"We've been sabotaged."

The demigods stared at Quinn in stunned silence. The notion that someone had sabotaged them was beyond anything they could have imagined.

"How is that possible?" Lance asked, breaking the silence.

"I don't know," Quinn replied, "but it's the only explanation for what's happening."

Quinn knew the situation was too convenient to be a coincidence. The malfunctioning podiums only strengthened her suspicion. However, she also recognized that there was no time to dwell on theories. What they knew for sure was that monsters had returned to Earth.

"I need to head to the domain of the Gods," Quinn continued. "I'll have them intervene in the meantime."

Her suggestion was met with agreement. The rest of the demigods understood the necessity of divine intervention, but the idea of doing nothing while innocent people were being slaughtered made them uneasy. Amid the worried conversations and discomfort among the demigods in Higher World, Shade suddenly had an idea.

Back on Earth, Klaus fought monsters with relentless precision. He and Link covered each other's backs, helping people find safety despite Klaus's reluctance to use his abilities in front of humans. Ace was also doing his part, using his speed to guide people into vacant and secured buildings.

Despite their progress, Klaus knew they needed to split up to cover more ground and help more people. The monsters were too numerous for them to handle together. He suggested this to Link and Ace, who agreed, and they put the plan into action immediately.

Klaus continued to rush around the city, battling monsters and guiding survivors to safety. He passed through areas littered with corpses, a grim reminder of the urgency of their mission. He deeply regretted not mastering his Burst Speed ability to be active during the day.

"Why did it have to be daytime?" Klaus wondered as he pressed on, determined to save as many lives as possible.

As Klaus continued his efforts, the monsters seemed to focus on him, rushing towards him with relentless determination. Without using his light ability recklessly, he found himself overwhelmed. It was as if the creatures were more attracted to Klaus than to the humans around, making his rescue efforts even more challenging. But amidst the chaos, something strange began to occur.

Klaus noticed his shadow darkening and morphing. As he turned his attention towards it, he saw something emerging from it—an arm. Rising from the ground, a figure began to crawl out of his shadow. The seconds that followed revealed more of the being, and Klaus's split attention only added to his worry. As the strange entity finally shed the darkness that had wrapped around it, Klaus recognized who it was.

"Shade?" Klaus asked, watching his brother take form beside him in confusion.

Shade swiftly rose to his feet, binding all the monsters around them, including one that had rushed behind Klaus. With the absence of humans in that specific spot, Klaus raised his left hand and created a second-grade Solar Ball in mere seconds. Swiftly, He launched it towards the monsters, and it exploded with immense force, enveloping the entire area in light. As the light faded, it was evident that the attack had killed all the monsters surrounding them.

Shade, regaining his vision, held his head in slight agony, noticing his brother's worried glance.

"How are you here?" Klaus asked, his curiosity understandable.

"I marked the shadow I made for you," Shade began, removing his hand from his head. "As long as you're connected to it, I can transport to you if I choose."

Klaus was taken aback by Shade's statement, but his brother wasn't done explaining.

"Though it's convenient," Shade continued, "it's noticeably painful because it essentially establishes a replica of my body on the mark before destroying my original body and moving my consciousness to the replica through shadows."

Klaus was stunned by such a painful description. He could only imagine how excruciating it truly was.

"I wasn't sure I could traverse the distance between realms, but I'm glad I was able to," Shade added after a few seconds.

Klaus was completely taken aback by Shade's actions. He recognized that something must have been going on for Shade to have chosen such a painful way to return. Before he could ask, Shade began to relay the necessary information.

"We were unable to transport from Higher World," Shade said, prompting even more shock on Klaus's face.

"What?" Klaus asked.

"I didn't understand it either, but the rest of the demigods are stuck there right now," Shade elaborated.

Before they could continue their conversation, more monsters began to approach, forcing them to temporarily drop the discussion and focus on the battle ahead.

Klaus and Shade fought tirelessly against the relentless horde of monsters. Shade stretched out his right hand, conjuring a drop of Pure Darkness that spawned his Abyssal Pit upon contact with the ground. From this dark void, Shade pulled two blades, handing one to Klaus.

The synergy between them was impressive. Klaus used his light to temporarily blind their foes, while Shade's Binding Shadows technique immobilized the monsters, allowing them to dispatch their enemies with precision and skill. Their seamless coordination turned the tide of the battle, but the fight was far from over.

Meanwhile, Quinn had finally reached the domain of the Gods. She moved with urgency, desperately searching for someone to inform about the crisis on Earth, even though she suspected they might already be aware.

"Greetings, Atlas," a voice said from behind her.

Quinn turned to see Zenith, the God of Nature and Guardian of Higher World. Instinctively, she fell to her knees upon meeting his gaze.

"Rise," Zenith said gently, easing his divine presence.

Quinn stood, regaining her composure. "Sorry for the intrusion, Mister... Sir... Lord Zenith," she stammered, "but I come with really urgent news. Monsters have returned to Main World, and it's become a global crisis."

"I am aware," Zenith replied, his calm demeanor contrasting with Quinn's urgency. "It is truly unfortunate."

Quinn's shock grew not from his awareness but from his apparent lack of concern. "So is there anything the Gods are doing to stop the crisis?" she inquired.

"No," Zenith responded, leaving Quinn stunned. She struggled to comprehend why the Gods would choose inaction.

"Why not?" she managed to ask after a moment of silence.

"It is not our domain," Zenith explained. "So we simply cannot intervene."

Seeing the disappointment on Quinn's face, Zenith elaborated. "We made an oath as Gods never to interfere with mortals unless the situation involves our family, so we cannot help you the way you desire. The best we can do now is to protect all your mothers from the peril, making them invisible and unperceivable to the monsters."

"So you want all of humanity to be expunged?" Quinn asked, her frustration palpable.

Zenith remained silent, understanding her frustration but also knowing she did not grasp the full complexity of their divine constraints.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"You misunderstand, Atlas," Zenith began, his voice calm but firm. "It is the gravest sin for a God to break their oath. The only time we committed this sin was to protect humanity already, so we cannot do so again."

Quinn's silence indicated her dawning understanding. The Gods were bound by their oath, leaving humanity in dire straits. It felt like a nightmare, but Zenith's continued address drew her attention back.

"This is why you all are here," Zenith continued, "to aid humanity in our stead."

"I just don't think we are ready for such a monumental task," Quinn replied, her voice tinged with doubt. "Besides, we can't do anything now since the transportation podiums aren't working."

"I will restore them for you," Zenith said, capturing Quinn's attention once more.

"Really?" she asked, hope lighting up her expression.

"Yes," Zenith affirmed, though his tone carried a note of caution. "However, mending a connection between worlds is no simple task. We must establish a new link between two realms infinitely apart."

Quinn was astonished by Zenith's words but remained hopeful. "It's still better than nothing," she said.

Zenith assured her that they would continue to seek other ways to assist, though she shouldn't pin all her hopes on it. Quinn's frustration was clear, but she understood the limitations they faced. Before she departed, Zenith spoke once more.

"Do not give up hope, Atlas. Your mind is your greatest weapon, and since you still have a connection to Earth, you can help despite the distance," he said before drawing a gentle smile. "But I'm sure you already knew that."

Quinn nodded, confirming Zenith's words and trying to devise a plan.

Back on Earth, Klaus and Shade continued their relentless fight, defending a significant portion of the city and saving many lives. Shade's use of the Abyssal Pit to cover their flanks proved invaluable. They had managed to hide numerous civilians in secure buildings, providing temporary respite from the monsters.

As Klaus and Shade slayed the oncoming creatures, a sudden gunshot echoed through the area. Klaus turned, watching as a monster's head was blown clean off its shoulders, the shot perfectly severing its neck.

Klaus and Shade looked toward the source of the shot, a tall skyscraper a few meters away. Atop it stood a familiar figure. It was X.

Noticing X's presence, Klaus watched as X leaped from the tall building, landing with such force that the ground beneath him shattered. X calmly placed Heart Halter, his sniper rifle, back into its holster just as the monsters around him began to converge. He sighed softly, his eyes closing briefly before opening again, revealing the familiar fury within them.

X moved with lethal precision. The first monster that reached him met its end as X grabbed its head and slammed it into the ground. Without missing a beat and changing his stance gracefully, he drew his sidearm with his right hand and fired at the next creature behind him, taking it down instantly. Another monster charged, but X swiftly returned his sidearm to its holster, grabbed the creature's head with both hands and twisted it sharply, breaking its neck in less than a second.

Klaus and Shade watched in awe as X dispatched the monsters effortlessly. X then reached for a tomahawk at his left hip and hurled it with incredible force toward a tremendously distant monster. The power behind the throw was astounding, and the tomahawk struck the creature's head, killing it instantly. Yet X was far from done.

With the tomahawk embedded in the monster, X drew his sidearm again. He aimed Soul Slayer at the tomahawk, using the barely visible metallic part to reflect his next shot. Activating True Accuracy, X fired, his eyes locked onto the tomahawk's reflection, revealing a monster lurking around the corner, hidden from direct view. Just as the creature was about to seize a human, X's bullet found its mark, slaying the monster and saving the person from certain death.

Shade's smile was evident, seeing another demigod and recognizing that it was a positive thing. Although Klaus was not fond of X, it was possibly the first time he had been relieved to see the demigod. As X continued ahead, Klaus suddenly heard a voice.

"Klaus, you there?" Quinn's voice said telepathically.

"You say it like it isn't in my head," Klaus replied.

While Klaus pressed forward, Quinn explained what had happened in Higher World regarding the Gods. She detailed why they were unable to help. Although Klaus was disappointed, he understood the reason after recalling what his father had told him about the situation.

"Do you have any idea why this happened in the first place?" Klaus suddenly asked Quinn.

Quinn took a moment before replying. "I think someone planned everything and sabotaged us," she said.

Klaus had suspected as much, but Quinn wasn't finished with her analysis.

"I also think it was someone who knew about the training, because of the timing. But my biggest theory, based on the preparation time required, is that it was someone who was present during the first time I mentioned the training."

"You mean in Siren's home?" Klaus asked, recalling that moment vividly when Quinn mentioned it was the first time she spoke of it.

"It's a theory, but that's what I think," Quinn replied.

Klaus' mind was torn between Quinn's words and his ongoing battle. He knew Quinn's theories were usually correct whenever she chose to share them, so it kept him deep in thought. Him, Siren, Quinn, Link, Ace, and Trent. These were the six demigods present when Quinn first suggested the training. Klaus could account for everyone except two of them.

"What about Siren and Trent?" Klaus asked Quinn. "Are they there with you?"

"Siren is here in Higher World," Quinn began, "But Trent is still on Earth."

"What?" Klaus said in shock.

Klaus remembered that Link had said he hadn't seen Trent all day, so he was confused since they had assumed Trent had already gone to Higher World.

"Are you sure?" Klaus asked.

"Yes," Quinn affirmed. "It's faint, but I can sense his presence there."

Klaus, now thoroughly confused, struggled to understand how Trent was still on Earth when he had assumed otherwise. Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by the guttural growl of a monster almost a mile away.

He turned his attention in the direction of the sound and saw a horrifying scene: a monster had impaled a fleeing human through the chest with its claws. Klaus dashed towards them, helplessly watching as the human's screams of agony faded into silence.

The monster lifted the human off the ground, preparing to sink its teeth into the victim's head. Before it could complete the gruesome act, a bullet whizzed through the air, piercing the human's head and continuing on to strike the monster in the skull.

Klaus recoiled at the sight of both bodies falling lifeless to the ground. He turned angrily towards X, who had fired the shot.

"What are you doing?" Klaus shouted, fury evident in his voice.

"Why does harming an already established corpse matter?" X retorted, indicating that the human had already died before he fired.

"It matters," Klaus replied, his anger undiminished. "A loved one would want to bury an intact corpse, not a mutilated one. Do not desecrate their bodies further."

X's frustration was palpable, his face contorted in rage.

"Your naivete is exasperating," he snarled before storming off.

Watching X leave for a moment, Klaus then resumed his battle and continued his telepathic conversation with Quinn.

"There are too many monsters in the city," Klaus lamented. "It'll be near impossible to stop this crisis without millions dying around the world."

"Though there are monsters worldwide," Quinn replied, "New York seems to be the epicenter. The death toll there is significantly higher than in any other state or country."

This information struck Klaus as peculiar. As he pondered, an idea began to form.

"So you're saying the monsters are more concentrated in New York?" Klaus asked, seeking confirmation.

"That's what the death toll suggests from my perception," Quinn responded.

"Is there a specific place in the city where you can sense an even higher concentration of monsters?" Klaus asked suddenly.

"I see where you're going with this," Quinn said. "You think, regardless of the general spawn, there might be a central spawning point?"

"Maybe," Klaus replied as he continued to fend off the monsters. "I might just be hoping that's the case, but it's worth investigating."

Klaus recognized that if there truly was a spawn point, stopping it could be their best chance. He knew that while the monsters initially appeared at random, evidenced by his surprise during the first encounter, their presence in the city had grown denser and more concentrated.

"Yes, you're right," Quinn suddenly said after a few seconds of silence. "There's a specific location where humans have been dying too quickly and are dropping at a rapid rate right now. This might be the spawn point."

After killing the last monster around him with a Solar Ball, Klaus returned his focus to Quinn's voice.

"Where is this?" he asked urgently.

"The heart of the city. Times Square," Quinn replied.

Hearing Quinn's words, Klaus straightened up, mentally mapping the distance to Times Square and preparing for the journey.

"Shade," Klaus said, catching his brother's attention, "continue helping out. I have to investigate something."

"Good luck," Shade replied, recognizing the seriousness in Klaus' expression.

With a nod, Klaus dashed towards Times Square.

As he pressed on, Klaus eliminated any monster in his path. His speed was impressive, though not as swift as it would have been with access to his Burst Speed. He moved quickly, not wasting any time, and finally reached his destination.

Upon arriving, Klaus' eyes widened at the sight before him. Hundreds of monsters roamed the area, with not a single human in sight except for the corpses littering the ground.

The monsters, noticing his presence, began to rush at Klaus. Fear flickered in his eyes as they hurled themselves at him like crazed animals. He moved deftly, evading attacks and slaying the creatures he could, but he knew this battle wouldn't be easy. As he fought, using his Solar Ball and the blade given to him by Shade to deal significant damage, he suddenly noticed something out of the corner of his eye.

"Is that... a person?" Klaus asked himself, turning his attention to the right.

In that moment of distraction, a monster swung its claws at his back, knocking him to his knees. The monsters towered over him, their mouths salivating in anticipation. But just as they were about to attack, they abruptly stopped.

For a few seconds, the monsters remained motionless, leaving Klaus staring in utter confusion. Then, inexplicably, they began to part, moving away from him and clearing a path towards the figure he had glimpsed earlier.

Klaus, clutching his shoulder in agony, watched in bewilderment as the monsters slowly retreated in unison. They formed a clear path between him and the stranger.

As he focused on the figure, Klaus' eyes widened in disbelief and fear of what it meant. His hands dropped to the ground in shock, his gaze fixed on the person as he whispered to himself in incredulity.

"No... It can't be."