Arecus stood on the edge of the hospital rooftop, the wind howling around him as he gazed down at the city below. The world stretched out beneath looked like a battlefield waiting for to be conquered by him. With a slow, deliberate movement, he spread his arms wide, embracing the chaos that was about to unfold.
Arecus leaned forward and leaped from the rooftop.
The force of his leap was so immense that the rooftop buckled beneath him, concrete cracked and shattered
In the heart of the city, two extraterrestrial beings, towering figures with humanoid forms and clad in ominous armour, moved with purpose. Their faces, hidden behind the featureless masks of their helmets, were unreadable, giving them an otherworldly and invincible presence. The empty streets around them were eerily silent, devoid of any human life—a testament to the destruction they had already wrought.
But then, they both paused
A voice exploded across the city like a thunderclap, tearing through the silence with an unstoppable fore. I AM TAKING THIS WORLD….
As the two beings looked up, they spotted a small figure descending from the sky like a dark comet. Despite its size, the ominous energy surrounding it was undeniable.
It was Arecus!
His glowing eyes were locked onto the chaos below
In midair, Arecus clenched his fist, his entire body pulsating with a sinister energy. Time seemed to slow as he hurtled toward his target. The alliance barely had time to register the impending doom before Arecus’s fist connected with its head.
BANG!
The sound was like a cannon blast. The impact was so immense that the alien’s head didn’t just shatter—it was obliterated, torn clean from its body in a spray of metallic shards. The headless corpse crumpled to the ground, lifeless before it even hit the pavement.
Arecus landed gracefully in the centre of the chaos. Dust swirled around him as he stood up slowly, his eyes gleaming with a dark satisfaction.
The other alliance drew his sword and pointed it at Arecus, his voice firm and commanding. "Take out your weapon and face me!" But Arecus remained motionless, his dark eyes fixed on the alien, unbothered by the demand.
"I said, draw your weapon. I know you have one!" the alien repeated, his tone growing sharper, expecting compliance.
Arecus's cold expression never wavered. "Do you think I need a weapon to face you?"
Alliance’s eyes were locked on Arecus
What's up with this guy? Why won’t he take out his weapon, does he not have one?......
He took a look at the corpse of other alliance
No, his strength far exceeds for him to not be a warrior…... and each warrior has a weapon, the only exception is Zexus, but his strength is nowhere close to as of Zexus
"Too slow—"
Arecus disappeared from the spot in an instant. Before the alien could react, Arecus appeared in front of him. His fist sunk into the alien's chest, forcing the air out of his body with bone-shattering force and then Arecus used his other hand to slam the alien's head into the ground with a sharp movement.
The impact was so great that the ground shattered, cracks spreaded on all sides, and a crater was formed. Dust rose up and the surroundings collapsed, but Arecus stood coldly in the center. His eyes were fixed sharply on the helpless alliance’s body sunk to the ground.
But that alliance wasn’t dead.
Arecus watched with cold detachment as the alien struggled to rise. Its hand trembled as it pressed against the cracked ground, trying desperately to push itself up. Slowly, agonizingly, the alien managed to get back on its feet.
It swayed unsteadily, unable to stand straight. Blood seeped through the gaps in its armor, dripping onto the earth below.
Arecus’s eyes narrowed as he observed the alien’s pitiful state, his expression unreadable. The alliance’s body was broken, but the fight hadn’t left its eyes.
"It’s nothing personal dude.... I just want to test this body" Arecus
Alliance wasn’t able to see straight his vision was fading
"By any chance, is your name Arecus?"
"Yes, it is"
Alliance suddenly raised his right arm
Arecus closed the distance grabbed his arm and punched the alien in the shoulder and took the arm off then he kicked the alien and alien gone sliding to a distance
With arm kept on his shoulder grabbed with one of his hands Arecus
"Don't get too ahead of yourself"
Alien knew that was the end for him, alien went on his knees and offered arecus his sword with his one hand that was left
"I want you to finish me with this sword "
Arecus took the sword, feeling its weight in his hand as he swung it around a little, testing its balance. "It’s been a while since I used a sword," he muttered, almost to himself.
The alien remained on its knees, head bowed, waiting for Arecus to deliver the final blow. Arecus, now ready to finish the job, stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the alien.
"Tell them... Daddy’s home," Arecus said, his voice cold and commanding with a smile.
The alien looked up, its voice trembling as it replied, "I can’t... The communication system was in my right arm."
Arecus paused for a moment, then shrugged casually. "Oh, is that so... Then tell them in the afterlife."
With that, Arecus drove the sword straight through the alien’s heart, ending its life in a single, decisive strike.
Arecus put the sword at his shoulder was leaving the area but as he took few steps, he looked back at the corpse of that alien
He went to him and buried the sword near his dead body.
Zexus was sitting on his throne in a pitch-black room
Sicus had his back on him and was looking down from glass on earth below
“How is the progress going on?” Asked Zexus
“Subject 301 just lost his vitals”
“We don't interfere just yet”
Sicus gave him an agreeing gesture, continued the watch
He looked back at Zexus
“Do you think he would still be there?”
“Whom you are talking about, specify”
“Arecus.... the one who took life of amberion”
“That is very unlikely”
Zexus raised his arm “Release all the subjects”
Stolen novel; please report.
Sicus looked back on the earth again
I know you are there
Arecus looked up at the sky, where thousands of ships were ablaze, crashing down toward Earth like falling stars.
"This world is sure in ruins... everyone pays for their actions," he muttered, continuing to walk, indifferent to the destruction unfolding above.
As Arecus wandered through the decaying city streets, his eyes caught a sign outside a religious temple. It depicted a man’s image, and above it, the words: "The God's Apprentice."
Arecus couldn’t help but grin. "Humans never learn, do they?" he whispered with a dark chuckle.
He stepped inside the building. At the far end, seated on a chair, was the man from the sign—the so-called Apprentice of God. In front of him, devoted followers sat praying. Arecus approached slowly, his presence unsettling the room. Whispers filled the air, and the followers glanced at him, confused and wary of the stranger's bold intrusion.
Arecus reached the Apprentice, grabbed him by the throat, and lifted him effortlessly.
"Show me your powers," Arecus demanded, his eyes locked onto the terrified man’s face. The Apprentice struggled, gasping for air as his hands clawed at Arecus’ grip.
"Why aren’t you doing anything?" Arecus sneered, tightening his hold. "Aren’t you supposed to be the Apprentice of God?"
The man’s desperate gasps for air were met only with Arecus’s mocking grin
Arecus tightened his hold, and with a sickening crack, the man’s throat exploded in a shower of blood
blood splattering across Arecus’s face
Arecus turned, bloodstained, to face the remaining worshippers
Most of Devotees froze, as the person who was just killed, for them was someone powerful as a god, their mind couldn’t process what the eyes just saw… some continued the prayers as nothing happened for them it was something like a day dream or a mirage
but of course, Some were terrified and tried to flee the hall
But in the blink of an eye, Arecus appeared at the doorway, blocking their escape. "Where are you running?" he asked coldly, before swiftly cutting down the person nearest to him.
Now the panic intensified. Arecus killed a human, which was a feasible thing to happen in their books…… there were screams of terror
Arecus methodically began to kill everyone in the hall, one by one, with terrifying precision. Screams echoed through the temple, but Arecus’s expression remained calm, almost amused.
Everyone was terrified looking at a demon covered in blood Infront of them, it seemed like their death was in front of their own eyes as Arecus
"Why are you all so terrified?" Arecus asked, his voice dripping with mockery. He walked slowly toward them; his footsteps unnervingly calm amidst the chaos. "You've prayed your entire lives to your God, haven’t you? Shouldn’t He come and save you all now?"
“Your god will come to punish me, right? as I murdered his precious devotes”
His cold laughter filled the air, mingling with the dying cries of the helpless worshippers
One by one, he slaughtered them with cold precision
"Keep praying," he taunted, his voice resonating throughout the blood-stained room. "Let’s see how long it takes before your God arrives."
And by the time every last devotee had fallen, there was nothing left but silence.
Arecus stepped outside the temple, his gaze dark and focused. "Where is Jace's mother?" he murmured to himself. "I have to live as Jace from now on... Where is she?"
His search began immediately, moving swiftly through the city streets, his mind racing. As memories flickered back, he recalled that she had been in the hospital. Arecus quickly made his way to the mountain, and made it to the top, but when he reached, his heart sank. The hospital was completely destroyed—nothing but debris and ruin scattered across the ground.
His heart was racing, and he felt a less familiar emotion in his chest
Suddenly, a hand grasped his shoulder from behind. Arecus spun around, only to be met with a tight embrace. It was Jace’s mother. Relief washed over her face as she held him close.
"I’m glad you’re safe," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "You left the building right when the earthquake hit... good job."
Arecus, forced a small smile. "Yeah, it’s good to see you’re safe too, mother."
She grabbed his hands, her touch gentle but firm. "How are you feeling now?"
"I’m fine, maybe it was just some fatigue earlier. But I’m all better now."
For a moment, she seemed reassured. But then her eyes drifted up to his face, and her expression froze. She began trembling.
"Is… is that blood on your face?" she asked, her voice shaky.
"No, Mother," Arecus replied calmly. "There’s nothing there. You’re just imagining things, probably from all the stress. I’m completely fine."
"Y-yeah… that must be it," she said, still uneasy. "Let’s go home, dear."
Hand in hand, they began walking home. As they passed through the city, Arecus’s sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, constantly on alert for any sign of danger—any alien or being that could threaten Jace’s mother.
As they walked, she pointed toward a nearby temple. "Let’s go in, Jace. With everything strange happening these days, we should pray for our safety."
Arecus, who harboured nothing but hatred for gods, felt a bitter taste rise in his mouth. But he didn’t resist. He followed her into the temple. they stood before a large idol. Jace’s mother bowed with her hands joined, praying earnestly. Arecus remained still, his face emotionless, staring coldly at the idol.
When she finished, she turned to him. "Why didn’t you pray yet?" she asked, frowning slightly.
Arecus, still cold, replied, "I refuse to pray to a Go—"
SLAP!
Arecus blinked in surprise as Jace’s mother’s hand connected with his cheek.
"Who do you think you are? Just bow and pray!" she scolded, her voice stern.
"Alright, alright," he muttered. "You didn’t have to slap me for it."
Reluctantly, Arecus bowed before the idol. His eyes bore into the lifeless statue, his mind burning with rage
I’ll come for you
He straightened up and turned to her. "Okay, Mom. I’m done praying.”’
“Okay, let’s go home dear”
Soon, they arrived back home. Arecus, still covered in blood, quietly went to bathe. He washed his face, scrubbing away the evidence of his earlier violence. His shirt, stained with blood, was soaked and scrubbed by his own hands.
As the water drained, he stared into his reflection
So, this is me now
Night had fallen, and the house was quiet. Arecus stepped out of the bath, feeling the warmth of the water fade as he overheard the hushed voices of Jace’s parents in the other room. Jace’s mother sounded anxious, her voice trembling.
“I’m really worried about everything that’s happening lately,” she said to Jace’s father. “It scares me... I feel like something terrible is coming.”
Arecus stood still for a moment, listening. His expression remained cold, but a flicker of amusement crossed his eyes. They had no idea what kind of world they were living in now.
Without a word, Arecus walked over to them. "Goodnight," he said in a calm, composed voice,
His mother smiled faintly, though her worry was still evident. His father only nodded in response.
Arecus turned and made his way to Jace’s room. Once inside, he locked the door behind him, then swiftly moved toward the window. Without hesitation, he pushed it open and leaped out into the cool night air.
In the pitch-black stillness of the night, Arecus sat atop a pile of alien corpses like he was sitting on a throne. His dark, glowing eyes pierced the gloom, fixating on the two trembling alliance soldiers standing before him
One of them, voice quivering with desperation, shouted, "Let us go…! We are not your enemies!"
Arecus' gaze locked onto him, cold and unfeeling. He rose from his throne of bodies, his every movement filled with ominous intent.
“Enemy, you say?" Arecus' voice was like ice. "All the humans you massacred weren’t your enemies, were they? They begged for mercy, cried out for their lives, and yet you slaughtered them without emotion. You failed to realize that there might be an even greater force… one that would do the same to you—or worse.”
Arecus stood towering above them now, his dark eyes gleaming with sadistic anticipation. The alien soldiers could do nothing but stare, paralyzed by fear.
“You’re going to die merciless deaths.”
In that instant, the tension snapped. One of the aliens, his mind overtaken by panic, turned and ran. His partner, frozen in terror, watched helplessly as Arecus barely moved. In a blur of motion, Arecus closed the distance, gripping the runner by the leg. Without a word, he kicked his leg, shattering the bones with a sickening crunch. The Alien collapsed to the ground, writhing in pain, before Arecus crushed its skull beneath his boot, the ground quaking beneath the force of the blow.
Blood splattered across the ground, the grotesque sound of bone shattering echoing in the air.
The remaining alien, still frozen, could do nothing but watch in horror as Arecus, covered in blood, slowly turned toward him. His legs trembled, his breath coming in panicked bursts.
“Now,” Arecus said, his voice calm but deadly, “it’s your turn.”
Tears welled up in the alien's eyes as he desperately tried to beg, his words spilling out in frantic, broken sentences. “P-please… no… listen to me… please…”
Arecus’s pace was agonizingly slow as he approached
He reached out, placing a hand on the alien's trembling face
“No.”
Arecus stared at the lifeless head in his hand…. “Killing you isn’t going to change anything; you all are nothing but sacrificial pawns in the little game Zexus has been playing.”
Arecus looked at the dead eyes of the helmet, his own reflection grinning back at him.
The air around him seemed to crackle with a sudden surge of energy. Arecus tilted his head slightly, his smile growing wider, more sinister
“Let’s collide once again…” he whispered, his tone dripping with anticipation. His grip on the severed head tightened, and he crushed it in his hand with a sickening crunch, the helmet and skull shattering like brittle glass.
“Zexus.”
He killed every single alien in 10-kilometre radius from Jace’s house
Arecus stood at the edge, his body soaked in blood from the night’s massacre. As the first rays of the morning sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the quiet city, he simply stared ahead, unmoved by the carnage he had left behind
But then, in an instant. Everything around him turned pitch black. He felt a presence—familiar yet distant. Before him stood Jace, drenched in blood, his face twisted in anguish and rage.
"You’re a demon… give me my body back!" Jace shouted, his voice echoing in the dark void.
Arecus—Jace’s own reflection, laughed coldly. "So, you still exist, Jace?"
Jace’s face contorted with pain and guilt. "You kill people… you killed Elina!" His voice broke as he spoke her name, his fists clenched tightly.
Arecus’ eyes narrowed, amused by Jace’s torment. "Kill people? I didn’t kill anyone, Jace. You want to know who took Elina’s life?" He leaned in, his voice a low, mocking whisper. "It was your hands that ended her life."
Jace staggered back, shaking his head in disbelief. "No… no you are lying, that can’t be true. I would never… I-I couldn’t have… I would never do something like that"
Arecus’ grin only grew darker as he watched Jace’s inner struggle. "How long are you going to keep rejecting yourself, Jace”
Jace was covered in blood, he felt the warmth of sunlight, he smiled looking at the sunrise
“Now I get it”
He turned back, sunlight surrounded his body
I have no regrets……. I was born because the world killed me and everyone pays for their actions
now this world will see a devil they gave birth to