my voice steady despite the fear clawing at my insides. It rushed forward once more, and this time, I was ready. My eyes glowed again, the phantom trace of the hellhound blazing in my vision. I swung the broom with all my might, connecting with its skull.


    CRACK!


    Its body smashed against a glass display case. The sharp shards pierced its flesh. A dark liquid spilled from its wounds like a spilled ink pot. "Huh, that was quite easy," I remarked, shaking my head. "No, don¡¯t get too cocky, Rei. Last time, you came close to dying." I turned to walk away, adrenaline still coursing through me. A voice interrupted my thoughts. "That was quite impressive of you." I spun around, shock pinching my features as I faced a figure emerging from the shadows.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 10 The coming of the storm (2)

    ¡°Masato?!¡± The word shot out of my mouth before I could stop it, my heart slamming against my ribs. I hadn¡¯t seen him since middle school since our kendo days. He stood there, older, sharper, but unmistakably him. The angular cut of his face was still framed by that intense gaze, though his once-wild hair was now styled into a neat low fade. The narrow rectangular glasses perched on his nose gave him a more studious look, but the wooden sword at his side spoke to the fire still burning within.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing here?¡± I asked, half disbelief, half awe.


    He chuckled, the sound warm but edged with something more. ¡°I go here now,¡± he replied smoothly. ¡°Running into you though? That¡¯s fate, my friend.¡± He paused, then glanced behind him.


    Two figures approached. The first was a girl with vivid orange hair, her gaze sharp, confident. She was dressed in the archery club¡¯s uniform, a bow strapped to her back, a quiver of arrows hanging at her side like she was ready for battle at any moment. The other was a tall guy in a tracksuit, the boxing club¡¯s logo gleaming on his chest. He looked like he could snap someone in half with just a look.


    ¡°And them?¡± I gestured toward the newcomers.


    Masato rubbed the back of his neck, grinning sheepishly. ¡°Right, introductions. This is Min-Ji,¡± he nodded toward the archer, who acknowledged me with a curt nod, her eyes already scanning the area, ¡°and this is Lawrence, boxing club.¡±


    Lawrence gave me a lazy wave, hands in his pockets. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± His voice was calm, almost bored, like we weren¡¯t about to face something dangerous.


    Before I could respond, Masato¡¯s expression shifted, the warmth draining from his face. ¡°We should move. The others are waiting at the gymnasium.¡±


    Min-Ji¡¯s brow furrowed, her voice low but urgent. ¡°We¡¯re running out of time. They¡¯ll be here soon.¡±


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    ¡°Who¡¯s ¡®they¡¯?¡± I barely got the words out when I heard it¡ªa low, distant growl. My blood ran cold. Masato¡¯s gaze snapped to mine, deadly serious now. Without warning, he tossed me a wooden sword.


    ¡°Rei¡ªcatch!¡± His shout cut through the thickening air.


    I barely had time to process before the sound of heavy, pounding footsteps echoed from the shadows. A dark shape slinked out of the alleyway, then another, and another. Hellhounds. Their glowing red eyes locked onto us, their growls reverberating in my chest. Their black fur shimmered with a menacing energy, each step filling the air with dread.


    ¡°Hellhounds?¡± I muttered under my breath, gripping the sword tightly. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s hellhounds.¡± Masato stepped up beside me, his posture relaxed but ready. ¡°Nervous, Rei?¡± His voice was teasing, but his eyes remained fixed on the approaching creatures.


    I shot him a sidelong glance, unable to hide the grin creeping onto my face. ¡°Smug as ever. How about we make this interesting?¡± His eyebrow raised. ¡°Oh? You thinking what I¡¯m thinking?¡±


    ¡°Whoever kills the most wins.¡±


    Masato¡¯s grin widened, the competitive spark reigniting between us. Before he could answer, Min-Ji groaned, notching an arrow. ¡°Can you two stop flirting and start fighting?¡±


    She didn¡¯t wait for a reply. The string snapped as her arrow flew, embedding itself in the eye of the nearest hound. The creature crumpled without a sound, and Min-Ji smirked at us. ¡°First blood. Try to keep up.¡±


    ¡°Challenge accepted.¡± Lawrence cracked his knuckles, his calm demeanor now replaced with laser focus. ¡°I¡¯m not sitting this one out.¡±


    The first hound lunged at me. Instinct kicked in, my foresight activating as my eye glowed gold. The phantom trail appeared as I sidestepped the beast¡¯s snapping jaws. With one fluid motion, I swung the sword into its side. The impact echoed through the air as the hound yelped and collapsed. I drove the blade into its skull for good measure. ¡°One,¡± I called out, my blood pumping.


    Masato was already in the thick of it, weaving between two hounds with graceful precision. His wooden sword cracked against one¡¯s skull, and it dissolved into shadow. ¡°Two,¡± he shot back, his grin maddening.


    Lawrence, meanwhile, faced off against the largest of the beasts. It swiped at him with deadly claws, but he ducked low, delivering a bone-crunching uppercut that sent the creature staggering. A swift kick to its ribs and it hit the ground, motionless.


    ¡°Impressive,¡± I admitted, wiping sweat from my brow. Another growl pulled my attention to Min-Ji, who had just loosed her second arrow. It flew true, impaling another hound through the throat. ¡°That¡¯s two for me,¡±she said, not even looking back.


    The remaining three hellhounds charged at once. Masato and I flanked one, cutting it down in synchronized strikes. Lawrence made short work of another with a brutal combination of punches, while Min-Ji¡¯s final arrow pierced the heart of the last hound.


    The fight was over before I realized it. The hellhounds'' bodies disintegrated into ash, leaving only silence in their wake. We stood there, catching our breath. Masato wiped sweat from his brow and shot me a cocky grin "looks like I won.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°Not so fast. I got two, you got two, and Min-Ji, what was it, three?¡± Min-Ji smiled, a rare look of satisfaction on her face. ¡°Three. So yeah, I won.¡± Masato groaned dramatically, but the smile never left his face. ¡°Fine, fine. You win this round.¡±


    We stood there, the weight of the battle lifting, but a sense of camaraderie settling in its place. The real fight was yet to come.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 11 Eye of the storm

    We trudged down the dark path, the air thick with an unsettling silence. Shadows danced at the edges of my vision, making the trees appear as if they were harboring hidden figures. Masato walked beside me, his steps light yet purposeful. Even he felt the weight of the oppressive atmosphere.


    ¡°I think I see the gym,¡± I said, squinting at the indistinct shape looming ahead. It stood against the black sky like a silent sentinel, its stillness unnerving.


    Masato¡¯s voice broke the tension. ¡°Then let¡¯s pick up the pace.¡± A mixture of excitement and fear tinged his words, but before I could respond, he quickened his stride. I followed suit, my body reluctant but my heart racing. The echo of our footsteps ricocheted off the pavement, creating a haunting rhythm that made my pulse quicken.


    As we approached the gym door, Masato reached for the handle. It creaked open, slicing through the night¡¯s quiet. Inside, the low murmur of gathered students buzzed like a swarm of anxious bees. The air felt heavy, charged with an unsettling energy.


    A huddle of anxious faces met us. Students from every corner of the school wore expressions taut with dread, their pallor accentuating the dim light. Lawrence stood beside me, noticing the unsettling atmosphere.


    ¡°Geez, even the gardening club is here,¡± he whispered, scanning the room. Students huddled in clusters¡ªtracksuits, art smocks, and science jackets¡ªwhispering in hushed tones. This wasn¡¯t a typical meeting. Something was terribly wrong. Min-Ji, beside me, furrowed her brow.


    ¡°Where are the sports teams?¡± I asked, scanning the room again. The absence of the athletic students felt glaringly obvious. ¡°Volleyball, soccer, baseball¡­ none of them are here.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re either gone or wiped out,¡± Masato replied, his voice grim. The weight of his words settled like lead in my stomach, and I stared at him, searching for a hint of sarcasm. His serious expression confirmed my worst fears.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious,¡± I said, my voice trembling. It felt surreal that something deadly could sweep through unnoticed, leaving entire teams missing.


    ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± The rough voice came from a corner where a boy in battered football gear slumped against the wall. Seth¡¯s eyes were shadowed by matted hair, his shallow breathing a testament to his ordeal.


    ¡°Seth?¡± Lawrence stepped forward, his voice barely a whisper, laced with fear. ¡°What happened?¡±Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Seth''s fists clenched, his knuckles white. Pain etched deep lines into his face, his silence heavy with unspoken horrors. Before he could answer, a figure stepped into the center of the room, capturing everyone¡¯s attention.


    Lucas stood tall, hands clasped behind his back. His blue curls framed his face, and the white lab coat draped over him made him look more like a scientist than a student. His sharp, calculating gaze scanned the crowd, and the room fell silent.


    ¡°May I have your attention, please?¡± Lucas''s calm yet firm voice sliced through the murmurs. ¡°We need to act.¡± The urgency in his tone cut through the growing panic. ¡°We may be the only ones left on campus.¡±


    His words landed like a punch, sending a ripple of tension through the crowd. Students exchanged anxious glances, some shifting in their seats. Finally, a boy at the back raised his voice, desperation creeping in. ¡°What¡¯s your point, Lucas? Shouldn¡¯t we wait for the Espers? We¡¯re not trained for this.¡±


    Lucas¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°It¡¯s not that simple.¡± He pulled out his phone, tapping it quickly. A crackling sound filled the gym, followed by the chilling voice of a news broadcaster:


    [Breaking news: Rifts have appeared in several Monolith cities. Officials advise citizens to find safety immediately.]


    The room fell deathly quiet as the weight of those words settled over us. Rifts. Portals to another world. We all knew the horrors they could unleash¡ªcreatures beyond comprehension that could wipe out entire cities.


    Lucas¡¯s voice cut through the silence again. ¡°This isn¡¯t just about us. The rift isn¡¯t contained. It¡¯s happening everywhere.¡± He hesitated before turning the screen toward me. My heart dropped.


    The creature on his phone was the same one I had escaped¡ªa grotesque form, jagged spikes, and glowing, malevolent eyes that haunted my dreams.


    ¡°Rei,¡± Lucas said, locking his gaze onto mine. ¡°You know something about this, don¡¯t you?¡±


    I swallowed hard, feeling dry and shaky. The memory of that creature¡¯s power surged through me. ¡°It¡¯s strong enough to kill us,¡± I finally said, my voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Is it possible to kill it?¡± Lucas pressed, his eyes fierce. The gym was so quiet I could hear my heartbeat thudding in my ears.


    A voice broke the tension from the crowd. ¡°Wait¡­ you¡¯re not actually suggesting we fight it?¡± Panic rippled through the students. ¡°This is insane!¡± another shouted. ¡°We¡¯ll be slaughtered!¡±


    Lucas¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°If there¡¯s even the slightest chance of escape, yes, I¡¯m serious. Would you rather sit here and wait to die?¡±


    Chaos erupted. Students shouted over one another, their panic contagious. But amidst the turmoil, one voice rose above the rest¡ªsteady and defiant.


    ¡°I¡¯m in.¡±


    All eyes turned to Seth, standing tall, fists clenched at his sides. Grief had transformed into simmering rage. ¡°I¡¯ve got nothing to lose.¡±


    ¡°Seth, are you insane?¡± Lawrence grabbed his arm, his voice trembling. ¡°You¡¯ll die for sure!¡± Seth shrugged him off, cold determination etched on his face. ¡°And I¡¯ll take one of those bastards with me.¡±


    Lawrence groaned but stepped forward, narrowing his eyes. ¡°Fine. Count me in. I¡¯m not letting you die alone.¡±


    Min-Ji smacked Lawrence on the back of the head. ¡°You idiot! If you¡¯re going, then I¡¯m in too. Someone¡¯s got to keep you from getting killed.¡± Masato raised his hand. ¡°I¡¯m joining,¡± he declared, his voice steady.


    I glanced around at my friends, their faces set with newfound resolve. Fear still hung in the air, but now it was mingled with something stronger¡ªdefiance. I stepped forward, heart pounding. ¡°Me too.¡±


    One by one, more students raised their hands. The fear in the room didn¡¯t vanish, but it transformed into something sharper, harder¡ªdetermination. The odds were against us, but that didn¡¯t matter anymore.


    Lucas surveyed the room, his voice steady. ¡°We may not survive this,¡± he said, ¡°but we¡¯re going to give it hell.¡±


    The air shifted, no longer heavy with dread but charged with defiance. We were no longer just a group of scared students; we were a team ready to fight back ag


    ainst the darkness that threatened to consume us.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter: 12 Grand plan

    "Alright, looks like everyone''s here," Lucas said. His voice was steady, but his eyes showed a flicker of uncertainty. He stood at the front of the dim classroom. His posture was tense, and his shoulders squared under the weight of leadership. The air felt thick, oppressive, like the calm before a storm.


    I shifted in my seat, a knot of dread tightening in my chest. Seven of us... it didn¡¯t feel like enough. ¡°What do you mean ¡®everyone¡¯?¡± I blurted, my voice sharper than intended. ¡°The arts and crafts club, the gardening club¡ªthey¡¯re not here yet.¡±


    Lucas¡¯s jaw tightened, but he waved off my concern. ¡°They¡¯re working on their part of the plan,¡± he said, moving to the table at the center of the room. He unfurled a large map of the campus across it, the fluorescent lights above casting a pale glow on the paper. ¡°Now, gather around.¡±


    We shuffled closer, the silence broken only by the soft rustle of footsteps and the hum of the lights. Someone marked the map on the table with every building, field, and path. As we leaned in, the weight of what was coming pressed down on all of us.


    Lucas pointed to the school¡¯s main entrance, his finger hovering over a red circle. "The monster has taken its position here." His voice was steady. But I could hear a tremor of fear beneath the surface.


    Lawrence, standing next to me, frowned, his usual calm replaced by a deep furrow in his brow. ¡°How do we even get its attention?¡± he asked, his voice quieter than usual, as if he didn¡¯t want to hear the answer.


    ¡°We lure it,¡± Min-Ji answered, her finger tracing the path from the entrance. She sounded unsure, her voice wavering with the uncertainty that hung thick in the room. ¡°But where are we leading it? What¡¯s the plan, Lucas?¡±


    Lucas¡¯s hand moved across the map to the football field, tapping the wide, open space. ¡°Here. It¡¯s the safest option. We¡¯ll have room to see its attacks and maneuver around them.¡±


    Masato folded his arms across his chest, shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s too open,¡± he argued, his voice low but firm. ¡°We will be vulnerable.¡± Why not take it to the woods near the art wing? We could use the trees as cover?"


    Lucas hesitated, casting a quick glance at the wooded area. ¡°Rei said it throws debris,¡± he reminded us, his voice showing a hint of faltering. ¡°If we¡¯re in the woods, it could pin us down. On the field, we have a chance to see it coming.¡±


    The room fell into a tense silence as we all considered the risks. It wasn¡¯t a matter of strategy anymore¡ªit was about survival. I broke the silence, my voice soft and hushed. ¡°So¡­ what¡¯s next?¡±This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Lucas straightened and turned to Shaun. He had been leaning against the wall. His track uniform clung to him, damp from his last run. His layered blonde hair, styled in a widow¡¯s peak, fell over his forehead as he tilted his head in confusion. ¡°Shaun, we need your speed,¡± Lucas said, his tone soft but serious. ¡°You¡¯ll lead the monster to the field.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s eyes widened, his disbelief clear. ¡°You want me to do what?¡± he asked, his voice incredulous. ¡°Are you serious?¡± Lucas gave a small, grim smile. ¡°You¡¯re the fastest. If anyone can outrun it, it¡¯s you.¡± Shaun groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Fantastic,¡± he muttered, but there was no hiding the fear in his eyes.


    Lucas didn¡¯t dwell on Shaun¡¯s reluctance. He pointed at the map again. ¡°Lawrence, Masato, Seth¡ªyou three will handle the main fight. Once Shaun gets it to the field, keep it distracted. Don¡¯t stop moving.¡± Lawrence nodded, his expression tense. ¡°What about the other monsters by the gym?¡± he asked, his voice tight with unease.


    Lucas¡¯s face darkened. ¡°The other students will be the ones facing them¡± he said in a low voice. ¡°We¡¯re fighting on two fronts. If one group falls, the other won¡¯t last long.¡±


    Seth, who had been lounging against the wall, pushed himself upright. ¡°So, if they screw up, we¡¯re dead. And if we screw up, they¡¯re dead.¡± He let out a low whistle, shaking his head. ¡°No pressure.¡± Lucas didn¡¯t respond, but the gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air. He motioned to the door. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡±


    The hallway was quiet, and our footsteps echoed against the tiled floor as we stepped out. The school, once alive with chatter, now felt like a battleground. It waited for the first strike. My heart raced in time with the pounding in my ears, the tension thickening with every step.


    By the time we reached the gym, a different kind of energy buzzed in the air. Inside, construction chaos filled the space. Students hammered, welded, and hauled materials. The arts and crafts club had turned the gym into a workshop. Sawdust floated in the air as metal clanged against metal.


    Lawrence¡¯s eyes widened as we passed a group of students working on a massive wooden structure. ¡°Is that¡­ a ballista?¡± he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. Lucas gave a tight smile. ¡°They¡¯ve been busy.¡±


    Across the gym, a wiry kid named Eric was adjusting a ballista. His sharp eyes and grease-stained hands stood out. Lucas approached him, his tone even. ¡°How¡¯s it looking?¡±


    Eric wiped sweat from his brow, his expression grim. ¡°Good news, we¡¯ve got enough rope for the second ballista. Bad news? The wood¡¯s not great. Five shots, max.¡± Lucas nodded, his expression hard. ¡°Five will have to be enough.¡± Masato stepped forward, his voice quiet but firm. ¡°Who¡¯s going to fire it?¡±


    Min-Ji, standing at the edge of the group, took a step forward. ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± she said, her voice steady this time, her earlier hesitation gone. She met our eyes, and we nodded in silent approval.


    Lucas glanced at each of us, his gaze lingering on Min-Ji for a moment longer. ¡°We¡¯re as ready as we¡¯ll ever be,¡± he said, his voice cutting through the noise. ¡°Positions.¡±


    We moved with urgency; the weight of the moment settled like a cold fog. There was no turning back.


    ***


    Outside, at the school¡¯s entrance, the monster stood¡ªa hulking mass of jagged, stone-like skin. Its eyes glowed red with rage. They scanned the area. It stood among the broken bodies of students and teachers who had tried to flee. Its massive fists clenched, leaving deep craters in the ground beneath it.


    Minutes earlier, a team of fighters from outside the school had tried to engage it. They now lay broken at its feet, their weapons scattered like discarded toys.


    Thud¡ª


    A rock bounced off the creature¡¯s thick hide, leaving almost no mark. The monster''s head snapped to the noise. Its eyes locked on Shaun, who stood panting a few meters away.


    ¡°Come and get me, you piece of shit!¡± Shaun shouted, his voice shaking as he raised his middle finger in defiance. The challenge lingered in the air for a heartbeat.


    The ground trembled as the monster roared. Its deafening cry signaled the start of the chase.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 13 boss fight

    The roar that tore through the night was more than just noise. It ripped through the campus like a tangible force, shaking the very air. Shadows recoiled from the sound, and the streetlights flickered, struggling to hold back the darkness. Underneath one of the flickering lights, the monster emerged. Its jagged, obsidian-black skin glinted with a wicked gleam, each shard reflecting the faint light like a shattered mirror. Its eyes, glowing with an intense, malevolent red, locked onto Shaun with pure hatred.


    ¡°Crap!¡± Shaun¡¯s heart slammed in his chest. Panic gripped his body, making his fingers twitch, his breath hitching in short gasps. He spun sharply, his sneakers scraping against the cracked pavement. In a single explosive motion, his legs coiled and released, launching him forward like a fired arrow. The wind whipped at his track uniform, the fabric snapping against him as he raced across the athletic field.


    Behind him, the ground quaked under the monster¡¯s pounding footfalls. Every step was a violent tremor, sending shivers through the earth. Shaun dodged between the debris from the earlier chaos¡ªoverturned coolers, shattered goalposts, and mangled equipment littered the field. The looming bleachers ahead stretched like skeletal claws in the dark, casting long shadows across the grass.


    Whoosh!


    A massive claw sliced through the air just behind him, close enough to tug at his hair. The beast had dropped to all fours, its speed doubling as it tore across the field with primal ferocity. Shaun could feel its hot breath on his neck, each exhale reeking of decay. ¡°Yikes, that was too close!¡± he hissed, adrenaline narrowing his focus, turning everything else into a blur. Veering left, he narrowly avoided the creature¡¯s snapping jaws.


    He was running out of time. The beast was gaining on him, each step louder, each breath hotter. Shaun¡¯s eyes flicked to the bleachers, then back to the creature. ¡°Screw it,¡± he muttered. A surge of power ignited deep within him, a familiar rush that burned through his veins. His eyes flashed vivid yellow, the pupils narrowing into thin slits. A golden aura rippled around him, shimmering like heat waves off asphalt.


    [Leopard, his grace ability that heightened his senses to those of a predator. His vision sharpened, picking up even the faintest flicker of movement in the shadows. Sounds¡ªonce distant¡ªbecame crystal clear, like a hunter tuning in on his prey. His body grew lighter, more agile, every muscle ready to pounce. With a final push, he prepared to leave the monster in the dust.]


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    BOOM!


    His foot slammed into the ground, the impact sending shockwaves through the earth. Grass and dirt exploded beneath him as he shot forward, his speed now blinding. The landscape blurred into streaks of green and black as he widened the gap between him and the monster. A grin tugged at his lips. ¡°Yeah, keep up if you can!¡±


    Behind him, the creature let out an enraged roar. Refusing to relent, it ripped a tree from the ground and hurled it into Shaun¡¯s path. The massive trunk crashed down like a thunderclap, splintering as it hit the ground. Shaun didn¡¯t slow. ¡°Nice try, but not good enough!¡± he barked, leaping into the air. His body twisted with feline precision as he vaulted over the tree, landing in a smooth roll and back on his feet in an instant.


    The monster, refusing to admit defeat, plowed through a nearby brick wall. Shards of debris sprayed like shrapnel. Shaun shot a glance over his shoulder, his aura flaring brighter. He could hear his teammates now¡ªthe distant shouts, the clatter of weapons being readied. ¡°Almost there... just a little more.¡±


    Suddenly, the creature leaped into the air, slamming down directly in front of him. Its claws were poised to strike. Shaun¡¯s reflexes took over, his body moving on instinct. He ducked under the beast¡¯s swipe, then used its outstretched arm as leverage, scaling it with smooth, fluid movements. He sprang over its head, landing in a perfect sprint.


    ¡°Now!¡± Shaun shouted, his voice echoing into the night.


    High above, Min-Ji crouched, steadying her aim. She released the ballista¡¯s trigger, sending a sharpened bolt whistling through the air. It struck the monster¡¯s shoulder with a sickening *thunk*, burying deep into its flesh. The beast howled, dark blood spilling from the wound as it staggered back.


    ¡°Go!¡± Masato yelled, charging forward with a hammer-like blow to its leg. Bone crunched, and the creature collapsed to one knee. Lawrence followed up with a brutal right hook to its head, sending a shockwave through the air. Seth barreled in next, slamming his full weight into the monster¡¯s torso, forcing it back.


    The creature¡¯s roars turned weak, desperate. Its movements slowed, its defenses crumbling.


    ***


    Back at the school, barricades rattled from distant impacts. Students scrambled to reinforce the defenses, their faces pale with fear. A modified ballista stood ready, wedged between overturned desks in a makeshift barricade.


    ¡°They¡¯re coming!¡± a student shouted, his voice trembling as the distant howls of hellhounds echoed down the hallways. ¡°Get the ballista ready!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re loading!¡± another yelled as sharpened stakes were fitted into place. The hallway buzzed with tension. Footsteps and growls grew louder.


    ¡°Fire!¡±


    The ballista released with a resounding *thunk*, sending wooden stakes shooting down the hall. They tore through the front ranks of the hellhounds, turning them to ash. ¡°Reload!¡± Students with bows followed up with a volley of arrows, the hallway becoming a storm of flying projectiles.


    ¡°Hold the line!¡± a senior barked. ¡°We can¡¯t let them through until Lucas and the others finish that monster!¡±


    The hallway shook from the violence outside, but no one knew exactly what was happening.


    ***


    On the field, Seth stood over the broken landscape, blood trickling down his face. The ground was a mess of craters and destruction. He stared at the monster, now struggling to rise from the massive crater it had created.


    ¡°Dammit¡­ it had one more trick,¡± he muttered, wiping blood from his eyes. He glanced at his unconscious teammates and squared his shoulders. The creature growled, locking its glowing eyes onto him.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 14 Last card

    ¡°Dammit all¡­¡± Seth muttered, disbelief lacing his voice as he surveyed the remnants of a once-vibrant football field. The chaos around him had transformed it into a desolate war zone, the air thick with the acrid stench of smoke that seared his lungs. Small craters pocked the ground like the scars of a battle hard-fought. Broken barricades littered the area¡ªtwisted metal, splintered wood, and tattered banners fluttering mournfully in the breeze. They had once cheered for victories; now, they whispered of lost battles.


    Distant screams echoed, haunting and disembodied, weaving through the smoke like a tragic melody. This place, once filled with laughter and cheers, had become a graveyard, each shadow a reminder of innocence snuffed out in an instant.


    He stared at the monster ahead. Towering and monstrous, its jagged, obsidian skin glinted ominously in the dim light, twin orbs of seething rage¡ªits glowing red eyes¡ªpiercing through the haze to challenge him. Seth¡¯s fists clenched, knuckles whitening as the weight of failure pressed down on him like an iron chain. ¡°How did it come to this?¡± he whispered, disbelief etched on his face as the nightmare unfolded before him.


    ---


    [Five Minutes Earlier]


    The creature''s roar thundered across the battlefield, a primal bellow that shook the very ground beneath their feet. Dust and debris scattered like chaff in the wind as the beast thrashed, trying to dislodge a splintered beam embedded deep in its shoulder. Each violent movement sent wood shards flying like deadly shrapnel, slicing through the air with a sharp crack.


    ¡°Hold the line!¡± Masato shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos like a beacon. He stood resolute at the front, gripping his spear with a fierce determination. ¡°Stall it! Min-Ji¡¯s almost ready with the ballista!¡±


    High above, on a rooftop half-obscured by smoke, Min-Ji moved with frantic precision. Her hands were a blur as she reloaded the ballista, sweat trickling down her temple, mixing with the tension coursing through her muscles. Every second felt like an eternity, the world pulsing with danger around her.


    Masato¡¯s chest heaved with each breath, the cold wind stinging his face while the bitter scent of burning wood assaulted his senses. His heart raced, each beat syncing with the thunderous footsteps of their doom. Time slipped through their fingers like sand, serving as a harsh reminder of their dwindling chances.


    Without warning, the monster lunged forward, a massive blur of jagged muscle and fury. Its weight tore across the field, ripping grass and dirt in its wake, the ground trembling beneath its charge, an echo of primal fear.


    ¡°Lawrence!¡± Masato shouted, but the monster¡¯s feral snarl almost drowned out his voice.


    Yet Lawrence was already in motion. He sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the monster¡¯s massive claw as it sliced through the air where he had stood moments before. ¡°Too slow, you overgrown boulder!¡± he taunted, a cocky grin playing on his lips, reckless in the face of danger.


    Seizing the moment, Masato thrust his spear forward with all his might, the tip striking true as it sank deep into the creature¡¯s exposed flank. A jolt surged through his arm from the impact, causing him to almost lose his balance. He didn¡¯t linger to admire the hit; he pulled back just in time to avoid the monster¡¯s retaliatory swipe. The beast staggered, dazed, pain momentarily dulling its fury.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Seth saw his chance.


    With a primal roar, he charged, every muscle coiled with raw power. He slammed into the creature like a battering ram, the impact sending shockwaves through the ground. The monster skidded back, its claws carving deep grooves in the dirt as it struggled to regain its footing.


    ¡°I¡¯m not letting you touch any of them,¡± Seth growled, his voice low and seething with fury. His gray eyes blazed with determination as energy surged through him, a glowing, rhino-like aura enveloping his body. It was dense, immovable, pulsing with primal strength.


    ---


    [Seth¡¯s Grace: "Rhino"]


    Seth became a living fortress, each footfall causing the ground to quake beneath him. The monster¡¯s claws, sharp enough to rend steel, scraped against his skin like mere scratches. He felt indestructible, each step a powerful declaration of his resolve. The earth seemed to yield to his mass, trembling in recognition of his might.


    With a bellow of fury, he charged again, colliding head-on with the creature. The ground splintered beneath them, cracks spreading from the impact as shockwaves rippled across the battlefield. Seth stood firm, an immovable mountain between the monster and his friends.


    ---


    [Meanwhile, on the Rooftop]


    Min-Ji¡¯s breath came in ragged gasps as she adjusted the ballista, her arms trembling from the effort. Every muscle in her body screamed for rest, but she had none to give. ¡°Almost¡­ there¡­¡± she whispered, gritting her teeth as she secured the bolt.


    ¡°Min-Ji, what¡¯s the status?¡± Lucas¡¯s voice crackled over her earpiece, tension evident in his tone.


    ¡°Loaded!¡± she replied, adrenaline surging. ¡°Ready to fire! Give the signal!¡±


    A flare shot into the sky, slicing through the haze of smoke with a burst of light. Min-Ji steadied her grip on the ballista¡¯s trigger, her heart hammering in her chest. ¡°Steady¡­¡± she murmured, taking aim. ¡°This is for you, you bastard.¡±


    With a sharp whistle, the bolt tore through the air, embedding itself deep into the monster¡¯s forearm. The creature let out a bone-rattling scream, its massive frame convulsing in agony.


    ¡°Direct hit!¡± she yelled from the rooftop, a flicker of triumph lighting her eyes. But that relief was fleeting. Something felt off.


    "Wait... something''s wrong..." Her voice trailed off as she squinted through the smoke at the creature¡¯s coiling muscles. ¡°Oh no¡­¡±


    ¡°Get down!¡± Lucas screamed, but the words came too late. The beast crashed to the ground, shaking the building and almost making her lose her balance.


    Dust and debris clouded the air, choking the life from her lungs. She gripped the railing for support, coughing through the haze as she peered down at the battlefield below. Chaos reigned all around. ¡°Min-Ji, reload that ballista now!¡± Lucas shouted, urgency filling his voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m on it!¡± she snapped, though panic crept into her tone. Her hands moved, but not with the steady precision they had before.


    Lucas glanced around, dread etched on his face. ¡°What do we¡ª?¡±


    Before he could finish, the monster ripped a chunk of debris from the ground, locking onto them with murderous intent through its glowing red eyes.


    ¡°Get down!¡± he shouted as the debris came crashing down. "Min-Ji! Are you all right?" he yelled, scanning the smoke until he spotted her, breathless but conscious.


    "Rei! Min-Ji received a severe blow to the head," Lucas reported, glancing at the broken ballista. "Our win condition is gone. I can''t think of anything we can do to beat that thing now." Dread washed over his features as he surveyed the chaos below.


    Rei clenched his fists, guilt gnawing at him. He had left his friends to face the monster while he was stuck here, away from the action. ¡°Lucas, take care of Min-Ji. I¡¯ll handle the rest.¡± Before Lucas could protest, he turned and rushed down the stairs, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions surging within him. Why wasn¡¯t he out there fighting alongside them? This was his chance to prove himself, to show that he belonged with the others.


    Bursting onto the first floor, Rei''s eyes caught sight of a sword encased in glass. ¡°Hope the principal doesn''t mind,¡± he muttered, shattering the case and grabbing the sword, its weight both comforting and alien in his hands.


    He rushed through the hallway, urgency pulsing in his veins. As he approached the students¡¯ barrier, half-destroyed and crumbling, he called out, ¡°Guys, open up! It¡¯s me, Rei!¡± His voice edged with desperation, hoping to find a way to help.


    ¡°Rei, come inside!¡± a battered senior called, his voice strained and shaky. Stepping inside, the carnage before him was a grim sight. Blood painted the floor, fallen students¡¯ bodies lay scattered¡ªremnants of bravery amidst horror. Each face was a haunting reminder of what they were fighting against. A cold fire ignited within him.


    He made his way outside and found Seth struggling to stand, bruises marring his skin. ¡°Rei?¡± Seth turned, panting as his vision swam. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s me. Go back to the building and rest.¡± Rei placed a hand on his shoulder, determination hardening his voice. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of this.¡±


    Seth gave a reluctant nod, the weight of exhaustion heavy in his eyes. ¡°Just don¡¯t do anything reckless, alright?¡±


    ¡°Now then¡­¡± Rei glanced back at the monster, its crimson eyes staring back at him with insatiable hunger. ¡°Guess it''s time for a rematch, shall we?¡±


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 15 Rematch

    Before me lay a war-torn football field. A battlefield it was, strewn with shattered goalposts and torn turf, ripped apart by chaos. The heavy stench of wet earth and decay clung to the air, each breath thick with the acrid taste of destruction. In the distance, the creature loomed, more nightmarish than I remembered. Its jagged, stone-like skin cracked in places, oozing a dark, viscous fluid like black blood. Its eyes¡ªtwo burning orbs of red¡ªblazed with unbridled hatred, freezing the marrow in my bones. Though wounded, the monster was far from defeated.


    I took a deep breath. I willed my racing pulse to steady. But every breath fought the adrenaline surging through my veins. My fingers clenched the hilt of my sword, the cold metal reassuring but heavy with the weight of what was to come. ¡°Calm yourself, Rei,¡± I muttered, my voice a whispered mantra. ¡°You¡¯ve beaten it before. You will again.¡± I eased my grip. It eased the tension in my knuckles. My muscles coiled, ready for the next move. The creature''s breath rattled like broken machinery. It hissed with each exhale from its shattered chest. We stood in a deadlock, its glowing eyes unblinking and seething with fury. Then, without warning, it roared.


    The sound was cataclysmic. A thunderous blast ripped through the field, shaking the ground beneath my feet. The roar sent debris flying as the earth splintered, the stench of rot and decay whipping through the air. I staggered, but I didn¡¯t flinch. My heart hammered, but my feet remained rooted, the sword a familiar, comforting weight in my hand. This monster wouldn¡¯t break me. Not again.


    The roar faded, leaving an eerie silence in its wake as if the battlefield itself had drawn a breath and held it. And then, the creature lunged¡ªfast, a shadow slicing through the gloom. I dove, rolling across the torn-up turf. Its claws smashed into the earth, splintering the ground where I had stood moments before. Dirt and debris rained down as I scrambled back to my feet, sword raised. Its red eyes fixed on mine again, this time gleaming with cruel intelligence. It was learning. Adapting.


    It feinted left, then slashed right. I managed to intercept the blow in time, and the force of it sent tremors up my arms. The shriek of stone grinding against steel set my teeth on edge. I staggered back, fighting to regain my balance. Too close.


    The creature¡¯s breath hung in the frigid night air, swirling like mist, as it sized me up. The monster calculated every move, and its jagged skin rippled like a shadow cast by a firelight. I smirked despite the throbbing ache spreading through my body. ¡°So that¡¯s how you want to play?¡± I rolled my shoulders, feeling the familiar surge of power ignite beneath my skin. ¡°Fine. No more holding back.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    A golden light flared from my right eye, searing through the darkness like the first rays of dawn. Time warped, the world slowing to a crawl as my grace awakened. The ticking of a clock echoed in my ears, a distant sound that carried a sense of urgency.


    Tick-tick-tick¡ª


    A phantom trail shimmered around the monster. It was a spectral outline of its next move, a glimpse into the future. My heart pounded, adrenaline mingling with the pulse of energy thrumming through me. I grinned, adrenaline sharpening my focus. ¡°Let¡¯s see how you handle this.¡±


    I surged forward, every muscle coiled and ready. The monster¡¯s claws sliced through the air, whistling as they missed my neck by inches. I dodged, weaving through its attacks like water slipping through cracks. Each blow left the earth trembling. But I was moving, my eyes on the opening under its left arm. A patch of skin, smoother than the rest¡ªvulnerable.


    I pushed off the ground, dodging a strike that sent dirt flying and darted in close. The creature roared, crimson eyes blazing, but it was too late.


    My sword flashed a blur of steel, cutting through the air. The blade struck true, sinking into the exposed flesh beneath its arm. The monster screamed in agony. Dark ichor sprayed from the wound, splattering my face and clothes.


    The beast thrashed, twisting in a frenzy of pain, trying to shake me loose. I clung to my sword, muscles burning as I drove the blade deeper. But before I could deliver a killing blow, its massive arm swung. It smashed into my side with the force of a wrecking ball. I flew through the air, tumbling across the field. I crashed to a stop, gasping as pain exploded in my ribs. The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth, but I fought to rise.


    ¡°Get up, Rei!¡± I screamed at myself, teeth gritted against the pain. My body screamed in protest, trembling, but I forced myself to my feet. The monster was already recovering, its shadow growing larger as it stalked toward me.


    A sudden swoosh filled the air. An arrow sliced through the air, piercing the monster¡¯s right eye with a sickening thud. The creature¡¯s howl echoed through the field, its grip on me weakening. ¡°Finish it, Rei!¡± The voice¡ªdistant but familiar¡ªcut through the haze of battle. I didn¡¯t look. I couldn¡¯t afford to.


    With a battle cry, I leaped onto the monster¡¯s back, grabbing the arrow lodged in its eye for leverage. My sword plunged into its other eye, the blade sinking deep with relentless force. ¡°Die, you monstrous bastard!¡± The words ripped from my throat as the beast let out one final, soul-shaking roar.


    CRASH¡ª!


    The creature¡¯s body crumpled beneath me, disintegrating into a pile of ash and broken stone as it hit the ground. Silence fell, heavy and absolute. I exhaled, stumbling as my vision blurred and my breath trembled. ¡°I''m alive¡­¡± I whispered, my voice lost to the wind as exhaustion crashed over me. The world darkened, my eyelids drooping as the weight of the battle finally pulled me under.


    [Interlock high incident arc complete]


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 16 Aftermath

    A familiar warmth cradled me as I awoke. My head was heavy with fatigue. I blinked, adjusting to the sterile white of the room and the antiseptic smell that stung my nose. A hospital. My brow furrowed as I tried to piece things together. ¡°How did I end up here?¡± The last thing I remembered was the fight¡ªthe blood, the panic. Everything had gone dark after that. Someone must have brought me here.


    A soft rustle broke through my thoughts. I turned to see Kristine slouched in a chair, head resting on her folded arms by the bed. Even in sleep, worry etched lines on her face, her breaths slow and heavy. I felt a tug at my heart. Reaching out, I brushed a few stray strands of hair from her face. She stirred, and a small sigh escaped her lips. Her presence grounded me and made all this feel real.


    The wall clock read 4 p.m. ¡°I¡¯ve been out for a while.¡± I should¡¯ve let her sleep, but I couldn¡¯t help myself. I shook her shoulder with care. ¡°Kristine¡­ wake up.¡± She blinked with heavy eyelids, then her eyes shot open, locking onto mine. She reacted at once. She rushed at me, her arms wrapping around me with a grip that made me wince.


    ¡°Suki, you idiot!¡± Her voice cracked with frustration and relief. ¡°Do you have any idea how worried I was?¡± Tears glistened in her eyes, but she held them back, her voice raw with emotion. Guilt twisted in my gut, sharper than any pain I felt from my injuries. I wanted to make it right, but my words felt weak. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    Kristine pulled back and gripped the bed¡¯s edges with such force that her knuckles turned white. ¡°Sorry doesn¡¯t cut it, Rei. You could have died!¡± Her voice wavered on the last word, and she bit her lip, fighting to hold herself together. My throat tightened, guilt pressing down on me. I reached for her hand, but she shook her head, cutting me off before I could speak.


    ¡°Let me finish,¡± she murmured, her voice soft and her fingers trembling in my grasp. ¡°I know you want to protect everyone. That¡¯s one of the things I love¡ª¡± She stopped, catching herself before pushing forward. ¡°That¡¯s what I admire about you. But you have to think about the people who care about you too. What would I do if¡­ if something happened to you?¡±


    Her words hit harder than any blow I¡¯d taken in battle. I had never thought about it from her perspective. My recklessness wasn¡¯t just a risk to me¡ªit hurt the people who cared about me, and it hurt her. I squeezed her hand. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Kristine. I didn¡¯t mean to scare you.¡±The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    She sighed, her shoulders slumping as if the weight of her fear had finally caught up with her. ¡°I know you didn¡¯t mean to. But you always take these insane risks, and one day¡­¡± Her voice trailed off, her eyes dark with unspoken fear. She tried to smile, though it didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°Just¡­ be more careful, okay?¡± I nodded. ¡°I will.¡±


    She leaned in, her voice a faint whisper. "You''d better.¡± Kristine pulled me into a tight hug, her warmth chasing away the chill in my bones. When she pulled back, the tension in her face had eased. ¡°How are you feeling? Do you need anything?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I lied, though every muscle and bone screamed otherwise. But the weight of her worry made my pain seem insignificant. Kristine scanned me, noting every bruise and bandage before flashing a teasing grin. ¡°Well, you¡¯re recovering, at least. You¡¯re tougher than you look.¡±


    I chuckled, trying to match her lightness. ¡°Guess I got lucky.¡± But her earlier words stayed with me. I wanted to say more, to tell her what her words meant to me. But before I could find the courage, a knock at the door interrupted us.


    A doctor entered, his gentle smile immediately putting me at ease. ¡°Rei, good to see you awake,¡± he said before turning to Kristine. ¡°Miss Lay, could I have a moment with Rei?¡± Kristine hesitated, looking to me for reassurance. I gave her a nod, and with a reluctant glance back, she left the room. ¡°Is everything okay, Doc?¡± I asked, trying to keep the nerves from my voice.


    The doctor pulled up a chair beside the bed. ¡°You¡¯re going to be fine, Rei. But you need to rest and take it slow.¡± He paused, glancing at the door. ¡°She cares about you, you know. You should listen to her.¡± My cheeks warmed, and I looked away. ¡°I know,¡± I muttered.


    The doctor gave me a knowing smile and patted my shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s all I needed to hear.¡± He got up and headed to the door, pausing for a brief moment. ¡°You have another visitor,¡± he said as someone entered. ¡°Mom?¡± My eyes widened. She rushed to my bedside, her eyes red-rimmed, the same striking yellow as mine. ¡°Rei,¡± she breathed, her voice trembling as she took my hand. ¡°My brave, foolish boy.¡±


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m sorry¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know, sweetheart,¡± she interrupted, gripping my hand tighter. ¡°But when they called and told me¡­ I thought I''d lost you.¡±


    Her voice wavered, and I squeezed her hand, trying to reassure her. ¡°I¡¯m okay, Mom. Really.¡± She pulled me into a gentle hug. ¡°Thank goodness,¡± she whispered, tears escaping despite her efforts. ¡°How long have you been here?¡± I asked, noticing her work clothes. ¡°I came as soon as I got the call,¡± she replied, forcing a small smile.


    We stayed like that for some time, engaged in quiet conversation until she had to leave for work. Watching her go, knowing she had come to make sure I was alright, hit me harder than I expected. She had to return to work; we needed the money, but it still stung to see her leave so soon. Kristine came back with food, and we shared an easy conversation until she too had to go. Without her, the room felt emptier. The beeping machines and sterile white walls closed in on me.


    Knock, knock.


    I sat up, heart racing with anticipation. Another visitor? The nurse entered, smiling kindly. ¡°Mr. Moutsuki, there¡¯s someone here to see you.¡±


    Before I could respond, the door creaked open. A man in a sleek suit stepped inside, moving with practiced ease. Round-tinted glasses hid his eyes, but his posture radiated confidence. ¡°Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Moutsuki.¡±


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 17 The offer of a lifetime

    The air grew dense when the man entered. His presence seemed to swallow the sterile hum of the hospital machines. His sneakers brushed the tile. They calculated each step and made a smooth, unnerving sound. A prickle of cold dread crept up my spine. It wasn''t his height or his fitted suit. It was his poised, commanding presence that demanded submission.


    His suit, tailored to perfection, fit him like a second skin. Each seam was a testament to lethal elegance. He slicked back his dark hair, leaving not a strand out of place. A pair of tinted, round glasses hid his eyes, reflecting the dim hospital light. Even unseen, I felt his gaze, like needles pricking me. It dissected every inch of me. He carried himself like a corporate predator. His presence compelled obedience.


    He stopped before me and extended a gloved hand. His smile was more clinical than kind. ¡°My name is Lawton Jarmin, but please, call me Mr. Lawton.¡± I swallowed my unease and took his hand. I met his gaze with a steadiness that felt almost foreign to me. ¡°Mr. Lawton¡­ I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve met before,¡± I managed, keeping my tone even.


    ¡°No, we haven¡¯t.¡± His response was as smooth as glass, his voice honed to a perfect, polite pitch. ¡°I¡¯m with the WEO¡ªthe World Esper Organization.¡± His words struck like a bolt. The WEO. Its name loomed in my mind like a shadow. It trained the world''s most powerful espers. It was the place I had dreamed of joining.


    ¡°What brings you here?¡± I asked, struggling to keep the tremor out of my voice. His lips twisted into a knowing smile that seemed to reach past my words. ¡°I¡¯m here to make you an offer, Mr. Rei.¡± He pulled a chair close, sitting with graceful deliberation, his hands folding as he fixed his gaze on me.


    My pulse leapt. ¡°An¡­ offer?¡± My voice tangled in hope and wariness, emotions battling for control. Could he mean what I thought? His tone dropped, heavy with an unspoken weight. ¡°I¡¯m here to invite you to join the WEO.¡±


    The words hovered between us, thick with promises I could hardly believe. My heart raced, excitement mixed with a pang of apprehension. This was it¡ªthe dream I¡¯d clung to for years, now within reach. But a sudden wave of doubt gnawed at the edges of my excitement. ¡°Join the WEO?¡± I asked in a voice that was almost a whisper. ¡°But¡­ why me?¡±


    A flicker of amusement crossed his face. His eyes, behind the tinted lenses, remained a mystery. ¡°We discovered your grace, Mr. Rei. Your ability¡­ it¡¯s rare. Exceptional. A power that could provide significant benefits to our organization with effective refinement.¡±


    His words sent a chill through me. How much did they know? How long had they been watching? My throat tightened, thoughts racing as I tried to grasp the full picture. ¡°How did you find out about my grace?¡± The question slipped away before I could grasp it, a blend of curiosity and dread.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    He didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°The WEO has its resources,¡± he replied, his voice as calm as glass. ¡°We don¡¯t intrude without reason. We observed enough to see that our guidance would benefit you. Nothing more.¡± A chill slipped under my skin, making me feel laid bare and seen in ways I hadn¡¯t permitted. But beneath it all, a spark of excitement flickered. This was the WEO, the chance I had only dreamed of.


    Mr. Lawton leaned forward, his voice dipping into a gentle, almost coaxing tone. ¡°I understand your hesitation, Mr. Rei,¡± he said, as if reading my unease straight from my mind. ¡°But we exist to help you harness your grace, to see it flourish in its full potential. Our resources, training, and expertise are available to espers like you."


    ¡°Harness?¡± I repeated, the word filling me with both intrigue and caution. His hands remained steepled, his face an unreadable mask. ¡°Controlled. Focused. Effective. We can help you reach the potential you may not yet realize.¡± Despite myself, his words pulled at me. To finally understand, to control my ability¡ªhe was offering exactly what I¡¯d wanted. Yet, a knot of doubt lingered. It tangled with promises to my mom and Kristine. I had promised them not to take risks or seek danger.


    ¡°Mr. Rei,¡± he continued, his gaze unwavering, ¡°joining us is a choice you can make.¡± There¡¯s no obligation¡ªthis choice is yours alone.¡± But the pull was strong, a desire too potent to ignore. To finally grasp my grace and make it my own. Pushing against the resistance felt almost pointless. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ll need some time to think,¡± I said, my voice trailing off with uncertainty while remaining open.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Rising from his seat, he slipped a hand into his suit pocket and produced a pristine business card. ¡°Here¡¯s our contact information. Should you have any questions, reach out. We¡¯re here to support you.¡± He placed the card in my hand. His gaze held mine for a moment before he turned and strode out, leaving the air heavy with unspoken words.


    The rest of the day passed in a blur, his words echoing in my mind until nightfall. "Damn¡­ I need some air." Getting out of bed, I headed to the hospital rooftop, craving the space to clear my thoughts. The stairs felt endless, but the fresh air hit me as I reached the top, and I drew in a deep breath, letting it settle.


    The city was a sea of lights, glittering against the dark expanse of the sky. Stars scattered overhead, mingling with the glow of streetlights. The distant sounds of laughter and music wove together, filling the night with a life of its own.


    Leaning against the railing, I let the cool metal press into my arms as I gazed out at the view. Mr. Lawton''s offer echoed within me. It was both tantalizing and terrifying. It promised answers but also unknowns. A quiet rustle behind me made me turn, my body tensing instinctively. But then a familiar voice broke the silence. "Rei, you look like you''re ready to jump someone," Masato chuckled, stepping from the shadows.


    Relief softened my stance as I took him in. ¡°Masato,¡± I sighed with a faint smile. ¡°What are you doing up here?¡± He shrugged, joining me at the railing, the wind catching in his dark hair. ¡°I could ask you the same thing.¡± He glanced at me, not pressing. We stood together, city lights reflecting in his eyes. After a moment, he spoke again, his voice low and considerate. ¡°Did something happen?¡± The sincerity in his tone made me pause, and before I knew it, I was spilling everything about Mr. Lawton¡¯s offer.


    Masato listened in silence, his expression shifting as I spoke. When I finished, he leaned back, crossing his arms. ¡°So¡­ what are you going to do?¡± I shook my head. ¡°I don¡¯t know yet.¡± He studied me, his gaze intense. ¡°I know your mom''s not thrilled about you getting involved in anything dangerous. But this¡­ it could be a chance for you.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± I replied, letting out a sigh. ¡°But it feels like a risk too.¡± He nodded with a look of contemplation. ¡°If you do go for it, just¡­ be smart about it. Weigh your options.¡± I smiled at him, grateful. We fell into silence as the distant sirens faded, and we took in the night.


    ---


    A few days later, the hospital finally discharged me. As I walked toward the exit, Mr. Lawton waited by the gate, an air of calm authority still emanating from him. ¡°Have you made your decision, Mr. Rei?¡± he asked, his gaze steady. ¡°Yes,¡± I replied, meeting his eyes. His expression shifted to a faint smile, as though he already knew.


    ¡°Welcome to the WEO, Rei Moutsuki.¡±


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 18 Astral Spire

    The city streets pulsed with the usual morning rhythm as I stepped through the hospital''s glass doors. Sunlight warmed my face. It felt heavy, a silent reminder of my promise to Mr. Lawton. It was now a bond I couldn''t break. Behind me lay the comfort of familiarity; before me stretched an uncharted road.


    A sleek black sedan waited at the curb. Its tinted windows reflected a blur of passing people. It was like a shield raised against the world. Mr. Lawton stood by the open door, unaffected by the heat. He was a polished figure in an immaculate suit. The quiet power of his posture almost made the morning pause. He inclined his head, acknowledging my approach with a faint, unreadable smile. ¡°Ready for what¡¯s ahead?¡± His voice, calm and precise, carried a weight that left no room for doubt.


    I swallowed and forced a steady reply. ¡°Ready as I¡¯ll ever be.¡±


    As I sank into the leather seat, the scent of polished wood and leather embraced me. The soft hum of the engine signaled departure. In the traffic, my thoughts drifted to familiar faces. Masato''s steady gaze was like a shield. Lawrence, in constant search, had quiet intensity. Kristine''s warmth was an anchor in any storm. What would they think if they knew? I could almost feel their worry, and beneath it, I hoped for their understanding.


    Beside me, Mr. Lawton broke the silence as we cruised down the highway. ¡°A lot on your mind, Rei?¡± The casual tone masked a quiet scrutiny, sharp enough to make me shift in my seat. Was he reading my hesitation? I forced myself to answer. ¡°Just... taking it in.¡± He nodded, as though the answer met some invisible standard. ¡°Good. You''re expected to ask questions in the first steps."


    ¡°So, we¡¯re going straight to WEO headquarters?¡± I tried to ground myself in practicality. He raised an eyebrow, the slightest hint of amusement breaking through. ¡°Not quite.¡± We veered into downtown. The skyline closed in as buildings loomed. Their glass facades glinted in the sunlight like a city of mirrors. The sedan stopped before a tall marble building. Its clean, gleaming fa?ade hinted at power.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t headquarters,¡± I remarked, an edge of skepticism creeping in. Mr. Lawton¡¯s smirk was so brief I almost missed it. ¡°Let¡¯s call it a part of the journey.¡± Inside, the lobby opened into a vast, polished space. The organizers arranged every detail in luxury with precision. We ignored the elevators in plain sight. We took a private lift to the top. It opened into a stairwell that led to the rooftop. A tiltrotor plane awaited, its rotors spinning in a friendly manner.


    "This is our transport to headquarters," Mr. Lawton said, above the engine''s low thrum. ¡°The location isn¡¯t exactly accessible by conventional means.¡± I admired the aircraft. It was a sleek, stealthy metal marvel. They designed it for precision and durability. Every inch radiated high-tech readiness, and my heart skipped as I imagined what lay ahead. Mr. Lawton, catching my stare, noted with quiet pride, ¡°The WEO doesn¡¯t skimp on technology.¡±This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Climbing aboard, the reality of my choice settled in, pressing down like gravity. This wasn¡¯t a step¡ªit was a leap, one that left the ground far below. Inside, the cabin was all smooth leather and glowing displays. It had advanced controls. It was a place meant to whisk you away from the familiar.


    ¡°Buckle up,¡± he instructed, securing himself across from me. ¡°The ride¡¯s about to get... unconventional.¡± The words had landed when we shot up, breaking through the clouds. The city dropped away. As we soared, I leaned back. The engines roared, mixing with the rush of thoughts in my head. After minutes of open sky, something shimmered in the distance.


    ¡°There it is¡ªWEO HQ. The Astral Spire.¡±


    I sucked in a breath as the sky fortress appeared, suspended high above the clouds. Its central Warp Tower gleamed, a beacon of power and technology. Smaller floating structures, bristling with weapons, surrounded it. It was a fortress in every sense.


    The anti-gravity engines hummed with a faint, strange pulse. The spire loomed¡ªa promise and a warning. A shiver ran through me, knowing this was only the beginning. Mr. Lawton noticed my stare, his expression softening as he pointed out a faint shimmer in the air. ¡°That¡¯s the Grace Field," he said. ¡°It keeps the spire hidden and protected.¡±


    We passed through the invisible barrier. A tingle washed over my skin like a current. As the rotors slowed to a stop, I released my seatbelt with trembling hands. Mr. Lawton, composed as ever, motioned toward the open platform. ¡°Welcome to WEO HQ,¡± he announced with solemn pride. ¡°From here, we¡¯ll take the lift to the main tower.¡±


    Stepping out, I took in the view¡ªthe endless stretch of sky and the dizzying height. The lift doors opened with a quiet whoosh, ushering us into a vast atrium, stretching up for what felt like miles. Light danced on polished metal walls, shimmering like a dream.


    Espers moved with purpose. They were a mix of age and experience. Their backgrounds held both skill and raw potential. Some wore badges and insignias. Others, in casual attire, marked their paths in the organization. Holographic displays floated throughout. They showed real-time mission updates and hotspots where grace particles clustered.


    Mr. Lawton guided me through the buzz of activity, his voice dropping to a softer, almost reverent tone. ¡°This is the nerve center of the World Esper Organization. Every decision, every mission¡ªit all starts here.¡±


    He gestured to a holographic globe. It had pulsing hotspots, marking locations rich in magical energy. ¡°See those bright areas? Grace particle concentrations. Places where reality blurs.¡± I watched, mesmerized, as the map pulsed in rhythms like a heartbeat.


    He led us on until the crowds thinned. The surroundings grew more intense. We passed through layer upon layer of security. Each checkpoint was more advanced than the last. Finally, we stopped at a towering door. It slid open to reveal a circular chamber.


    The walls shifted, becoming a dense, green forest. It was so vivid I could almost smell the pine. I hardly noticed Mr. Lawton¡¯s movement before something heavy landed in my hands. I froze, staring down at a shotgun, the weight of it pressing into my palms.


    ¡°What... what am I supposed to do with this?¡± I demanded, my voice wavering as I looked up, only to find him gone, like a ghost. My heart thudded as a voice echoed through the chamber, smooth and emotionless.


    [Assessment test starting]


    Before I could react, A figure emerged in the shadows. Monstrous creature with glinting eyes and claws that scraped the air. Instinctively, I tightened my grip, my breath coming short. Alone, I held a weapon that I had little experience using. I found myself surrounded. I felt the weight of a choice that might have become my cage.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 19 The test

    I gripped the shotgun tighter, my fingers turning white against the cold metal. The chill felt like ice sinking through my skin, sharp and biting. My heartbeat pounded, filling my ears and almost drowning out the faint rustling in the shadows. The walls around me shifted with twisted shadows that clawed at the air like skeletal fingers. Tall trees loomed overhead, their branches creaking like they carried secrets. They twisted together in the darkness, reaching out as if trying to trap me.


    Then, a growl started low, rising from the earth, filling the air like a thick fog. My pulse quickened. Every muscle tensed as the silence pressed in, heavy and suffocating. It was as if the darkness itself was alive, watching me, waiting for me to slip.


    A chill crawled up my spine. Something massive lurked behind me¡ªI could feel it. Turning slowly, I spotted it emerging from the shadows: a monstrous creature, twisted and fierce. Its head was that of a wolf, red eyes blazing, muzzle peeled back to show fangs wet with saliva. A bear¡¯s massive body, rippling with muscles, radiated raw strength. A serpent¡¯s tail whipped through the air, its scales glinting with a sinister sheen, hissing like it had been waiting just for me.


    My heart thundered in my chest, louder than the creature¡¯s growl. The rancid stench of its breath washed over me, almost making me gag. It crouched, ready to pounce, savoring my fear. The serpent¡¯s tail lashed the ground, kicking up dirt and leaves in a wild, swirling frenzy.


    I raised the shotgun, hands trembling as I tried to steady myself. "This is my chance," I thought. "I need to prove myself to them,"


    Taking a shaky breath, I squeezed the trigger. The blast shattered the silence, and the recoil slammed into my shoulder like a sledgehammer. But the shot went wide. The creature lunged.


    I stumbled back, tripping over a root. The shotgun slipped from my hands and landed just out of reach. My lungs burned as I scrambled up, eyeing the beast as it advanced, every step shaking the ground. What if I fail? What if they think I¡¯m not good enough?


    The creature¡¯s jaws snapped near my face, missing by inches. I glanced at the shotgun lying nearby. It seemed close, but in that moment, it might as well have been miles away. Even if I could reach it¡ªwould it be enough?


    ---


    In the observation room, Mr. Lawton watched the screen, his jaw tight, concern etched on his face. His fingers tapped the console rhythmically, betraying his tension. Beside him, Ms. Carmen stood, her expression cool and unreadable. Her long white hair framed her face as she observed Rei¡¯s desperate fight.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°Ms. Carmen,¡± Lawton muttered, barely containing his frustration, ¡°was it really necessary to send a Lycoberus against him?¡±


    She raised an eyebrow, but her eyes never left the screen. ¡°Why? Do you think he can¡¯t handle it?¡±


    Before he could respond, Vanessa, standing behind them, crossed her arms, her eyes narrowed. ¡°It¡¯s not fair,¡± she said, her voice hard. ¡°We give him a shotgun he¡¯s barely used, then throw him in against a creature built to hunt.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s lips curved into a faint smirk. ¡°Is that what this is about? Fairness?¡±


    ¡°More like setting him up to fail,¡± Vanessa retorted, frowning. ¡°If this is supposed to teach him something, don¡¯t make it impossible. How is he supposed to learn anything?¡±


    Carmen finally looked at Vanessa, a glint of amusement in her pale eyes. ¡°He¡¯s still standing, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    Lawton shifted, worry mixed with admiration. ¡°He¡¯s giving it everything he¡¯s got¡­ but at what cost? Pushing him to his limits like this¡ªit might break him instead of building him up.¡±


    Vanessa¡¯s face hardened, her gaze fixed on the screen. ¡°We¡¯ll see if he can pull through,¡± she murmured, tension thick in the room. Carmen¡¯s voice was a low whisper, almost to herself. ¡°Show us what you¡¯re made of, Rei.¡±


    ---


    Back in the field, I sucked in air, my whole body screaming with exhaustion. ¡°Persistent, aren¡¯t you?¡± I muttered, locking eyes with the Lycoberus as it stalked closer. Its tail flicked, fangs glinting as it hissed. I knew I had to come up with something fast.


    Then, a faint glow caught my eye¡ªsomething behind its left ear. An opening? There was no time to think; I just acted. When it lunged, I rolled to the side, its hot breath skimming my neck. I scrambled to my feet, heart hammering as I spotted the shotgun nearby.


    I dashed for it, the Lycoberus charging after me. ¡°Come on¡­ that¡¯s it, keep coming,¡± I muttered, adrenaline giving me a burst of energy. My right eye began to glow with a golden aura, and I heard a faint ticking, marking each second. This is it, my one chance.


    The phantom trail appeared, showing me the Lycoberus¡¯s next move. Its tail shot forward, fangs bared. I ducked, grabbed the shotgun, and aimed at the glowing spot. ¡°This is for you, Lawton,¡± I breathed, and pulled the trigger. The blast ripped through the air, obliterating the snake¡¯s head in a spray of dark mist.


    I leaped back to my feet, squaring off against the beast. ¡°You¡¯re next,¡± I said, voice shaking but determined. It charged again, and I used the shotgun to pushed myself off the ground, evading its snap. ¡°Checkmate.¡± I fired once more, hitting the mark behind its ear.


    The Lycoberus crashed to the ground, its body going limp as the forest melted away into the blank white of the training room.


    [Assessment Test Complete]


    The sterile brightness of the observation room washed over me as I heard a faint hum and saw part of the wall slide open. Carmen entered, her footsteps echoing. ¡°Impressive, Rei,¡± she said, clapping her hands. The sound was hollow, bouncing strangely off the walls.


    ¡°Uh... thanks?¡± I mumbled, still catching my breath.


    She extended a hand, her smile edged with something I couldn¡¯t quite place. ¡°Welcome to WEO, Esper Rei.¡± I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering fear. ¡°Who¡­ who are you?¡±


    Her smile was sharp, almost daring. ¡°I¡¯m Carmen, vice chief of WEO."


    My hand met hers, but my grip felt weak, like every ounce of energy had been drained from me. I looked at her, at the quiet authority in her eyes, and felt a new wave of pressure settle over me. There¡¯d be more tests, more fights. I needed to prove I could handle it, to show Mr. Lawton¡ªand everyone else¡ªthat I belonged here.


    Because if I couldn¡¯t¡­ what was the point?


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 20 After the encounter

    The fluorescent lights in the hallway felt like needles piercing my eyes, still raw from the dark, twisted nightmare of the test chamber. Inside, Lycoberus had lurked¡ªalive, hungry, like a shadow made of teeth. Every step in this sterile corridor echoed back, droning, inescapable, reminding me this was my life now. Each heartbeat jolted in my chest, tightening every nerve, keeping that coiled adrenaline just beneath my skin. My shoulder throbbed where the shotgun¡¯s brutal recoil had left its mark. I flexed my right arm, hoping to shake off the phantom ache, but it lingered, deeper than just muscle, like it had carved itself into me.


    I let out a shuddering breath, watching it disperse into the still air.


    At the end of the hall, Vanessa stood waiting, arms crossed, her gaze sharp and unrelenting. Her posture didn¡¯t leave room for weakness. She was studying me, looking for cracks I didn¡¯t want her to find. ¡°Impressive,¡± she said, her voice slicing through the silence. ¡°Even Carmen¡¯s taken notice.¡±


    I forced a smirk, but it barely held. ¡°Guess I surprised myself too.¡± My gaze flicked to the heavy, sealed door that kept Lycoberus on the other side. ¡°That thing... you called it Lycoberus?¡±


    Vanessa¡¯s face darkened, and for a second, a chill ran through me. ¡°One of the more dangerous ones,¡± she said, voice flat, like a judge passing sentence. ¡°Fast, relentless, and smarter than you think. But¡ª¡± She leaned closer, eyes locking onto mine, ¡°it wasn¡¯t the worst.¡±


    Her words settled heavy in my stomach, twisting my insides with dread. If that creature was just the beginning¡­ what else was waiting for me? My mouth went dry, and I swallowed against it, wondering if I¡¯d just taken the first step into a nightmare that had no end.


    Footsteps sounded down the hall, slow and steady, bringing a warmth to the tension. Mr. Lawton approached, his expression softening with relief. ¡°How are you holding up, Rei?¡± His voice was kind, grounding. ¡°Not many could¡¯ve done what you did today.¡±


    ¡°Still breathing,¡± I replied, trying to lighten my tone, though the attempt felt hollow. I shrugged, though the tension in my shoulders wouldn¡¯t ease. ¡°Guess that counts.¡±


    He placed a steady hand on my shoulder, a comforting weight against the cold dread curling in my chest. ¡°It does,¡± he said, voice gentle but firm. ¡°But remember, today was just the first of many trials. And they¡¯ll test you in ways you can¡¯t imagine yet.¡±


    Before I could ask what he meant, Vanessa¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°Carmen thinks you¡¯re worth training,¡± she said, like a warning. ¡°She doesn¡¯t waste her time. Prove her right.¡±If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Her words struck hard, stoking a mix of fear and defiance. ¡°What¡¯s the point of these tests, anyway?¡± I blurted out. ¡°It¡¯s not just about survival, is it?¡±


    Lawton¡¯s gaze softened, and for a moment, he seemed to look somewhere distant, haunted. ¡°No,¡± he murmured. ¡°These tests reveal what you¡¯re made of, when you¡¯re pushed to the edge, when you¡¯ve got nothing left. Carmen¡¯s testing to see if you can survive in a world most people don¡¯t even know exists.¡±


    The weight of his words pressed on my chest, making it hard to breathe. ¡°And what if¡­ what if I can¡¯t?¡± The question slipped out, baring a crack in the walls I¡¯d built around myself.


    Vanessa¡¯s gaze was unflinching, steely. ¡°Then you won¡¯t make it far,¡± she said, no softness in her voice. ¡°Not everyone does. Some risked everything fighting these creatures, and not all of them made it out.¡±


    Her words hung there, heavy, final. They dug into me, twisting like a blade. But part of me wanted to fight back, to prove her wrong, to claw my way through whatever darkness they threw at me. And yet¡­ what if she was right? What if this place swallowed me whole before I even figured out how to stand on my own?


    Sensing the turmoil boiling inside, Lawton guided me away with a gentle hand on my shoulder. ¡°Come on, Rei. You need a break¡ªlet¡¯s get something to eat.¡± His presence eased the tension in my muscles, grounding me as we walked down the hallway.


    As we moved, the lights gradually softened, giving way to a space that felt almost normal. The smell of coffee mixed with the warmth of something cooking, making my stomach growl. The ache in my shoulder faded just a little, and I let myself breathe a bit deeper. It felt like the first moment of peace since the test.


    Lawton¡¯s voice broke the silence, his tone a bit lighter. ¡°You know, I remember my first day here,¡± he chuckled, a twinkle of humor brightening his eyes. ¡°Thought I¡¯d seen everything¡­ until that first test. Trust me, it¡¯s not all gloom and doom.¡± He grinned. ¡°In fact, I¡¯ve got good news for you.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow, curiosity creeping through my exhaustion. ¡°Good news?¡±


    His grin widened, eyes glinting with mischief. ¡°They¡¯ve assigned you to a squad, Rei.¡±


    ---


    Elsewhere in the facility, Carmen strode down another corridor, heels clicking in a steady, unhurried rhythm. She paused when she spotted a familiar figure leaning against the wall. He looked up, smirking, a glint of mischief in his yellow eyes.


    ¡°Back again, Ace?¡± Carmen asked, her voice smooth, unphased.


    ¡°Yo, what¡¯s up, Carmen?¡± Ace straightened, his easy confidence as natural as the white-faded hair framing his face. He wore a dark gray jacket, a black shirt with a wing insignia, and goggles resting on his head. His large, metallic wings gleamed faintly under the lights, adding to his already commanding presence.


    Carmen crossed her arms, giving him a wry look. ¡°You know you¡¯re not supposed to be in the training rooms unsupervised.¡±


    Ace shrugged, grinning. ¡°What can I say? Needed to test a few moves.¡± He mimicked a swooping motion with his hand, his wings flexing. ¡°You should¡¯ve seen it.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s lips twitched, the sternness melting just a bit. ¡°One day, you¡¯ll give me a heart attack. Try not to break anything¡­ or anyone. We¡¯ve got enough to deal with without you stirring things up.¡±


    ¡°Hey, stirring things up is my thing,¡± Ace replied, with a wink. He was all playful defiance, the kind of presence that sparked a room into life. ¡°But fine, I¡¯ll keep the chaos to a minimum. For now.¡±


    As they walked, the warmth of laughter and the aroma of coffee drifted from the common room, mingling with the soft chatter of students unwinding after their own battles. ¡°So, any gossip from the testing chambers?¡± Ace asked. ¡°I heard there¡¯s a newbie who put on quite a show.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s expression turned thoughtful, but a slight smile betrayed her approval. ¡°You could say that. He¡¯s unpolished, but smart. Might be just the wildcard we need.¡±


    ¡°A fox in the henhouse, huh?¡± Ace chuckled, intrigued. ¡°Sounds like he¡¯ll keep things interesting. Let¡¯s see if he can keep up.¡±


    ---


    Their laughter drifted from the hallway, a flicker of warmth that chased away some of the shadows clinging to me. This world might be a nightmare, but maybe¡­ just maybe, I could find a place in it. Even if I still didn¡¯t know if I had the strength to survive.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 21 New home

    I sank into the chair, its solid weight grounding me, the cool metal warming against my skin. My fingers instinctively reached for a plate, the smooth surface inviting. I piled it high with golden rolls that crackled as I touched them. Steaming potatoes exuded a buttery aroma. Tender cuts of meat were fragrant. Yet, despite the feast before me, the shadows of the test clung to my mind.


    The hall buzzed with life. Cutlery clanged. Voices rose. Laughter burst. Each sound intruded on something raw and unhealed in me. The image had seared into my memory. Its red eyes glowed with sinister intelligence. It moved with a brutal, animalistic grace. It lingered like a phantom. The beast was still out there, lurking, watching, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.


    Mr. Lawton¡¯s gaze held steady across the table, his calm presence a balm against my tumult. ¡°You did well in there,¡± he said, his warm voice wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. The sincerity in his tone anchored me, steady and reassuring. ¡°But don¡¯t get too comfortable.¡± His eyes sharpened, a glint of steel flashing beneath his calm exterior. ¡°Lycoberus was the beginning. You¡¯ve only begun to explore what¡¯s out there.¡±


    I swallowed hard, the weight of his words settling over me like a leaden cloak. ¡°An introduction, right?¡± I mumbled, my gaze dropping to the blurred contents of my plate, steam rising like ghosts from the food.


    ¡°Exactly.¡± His smile softened, yet a quiet intensity remained. He leaned back, arms crossed. He studied me with a look that promised both challenge and camaraderie. ¡°But this time, you¡¯re not going in alone.¡± His gaze flickered with something personal, as if he were reliving memories. ¡°You¡¯ve got a team now. They¡¯ll push you, test you in ways you didn¡¯t know you needed. Trust me, they¡¯ll change you for the better¡ªor at least, that¡¯s the hope.¡±


    The word "team" pulled me from my thoughts, curiosity slicing through my exhaustion. I glanced up, meeting his gaze. ¡°Are they... like me?¡± I asked, my heart racing with both anticipation and dread.


    He took a bite, chewing with care before replying. ¡°Some of them, yeah,¡± he said, meeting my gaze with a promise of challenge. ¡°But each one has its strengths and quirks. The captain handpicked them. Every single one. They¡¯ll bring something unique to the table¡ªand they¡¯re going to expect you to do the same.¡± He tapped his fork against his plate, giving me a pointed look. ¡°So savor this meal, Rei. You¡¯re going to need every bit of strength you¡¯ve got.¡±


    Letting out a slow breath, I took another bite; the warmth of the food eased the tension in my shoulders. The clatter of plates and the hum of conversation soothed me. They drowned out my worries, if only for a moment. For a moment, the upcoming trials and lurking shadows felt distant. This meal was a rare pause¡ªa brief respite in an unending storm.


    As we finished, Mr. Lawton wiped his mouth with a napkin, glancing toward the exit. ¡°Come on, Rei,¡± he said, a faint spark of excitement dancing in his voice. ¡°There¡¯s something I want you to see.¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    We stepped outside into the crisp evening air. The coolness filled my lungs and sharpened my senses. A low rumble of machinery mixed with purposeful footsteps. It created an atmosphere of controlled intensity. Above, the sky stretched wide, a deep indigo. The last sunlight melted into the horizon. In the fading light, floating silhouettes of structures glimmered. Each platform hovered like a tiny fortress. Faint blue lights pulsed in the twilight, creating a gentle outline around them.


    ¡°Why are we out here?¡± I asked, glancing at the bustling scene. Technology and military efficiency hummed together. Mr. Lawton nodded toward one of the floating platforms, pride glimmering in his eyes. ¡°See that?¡± he pointed to a massive, turreted structure in the distance. It had intricate sensors. "Your squad will station there," Mr. Lawton said, proud, nodding at a floating platform. Each platform is self-sustaining, with training facilities, living quarters, labs¡ªyou name it. All designed to make you stronger.¡±


    As we neared a holographic pad in the ground, its surface pulsed with a soft, rhythmic light. It crackled with anticipation. Mr. Lawton keyed in a sequence, and the pad emitted a low chime resonating in my chest. Under our feet, the ground trembled, vibrating with energy.


    ¡°Uh¡­ what¡¯s happening?¡± I asked, gripping the railing as the platform began to rise. We ascended with ease, the world below shrinking. The wind whipped around us, tugging at my clothes. It filled me with exhilaration, mixed with a twinge of fear.


    Mr. Lawton chuckled, clapping me on the shoulder. ¡°Relax, Rei. We¡¯re heading up to meet your new squad mates.¡± The platform drifted higher. It clicked into place beside one of the larger floating structures with a gentle thud. The entry doors slid open with a soft hiss, revealing the faint glow of lights within. ¡°Shall we?¡± Mr. Lawton tilted his head at the open doorway. His eyes sparkled with playfulness. The invitation felt both daunting and thrilling.


    Swallowing hard, I stepped forward, the weight of the unknown settling on my shoulders. This was the next step¡ªthe beginning of a journey that was both terrifying and exhilarating. Mr. Lawton stayed beside me, reassuring me as he placed a hand on the door. ¡°Well, Rei, here¡¯s where you¡¯ll meet your squad.¡±


    As the door slid open, a cacophony of voices and motion enveloped us. It was an exhilarating chaos that made my heart race. Before I could register the scene, a blur shot past; a figure zipped across the room, moving so fast that I blinked.


    "Get back here, you bastard!" a voice bellowed, laced with irritation and amusement. A boy with jet-black hair streaked with blue dashed after a blur. It was a kid with shaggy purple highlights. He darted around tables with an agility that left me in awe. "Just try to catch me, if you can!" the purple-highlighted one taunted, laughing like music as he dodged another lunge.


    Wide-eyed, I watched as the two played a game of cat-and-mouse. They skidded around the room like kids in a playground. A third boy groaned from across the room. He adjusted his round glasses and let out a deep sigh. ¡°Hey, can we not turn this place into a war zone? The captain isn''t going to like it.¡±


    The black-haired boy flashed a grin, his eyes glinting with challenge. ¡°I¡¯ll stop when he pays me back,¡± he growled, fixing his gaze back on his target. The boy with purple highlights snorted and rolled his eyes. Then he tossed something into the air. ¡°Pfft, fine, here!¡± he said, flinging a small item back to his pursuer, who caught it in a skilled manner mid-chase.


    Mr. Lawton laughed beside me, nudging my shoulder. ¡°Welcome to your new squad, Rei.¡± At that moment, all three boys looked at me. Curiosity and mischief lit up their faces. ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± the boy with black and faded blue hair shouted. Before I could respond, Mr. Lawton stepped in. ¡°Casper, Zane, and Oliver, this is your teammate, Rei.¡± The trio exchanged glances. A silent, amused bond passed between them. Then Zane stepped forward and extended his hand in greeting.


    ¡°Well then, I¡¯m Zane Xavier,¡± he said, his grip firm and confident, a grin spreading across his face. The air crackled with the promise of new beginnings. For the first time since the test, hope flickered in my chest.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 22 Squad mates

    Zane¡¯s handshake was steady and warm, like gripping a sun-baked stone. The firmness of his grip grounded me, easing a knot in my chest I didn¡¯t even know was there. For a moment, the noise and tension of the room faded, replaced by the calm weight of his hand anchoring me, like a lifeline in a sea of unknowns.


    Around us, people moved with purpose. Footsteps echoed in rhythmic taps against the linoleum, blending with murmured voices and the static crackle of a walkie-talkie. Harsh fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting long shadows that flickered over faces filled with expectation¡ªand wariness. Glances darted my way, measuring me like an unfamiliar puzzle piece, unsure how I¡¯d fit.


    Two figures stood nearby, watching intently. Casper leaned back with his arms crossed, his black hair streaked with blue framing a sharp gaze. His posture was tense, shoulders coiled like a spring. Next to him, Oliver fidgeted, tugging at his sleeve and glancing between me and the floor.


    Casper scoffed, eyes narrowing. ¡°Didn¡¯t know we were handing out invites,¡± he said, each word laced with sarcasm.


    I met his stare, my voice steady. ¡°Mrs. Carmen assigned me,¡± I replied. ¡°If you¡¯ve got a problem, take it up with her.¡±


    Casper¡¯s smirk deepened, his disdain barely hidden. ¡°Mrs. Carmen, huh? We¡¯ll see if you¡¯re worth her time.¡± He held my gaze for a second longer, then turned away, dismissing me.


    Oliver gave a quick, apologetic look, but he stayed silent, tugging at his sleeve.


    I clenched my fists, irritation prickling under my skin, but before I could react, Zane stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. ¡°Come on, Casper,¡± he said with quiet authority. ¡°Give him a chance.¡±


    Casper muttered something under his breath, but after one last glare, he walked off. The tension in my chest loosened, though a faint edge lingered.


    Zane turned to me with a reassuring smile. ¡°Don¡¯t let him get to you,¡± he said softly, almost as if sharing a secret. ¡°Casper¡¯s all bark. He¡¯ll come around.¡±


    I exhaled, letting the irritation fade. ¡°Maybe standing up to him wasn¡¯t the best start.¡±


    Zane chuckled, his warmth grounding. ¡°He¡¯s like that with everyone. Trust me; you¡¯ll get used to it.¡± He gestured down the hall. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s show you around. You¡¯ll be here a lot, so you might as well get familiar.¡±This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Our footsteps echoed as we moved down the cool hallway. A faint metallic scent lingered in the air, mingling with the hum pulsing through the walls, almost like the quiet heartbeat of the building. Each step pulled me deeper into this world, vast and unfamiliar, as if it, too, were sizing me up.


    ¡°So,¡± I asked, breaking the silence, ¡°where to first?¡± Zane shot me a grin. ¡°Let¡¯s meet the team. The captain and a few are out, though.¡±


    We passed rows of doors marked with strange symbols and unfamiliar names, each one hinting at lives just out of reach. Zane finally stopped at a door labeled ¡°Daisy.¡±


    ¡°Here?¡± I asked, glancing at the nameplate. He nodded, a smirk playing on his lips. ¡°Daisy¡¯s¡­ a little different. Just, uh, don¡¯t let her sweetness fool you.¡±


    He knocked, nudging the door open. I stepped in¡ªand was hit from the side, nearly knocked off balance.


    ¡°Gotcha!¡± a bright voice chirped. I turned to see a girl with sparkling eyes and a flowered ribbon in her hair, grinning like she¡¯d won a game.


    ¡°Wait¡­ who are you?¡± she asked, brushing off her skirt. She looked at Zane, wide-eyed. ¡°Zane, who¡¯s this? Your new friend?¡± Zane steadied me, smirking. ¡°Rei,¡± he introduced. ¡°He¡¯s joining us.¡±


    Her eyes lit up. ¡°Well, Rei, I hope you¡¯re ready! And, uh, sorry for the sneak attack.¡± I raised an eyebrow, pretending to be unfazed. ¡°Do you tackle everyone who walks in here?¡±


    She laughed, a bright sound that filled the room with warmth. ¡°Only the ones I haven¡¯t met yet. Keeps things interesting, right?¡± Zane chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Maybe ease up on the tackles, Daisy?¡±


    She shrugged, completely unbothered. ¡°No promises! You guys make life interesting!¡± She waved as we turned to leave. ¡°See you around, Rei!¡± Out in the hall, I couldn¡¯t help but laugh softly. ¡°She¡¯s¡­ definitely unforgettable.¡±


    Zane grinned. ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s something else. And by the way¡ªshe¡¯s Mrs. Carmen¡¯s daughter.¡± I stopped, blinking. ¡°Wait¡ªshe¡¯s related to Mrs. Carmen?¡±


    Zane¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Didn¡¯t catch the resemblance? Trust me, though, their personalities are night and day.¡±


    ¡°Good to know,¡± I said, still processing. He motioned toward the next door, labeled ¡°Andrei Stellar.¡± ¡°Ready for another introduction?¡± I raised an eyebrow. ¡°Is he going to tackle me too?¡±


    Zane laughed. ¡°Nah, Andrei¡¯s¡­ more laid-back. You¡¯ll be fine.¡± He opened the door, and I stepped into a room glowing with the soft, blue light of monitors. Gadgets lined the walls, casting a futuristic feel over the space.


    ¡°Andrei, come say hi to the new guy,¡± Zane called out. The figure at the desk looked up, adjusting his rectangular glasses, his gaze calm and observant.


    ¡°You must be Rei,¡± he said evenly. ¡°That¡¯s me.¡± I looked around at the gadgets. ¡°Did you make all this?¡±


    A hint of pride flickered in his eyes. ¡°Every piece. Keeps me busy.¡± He gave me a thoughtful look. ¡°So, you ready to be part of the team?¡±


    I nodded, a sense of calm settling over me, like the warmth of Zane¡¯s handshake. ¡°Ready as I¡¯ll ever be.¡± Andrei gave a slight nod. ¡°Welcome to the team, then.¡± Zane waited at the door, leaning against the frame. ¡°So, ready to see your new room?¡±


    I waved to Andrei and followed Zane back into the hallway. ¡°First impressions of the team so far?¡± he asked, grinning as we walked.


    I thought for a moment. ¡°They¡¯re¡­ definitely unique.¡± We stopped at a door with no nameplate. ¡°Well, this is your room, Rei.¡± He opened the door and motioned me inside.


    The room was plain and functional¡ªjust a bed, desk, and wardrobe. A stark contrast to the rooms I¡¯d just seen. Silence settled around me as I took it all in, feeling strangely heavy. ¡°It grows on you,¡± Zane said, giving my shoulder a friendly clap before leaving. ¡°Settle in.¡±


    As the door closed, the silence deepened, wrapping around me. Alone in the quiet, the weight of everything settled¡ªa new team, new faces, Casper¡¯s challenge still lingering. I glanced at the empty room, the cold walls closing in. But beneath the uncertainty, a familiar spark lit up inside¡ªa goal I¡¯d clung to since I was a kid.


    Maybe this was my chance to prove myself, to finally fit in, to be the hero I¡¯d dreamed of becoming.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 23 Training and New Duties

    The days blurred together, a never-ending loop of drills and routines, each one stacking on top of the last. The constant hum of machinery. The sharp clang of metal on concrete. Orders snapped through the air like whips. It aimed to ground me and teach me discipline. But it only made me feel like an outsider. It was like I was wearing someone else''s skin¡ªand the seams were showing.


    Today, the room was dead silent. No sounds but my breath¡ªshallow, quick, rushing in and out. The SMG felt heavy in my hands, foreign. Cold black metal, slick and unyielding. I gripped it harder, trying to force some control, but my palms were clammy. The weight of it was wrong. Every inch of it was a puzzle that refused to click into place. I took a slow breath, lined up the sights, and squeezed the trigger.


    The recoil hit me like a slap. The crack of gunfire reverberated through my chest, a jolt of heat and noise. But the target? Still standing, untouched.


    Frustration burned hot in my gut, a sharp, bitter coil. Sweat trickled down my forehead, stinging my eyes, but it didn¡¯t stop. It kept coming¡ªrelentless. Every shot was a reminder of how out of place I was. How wrong this felt. How ill-suited I was for this weapon.


    "This isn¡¯t like a sword," I muttered to myself.


    A sword had rhythm. Balance. A sword had flow, a connection between the blade and the person wielding it. But this? This SMG was a blunt instrument, a tool without grace. A hammer that lacked finesse.


    Footsteps. Slow. Measured. I didn¡¯t need to look up to know who it was. Zane¡¯s presence was solid, unshakable, like the weight of a mountain stone.


    ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡± His voice was calm, unaffected. But it cut through the silence. It grounded me.


    I lowered the SMG, forcing a smile. It felt stiff, unnatural. "It¡¯s... different. Feels like I¡¯m trying to fight with something that doesn¡¯t belong to me."


    Zane crossed his arms, his gaze steady, unwavering. He looked at me with that same calm certainty I always envied. "It¡¯s not a sword, that¡¯s for sure. But adapting¡ªthat¡¯s part of the job. The weapon you need isn¡¯t always the one you¡¯re comfortable with."


    I looked at the SMG again, trying to find some hint of familiarity in its contours. But it felt like a stranger¡¯s hand wrapping around mine. "I was good with a sword. I knew it, and it knew me. But this?" I shook my head. "It¡¯s like stumbling through a room I can¡¯t see."


    Zane didn¡¯t flinch. His eyes locked onto mine, unwavering. He shrugged, slow and easy, like he was explaining something simple. "You¡¯ll get there. Don¡¯t overthink it. You¡¯ve got patrols coming up soon. With Daisy and Oliver."This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    ¡°Patrol?¡± The word caught me off guard. I blinked, feeling a brief disorientation.


    He nodded. "Yeah. The WEO has started running regular patrols since the rifts reopened. It¡¯ll give you some hands-on practice. A chance to get comfortable with your team."


    A patrol. It felt manageable, purposeful. The tight coil of tension in my chest began to relax. "When do we head out?"


    Zane checked his watch, a small smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Ten minutes. Gear up."


    I rushed to change into my uniform. The fabric was stiff, foreign against my skin. But when I stepped into the common area and saw Daisy, that discomfort faded. She was already there, bouncing in her seat, her energy radiating from her. When she saw me, her face lit up. "Rei! Finally!"


    Beside her, Oliver gave a small nod, his eyes flicking to mine for a brief second before looking away, a faint hint of nervousness in his expression. I forced myself to stand tall. "Ready to go?"


    Daisy jumped up, her grin widening. "Let¡¯s do this!" She moved toward the door with a lightness in her step, her excitement infectious. I shot a glance at Oliver, who managed a soft chuckle before falling in step behind me, still quiet and a bit reserved.


    ¡°She¡¯s like a puppy off the leash,¡± I muttered.


    Oliver gave a shy shrug, his lips twitching into a subtle smile. "She¡¯s¡­ definitely excited."


    By the time we reached the platform, Daisy was already tapping her foot, impatient. "You¡¯re late! Can¡¯t keep a girl waiting!" Her voice rang with mischief.


    ¡°Not all of us have your energy,¡± Oliver said softly, his voice almost lost under the ambient noise, a faint blush on his cheeks.


    Daisy laughed, holding out her hand. A soft, warm glow radiated from her palm, and the fatigue that had been weighing down my muscles seemed to melt away. It was like stepping into sunlight after a storm.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got you covered,¡± she said with a wink. ¡°Healing grace, remember? No excuses!¡± The platform beneath us shifted while it rose toward the Astral Spire. I glanced at Oliver. "Where are we headed?"


    He adjusted his gear, nodding toward the horizon. "The shopping district. Market area," he replied, his tone steady yet quiet.


    Daisy¡¯s eyes gleamed, and her excitement seemed to grow with each passing second. "The shopping district? Yes! This day just got even better!" She practically bounced, radiating joy.


    When we arrived, Daisy was already ahead. "Shopping district, here we come!" she shouted, sprinting forward with her boundless energy. I exchanged a look with Oliver, who simply shook his head, a hint of a nervous smile pulling at the corners of his lips.


    ¡°There she goes again,¡± I muttered.


    Oliver let out a small laugh, scratching the back of his head. ¡°Guess¡­ we better catch up.¡± We exchanged a glance and then followed. We braced for Daisy''s whirlwind.


    Inside, we reached the warp pad. Daisy was bouncing on her heels, excited, while Oliver spoke to the attendant, his voice soft and a bit hesitant. ¡°Shopping district, please,¡± he said, almost mumbling as he kept his gaze lowered.


    The attendant nodded and typed something into the console. The warp pad hummed to life, glowing a soft blue. I felt a knot tighten in my stomach, with unease creeping in¡ªthe sensation I knew was coming.


    Daisy turned to me, noticing my discomfort. "First time using the warp pad?" she asked, her playful grin wide. "Yeah," I admitted, watching the large metal rings around the glass walls begin to spin.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± she said with assurance. ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± The rings spun faster, the light intensifying. A strange tingling sensation ran down my spine.


    [3... 2... 1...]


    A flash of blue. My body vibrated, a strange, cold rush filling me, like ice rushing through my veins. It came to an abrupt halt. We were standing in the middle of the bustling streets, the sounds of the city slamming into me all at once. I blinked twice, disoriented. "Huh?"


    ¡°Still alive, I presume?¡± Daisy teased, noticing my dazed expression. ¡°Ugh, never gonna get used to that,¡± Oliver murmured, clutching his stomach with a slightly pained expression.


    I couldn¡¯t help but laugh, even as the odd feeling lingered in my limbs. But despite the discomfort, despite all the uncertainty... something about this place, this team, made me feel like maybe I wasn¡¯t as out of place as I thought.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 24 Patrol at the Market

    The shopping district thrummed with life. Laughter filled the air. Sizzling grills added a smoky aroma of grilled meat and fresh bread. Neon lights flickered above, painting the narrow alleys in red, blue, and green. Their reflections rippled off vendor stands and food carts. The glow barely cut through the deepening shadows. They seemed to breathe, hiding their secrets.


    Ahead of me, Daisy wove through the crowded street. She slipped past fire jugglers and groups of shoppers with a grace that showed she belonged here. Every step was light and precise, as if she were part of the district''s pulse.


    "Rei! Quit dragging your feet!" Her voice rang out, cheerful but with an edge, and heads turned at her call. A few glances lingered, taking in my face and the weapon strapped to my side.


    I quickened my steps, catching up. ¡°Just... taking it all in.¡± But the weight of the SMG at my side was a constant reminder¡ªthis wasn¡¯t a casual stroll. Every shadow deepened. Every silence between food stalls felt heavy, like a held breath.


    Behind me, Oliver shuffled. His eyes darted over the crowds. His hunched shoulders showed he wanted to melt into them. He glanced at me. His lips twitched into a small, hesitant smile. Then, he looked away, disappearing into the crowd.


    We turned a corner. A bulletin board came into view. Faded, rain-warped posters plastered it. Eyes stared from each sheet, wide and pleading. Their faces, worn by time and the humid air, curled at the edges. A chill seeped into my chest, heavy and cold, tightening around my throat. I couldn¡¯t breathe.


    ¡°Rei?¡± Daisy¡¯s voice softened, breaking through the fog of unease. "You''re okay?¡±


    I forced myself to shrug it off, tearing my gaze from the posters. ¡°Yeah. Just... thinking.¡±


    We moved on, swallowed by the crowd. But the district felt different now. It seemed larger, as if it might swallow us whole. Each sound grew sharper, pressing in.


    A shoulder bumped Oliver hard, sending him stumbling. He blinked, wide-eyed, and caught off guard.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    ¡°S-sorry,¡± he muttered, stepping aside, his voice swallowed by the noise.


    The stranger¡ªa tall, hooded figure¡ªmade a brief stop. He muttered something as he continued on. Our eyes met for a moment. His cold, calculating gaze sliced through the crowd like a blade through cloth. A chill prickled at the back of my neck.


    In the next moment, he was gone, dissolved into the shifting bodies around us. I felt an inexplicable pull, a gnawing needed to follow, to chase down that cold stare. But he was already lost in the crowd.


    ¡°Rei?¡± Daisy¡¯s voice brought me back, her brows drawn with concern, her usual smile slipping.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± My voice felt distant and hollow. ¡°something just caught my eye¡± It sounded flat, forced. Even I didn¡¯t even believe it.


    Oliver glanced over, a small, apologetic smile playing at his lips, as if to lighten the moment. His mouth opened as if to speak, but he shut it and looked down again. Daisy studied me a moment longer. She didn''t press, only nodded. But I felt her eyes linger, sensing something was off.


    We kept moving, each step heavier. The cobblestones seemed to throb beneath our feet. The crowd closed in. The noise grew, almost smothering us. The missing posters, their faded eyes, felt like they were tracking us. They held questions that scraped at my mind, silent yet unshakable.


    ---


    Elsewhere, under the shadowed mouth of an alley, the hooded figure moved with purpose. His steps produced a faint sound on the damp pavement, while the darkness clung to him like a cloak. He reached a secluded corner. Brick walls towered, hemming him in. They muffled the sounds of the bustling district beyond.


    ¡°This is it,¡± he murmured, pulling back his hood. Blue hair tumbled over his face, his left eye hidden beneath an eyepatch. His one visible eye, sharp and cold, scanned the alley as if measuring every inch.


    Before him, the air shimmered, bending as though in the heat of a desert. A jagged tear ripped through the world, a rift opening with a low, pulsing hum. From within, a figure emerged, face concealed behind a smooth, metallic mask. The warped, metallic voice that slipped out laced with authority.


    ¡°Did you complete your mission, Asher?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± His voice held no emotion, just a flat certainty. ¡°It¡¯s done.¡±


    The masked figure nodded, stepping back into the darkness of the rift. Asher followed, disappearing into the void with practiced ease.


    Beyond the rift lay a dim lab. The air was thick and stale. Faint green lights cast a sickly glow on the walls lined with glass tubes. Inside each, half-formed shapes twitched beneath swirling liquids. They were indistinct shapes, existing in a state between life and death.


    Asher''s gaze fixed on a tube. Something massive shifted inside it. A hulking, distorted, monstrous figure. It stood at a height of almost three meters. Its skin was a raw, throbbing crimson, stretched tight over jagged muscles. Spiked ridges ran down its back, and a single eye sat beneath a heavy brow, closed for now but waiting.


    "So, this is what we''re releasing," Asher muttered, almost to himself. A dark spark flickered in his gaze.


    A man in a lab coat stepped forward, eyes gleaming, hair spiked like a twisted crown. His fingers moved over the control panel, each button pressed with reverence. Asher¡¯s mouth twitched into a smirk.


    ¡°Let¡¯s wake him up, G¨¹nter.¡±


    ¡°With pleasure.¡± The man¡¯s hands flew over the console, hitting a final switch with a flourish. A low hum filled the room. The lights flickered, casting dancing shadows across the glass tubes.


    The air crackled, buzzing with raw energy, and the massive figure in the tube stirred. A primal, fierce growl resonated from within. It vibrated through the lab walls.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to play, Cyclops.¡±


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 25 Furry Distractions

    The air in the shopping district lightened. The unease from the missing posters and shadowed figure faded as we walked to the caf¨¦ Daisy found. Her energy snapped back, as if the city¡¯s pulse had reset. But a knot still twisted in my stomach, tight and unyielding, no matter how much I tried to shake it off.


    "Hey, this place looks adorable!" Daisy¡¯s voice sparked as we neared a small caf¨¦ tucked between two neon-lit shops. The warmth inside fogged the caf¨¦ windows, casting a soft glow against the chill of the evening. Swirling letters above the door spelled out Neko Cat Caf¨¦, almost smiling down at us.


    Oliver walked behind with his eyes lowered, taking silent steps. The clink of coffee cups and a faint chorus of meows drifted through the open door, calling us in.


    I stopped, a wave of recognition hitting like a tide. Neko Cat Caf¨¦. I knew this place. Kristine and I had spent hours here¡ª*before* everything changed. Laughter and those weightless moments that felt eternal¡ªthey all rushed back. Memories that I hadn¡¯t let myself revisit until now.


    "Rei?" Daisy¡¯s voice grounded me. "You okay? You¡¯re, uh... staring a little."


    I blinked, forcing a smile. "Yeah, yeah. Just... memories, I guess."


    I tried to keep walking, but the sight of the caf¨¦ tugged at something deeper, an old wound I hadn¡¯t expected to reopen. Daisy had already slipped inside, her presence lighting up the doorway.


    "C¡¯mon, Rei, it¡¯s a cat caf¨¦. You love cats, right?" Daisy grinned over her shoulder, a teasing spark in her eye. "Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re going to back out on that."


    With a steadying breath, I stepped forward. "Right. Cats." My voice came out flat, unconvincing even to myself.


    Oliver lingered near the door, mumbling under his breath, hands buried in his pockets. "It does look... cozy in there."


    I let out a slow sigh. Leaving now felt like giving in, like fleeing from an unknown threat. And the cats¡ªthey were staring at me with eyes full of knowing, as if they saw right through me. The closest one, a sleek tabby, stretched with a relaxed posture. Its emerald eyes pierced, almost whispering, "You can''t hide here. Not from us."


    As I stepped inside, warmth wrapped around me. The caf¨¦''s soft glow contrasted with the tension in my chest. Murmurs of conversation mixed with gentle purrs and meows. They clashed with memories I couldn''t shake. Patchwork mats covered the floor. Patrons lost themselves in quiet moments, many cradling cats in their laps.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Rei? Oh, wow, you¡¯re back." The cashier''s voice was warm and familiar, her smile wide and genuine. "It¡¯s been... a while, hasn¡¯t it?"


    I froze, words escaping me. All I could manage was silence; my mind was reeling.


    Her smile wavered, a gentle question in her eyes. "And... you brought friends?"


    Heat crept up my face. "Uh, no, it''s not¡ª" But before I could finish, a fluffy tabby leapt from the counter. It landed at my feet and rubbed against my legs while making a continuous purring sound.


    The cashier let out a gentle chuckle. "Mr. Fluffykins remembers you. Guess you¡¯re still his favourite."


    My chest tightened. My mind flashed back to the last time I was here with Kristine. She teased me about being a "cat person" and laughed as cats swarmed us. It felt like another life.


    Daisy¡¯s gaze softened as she caught my expression. "Rei? You... know her?"


    I nodded, struggling with words. "Yeah. I used to come here. With... someone."


    Understanding flickered in her eyes. "We don¡¯t have to stay, you know. If it¡¯s too much."


    I shook my head, not trusting my voice. Leaving would make this harder. I needed to face it, even if I wasn¡¯t sure I was ready. "It¡¯s fine," I managed, turning back to the cashier with a smile. "I didn''t expect anyone to acknowledge me."


    Her eyes softened with a touch of sadness. "It happens. You¡¯re always welcome here."


    Mr. Fluffykins meowed louder. He rubbed against me again, anchoring me in the moment. I bent down, scratching behind his ears, steadying the storm inside.


    Daisy, sensing the silence, moved to the counter. Oliver, still by the door, sipped his drink, his eyes distant. He processed things at his own pace, content for now to observe.


    The caf¨¦ felt like an echo from a past I wasn¡¯t ready to relive, but I stayed for Daisy, for Oliver¡ªand a little for myself.


    As we sat at a corner table, old questions resurfaced. They were about the WEO, the rifts¡ªabout everything.


    I glanced at Daisy, who was stirring her drink with a pensive expression. "Hey, Miku," I began, hesitant but needing to understand. "Why did you join the WEO?"


    She paused, gaze fixed on the swirls in her cup, before finally meeting my eyes. "I want to prove to my mom that I can take care of myself," she said, voice steady but laced with resolve. "She¡¯s been keeping me locked up like I¡¯m helpless, like I can¡¯t handle anything. But I¡¯m not a kid anymore."


    Her words hung heavy between us, raw and real. A familiar ache tightened in my chest, but I stayed silent, absorbing her honesty.


    Oliver, usually quiet, glanced up, a shy smile tugging at his lips. "I joined because... "the captain asked me to," he said, a wry chuckle slipping through his voice. "The captain extended a personal invitation to you?"" I asked, seeing him give a small nod. "Guess my hobby of studying rift monsters piques his interest."


    His eyes drifted to the cats playing nearby, his expression lightening. "I wasn¡¯t exactly thrilled with the idea at first, but..." He smiled as a kitten hopped into his lap. "Guess it¡¯s not all bad."


    I raised an eyebrow, trying to lighten the moment. "So the rift expert has a soft spot for kittens?"


    Oliver¡¯s face turned red, his gaze dropping to the kitten in his lap. "Maybe... they¡¯re good for my nerves."


    Daisy laughed as a tabby leapt onto the table, its tail flicking in a playful manner. "See, Rei? Even if you can¡¯t resist a cat."


    I shot her a playful glare. But, the kitten''s soft purring eased my tension. Maybe not all distractions were bad.


    We sat there as the caf¨¦ hummed around us, the cats curling close, grounding us in the moment. As I looked around, I realized something important. It was these small, peaceful spaces, amid the chaos, that kept us steady. For now, maybe that was enough.


    ---


    In the shadows, Asher emerged from an alley. The dim streetlight silhouetted his lone figure. The mission was complete. But, a strange tension lingered. It was as if the air was bracing for something. The rift still pulsed nearby, raw and open. Somewhere down the street, a low growl echoed¡ªa warning.


    Time was running out.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 26 Peace shattered like glass

    The ground pulsed beneath my feet, a heavy, bone-deep tremor that seemed to claw up through my shoes. Inside the caf¨¦, the warm hum of conversation choked to a halt, snuffed out by a low, vibrating rumble that hung in the air. Porcelain cups on our table rattled. Their delicate chimes clinked like fragile bells in a storm. Then came a crack¡ªa raw, violent snap that tore through the silence, like thunder splitting the sky.


    The walls shuddered, groaning under the strain. The sound warped the air as if reality were being torn apart. For one breathless heartbeat, everything froze. Silence pressed down on us, thick and suffocating, as though even time were holding its breath. My heart thundered in my chest, an erratic drumbeat in the unnerving quiet.


    I glanced at Daisy and Oliver. Daisy and Oliver''s faces were pale, reflecting the same dread I felt. Around us, patrons sat frozen, eyes wide. They clutched their cups with white-knuckled grips. Across the street, strobe lights flickered against the dark sky. They cast fractured patterns on the walls¡ªa silent, neon warning.


    Then, the sirens began to scream. At first, they were faint. Then their wails rose in pitch. They cut through the night as panicked shouts erupted outside. The caf¨¦''s warmth turned icy and thin. It was a flimsy barrier between us and the nightmare beyond the glass.


    Something massive was pressing in, suffocating. I could feel it watching as if waiting for us to make one wrong move. I shoved my chair back, the scraping sound jarring in the quiet. "We need to check it out." The words emerged with a rough quality, and my voice revealed a tremor that I couldn¡¯t completely conceal. Daisy and Oliver moved in silence, their steps in sync. But their pale faces spoke volumes.


    Outside, chaos had erupted. The streets were an apocalyptic scene. People scattered in every direction. Their screams tore through the air as they fled an invisible predator. Dark, jagged rifts clawed through the sky. Inky tendrils of smoke curled at the edges. They twisted and writhed like nightmare fingers. Cold air blasted from the rifts, sharp and biting. I could see each puff of breath fog in front of me, white against the darkness. My fists clenched, nails digging into my palms as I fought to steady myself.


    Daisy¡¯s hand gripped my arm, her fingers digging in. "Rei... this wasn¡¯t supposed to happen," she whispered, her voice small but laced with raw fear. Frustration flared hot and fast. "Damn it. What the hell is going on?" I scanned the street, my pulse racing. Where was the WEO? Where was the backup? All I could see was empty streets and the gaping maw of hell.


    Oliver stared at the nearest rift, his eyes wide and unblinking. "These creatures... they¡¯re not in the WEO databanks," he muttered, his voice thick with disbelief. Daisy¡¯s hand hovered over her medical pouch, her fingers trembling. "What¡¯s the plan, Rei?" Her gaze flicked between me and the chaos unraveling before us, a quiet plea from the fear.


    I swallowed, forcing my voice to steady. "We¡¯ll stop them." I raised my SMG, its weight solid but heavy in my trembling hands. "You two, get the civilians out. I¡¯ll keep them busy." My fingers tightened on the trigger, and I didn¡¯t wait for an answer.


    Gunfire erupted, a staccato burst of sound swallowed by the creature¡¯s thick, armored hide. Bullets ricocheted off its scales, causing only a slight flinch. The roar that followed rattled in my chest, deep and guttural¡ªa sound that felt as ancient as the Earth itself.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Doubt gnawed at me, sharp and unrelenting. Why can¡¯t I do more? My heart raced, each beat a reminder of my limitations, the gun heavy and useless in my grip. Why am I so weak?


    ¡°Rei!¡± Oliver¡¯s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. ¡°The bullets¡ªthey¡¯re useless!¡± I knew he was right, but I couldn¡¯t stop. I fired again and again. A desperate hope clung to each shot. Maybe, just maybe, something would break. The creature stared with cold amusement in its many eyes, watching me struggle.


    "Come on, damn it¡­" I hissed, frustration boiling over, my breath coming in sharp, ragged bursts. This was supposed to be my job¡ªmy responsibility. I was supposed to protect these people. Instead, I was wasting ammo, a soldier playing pretend against an unstoppable nightmare.


    More creatures began pouring from the rifts. They were monstrous shapes, twisting and unfurling as they advanced. I caught a glimpse of Daisy and Oliver. They were still herding civilians to safety. Their fear showed in their tense faces. "Fall back!" I shouted, my voice cracking as the weight of failure settled in my chest. The creatures advanced, a merciless tide, their warped forms closing in.


    An explosion rocked the street. It staggered the largest creature. Its head jerked as bullets rained down with brutal precision. It shrieked, reeling, and for a heartbeat, hope flickered to life. Had it been me? Had I finally made a difference?


    A voice sliced through the chaos, dripping with contempt. ¡°Pathetic. You can¡¯t even beat this thing on your own.¡± I looked up. Casper hovered above the street. His sleek blue exosuit shimmered under the neon lights. He was a blur of efficiency. His suit''s missile launchers gleamed. His movements were sharp and calculated. He cut through the air like a force of nature, fast and precise, every inch the soldier I was not.


    And in that moment, I felt the weight of everything I wasn¡¯t.


    His gaze slid over to Daisy and Oliver, his expression twisting with disdain. "The captain picked both of you, and this is what you¡¯ve got to show for it?" His voice was cold, a blade slicing through the air.


    Daisy and Oliver avoided his gaze, their heads down. Casper''s scorn pressed on them like a weight. The ground still trembled beneath us. Casper''s precision strikes forced the creature to stagger back in retreat. Neon lights cast sharp shadows on his face as he landed. He turned to me and shook his head in a way that indicated rejection.


    ¡°This is what you¡¯re passing off as a fight,¡± he sneered. ¡°You¡¯re struggling to hold it together, Rei." Look around¡ªyour ¡®protection¡¯ is nothing but a light show for that creature.¡±


    The words struck hard, twisting something raw inside. My fists clenched, anger simmering beneath the self-doubt that gnawed at me. ¡°At least I¡¯m trying!¡± I shot back, my voice tight. ¡°Where the hell were you, Casper? We¡¯re out here risking everything, and you swoop in when it¡¯s convenient?¡±


    Casper¡¯s smirk widened, his tone cutting. ¡°Risking everything? I¡¯m here because I can make a difference¡ªnot firing blanks and hoping for a miracle.¡±


    ¡°Easy for you to say, behind that suit,¡± I snapped, the frustration blazing. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t know what it¡¯s like to be out here without all that tech propping you up.¡± He narrowed his eyes, his smirk fading. ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me about tech, Rei. I trained for this. Years of it. You think a gun and some courage make you a hero?¡±


    The words stung, but I held his gaze. ¡°I don¡¯t care about being a hero. I care about doing what¡¯s right,¡± I said, my voice firm. ¡°Unlike you, swooping in at the last second for glory.¡± Casper let out a hollow laugh. ¡°Glory? You can¡¯t even hold a line against a basic rift creature. Face it, Rei, you don¡¯t belong here.¡±


    Anger flared white-hot. ¡°Weak?¡± I snapped, stepping toward him. "At least I''m not here, pretending I''m better than everyone with my shiny suit." Casper¡¯s eyes flashed as he leaned in. ¡°Look around, Rei. Without me, you¡¯d be dead. You¡¯re out here playing soldier without a clue about real power.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Casper.¡± Daisy stepped between us, her voice trembling but steady. ¡°Rei¡¯s doing his best. This isn¡¯t helping.¡± Casper ignored her, his gaze fixed on me. ¡°Maybe you should take her advice, Rei. Know your place¡ªor next time, you might not be so lucky.¡±


    I forced myself to hold steady, fists clenched tight. ¡°Fine,¡± I muttered, meeting his gaze head-on. ¡°But I¡¯m not backing down. Keep sneering all you want, Casper. I¡¯ll keep fighting¡ªwith or without your approval.¡± He scoffed, turning away with a dismissive shrug. ¡°Suit yourself. But get in my way again and don¡¯t expect me to save you.¡±


    I watched him walk away, fists clenched, anger simmering beneath a cold, hard resolve. Whatever Casper thought, I wouldn¡¯t let his words define me. The night was far from over; the creatures were still spilling from the rifts. Taking a steadying breath, I glanced at Daisy and Oliver. They watched me, uncertainty in their eyes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving,¡± I said, my voice steady. ¡°People still need us.¡± Without waiting, I dropped the SMG, drawing my short sword. Casper might be here. But this was our fight. And I¡¯d face it, no matter what he or anyone else thought.

 Chapter 27 Shattered Resolve

    The creatures'' roars thundered in my chest. They were a deep, vibrating tremor that rattled my bones. It wasn¡¯t the sound¡ªit was the weight of it, pressing against my ribs, threatening to crush me from the inside out. My heart pounded in time with the earth-shaking tremors beneath me. Each beat was faster than the last. The creatures¡ªtoo many, too fast, too monstrous¡ªclosed in. Their eyes gleamed with hunger, and they blotted out the moonlight.


    My breath came in shallow, desperate gasps, each inhale burning like a searing brand in my lungs. My sword felt light, an afterthought. I was losing my strength. With a useless rattle, the SMG sat in my hands. The bullets ricocheted off their jagged scales with hollow claws. The cacophony of snarls swallowed the sounds and scraping claws. Every shot felt like a mistake, a hopeless attempt to stave off the inevitable.


    I could hear Daisy and Oliver shouting in the distance. Their voices struggled to penetrate the howling chaos. But they might as well have been miles away. Panic clawed at me, tightening my chest, each breath coming shorter and more frantic. The ground seemed to give way beneath me, my legs heavy and leaden with fear.


    Then¡ª*crack*, boom. Another rift tore open. Its deafening sound sliced through the night like a countdown to disaster.


    Weak. Casper¡¯s voice slithered through my mind, sharp and mocking. Pretending to be a hero. You don¡¯t belong here. I shook the thought away, but it clung to me, sharp as thorns. He was right. I wasn¡¯t ready. I wasn¡¯t strong enough. But that didn¡¯t matter. Not now.


    The first creature charged, its claws gleaming like silver razors in the dim light. I swung my sword, my muscles trembling with exhaustion. But the creature darted to the side with terrifying speed. Its talons raked across my side, a white-hot streak of pain that burned through my skin. Blood surged, warm and sticky, staining my shirt, and I stumbled. The ground tilted beneath me, my vision blurred, my body screaming for respite.


    I couldn¡¯t stop now. Not when they were closing in.


    A scream cut through the chaos¡ªa shrill cry that pierced the noise like a knife. A blur of motion, fast and fluid, streaked past me. Among the creatures, a figure landed, having dropped from above. Its ferocity stopped my heart. Her sword gleamed in the moonlight. It was sleek and deadly. Its edge hummed as she carved her way through the monsters. With each strike, she moved like a force of nature, her movements swift and precise. The creatures faltered, confusion flickering in their eyes.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°Move!¡± the voice rang out, sharp and commanding.


    Before I could react, someone shoved me hard from behind. My body hit the ground with a brutal thud, knocking the air from my lungs. Pain flared in my side where the creature¡¯s claws had slashed me. I scrambled to my feet, gasping for air in time to see the source of the shove.


    A girl, one I didn¡¯t recognize, stood between me and the monsters. Her back was to me. But her posture spoke of quiet confidence. It radiated strength. Her short auburn hair framed a freckled face. Green eyes scanned the battlefield with a predator''s focus. She wore a fitted black vest over a gray hoodie. It was tactical gear, designed for movement. Her every step was deliberate and measured. But it was the sword that caught my attention.


    It was massive¡ªan ancient weapon, its blade shimmering with a strange blend of green and teal. The edges pulsed with energy, as though the sword itself were alive. She swung it through the air with a thunderous sound. It cut the monsters as if they were paper. The blade moved with terrifying grace, a harmony of chaos and precision. It was as if the sword and the girl were one, a seamless extension of each other.


    Her eyes flicked to mine, sharp and steady. ¡°Stay back,¡± she commanded, her voice slicing through the noise of battle.


    Without waiting for a reply, she stepped forward. Her posture shifted into a battle stance. She took a deep breath, feeling as if the weight of her sword was no more than a whisper. ¡°Let¡¯s end this,¡± she said, her voice steady as stone as if this were something she¡¯d done a thousand times before.


    [Sacred Arts seventh form: Fragmentation Wave]


    With a quick and graceful motion, she swung her sword horizontally. The blade shattered.


    The edge fractured into jagged shards, exploding outward in a burst of light. A shockwave rippled through the air. Each fragment grew larger. They left cracks in reality as they tore through the atmosphere. The fragments sliced through the creatures, tearing them apart with explosions. The monsters screamed, reeling from the onslaught, but there was no escape. Like wildfire, the shockwave spread, transforming the battlefield into a blur of destruction.


    I stood motionless, my heart thumping in my chest, my eyes wide with shock. I''d never seen anything like it. The power, the precision, and the pure force¡ªit was beyond my comprehension. But amid that chaos, something felt wrong.


    I reached for my power, the familiar pulse of energy I should have been able to summon. But it wasn¡¯t there. That comforting warmth¡ªgone. My hand clenched around my sword, but it felt hollow, an empty promise. My body screamed to fight, but a cold dread settled over me, a gnawing fear that spread through my chest like ice.


    I couldn¡¯t feel it. The power I relied on, the strength I should have had¡ªit was slipping away, and all I could do was stand there, helpless.


    The creatures pressed forward, but I couldn''t move my legs. And the girl¡ªshe¡ªhad an otherworldly blade and a strong will. She had just drawn a line between fighters and those like me.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 28 New threat

    The weight of my thoughts pressed harder than ever, each step feeling like a battle. A part of me wanted to turn back, to let the chaos unfold without getting involved. The temptation to step aside was strong, but the pride that pushed me forward was unyielding, as though some invisible force was shoving me, making me feel like there was no other choice but to act.


    Kristine''s words echoed in my mind, the soft "Suki" a persistent pulse in my chest. It was as though the word had burrowed deep inside me, a quiet hum beneath the noise. The "what-ifs" of my emotions¡ªthe feelings I never asked for¡ªslithered into my thoughts, cold and insistent, threatening to overwhelm me.


    "Stop it," I muttered, shaking my head as if the motion could shake the thoughts loose. But they lingered, twisting and turning in the corners of my mind, refusing to be pushed aside.


    Then, a sharp voice cut through the fog of my thoughts.


    ¡°Hey, you three!¡±


    My heart skipped, and I snapped my head toward the sound. For a heartbeat, time seemed to freeze¡ªeverything around me stilled, the world pausing for a split second. Daisy¡¯s face brightened in recognition, her eyes sparking with determination. But Oliver¡ªOliver looked like he was still piecing everything together, his brows furrowing as confusion lingered on his features.


    ¡°Follow me,¡± the voice demanded, firm and unwavering.


    I turned toward the girl who spoke¡ªshe was unfamiliar, but her tone brooked no argument. It was authoritative, commanding. Her voice carried the weight of someone used to urgency. I exchanged a glance with Daisy, but before I could say a word, Daisy was already moving, her footsteps quick and determined. Oliver hesitated but followed her, still caught in his uncertainty.


    Something about the girl¡¯s voice snapped me back into focus, pulling me from the swirling chaos inside my mind. There was no time for distractions. Only action.


    I moved, matching Daisy¡¯s pace as we weaved through the market district. The air crackled with tension, thick with the presence of the rifts, distorting the very air, making it hard to breathe. The usual sounds of street vendors and neon lights seemed distant, drowned out by the cries of panicked civilians. The cacophony of shouts and clanging street performers echoed through the market, but it felt hollow, like it was all a distant memory compared to the nightmare unfolding around us.


    The further we went, the more the air thickened, mixing with the strange energy of the rifts, until my skin prickled with unease. Streetlights flickered above us, casting sickly glows in patches. The tension in the air tightened, pressing in on us, as though something was coming¡ªsomething worse.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    We rounded a corner, and there he was¡ªZane¡ªstanding beneath the dim glow of a flickering neon sign. His stance was relaxed, a little slouched, but his eyes were scanning the surroundings with the sharpness of someone who knew how to read the signs of danger.


    "Yo, there you guys are," Zane called out casually, his tone easygoing, almost like we were meeting up after a long day of errands. But then, his gaze shifted to the girl, the sharpness returning for a second. ¡°Well, look who it is. You always show up when things get interesting, huh Tessa?¡±


    She shot him a look that could''ve frozen fire, her lips pressed into a tight line. ¡°Let¡¯s move. We don¡¯t have time for introductions,¡± she snapped, her voice clipped and commanding. ¡°More rifts are opening up. We¡¯ve got bigger problems than formalities.¡±


    Zane just grinned, as if the seriousness of the situation didn¡¯t even phase him. ¡°Ah, I was wondering when the fun would start. Lead the way, then Tessa.¡±


    He fell into line with us, his usual relaxed demeanor blending with a newfound focus. There was no sign of hesitation in his movements, though it was clear this was more than just another mission for him¡ªit was personal.


    My mind cleared. There was no more doubt. No more hesitation. The path ahead was clear: stop the rifts, find out what was happening, and protect as many people as we could.


    The ground suddenly rumbled beneath our feet, deep and ominous. My stomach churned as the earth seemed to shake with anticipation. The air grew thick and heavy, the scent of food mixing with the acrid stench of fear. It was a suffocating blend, a reminder of how wrong things had become.


    ---


    Elsewhere, far from the chaos Zane, Daisy, Oliver, and I were rushing toward, another group of Esper had arrived at the edge of a different rift. This one was unlike any we had faced before. It shimmered, pulsating with an energy that seemed alive, its edges rippling in an unnatural, almost sentient way.


    ¡°It¡¯s not the same,¡± one of the Esper murmured, his voice steady but edged with unease. "It¡¯s¡­ changing."


    Before anyone could respond, the ground trembled again, this time harder, deeper, as if the earth itself were groaning. The rift shuddered violently, its edges warping as if preparing for something terrible to emerge.


    Then, it appeared.


    A monstrous form, towering and hulking, its body a mass of jagged dark scales. Its size dwarfed the Esper before it, its eyes glowing with a fierce, blood-red hue that cast an eerie glow across the crumbling landscape. The creature¡¯s voice rumbled, low and guttural, like the growl of a beast trapped in an endless rage.


    "Humans¡­ kill..." is intoned, its voice sending chills through the air.


    Before they could react, the beast lunged with terrifying speed, a blur of muscle and fury. Its roar split the air, deafening and primal, rattling the bones of the earth itself. The force of its attack shattered the ground beneath their feet, sending debris flying in all directions.


    The Esper fought back, their weapons raised, but it was too late. The beast moved faster than any of them could react, tearing through their ranks with brutal precision. Screams filled the air, but they were drowned out by the deafening roar of the creature as it ripped through the group, tossing them aside like ragdolls.


    One by one, the Esper were overwhelmed. The last thing they saw was the creature¡¯s blood-red eyes locking onto them, its gaze filled with an unnerving intensity. And then, everything went black.


    ---


    Back with Daisy, Oliver, Zane, me, and the girl Zane called Tessa, the rumbles of the earth grew impossible to ignore. The sky itself felt heavy, as if it too were preparing to collapse. We pressed forward, heartbeats quickening as we neared the source of the disturbance. In the distance, I saw the unmistakable glow of the rifts, flickering and shifting, pulsing like the heartbeat of the city itself.


    Daisy¡¯s voice, full of tension, cut through the silence. ¡°Do you feel that? It¡¯s not just the rifts anymore. Something¡¯s wrong. Really wrong.¡±


    Oliver, usually quiet and reserved, spoke up, his voice unsteady. "Now that you mentioned it¡­¡± his voice trailed off, as the loud roar echoed in our ears. My pulse quickened, but my voice was steady. "Looks like our fight isn''t over yet.¡±


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 29 The Beast That Adapts

    The monster¡¯s roar shattered the night, a deep, guttural bellow that clawed through the city and rattled in my chest like an unrelenting drumbeat. It wasn¡¯t just sound¡ªit was a presence, raw and primal, tearing through the narrow streets and rebounding off the dead faces of silent buildings. Beneath my boots, the ground pulsed with each of its massive strides, the tremors snaking up my legs. It felt as though the city itself was trembling, caught in the grip of its terror.


    An unnatural silence followed, stretching taut in the wake of the roar. A broken window creaked as it swung lazily on rusted hinges, the screech piercing the quiet like a blade, only to fade and leave an eerie stillness behind. Somewhere nearby, the wind skittered a crumpled paper bag across the cracked pavement, its hollow rustle swallowed by the heavy, oppressive air.


    Neon signs buzzed weakly above shuttered storefronts, their sickly green and purple glow flickering like dying stars. The usual hum of life in the shopping district¡ªthe chatter of passersby, the rhythmic clink of street vendors¡ªhad vanished. In its place was a void, a creeping dread that clung to every shadow and corner.


    Zane¡¯s voice broke the tension, low and casual, yet carrying that infuriatingly confident edge he always wore. ¡°Well, isn¡¯t this cozy? Just another night out with my favorite team,¡± he quipped, his smirk faint but visible even in the dim light. Despite his nonchalance, his sharp eyes swept the shadows, scanning for movement. ¡°Feels like the setup for a bad horror movie, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    I shot him a sideways glance, irritation prickling at the edges of my fear. ¡°You really think now¡¯s the time for jokes?¡±


    ¡°What can I say? Keeps me sharp.¡± He shrugged, still grinning. ¡°Besides, if that thing jumps out and decides to eat us, I¡¯d rather go down laughing.¡±


    Tessa, leading the group, didn¡¯t even break stride. Her voice came back cold and clipped. ¡°Focus up, Zane. This isn¡¯t a joke, and we don¡¯t have time for your distractions.¡±


    Zane raised his hands in mock surrender, the grin never quite leaving his face. ¡°Relax, Tessa. I¡¯ve got eyes on everything. Scout¡¯s honor.¡± He tapped his temple with two fingers for emphasis, the momentary levity pulling the tension just taut enough to stay bearable.


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    The earpieces crackled suddenly, and Andrei¡¯s voice snapped through the static. ¡°Team, do you copy?¡± His words were tight with urgency, his breath audible in the background. ¡°You¡¯ve got a confirmed sighting¡ªmonster closest to your position. Coordinates incoming. Move fast.¡±


    Before Zane could fire back a witty reply, a high-pitched whirring cut through the air. A sleek, black drone emerged from behind a nearby rooftop, its rotors slicing the stillness with surgical precision. It hovered before us, the screen on its underbelly flickering to life. Coordinates glowed in bright red text beneath a live feed of the creature¡¯s last known location¡ªa crumbled intersection just blocks away.


    Zane¡¯s smirk hardened as he examined the image. ¡°Yikes. That¡¯s an ugly one.¡±  exaggerated with casualness. ¡°Alright, people, guess we¡¯re skipping happy hour. Let¡¯s move before this thing redecorates the district.¡±


    Tessa didn¡¯t wait for a cue. She launched forward, her steps precise and swift, the rhythm pulling the rest of us into motion. My heart pounded as our boots clapped against the cracked pavement, the sound echoing faintly through the empty streets. Overhead, the bruised violet sky seemed to deepen, the shadows around us stretching longer, darker, as if the city itself was conspiring to hide the threat.


    I sped up, matching Zane¡¯s pace as unease churned in my stomach. ¡°Zane,¡± I said, my voice low but edged with desperation. ¡°Can I ask you something?¡±


    He glanced at me, his usual smirk softening. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°My Grace¡­ it won¡¯t activate. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong.¡± The admission tasted bitter, the vulnerability sharp as I laid it out. ¡°It¡¯s like there¡¯s nothing there, like¡­ I¡¯m cut off from it.¡±


    He studied me for a beat before clapping me lightly on the shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s normal,¡± he said, his tone lighter than I expected. ¡°Just think back, what¡¯s your activation condition?¡±


    ¡°Activation condition?¡± The term felt foreign, yet vaguely familiar, as if it had always been on the edge of my awareness.


    ¡°Every Grace has one,¡± he explained, his tone shifting to something more measured, as though he were walking me through the basics. ¡°It¡¯s the trigger that lets you tap into it. Without knowing that, your Grace can stay locked. Just¡­ think about what was happening whenever you managed to call on it. Emotions, circumstances, anything specific that stands out.¡±


    Before I could reply, the ground beneath us trembled violently, stopping us all in our tracks. A roar ripped through the air, louder and more feral than before. The sound seemed to compress the space around me, and my breath hitched as the oppressive weight of the monster¡¯s presence settled over us.


    The drone¡¯s feed updated with a flicker, the new image sharp and horrifying. A massive crimson beast stood amid the rubble, its serpentine tail whipping through the air like a scythe. Two smaller monsters flanked it¡ªa hulking brute covered in bone-like armor and a writhing mass of tentacles.


    As we watched, the crimson monster lunged, tearing into the others with terrifying efficiency. Its claws ripped through the armored one, absorbing its strength, while its teeth shredded the tentacled beast. With each kill, it grew larger, its form mutating grotesquely as it absorbed their traits.


    Tessa¡¯s voice cut through the paralysis. ¡°If it adapts any further, we¡¯re finished. We need to move¡ªnow!¡±


    Zane¡¯s grin faded entirely, replaced by a sharp, predatory focus. ¡°Alright, team,¡± he said, his voice steady but charged. ¡°You heard her. Fast and hard. Let¡¯s remind this thing why it shouldn¡¯t mess with us.¡±


    The weight of what lay ahead pressed down on me like a stormcloud, but I forced my legs to move. We surged forward, shadows closing in as we raced toward the monster¡ªand whatever came next.

 Chapter 30 Divided Paths

    The roar shook my chest as Andrei¡¯s voice crackled through the comms, urgent and sharp.


    ¡°Change of plans. A horde is heading for the evacuation center on Ninth Street. Trapped civilians are struggling. Split into two teams¡ªone to fight the horde, the other to take on the Eye Beast.¡±


    Zane¡¯s voice cut through the tension, a growl replacing his usual smirk. ¡°You¡¯ve gotta be kidding. We¡¯re struggling to hold it together, and now you want us to cover both?¡±


    ¡°Andrei,¡± Tessa interjected, calm but tense. ¡°How many are we talking about? What¡¯s the horde size?¡±


    ¡°Too many for one team. If you don¡¯t intercept them, the evac center won¡¯t last.¡±


    Static hissed through the line. Then, Andrei''s voice softened. It was heavy with the situation''s gravity. ¡°You¡¯ll have to decide. The Eye Beast is getting stronger, but those civilians¡ª¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Tessa cut him off, her tone sharp. She turned to us, her green eyes locking on mine before sweeping over the group. ¡°We don¡¯t have time to argue. Zane, you¡¯re with me. We¡¯ll handle the Eye Beast.¡±


    Zane raised an eyebrow, stepping up beside her. ¡°Figures. Guess we¡¯re the A-team.¡±


    ¡°Rei, Daisy, Oliver¡ªhead for the evac center,¡± Tessa continued, ignoring his smirk.


    A cold pit formed in my stomach. The thought of leaving Tessa and Zane to face the Eye Beast alone twisted something inside me. The creature¡¯s grotesque, glowing eye flashed in my mind¡ªits form a shifting nightmare.


    ¡°No,¡± I said before I could stop myself. ¡°I should go with you. I can¡ª¡±


    Tessa¡¯s gaze silenced me, sharp as a blade. ¡°Rei. *This isn¡¯t up for debate.* You¡¯ll be more useful protecting the evacuees. Zane and I know each other¡¯s moves. We can handle it.¡±


    Her words hit like a punch. I was green compared to them, a rookie who hadn¡¯t earned the trust they had in each other. My fists clenched, frustration rising.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to babysit me,¡± I began, but Daisy¡¯s hand on my arm stopped me.


    ¡°Rei,¡± she said, her voice soft but urgent. ¡°It¡¯s not like that. We need you with us. Those people need us.¡±


    Oliver shifted behind me, his voice almost silent. ¡°It¡¯s... the right call,¡± he murmured, tugging at the strap of his rifle. ¡°The Eye Beast is too strong. But the evacuees¡­ they¡¯re defenseless.¡±If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    My mind raced, torn between the two impossible choices. Civilians needed help, but what if Tessa and Zane couldn¡¯t take down the Eye Beast? What if¡ª


    Tessa stepped closer, her presence grounding me. ¡°Rei,¡± she said, her tone softer now but still firm. ¡°You¡¯re not a liability. But we have to trust each other. Can you do that?¡±


    The weight of her words pressed on me, heavy with responsibility. I nodded, though it felt as if my chest was being torn open.


    ¡°Good,¡± she said, turning toward the distant roar of the Eye Beast. ¡°We¡¯ll regroup after this. Stay alive, all of you.¡±


    ¡°Likewise,¡± Daisy called after her, trying to sound upbeat, but her voice wavered.


    Zane glanced back at me, a half-smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°Try not to miss me too much, Rei,¡± he teased, his tone light despite the tension. With a quick flick of his head, he and Tessa disappeared into the dark streets ahead.


    I stood frozen for a moment, the sound of their retreating footsteps fading into the night. Daisy squeezed my arm.


    ¡°Come on, Rei,¡± she said, her voice quieter now. ¡°We¡¯ve got a job to do.¡±


    I nodded, forcing my legs to move. Oliver fell in behind us, his steps as silent as a shadow.


    The walk to Ninth Street felt endless. The roars and frantic screams grew louder with each step. Daisy tried to lighten the mood, her voice an attempt at cheer in the tension-filled air.


    ¡°Hey, Rei,¡± she called over her shoulder, her voice light. ¡°You think we¡¯ll get a bonus for handling this many monsters?¡±


    I forced a smile, trying to mask the worry gnawing at me. ¡°I¡¯ll settle for surviving.¡±


    Oliver muttered something under his breath, too soft for me to catch. His grip on his rifle tightened, his shoulders drawn up like he was bracing for a blow.


    As we rounded the final corner, we saw the evacuation center. It was a large community hall. They barricaded the doors and boarded up the windows. Through the cracks, dozens of terrified faces stared at us, eyes wide with fear.


    Then we saw them.


    The horde. A mass of writhing, grotesque shapes. Their eyes glowed in the dark. Their jagged limbs ripped through the night. They moved as one, a surge of nightmares crashing toward the building.


    Daisy whistled low. ¡°Well, this is gonna be fun.¡±


    Oliver¡¯s hands trembled as he raised his weapon, but his voice held steady. ¡°We hold the line. No one gets through.¡±


    I drew my sword, its blade catching the faint light, my heart hammering. One last glance toward the direction Zane and Tessa had gone flashed through my mind.


    *Stay safe,* I thought, gripping the hilt tighter.


    The first monster lunged, its claws slashing through the air. I sprang into motion, swinging my sword with precision. But, another surged forward, aiming for me. I rushed; there was no time for hesitation. I managed to block the strike with difficulty, and the force sent me stumbling back.


    A shot rang out, and the creature staggered, a clean hole punched through its chest. Oliver was already a step ahead, his rifle steady in his hands.


    I shot him a glance, frustration rising. ¡°I can handle them head-on. I don¡¯t need¡ª¡±


    ¡°Rei!¡± Oliver¡¯s voice cut through the tension. He stepped in front of me, holding his ground. ¡°You¡¯re right, but this isn¡¯t about *handling* them¡ªit¡¯s about surviving.¡±


    I blinked, confused. But Oliver was already moving. He scanned the horde with a cool detachment. ¡°The horde¡¯s got a weak point¡ªright under their ribcage. When you hit them there, you expose their core. They¡¯ll drop, but only if we focus.¡±


    Daisy moved up beside us, her eyes wide with realization. ¡°That¡¯s their weak spot? How do you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Knowledge,¡± Oliver said shortly, his eyes scanning the monsters. ¡°I¡¯ve been studying their patterns since I joined WEO. We can use it.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know how to feel¡ªrelieved, impressed, or guilty for not thinking of it myself. But the tension in my shoulders eased as we fell into formation.


    ¡°Daisy,¡± I said, my grip on the sword firm. ¡°We follow his lead. Get ready.¡±


    Daisy nodded, her usual cheer replaced with sharp focus. ¡°I¡¯ll cover you guys. You two focus on the weak spot.¡±


    Oliver nodded, and we moved as one. Every strike felt more calculated as I aimed for the core. The horde began to dwindle, each creature collapsing when hit in the right spot.


    Still, there were more of them¡ªtoo many.


    ¡°Keep going!¡± Daisy called, her voice sharp and steady. She was starting to push herself too. Healing our fatigue as the battle went on, keeping us agile. Her focus was unwavering.


    My thoughts flickered back to Tessa and Zane. We''re counting on you. The weight of responsibility pressed down on us. But we held our ground.


    One more push. One more monster down.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 31 The Phantoms Edge

    The horde''s roar had faded into an eerie silence, leaving only the soft wind and the lingering scent of burnt earth. The last of the creatures crumbled to ash, vanishing as if they had never existed. The strange quiet was more unsettling than the battle itself.


    Daisy let out a shaky breath, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her voice, faint but filled with disbelief, broke the silence. "Did it feel like we fought for a century packed into five minutes, or was that just me?"


    Oliver, still clutching his rifle, nodded without speaking, his sharp eyes scanning the street, ever vigilant. "It¡¯s not over. We need to check inside."


    I slid my sword into its sheath, the weight of the moment sinking into my bones. Every muscle screamed with exhaustion, but there was no time for weakness. Civilians were still out there. I couldn¡¯t afford to falter¡ªnot yet.


    Daisy knocked on the community hall¡¯s door, her hands trembling as she did so. "It¡¯s safe now," she called out, her voice strangely calm despite the tension in her body.


    The door creaked open, revealing a man gripped by fear. He held a crowbar as though it could protect him from the horrors outside.


    "Are they gone?" His voice cracked with anxiety.


    "They¡¯re gone," I replied, stepping forward, my gaze meeting his. "You''re safe now."


    He hesitated, as if weighing my words, then finally gave in, relief flooding his face. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice thick with gratitude. A few evacuees trickled out behind him, looking warily at the darkened streets, their fear palpable.


    Daisy managed a weak smile. "That''s what we¡¯re here for."


    As the civilians gathered their things, some still visibly shaking, I lingered at the edge of the street, my eyes scanning the area. My heart raced, memories of Tessa and Zane, trapped in the chaos, clawing at the edges of my thoughts.


    "We should regroup," Oliver said, his voice firm and low. "The Eye Beast is still out there."


    I grabbed the comm, fingers numb from the cold, my breath shallow. "Tessa, Zane, do you copy?" I pressed the button, frustration creeping into my chest when all I heard was static. "Come on¡­ Come on¡­" I tried again, my impatience growing. Still, nothing.


    Daisy frowned beside me, her brow furrowed. "Maybe it¡¯s a dead zone?"


    "Or worse," I muttered, my thoughts spiraling into darker possibilities.


    Oliver¡¯s gaze turned grim, but he said nothing. He nodded once. "Let¡¯s head to their last known location."


    Before we could move, the ground trembled, a deep, foreboding rumble that sent a chill through my spine. The evacuees froze, eyes darting to the shadows at the street''s edge. The evening light barely pierced the deepening gloom. Daisy''s pendant, small but bright, flickered in the growing darkness, catching my attention.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Is that¡­?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rising tension.


    Another rumble, this one louder and closer. Panic began to spread, whispers turning into frantic murmurs among the evacuees. A scream echoed from somewhere distant.


    ¡°Stay calm!¡± I barked, my voice cutting through the rising panic. "We¡¯ll handle this."


    Footsteps, deliberate and heavy, echoed from the shadows. Then, through the mist, a figure emerged. Black armor, sleek and menacing, moved with eerie precision.


    ¡°What is that?¡± Daisy whispered, her hand instinctively reaching for her weapon, fingers trembling.


    "I don¡¯t know," Oliver said, his voice grim as he raised his rifle, but he didn¡¯t fire. "But¡­"


    Before he could finish, the armored figure raised its arm. A pulse of energy shot out, slamming into the ground with the force of a small explosion. The shockwave sent me sprawling, my chest tightening as the world spun around me.


    "Scatter!" I shouted, pushing myself to my feet, heart racing. The evacuees, now in a full-blown panic, fled toward the safety of the hall. Their footsteps were frantic, erratic.


    The figure advanced with a predator''s grace, its movements unnervingly smooth. Oliver fired. The bullet struck the armor with a dull thud and bounced off, as though it had hit solid stone.


    ¡°We can¡¯t take it head-on,¡± he muttered, frustration heavy in his tone. ¡°This thing is too strong.¡±


    ¡°Then we outsmart it,¡± I replied, teeth clenched. Strength alone wouldn¡¯t be enough¡ªnot with our limited numbers and time. We had to buy the civilians more time.


    The figure drew a glowing blade, moving with unnerving precision. Without hesitation, I rushed forward, positioning myself between it and the hall.


    "Rei, are you insane?" Daisy shouted, her voice rising in panic.


    "Buy time!" I yelled back, adrenaline flooding my veins. "Get them out. Now!"


    Oliver hesitated for a fraction of a second, then nodded grimly. "Let¡¯s move."


    The figure¡¯s glowing visor shifted to focus on me. My grip tightened on my sword, its weight cold and unfamiliar now, as if it carried the burden of every decision I¡¯d made up to this point. There was something wrong with this thing¡ªsomething mechanical. Cold.


    It lunged at me. I raised my sword just in time, blocking its glowing blade. The impact sent a shock through my arms, throwing me back with surprising force. The figure was faster than anything I¡¯d ever faced. Its movements were fluid, almost silent, deadly in their precision.


    I dodged its next strike, the heat from its blade singeing the air beside me. My chest burned with every breath, my legs ached, but I didn¡¯t have time to rest. This wasn¡¯t a fight of strength. This was a fight of timing, of concentration.


    And then it clicked.


    What if I''ve been using my grace without realizing it?


    The thought struck me like a lightning bolt, and I focused all my attention on the figure¡¯s movements, my heart pounding. Suddenly, I saw it¡ªa faint shimmer outlining the trajectory of its blade. A ghostly reflection of its next move.


    Time stretched.


    I sidestepped the strike by a hair''s breadth, the phantom trail guiding me. My right eye burned with a brilliant golden light, the ticking of a clock echoing in my mind. With a quick exhale, I spun and struck at the figure¡¯s exposed side.


    The sword hit with brutal impact, sending sparks flying. The figure staggered, but it didn¡¯t fall. Its movements were still eerily controlled.


    I didn¡¯t hesitate. I focused again, watching the shimmering outline of its next strike. The phantom trail was clearer now, its movements slowing, giving me an edge.


    ¡°You¡¯re learning,¡± the figure¡¯s voice was cold, distant, almost mechanical.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I gasped, my grip on the sword tightening. ¡°And I¡¯m about to put you down.¡±


    I pressed the attack, the shimmering outlines leading each strike. The figure blocked them all, but each clash slowed it further. Its armor cracked, and I knew it was weakening.


    But so was I.


    My limbs felt like lead. The phantom trail flickered, fading with every move I made. My breath came in ragged gasps.


    With a roar, the figure slammed into me, sending me crashing into a parked car. Pain erupted through my body, and I gasped, blood trickling from my mouth. My vision swam as I struggled to rise.


    "Not done yet," I growled, gritting my teeth. The ticking steadied my thoughts, forcing the panic back.


    The figure raised its blade for a final strike. I saw it again¡ªthe move was crystal clear this time. With every ounce of strength I had left, I sidestepped the blade, letting it sweep through the air, missing me by inches. My sword drove into the figure¡¯s chest.


    "Checkmate."


    The figure froze, sparks flying from the wound. It collapsed to its knees, flickered out of existence, and crumpled to the ground.


    I staggered back, gasping for air, my vision darkening at the edges. The ticking faded, leaving only the sound of my ragged breath.


    Daisy and Oliver rushed to my side, their faces a mix of disbelief and relief.


    ¡°You¡­ you took it down?¡± Daisy¡¯s voice trembled.


    ¡°Somehow,¡± I muttered, feeling my legs give way beneath me.


    Oliver crouched beside the fallen figure, inspecting the cracked armor. ¡°This isn¡¯t a monster,¡± he said, his voice tinged with unease. ¡°This is something else.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± I groaned, struggling to push myself up. ¡°Something else to worry about.¡±


    Daisy helped me to my feet, her hand firm despite everything. A distant shockwave rattled the city, followed by the flicker of streetlights before everything was swallowed by darkness.


    But as darkness enveloped us, I knew the real fight was just beginning.

 Chapter 32 Echoes of Power

    The air reeked of burning metal and scorched asphalt, the acrid tang mixing with ash that swirled like restless spirits in the flickering twilight. Zane pressed his back against the fractured wall of a collapsed building, the jagged concrete biting through his jacket. His chest rose and fell in steady, deliberate breaths, though the pounding of his heart thundered in his ears, a thin veil of calm over the chaos closing in.


    He peered around the corner, every muscle tight, every sense heightened.


    The monster stood at the heart of the wreckage¡ªa grotesque abomination of sinew and bone, pulsating with an eerie green glow. The very air seemed to distort around it, the cracked asphalt beneath its gnarled feet seeping an otherworldly light. Its talons¡ªobsidian blades¡ªgleamed in the fiery glow, reflecting the chaos of its surroundings, while scattered remnants of its last victim¡ªtattered cloth and shattered bone¡ªlay strewn across the ground like grim markers of its power.


    "Eyes on target," Zane¡¯s voice crackled through his earpiece, steady and controlled. His pulse was anything but. "It¡¯s feeding again. We¡¯re running out of time.¡±


    A flicker of movement caught his eye. Tessa crouched a few feet away, her face set with grim resolve. The orange glow from a burning car flickered over her, casting eerie shadows along the faint cracks in her great sword¡¯s surface. Her fingers gripped the hilt, pressing so hard the knuckles turned white, as if drawing courage from the cold steel.


    ¡°Think it knows we¡¯re here?¡± Her voice barely rose above the snap of flames and the groan of twisting metal.


    ¡°Not yet.¡± Zane¡¯s gaze remained fixed on the beast, calculating. His jaw tightened as he noticed its growing mutations. ¡°But it will. It¡¯s adapting too fast.¡± He nodded toward its elongated claws. ¡°Those weren¡¯t there earlier.¡±


    Tessa¡¯s eyes narrowed. She studied the creature, taking in the ominous talons. ¡°If it keeps absorbing... we¡¯re screwed. We need to hit it now, before it gets any worse.¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Zane¡¯s mind raced, scanning the battlefield. Shattered concrete. Twisted metal. The collapsed husk of a bus creating a crude choke point. "But we need a plan. A misstep, and¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s over,¡± Tessa interrupted, her lips thinning into a tight line. ¡°How long until reinforcements?¡±


    Zane exhaled sharply. ¡°Not soon enough.¡±


    A low, guttural growl vibrated through the ground, making the hairs on Zane¡¯s neck stand on end. The monster¡¯s massive form shifted, casting grotesque shadows as one blood-red eye swept over the debris with unnerving precision.


    Tessa¡¯s breath hitched, her grip tightening on her weapon.


    Zane leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low growl. ¡°No backup. We distract it now.¡±


    Her jaw tightened, and she met his gaze, sharp and biting. ¡°Distraction¡¯s one thing. Suicide¡¯s another.¡± Despite the edge in her words, her eyes held the same determination as his.


    The ground shook as the creature turned, its claws screeching against the asphalt. A crash echoed through the ruins¡ªthe twisted metal of a beam collapsing under its weight. The monster¡¯s head snapped toward the sound, its snarl reverberating through the air.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Zane tapped his earpiece. ¡°Andrei, tell me you¡¯ve got my delivery.¡±


    Static crackled, then Andrei¡¯s calm voice came through. ¡°Already inbound. Don¡¯t break it.¡±


    A sharp *whistle* sliced through the air, followed by the deafening *boom* of impact. Dust and debris exploded outward as a pod slammed into the ground, glowing faintly from the heat of reentry.


    Zane stepped forward, the heat of the impact licking at his boots. As the pod hissed open, a weapon emerged¡ªa sleek, black electric guitar, its edges shimmering with purple highlights. Razor-sharp blades protruded from the body, and a blaster barrel hummed faintly along the neck, resonating with the energy it contained.


    Tessa blinked, her disbelief barely concealed. ¡°An electric guitar? Seriously?¡±


    Zane grinned, slinging the hybrid weapon over his shoulder. His fingers brushed the strings with reverence. ¡°What can I say, Tess? I like to make an impression.¡±


    Tessa rolled her eyes, but the ghost of a smirk tugged at her lips. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you not to call me that?¡±


    ¡°Tess sounds better than Tessa,¡± he teased, his tone light, but his eyes never leaving the monster. ¡°Has a nice ring to it.¡±


    Her amusement faded as quickly as it came, her focus snapping back to the looming threat.


    The guitar hummed with barely contained power, a promise of destruction. Zane took a step forward, his voice a low growl. ¡°Time to dance.¡±


    The beast¡¯s unblinking eye locked onto him, its snarl escalating into a roar that made the ground tremble.


    Without hesitation, Zane and Tessa lunged forward, splitting off in opposite directions. The monster¡¯s many eyes darted between them, confusion settling in.


    ¡°Can¡¯t decide, huh?¡± Zane taunted, skidding to a halt. He aimed the guitar¡¯s neck at the creature and strummed a power chord. A burst of purple energy shot out, striking the Cyclops square in its eye. The creature reeled back, its body convulsing as sparks danced along its sinewy frame.


    ¡°Tess, now!¡± Zane barked.


    Tessa didn¡¯t hesitate. Her boots slammed against the ground as she sprang into motion, leaping onto a chunk of rubble. Using it as a springboard, she soared through the air, her great sword gleaming with an ethereal glow.


    [Sacred Arts: First Form¡ªShatterstrike]


    She swung with everything she had, the blade splitting mid-arc into glowing shards. Each fragment shot forward, embedding itself into the Cyclops¡¯s shoulder with explosive force. The impact detonated in a burst of energy, shockwaves radiating outward, leaving jagged cracks in the earth.


    The monster howled, its roar blending with the violent crash of destruction. The weight of the attack shifted its stance, the loss of its shoulder causing it to stagger, but the wound began to regenerate almost instantly.


    Zane cursed, watching the creature¡¯s arm reform. "Great. Knew it wasn¡¯t gonna be that easy.¡± His voice was thick with frustration as sweat trickled down his cheek, his gaze locked on the beast.


    ¡°Well, guess we just keep trying, then.¡± Tessa¡¯s voice was cool, steady despite the chaos.


    Zane¡¯s fingers danced across the guitar strings, purple electricity surging through his body, feeding into the instrument. The power built, charging up for a finishing blow.


    The Cyclops, its jaw hanging open, began to form a glowing orb of blue energy. Zane¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°Tess! Watch out!¡± Zane shouted, but she was already moving.


    In a blur of motion, Tessa sprinted toward him, her eyes wide with alarm.


    But the Cyclops didn¡¯t fire at them. Instead, it hurled the orb straight into the sky.


    Whoosh¡ªBoom!


    The orb detonated high above, a shockwave rippling outward with a deafening roar. Neon lights along the market district flickered and then died, plunging the area into sudden darkness.


    Tessa stood, frozen in confusion. ¡°What the hell?¡±


    Zane¡¯s voice broke the silence, low and strained. ¡°Hey, Tess, something¡¯s wrong.¡±


    She turned toward him, eyes narrowing in suspicion. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°My grace,¡± Zane muttered, his voice a whisper of disbelief. Her brow furrowed. ¡°What about it?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t access it.¡±


    Her eyes widened. ¡°What?¡±


    Zane¡¯s fingers flexed around the guitar, a sinking feeling crawling through him. He couldn¡¯t feel it¡ªthe surge of power, the connection¡ªit was gone.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 33 Out of Power

    The air was thick with the stench of burnt metal and raw destruction. My boots scraped against the shattered pavement as I scanned the battlefield. The explosion had thrown everything into chaos, and the monster at the center of it all was only growing more grotesque by the second. I could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on me, each moment slipping like sand through my fingers.


    Zane¡¯s voice crackled over the comms, but it sounded strained, distracted. "Something¡¯s wrong," he muttered, the words barely registering as I tightened my grip on my great sword. The sudden darkness of the market district made everything feel more hostile, more alien.


    ¡°Zane, talk to me,¡± I called, my voice steady despite the rising panic in my chest. His usual cocky tone was gone, replaced by something I hadn¡¯t heard from him before: real fear.


    ¡°My grace,¡± he breathed, disbelief in his voice. ¡°It¡¯s gone.¡±


    I stopped in my tracks, my heart skipping a beat. "What do you mean gone? Your power¡¯s never just... gone.¡±


    But I knew. I knew something had happened¡ªsomething unnatural. The EMP burst from that orb had been no accident. It wasn¡¯t just a shockwave of energy. It was calculated, deliberate. The creature knew exactly what it was doing. It had disabled all electrical systems in the vicinity¡ªdisrupting the very thing that made Zane¡¯s grace function.


    I took a deep breath, steadying myself. ¡°EMP,¡± I muttered, though it felt strange to say the words aloud. It had to be an EMP. The monster¡¯s attack had overloaded the electromagnetic field around us, interfering with Zane¡¯s ability to harness his power.


    ¡°What the hell kind of monster is this?¡± Zane¡¯s voice was rough, frustration lining every syllable.


    ¡°Not a monster,¡± I said, my eyes narrowing as I observed the creature, still towering in the wreckage, its form pulsing with eerie energy. ¡°A weapon. It¡¯s been engineered. It¡¯s not just here to fight. It¡¯s here to *disable*.¡±


    Zane shifted, his fingers flexing around the neck of the guitar, but there was no spark of energy, no hum of power like there had been before. His frustration was palpable, and I could feel it gnawing at me as I steadied myself. We had to find a way around this. I couldn¡¯t lose him now¡ªnot when we were so close.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got to hit it harder,¡± I said, my voice firm. ¡°It¡¯s evolving, adapting too quickly. That EMP wasn¡¯t just to disable Zane¡¯s grace¡ªit¡¯s weakening us all.¡±This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Zane nodded, his face set in grim determination. He turned back toward the creature, his eyes flickering to the broken city around us. The faint sound of metal groaning, fire crackling, and the distant wail of sirens was drowned out by the roar of the beast.


    ¡°We need to *finish* this now, before it can adapt again,¡± he said, more to himself than to me.


    But I wasn¡¯t sure we could. Not without Zane¡¯s full power.


    I exhaled slowly, my heart pounding, but I shoved the fear deep down. Fear wasn¡¯t going to win this fight.


    "Zane," I said, turning to face him, my voice steady, though my mind was racing. "We can¡¯t rely on your grace right now. We fight without it."


    I saw his jaw tighten, saw the flicker of hesitation in his eyes. But then, he nodded, his expression hardening. He was right there with me.


    ¡°Then we do it the hard way,¡± he muttered, his fingers tightening around the guitar again. The purple energy was gone, but the determination was still there.


    ¡°We can¡¯t take it head-on,¡± I said, my mind already working, planning, adjusting. ¡°We need to use the environment. We¡¯ve got to box it in, make it vulnerable.¡±


    Zane raised an eyebrow, clearly not thrilled with the idea of fighting this thing without his full arsenal. ¡°I don¡¯t know about you, Tess, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯m in the mood for a staring contest with a monster.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a staring contest,¡± I shot back, already starting to move. ¡°It¡¯s a battle of attrition. We outlast it. We break it down.¡±


    I could feel the weight of my great sword in my hands, the cold steel a comforting presence. I wasn¡¯t as reliant on my grace as Zane was on his power, but I knew I could hold my own.


    We moved as one, Zane going high, I went low. I used the rubble to my advantage, leaping from broken pillars, making myself a moving target. Zane followed, darting from shadow to shadow, using every distraction to keep the creature¡¯s focus off him.


    But the monster¡ªif it even was a monster¡ªwas faster than we anticipated. It wasn¡¯t just physically fast. It was... aware. It knew how to anticipate our moves, shifting its massive form like a terrifying predator. And when it turned its blood-red eye on Zane, I saw it. That instant of recognition¡ªthe beast knew what he could do.


    "Zane, move!" I shouted, but it was already too late.


    The beast shot a burst of dark energy straight at him. I dove, tackling him to the ground just as the energy collided with the spot where he''d been standing. The force knocked the breath from my lungs, but I barely noticed. All I cared about was Zane.


    "You okay?" I gasped, my voice rough.


    He nodded, grimacing, but I could see the frustration in his eyes. He was struggling, trying to will his power back into existence, but the EMP had left him powerless.


    "Yeah," he said, pushing himself up. "But we can¡¯t keep dodging forever.¡±


    I looked back at the monster. Its body seemed to be... rebuilding. It was adapting again. The EMP hadn¡¯t just disabled Zane; it was trying to break us down piece by piece. But I wasn¡¯t about to let that happen.


    "Then we destroy it before it gets any stronger." I grabbed Zane¡¯s arm, pulling him into a crouch. ¡°We have to finish this, Zane. We¡¯re running out of time.¡±


    He gave me a sharp look, determination flashing in his eyes. "You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s end this."


    We would fight until we couldn¡¯t. Until the monster fell¡ªor until we did. No more running.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 34 Final Form

    The air stank of burnt metal and charred earth. It stung my nostrils and coated my throat with a dry, acrid taste. The city had become a war zone. It was a twisted maze of broken pavement, fallen pillars, and burning wreckage. The scent of scorched ruins mixed with the crackling sounds of distant flames. It was as though the very heart of the city had been torn out.


    And at the center of it all stood the creature. I didn¡¯t know what to call it anymore. It loomed like a nightmare made of flesh, its form shifting, twisting, and growing. With each passing second, it seemed to become something worse, something darker.


    Zane''s voice crackled. It was more desperate, almost breaking. "Tessa, something¡¯s happening. It''s¡ªit''s changing."


    I turned toward him, my fingers tightening instinctively on the hilt of my sword, my mind racing. "What do you mean by changing?" I demanded, my voice barely audible over the growing chaos around us.


    His words faltered as the creature gave a low, guttural growl, a sound that made my skin crawl. For a moment, everything paused¡ªthe air grew heavy, thick with tension. The creature, still thrashing moments before, stopped. It seemed to study us, its many eyes flickering in our direction. Then, with a violent twist of its massive, malformed body, it began to shrink. Or, at least, that¡¯s what it seemed like at first. The hulking mass of limbs and claws retracted. Its twisted form contorted, as if shedding its grotesque shape.


    "Shit," I muttered, my voice barely a whisper of disbelief. This wasn¡¯t just a creature anymore. It was something else. Something far more dangerous.


    Its bones cracked, muscles shifting beneath its skin as the transformation continued. The monstrous bulk thinned and reshaped. It became a sleek, humanoid form. A terrifying hybrid of creature and something more calculated. Its eyes glowed an unholy red. A faint, pulsing energy radiated from its core. An ominous hum vibrated through the air. Its claws, once monstrous and jagged, curled into human-like fingers. They were sharp enough to cleave through steel.


    As the creature fully evolved, its figure became more defined. It had a muscular frame, armored in a sickly pink hue. Its skin shone, as if slick with some unnatural fluid. Jagged spikes lined its back. Its shoulders had writhing, twisting tentacles. They were like living horrors. Its long, spiny tail lashed the air. Every one of its eyes, now on its shoulders, shifted toward us, predatory and calculating.


    I exchanged a glance with Zane. We were both frozen for a split second. The air was thick with the weight of what we were facing. We were fighting something that was growing before our eyes. It was adapting to every tactic, every move.


    "You were right," I said, my voice tight with realization. "It¡¯s not a monster. It¡¯s a weapon."


    A weapon that could think, adapt, and develop with terrifying precision.


    We had fought it before, at its worst¡ªwild, unpredictable, savage. But this? This was something far worse.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Zane gritted his teeth, his jaw clenched. I could see the strain in his eyes¡ªhis power was still absent, his grace dormant. He flexed his fingers, as if willing it back, but the frustration in his movements was palpable. "I can¡¯t¡ª" His words broke off as his anger rose, his fists tightening. "I¡¯m not giving up."


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time to wait for you to get your power back,¡± I snapped, scanning the creature, my heart pounding in my chest. "We need to move. Now."


    It advanced toward us, its new form fluid and predatory. With a perfect rhythm of grace and danger, it calculated each step. It was faster than before, almost too fast, and every tremor of its movements shook the ground beneath us.


    Zane took a deep breath, steadying himself, his mind clearly shifting gears. "Right," he muttered under his breath, pulling himself up with renewed determination. ¡°We¡¯ll hit it harder.¡±


    But before we could adjust, the creature lunged faster than we could react. Its arm shot out with horrifying speed, aiming straight for Zane¡¯s throat.


    "Zane!" I shouted, but the creature¡¯s deafening attack roar swallowed my voice.


    I moved instinctively, my great sword flashing through the air. Steel met the creature¡¯s arm with a violent clash, forcing it to recoil. The impact shook me. The weight of the strike sent tremors down my spine. My muscles screamed in protest, but I wasn¡¯t about to stop. Not now.


    The creature¡¯s gaze locked onto me, and I felt the weight of its malice. This wasn¡¯t just another monster. This was a weapon with purpose, with intent.


    I caught Zane¡¯s eye, and despite the fear creeping in, I held his gaze. "Get ready," I gritted through my teeth, raising my sword again, my knuckles white around the hilt.


    But then, the impossible happened.


    The creature¡¯s body began to twist and shift once more. The creature stretched its own muscles, snapped and cracked its bones as if they were made of clay, and reshaped itself into something... even worse. With a sickening crack, its spine arched. Its shoulders broadened. The monster towered over us, more humanoid and perfectly strong. It was terrifying.


    It was no longer a beast¡ªit was something else, something smarter. It was stronger, faster, an evolution of everything we had feared.


    We backed away, our focus split between the creature and each other; our hearts were pounding.


    ¡°We can¡¯t take this on, Tess,¡± Zane said, his voice barely a whisper. ¡°We¡¯re not ready.¡±


    The words hit me like a punch to the gut. Fear, doubt, frustration. Everything I had pushed aside, ignored, crept up inside me. It was the truth. It had the upper hand.


    But I wasn¡¯t going to let that stop me. I wasn¡¯t going to back down. "We don¡¯t have a choice," I said, my voice steady despite the shaking in my hands. "We¡¯ll finish this."


    The creature lunged again, its claws outstretched, but I was ready. I parried its strike. The force sent me sliding back, my boots skidding on the cracked pavement. Zane wasn¡¯t far behind, hurling debris at the creature with desperate precision, but it wasn¡¯t enough. The cracks in our defenses were showing.


    The creature surged forward with terrifying speed. Its claws extended like spears, each aimed at tearing us apart. It was all over in a heartbeat, and then...


    I heard it.


    Footsteps.


    Heavy, purposeful. Steady.


    A shout: "Captain!"


    My heart leaped in my chest, and I whipped my head around, desperate for any sign of hope. And there it was¡ªa figure emerging from the shadows, a silhouette as familiar as it was commanding.


    Silver hair gleamed under the burning sky, a cold contrast to the chaos around us. His eyes were dull, almost white, like the calm before a storm. His dark jacket fluttered in the wind, flames licking the edges like an omen.


    It was our captain.


    In that instant, everything changed. With his arrival, the air seemed to shift. For a moment, the weight of our struggle lightened. The battlefield was no longer ours to fight. Reinforcements had arrived.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 35 The Devil

    The captain¡¯s footsteps echoed in the shattered silence, each strike of his boots a heavy toll, unwavering and deliberate. The battlefield, chaotic with clashing steel and guttural roars, trembled beneath the weight of his presence. The acrid smell of smoke and blood thickened the air, choking every breath I took. Dust drifted lazily in the dying light, casting long, distorted shadows over the wreckage¡ªruined walls and crumbling spires that once held promise.


    At the heart of it all, the hybrid loomed¡ªa twisted amalgamation of nightmare and flesh, its form a grotesque blur, shifting and warping like something caught between worlds. Plates of sickly pink exoskeleton slithered across its body, their movements unnatural, as though they were alive. Its ember-like eyes, flickering with malevolent intelligence, focused on the captain.


    A heavy weight pressed against my chest. It wasn¡¯t the creature¡ªit was the captain. His stillness in the face of such malevolent force made the air feel even thicker. My instincts screamed to flee, but my feet remained rooted to the cracked earth, as if the ground itself was holding me in place. The hybrid¡¯s gaze was a physical force, gnawing at my thoughts, threatening to tear them apart.


    ¡°C-Captain¡­¡± The word came out like a whisper, fragile and trembling. He didn¡¯t need a response, though. His presence, steady and unwavering, steadied the storm inside me. His hand landed briefly on my shoulder, grounding me before he turned to Zane.


    ¡°You did good,¡± the captain said, his voice calm, like a man commenting on a simple task. ¡°You held it off. That¡¯s what matters.¡±


    Before we could say more, he stepped forward, each stride methodical. The crack of rubble beneath his boots was like a countdown. Sunlight glinted off the silver in his hair, turning him into a figure of ethereal light¡ªyet his gaze remained fixed on the hybrid, sharp and unblinking.


    The creature snarled, its claws scraping the earth as it prepared to strike. The air hummed with tension, thick with the promise of violence.


    The captain stopped a few paces away, tilting his head as if preparing for a casual conversation rather than a life-or-death battle. ¡°A hybrid, huh?¡± He spoke with a wry smile. ¡°Been a while since I¡¯ve seen one of you. This might be fun.¡±


    A voice like grinding stone rumbled from the hybrid. ¡°Fun? Mockery. You, human, are but ash, waiting to be scattered. Your kind screams, bleeds, and dies before me.¡±


    Zane shifted uneasily beside me, his fingers twitching toward his blade. But the captain¡ªhe didn¡¯t even blink. With a lazy shrug, he tossed his jacket over his shoulder, the movement so nonchalant that Zane fumbled to catch it.


    ¡°Uh¡­ why me?¡± Zane stammered, awkwardly holding the jacket.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The captain¡¯s smirk was a faint curve, yet there was something predatory in it. ¡°Because I like it. And things are about to get messy.¡±


    The hybrid¡¯s claws scraped together, a sound like nails dragging on glass. ¡°Arrogance!¡± it bellowed. ¡°I will grind your bones and feast on your screams!¡±


    The captain¡¯s smirk sharpened, his stance shifting with an ease that promised lethal intent. ¡°Screams?¡± His voice cut through the air, sharp and mocking. ¡°We¡¯ll see who¡¯s screaming when this is over.¡±


    The hybrid lunged¡ªblinding speed, snapping jaws, and shifting limbs that seemed to tear the very air apart. The ground shuddered beneath its monstrous weight, the sound of its claws like thunder in the distance. But the captain was faster. One moment, he stood before it; the next, he was a blur, vanishing into the heat haze of the battlefield.


    The creature¡¯s claws sank into the earth with a deafening crack. From behind it, the captain¡¯s voice rang out¡ªcalm, like he¡¯d known the outcome all along. ¡°Too slow.¡±


    Flames coiled around his hand, serpentine, their heat warping the air.


    [Blaze Style: First Form¡ªHeatwave.]


    Time seemed to slow as the flames erupted¡ªa wave of fire and fury that consumed the hybrid. The heat struck me even from a distance, blistering my skin. The creature¡¯s tortured screech rose into the air, a wail of agony that made my blood run cold.


    Through the flames, I saw it¡ªcharred, its exoskeleton cracked and blackened, yet still it moved. Smoke poured from its wounds, thick and suffocating, but its eyes¡ªthose eyes¡ªburned with an unyielding fury. Then came the captain¡¯s voice, low and taunting, cutting through the chaos like a knife.


    ¡°Scared?¡± he asked, stepping through the flames as if they were little more than a passing inconvenience. His clothes were in tatters, his skin singed, but his stride remained steady¡ªunfazed, unbroken. His expression was one of quiet certainty. ¡°You should be.¡±


    The hybrid snarled, its voice now a rasp of pain and rage. ¡°You will regret this¡­ mortal¡­¡±


    The captain¡¯s laugh was dark, almost predatory. ¡°Doubt it.¡±


    With a roar, the hybrid¡¯s tentacles erupted, barbed and vicious, aiming for the captain¡¯s throat, chest, and legs. Each strike was filled with deadly intent. But the captain¡ªhe moved with an impossible fluidity, his body bending and swaying like water flowing around the strikes.


    ¡°Do not underestimate me, human!¡± the hybrid bellowed, its tail swinging toward him like a battering ram. The captain ducked, the tail whooshing overhead with inches to spare.


    ¡°You talk too much,¡± the captain growled, his fist igniting with spiraling flames. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this.¡±


    In a blur, he was on the hybrid, his glowing fist slamming into its head. Fire exploded around them in a blinding burst of heat and light.


    [Blaze Style: Fourth Form¡ªInferno Blaze.]


    The shockwave tore through the battlefield, pushing me back, as gusts of scalding air whipped past me and Zane. The flames roared, swallowing the captain and the hybrid whole. When the inferno finally ebbed, the battlefield was eerily quiet, save for the dying crackle of embers.


    The hybrid¡¯s body lay motionless, its head reduced to ash. Zane let out a low whistle, awe and respect clear in his voice. ¡°Damn. Now that¡¯s a display of power.¡±


    I nodded, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily between us. The captain wasn¡¯t just a man. He was something else¡ªsomething dangerous. A force of nature, a monster among monsters. Our captain, Aiden Mishal¡ªthe Devil.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 36 Echoes of the Fallen

    The battle was over, but its aftermath clung to me like smoke. Pain sliced through my skull, sharp and relentless, each throb a jagged reminder of the battle''s toll. My vision wavered, shapes flickering in and out of focus, and every breath felt like a struggle, thick and labored. The ground beneath me swayed, unstable, threatening to swallow me whole.


    The acrid scent of burnt flesh and scorched metal hung in the air, suffocating. The hybrid¡¯s smoldering body lay crumpled in the street, a twisted, charred husk. Jagged shadows stretched across the scene, while the silence that followed the chaos pressed in, heavy and stifling. The only sound was the distant crackle of flames as they consumed the remnants of the battle.


    The captain stood still, a statuesque figure bathed in the flickering light. His silver-streaked hair shimmered under the streetlamps, but his stillness only deepened the unease gnawing at my chest. His eyes locked with mine, cold and unreadable, like a barren landscape after a storm¡ªdevastated, empty.


    ¡°You two did well,¡± he said flatly, his voice void of emotion. His words lingered, dismissive, as if this had been just another routine task.


    Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, each step deliberate, as though the wreckage around us were of no consequence.


    Zane let out a slow breath beside me. His shoulders sagged, the weight of exhaustion settling in. ¡°Every time I see him fight¡­ I still can¡¯t believe it,¡± he murmured, awe lacing his voice. His gaze lingered on the captain before shifting to me. ¡°You okay?¡±


    I nodded stiffly, throat tight. ¡°Yeah. He¡¯s... impressive,¡± I muttered, though the words tasted bitter. I had wielded my sword, designed for moments like this, yet it had felt useless. The memory of my blade skimming off the hybrid¡¯s hide, strikes falling short, gnawed at me. My fists clenched, nails digging into raw skin.


    Zane saw it. Of course, he did. His hand rested gently on my shoulder, grounding me. ¡°You¡¯re not the only one feeling that way, Tess. We all wanted to do more. But knowing your limits, fighting smart, that¡¯s the way to go.¡±


    I forced a weak smile, but it didn¡¯t reach my eyes. The battle may have ended, but its weight pressed on me, invisible yet suffocating.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    The captain¡¯s voice sliced through the silence. ¡°Let¡¯s move. People are waiting.¡± He leaned against a bent streetlamp, gesturing for us to follow. His posture was casual, almost too calm in the midst of the chaos.


    Zane and I exchanged a glance, silent understanding passing between us. We followed, our steps heavy. The night had grown colder, the heat of battle fading into the distance. The streets were unnervingly quiet now, the chaos a distant memory replaced by a thick, oppressive stillness. Only the crunch of our boots against cracked pavement and the hum of flickering streetlights filled the silence.


    ---


    The hum of the lights faded, replaced by a sharp pulse in my skull. The pressure in my temples mounted with each step, growing louder, more insistent. My vision swam, the world tilting dangerously. Nausea rolled over me, every muscle feeling like it was made of lead. I gasped for air, shallow and ragged. Flashbacks of the fight¡ªits glowing eyes, claws slashing through the air, the bitter taste of blood still clinging to my tongue¡ªflashed through my mind. I pressed trembling fingers to my temples, trying to steady myself.


    ¡°Hey, you okay?¡± Oliver¡¯s voice cut through the fog. He stood a few feet away, unsure, his posture stiff. His glasses were askew, grime streaking his face, but concern shone in his eyes.


    I straightened, forcing my voice to sound steadier than I felt. ¡°Yeah,¡± I rasped. ¡°Just a headache.¡±


    Oliver¡¯s frown deepened, his gaze never leaving mine. A silent question lingered in the air between us. Before he could speak, Daisy appeared, her usual energy dulled by exhaustion. She leaned against a lamppost, brushing damp strands of hair from her face. ¡°Headache, huh?¡± she said lightly, but her sluggish movements betrayed her fatigue. ¡°Rei, if it¡¯s your grace acting up, there¡¯s not much I can do. I¡¯ve been running on empty, trying to patch everyone up.¡±


    Her skin glistened with sweat, her movements slow and heavy. ¡°My grace takes a toll, too,¡± she added with a faint smile. ¡°Give me a bit of time, and I¡¯ll be back on my feet.¡±


    Oliver turned back to me, his hesitation clear. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s... your grace¡¯s drawback?¡± he asked gently.


    I shrugged, unwilling to trust my voice. The pounding in my skull was a warning I couldn¡¯t ignore. Now wasn¡¯t the time to show weakness.


    Suddenly, the ground trembled beneath us. A low rumble spread through the earth, vibrating up my spine. I steadied myself, squinting into the distance. A massive beetle-like creature erupted from the ground, its dark, armored shell gleaming under the dim light. Glowing veins pulsed along its sides, and its segmented body supported thick, clawed legs. Hive-like pods rose from its back, spilling out smaller creatures. Their purple-black exoskeletons gleamed in the moonlight, sharp talons and multiple eyes bristling with menace.


    "This can¡¯t be..." Oliver¡¯s voice faltered as he stared at the creatures, his face pale.


    Daisy¡¯s voice cut through the shock, tight with unease. ¡°Hey, Mr. Monster Encyclopedia, what are we dealing with here?¡±


    Oliver blinked, his gaze shifting back and forth between the Swarm Carrier and the Brood Warriors pouring from its back. He swallowed hard, voice strained. ¡°That¡¯s a Swarm Carrier. And those smaller ones¡ªBrood Warriors. They¡¯re part of the Vekar¡¯yn insectoid species.¡±


    I looked at him, confused. ¡°Vekar¡¯yn? You mean they¡¯re not... normal monsters?¡±


    Oliver shook his head, grim. ¡°No. The Vekar¡¯yn were one of the first to appear when the rifts opened, but... their queen was killed over thirty years ago. After that, most of them died off. This doesn¡¯t make sense.¡± He took a shaky breath. ¡°These ones should be gone by now.¡±


    Daisy¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°So why are they here?¡±


    Oliver¡¯s jaw tightened as he stared at the creatures. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he muttered, barely audible. ¡°But we can¡¯t ignore them. Something¡¯s wrong. They shouldn¡¯t be alive.¡±


    The tense silence hung in the air as the creatures began to scatter, their eerie screeches filling the streets. My heart pounded in my chest, dread sinking deep. The Swarm Carrier moved slowly, its many eyes scanning, watching, waiting. The night, once quiet, now felt suffocating¡ªalive with a new kind of threat.


    I gripped my sword tighter, its weight grounding me, even as my body screamed for rest. The battle had only been the beginning.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 37 Crashing Tides

    The night pressed down on me, thick and suffocating, as if darkness itself sought to smother us. My head throbbed with sharp, rhythmic pulses, each beat syncing with the grotesque movements of the monster before us. I tightened my grip on the sword¡¯s hilt, the leather biting into my palms¡ªa small anchor to keep me grounded amidst the surreal nightmare unfolding under the flickering streetlamps.


    The creature¡ªif it could even be called that¡ªshifted ominously. Its exoskeleton caught the dim light, shimmering in unsettling ripples like molten metal refusing to settle. Iridescent hues danced across its jagged plates, bending shadows into warped, dizzying shapes. It didn¡¯t belong here. It didn¡¯t belong *anywhere*.


    A chill crept up my spine, freezing me in place as though the pavement itself had turned to ice. My breaths were shallow, catching in my throat as the pounding in my skull intensified. The air reeked of decay¡ªsharp and metallic, like blood left to fester under scorching heat. Beneath my boots, a faint vibration thrummed through the ground, as if the earth itself recoiled from the creature¡¯s presence.


    The Swarm Carrier loomed before us, a pulsating monstrosity of flesh and chitin. Its bloated body quivered with each beat, translucent pods embedded in its back glowing a sickly yellow, flickering in time with its grotesque pulse. The rhythmic flashing stabbed into my temples, a relentless assault on my senses. Pain blurred my vision and weakened my knees under the oppressive weight of the creature¡¯s existence.


    A wet, tearing noise slithered into the night, crawling under my skin and scraping at my nerves. Then the pods split, spilling their grotesque contents. Brood Warriors emerged, their serrated limbs gleaming as they scraped against the pavement, producing shrieks that felt like glass shattering inside my skull.


    ¡°They shouldn¡¯t exist,¡± Oliver whispered hoarsely, his voice trembling. He adjusted his glasses with shaking hands, the lenses reflecting the creature¡¯s eerie glow. ¡°The queen¡¯s dead. Without her, the hive should¡¯ve collapsed. This doesn¡¯t make any sense.¡±


    Daisy laughed¡ªa sharp, brittle sound that barely masked her fear. ¡°Yeah? Well, good luck explaining that to *them*.¡± She jabbed a finger toward a Brood Warrior skittering into the shadows. Spinning toward Oliver, her voice sharpened. ¡°You¡¯re the bug expert. Got any ideas, or are we toast?¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Oliver flinched as though struck. His face paled, and he stammered, ¡°M-Maybe¡­ if we disrupt their hive signals, they¡¯ll retreat. They¡¯re like ants, or bees, or¡ª¡± His voice faltered, confidence unraveling. ¡°I don¡¯t know for sure.¡±


    Daisy softened, bumping his shoulder lightly. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t short-circuit on me, Ollie. You¡¯re the big brain here. Besides¡­¡± Her tone turned teasing. ¡°All this bug talk? Weirdly cute.¡±


    Oliver turned crimson, mumbling incoherently as Daisy smirked. He straightened, determination sparking faintly in his wide eyes. ¡°Okay. I¡ªI think I have a plan.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Daisy said, her grin sharp. ¡°Because cute or not, we¡¯re dead if you don¡¯t.¡±


    The swarm advanced, their chittering a low, menacing crescendo that gnawed at my sanity. My temples throbbed harder, threatening to split my skull, as Oliver grabbed my arm.


    ¡°We run!¡± he yelled, his voice cutting through the noise.


    ¡°What?¡± I snapped, wrenching free. ¡°That¡¯s your *plan*? We just turn tail?¡±


    ¡°Sometimes retreat is the smarter choice,¡± he shot back, trembling but resolute. ¡°We regroup, live to fight another day. That¡¯s how we win.¡±


    His words stung, but the swelling noise and pressure made argument impossible. Reluctantly, I nodded. ¡°Fine. Lead the way. But if this fails, don¡¯t expect me to hold back.¡±


    We sprinted, shadows streaking past us, the swarm¡¯s cacophony snapping at our heels. My lungs burned, but the dread twisting in my gut pushed me forward. A dead end loomed ahead¡ªa brick alley with no escape.


    Daisy groaned. ¡°Great plan, genius.¡± She turned, fists clenched, her eyes dark with resolve. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re done running.¡±


    The first Brood Warrior stepped into the alley, its serrated limbs catching the flickering light. I readied my sword despite the growing numbness in my hands.


    Before I could strike, a roar of water exploded into the alley, crashing into the creature like a tidal wave. The force swept the Brood Warrior off its feet, slamming it into the wall with a deafening crunch. The torrent surged, carving through the swarm like a living thing. From the mist and spray, a figure emerged.


    A girl rode the wave, balancing with effortless grace. Her vibrant blue hair streamed behind her, streaked with teal and lilac that shimmered like the sea at sunset. Her turquoise eyes glowed faintly, their warmth stark against the chaos. She wore flowing blues and whites, her outfit rippling like water, blending seamlessly into her element. The faint scent of saltwater filled the air as she smiled, bright and unwavering.


    ¡°Elisa!¡± Daisy shouted, relief breaking through her frustration.


    Elisa landed lightly, the wave dissipating into mist. ¡°Miss me?¡± Her voice was airy and confident, as if she weren¡¯t standing in the middle of a battlefield. With a flick of her hand, another surge of water coiled around her, ready to strike.


    ¡°Well then, need a hand?¡± she asked, her grin sharp as she unleashed another wave, scattering the Brood Warriors. The water¡¯s roar drowned out the swarm¡¯s clicking, filling the alley with the rhythmic crash of a relentless tide.


    ¡°Always,¡± Daisy replied with a grin of her own, the tension easing from her shoulders.


    Elisa winked. ¡°Then let¡¯s make a splash.¡±


    With Elisa here, the night didn¡¯t feel so crushing anymore. As the last of the Brood Warriors were washed away, the heaviness in the air eased. The roar of water faded, leaving just the sound of our breathing and the faint stirrings of dawn. For now, we¡¯d made it.

 Chapter 38 Aftershock

    The aftermath of the battle clung to the air¡ªthick and unrelenting. The ground was soaked, water pooling around us in rippling mirrors of broken dawnlight. Jagged shards of morning reflected the chaos: the grotesque bodies of the Brood Warriors twisted unnaturally, their iridescent limbs splayed across the ruined street. A bitter, acidic stench hung in the damp air, rising from the Swarm Carrier''s collapsed remains. Its final hiss had splintered the quiet only moments before, splitting the morning like a curse.


    I exhaled, feeling every ache in my body as exhaustion settled bone-deep. Relief tried to rise, bubbling with guilt, but I shoved it down. There was no time.


    Elisa shattered the silence, her voice cutting through with a sharp, teasing edge that felt almost too *normal* for the scene. ¡°I swear, Daisy, you¡¯ve got the worst luck. Do I have to save your ass every time?¡±


    The water splashed under Daisy¡¯s boots as she stepped forward, her posture lazy but her glare sharp. ¡°Save me? Elisa, I don¡¯t remember you showing up when the hard part happened. Late as always.¡±


    Elisa rolled her eyes in exaggerated flair, an almost comforting gesture that brought a strange warmth to the battlefield. With a huff, she ruffled Daisy¡¯s damp hair, mock annoyance underscoring a bond that couldn¡¯t be broken.


    ¡°You two always like this?¡± My voice came rough, each word rasping like sandpaper against my throat. I lowered my sword, the tingling from the earlier vibrations still whispering through my bones.


    Before they could answer, Elisa spun toward me as if seeing me for the first time, her eyes lighting up like sparking wires. ¡°Oh, wait wait! Hold on. You¡¯re¡ªyou¡¯re Rei! The Rei?¡± Her words tumbled fast, a storm barely contained. ¡°Daisy talked about you. Sword-and-all? Didn¡¯t believe her.¡± She leaned closer, squinting at my weapon like it was an ancient relic. ¡°No kidding! Old school badassery. Respect.¡±


    I blinked, thrown by her rapid orbit, the brightness of her presence almost disorienting after so much silence. ¡°¡­Uh. Thanks?¡±


    Elisa leaned back dramatically, her face twisting in exaggerated disgust. ¡°You¡¯re covered in guts. Ew. Daisy, you didn¡¯t teach them to dodge?¡±


    Daisy groaned, swiping muck off her arm as she shot Elisa a look. ¡°You want me to remind you who missed half their hits?¡±


    Behind them, Oliver lingered at the group¡¯s edge, hunched slightly as if shrinking away from Elisa¡¯s radiant storm. He fiddled with his foggy glasses, the movement steady and careful, his words almost too soft to hear. ¡°We¡­ uh. We barely managed. The signal disruptor¡ªit wasn¡¯t ready in time.¡±


    ¡°¡®Wasn¡¯t ready?¡¯ Modesty, thy name is Oliver.¡± Elisa pivoted, pointing a mock-dramatic finger at him. ¡°Genius saved the day again. Come on!¡±


    The tips of Oliver¡¯s ears flamed red as he stammered unintelligibly, but Elisa wasn¡¯t cruel¡ªher grin flashed too quickly for anyone to doubt the affection beneath the tease.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Before the banter could ease my tension, heavy footsteps pierced the calm¡ªmeasured and deliberate against the water-soaked ground. Three figures approached through the shattered street: Zane led, flanked by Tessa and an unfamiliar, imposing man who stepped through the mist with unnerving purpose.


    The stranger was tall, his silver hair streaked with darker shades that matched the smoke lingering above the battlefield. The remnants of fire curled faintly along the edges of his dark jacket, flaring before dying with the next breath of wind. His eyes, an unsettling yellow, swept the carnage with practiced detachment.


    Zane smirked and shot me a lazy wave. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve already met our storm of chaos.¡±


    ¡°Storm of chaos?¡± Elisa scoffed, elbowing Zane playfully as she grinned. ¡°You¡¯re just mad because you¡¯re boring.¡±


    ¡°I could tell them about you getting stuck in goo last mission,¡± Zane retorted.


    Elisa feigned shock. ¡°Say that again, and I¡¯ll drown you myself.¡±


    The stranger chose that moment to speak, his voice cutting through their squabbling like a knife. ¡°Enough.¡± Cold and unyielding, it silenced the group instantly. His sharp gaze slid to the twitching remains of the Swarm Carrier. ¡°We still have unfinished business.¡±


    Something prickled at the back of my neck¡ªinstinct flaring like a warning bell. The others remained unsettlingly calm.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Zane muttered, holding up a hand as I tensed and gripped my sword. ¡°He¡¯s got it handled.¡±


    The Swarm Carrier¡¯s spined arm slashed forward with a sickening whoosh, spraying acid across the shattered asphalt. But the man¡ª*the captain*¡ªwas faster. His movements were liquid, shadowed grace, each step impossibly precise as he ducked beneath the strike.


    The creature¡¯s scream gurgled, an ear-piercing shriek split between rage and death. Acid splattered¡ªhissing, spitting¡ªbut he didn¡¯t falter. He dodged each attack like the chaos was choreographed.


    [Lynx Style Second Form¡ªBlaze Strike.]


    A burst of orange light snapped to life, flames curling up his arm, white-hot and volatile.


    The fire exploded forward, his fist connecting with a crushing impact that sounded like thunder splitting the earth. Heat billowed outward in a torrent, shattering exoskeletal armor, flames consuming the Swarm Carrier¡¯s massive form as if it were paper. The creature writhed once¡ªtwice¡ªbefore collapsing, its screech swallowed by the roaring blaze.


    Smoke choked the air. The sharp sting of ash swirled into my lungs as the heat began to fade, and the silence returned¡ªthicker, heavier, the remains of the monster reduced to charred ruin.


    ¡°Holy¡ª¡± I breathed but stopped myself, staring at the silver-haired man standing calmly amid the smoldering wreckage.


    ¡°Impressive, huh?¡± Zane¡¯s voice broke through my stunned silence, softer now, the teasing edge tempered with something that sounded like reverence.


    I turned, still struggling for words. ¡°¡­Who is he?¡±


    Zane gave a small smile, but something shadowed his expression, the corners turning down ever so slightly. ¡°Our captain.¡±


    My gaze snapped back to the stranger, watching as the embers of his flames died. Something about him¡ªhis presence, his precision¡ªbrought an understanding I didn¡¯t yet want to accept.


    Still, as they moved off without fanfare, following his lead, the weight of Zane¡¯s words settled heavily on me.


    Everything had just shifted¡ªsilently, yet completely.


    And I had a sinking feeling that our battles were only beginning.


    ---


    The Cyclops¡¯ massive corpse sprawled grotesquely across the flooded ground, its claws frozen mid-swipe in its final, agonized pose. Dark blood pooled beneath it, slick and unnatural in the thin light. Fog clung stubbornly to the earth, masking the silence with an eerie thickness.


    From the shadows emerged Asher. His lone eye glinted beneath his hood, sharp and intent as he stepped closer to the monster¡¯s remains. Crouching, he ran a gloved hand over its lifeless claw. A scoff slipped from his lips, cynical and low. ¡°Useless.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call your master toys names,¡± a voice called¡ªsharp and mocking, piercing the gloom like a crack of thunder.


    Asher¡¯s head snapped up, his entire posture coiling tight like a drawn blade. Across the marsh stood Ace, wings half-unfurled, golden eyes gleaming like the sun splitting fog. Energy flickered faintly around him, rippling through the mist like heat haze.


    ¡°Still creeping in the dark, I see?¡± Ace taunted, though his tone carried a sharpened edge.


    Asher responded in kind. Chains slithered from beneath his cloak like twin serpents¡ªhissing threats, razor-edged. ¡°Your mistake.¡±


    The silence shattered.


    Ace lunged, an explosion of motion and power.


    Their clash ripped through the mist, shattering the silence with each impact.


    The rift came too suddenly¡ªtoo seamlessly. Asher stepped back, his smirk a twisted edge of satisfaction. ¡°Next time,¡± he mocked, before slipping into the portal¡¯s embrace.


    Ace¡¯s wings lowered. The quiet returned, though it was no longer empty. It felt heavier¡ªfore


    boding.


    ¡°Coward,¡± Ace whispered to the void.


    But even the silence seemed to disagree.


    [End of Chapter]


    [Market district arc complete]

 Chapter 39 Threads of Fate

    The WEO briefing room hummed with a quiet, mechanical buzz. Low conversations lingered in the air, each word clipped, as executive Espers filed in. Their expressions were grim, eyes narrowed like they were bracing against something unseen. Fluorescent lights flickered above, casting harsh, sterile rays that did little to mask the cold metallic sheen of the conference table at the center. The room felt stark, suffocating¡ªa space made for decisions, but not for comfort.


    On the walls, monitors blinked to life, flooding the room with vivid images: the smoldering ruins of the shopping district, the grotesque remains of the Cyclops. The scene was a snapshot of the chaos that had unfolded¡ªtoo real, too close.


    Ms. Carmen stood at the head of the table, her presence slicing through the tension like a blade. Her uniform was impeccable¡ªevery crease sharp, every button in place, a testament to her control. She didn¡¯t move, didn¡¯t shift as the agents settled into their chairs. The shuffle of fabric and scraping chairs filled the air, but the sound was faint against the relentless hum of the lights.


    "Settle in," she said, her voice firm but low, not quite a command but something more¡ªa signal that the calm before the storm was over. "We have a lot to cover. Not much time."


    A brief pause. A collective breath. The low murmur of hushed voices died down, leaving only the faint sound of screens clicking, the hum of the air conditioning, the distant echo of footfalls in the hallway.


    With a flick of her wrist, Carmen signaled the next set of images. The footage was grainy at first, then sharp as the rift opened, spilling destruction across the market district. The sight of the chaos was almost mundane at this point¡ªtoo familiar. Too dangerous.


    "You¡¯ve all seen the footage," Carmen began, her voice clinical as the images unfolded. "The attack was coordinated. The Swarm Carrier and its Brood Warriors? Distractions. Nothing more."


    Another flick of the remote, and the screen snapped to a new image: the Cyclops, its monstrous form twisted and writhing as it shifted, transformed into something unrecognizable. The air in the room seemed to thicken as the creature¡¯s power radiated off the screen, like a tangible weight pressing down on everyone present.


    "This creature isn¡¯t just a casualty," Carmen continued, her tone darkening, the words now edged with something sharper, something colder. "Its evolution... it¡¯s unlike anything we¡¯ve seen before. Three stages of mutation in a matter of hours. This is no organic process. This is being engineered."


    A murmur rippled through the room, disbelief and tension rippling in the air like static. Vanessa, always alert, leaned forward, brow furrowed as she processed the implications. "The mutation rate... it¡¯s off the charts," she murmured, her voice carrying the weight of a conclusion no one wanted to make. "This isn¡¯t natural. Someone¡¯s tampering with it."


    Carmen¡¯s brief nod was all the confirmation anyone needed. "We¡¯ve detected a strange energy signature around the creature. It¡¯s something we¡¯ve never encountered before. Our hypothesis? Someone¡ª*something*¡ªis manipulating its transformation. Someone¡¯s orchestrating this."


    Before anyone could react, a sharp voice sliced through the air. Dry. Suspicious.


    "So, the bugs are back?"


    All eyes turned to the newcomer¡ªa man whose presence in the room was undeniable. His gaze was hard, his posture stiff, the lines of exhaustion cutting deep beneath his sharp features. His words weren¡¯t a question. They were a statement.


    "Vekar¡¯yn," Carmen said, the words falling from her lips like they had weight. The room seemed to hold its breath. Fear flickered in the eyes of the assembled agents, a flicker of recognition¡ªand something deeper¡ªat the mention of that name.


    Lawton, ever the calm center in the chaos, leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. The tension in the room seemed to bend around him, not touching him. "If the Vekar¡¯yn are reemerging," he said slowly, his voice a steady anchor amidst the storm of uncertainty, "everything changes. Nothing is as we thought."A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Silence thickened the air. Carmen¡¯s eyes locked on him, her gaze sharp. She let the words linger, their meaning more than clear. "Exactly. The Cyclops? It was a signal. A message. And we need answers. Now."


    Her voice didn¡¯t raise, but it carried more weight than any shout. It was the kind of statement that made the walls of the room feel closer, more confining, as if the very air had grown dense with the implications. Her eyes swept the room, each face a reflection of the weight of her words.


    "We¡¯ll deploy teams immediately," she continued, her tone shifting to one of business, but the edge remained. "Research into the Vekar¡¯yn¡¯s methods is already underway, but we need Espers prepared for anything. If this is part of something larger..." She let the sentence hang, unfinished, like an unspoken promise of something worse lurking in the shadows.


    The meeting adjourned with the soft murmur of agents filling out assignments, a thin veil of action brushing over the lingering tension. Only a few remained¡ªCarmen, Lawton, and Vanessa.


    "Well, that went well," Vanessa remarked dryly, the humor in her voice doing little to mask the strain beneath.


    "Define ''well,''" Carmen muttered, crossing her arms. Her eyes were distant, her gaze narrowed as she stared ahead, her posture rigid, betraying none of the fatigue creeping into her features. "We¡¯re facing forces beyond our control. One wrong move," she said, her words hanging heavy in the air, "and it¡¯s all over."


    Lawton¡¯s voice broke the silence, his tone calm but carrying the weight of experience. "We¡¯ve handled impossible odds before, Carmen. This isn¡¯t the end yet."


    Vanessa¡¯s gaze flicked between them, a brow arched. "With all due respect," she said, her voice cool, "we weren¡¯t facing the Vekar¡¯yn last time."


    Before the words could escalate, the door creaked open, breaking the tension like a thunderclap. The sound of boots clicking against the floor echoed through the room, sharp and deliberate. Ace entered, his towering frame framed by the imposing set of metal wings folded neatly against his back. A smirk played at the edges of his lips, but his eyes were sharp, scanning the room like a predator.


    "Sorry to interrupt," Ace said, his voice smooth but with an underlying current of urgency. "But we need to talk, sis."


    Carmen didn¡¯t glance up. She waved her hand, signaling the others to leave. Lawton nodded silently and exited, Vanessa trailing behind. When the door clicked shut behind them, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The walls seemed to close in, the air growing thick with unspoken tension. Ace¡¯s expression hardened as he turned his gaze toward Carmen.


    "I ran into Asher," he began, his voice low, the words purposeful. "And he¡¯s not here by accident."


    Carmen¡¯s face remained impassive, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of recognition. "And?" Her voice was quiet, yet heavy with meaning.


    Ace¡¯s jaw tightened. "Asher was behind the Brood Warrior attack. And the syndicate¡ªhe¡¯s involved with them."


    The words hung in the air like a storm cloud, heavy and unyielding. Carmen¡¯s jaw tightened, her face a mask of calm, but her eyes betrayed the growing concern swirling beneath the surface. "The syndicate," she murmured, voice colder now, sharper. "That¡¯s..." She trailed off, the weight of realization sinking in. "Troubling."


    Ace¡¯s gaze was unrelenting. "You don¡¯t get it, Carmen. The syndicate hasn¡¯t moved in years. But now they¡¯re back¡ªand this? It¡¯s bigger than we¡¯re ready for."


    Carmen inhaled sharply, her grip tightening around a mug she hadn¡¯t realized she was holding. "I¡¯ll handle it," she said, her voice clipped, sharp. But even she couldn¡¯t hide the tremor of uncertainty in the underlying tone.


    "Just..." Ace faltered, his usual bravado slipping for a rare moment. "Just be careful, okay? You don¡¯t have to do this alone."


    For the briefest moment, Carmen¡¯s expression softened. A shadow of vulnerability flickered in her eyes, but it was gone before anyone could catch it. She nodded curtly. "I¡¯ll be fine. Now, go. We¡¯re all running out of time."


    ---


    Later, Carmen¡¯s office door creaked open once more. Aiden, his silver hair ruffled by the weight of another mission, stepped inside with practiced ease. His posture shifted, a familiar precision to his movements as his eyes locked onto Carmen¡¯s.


    "You needed something?" he asked, his voice steady, almost casual.


    Carmen glanced up from the papers scattered across her desk, her gaze cold yet betraying something warmer than usual. "How¡¯s Rei?" she asked, her voice softening for just a moment.


    Aiden hesitated, his sharp eyes flicking with thought before he nodded. "Rei? Haven¡¯t had much of a chance to judge yet. He¡¯s fine. Why do you care?"


    Carmen¡¯s tone remained steady, though the question lingered in the air like a delicate thread between them. "Because your old friends are back," she said, her voice softening again. "The generation of monsters, was it?"


    She slid a file toward him, the label marked boldly in black: "Wildcard."


    Aiden froze. His body tensed, a name¡ªan old ghost from his past¡ªgripped his throat. "All of them?" he whispered, the words heavy with history.


    Carmen met his gaze unwaveringly. "Of course. They¡¯ve got a squad now¡ªjust like you did."


    Aiden didn¡¯t respond immediately, instead flipping through the photographs in silence. The tension between them grew, the quiet stretching between them like a tightrope, until Carmen¡¯s words finally broke the stillness.


    "I look forward to seeing how you five save this world again."


    [End of chapter]

 Chapter 40 Operation Retail Therapy

    My boots hit the metallic floor with sharp, resounding clanks, each step echoing like a distant drumbeat. My pace was deliberate, but my thoughts were scattered¡ªtoo fractured, like shards of broken glass¡ªtoo jagged to piece back together. The overhead lights flickered sporadically, casting a sickly, pale glow that barely kept the creeping shadows at bay. All around me, the soft hum of unseen machinery buzzed relentlessly, a quiet rhythm beneath everything. Beyond the bulkhead doors, faint voices meandered through the air. Their presence was a barely perceptible rhythm, but I barely registered it. My mind kept circling back to one thing¡ªMs. Carmen''s words.


    "Your old friends are back."


    Cyclops. Vekar¡¯yn. The Syndicate. Even the names stung like hot metal on bare skin. I could almost hear Cyclops''s laugh¡ªhollow, cruel¡ªechoing in my head. It churned in my gut like an approaching storm, full of anger, building with relentless force. This wasn''t coincidence. The sabotage? Too deliberate. The chaos? It was intentional. Someone was pushing something, and I couldn''t ignore it.


    The air around me thickened. It felt heavy, pressing down on me. That tight knot in my stomach twisted harder, and I exhaled slowly, the weight of everything unsaid closing in on me. The words I hadn¡¯t managed to say earlier still clung to my throat, heavy and stuck. I shook my head, trying to clear the haze, and quickened my steps¡ªuntil a voice sliced through my thoughts.


    "Aiden ?^ >¥î<^?!"


    I barely managed to catch my footing before stopping dead in my tracks. Elissa. Of course it was her. She stood against the wall, casually leaned like she had all the time in the world, her electric blue hair practically glowing in the harsh lights above. And that grin of hers, a cat who¡¯d just cornered its prey.


    "You¡¯re putting the brood in brooding," she teased, her voice light, almost musical, but laced with sharpness. She unfolded herself from the wall with a single, easy movement and strolled toward me with that confident swagger only she could pull off. "Congratulations! You¡¯re officially grumpy enough for today¡¯s mission: Operation Retail Therapy."


    "Shopping?" I frowned, narrowing my eyes. "Now? /? - ? -¥Þ?"


    Her eyes widened, feigning scandal, the most dramatic of expressions. "Yes, now! The ancient human art of acquiring non-combat-related goods. Haven¡¯t you read the latest health manual? It¡¯s essential for morale¡ªand mine specifically."


    I stared at her like she was speaking in a different language. "I don''t¡ª"


    She cut me off, wagging her finger with mock disapproval. "Uh-uh-uh! No negotiations, Aiden. This is an order issued under the strict guidelines of... whatever program governs making your coworkers less boring /?????\."


    I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose in annoyance. "This is exactly why I avoid people."


    From the corner of my eye, I saw Rei, clutching an operations manual to his chest like it was some kind of lifeline, muttering to himself as he hurried down the corridor. Well, this was perfect.


    "You. Newbie." My voice sliced through the air like a knife, hard and direct, as my finger pointed at Rei, zeroing in on him.


    Rei froze mid-step, head whipping toward me. "Uh... me?"


    "Yes, you. Congratulations, you''re coming with us."


    Rei blinked, looking between me and Elissa in sheer confusion. "I¡ªcoming where? Why?"The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Before he could backpedal, Elissa was already all over him, latching onto his arm with a smile that could only be described as unrelenting. "You¡¯re coming on the most important mission of your young career: bonding time!" she chirped, that grin growing into something unreasonably wide. "You¡¯ll love it. ?^>¥î<^?"


    Rei''s eyes shifted from her to me, panic flashing in them. "Aiden, help?"


    I merely shrugged, arms crossed, watching with mild disinterest. "She¡¯s relentless. Good luck saying no."


    ---


    The marketplace buzzed with frenetic energy, an odd blend of chaos and color. Neon signs blinked erratically above every stall, casting short-lived flashes of color on the worn streets below. The air smelled thick with sizzling meat, a hint of spices, and some sweet confectionary scent I couldn''t quite place. The chatter of the crowd mingled with the sounds of street musicians, their beats relentless and off-kilter, matching the hurried pulse of the city. Strings of glowing orbs dotted the sky, casting kaleidoscopic colors on the already warped reality of the bustling street below, offering everything from shiny tech to trinkets made from someone''s half-formed imagination.


    Rei looked visibly out of place, his grip on the operations manual so tight his knuckles were white as the overstimulation of the marketplace hit him all at once. "Are we seriously shopping here? In the middle of... this?"


    "You sound like an old man," Elissa laughed, tugging his sleeve like he was a puppet in her hands, her voice light and teasing. "Stop worrying. This¡ª" She gestured broadly around us, pausing just in time to point at a juggler tossing flaming batons into the air in rhythmic, graceful arcs. "¡ªThis is where life happens. See? That¡¯s joy."


    I lagged behind a few paces, hands shoved deep into my jacket pockets, watching the crowd but not really seeing them. There was laughter here, sure. But it sounded like something sharp, like glass shattering, distorted by the odd crackle in the air. The flickering missing posters posted to nearby poles caught my attention, their faces barely visible beneath the wind, as if the world was trying to scrub them out of existence. I stopped, just a moment too long, staring. Something didn''t sit right with me about that one poster.


    Elissa, unaware, practically dragged us into a boutique. "This is it!"


    I glanced up at the ridiculously flashy sign above the door. ¡°Timeless Finds.¡± Seriously? The chrome mannequins stood posed in exaggerated stances, their arms caught in fake action, draped in flashy coats and fur, as if they were all too eager to sell me something I didn¡¯t want. "This can¡¯t be serious."


    "Oh, it¡¯s serious, rookie," Elissa chirped, tossing her hair over her shoulder like she didn¡¯t have a care in the world. "You wouldn¡¯t understand. You¡¯re grace-deprived /? ^ ? ^ ??\?."


    Rei glanced between her and the door like he might make a break for it. "I think I¡¯d rather stay outside..."


    "Good luck with that." I muttered dryly under my breath. "This feels like an ambush."


    Elissa spun around on a dime, her eyes already sparkling. She held up a sleeveless denim jacket, one that had more zippers and buckles than I could count. "Aiden, this is *so* you /? ?¡ã ? ?¡ã ?\!"


    I glared at the jacket, unimpressed. "Do I look like the sort of guy who wears... that?"


    She slapped the jacket against my chest, a mock-serious look in her eyes. "Look, hotshot. It¡¯s about making a statement. You know, something like: ¡®I punch monsters and still slay the runway.¡¯"


    A smirk tugged at my lips, but I kept it under control. "The only statement it makes is, ''I¡¯ve given up.¡¯"


    Her playful offense hit the next gear as she crossed her arms. "Oh, come on, don¡¯t be a buzzkill, man /?? ? ? ?\." She jabbed at my chest playfully. "If you¡¯re so above all this, tell me, what exactly do you wear to¡ªoh, I don¡¯t know¡ªsomething social? Do you even own anything that isn¡¯t combat black?"


    I opened my mouth to argue, but her victorious smirk silenced me before I even got a word out.


    "Ha! Exactly. By the time we¡¯re done here, monsters will die of shame just looking at you."


    At this point, our bickering had reached its usual crescendo, each exchange its own dance, one I was both stuck in and strangely used to.


    "You¡¯re impossible."


    "And you¡¯re allergic to joy. So, we¡¯re even."


    Rei was already backing toward the door, mumbling to himself like he was trying to negotiate his way out of the situation. "Please, for the love of everything, don¡¯t drag me into this..."


    Of course, Elissa''s grin only widened, her eyes locking onto him as she spun on her heel, waving yet another jacket in front of Rei¡¯s face. "Rei, this is perfect for you. Trust me ?(? >¦Ø< ?)?!"


    "No, no, no!" Rei practically shrieked in panic, holding his hands up to block her approach. "That¡¯s more his style, not mine!" He looked at me desperately. "Hey! Don¡¯t drag me into this!"


    The bell over the boutique door jingled as it opened, and a familiar voice almost knocked the wind out of me.


    "Come on! Is this place really that bad?"


    It was a voice I¡¯d heard too many times before, light and teasing but laced with familiarity. My chest tightened before I even registered why.


    "Pfft, please. It looks like some arts-and-crafts geek tried fashion." A male voice followed, and I caught the glint of green in his hair. That was a sight I could have done without, right now.


    "Well, aren''t you a sight for sore eyes, Aiden."


    The man¡¯s voice was so familiar, and it stirred something deep in my chest that I couldn¡¯t quite name.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 41 Old Friend

    The moment his voice sliced through the air, something inside me recoiled¡ªa jolt so sharp and familiar it nearly stole the breath from my lungs. It twisted low in my belly, a physical ache like old, broken bones shifting with too much pressure. My heart hammered¡ªheavy, unrelenting. No, I thought, biting down on the instinct to flee. Not now. But I knew, even before I turned, who it was.


    I fought to stay still, rooted to the spot as the air around me thickened, pressing down like an invisible weight. The market''s sounds¡ªdistant voices, vendors calling, the clatter of metal¡ªfaded, swallowed by the suffocating silence that bloomed between us. My feet refused to move, as if the earth itself had tethered me. Slowly, painfully, I pivoted. Every movement was a drag, my limbs heavy, as though I were wading through molasses.


    And there he was. Eli. Standing there like nothing had changed, as if I hadn''t spent years trying to forget the very sight of him. Recognition hit me like a slap¡ªraw, immediate, and unrelenting. His presence overshadowed everything else, erasing the noise of the world, making it seem distant, unreal. The chaos of the market became a dull hum. He¡¯s here. He¡¯s real.


    The years between us stretched out in the silence, tight and taut, like a drawn bowstring¡ªpoured, ready to snap.


    I don¡¯t want to do this. The thought twisted in my mind, sharp and fleeting, before I found my voice. "It¡¯s been a while, Eli," I managed, the words scraping out, raw and reluctant. There was no hiding the edge in my tone¡ªthe resentment that bled through, as thin but sharp as glass. Even now, just saying his name felt like swallowing ash.


    I clenched my fists. His gaze locked onto mine, heavy and familiar, the same intense stare that had once made me feel seen and *too* seen all at once. The air around us crackled with tension, thickening with memories and things unsaid.


    Eli stepped forward, casual as always, like time had never passed. His presence was fluid, easy¡ªhis black jacket swishing softly as he moved, boots barely making a sound on the polished floor. I felt my chest tighten. He still had that damn pull, that effortless magnetism. But now, it felt... dangerous. Like the embers of a fire that could burn me if I wasn¡¯t careful.


    "It has been," he said, his voice smooth and slow, but there was something cold underneath, something barely contained¡ªa sharpness that hadn¡¯t been there before. His eyes flicked over me, slow and deliberate, taking in more than just the surface. "Guess you¡¯ve been¡­ busy?"


    Before I could form a response, Elissa¡¯s voice cut through, light and care-free, almost too bright for the weight in the air. "What do you think?" she asked, holding up a coat, then pausing, her eyes locking onto mine. "A little too much, or just the right amount of ridiculous?"


    But as her gaze shifted to Eli, something shifted in her, too. Her smile faltered for just a second, the playful spark dimming, replaced by a wariness I could almost taste. Her eyes darted between Eli and me, trying to piece something together¡ªsomething unspoken, and just out of reach.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Her look settled on me, sharp but light. ¡°Geez,¡± she said, breaking the silence with her usual nonchalance, but it felt too bright, almost like a mask. "What kind of situation have we walked into /???????????\?"


    The words slipped out before I could stop them. "This is Elijah." My voice sounded hollow, even to me. I regretted it immediately. There was nothing about this man that was empty, and yet, the space between us¡ªthat¡ªfelt vacant. "An old¡­ friend."


    Eli''s lips curled into a smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes. It was brittle, sharp, like a knife edge, and he let the word roll off his tongue with a calculated slowness. "Friend?" He repeated it, tasting it. "That''s one way to put it."


    The tension stretched, taut and crackling, until Stacy''s voice sliced through, bright and full of energy. "Hi, I¡¯m Stacy ?^ >¥î<^?!" she said, her brown hair bouncing as she breezed past Elissa, the contrast between her exuberance and the tension hanging in the air striking.


    Her accent, rich and vibrant, punctuated her words with a theatrical flair that immediately drew the room''s attention. ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Stacy,¡± she repeated with a grin that felt like sunlight breaking through clouds. Her energy was impossible to ignore, as though the very space around her buzzed with life.


    Elissa blinked, momentarily thrown off balance, before her grin returned, widening with an almost teasing gleam. The air around them lightened, but the tension between me and Eli still lingered, thick and heavy.


    Elissa raised an eyebrow, mischief flickering in her eyes. "Wait. Hold on," she said, eyes narrowing with mock intensity. "Was that a British accent?"


    Stacy smirked, clearly amused, and leaned in slightly, lowering her voice with playful approval. "Good ear, love /??- ? -?¥Þ," she said, lacing her words with a rhythm that invited Elissa in.


    Elissa¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Let me guess,¡± she said, her eyes gleaming. ¡°Manchester?¡±


    Stacy leaned back, holding back a laugh. ¡°Not quite.¡±


    Aiden let out a soft groan, his discomfort palpable. His gaze flicked between me and Eli, and then to the girls, uncertainty clouding his expression.


    "Scouser, then?" Elissa teased, her voice rising with the thrill of a mystery to be solved.


    ¡°Not even close,¡± Stacy replied, her smile curling deeper into amusement.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t tell me!¡± Elissa exclaimed, throwing up her hands. ¡°You¡¯re from¡­ London /? ? ? ?¥Þ ?¡±


    ¡°Sort of,¡± Stacy said, drawing out the tease. ¡°But you''re being far too general, innit? East End, if you want specifics. ???????¡±


    Elissa¡¯s eyes widened in realization. ¡°East London! Cockney! I knew it. Proper charm /???¥î??¥Þ!¡± Her glee was contagious, breaking the tension ever so slightly.


    But Eli¡¯s gaze shifted, sharp as a hawk. His attention snapped to Stacy, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "You''ve got quite the introduction style, don''t you?" His voice, soft but edged with something colder, flicked between Stacy and Aiden.


    Stacy gave a bright smile, the sarcasm laced in her voice. "Someone¡¯s gotta lighten the mood you know /? - ? -¥Þ."


    Before any more words could slip through the cracks, frustration pushed mine out sharper than intended. "Nothing important," I said, my voice brittle and strained. I locked eyes with Elissa, trying to keep the weight from my chest hidden. ¡°Let¡¯s just keep moving.¡±


    Elissa didn¡¯t seem convinced. Her gaze flicked between me and Stacy, then back to Eli, silent questions hanging in the air.


    ¡°So, are we going to stand here all day, or are we going to talk /?? ? ? ?\?¡±


    My breath caught. I could feel the weight of the words gathering in my throat. ¡°What do you want, Eli?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± He leaned in, voice low and taunting. ¡°How about a little competition? Arcade. You and me.¡±


    Aiden glanced at me, searching my face, his eyes pleading with uncertainty. Panic clawed at my throat, but I steadied myself. ¡°Fine,¡± I said, voice brittle, the words slipping out more coldly than I intended. I met his eyes, unwilling to break first. "But what about them?" I motioned toward Elissa and Stacy. "They¡¯re not involved in this."


    Eli¡¯s gaze flicked to them, but his interest barely lingered. His eyes softened, calculating, before returning to me. He shrugged, his indifference obvious. ¡°They¡¯ll be fine. Won¡¯t they?¡± He didn¡¯t look like he cared either way.


    My stomach tightened, but I didn¡¯t let him see it. "We¡¯ll see about that."


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 42 Open wounds

    "Ugh how did end up here..."


    I stood on the outskirts of the market, a faint frown tugging at the corners of my mouth as I tugged my jacket tighter around myself. The air buzzed with life, and I felt every bit of my isolation pressed against the heavy pulse of it all. Around me, the market crackled with color and noise. A chorus of street vendors shouting out specials, kids running past with popsicles stained on their faces, fire-breathers tossing flames in arcs that lit up the twilight sky¡ªeach piece was like a puzzle I couldn¡¯t fit into.


    Shuffling my feet, I hung back, trying my best to blend into the shadows. But even then, a sense of alienation still burned in my chest, a distant ache as familiar as breathing. My eyes caught on a pair of figures: Elissa, her laughter pealing out like silver chimes, and Stacy, striking in her sharp wit, sharp eyes, sharp smile. The way they played off one another felt as natural as breathing, as if they¡¯d always been this way.


    ¡°I bet you couldn¡¯t even spot a proper skewered meal if it slapped you in the face!¡± Stacy teased, holding up a skewer of grilled meat. She wagged it in Elissa¡¯s direction like a sword. Her accent added another layer of mischief, the Cockney rolling off her tongue like a tune she was far too comfortable with.


    Elissa simply tilted her head, looking down her nose at Stacy with a grin. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t know what real food is if it jumped up and danced a jig. Candied fruit, really? This is a market, not a carnival.¡±


    ¡°I see you¡¯ve got that finger-waggin¡¯ tone down pat now. Do ya practice this in your spare time?¡± Stacy quipped back, nudging Elissa¡¯s side. ¡°I always thought you were some kind of delicate flower.¡±


    The banter flowed back and forth effortlessly, pulling at the corners of my lips before I caught myself. There it was, their rhythm¡ªsomething I didn¡¯t share. I could see it now in every glance and small jest: *this was their place*. And I was just here, observing. As always. Not quite a part of their world, not quite anywhere else.


    Feeling the sting of it, I shoved my hands deeper into my jacket pockets. *Why do I even try?* My heart wasn¡¯t in it. The laughter, the banter, it all felt like an itch I could never quite scratch.


    Then Stacy¡¯s voice broke through, sharp and knowing. ¡°Oi, Rei. You alright, mate? You look like you¡¯ve been suckin¡¯ lemons all day.¡± Her piercing eyes turned on me, reading something I didn¡¯t want her to. She tilted her head slightly, the edge of a smirk tugging at her mouth. It was playful, but her look suggested she could see straight through the mask I always tried to wear.


    For a heartbeat, I considered saying something, anything. But the words caught, stuck at the back of my throat like something too awkward to speak aloud. Instead, I just mumbled, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    But then Elissa''s voice, soft and coaxing, wound around me, disarming every defense I¡¯d pulled up. ¡°Come on, Rei. You¡¯ve been hovering like a ghost. We¡¯re out here trying to have fun. Don¡¯t make this harder than it is.¡±


    I shifted my feet, nervously glancing at the dirt beneath me, trying not to feel the weight of the world pressing in, clamoring for space in my chest. "I don¡¯t belong here."Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Stacy snorted, shaking her head. "Cor, you''re the toughest tough nut to crack, aren''t ya?" She waved the skewer around like a challenge. "Pick somethin¡¯, get in on it. Don¡¯t just stand there like you''re guarding the entrance."


    Before I could refuse, her mischievous grin tugged at me, making it nearly impossible to stay irritated. Her teasing felt... familiar, in a way. She wasn¡¯t expecting a grand gesture. She was offering¡ª*something*. The faintest sliver of... belonging? Was that it?


    ¡°I don¡¯t need food critics," I shot back, struggling to keep my voice light. But even I could feel the weight of it falling flat.


    Still, the reaction was there¡ªStacy let out a rich laugh, the sound sweeping through the tension in the air, easing it, if only for a second. Elissa joined in, nudging me in a show of silent solidarity. ¡°Come on. You won¡¯t know until you try it.¡±


    Despite my reluctance, something shifted. A rare smile tugged at my mouth before I shut it down, returning to my more familiar aloofness.


    And then, just as the mood started to warm up, Elissa caught me off guard with something unexpected.


    ¡°I don''t know if it¡¯s me, but have you noticed Aiden and Elijah today? They¡¯re barely talking to each other,¡± she remarked, her brow knitting together with concern. There was no sign of judgment, just... quiet observation.


    I looked across the square. Aiden and Elijah stood like two icebergs in the middle of the chaos. Their gazes barely brushed, body language stiff, almost frozen in the melee of people.


    The air in the market seemed to pulse with something underneath the noise, an unspoken tension cutting through the buzz like a knife. I couldn''t help but speak quietly, ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s... odd, right?¡±


    Stacy¡¯s posture shifted, too. Her easy confidence faltered just a little as she too glanced at them. ¡°It¡¯s a mess,¡± she muttered, flicking her gaze back at us. The lightness she usually carried was suddenly absent, as though something deep within her warned against poking the subject too much.


    Elissa¡¯s voice took on a gentler tone, cautious but curious. ¡°What happened?¡±


    There was a long moment of silence as Stacy avoided answering directly. ¡°It¡¯s... complicated,¡± she said slowly. ¡°History. Bad blood, if you must know. Nothin¡¯ anyone wants to revisit.¡±


    It felt like the air shifted again. There was weight in her words, and for all the life swirling around us in the market, there was a sudden hush, a space that made me wonder if that tension in Aiden and Elijah''s silent feud had settled deeper than we knew.


    I tried to brush the weird feeling aside with a half-joke. ¡°Well, that sounds uplifting.¡±


    Elissa shot me a pointed look, but before I could get lost in the ripple of discomfort that seemed to thicken the air, she clapped her hands with a light, almost manic energy. "Let¡¯s make up nicknames! I think we¡¯re overdue for some classic nonsense!¡±


    Of course, Stacy rolled her eyes, but there was something about Elissa''s spark that lit the corner of Stacy¡¯s mouth with a barely-contained smile. ¡°Yeah, fine. But only if I get to name you something embarrassing, love,¡± Stacy quipped back, looking straight at Elissa, who was practically glowing at the thought.


    Before I could catch myself, my lips lifted in something like a genuine smile.


    But Aiden and Elijah¡¯s sudden reappearance¡ªsharp and foreboding¡ªbrought everything crashing back to reality. Their stances stiffened as they approached, like an undercurrent to the easy mood we¡¯d managed to create.


    ¡°Well, well, look who¡¯s *really* making the best of the day,¡± Aiden remarked in a cold drawl, his arms crossed, his usual sharp gaze as piercing as ever.


    ¡°And yet, not a single snack in sight from our dynamic duo here,¡± Stacy quipped, eyes narrowed, not so much playful as coldly sarcastic.


    Just like that, the tension settled in again, this time thicker than before. I felt the familiar weight of all the things unsaid descend over us. The crowd felt distant, the chaos louder now, almost oppressive.


    A little too oppressive, actually.


    ¡°Well, if you¡¯ll excuse me,¡± I said abruptly, cutting through the buzz of their conversation before I could lose myself to the quiet ache gnawing at the pit of my stomach. ¡°I think I¡¯ll head out.¡±


    The sudden shift made all eyes turn to me. Elissa¡¯s voice softened. ¡°Already? Are you sure?¡±


    Stacy raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t argue. She gave me a sideways look. ¡°You alright, Rei?¡±


    I lied. ¡°Just tired. I¡¯ll catch you later.¡±


    As I turned to slip away, the pulse of the market became a faint background hum, an all-consuming thrum I couldn¡¯t escape. Every step farther from them felt like one more step away from myself. Where was I going, really? Maybe it didn¡¯t matter. Just anywhere that wasn¡¯t here, in this strange space that didn¡¯t quite fit.


    I just needed something to clear my head. That¡¯s all.


    The noise and color around me blurred as I took the long way, feet moving without thinking, toward a place I knew would offer some reprieve.


    The shadows deepened.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 43 Reassurance

    I wandered through the winding streets, the bustling market fading as I stepped away from its clamor. The cries of vendors hawking their wares were swallowed by the distance, and the smells of fried food and spiced meat, thick with oil and heat, clung to the air. My footsteps were unsteady, and I noticed only then that I had no clear destination. It wasn¡¯t about where I was going¡ªjust that I needed to be somewhere else. Before I knew it, I stopped in front of Kristine¡¯s door.


    The house loomed silently, too still. Even the trees outside held their breath, limbs suspended in time. I shoved my hands deeper into the pockets of my jacket, letting the cool air push against my skin. I steadied my breathing as best I could before raising my fist to knock.


    The door creaked open with an eerie slowness. Kristine appeared in the threshold, but she wasn¡¯t the Kristine I remembered¡ªher vibrant energy now dampened, replaced by something softer, quieter. Her usual wild hair was bound in a neat bun, and the round glasses perched on her nose softened the sharpness of her features, giving her an unexpected air of authority.


    ¡°Suki,¡± she greeted, her voice unusually gentle, filled with a mix of surprise and warmth. ¡°Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d come by.¡±


    I swallowed, the ache in my chest tightening, choking the air from my lungs. "Got time for a chat?" My voice was raw, carrying the weight of a hundred things I hadn''t said.


    Without hesitation, Kristine stepped aside, an unspoken invitation in her gesture. I passed her, the warmth of the house enveloping me, a stark contrast to the crisp chill of the outside air. The familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and cinnamon settled into my senses, but in the eerie stillness of the place, it felt oddly out of place.


    She led me down the narrow hallway, and I saw pictures of family smiling from the walls. Houseplants flourished in the corners, their green vitality a sharp contrast to the quiet tension that hung in the air.


    We arrived in the living room, and Kristine gestured to the couch. I sat, feeling its weight like an anchor dragging me deeper into the moment.


    ¡°I was about to make tea,¡± Kristine said, her gaze flicking between the kitchen and me. "Want some?"


    "No thanks," I replied, my voice barely more than a breath. I didn¡¯t have the energy for small talk.


    Kristine studied me, a quiet concern in her eyes, but she didn¡¯t push. She simply settled beside me, letting the silence stretch between us. It was thick, pressing against me, but it wasn''t uncomfortable¡ªnot with her there. It was just... there, as if both of us were waiting for something.


    Finally, Kristine broke the quiet. ¡°What¡¯s going on, Suki?¡±


    Her words cut through me sharper than I expected, more forceful than any she had said before. I wanted to dodge her gaze, change the subject, but her steady eyes held me captive. There was no escaping it now.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I belong in the WEO,¡± I blurted, the words scraping past the walls I¡¯d built around myself. ¡°I don¡¯t have what it takes.¡±


    Kristine blinked, her expression shifting slightly in confusion. She leaned forward, her voice coaxing, warm. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    I clenched my fists, the fabric of my jacket tight under my grip. "I just... I don¡¯t think I¡¯m cut out for it. That¡¯s all."


    Kristine didn¡¯t say anything at first. She waited¡ªher quiet presence, like a steady current beneath me, drawing me deeper into myself. After a long pause, she spoke again, her voice calm but firm. ¡°Why? Isn¡¯t your dream to be an Esper like your dad?¡±


    The mention of my dad hit harder than I had expected. It rang in my ears, an unresolved pain, an echo of guilt I couldn¡¯t shake. ¡°My dad¡­¡± I ran a hand through my hair, the motion futile against the tightness in my chest. ¡°I used to think if I pushed hard enough, I could live up to it. But maybe I¡¯m not like him. Maybe¡­ maybe it¡¯s not what I really want.¡±


    Kristine didn¡¯t rush me. She just sat with me, her calm weight solid beside me. Her silence spoke more than words ever could, a steady comfort. After a long moment, her voice pierced the stillness once more, soft but clear: ¡°Are you sure? Or maybe you¡¯re just scared?¡±


    Her words struck at the heart of everything I had been avoiding¡ªan admission too raw to face, and yet, it spilled from my chest before I could stop it. ¡°Yeah," I nodded, unable to meet her gaze. ¡°I¡¯m scared.¡± Saying it felt like breaking apart, like admitting I wasn¡¯t what I thought I was supposed to be.


    Kristine didn¡¯t push further. She simply let the silence remain, wrapping us both in it like a warm blanket. Her hand rested gently on my shoulder, a comforting weight that felt more like home than I ever remembered.


    After a moment, Kristine shifted closer. She grabbed a cushion, pulling it into her lap before patting it with an inviting motion. "Come here," she murmured, her voice soothing. "Just for a minute. Let it out."


    I hesitated. But the sound of her voice, so inviting, so steady, broke whatever resistance remained. I leaned into her, resting my head on her lap as her fingers gently ran through my hair. The rhythmic motions seemed to unravel some of the tightness in my chest, and, for the first time in days, I allowed myself to rest.


    ¡°You¡¯ve changed, you know,¡± she said softly, her words a balm to the rough edges inside me. ¡°You¡¯re still figuring things out, but you¡¯re not the same person I saw in the hospital. You¡¯ve got more in you than you think.¡±


    Her words settled around me like dust in a sunbeam. The calm between us held more than silence. It felt like permission to breathe, to stop pretending I had it all together. And for a brief moment, I allowed myself to believe it¡ªthat maybe I could be more than what I had convinced myself I was.


    ¡°You¡¯re more than enough, Suki,¡± Kristine¡¯s voice carried the weight of truth. "You don¡¯t have to be anyone else. Just be you."


    I squeezed my eyes shut, holding back the tide of emotion. "Thanks," I whispered, unable to say anything more.


    Kristine¡¯s soft hum vibrated gently through me, her hand never pausing in its comforting motion. In that moment, surrounded by her warmth, I felt like I could begin to put myself back together.


    ---


    The city stretched before me, a vast canvas of darkness interrupted only by the distant twinkling of lights. A figure stood alone at the edge of the rooftop, his eyes scanning the sprawling world below. The wind whispered through the cracks in the building, carrying with it an almost suffocating stillness, as if the night held its breath.


    A black dropship rested on the helipad, its sleek form contrasting sharply against the glowing city below. The engines were still, yet something hummed deep inside, a low, pulsing energy that spoke of what was to come. It was waiting. I could feel the anticipation, a quiet tension vibrating through the air.


    "Ready for takeoff," Elijah¡¯s voice broke through the silence. It was calm, commanding, yet there was an edge to it, a sharpness born of familiarity with danger.


    Stacy¡¯s lips pulled into a half-smile, though her eyes betrayed something else¡ªan unease that slipped through the cracks of her composed facade. She adjusted the strap of her gear, eyes flicking over her team. "Uh-huh, everyone''s good," she replied, but even to an outsider, the tension in her voice was palpable.


    Elijah noticed but said nothing. He simply turned toward the dropship, his gait purposeful, like a man set on a path he¡¯d long ago accepted. ¡°Alright, let''s get this mission done,¡± his voice rang out, steady and sure. Every word carved its own rhythm, an echo against the sharpness of his boots tapping the rooftop.


    The rest of the team followed, their movements synchronized, but there was an undercurrent of something else¡ªunsaid but undeniable. Something was coming. And the city below would soon become nothing more than a blur in the wake of their departure.


    [Operation Nightfall Subplot arc begin]


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 44 The Hunt Begins

    The interior of the dropship felt like a metal tomb¡ªcold, sterile, yet somehow pulsing with a faint undercurrent of life. The hum of overhead lights flickered intermittently, casting long shadows that stretched like dark fingers across the walls. Each flicker was an almost imperceptible sigh through the walls, as if the ship itself were breathing, waiting. The scent of sterilized equipment hung heavy in the air, mixing with the faint metallic tang of iron, a subtle reminder of the ship¡¯s unyielding, machine-like heartbeat. Below them, the deep thrum of the engines reverberated through the floors, rippling underfoot like the steady pulse of something vast, a force of nature contained in metal. Anticipation hung thick in the air, palpable, almost magnetic. The turbines whispered softly: *Ready.*


    The team had already taken their positions in the seats, faces dimly illuminated by the cold, artificial light of their electronic devices. There was an unspoken understanding between them¡ªthe silence wasn¡¯t merely the absence of sound. It was a kind of suspended stillness, where each mind worked in sync, absorbed in the mission at hand. No chatter, no idle words¡ªjust a quiet, concentrated energy. The air was dense with focus, thick enough to cut through.


    At the front of the ship, Elijah stood as a solid figure in the shadows, his tall frame a stark silhouette against the sparse, flickering light. His eyes, dark and intense, swept over the room, pausing briefly on Luna. Their gazes met, unspoken words passing between them. For a split second, his sharp, angular features softened beneath the rhythmic glow of the console¡¯s light, but the weight of experience lingered, etched into the creases on his face, a history that shaped his every movement. The hum of the ship seemed to echo around him, reinforcing the weight of what lay ahead.


    ¡°Alright, gather around,¡± Elijah¡¯s voice broke the silence, calm yet sharp, a low resonance that commanded attention. His tone held an undertone of gravity, not that of an order but of a measured expectation. ¡°Luna, care to brief us on the operation?¡± His gaze lingered on her, poised and expectant, as if he already knew the plan, but still respected her expertise.


    Luna, ever the picture of quiet command, rose from her seat with practiced ease, the movements fluid but purposeful. Her boots clattered against the metallic floor in the otherwise still interior, each step more defined in the thick silence than it should have been. Her fingers wrapped around the tablet in her hands, the glow from its screen casting a soft light on her sharply defined features. With a flick of her wrist, she activated a holographic display in the center of the room.


    A map of the abandoned city flickered into being, casting an eerie, ghostly light that danced on the cold metal walls. Ruins of collapsed buildings, roads that led nowhere, and shattered remnants of a forgotten world were marked in jagged, irregular lines. The Monolith stood as a looming, silent guardian at the center. Across the map, red blips pulsed menacingly¡ªrift monsters, scattered like fireflies but each one representing a threat, their presence growing like an ominous storm.


    The temperature in the dropship seemed to shift as the image settled. A sharp, uncomfortable drop in the air¡¯s density, an unspoken tension, began to coil itself around the group. The creatures may not have been here, but their presence still weighed heavily in the space.


    Luna''s voice cut through the growing unease. ¡°Listen up.¡± The edge of her tone was unwavering, a command in itself. ¡°Today''s objective: neutralize the rift creatures, ¡®hollows,¡¯ outside the Monolith in the ruins. They¡¯re gathering, and Intel suggests they¡¯re massing in large numbers.¡± Her sharp eyes locked onto each member of the team, offering a momentary connection before her gaze turned back to the map. Her fingers slid across the tablet, shifting the display to reveal the first creature.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°The Pyroclast. Behemoth Class.¡±


    With a pulse of light, the creature took form. A massive, four-legged monstrosity that shimmered with heat, even in the projection. Its limbs seemed too short to support its bulk, but its wide, muscular arms crackled with a dangerous energy, ending in jagged stone-like skin that gleamed with the intensity of molten rock. The massive mouth, an abyss, opened, releasing waves of scalding air that made the hologram ripple. The room seemed to grow warmer with its presence, as though the air had thickened, the temperature rising as its heat sought to consume the space.


    Luna continued, voice harder now. ¡°This one can bring down a building with just its heat. Those bursts of fiery air will blind you in an instant, disorient you. Get too close, and it¡¯ll burn you alive before you even know what hit you.¡±


    Another swift gesture, and the next creature flared to life in front of them.


    ¡°The Mauler. Feral Class.¡±


    The creature was a terrifying blur of muscle and fur, a beast designed for aggression. Its massive, clawed limbs were made for speed, capable of tearing through metal as if it were paper. Its fur appeared matted, thick with sweat, and its eyes gleamed with a predator¡¯s calculating hunger. Its mouth curled into a snarl, fangs glistening in the cold light.


    ¡°Fast, violent, and vicious. Don¡¯t give it the chance to close the gap¡ªif it gets in range, you¡¯ll be torn apart before you can react. Stay sharp.¡±


    Luna¡¯s final tap on the tablet conjured the last monster. A deep silence descended as the beast slowly took shape.


    ¡°The Brachalisk. Feral Class.¡±


    Its form filled the room. The creature¡¯s leathery wings expanded wide, a vast shadow that seemed to consume the space. Its massive, armored body moved like an ancient predator, covered in thick skin as tough as stone. Its head, sharp like an eagle¡¯s, perched atop a serpentine neck. Its tail whipped lazily through the air, a trail of venom dripping from the tip. The moment its image flickered into existence, the whole room seemed to constrict, the presence of this creature suddenly swallowing every breath.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let its size fool you,¡± Luna cautioned, her voice lowering. ¡°Its wings make it a long-range threat. And that tail? It¡¯ll pierce through armor like it¡¯s nothing. Stay far from it unless you have a damn good reason.¡±


    The image of the creature lingered in the center of the room for a moment, each detail heavy with danger. The weight of the mission was undeniably present, each beast imposing and merciless.


    Luna squared her shoulders. ¡°The plan is simple. Split into two teams. Team one: Pyroclast. Team two: Mauler and Brachalisk. Each of you has a designated role, and we stick to it. No heroics, no improvising. We hit hard, we hit fast.¡±


    The air held a deadly calm for a heartbeat, the silence before action amplifying the gravity of the situation. It was then that Lysander rose.


    He cut through the tension with his casual, almost lazy demeanor. His blonde hair was streaked with purple, pulled back into a loose, but deliberate bun, strands framing the sharp, confident angles of his face. He wore sleek, rectangular glasses, behind which his purple eyes gleamed with a hint of mischief and something darker, more calculating. A silver ring, shaped like interlocking gears, caught the light on his hand.


    ¡°Take them out and head out. Simple, right, Captain?¡± Lysander¡¯s voice was a teasing lilt, a sharp contrast to the deadly tone in the room. His relaxed posture, his playful smirk, could almost make one forget the dangerous man beneath the persona.


    Elijah¡¯s gaze hardened, but his reply was measured, a sharp flick of a mental switch back to the seriousness at hand. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s the idea. But remember, Lysander¡ªthis is a mission. Stick to the plan. You¡¯re with Stacy and me on Pyroclast.¡± He took a step toward him, eyes steady. ¡°Don¡¯t make me regret this.¡±


    Lysander smirked, the glint of playfulness fading into something far more serious. His eyes flicked over the projections of the monsters, his smirk dropping as the reality settled in, the danger of what they were about to face unmistakable.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Captain.¡± The mischief in his voice had almost entirely vanished, leaving only the sharp focus of a warrior about to step into the fray. "I got your back.¡±


    With that, the team rallied, readying themselves for the storm that awaited them beyond the dropship. And in the cold, humming silence of the ship, they prepared to face the nightmare waiting in the ruins.


    [End of Chapter]

 Chapter 45 Into the Ruins

    The dropship shuddered violently as it tore through the storm clouds, its metal frame groaning in protest. The air inside was dense with the acrid bite of ozone, the cold humidity seeping into their bones. Every gust of wind rattled the craft, amplifying the chaos outside. Below, the sky churned in a frenzy of dark, swollen clouds, blotting out any trace of the horizon. Rain lashed against the hull, sharp as bullets, each strike echoing through the cabin like a steady drumbeat. Lightning slashed the heavens, illuminating the forsaken city beneath, casting jagged shadows that seemed to writhe and stretch like the clawed fingers of a long-dead beast.


    Inside, the air was thick with tension, as if the storm outside had somehow seeped into their very skin. The crew moved with quiet precision, each motion deliberate¡ªgear clinking, boots scuffing across the metal floor. The hum of the craft mixed with the occasional metallic groan, both mechanical and human. It was a routine, one they had perfected, but there was an edge to their calm¡ªan unsettling sense of uncertainty that hovered just beneath the surface, more palpable than the storm outside.


    Elijah braced himself against the cabin wall, his fingers gripping a rail, his jaw clenched tight as the familiar taste of adrenaline surged in his veins. He shifted his gaze over the squad, finding comfort in the fluidity of their movements¡ªroutine had given them an efficiency, but he knew there was something more at play. Something they all felt, beneath the humor and banter.


    "Descending in two minutes," came the pilot¡¯s voice, cold and clipped, slicing through the air like a knife.


    Luna¡¯s fingers hovered over a glowing holographic map, the cool blue light casting sharp shadows across her features. With a final swipe, she locked in the coordinates, her eyes briefly meeting Elijah¡¯s. In the briefest of exchanges, an unspoken bond of resolve passed between them. This was no routine mission.


    She flicked off the map, plunging the cabin into harsh, sterile light. A thick silence fell, the weight of the descent pressing into every corner. A storm of anticipation settled in, making the collective breath of the crew feel like a storm in itself. They had fought storms before, faced the chaos of rift monsters and crumbling cities¡ªbut the one waiting for them now was unlike anything they had encountered. This was no natural disaster.


    The fractured remnants of the city materialized through the rain-smeared windows, twisted spires and shattered towers rising from the ruins like skeletal fingers, grasping at nothing. Moss crawled across the buildings, strangling what once was a metropolis. The faint hum of machinery had long died out, but something sinister lurked in the crumbling architecture.


    Elijah exhaled, his breath matching the pounding rhythm of the rain. His fingers brushed his sidearm. The weight of it felt right¡ªcomforting, as though the weapon itself was tethered to his purpose. This was why they were here¡ªno hesitation, no doubts. Their only task now was survival.


    Lysander, lounging carelessly across from Elijah, shattered the tension with his usual bravado. His blonde hair, streaked with purple, defied the turbulence with its messy bun. He leaned back in his seat, adjusting his glasses, his roguish grin never faltering.


    ¡°Well, well, looks like we¡¯re about to dance with the devil,¡± Lysander said with a wink, his voice light and teasing, yet somehow full of confidence. He didn¡¯t seem fazed by the looming danger or the storm battering the ship. Instead, he thrived on it, drawing the eyes of every crew member in the room with his nonchalant swagger.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Carter raised an eyebrow, his amber eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re already cracking jokes. We¡¯re about to land in the heart of a disaster zone.¡±


    Lysander shot him a grin, unfazed. ¡°I¡¯m just making sure everyone¡¯s still breathing down here. You know, nothing like a little humor to get the blood flowing.¡± His eyes darted over to Caleb Stroud, whose quiet, intense demeanor had not faltered despite the tension.


    ¡°Lysander,¡± Caleb muttered without looking up, eyes still fixed on his shield. ¡°Not now.¡±


    Lysander¡¯s grin didn¡¯t waver. ¡°Aw, Caleb, always so serious,¡± he teased. ¡°One day, I¡¯ll get you to crack a smile. But fine,¡± he continued, casting his gaze over the crew, ¡°I¡¯ll find a new audience.¡± His eyes rested on Iris, who was absorbed in calibrating her high-tech goggles. ¡°Iris, surely someone as focused as you wouldn¡¯t mind betting your concentration against my charm?¡±


    Iris didn¡¯t even glance up, her voice flat. ¡°Unless you can bend time and make this descent happen faster, save your charm.¡±


    Unfazed, Lysander shifted his attention to Jian, sharpening his blades with methodical precision. ¡°Jian! What do you say? Winner gets out of post-mission cleanup duty?¡±


    Jian¡¯s hazel eyes met Lysander¡¯s without emotion, narrowing slightly. ¡°Focus, Lysander.¡±


    Lysander raised his hands in mock surrender, his grin widening. ¡°Tough crowd.¡± Then he looked toward Elijah, his expression shifting into something a little more teasing. ¡°Elijah, my stalwart leader. You wouldn¡¯t turn down a little distraction, would you? Could be fun.¡±


    Elijah arched an eyebrow, his tone steady. ¡°How about you focus on the mission instead of annoying the rest of the squad?¡±


    Lysander¡¯s smirk deepened. ¡°Annoy? Me? No, I¡¯m just providing morale. And you¡¯re welcome.¡±


    Luna, cutting through the tension like a blade, narrowed her gaze, sharp as the edge of her own weapon. ¡°Lysander, if you want to provide morale, try staying quiet for once.¡±


    Lysander gave a dramatic bow from his seat. ¡°As you wish, Miss Hacker,¡± he replied, eyes glinting with mischief.


    He turned to Stacy, more than eager to keep up his antics. ¡°Stacy, my partner-in-fun. What about a game before we drop? High stakes¡ªwinner controls the squad playlist for the week.¡±


    Stacy¡¯s response was immediate. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re on,¡± she shot back, flipping open her satchel as if by magic, revealing a deck of cards.


    Luna, shaking her head, muttered, ¡°Can¡¯t you two ever stop?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a talent,¡± Stacy quipped, dealing imaginary cards in exaggerated flourishes. ¡°Learned it while hacking networks and dismantling firewalls. Distract ¡®em, and they never see you coming.¡±


    ¡°Or crashing,¡± Iris interjected, barely lifting her eyes.


    Lysander winked. ¡°Some of us just multitask better, darling.¡±


    Despite himself, Elijah couldn¡¯t suppress a faint smile. It wasn¡¯t much, but the antics of his crew, as grating as they were, provided the kind of relief the tension demanded. They all needed it, whether they would admit it or not.


    The intercom crackled once more. ¡°Descent in thirty seconds.¡±


    The humor evaporated in an instant, and the crew stiffened. Focus hardened their features like stone, and the cabin settled into a hush that even the storm outside seemed to respect. The humor vanished. There was only the mission, the unknown city below, and the violent storm between them.


    The dropship groaned as it blasted through the final layer of clouds. Below, the forsaken city unfurled in full, an overgrown jungle of concrete and metal. Decayed buildings and shattered towers loomed like graves, their once-proud structures buried beneath creeping vines, moss, and twisted roots.


    It was time. The air tasted of iron, and even the rain felt wrong.


    This was no sanctuary. It was a tomb.


    [End of Chapter]