Mission eighteen: The Arm_Kiss of the vampire ( The Girl with the Sharp sword)

Previously in Kiss of the vampire

Just then, the doctor returned, a serious expression on his face. "I’ve arranged for you to access the command center. You’ll be able to monitor the situation and coordinate with the search teams. But remember, you need to take it easy."

Deyviel nodded, grateful for the opportunity. "Thank you, Doctor. I promise I’ll be careful."

As they made their way to the command center, Deyviel felt a sense of urgency wash over him. Time was of the essence, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that Ghelle and the others were in grave danger. The

y needed to find them before it was too late.

Once inside the command center, Deyviel was struck by the flurry of activity. Monitors displayed maps, reports, and live feeds from various locations. He could see the tension in the air as the team worked tirelessly to gather information. When all of a sudden Ethan ,Mizuno and doctor chen entered the command room and said,.

"Deyviel lift your but we're heading out for a walk" Ethan said.

Kiss of the vampire

"The girl with the Sharp sword "

Mission eighteen: the Arm

As Razuel laugh riberverated, John and Brixton and their team are surrounded by a dozen of wendigos and ghouls (authors note: ghouls are the Berserk, not wendigos; they're not the same; wendigos are mindless, unlike ghouls that you can still talk to. But they were always hungry, so they will pounce on every human they come across whenever they can, unlike wendigos, they attack if you attack or enter their territory or get an order from their maker. Or hungry.) "Is those mother fucker is a ghouls?" Cooper asks.

"Yeah, it looks like it. Do you bring one? Brixton replies.

"Yeah, thank God I always bring one." As he said that, he brought out something from his back pocket, a granade of some sort (it's a UV granade; it can radiate blue light similar to sun. It's specifically made for ghouls that can only get killed by two things: regeneration exhaustion and sun or UV exposure). "Man, I hate using this; this is way too hot. Are you ready?" Cooper asked.

"Yeah. I'm always prepared for this, because last time come across these mother fuckers they almost got me off.so now I came prepare . Cooper said

I prepared being burned rather than getting pounced by these ugly mother fuckers,"brixton replied as he readying himself. And Razuel narrowed his eyes and spoke.

"What are you bubbling about? Are you saying you're last good-bye?" he mockingly said.

"Yeah. But not for us, but for you," cooper shouted as he toss the u.v. granade at them. And Brixton shouted, "Men take cover, as he said that he ducks behind a big rock, and all of the monsters jump towards them as the granade hits the floor. A bright blue light covers the whole area.

The cave erupted in a blinding flash of blue light, illuminating the dark crevices and casting eerie shadows on the walls. The wendigos and ghouls screeched in agony, their bodies writhing as the UV rays seared their flesh. The air crackled with energy, and the smell of burnt hair and flesh filled the cavern.

Cooper, crouched behind the rock, felt the heat radiating from the explosion. "Keep your heads down!" he yelled, peering over the edge to assess the chaos. The ghouls once menacing and hungry, were now flailing in the light, their gritty forms twisting in pain. The wendigos, mindless and driven by instinct, were caught in the crossfire, their howls mingling with the ghouls' cries.

Brixton, still behind the rock, grinned at Cooper. "Looks like you caught them off! Now, let’s finish this!" He pulled out his weapon (a small contraption turned into a big hummer). "Aim for the ghouls first; they’re the real threat!" He ordered.

As the blue light began to fade, the remaining ghouls, their skin blistered and charred, staggered back, their hunger momentarily forgotten in the face of pain. John, armed with his favorite gun, took aim at the nearest ghoul, his heart racing. "I’ve got one! Now meet you're maker ugly!" he shouted, shooting the gun. That pierce through in the ghoul’s throat. It let out a gurgling scream before collapsing to the ground.

The cave echoed with the sound of the ghoul's death throes, a chilling reminder of the danger they faced. Brixton, emboldened by John's success, stepped out from behind the rock, his massive hammer glinting in the fading blue light. "Let’s clean the house!" he shouted, charging toward the nearest ghoul, which was still reeling from the UV blast.

Cooper followed closely, his eyes scanning for any remaining threats. The wendigos, disoriented and confused, were beginning to regroup, their primal instincts kicking in as they sensed the danger. "Watch your backs!" he warned, raising his weapon and firing at a wendigo that was lunging toward them. The bullet struck true, but the creature barely flinched, its hunger overriding the pain.

"Focus on the ghouls!" Brixton yelled, swinging his hammer with all his might. It connected with the ghoul's skull, splattering dark ichor across the cave walls. The remaining ghouls, now desperate and enraged, turned their attention to the trio, their eyes glinting with a feral hunger.

John reloaded his weapon, adrenaline coursing through his veins. "We need to split them up! If we can isolate the ghouls, we can take them down one by one!" He glanced at Cooper, who was already formulating a plan.

"Right! Brixton, you take the left flank. John and I will draw their attention. Once they’re distracted, you can pick them off!" Cooper shouted, his voice steady despite the chaos around them.

Brixton nodded, determination etched on his face. "Let’s do this!" He charged toward the left, his hammer raised high, ready to smash anything that came his way.

Cooper and John moved in tandem, firing at the ghosts as they advanced. The creatures snarled, their hunger driving them forward, but the pain from the UV blast still lingered, slowing their movements. "Keep firing!" John shouted, his heart pounding as he took aim at another ghoul, this one with a gaping maw and jagged teeth.

The cave was a cacophony of screams and gunfire, the air thick with the smell of burnt flesh and the metallic tang of blood. Cooper dove behind a rock as a ghoul lunged at him, narrowly missing. He fired back, hitting it in the shoulder, causing it to stumble. "Brixton! Now!" he yelled.

Brixton seized the opportunity, charging in with a battle cry. He swung his hammer down with all his strength, crushing the ghoul beneath it. The creature let out a final, gurgling scream before going still.

"One down!" Brixton shouted, exhilaration coursing through him. But there were still more ghouls, and the wendigos were starting to regain their composure.

"Keep moving!" John urged, firing at another ghoul that was trying to flank them. "We can’t let them surround us!"

As they fought, the blue light from the UV grenade began to fade completely, leaving the cave in darkness once more. The ghosts, now more desperate than ever, lunged at the trio with renewed fervor. Cooper felt a surge of fear but pushed it aside. They had to win this fight. As the last ghoul's body hit the ground and turned into ashes, they'd face Razuel, who was also caught in the bast point blank, so he is more Burnet than the ghouls, and because it's a UV granade fused with Ki energy, he can't regenerate his injuries.

"Hey, look who it is. It's RazBurn," Captain Cooper mockingly pointed at Razuel.

"Yeah. Smell like burnt racoon," captain Brixton added.

"Yeah. Not appetizing " cooper joke

"I think I'm gonna puke" ken added.

Razuel, his once menacing form now charred and smoldering, glared at the trio with a mix of fury and disbelief. The remnants of his power flickered around him like dying embers, and the pain from the UV blast was evident in his strained movements. "You think this is over?" he spat, his voice a low growl. "You’ve only delayed the inevitable."

Cooper stepped forward, his weapon still trained on Razuel. "You’re in no position to make threats, buddy. You’re looking a little crispy there." As he said that, all of a sudden Razuel's body began to change, transforming into a giant ugly bat, but his whole body is still burned.

"Whoa… still want to fight? We'll be my guests," captain Cooper said, aiming his weapon at Razuel.

"He's like an ex-girlfriend who doesn't know when to quit," captain Brixton added. And ready his big hummer, cover me, Cooper! He shouted and dashed forward.

As Brixton charged at Razuel, the grotesque bat-like creature let out a piercing screech that echoed through the cave, sending a shiver down Cooper's spine. The sound was a mix of rage and desperation, a warning that the fight was far from over.

"Stay sharp!" Cooper shouted, his eyes darting between Brixton and the monstrous form of Razuel. He could see the remnants of the UV blast still sizzling on Razuel's charred wings, but the creature's fury seemed to fuel its transformation.

Brixton swung his hammer with all his might, aiming for Razuel's head. The creature dodged, its wings flapping violently, sending a gust of wind that nearly knocked Brixton off his feet. "Damn it!" Brixton cursed, regaining his balance. "This thing is tougher than it looks!"

Cooper took advantage of the distraction, firing a volley of shots at Razuel's exposed underbelly. The bullets struck true, but the creature barely flinched, its rage overpowering the pain. "We need to find a way to keep him grounded!" he yelled, reloading his weapon.

Ken, still on the lookout for any remaining threats, shouted, "What if, sir, we use the environment? There are plenty of rocks and debris around here!" He pointed to a pile of boulders nearby. "If we can lure him over there, we might be able to trap him.

"Good idea!" Ken agreed. "Brixton, keep him busy! John and I will set up a trap!"

Brixton nodded, determination etched on his face. He charged again, swinging his hammer in wide arcs, forcing Razuel to focus on him. "Come on, you ugly bat! Is that all you’ve got?" he taunted, dodging a swipe of Razuel's claw.

As Brixton engaged Razuel, Cooper quickly moved to the pile of boulders. "We need to create a barrier," Ken said, grabbing a loose rock and tossing it toward the pile. "If we can get him to crash into it, we might be able to pin him down!"

"Yeah, it looks like it. Do you bring one? Brixton replies.

"Yeah, thank God I always bring one." As he said that, he brought out something from his back pocket, a granade of some sort (it's a UV granade; it can radiate blue light as hot as the sun. It's specifically made for ghouls that can only get killed by two things: regeneration exhaustion and sun or UV exposure). "Man, I hate using this; this is way too hot. Are you ready?" Cooper asked.

"Yeah. I'm always prepared for this. I prepare being burned rather than getting pounced by these ugly mother fuckers," he replied while reading himself. And Razuel narrowed his eyes and spoke.

"What are you bubbling about? Are you saying you're last good-bye?" he mockingly said.

"Yeah. But now for us, but for you," he shouted as he threw the u.v. granade at them. And Brixton shouted, "Men take cover, as he said that he ducks behind a big rock, and all of the monsters jump towards them as the granade hits the floor. A bright blue light covers the whole area.

Cooper, crouched behind the rock, felt the heat radiating from the explosion. "Keep your heads down!" he yelled, peering over the edge to assess the chaos. The ghosts, once menacing and hungry, were now flailing in the light, their gritty forms twisting in pain. The wendigos, mindless and driven by instinct, were caught in the crossfire, their howls mingling with the ghouls' cries.

As the blue light began to fade, the remaining ghouls, their skin blistered and charred, staggered back, their hunger momentarily forgotten in the face of pain. John, armed with his favorite gun, took aim at the nearest ghoul, his heart racing. "I’ve got one! Now meet you, maker ugly!" he shouted, releasing the bolt. It struck true, embedding itself in the ghoul’s throat. It let out a gurgling scream before collapsing to the ground.

The cave echoed with the sound of the ghoul's death throes, a chilling reminder of the danger they faced. Brixton, emboldened by John's success, stepped out from behind the rock, his massive hammer glinting in the fading blue light. "Let’s clean house!" he shouted, charging toward the nearest ghoul, which was still reeling from the UV blast.

"Right! Brixton, you take the left flank. John and I will draw their attention. Once they’re distracted, you can pick them off!" Cooper shouted, his voice steady despite the chaos around them.

Brixton nodded, determination etched on his face. "Let’s do this!" He charged toward the left, his hammer raised high, ready to smash anything that came his way.

"One down!" Brixton shouted, exhilaration coursing through him. But there were still more ghouls, and the wendigos were starting to regain their composure.

"Keep moving!" John urged, firing at another ghoul that was trying to flank them. "We can’t let them surround us!"

As they fought, the blue light from the UV grenade began to fade completely, leaving the cave in darkness once more. The ghosts, now more desperate than ever, lunge at the trio with renewed fervor. Cooper felt a surge of fear but pushed it aside. They had to win this fight. As the last ghoul's body hit the ground and turned into ashes, they'd face Razuel, who was also caught in the bast point blank, so he is more Burnet than the ghouls, and because it's a UV granade fused with Ki energy, he can't regenerate his injuries.

"Hey, look who it is. It's RazBurn," Captain Cooper mockingly pointed at Razuel.

"Yeah. Smell like burnt racoon," captain Brixton added.

"Whoa... still want to fight? We'll be my guests," captain Cooper said, aiming his weapon at Razuel.

"He's like an ex-girlfriend who doesn't know when to quit," captain Brixton added. And ready his big hummer, cover me, Cooper! He shouted and dashed forward.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

"Good idea!" Ken agreed. "Brixton, keep him busy! John and I will set up a trap!"

Cooper and Ken worked quickly, stacking rocks and debris to form a makeshift barrier. The sound of Brixton's hammer clashing against Razuel's claws echoed through the cave, a constant reminder of the danger they faced. "Hurry up!" Cooper urged, glancing back at the fierce battle. Brixton was holding his own, but the monstrous Razuel was relentless, his bat-like form darting around with surprising agility.

"Almost there!" Ken replied, tossing another rock into place. "Just a little more!"

Brixton, panting and sweating, shouted, "I could use a little help over here!" He swung his hammer again, narrowly missing Razuel as the creature swooped low, its claws raking the air just above Brixton's head.

Get ready!"Cooper called out, finally securing the last rock in place. "Brixton, lure him this way! "

With a fierce battle cry, Brixton charged at Razuel again, swinging his hammer wildly. "Hey, ugly! Over here!" he taunted, drawing the creature's attention. Razuel, enraged, lunged at Brixton, its massive wings flapping furiously.

"Now, Cooper!" Ken shouted, pointing at the pile of boulders. "Get him to crash into it!"

Cooper took a deep breath, steadying his aim. "Hey, Razuel! You want a taste of real pain?" he yelled, firing a few shots into the air to grab the creature's attention. The bullets ricocheted off the cave walls, creating a cacophony that echoed ominously.

Razuel, infuriated, turned its gaze toward Cooper, its eyes burning with rage. "You think you can escape your fate?" it screeched, charging toward him.

"Now, Brixton!" Cooper shouted, and Brixton pivoted, leading Razuel directly toward the pile of rocks. The creature, blinded by fury, barreled forward, its massive form crashing into the debris.

The impact sent rocks tumbling, and for a moment, it seemed as if they had succeeded. But Razuel, though momentarily stunned, quickly regained its composure, flapping its wings to dislodge the rubble. "You think this will hold me?" it roared, its voice echoing through the cave.

"Not if we can help it!" Ken yelled, grabbing a heavy rock and hurling it at Razuel. It struck the creature's wing, causing it to screech in pain. "Keep it distracted, Brixton!"

Brixton, fueled by adrenaline, charged again, swinging his hammer with all his might. "Come on, you overgrown bat! You’re not getting away that easily!" He swung at Razuel's legs, trying to knock it off balance.

Cooper took advantage of the distraction, moving to the side to get a better angle. "We need to hit it hard while it's down!" he shouted, firing another round into Razuel's exposed side. The bullets found their mark, and the creature howled in agony, its wings flapping wildly as it struggled to regain its footing.

"Ken, grab that rock!" Cooper pointed to a large boulder that had rolled away from the pile. "If we can pin it down, we can finish this!"

Ken nodded, sprinting toward the boulder. "On it!" he shouted, using all his strength to push it toward the struggling Razuel.

Brixton continued to keep the creature occupied, dodging its swipes and landing blows with his hammer. "You’re not getting away, you freak!" he yelled, his voice filled with determination.

As Ken reached the boulder, he heaved it with all his might, pushing it toward Razuel just as the creature regained its balance. "Now!" Cooper shouted, and Brixton swung his hammer one last time, striking Razuel's leg and causing it to stumble.

The boulder rolled into place, pinning one of Razuel's wings against the cave floor. The creature screeched in frustration, its eyes wide with fury. "You will pay for this!" it roared, struggling against the weight of the rock.

"Finish it!" Cooper yelled, raising his weapon. "Now's our chance!"

Brixton, breathing heavily, stepped forward, his hammer raised high. "This is for all the lives you’ve taken!" he shouted, bringing the hammer down with all his strength.

The impact was thunderous, and Razuel let out a final, agonized scream as the hammer connected with its skull. The creature's body went limp, the remnants of its power flickering out like a dying flame as its body slowly turned into ashes.

Cooper and Ken stood back, panting heavily as they watched the once-menacing creature collapse. "Is it over?" Ken asked, his voice shaky.

Brixton nodded, lowering his hammer. "For now, at least. But we need to get out of here before more of them show up."

Cooper nodded in agreement, glancing around the cave for any signs of movement. "Let’s regroup and make sure we’re all accounted for. We can’t let our guard down just yet."

As they moved cautiously through the cave, the echoes of their battle began to fade, replaced by an eerie silence. The remnants of the fight lay scattered around them—charred ghouls, the remains of Razuel, and the debris from their makeshift trap.

"Did we lose anyone?" Brixton asked, his voice low as he scanned the area.

Cooper shook his head. "Everyone’s here. We fought hard, and it paid off. But we need to stay vigilant. There could be more lurking in the shadows. Hey Ken, call the scouts outside, and the rest of the team were going to surround the area and secure it. And relay the news to HQ." He ordered Ken to just give a salute and run outside.

"So, what's going to happen now?" Brixton said, looking at the shrine with a floating arm. Coated with blue flame.

"For now we wait," Cooper replied.

Meanwhile

At the H.Q

"So they secured one of the shrines, and it's an artifact? General McDougal asks.

"Yes, sir, and it turns out the said artifact is an arm," Hunter Jun said.

"Alright, call Captain Ethan; I want to talk to him." As he said that, Hunter Kim just gave and saluted and ran off. To find captain Ethan that at the time is at the cafeteria eating.

"Ahm.. sir! I'm here to relay some orders to you, sir! Hunter Jun stiffly said.

"Alright, speak up," Ethan replied while eating his pancakes.

"General McDougal wants you to go to his office regarding Saitama Prefecture's raid, sir!" Hunter Jun said.

"You mean right now? Ethan said.

"Yes sir!"

"Fine," as he said, stands and wipes his mouth and walks towards General McDougal's office.

He knocked on the door, and a gruff voice called out, "Enter!"

Ethan stepped inside, finding the general seated behind a large oak desk, papers strewn about, and a holographic display flickering with images of the shrine and its surroundings. "Captain Ethan," McDougal said, looking up. "I trust you’re aware of the situation at the shrine."

"Yes, sir. I’ve been briefed on the details," Ethan replied, standing at attention. "What’s our next move?"

McDougal leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "The artifact your team secured is more than just a relic; it’s a key to understanding the resurgence of these creatures. We need to analyze it thoroughly. I want you to lead a team to study the arm and determine its properties."

Ethan nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. "Understood, sir. Do we have any intel on its origin or how it relates to Razuel and the ghouls?"

"Is your team healed enough to fight? We don't expect anything, but it's better that the team you'll bring is already healed," he asks. And Ethan just shook his head.

"Most of my team aren't healed yet. But I can bring a few that can still fight," he replied.

"Alright, I want you to coordinate with Dr. Lila Chen; she’s our top researcher on supernatural artifacts. And bring Mizuno with you. And if you can bring the kid (Deyviel), bring him; maybe he can help out." He ordered. And Ethan just gives a salute and heads out.

As Ethan exited General McDougal's office, he felt the weight of the orders settle on his shoulders. The implications of the artifact they had secured were immense, and he knew that the team would need to be at their best to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He made his way through the bustling halls of the headquarters, where soldiers and researchers moved with purpose, each one aware of the lurking dangers outside.

He found Dr. Lila Chen in the lab, surrounded by various artifacts and equipment. She was examining a glowing crystal when Ethan approached. "Dr. Chen," he called out, and she looked up, her eyes bright with curiosity.

"Ethan! What brings you here?" she asked, setting the crystal down.

"I just got out of a meeting with General McDougal. We need to analyze the arm we recovered from the shrine. He wants you to lead the study," Ethan explained.

Lila's expression shifted to one of excitement. "An arm? That sounds fascinating! Do we know anything about its properties yet?"

"Not much, but it’s linked to Razuel and the ghouls. We need to figure out how it connects to their resurgence," Ethan replied. "We’ll need to move quickly. Can you gather your team?"

"Absolutely! I’ll get everyone ready," she said, already moving toward a nearby console to send out a call for her team.

Ethan then headed to the barracks to find Mizuno. He found Mizuno sharpening his blades, a focused look on his face. "Mizuno," Ethan called, and the young warrior looked up, his expression shifting to one of respect.

"Captain, what’s the mission?" Mizuno asked, standing at attention.

"We’re heading to the lab to assist Dr. Chen with the artifact we recovered. We need to ensure it’s secure and gather any intel we can," Ethan explained.

Mizuno nodded, his determination evident. "I’m ready."

"We're heading out in two. Suit up and go to the hanger before that." He ordered and exited the room and proceeded to the control room and called out Deyviel's name.

"Hey kid! Lift you, but. We're out for a walk," he said while walking towards him.

"What am I a dog?" he replied.

"The raid team from Saitama prefecture found a shrine with an artifact. General McDougal wants you to come with us. Because last time you were the one who found it and was able to touch it." He explained, and Deyviel's eye lit. up

"Really? An artifact? What kind?" Deyviel asked, his curiosity piqued as he stood up, brushing off his clothes.

Ethan smiled, appreciating the kid's enthusiasm. "It's an arm, and just like what you told us before, it's floating too with blue flames. We need your unique abilities to help us understand it better."

Deyviel's eyes widened. "You mean I might be able to touch it again? Like last time?"

"Exactly. But remember, we need to be careful. We don’t know what kind of power it holds," Ethan cautioned, his tone serious.

Deyviel nodded, his excitement tempered by the gravity of the situation. "I understand, Captain. I’ll be careful."

"Good. Now, let’s move. We don’t have much time," Ethan said, leading the way out of the barracks and toward the hangar. The atmosphere in the headquarters was tense, the weight of their recent battles hanging over everyone like a dark cloud. As they walked, Ethan couldn’t shake the feeling that they were on the brink of something significant.

When they reached the hangar, Dr. Chen was already there, flanked by her team of researchers. They were busy preparing equipment and discussing the best way to handle the artifact. Mizuno stood by, his expression serious as he observed the preparations.

"Everyone ready?" Ethan asked, scanning the group.

"Ready as we’ll ever be," Dr. Chen replied, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I’ve gathered some specialized tools for analyzing the arm. We need to be cautious; artifacts like this can be unpredictable."

"Let’s get moving then," Ethan said, leading the way to the transport vehicle. The team climbed aboard, and as the doors sealed shut, a sense of purpose filled the air.

As they traveled to the site of the shrine, Ethan briefed the team on what they knew so far. "The arm is believed to be linked to Razuel and the resurgence of the ghouls. We need to determine its properties and any potential threats it may pose."

"Let’s get moving then," Ethan said, leading the way to the aircraft. The team climbed aboard, and as the doors sealed shut, a sense of purpose filled the air.

As the transport vehicle soared through the air, the team settled into their seats, the hum of the engines providing a steady backdrop to their thoughts. Ethan glanced around at his team—Mizuno, Dr. Chen, and the other researchers—each one focused and ready for the task ahead. The weight of the mission hung heavily in the air, but there was also a spark of excitement. They were on the brink of uncovering something significant, something that could change the tide in their ongoing battle against the creatures that plagued their world.

"Dr. Chen," Ethan began, breaking the silence, "what do we know about the arm so far? Any theories on its origin or purpose?"

Dr. Chen adjusted her glasses, her expression thoughtful. "As for what Captain John Cooper and Captain Brixton report, it appears it is emitting some kind of energy, unlike your ki manipulation.

It seems to resonate with a unique frequency that could be tied to the supernatural forces we’ve been encountering. The blue flames you mentioned are particularly intriguing; they might indicate a connection to a higher form of energy or even a protective mechanism."

Ethan nodded, absorbing the information. "So, it could be a weapon or a shield of some sort?"

"Exactly, or something like that, I'm not certain until I get closer to it," Dr. Chen replied, her enthusiasm growing. "If we can harness its properties, it might give us an edge against Razuel and the ghouls. But we need to be cautious. Artifacts like this can have unpredictable effects, especially if they’re tied to powerful entities."

Mizuno chimed in, "What about the risks? If it’s linked to Razuel, could it have any residual influence over us?"

Dr. Chen nodded, her expression serious. "That’s a valid concern, Mizuno. Artifacts tied to powerful entities often carry their essence or influence. We need to approach it with caution. I recommend using protective gear and conducting our analysis from a safe distance initially. If we can determine its properties without direct contact, that would be ideal."

Ethan leaned back in his seat, contemplating the implications. "So, we need to be prepared for anything. If it has the potential to influence us, we should have contingency plans in place."

"Agreed," Dr. Chen replied. "I’ll ensure we have protective wards and barriers set up at the site. We can also bring in some of the specialized equipment we’ve developed for dealing with supernatural artifacts."

As the transport vehicle continued its journey, the team discussed their strategies and preparations. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of anticipation and anxiety, each member acutely aware of the stakes involved.

After what felt like an eternity, the transport vehicle began its descent toward the shrine. The landscape below was rugged and foreboding, the remnants of the battle still visible in the form of scorched earth and scattered debris. Ethan could see the outline of the shrine in the distance, a dark silhouette against the backdrop of the setting sun.

"Prepare for landing!" Ethan called out, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. The team secured their gear and braced themselves as the vehicle touched down with a thunder.

Once the doors opened, a rush of cool air greeted them, carrying the faint scent of burnt earth and lingering energy. Ethan stepped out first, scanning the area for any signs of danger. The shrine loomed ahead, its ancient stones weathered and cracked but still exuding an aura of power.

"Stay alert," Ethan instructed, leading the way toward the shrine. "We don’t know if any creatures are still lurking around," he said, and as they walk, two raid squads approach them and guild them inside.

As Ethan and his team approached the shrine, the atmosphere shifted, palpable tension hanging in the air. The remnants of the battle they had fought earlier were still fresh in their minds, and the sight of the ancient structure, with its dark stones and eerie glow, sent a shiver down Ethan's spine.

"How does it look?" Captain Cooper asks Ethan.

"Well, it's like it's old, he replied.

"So General McDougal trusted this newbie to handle the artifact? Brixton said.

"Yeah, you can't touch it. Cooper can't, so maybe he can." He replied, and Deyviel readying himself, "Okay, Deyviel, I want you to touch it really quick and tell me what you feel from it, ok?" Doctor Chen said.

Deyviel nodded, his eyes wide with excitement and a hint of apprehension. He stepped forward, the blue flames flickering around the floating arm, casting an ethereal glow on his face. The air felt charged with energy, and he could sense the power emanating from the artifact.

"Be careful, kid," Ethan cautioned, his voice low but firm. "If you feel anything off, step back immediately."

"Got it"

Deyviel took a deep breath, focusing on the arm. As he reached out, the flames danced around his fingers, warm but not painful. The moment his skin made contact with the artifact, a surge of energy coursed through him, and he gasped, his eyes widening in surprise.

And the moment Deyviel skin touches it, nothing happens. He's able to touch it right away. "Welp, I can't touch it now, what?" He asked, but all of a sudden everything flashed white. And he heard a voice.

"Welcome back, Deyviel, welcome," the voice said.

Deyviel stood frozen, his hand still resting on the floating arm, the blue flames flickering around him like a protective aura. The voice echoed in his mind, both soothing and commanding, as if it were a part of him. "Who are you?" he managed to ask, his voice trembling slightly.

"I am the essence of the arm you touch, a fragment of power that has been bound to this artifact for centuries," the voice replied, and something clicked and the voice tone changed. "Oww, so you already have the skull essence. We will start the second trial.

"Ow yeah, now I remember. Ok, I'm ready, skully," he replied.

"The trail of the braves will commence now!" As the voice said, the white room changed into a dungeon.

"Fuck me, Im fuck this time, he said, as a dozen unknown creatures surrounded him.

Deyviel's heart raced as he found himself in the dimly lit dungeon, the air thick with oppressive energy. The creatures surrounding him were grotesque, their forms shifting and writhing in the shadows. Some had elongated limbs, while others sported jagged teeth and glowing eyes that pierced through the darkness. Panic threatened to take hold, but he remembered the voice's assurance.

"Stay calm," he whispered to himself, trying to center his thoughts. "This is just a trial, huh, but it's more like an execution."

The voice echoed in his mind again, resonating with a strange familiarity. "You must prove your worth, Deyviel. Face these creatures and show your bravery while reaching the altar and grabbing the arm there. Only then will you unlock the true potential of the arm."

"Right," he muttered, steeling himself. "Bravery. Well, I think I can do this."

The creatures began to advance, their movements fluid and predatory. Deyviel took a deep breath, focusing on the energy that had surged through him when he touched the arm. He could feel it pulsing within him—a connection that was both exhilarating and terrifying.

"Let’s see what you’ve got," he said, summoning the ki energy inside him as a yellow light flickered to life in his palm, mirroring the flames of the arm. He hurled it at the nearest creature, "Let's try this" (he gestured his are like a gun and shouted ray gun!) the fire exploding on impact and illuminating the dungeon in a brilliant light. "Haha, it's words."

The explosion sent shockwaves through the dungeon, the light momentarily blinding the grotesque creatures that had surrounded Deyviel. He could feel the energy coursing through him, a newfound confidence igniting his spirit. The first creature, caught off guard, staggered back, its form writhing in pain as the flames consumed it.

"One down!" Deyviel shouted, excitement flooding his veins. But he knew this was just the beginning. The remaining creatures, now enraged, turned their attention toward him, their eyes glowing with a predatory hunger.

"Stay focused!" the voice echoed in his mind, urging him on. "You must harness the power within you."

Deyviel took a deep breath, centering himself. He could feel the connection to the arm deepening, the blue flames flickering in response to his emotions. "Alright, let’s do this!" he declared, channeling his ki energy once more. This time, he focused on creating a barrier of light around himself, a protective shield against the oncoming onslaught.

The creatures lunged at him, their claws and teeth bared, but Deyviel stood firm, the barrier shimmering as they collided with it. The impact sent ripples through the energy field, but he held his ground. "You’ll have to do better than that!" he taunted, feeling the power of the arm resonating with his own. And as he turned ahead, he saw more creatures coming after him, so he ran. Towards the alter while parrying most of the attacks from the creatures. "Man, they're so many."

Deyviel sprinted through the dungeon, dodging and weaving as the grotesque creatures lunged at him from all sides. The air was thick with the stench of decay, and the sounds of their snarls echoed ominously in the confined space. He could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins, heightening his senses and sharpening his focus.

"Keep moving!" the voice urged, its tone both encouraging and commanding. "You must reach the altar!"

Deyviel's heart raced as he spotted the altar in the distance, a faint glow emanating from it. It was surrounded by a swirling mist of energy, and he could sense the power radiating from it. But between him and the altar stood a horde of the creatures, their eyes glinting with malice.

"Alright, let’s turn up the heat!" Deyviel shouted, channeling his ki energy once more. He thrust his hands forward, unleashing a wave of fiery energy that surged toward the nearest group of creatures (shotgun blow!). He yelled. Yellow light engulfed them, illuminating the dungeon in a brilliant light as they screeched in agony.

The explosion sent the creatures flying, their forms disintegrating in the intense heat. Deyviel felt a surge of exhilaration as he watched them vanish, but he knew he couldn’t let his guard down. More were coming, and he had to reach the altar.

"Keep pushing forward!" the voice urged, its presence a steadying force in the chaos. Deyviel sprinted toward the altar, dodging the remaining creatures that lunged at him. He could feel the energy of the arm calling to him, a beacon of power that promised to enhance his abilities.

As he neared the altar, he could see the arm floating above it, surrounded by a swirling vortex of blue flames. It pulsed with energy, and Deyviel felt an overwhelming urge to grasp it. But he knew he had to clear the path first.

With a determined shout, he unleashed another wave of ki energy, this time focusing on creating a barrier that would push the creatures back. The light expanded outward, forcing the grotesque beings to retreat, their snarls turning to shrieks of frustration.

"Almost there!" Deyviel urged himself, his heart pounding in his chest. He could see the altar now, the arm hovering just above it, beckoning him closer. But the creatures were regrouping, their eyes filled with a fierce hunger as they prepared to charge once more. As he's about to touch the arm, one creature lounges forward and is about to slice his head. When his hand touches the arm, a bright white lith explodes as the light disappears. The creature's eyes widen as he can see Deyviel caught his claw using his hand, and it's coated with aura, and his arm transforms into the floating arm; it's got scales like a dragon's skin and a glowing pattern from his elbow down to his fist. And his palm is glowing blue, and his finger too. "Now so fast, Jackass!" As he said that, he pushed the claw that sends the creature back, and when he tried to grab one of the creatures, he missed, but all of a sudden a bright blue big arm grabbed it for him, mimicing his arm movement.What the?!" He said, his eyes widening, and then it clicks. "Ok, let's try this," he said. And began to use the creature his blue arm was holding to mash against other monsters around.

Deyviel felt a rush of exhilaration as the power of the floating arm coursed through him, amplifying his strength and agility. The grotesque creatures that had once seemed so menacing were now mere playthings in his grasp. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the creature he was holding crashing into another, the impact echoing through the dungeon like thunder.

"Ha! This is incredible!" he shouted, his voice filled with newfound confidence. The blue flames surrounding the arm flickered in response, as if they were alive, feeding off his excitement and determination.

The remaining creatures hesitated, their snarls turning to wary growls as they assessed the sudden shift in power. Deyviel took advantage of their momentary confusion, charging forward with the strength of the arm propelling him. He swung his new appendage like a massive club, smashing through the ranks of the Grotesque beings with ease.

"Come on! Is this all you've got?" he taunted, his laughter echoing off the dungeon walls. The creatures, now desperate, lunged at him from all sides, but Deyviel was ready. He spun around, using the arm to deflect their attacks while simultaneously countering with powerful strikes.

With each blow, he felt the energy of the arm resonating with his own, creating a symphony of power that surged through him. He could feel the essence of the arm guiding his movements, enhancing his reflexes and instincts. It was as if he had become one with the artifact, and the connection only deepened his resolve.

"You're not going to stop me!" Deyviel shouted, launching himself into the fray. He grabbed one of the creatures mid-lunge, using its momentum against it to throw it into a wall. The impact sent a shockwave through the dungeon, and the creature crumpled to the ground, defeated.

As he continued to fight, Deyviel noticed that the blue flames of the arm were beginning to change, swirling around him in a protective barrier. It was as if the arm was not only enhancing his strength but also shielding him from harm. He could feel the energy pulsing, responding to his emotions and intentions.

"Alright, let's finish this!" he declared, his voice ringing with determination. He focused on the remaining creatures, channeling the energy of the arm into a concentrated blast. "Let's try making you big! As the floating transparent arm grows in size, Deyviel smiles. Let's end this, shall we?" he shouted, unleashing his giant arm to the ground, and the strength of that punch sent a massive shockwave that vaporized the remaining grotesque beings.

The dungeon trembled as the shockwave reverberated through its dark corridors, dust and debris cascading from the ceiling. Deyviel stood amidst the remnants of the grotesque creatures, panting heavily, his heart racing from the adrenaline of the battle. The blue flames of the arm flickered around him, a testament to the power he had just wielded.

"Man, I think I overdid it," he said as we saw the destructive power of his newfound power. And the voice just sigh.

"Impressive," the voice echoed in his mind, a hint of approval lacing its tone. "You have proven your bravery and strength. The arm has chosen you as its wielder."

Deyviel looked at his right shoulder, the floating arm still mimiking his right arm movement, and looked down to his true arm, now seamlessly integrated with his own, its scales shimmering in the dim light. "So, what now? Is this it? Do I just get to keep it?" he asked, a mix of excitement and uncertainty in his voice.

"Yes, but with great power comes great responsibility," the voice replied (pfft. Who am I, spiderman? Deyviel chime in, but the voice just ignores him), its tone shifting to a more serious note. "You must learn to control it, to harness its energy without succumbing to its darker impulses. The arm is a conduit of immense power, and it can amplify both your strengths and your weaknesses."

Deyviel nodded, absorbing the weight of the voice's words. "I get it. I need to be careful. But how do I control it? I mean, I just went all out back there."

"You will learn through practice and experience," the voice explained. "The arm will respond to your intentions, but you must remain focused and disciplined. Seek balance within yourself, and the arm will amplify your abilities without overwhelming you."

"Balance, huh?" Deyviel mused, glancing at the remnants of the dungeon around him. "I guess I have my work cut out for me."

"Indeed. But first, you must return to your world. Your friends await you, and they will need your newfound strength in the battles to come." As Deyviel canceled out his big floating arm, his body got instantly healed by the voice.

Deyviel felt a rush of energy as the voice's power coursed through him, healing his wounds and revitalizing his spirit. The dungeon around him began to fade, the oppressive darkness lifting as the white light enveloped him once more.

"Gee thanks"

"Wait, what about the creatures?" he asked, glancing around in confusion.

"They have been vanquished," the voice assured him. "You have proven your worth, and the trial is complete. Now, return to your friends. I'm looking forward to our next meeting; make sure you're the one who can grab the 3rd artifact." As the voice fades, Deyviel Ayes snaps one at the real world.

Deyviel blinked as the blinding white light faded, and he found himself back in the shrine, surrounded by his teammates. The atmosphere was tense, and the remnants of the battle they had fought earlier still lingered in the air. He looked down at his right arm, but his arm was back to normal human skin, and he just raised his eyebrows, and then he felt something in his palm. When he opens it, it's a large blue crystal.

Deyviel stared at the large blue crystal resting in his palm, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly glow. The energy radiating from it felt familiar, echoing the power he had just wielded in the trial. He could sense that it was more than just a crystal; it was a fragment of the arm's essence, a piece of the power he had unlocked.

"Whoa, what is that?" Mizuno asked, stepping closer to get a better look. The other team members gathered around, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.

"I think it's a part of the arm," Deyviel replied, his voice filled with awe. "I touched it during the trial, and it just... appeared." As he said that, he threw it to Ethan.

Ethan caught the large blue crystal, feeling a surge of energy pulse through him as it made contact with his palm. He examined it closely, the light reflecting off its surface in mesmerizing patterns. "This is incredible," he said, his voice filled with wonder. "It must be a manifestation of the arm's power. We need to analyze it further."

Dr. Chen stepped forward, her eyes wide with excitement. "If that crystal is indeed a fragment of the arm, it could provide us with invaluable insights into its properties and potential applications. We need to secure it and study it immediately. Then where's the arm?" He asks, then they all look at Deyviel.

"Ahm…I think I absorb it," he replied, scratching the back of his neck.

"Fuck the what?!" They all shouted in unison.

To be continued....

Mission eighteen: The Arm

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