Of course, in order to do so, I would first need to survive this day.

And with Crisis being thrown my way like a ragdoll, his syringe having fallen next to the servant, that possibility started looking less and less likely. So much for having the advantage.

“How about you get off your ass and work with me?” muttered Crisis. They turned around and I was sure their glare would kill me if I could see it.

“Give me something and I will,” I said just as quietly, not once taking my eyes off the freak we found ourselves fighting against. Crisis grunted, but handed me a black arm brace with a blue on top of the wrist location.

“Tap that,” said Crisis, pointing to the blue circle.

I did just that, and a three layered hexagonal shield made of smaller hexagons appeared in front of me. I smiled. Now this was interesting.

I rushed to the Servant, and he rushed at me. He was slower, more sluggish, which meant I was easily able to block his attacks with the shield, while Crisis went around us in order to get the syringe.

Seeing that, the servant tried to rush at him, but I hit him in the stomach with the shield. He reeled back, and I hit him again.

And again.

And again.

I wasn’t proud to admit it–because it made me look like a slave to my lesser impulses in front of Crisis–but I had completely lost control at that point. My sheer, basic instincts took over and I used the opening I had to beat him to a bloody pulp. I only stopped when the shield automatically deactivated itself.

I turned back to Crisis, and I could only imagine the self satisfied impression that their face would have at my loss of control. It would cement that I was the lesser of the two of us, which I hated not for any other reason than the fact that, in this moment if nothing else, that was correct.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“What exactly happened here?” asked Crisis. Even through the heavy distortion I could hear the anger in their voice.

“I-We have enemies,” I said simply. “And he’s working for one of them.” I smiled, an idea forming in my head. “Which is why we can use him. Send a message of power as we settle into the next and penultimate phase of the plan.”

“Which is whatever you want to do at the Isle of Heroes,” said Crisis with a small laugh. “I assume you’re after the Godmaker. The machine supposedly left there by the Houses of Doom.”

I held back the surprise I felt. I had expected for Crisis to know more than they let on. That was the very reason Rosita and I went to Iron Jaw. Rosita…she would still be with her cousin, talking and arguing about nonsense. I needed to get back to them.

“What do you know?” I narrowed my eyes at Crisis. “I have shown all of my cards to you, don’t you think you ought to do the same?” I was lying of course, but if there was one thing I was good at, it was lying.

“I highly doubt you’ve shown me all of your cards,” said Crisis with a larger laugh this time. “Still, this fool’s master is dangerous. I have heard whispers of him. The people who know him, or know about him–truly know about him–can be counted in one hand. And the only thing they let slip is the fact that none of us are ready for him,”

There was fear in Crisis’ voice. It was hidden, and hidden well. Even a few months ago, I wouldn’t have been able to pick up on it. But now, after all of my encounters with monsters and villains of all sorts, I could hear it.

Order, Overlord, whatever his name was, was dangerous. That much I knew. But now, seeing his allies, seeing Crisis so afraid, it was almost like a wake-up call. I had originally planned on delaying the actual implementation of my plan further. Get set up properly and only attempt to get the machine, or whatever it was, when I was absolutely certain my plans would be foolproof.

But I didn’t have that luxury.

“I need to get back to the Isle of Heroes. Now, ” I said simply. “How long until you can get your team ready?”

“Two weeks. And I can have you there in two days. To stop whatever this person is, we’ll have to work together. Trust one another. Understood?”

“Indeed.” I nodded. And I could only hope I was convincing enough.