In the great plains of the land of Terra Nova, the peaceful grass that was once brushed with the harmonious winds was now raze by fire and blood. In the year 2130, what used to be the United Republic of States finally rippled the country between two parties who could no longer let pen be mightier than the sword. It ignited guns and cannons as the sparks of war raged between two sides. Torn between ideologies and rights, what was left of a great country was now torn into the second civil war with no end in sight. For the soldiers, fighting was the only form of resolution. After years of battle, it seem like the war was finally reaching its end as this was the decisive battle.

“This is unit 5. We are getting overrun, we need reinforcements!!!!”

“Medic!! Medic!!!”

“We need help!!!” Several soldiers were crying in the battlefield as the terrors of war followed. Cartridges were being emptied, tanks abandoned while burning planes were raining from the skies. Chaos continue to rage as order was trying to be found.

“Sir, we need to fall back!!!”

“No, if we lose here, then we lost the war!!!!” With nothing behind them this was the last line. For both sides this was the last roll of the dice. And because of that, whatever both sides had was all that was left. Both sides were exhausted with neither side gaining an edge. Yet both were giving it their all in hopes fortune favored one over the other. Yet soon they will find fortune favored neither side.

“We need help to arriv…Who are they?!!!” A soldier in disbelief as they saw twelve figures in white hooded robes walk in the midst of the battlefield. In the crossfires of war, these twelve walk as though nothing could harm them. Stray bullets and artillery would land near them yet they will continue to walk as if the bullets were mere snowflakes. Walking to the top of a hill overlooking the battlefield, they brought the war to its climax. With the leader in front, he stretched his hand to the sky as though he was calling forth a god. Like a ritual, the other eleven bowed with one on the head and one hand on the heart. Glowing was blinding light the leader was illuminating the entire battlefield with his mere presence as the sounds of gunfire and explosion all stopped. Cracks soon ruptured through the clouds as the sun shined upon the war. From darkness, it was the light at the end of the tunnel. This light however was not for the soldiers as their life soon faded with the light.

“Who are they!!?’ All the soldiers could only ask the same question from both sides. Dropping everything, all could just stare as the sky wondering what would happen next. Questions continued to spiral as the suns’s ray continue to descend on the battlefield.  It's as if the sun had move closer. Water was evaporating, plants were drying and souls were extinguishing. Flashing before their very eyes they couldn’t even breathe as the light envelope all ………..KaBooom!!!!! A large explosion obliterated everyone present on the battlefield. With a single flash, millions of soldiers were wipe off the map along what was left of the war torn land. All the soldiers had become ashes to the now desolate land. Nothing was left….except the twelve robe figures remaining on the hill. To be exact eleven as the one that raised his hands to the sky soon disappeared. Paying a price for  power he was more than willing to take. 

Rising, the now eleven figures looked at the war torn land. Yet there was no sadness as tears shed with joy. They have destroyed everything from its land to its people. The Country that was still in tatters could now have a new beginning. New light has approached for much of New Terra and the entire world as it wasn’t the future that needed to be feared. As the true terror came from the dark past.

Twenty years later…..

“Today is the twentieth anniversary of the creation of New Eden in the year 2150. Today we want to honour the Apostle who has risked his life to end the civil war in the United Republic of States. Taking control of the country, the new group, the Twelve Paladins of Light or Diviners has now dawned a new era for the country. Our country of Avalon has now reached new heights in education, medicine and technological advancement. Backed by Diviners, our country continues to prosper from the great horrors of the past. For the special occasion many of our great leaders of the country will be gathered in the Capital city of Camelot. Please come out to celebrate this joyous occasion.” 

While listening to the hologram screen, the man puts on his outfit. Checking himself in the mirror he combed his short dark black hair with his dark purple eyes. Exiting his room, he casually walks to a car. Driving across the city amongst the parade, there was no sign of sadness for anyone. Not even a homeless guy to beg or a person to feel the suffering of the society. Suffering only exists outside the city as holograms everywhere have news of riots and protests. That wasn’t a concern for anyone today, fortunately. 

 Arriving in an empty garage, he then formed a top half face mask which then covered his hair in white as the only thing showing is his purple eyes. Keeping his identity hidden he then walks out of the car towards a stranger who just walks pass him as he slips an interesting card next to him. The two didn’t exchange greetings as the stranger was tossed the keys from behind. Leaving without a word both continued to their respective task. 

Walking towards the elevator, the now masked man then looked at time to see if everything was on schedule. Appearing in front of an old elevator, it seemed to be out of order. Inserting the card into the elevator button, the elevator started to open showing that it was fully functional. Entering it he then let the elevator do its work as he ready himself for the mission. Casually listening to the elevator music, it was a spectacle to see a masked man enjoying the music. Others wonder if he took the mission lightly. Yet for him it's not the process but the end result that matters. Exiting the elevator, he seemed rather calm as he then looked to see the sun as it was slowly descending for the day. Everything was in place as he started his mission.

Standing at the top of the building, he could see the celebration at the capitol building from afar. It made it even more obvious with the building being heavily guarded by helicopters, snipers and tanks. All stood for any attempts of assassination. But the Masked man was thinking of something else. The light is starting to dim, the audience have gathered, the cast has been set and  finally the most important part must arrive. The conflict. With a perfect setting its time for him to make a scene. Gesturing his hand, light energy gathered around to form a long rifle. Observing the ceremony he noticed the target was unaware of his fate. The masked man smiled as his purple eyes gleamed with excitement.

“Well Fausto, let's see how it ends.” Whoosh he then fired the shot.

Few minutes before

The capital city Camelot, the most technological and largest city of the country of Avalon and in the Northern of the Terra Nova region. Spanning across the land from its previous rulers, Avalon has changed much of the country of its previous republic. No longer is this a democratic country with everyone having the power of voice. Now there are twelve families who govern this country. Families that had enormous power figuratively and literally as they can kill anyone at a whim. No matter what anyone says, there voice is will be the first and last say.

Despite being under control of the Twelve, also came with a compromise. Instead of treated as lowly beings, many were given opportunities to reach higher status. For those who aren’t born from the Twelve, many who have excellent skills can join the bureaucracy or achieve high position in their field. Also given a high status, they would be considered official citizens of Avalon. They are called Avalonians who are glady treated well while experiencing a good life and given a high position deserving of their work.

To give Avalonians a fair bit of rights, some form of democracy was formed as the neoclassical government buildings were still used. It now house the hierarchy of those on the top of the Avalon ladder. All those from stars, entrepreneurs, general, Scientist, scholars, politicians and even athletes. Anyone who had contributed to the growth of the country were given the greatest honors as they were invited to be part of this festive gathering. Of course those of high status are mostly important figures who aren't of the twelve families. Only those born diviners are given the highest rank. 

Walking along the white carpet one by one, it was a joyous moment for all the people to see. Showing everyone who has worked hard the rewards they get for making Avalon great. All who desire to be part of their society and work hard will prosper within the city. So getting to be part of this event is a time for many to not work and just relax while enjoying the beauty of their work of making their country great. However for the guards all of them were rather tense about it. If one of these figures were to be killed their punishment would be severe. To ease the load, there was one man in particular that was standing in front of the entrance. Compared to the average soldier who were only allowed to wear silver. He wore a different uniform as it was gold white with gold lines around. With the Insignia of a Dodecagram with a sword in the middle on the right side of their coat, it revealed they are a special force beyond what normal humans were. Carrying two pistols on his side with a weird contraption connected to his glasses, everyone knew of his status. He was a Cleanser, a diviner part of the security force that enforces and protects the interest of the order within the city. His name was Leonardo of Lancelot.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

“Is everything clear in the sky?” Taking off his hat he waved his light blue hair as he put his hat right back on. A lean built man that had a serene face with a charming look that soothes your mind. Surveying the roof, he looked to see anyone suspicious.

"Yes it's clear." An Avalonian soldier reported.

“Do we have all eyes on the roof?”

“Yes the roofs are clear.”

“Any suspicious individual among the crowd?”

“No sir. We already apprehend a few of them but they pose no threat.” Guarding the path, the soldiers then guided an old man wearing a golden military uniform. He was waving towards the crowd as he was approaching the capitol building without worry. He had faith in the people who were protecting him after all.

“Good right now the commander of the city defences is coming out the door. Make sure you…..” Bew. At the moment, the man they were protecting just got shot in the head. “Man down!!!” Leonardo screamed as he soon rushed to the commander to see if he was okay. But the crowd was already in an uproar as all of them were frantic about taking a few seconds to process what had just happen.“Surround the commander!!!!” He screamed as he looked at the body. It was a perfect shot to the head with no pulse remaining.

“The commander is dead sir!!!” One of the security guards said. This frustrated Leonardo as he had failed his mission. With all the preparation to avoid this calamity, he didn't expect a sniper to kill him. All of sudden, the joyous event that was suppose to signify the greatness of this country, was now stained by this attack.

“Expand the perimeter, find the assailant right now!!!!” He screamed. “Take the man to the Hospital of Eden. Get Dr. Fausto to come immediately after he arrives.

“Yes sir!!” A team then grabbed the commander as they carefully carry his corpse away.

“How is it possible?” Leonardo questioned as he looked around as there wasn’t a single building within a few miles that had any snipers. He then looked at the direction of where the attack came from. To his disbelief there was a building 5 miles away. “Heli 4 go check the building 5 miles to the north east and see if there is anyone there?!!!”

“Yes sir but it's five miles away. There is no sniper that can possibly shoot from that far?” The helicopter pilot said as he was proceeding to look at the building doubting to see a soul. “I can't….. wait a minute. There is someone there!!! He is wearing a dark coat with a white mask with purple eyes!!” Straight away when everyone heard it, they knew it was the famous assassin in the region. He had a name that many knew all to well.

“It's Menace!!!!” One of the soldiers screamed as he shivered in fear. Though it wasn’t a impressive nickname for an assassin. Yet the name installed much fear to many as he had a reputation that is much different than most assassin, that however doesn’t change how dangerous he was. Some of them were about to step back or retreat as they knew that dealing with him usually ends up in death. For them mostly as no one has ever survived a mission capturing him. Well for humans anyway.

“Calm down. Surround him immediately. Don’t let him escape!!!” Fortunately a Diviner was there as Leonardo, who had heard that name before, wasn't fazed. With his power there wasn’t a need to fear such a person.

“Yes sir!!! I have a vision on him. He...he jumped off the building right now!!!” 

“Wait right there I’m on my way.” Rushing to the helicopter drone, the helicopter lifted him off to the scene. But during the process Leonardo then presses a button on his pistols.”This is Leonardo of Lancelot. Confirming activation of the limiter. Engaging a suspicious individual named Menace.” Then the glasses were activated showing augmented reality content into its lens.

“Voice recognition approved. Allowing of ability has been confirmed. Total battle capability is at 100 percent. Reporting situation to headquarters.” The robotic voice said back as the guns in the holster then unlocked allowing him to use them. 

“Where is he?”

“Sir he is currently in between alleyways, it's hard to see where he is. But we have surrounded the area and he shouldn’t be able to escape at all.”

“Good I’m on my way.” Leonardo said as he coordinated the helicopter to rendezvous with the rest of the soldiers. Using his glasses he was trying to see through the walls and the surrounding buildings. Finding nothing at first he noticed that there was light appearing in a certain alley. 

“Sir we see him!! Freeze or we will Ahhh!!” Some of the soldiers spotted him but before they could do anything had already met death doors. With no time, Leonardo immediately jumped off from the helicopter before it could descend. Using his gun he created a hook as he threw it at the wall as rope in a form of light soon help him slow his descent. Soon as he descended, he could see Menace who was running right towards Leonardo as he seemingly was awaiting his arrival.

“Engaging target!!!” Landing Leonardo then shot beams of light directly at Menace. Thinking Menace would die upon contact with the light, Menace immediately glowed as the shots didn’t seem to impact nor faze him. “Thats??!!” Leonardo was surprised as he didn’t see it coming. He had heard of Menace being a Diviner but never believed it. Menace then with the same powers as Leonardo created his gun out of thin air. Returning the favor, Menace pointed his gun right at Leonardo as he fire light energy at Leonardo. Knowing the dangers of those light projectiles, Leonardo protected himself with a light shield.

“Oh no... looks like I’m in the spotlight?!! I wonder how did you found me?” Menace joke casually. He didn’t seem all that concerned at all. This irritated Leonardo as he then combined the pistol together creating a large cannon.

“Put your hands up!!! Either surrender now or Die!!!” Giving time, more soldiers surrounded the alleyway as Menace had no escape. With everyone pointing their weapons at him, it seem escape was impossible for Menace. But unlike Menace, the soldiers were more tense than him. Holding their breath, they were relieved that Menace raised both his hands to lighten the mood. Little did they know, they let their guard down too soon.

“.....I’m sorry but can you call me Assassin? I hate the name Menace.” Despite being surrounded and knowing his position his name was the only thing he was worried about. Which then cause Leonardo to be rather disappointed with a him. For a Diviner to stoop so low as to be an assassin.

“Menace!!! I’m giving you one more chance. Surrender and your punishment be less painful. Leonardo felt pity for the fool. Is he that crazy to want to die like this? Signalling everyone to fire, Menace interrupted as he clasp his hands together. Soon a ball of light formed as he open his hands as the ball split into two. Pointing at both entryways he made soldiers wonder who actually had the trigger. 

“Well guess its a good thing, I think twice before I get myself killed.” Sensing danger, Leonardo anticipated what would happen next leaving many of the soldiers helpless to Menace’s attack. Then the balls of light glowed even brighter as he release it right at the soldiers. Two large explosions soon was released as both attacks was so large it made contact with each other that even Menace had to protect himself from his own attack. Leonardo did the same as he was the only one other than Menace who could create a barrier to protect himself from the attack. BOOM the entire area exploded. Engulfing all the soldiers, tanks and helis, everyone who was taken by the light were instantly blown in by its destructive force. With just one person alone, Menace destroyed hundreds of soldiers along with tens of buildings with his light energy. A phenomenon that Leonardo knew all too well. This was a power that diviners hold. This was the reason he was also called the Divine menace. It wasn’t the mask. It had to do with the power he wields. Lowering his hands as he does a gentleman's bow, Menace then stop his attack as he triumphantly praise what he had done. "And voila!!!!!"

“This can’t be…..” Leonardo was in shock as he couldn’t believe Menace used that much power. He looked at the alleyway…. Well what was the alleyway as it was now a large crater. They all were dead, all the soldiers….. “Dam you!!” In frustration, Leonardo then pointed the gun as he shot a powerful blast of light at Menace’s face. Menace casually didn’t move even when it was hitting his mask. In fact he didn’t seem fazed, he just casually let it be. After all comparing attacks, Menace was far stronger. Frustrated, Leonardo could only pour more energy to try to see if something happened. Letting him have his chance of victory, Menace stood there taking the attack head on. After some effort it led to Menace’s mask starting to crack. A bit surprised, it still didn’t faze Menace however as he was waiting on something to happen. Leonardo on the other hand saw his opportune moment as he wanted to exhibit more energy but…..

“Warning warning. You are expending more energy than necessary. Forcing body to stop now.” The robotic voice said as Leonardo for some reason stopped using his attack. He then lowered himself as he fell to his knees in pain as cracks started to form around his face. A shield was then created. “Defense activated. Waiting for the rescue team to come.”

“Haaa…” Yet it couldn’t come at a worst time for Leonardo who was trying to fight.

“So that's it huh? Not the climactic battle I was expecting.” Menace sighs before then walking away. Looking at how his device was forcefully stopping him from attacking was no surprise to him as he knew what the goggles were for. He on the other hand didn’t have those.

“Wait!!! Come back!!!” Leonardo said as he tried to get back on his feet. But he was restrained by the device on his glasses.

“Unfortunately I going to have to leave soon. Especially…” Menace then looked to see from afar there were a dozen soldiers arriving at the scene that were wearing the same outfits as Leonardo. Along with them was a large number of soldiers with guns. “Well you know why. Bye!!!” Menace waved as he ran away.

“After him!!!” A middle to old man yelled, the Cleansers chased after Menace. Looking at the dark silver bearded man then approaching Leonardo. “You okay?” The leader had two swords crossing on the badge showing that he was that of a higher rank. Using his gun, he then tapped Leonardo's shield that then vanished. His name was Joseph, the leader of the Cleanser that is in charge of the city defenses. 

“I’m fine!! I could have taken him?” Leonardo said showing frustration with his limiter as it stopped him from fighting. “Joseph, why do we have these limiters? I could have taken him.” However Joseph didn’t think so as he notice the cracks starting to fade on Leonardo’s body. Through his perspective he believed that Menace was the superior fighter.

“If you did then the limiter wouldn’t have activated.” Joseph then fired his gun at the building. With one shot it caused a huge hole that destroyed a 6 story building. “Same energy but different results.” Leonardo was furious because compared to Joseph, who is his teacher, he was still weak.

“But I just needed more.” Letting his emotion get the best of him, Leonardo was not happy about getting the help he needed. Joseph though stopped him as though he was dealing with a child. Well in his age it seemed to be the case.

“Get over it. You are still young. As you grow, your powers will grow stronger. It just takes time and practice.” Preaching patients to Leonardo, who was talented, needed to realise that growth can’t always be forced. “We are heading back now. We have to report this to Arthur.” Getting back to the current situation, Joseph was interested in chasing this rogue diviner himself as he was wanting to fight him. Thinking that his subordinates were well off, left that responsibility to his underlings. Though he was stronger than Leonardo, Menace was viewed weak in his eyes. Knowing his priorities he reported to Arthur who would decide the rogue's fate.

“Yes sir….” The both then went in the car as it drove them back to the capitol building. Leaving Menace to others, they didn't realise the other rumours about Menace. For the Menace, even when has the light side of him, there is a dark side of him as well. After all, there was no such thing as being one, without the other.