Prologue - Champion of Babylon

“Welcome, folks! Today is the semi-finals of the ‘Skyride Grand Prix!’”

At the same time as the voice of the referee, the stadium was wrapped in cheers and seething emotions, same goes for the rest from this city as they watch the event from several large holographic screens.

The most advanced city in the world, a metropolis of eternal dreams, “Babylon”.

In the middle of the city are currents of wind created by the generators that were spread all over Da'at. These currents were generated high above the streets to avoid trouble and making it carefully yet exciting for this occasion.

“This year's’ tournament is the 15th anniversary since the debut of Skyrides races! All thanks to the creation of air roads and Sky Cycles by the brilliant minds of Yew Corp that make this event possible!”

The announcer begins speaking details of this event and other things.

“As you all know Sky Cycles are vehicles capable of allowing their riders to fly, or at least hover, at high speeds on the air road. Each Cycle comes with a variety of unique abilities and parts, allowing riders to come up with different strategies and moves for this tournament. Hey, here comes our four contestants from the A Block right now!”

On the large holographic screen were four young people gliding through the air currents. The crowd let out a cheer upon seeing them.

“These four riders have passed the first and second rounds with skills and luck! However, only one contestant can make it to the finals!”

Suddenly, one rider jumps with his Sky Cycle which is a hoverboard and flies over the other three, making a big splash of wind upon landing. That man has spiky dark blue hair and having several bangs framing the sides of his face. He’s wearing some kind of bodysuit made for Skyriding, same goes for the other players.

“Look at that folks! The one making that surprising stunt is none other than the reigning champion, Zack Strider!”

(Zack) “Aw Yeeeaaahhh!!”

Zack yells with great enthusiasm as he increases his pace.

“This rider is now taking the lead once more! He has won the previous Skyride Grand Prix two years in a row! If he wins this one, that’ll mark a new record in Skyriding!”

(Zack) “You bet I will! Time to make history!”

“No way!”

“The one making to the finals is me!”

Two riders catch up with Zack, each on different sides. Then one of them pulls out a staff while the other brings out a mace in order to tackle him.

Riders can attack other players using non-lethal weapons to increase the excitement of the sport, although guns, swords or other lethal weapons are strictly prohibited.

Seeing their weapons, Zack unleash his own gear in the form of a long black baton.

His opponent strikes his staff towards Zack’s abdomen. Seeing that he intercepted the blow by holding his sword vertically.

The other opponent saw this chance and swing his club towards Zack’s unprotected back.

“Gotcha!”

(Zack) “Guess again!”

“Huh?!”

Zack rotates his body in 180-degree axis to fend off the attack, putting more strength into his baton. The mace-wielding rider staggered a little before steadying himself.

The first rider swiped his staff down towards his opponent’s feet to knock his balance. However, Zack dodge that by jumping while landing a blow on the opponent’s head, causing the rider to fall out from the air road.     

Fortunately, a parachute came out from his back so he gently falls with no danger to his life. However, this means he is out of the race.

Only three riders left and they were coming close to the goal with Zack in the lead.

“I’ll never make it to first place at this rate…! Got to improvise now!”

The last rider who didn’t attack earlier makes his move as he brought out a whip.

Then he lashes his whip towards Zack and seizing his arm which wields his baton, tempering his movements.  

“I got you now! You’re finished!”

The other rider charges at Zack and swings his club to knock him out.

However-

(Zack) “Nice moves, but I think I’m done playing around with you two. Time to accelerate!”

Despite the odds against him, Zack showed a confident smile. Right after that, he steps on his hoverboard which begins to pulse.

“-!?”

Suddenly, Zack’s Sky Cycle jetted off in greater speed, creating a huge blast of wind behind while breaking free from the whip. One of the Sky Cycles features is that they can increase their turbines for a few seconds to gain greater velocity.

However, it is very limited so Zack can only use it for the right time or last resort if necessary.

“Gah!?””Aah?!”

The two riders behind were caught up from the air blast and fell out from the air road, simultaneously releasing their parachutes.

With no one behind him, Zack makes it safely to the goal and the blow horn sounded off, indicating the end of the semi-finals.

“After exchanging blows between his opponents, Zack Strider makes a big comeback and reached the goal instantly! He is qualified to enter the finals. Give a big applause for our reigning champion!”

The audiences give off a loud cheering after that announcement.

When Zack arrives at the stadium and getting off his Sky Cycle, the large crowd gathering around him like a flock filled with excitement over his victory just now.

“Nice going, Zack!”

“That’s a crazy move you made back there!”

“You will definitely win at the finals!”

(Zack) “Ha ha ha! Thanks for the support!”

Many people showered their praises over him. The girls also commented him while presenting their items to sign.

“Zack! You’re so cool out there!”

“Can I have your autograph?”

(Zack) “No problem!”

“No fair, I wanted to ask that first!”

“Me too!”

(Zack) “Whoa! Take it easy, ladies! There’s plenty of autographs for all of ya.”

Zack said that while revealing his charming smile. Many female fans letting high-pitched squeals at that as he kept signing autographs. Then the children came next and wanted autographs as well.

“Mister Zack, you are so amazing!”

“Can you sign my shirt?”

(Zack) “Of course!”

“Hey, can you teach us how to play Skyriding?”

(Zack) “Hmm… Sure thing! How about tonight after the tournament?”

“Really?!””Promise?”

(Zack) “Promise!”

Zack patted on the boy’s head while reaffirming his vows. The eyes of the children were brightened and are looking forward to it.

While this is happening on the ground, on top of the stadium’s roof is a youth standing there.

A handsome face with white hair and sky-blue colored eyes.

That man who wore a black robe didn’t show any expression while gazing silently at the center of this festive crowd. Then he turned his sights at the sky where the clouds disperse and a huge hole appears in the middle.

“It begins.”

The youth mutters as something is coming out from the hole.

……………

[5 minutes before the commencement of the final round.]

An electronic voice resounded inside the room where Zack is resting.

After moving away from his fans, Zack took a break here and doing maintenance on his Sky Cycle to prepare for the last race.

(Zack) “Okay, that should do it. Now then…”

When he has done tuning his hoverboard, Zack stands up as he held his long baton in front of him while closing his eyes.

If look closely, the weapon shows signs of being worn-down and long usage. Zack still silently as if he was praying for a while.  

(Zack) “...Alright! I'm all psyched up! Time to get my third win!”

Zack encourages himself and was about to head out to the stadium earlier when a tremor suddenly hit the room.

(Zack) “Eh…?!”

Zack initially loses his footing before crouching down. The vibration only lasted for a few seconds before it subsided and immediately after that, the alarm has sounded violently throughout the stadium.

(Zack) “What was that?! I better go check!”

Zack got up and came out from the resting room, running straight to the open arena where he saw a disastrous scene before him.

The stadium has collapsed into ruins.

The ground was scorched by the intense flames.

The people running and screaming in confusion as they evacuate the premises.

(Zack) “Damn! What the hell is going on around here?! How does this happen?”

*GU, oOoOOOOooOOoOOoooooOOOOOOON!*

A never heard before strange sound resounded in the surroundings, making Zack lifted his head up to the sky as a gigantic shadow passed over him.

(Zack) “Wha-?!”

Zack froze on the spot when he saw the thing that caused this.

It is a two-headed dragon with large wings and two strong legs. The enormous pressure its emitting struck fear in the masses.

The dragon immediately blasted fire towards the buildings, reducing them to ashes and burning everything in its path.

The crowd regain their senses and run far away from that monster.

(Zack) “Holy crap, that thing’s huge!? Whatever that thing is, I better not stick around!”

Zack also returned to his senses and heading towards the exit when he saw a young boy standing there crying. The other people didn’t take notice of the crying child as they are moving away from danger.

Zack immediately went to the boy and try comforting the child.

“Waahh! M-Mommy! Where are you!”

(Zack) “There, there kid. Calm down. Do you know where your mom is?”

“Hic! Hic! I… I don’t know… I got separated from mommy after a lot of people rushing past us!”

(Zack) “I see. Don’t worry, you’ll find your mother. Everything’s going to be fine.”

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

*GUOOOOooOo!*

Hearing that loud roar. Zack turns around and saw the black dragon rampaging the city.

Then something scattered from the dragon’s wings and is flying straight where Zack is located.

(Zack) “-!? Get down!”

Seeing the incoming danger, Zack covers the child and dodge the flying objects in time. Those things impacted the spot where they are.

(Zack) “Whew! That was close! Kid, are you hurt?”

“N-no. I’m fine. Thank you.”

(Zack) “That’s good. I don’t know how to explain to your mom if that happens. Hmm?”

Zack suddenly notices something strange at the objects that attacked him earlier.      

Those things look organic and dark, making small pulses movements similar to how a human heart pumping blood. Zack feeling a bit disgusted when he thought of that.

But the next scene left him baffled.

These things are disintegrating into small, glowing, black spheres and formed a black puddle.

Then several limbs growing out of the puddles; arms, legs, a head and a tail for some reason. Zack felt his nerves are alarming him about the incoming danger.

(Zack) “Uh… Kid? You better go find your mom and hide somewhere safe.”

“B-but where?”

(Zack) “Anything but here! Go!”

He use a stronger tone in his voice when he spoke. The boy timidly nodded and scurried off as Zack take out his baton.

The objects have finished assembling and turned into some kind of mutated lizard humanoid.

They have gray-colored skins and looked slightly deformed, giving them an appearance similar to zombies and had sharp talons that will shred someone into pieces.

Despite that, he wasn’t shaken when the lizards(?) hissing and ready to pounce at him any moment.

(Zack) “I got something to do for tonight so I ain’t planning to die yet! Come and get it you ugly lizards!”

*Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!*

The strange creatures howled at his provocation.

They charge forward and raised their talons to attack.

Zack also launched himself straight towards the first monster. He struck it with his baton, landing a blow on its deformed skin.

However, the creature didn’t even flinch and let out its angry cry.

It drew out claws at high speed from both arms, and Zack Strider barely parried them with his baton.

(Zack) “Damn! It felt like hitting steel bars!”

Zack curses when he felt an incoming attack from behind and block it just in time.

Soon, he went into a defensive position as the creatures continued raining their assault on him.

Zack managed to hold his ground, but the power of those monsters is greater than he anticipated as he heard the sound of breaking from his weapon.

(Zack) This isn’t good. These things are tough as they are creepy! I gotta get out of this fast!

As Zack think of a way to turn this situation around, everything went wrong drastically when his foot slip and loses his balance, leaving him wide open.

One of the monsters saw this chance and heavily swing its powerful claw.

(Zack) “Shit!”

Zack reflectively set up his baton and block the strike.

But, the weapon finally takes its toll as it snapped into two.

(Zack) “...!?”

The next moment Zack was sent flying back into the air and then hit the ground rolling. He lifted his head while lying on the ground and saw his broken baton in his hand.

Zack was saddened by this. Not only this is the only weapon he had, it was his treasure he kept for all these years.

Unfortunately, Zack didn’t have time to lament as the monsters prepare to finish him off.

(Zack) “Shit… Is this the end…?”

Seeing the deadly jaws and claws coming at him, Zack brace himself for his impending death.

However, it didn’t happen.

“I see that you’re still a chick, Zack.”

Something slashed towards that monster’s head, separating from its body and rolling on the ground. The body went limp before dissipated into black particles.

(Zack) “...Eh?”

Zack initially couldn’t comprehend what’s happening. He then realized he was out of danger and saw the one who saved him.

It is a young man with white hair and a stern expression while his eyes are shut. He also wearing a black robe that covers most of his body.

What he held in his hand is a black sword that had multiple silver lines on its surface. It was the weapon that kills the monster earlier.

(Zack) “W, Who…?”

“Stand up.”

(Zack) “Eh?”

“That sort of attack won’t make you back down so easily. Or have you gone soft after becoming champion, Little Chick?”

(Zack) “What kind of attitude is that? And what’s with ‘Little Chick’?”

Zack is annoyed by that man’s tone as he lifted his body.

(Zack) “Anyhow, thanks for the save. I owe you one.”

“Don’t mention it. I came here for you anyway.”

(Zack) “Huh? What do you mean by that?”

The man didn’t answer. He took off the other sword that was hanging on his hip along with its sheath and threw it towards Zack.

(Zack) “What’s this?”

“Take it. It will be useful for your future battles.”

(Zack) “Future battles? What are you-”

“Gieeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Zack’s words were interrupted by the howls from those lizard monsters. They have surrounded him and the mysterious man while they are talking.

“Prepare to fight, Zack. Don’t let down your guard.”

(Zack) “Wait! I’m not done talking to you!”

The man ignores him as he brandished his blade and charged.

Three monsters with their claws out jumped at him simultaneously from all directions.

At that moment–

*bakin*

The moment when the three lizards were about to attack, they immediately burst into particles.

(Zack) “What…!?”

Zack couldn’t believe what just happened as he opens his jaw in shock.

He figured that man must have swung his sword at them, but it was so fast his eyes couldn’t catch up.

Disregarding Zack’s confusion, the man continues swinging, thrusting and slashing his blade towards the swarm, killing each of every monster instantly in his path.

(Zack) “Seriously who is that guy? So strong…”

*Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!*

The loud howling snapped Zack out of his confused state and he saw the monsters are also coming towards him.

(Zack) “Oops! No time to get sidetracked!”

Zack grabs the handle and drew out the sword he was given from the stealth.

The blade has a different color than the one that the man owned. Its color is white with several blue lines on the surface and its appearance look closer to a broadsword.

Zack awe at the design, but only for an instant as he holds the blade and ready to attack.

Two monsters attacking him from both directions, left and right, but Zack struck the sword towards them.

Although the quality of the sword is better than his old baton, he only managed to knock them down. They didn’t disperse in an instant like the others as they roll on the ground.

Zack is a bit disappointed at the result, realizing that man’s skill is far greater than he imagined despite their weapons are similar.

However, it was better than he was using his baton.

Another lizard creature strike with its claws at Zack and he managed to defend it in time. Then he thrust his blade towards the creature’s chest.

Unlike before, the sword easily pierced all the way through its hard skin. Zack pulled out the sword as the monster let out its death cry before fading into dust.

(Zack) “Yes! Finally got one!”

“What did I said about ‘not letting your guard down?’”

The mysterious man rebuked him for his behavior while slashing towards the monster that attacks Zack from behind, killing it instantly.

Zack scratches his head in embarrassment over his joy of victory before resuming his stance and attacking the monsters.

Two men were making progress of their situation as they continue cutting down the enemies around them. 

Although their weapons have given them an edge in the battlefield, the monster’s numbers aren’t decreasing as more of them appearing out from those black puddles and kept charging them.

At this rate, Zack fears the worst if his stamina gets completely drained.

(Zack) “Shit, these things won’t give up! What the hell are they anyway?!”

“They are called ‘Umbras.’ The shadows of mankind’s sins.”

(Zack) “Umbras? Shadows of mankind’s sins?”

“That what they said about them from the other side. Well, they weren’t supposed to be here if not for my presence.”

(Zack) “Say what?!”

Zack didn’t understand the words coming from the man’s mouth and went into further confusion after hearing that last sentence.

At that moment, a great shadow passes over those two as Zack saw the figure in the sky.

It is the two-headed dragon that destroyed the stadium earlier and is now ready to attack Zack and the man beside him.

Even with his newfound sword, Zack couldn’t help but think this is turning into the worst day of his life while the youth next to him remains calm.

(Zack) “Great, just my luck. The Skyride Grand Prix is properly canceled which means I’ll never get my third win, I'd been attacked and got surrounded by a bunch of freakish monsters, and now that huge dragon came and is ready to burn us into charcoal any second! And on top of that, this strange guy here who said that he’s the cause of all this!”

“If you have enough to complain that much, then use that energy to fight instead.”

(Zack) “Then do you have any plans of getting out of this mess?!” 

“Actually I do. But only for you.”

(Zack) “Huh?”

Before Zack can question him, the man has stabbed his blade into the ground.

The sword glows and the space around Zack begin to shook and warped.

(Zack) “…!? H-Hey! What are you doing?!”

“Sending you off to your own journey.”

(Zack) “Wait a sec! Just who are you anyway?!”

“If you desire more answers, then find me at the other side.”

That what the man said as Zack’s vision fade off into darkness…