The night sky turned deep Crimson.

Dim light from twin moons gleamed over the town. Kastien was slouching over a long, wooden desk, toiling away at pieces of a mechanical arm spread across the table, his mind too busy to process the unusual red moonlight coming from the slit below the door. No noise came from the streets, only the generator humming, breaking the lull. Working became easier when the town slept, as he cherished the silence. He didn’t mind the humming, though; it helped him concentrate. He preferred machines to people. Much simpler, he thought.

“Veins do not appear to be a problem, so the issue must lie within the converter matrix,” he mumbled. First, he plugged the core into his Runepanel, and its screen flared up, making him squint for a moment. Then he pressed on the screen and that highlighted a part of the writing on it.

“Oh, so it flags this bit as a problem, I see!” he exclaimed. His right hand is trying to feel its way toward the wrench on the table, eyes still fixated on the core on his left. He adjusted it slightly, and now it seemed to be fine.

“Working! With more time, I could polish the outer shell and even out these bumps.” he said.

But then he changed his mind. It was in that state for a reason. Its owner had a knack for getting into trouble, or maybe trouble found him. Either way, it was pointless to waste time on such details, no matter how much he wished he could make it pristine. Now the only thing left was to put it back together. It will take a while, but it was the best part of it, watching everything come together. He was so engrossed in the work that he barely noticed that an hour had passed.

Then he heard a knock on the door.

“Who could it be this late in the night… I’m just a step away from finishing this thing,” he mumbled.

He ignored the knocking, but it persisted. And it was the worst type of knocking, irregular beats and knocks at various places on the door. It was someone who knew very well how to get under his skin and make it crawl.

“Come on in, Cathal…” he said without turning.

“Kastien, Kastien!” Cathal’s voice came from the door.

“One moment! Almost… There!” He let go of the mechanical arm.

“What are you doing here this late, Cathal?” he said, while turning around to face the door. “Well, you are lucky, I just finished the…”

He noticed crimson moonlight shining behind Cathal. His body stiffened; eyes filled with disbelief. And then whispers began. Terrible, faint whispers that fought the humming of the engine.

Shroud? Here? Those questions echoed. No answer came to him, no logic could explain it. No, this is not possible…his mind short-circuited. Now those dreaded, unintelligible whispers drowned the humming of the engine and all of his thoughts.

“Come on, man, get hold of yourself,” Cathal said.

The sound of a metal wrench hitting the floor snapped Kastien back from the daze, the wrench still spinning from the impact. A tall, dark man was standing there, his left hand placed firmly on Kastien’s shoulder, pulling it, sleeve dangling from a place where his right arm should be.

“Oh, Cathal… I… I… You didn’t hear them?”

“Hear what?” , Cathal asked, with a puzzling look in his eyes.

“Nothing… Must be my imagination… What is going on?” Kastien asked. “How did Shroud appear here?”

“I don’t know, but if Shroud is here, then we shouldn’t be. We need to hurry. Get your stuff quickly.”

“Wait, I finished your arm,” Kastien said as he turned around. He pointed at the metal arm resting on the workbench.

Cathal went past him, then he took off the shirt, revealing a scarred body and shoulder implant; mechanical pieces and valves protruding through the flesh.

If only I had better medical equipment… Kastien pondered. No, maybe this is the best I could have done.

“Help me get it in place.” Cathal said.

Kastien picked up the arm from the table and brought it over to Cathal’s shoulder implant. The workshop reverberated with loud clicks as he was attaching it.

“Thanks, good as new,” said Cathal, moving the mechanical arm around, squeezing the hand, and toiling with fingers. “Now let’s go get Saige.”

Kastien collected his things and followed Cathal outside.

The world outside appeared as if like looking through a crimson painted lens, but it was more than that. All other colors became just shades of devouring red;even the beautiful twin moons looked like the vile eyes of a beast of prey. They could not be called golden eyes of benevolent Aur any longer.  The ominous haze was thickening, slowly turning into mist. Flickering of those newly installed Aurelium-powered streetlights made his skin crawl. People were running on cobbled streets, some barricading doors and windows on weathered stone houses, others packing to leave, some even aimlessly walking in circles. There was no shortage of panic all around. They all seemed to malfunction in Kastien’s eyes. He could not blame them for it, though, as he felt the same.

“This is different… Much more red than it was before." Cathal's voice cracked a bit. "So, this is how it is within the Crimson Shroud. Crimson indeed.”, he looked around, his eyes filled with fear and wonder.

Kastien understood him. He read about the exploration of Shroud, epic stories by Relic Hunters about the devastated metal and concrete cities of the old fallen Empire, as well as technologies and relics that lay within it. But those stories were also filled with monsters, and a lot of them. Kastien encountered one of those monsters long ago. A Ghoul, believed to be men corrupted by Shroud, charred skin, darkness filled their eye sockets and long claws where fingers should be. It stirred memories he would rather forget.

“Cathal, I do not think this is the time to be impressed. Where are the guards? Who is keeping the order?”

“Sorry. I’ve seen a few guards on the way. They can’t keep this situation under control. I heard Tynan’s unit is coming to town soon; and they’re accompanying two Knights. Hopefully, it will be enough. We’re getting Saige, and we’re leaving before Ghouls appear. I’m not in the mood to be mauled today,” Cathal said.

***

Two of them ran across the town, first through an alley on the right, then to a small bridge. Kastien’s eyes darted towards the panicked guard, who was trying to restore order but to no avail. The town was descending into chaos, and it was only a matter of time before the situation turned violent. There were so many people on the bridge, the smell of sweat assaulting his nose. Then the crowd started pushing into each other, tight space squeezing Kastien’s breath out, his head feeling like it was about to burst. After fighting through the crowd, they got across. He looked back at the bridge, relieved it was finally over.

Then he heard piercing screeches, followed by screams of people echoing in the distance, and all hell broke loose. People were pushing even harder to get across, and then fighting began. Some fell over the bridge, others crawling on the floor. It was time to leave quickly, but his body would not listen.

“Ghouls. They are really here,” he whispered.

Calm down, Kastien closed his eyes and exhaled. “Today will be different. It must be.” 

Cathal turned back after a few paces and saw Kastien just standing in the middle of the street.  

“Now is NOT the time to meditate!” Cathal’s annoyance was visible on his face. “This way, hurry!”

They ran forward, away from the bridge, into a narrow alley two people wide. Cathal stopped in the middle of it; Kastien’s head hit his back.

“This isn’t good,” Cathal whispered as he drew his pulse gun with his left hand and pointed it forward, his finger resting on the trigger. “Stay behind me.”

Kastien’s eyes followed the point of Cathal’s gun and there, at the alley’s end, it just stood, silent, dark as shadow, claws like blades, pale mist sliding on its sharp edges. A Ghoul, that monster of his nightmares. His hand shook even more, but he battled to keep calm and took out a big wrench from his bag. He was ready this time. He wouldn’t back down.

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Cathal squeezed the trigger, and a black gun, charged with Aurelium particles, fired a silver light that pierced through mist right into the creature’s forearm. It screeched and ran towards them. More shots followed, but the creature swirled, moving side to side. One shot grazed its torso, but to no effect. It jumped them, claws aiming for Kastien’s neck, but Cathal moved in its way, blocking its claws with his right arm. The creature then bit into it, metal wailing under the pressure of its teeth. Then Cathal pushed it away with his left hand, then charged his mechanical arm with more power, steam escaping from the shoulder valve, and hit the creature right into the center of its chest, making it kneel in pain. Cathal tried to shoot it, but he missed. As it was ready to pounce on them again, a bigger shot flared right over Cathal’s shoulder, right into the creature’s head, clean hole throughout. The smell of burning flesh made Kastien almost vomit. Again, he did nothing but stand there.

“Boom! Headshot!”, an excited scream from a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Shut up! You almost hit them, you goddamn moron!” a female voice screamed back in anger.

“Sorry ma’am, but good thing we followed them, isn’t it?”

Kastien glanced and noticed two individuals, a male and a female in their mid-twenties, both wearing blue-silver uniforms with Bastion insignia. They were both carrying large, black charge rifles that were faintly lit by silver-glowing light flowing through their rune-circuits, swords sheathed on their hip. These two were no ordinary soldiers. Relic weapons were rare in itself, but charge-rifles in working condition were even more so, and these were late Empire-grade relics. There were no more than a thousand of them ever retrieved.

“I know only one idiot who would take that shot,” Cathal said, with a smirk on his face.

A tall man with blond hair and sky-blue eyes stepped forward, his hair combed to the side, and fit physique seen even through his uniform. It was Tynan, a town jester turned knight’s squire. Fearless or stupid, Kastien could never decide. Despite not liking his carefree nature in situations like these, he couldn’t help but envy his unwavering attitude. Most importantly, Tynan was his friend. One of the few Kastien had.

“Tynan, I’m so damn glad to see you!” exclaimed Cathal. “You could work on your timing, though. That was a close call.”

“And you could work on your aim, old man. Good thing your life didn’t depend on it,” Tynan grinned. “Good to see you too Kastien, no need to thank me. I’m sure that you would have wrenched the thing to death.”

“Thank you, Ty,” Kastien exhaled, relief visible over his face, hand still squeezing the wrench. “Your shots seem to always land. Your jokes, though…”

“You are very welcome,” Tynan said, pretending he didn’t hear the comment.

“Damn Ty, from bow to a charge-rifle, moving up in a world fast, are we?” Cathal slyly jabbed. “Which poor soul would entrust YOU with it?”

“Well… This poor soul is a Knight, Lady Alecia Carthenis. These are my friends; the one suffocating the poor wrench here is Kastien. He’s like the town’s Artificer and this guy here is Cathal- he’s… Well, an insolent man, isn’t he now?” Tynan pointed to each as he spoke, his finger lingering on Cathal.

Cathal’s jaw dropped; his eye filled with terror. Even Kastien stared in disbelief at what was going on. Carthenis were of the highest nobility, most of Aur’s Exemplars came from their family.

“I apologize, my Lady! Please, I didn’t mean to…”

The woman took a step closer. She seemed far too young to serve as a Knight, but she had a posture of a one, that was for certain. She had neatly tied her long black hair with green lace, which perfectly matched her emerald eyes. Perfectly tied hair, features of her face, even Kastien could not deny her beauty. Even though her head only just reached their shoulders, she was almost as tall as Kastien. Well, next to those two giants, anyone would seem short… ” Kastien thought. He wondered if people saw him in the same manner when he stood next to them. Despite the girl appearing short standing next to Tynan and Cathal, her presence felt much bigger. “That is a Carthenis for you.”

“Stop, please. Raise your head. My name is Alecia Carthenis. I, too, apologize for my outburst earlier. Well, if anyone, you could understand my circumstance,” said Alecia, gesturing towards Tynan.

“It is our honor, my Lady,” Kastien said. “And yes, we understand the circumstance. “

“Now that we’re all friends…” Tynan said.

“More importantly, Tynan.” Cathal cut him off.

“Can we expect more of these on the way?” He pointed to the Ghoul on the ground. “Even better question. What is going on here?”

“We know as much as you do,” Tynan shrugged. “Shroud never expanded, as far as I know. Right?”

“No, never…” Alicia said. “This is unprecedented. We must inform Bastion and Reliquary as soon as possible. We need reinforcement, as I fear this is only the beginning.”

“Yes. We mustn’t dilly-dally, more people to save, more things to shoot. Anyway, where is Saige? Shouldn’t you keep an eye on your girlfriend?” Tynan shot a look at Kastien, raising his brow.

“She is not my girlfriend, and we were on our way to their house before this thing got in our way.”

“Yes, I need to get to my house and get two of them out of here,” Cathal added.

“Saige is your sister, I presume?” Alecia turned to Cathal.

“Yes. We… we would appreciate any help you can provide, my Lady.” Cathal tried not to stumble.

“Ma’am, we’re heading to the town square. Sir Bayle and the rest of the squad should arrive there well before us, and the house is a few streets away. They should come with us. A few more pairs of hands couldn’t hurt, right?”

“Right, I would appreciate your help now, and you could join us afterwards, Cathal? We could use another who possesses the relic.” Alecia said, pointing at Cathal’s gun.

Cathal looked at Kastien, whose arms were still trembling, and said: “My Lady, I can’t…”

“We will!” Kastien interrupted, squeezing the handle on the wrench even tighter. “We want to help you any way we can!”

“Then I guess we will,” said Cathal, trying to hide his surprise.

Kastien noticed their surprise. He knew she wouldn’t expect such an answer from him. Most Artificers preferred the comforts of their workshops, as far away from danger as possible. Even those few that joined knights on the field, fewer still would risk themselves for others. He could tell she had no respect for them, and he was not the kind that would change her mind, either. Pale skin, thin arms, baggy, brown eyes, typical of a man who spends his days tinkering in a dark room, hiding from the world. Although he was slightly bigger than your average Artificer, lanky clothes made him look skinnier than he was.

“Good. Then stay close,” said Alecia. “I fear we will encounter far more terrible things than these.”

***

They moved through deserted, cramped alleys. Tynan took point, his charge rifle at the ready, eyes exploring every angle that could lead to an ambush. Others followed behind him.

“Movement from avenue ahead.” Tynan whispered as he approached the corner of the alley. “Three on the street, more certainly waiting in ambush.”

“Go ahead. Try to take a shot before they see us. Cathal, watch our rear.”

Alecia and Tynan took each of the side corners of the alley, peaking with their rifles.

There were three Ghouls shadowing a group of over thirty people much further ahead, who were unaware of the dreadful situation they were in. Those Ghouls followed them in case anyone tried to escape their impending doom. Even Kastien could tell.

“We must take them down quietly, before they alert others, then be ready to circle behind and find those in hiding. You take the one on the left, and I will get the two on the right.”

They strapped their rifles and drew their swords. It was then he noticed the sword in Alecia’s hand. It was a Runeblade, the most revered relic of the old Empire - a Vestige. A privilege reserved for the noble families who occupied the highest ranks in Bastion. Kastien only ever read about them in data shards he bought from passing traders, never imagining he would see it in person. It had a black blade with silver lines etched all over its blade, the faint light from Aurelium coursing through them. Made from Infused steel, it never rusted or needed sharpening, its creation process long lost to time. Various runes and writings decorated its hilt and handle as well. Kastien couldn’t recognize the writing on it. Odd. It is not written in the Old Imperial, so it must predate the Empire itself.

Alecia and Tynan stealthily approached the Ghouls from behind. Tynan, using all his might, plunged his sword into the Ghoul’s neck, but it barely went through. Meanwhile, Alecia effortlessly swung her sword, beheading one Ghoul and then splitting another in half with the same motion, as if it were made of paper. It resembled a dance, and a bloody one at that. He’d heard tales of Runeblades’ power, but this surpassed his wildest dreams. Few of the people from the group ahead noticed Alecia and Tynan, but mist shrouded the Ghouls lying on the ground. Alecia made a gesture, instructing them to stay silent and stay put.

“Knights, Mama! We’re saved!” A young girl from the group yelled, pointing to Alecia, then a woman put her hands over the child’s mouth, trying to silence her.

“They are here!” another man from the front of the group exclaimed and started running towards them. Other people in the group followed desperately behind the first.

“No, no, no! Stay back! Ghouls! Stop!” Despite Alecia’s continuous yelling, nobody listened to her desperate pleas. They just kept running.

Alerted by the noise, more Ghouls poured in from nearby alleys, Alecia’s and Tynan’s charge rifles flared simultaneously, each shot finding their respective target, bursting a hole through the foul creatures, instantly felling them. Two more appeared but almost instantaneous shots came from Tynan’s rifle, collapsing them to the ground where they twitched. But there were too many, and they began their rampage. Screams filled the street, creatures mercilessly pouncing on individuals, tearing into flesh, severing limbs, breaking bones, moving from person to person, feasting on dead bodies. In a corner, a woman stood between a monster and the girl who shouted earlier, a mother hopelessly trying to protect her child from a nightmare in front of her. Tynan was the first to charge towards the slaughter. Others followed behind him. But they were too far and too late to save the woman, as a Ghoul sliced the woman’s throat, killing her on the spot. Another one tried to grab the girl, but Cathal’s shot pierced its leg, making it stumble on the ground.

“Get the girl! Get the girl, Kastien!”

He dashed forward as fast as he could. Shots that came from behind lighted his way toward a girl who stood frozen. The mist was getting denser. It was a massacre, severed limbs and blood drenching the stone below his feet, and then more screams. The smell was unbearable. He inhaled and held his breath as he continued without slowing down; At least let me save her, let me get there, please all-knowing Aur, let me get there in time! A Ghoul blocked his way. Terror crept in every sense of his being, his ears ringing from the pressure, but he kept running without the intention of stopping for anything. The beast abruptly fell in front of him, and he jumped over its corpse and took the small girl in his arms. He was about to turn back, but a man grabbed him and pulled him.

“Save me! Save me! Please!” the man yelled. The sight horrified Kastien - the man’s stomach was torn open, exposing his organs. The man’s eyes welled up with tears, and blood seeped from his mouth. There was no hope for him. 

“I must go. I must save this girl,” he thought, as he pulled away from the man’s grip and started running toward his group, trying to shut off his ears to the man’s distressed calls for help, still holding on to the girl in his arms. Kastien saw three of them shooting, grim expressions washed all over their faces. He was close. He needed a bit more to get to them, but then, suddenly, something plunged into his side with tremendous force, crashing him into the wall. His mind went blank, vision slowly fading into darkness.