Static sound....

Kiss of the vampire

"The Girl with the Sharp sword"

Mission fifteen: Growing Unseen Threat!

Reporter 1: As we can see, a larger fire caused by a group of teens wreaks havoc in a cinema here in Navotas Fisher Mall. Many civilians have been killed and injured, including a mother and her baby.

Reporter 2: Are you sure of what you saw?

Eyewitness 1: Yeah, a big monster! I saw that creature drink that man's blood!

Eyewitness 2: Man, after I saw those fangs, I swear to God, that's a vampire!

Reporter 3: Allegedly, an unidentified group is running around and hunting these creatures. Are they friends or foes? Are they here to save us, or something else?(rising an eyebrow)

Host: So you're suggesting that these reports are just figments of people's imaginations? That they are experiencing delusions? And those shredded corpses are merely propaganda from the liberal party to instill fear?

Senator: Yes, we are in the modern era; there are no such things as monsters. Just mentally unstable individuals trying to spread panic. Oh, my dear fellow Filipinos, I am here now. I will put an end to these alleged monster activities!

(The crowd in the studio cheers for him.)

Reporter 1: But what about the eyewitness accounts? How do we explain the destruction and the bodies?

Senator: Eyewitness accounts can often be misleading, fueled by fear and hysteria. We must rely on facts and evidence, not on sensational stories.

Reporter 2: But there are videos circulating online showing strange creatures. How do you respond to that?

Senator: Videos can be manipulated. We need to focus on the real issues at hand—safety, security, and the well-being of our citizens.

Eyewitness 1: But I saw it with my own eyes! It was real!

Senator: I understand your fear, but we must remain rational. I assure you, we will investigate these claims thoroughly.

Host: It seems there is a divide between what some are experiencing and what officials are willing to acknowledge. We will continue to follow this story closely.

(The camera pans to the audience, some looking skeptical, others still cheering for the senator.)

Reporter 3: As the investigation unfolds, we will keep you updated on any developments regarding these alleged creatures and the ongoing safety measures being implemented. Stay tuned.

(Groan) "These vampires aren't hiding anymore; they're attacking even in public, "McDougal says while he pins his nose.

"Yeah. These bastards really want to engage in a full-scale war. Look how many wendigos and halflings they rise? "General Adrac pointed at the screen.

"Well, I think after a decade of hiding, they have enough troops to openly launch a full-scale war this time," Gen. Arthur Kennedy said.

"As we can see, the public is now split at believing it or not, "Gen. Monica said.

"Indeed, the public's perception is crucial in this situation," General Adrac replied, his brow furrowed in concern. "If they believe these creatures are real, it could lead to widespread panic and chaos. We need to manage the narrative carefully."

General Kennedy nodded in agreement. "We can't afford to let fear take over. We need to present a united front, showing that we are prepared to handle this threat, whatever it may be."

McDougal leaned forward, his voice low. "But what if the senator's denial only emboldens these creatures? If they think they can operate without consequence, they might escalate their attacks."

"Well, I agree with what you old folks are saying, but why am I here?" Ben Railey asks, his arms crossed and an eyebrow rising, while he takes another sip of his coffee.

General Adrac turned to Ben, a hint of irritation in his voice. "You're here because we need every perspective on this situation, including yours. You may be younger, but your insights could be valuable in understanding how the younger generation perceives these threats, and besides, you are our strongest hunter, so bear with it."

Ben raised an eyebrow, still skeptical. "Okay, but I’m not just some kid you can dismiss. The younger crowd is more connected to the online world, and they’re seeing all these videos and reports. If we don’t address their fears, we risk losing their trust."

General Kennedy leaned back, considering Ben's point. "You’re right. The digital age has changed how information spreads. We need to engage with the youth, not just dismiss their concerns as paranoia."

McDougal nodded, his expression softening. "Exactly. If we can’t convince them that we’re on top of this, they might take matters into their own hands. We’ve seen that before, and it never ends well."

General Adrac sighed, rubbing his temples. "So, what do you suggest? A social media campaign? A public forum where we can address these fears head-on?" And we, the Black Order, really exist, and we're fighting real vampires and monsters. "

Gen. Monica leaned back in her chair, contemplating the gravity of the situation. "A social media campaign could work, but it needs to be authentic. The younger generation can sniff out insincerity from a mile away. We need to show them that we’re not just some faceless authority; we’re real people fighting a real threat."

Ben nodded, feeling a sense of validation. "Exactly. We need to humanize ourselves. Maybe we can share stories of our encounters and show the public that we’re not just sitting in a command center but are out there, facing these creatures head-on."

General Adrac leaned forward, intrigued. "That’s a good idea. If we can create a narrative that highlights our efforts and the dangers we face, it might help bridge the gap between us and the public."

McDougal chimed in, "And we should also include testimonials from those who have encountered these creatures. Real stories from real people can resonate more than just official statements. But we're not doing it now. We need to focus on finding the 3rd artifact and the key (Ghelle)."

General Kennedy nodded, his expression serious. "You're right, McDougal. The urgency of our mission cannot be overlooked. We need to prioritize locating the third artifact and Ghelle. The longer we wait, the more emboldened these creatures may become."

Ben leaned back, crossing his arms. "So, what’s the plan? We can’t just sit around waiting for the next attack. We need to be proactive."

General Monica interjected, her voice steady. "We should also consider reaching out to local communities. They might have insights or information that could help us track these creatures. Building a network of informants could be invaluable."

McDougal nodded in agreement. "And we need to ensure that our hunters are prepared. Training sessions should be ramped up, and we need to equip them with the best tools available. If these creatures are indeed rising in numbers, we can’t afford to be caught off guard."

Ben raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What about the public? If we’re going to engage with them, we need to show that we’re not just a secretive organization. We need to be transparent about our efforts and the dangers we face."

General Kennedy considered this. "Perhaps we can hold a press conference. We can share what we know, what we’re doing, and how the public can help. It’s a risk, but it could also build trust."

General Adrac nodded slowly. "That could work. But we need to be careful about what we reveal. We don’t want to incite panic or give away too much information to our enemies. That we knew more about their plans."

Ben: "Right, but we also can't afford to be too secretive. If we come off as a shadowy organization, people will be more inclined to distrust us. Transparency is key."

General Monica: "Agreed. We need to strike a balance. We can share our mission and the threats we face without revealing our entire strategy. It’s about building a rapport with the community."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

McDougal: "And we should emphasize that we’re not just fighting for ourselves; we’re fighting for everyone. This is a collective effort. The more people feel involved, the more likely they are to support us."

General Adrac: "So, we’ll prepare a press conference, but we’ll also set up community outreach programs. We can host town hall meetings where people can voice their concerns and ask questions."

General McDougal: Alright, well, do all that. Monica, you'll handle the social media thingy. Adrac, you'll handle the press. Kennedy, you'll handle our government and overseas. And Ben started locating the key and artifacts," he ordered as he leaned back in his chair, a sense of urgency in his voice. "We need to act fast. The longer we wait, the more chaos these creatures can unleash. We can't afford to be reactive; we must be proactive. You'll dismissed."

Scene Transition: The Black Order Headquarters

(The camera zooms in on a dimly lit room filled with maps, monitors, and various artifacts. The atmosphere is tense as the generals and Ben Railey gather around a large table, each one focused on the task at hand.)

General Adrac: (pointing at a map) "We need to identify the hotspots where these creatures have been sighted. If we can predict their movements, we can set up surveillance and possibly intercept them before they strike again."

Ben: (leaning over the map) "I’ve been tracking social media posts and videos. There’s a pattern emerging. Most sightings are happening near abandoned buildings and old warehouses. It’s like they’re drawn to places that have been forgotten."

General Kennedy: (nodding) "That makes sense. Those locations provide cover and a sense of safety for them. We should deploy teams to those areas immediately."

General Monica: (typing on her laptop) "I’ll start a social media campaign to raise awareness about these hotspots. We can encourage the public to report any unusual activity. The more eyes we have on the ground, the better."

McDougal: (sipping his coffee) "And we need to ensure that our hunters are equipped with the right tools. If these creatures are indeed becoming bolder, we can.

General Adrac: "Agreed. I want a list of all available weapons and gear by the end of the day. We need to ensure our teams are ready for anything."

Ben: (looking up from the map) "What about the artifacts? We can’t lose sight of that mission. If we find the third artifact and Ghelle, it could turn the tide in our favor."

General Kennedy: "We need to split our resources. Some teams will focus on locating the artifacts while others monitor the hotspots. We can’t let one mission overshadow the other."

General Monica: "I can coordinate with the artifact recovery teams. We’ll need to gather intel on their last known locations of a shrine underground and any leads we might have.

. Scene Transition: Recovery Room

(The camera pans over to a dimly lit recovery room where two figures lie unconscious on hospital beds surrounded by medical equipment. Captain Ethan Allen stands anxiously by the door, glancing at the doctor, Luis Obispo, who is checking the monitors.)

Captain Ethan: (frowning) "They've been sleeping for weeks; how long do they need to sleep?"

Doctor Luis Obispo: (sighing) "As for these two, it could take a week or two for them to fully recover. Obviously, this guy," (pointing at Deyviel), "has multiple broken bones, a fractured skull, and multiple stab wounds. Man, this kid really fought for his life. And this Kliev has a small hole in his stomach, stab wounds, and one fractured arm. He'll be the first to wake up among them."

Captain Ethan: (running a hand through his hair) "We need them back on their feet as soon as possible. The situation is escalating, and we can’t afford to lose any more time."

Doctor Luis Obispo: (nodding) "I understand, but rushing their recovery could lead to complications. They need to heal properly. The last thing we want is for them to re-enter the field before they’re ready."

Captain Ethan: (looking at the unconscious figures) "I get that, but we’re in a race against time. If these creatures are indeed planning a full-scale attack, we need every available fighter."

Doctor Luis Obispo: (checking Deyviel’s vitals) "I’ll do my best to expedite their recovery, but I can’t make any promises. They need rest, and we need to monitor them closely."

Captain Ethan: (sighing) "Fine. Just keep me updated. I’ll be in the command center if you need me."

Scene Transition: Deyviel's Dreamscape

"Hey, Deyviel, come here."

Deyviel slowly opened his eyes and found himself in a forest.

"Where am I?" He asks himself.

"Here over here, kid."

"Who's that? he asks while pushing himself up.

(Deyviel looks around, confused, as the forest around him is vibrant and surreal. The colors are more vivid than reality, and the air is filled with strange energy. He sees a figure in the distance, partially obscured by the trees.)

"Here come here. As he approaches the figure, it's vanished, and as he turns his head around, he sees a shrine, and all of its torches light up with blue fire.

(Deyviel stands in awe as the torches around the shrine flicker to life, casting an ethereal blue glow that illuminates the forest. The air hums with energy, and he feels an inexplicable pull toward the shrine.)

Deyviel: (whispering to himself) "What is this place? It feels... familiar."

(He steps closer, the ground soft beneath his feet, and as he approaches the shrine, he notices intricate carvings on its surface—symbols that seem to pulse with the same blue light.)

Voice from the Shadows:

"Welcome back, Deyviel," the floating skull said.

"It's you, from that underground mine? I thought that Balthazar stole you from me? Deyviel asks.

Voice from the Shadows: "Balthazar may have taken my physical form, but my essence remains. I am bound to this shrine, and it is here inside your soul now so that I can guide you."

Deyviel: (confused) "Guide me? How? I don’t even know where I am or what’s happening."

Voice from the Shadows: "You are in the Dreamscape, a realm that exists between consciousness and the spirit world. It is a place where your true potential can be unlocked, but you must first confront your fears and embrace your destiny."

Deyviel: (looking around, feeling a mix of fear and curiosity) "What do you mean? What destiny?"

Voice from the Shadows: "You are destined to be a protector, a warrior against the darkness that threatens your world. The creatures you face are not mere figments of chaos, and they are growing stronger. You have the power within you to fight back, but you must awaken it."

Deyviel: (taking a deep breath) "How do I awaken this power? I feel so lost."

Voice from the Shadows: "You must connect with the shrine. The symbols you see are keys to your strength. Each one represents a part of your essence—courage, wisdom, resilience. Touch them, and you will begin to understand your true self."

"Ok, where are they?" Deyviel asks, looking around.

"First you must find the second piece of artifact to be able to uncle the second rune. Right now you have a fragment of the rune of resilience. You must find the other shrine to grab the other essence, but before that you'll face a trail if you're really capable of wielding it.

(Deyviel stands before the shrine, the air crackling with energy as the voice from the shadows resonates in his mind. He feels a surge of determination, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.)

Deyviel: "A trial? What kind of trial?"

Voice from the Shadows: "A test of your spirit and resolve. You must confront the darkness within you, the fears that hold you back. Only by overcoming them can you unlock the true potential of the rune."

(Deyviel nods, steeling himself. The forest around him begins to shift, the vibrant colors fading into a more muted palette. Shadows stretch and twist, forming dark figures that loom ominously.)

Deyviel: (taking a step back) "What are these things?"

Voice from the Shadows: "They are manifestations of your fears. Each one represents a doubt, a weakness you must face. Do not let them consume you."

(The shadows coalesce into three distinct figures: a monstrous version of himself, a shadowy figure representing his past failures, and a dark silhouette of someone he cares about, twisted in anguish.)

Deyviel: (voice trembling) "No, I can’t face this. I can’t fight myself."

Voice from the Shadows: "You must. Embrace your fears, acknowledge them, and then rise above them. Only then will you be worthy of the power you seek."

(Deyviel takes a deep breath, focusing on the monstrous version of himself. It snarls and lunges at him, but instead of running, Deyviel stands his ground.)

Deyviel: "You’re not me! You’re just a reflection of my doubts!"

(The monstrous figure hesitates, its form flickering. Deyviel feels a surge of courage as he confronts it.)

Deyviel: "I am not defined by my fears! I am stronger than you!"

"No, I am you! I am your regrets. You are weak; you can't save anyone with that little power you have. Just give up!!! Everyone will die! Because you are way too cocky and always throw jokes in everything to hide your feat and anxiety, but deep down you are just a scar kid!! " The monster copy of Deyviel shouted.

(Deyviel's heart races as the monstrous figure's words cut deep, but he refuses to back down. He clenches his fists, feeling the energy of the shrine pulsing through him.)

The shadows around him begin to swirl, and the other three figures—his past failures and the anguished silhouette—start to close in. Deyviel takes a step forward, focusing on the pain and regret they represent. And it changes into Ghelle, Elisia, and Christine. And Deyviel's eyes widen; the two are bloodied, and bodies are riddled with holes and stabs.

Deyviel: (voice shaking) "No! This can’t be happening! I couldn’t save them. I failed!" No no no, I,... I failed again. I... I couldn't save anyone," he said while crying.

Voice from the Shadows: "You must confront this pain, Deyviel. Acknowledge your failures, but do not let them define you. They are part of your journey, not the end of it."

(Deyviel feels a wave of despair wash over him, but he remembers the moments he shared with Ghelle, Elisia, and Christine—their laughter, their courage, and their unwavering support. He takes a deep breath, grounding himself in those memories.)

Deyviel: (voice steadying) "I won’t let this pain control me. I remember their strength, their hope. I can’t give up on them or myself!"

The shadowy figures pause, their forms flickering as Deyviel’s resolve strengthens. He steps forward, facing the figures of Ghelle, Elisia, and Christine.

Deyviel: "You both believed in me. I can’t let your sacrifices be in vain. I will fight for you, for everyone!"

(The shadows begin to dissolve, the anguish and regret transforming into a warm light that envelops Deyviel. He feels the energy of the shrine surge within him, igniting a fire of determination.)

Voice from the Shadows: "You are awakening your true potential, Deyviel. Embrace it. Let it guide you."

(Deyviel closes his eyes, focusing on the warmth spreading through him. The symbols on the shrine glow brighter, resonating with his newfound strength. He reaches out, touching the first symbol—courage.)

Deyviel: "I am brave. I will face whatever comes my way!"

(The symbol pulses with energy, and Deyviel feels a rush of power coursing through him. He opens his eyes, now filled with a fierce determination.)

Voice from the Shadows: "Now, face the final trial. You must confront the darkness that lies within your heart—the fear of failure, the fear of loss. Only then can you unlock the true essence of the rune." Find the other shrine; there are the next trails. Good luck, child.

Deyviel nods, ready to face whatever comes next. The forest around him shifts again, into all white. "I promise I'll save everyone. I won't let anyone die again!" He said to himself.

Meanwhile, on the other side

(The camera follows the hooded man as he approaches the cell, the dim light casting eerie shadows on the walls. The captives inside look weary and frightened, their eyes wide with fear as they sense the presence of the figure before them.)

Hooded Man: (voice low and menacing) "You’ve been waiting for me, haven’t you?"

(The captives exchange nervous glances, unsure of how to respond. One of them, a young woman with dirt-stained cheeks, steps forward.)

Young Woman: "Who are you? What do you want from us?"

Hooded Man: (chuckling softly) "My name doesn't matter. But I bring news that may interest you. Your friends are searching for you, and they will come. They always do," he said with a sly grin.

Captive 1: (voice trembling) "What do you mean? Are you working with them?"

Hooded Man: "Oh, no. I have no allegiance to your kind. I simply enjoy watching the chaos unfold. The more they search, the more desperate they become. And desperation leads to mistakes."

(The hooded man steps closer to the bars, his face still obscured by the hood. He leans in, his voice dropping to a whisper.)

Hooded Man: "You see, they believe they can save you. But what if I told you that their efforts are futile? What if I told you that I hold the key to your freedom?"

Captive 2: (defiantly) "We won’t listen to you! You’re just trying to manipulate us!"

Hooded Man: (smirking) "Am I? Or am I simply offering you a choice? You can wait for your friends to come and rescue you, or you can take matters into your own hands."

Young Woman: "What do you want from us?"

Hooded Man: "I want to see how far you’re willing to go to escape. I want to see if you’re willing to embrace the darkness that lies within you. Because, believe me, it’s there. It’s always been there."

(The captives look at each other, uncertainty etched on their faces. The hooded man straightens up, stepping back from the cell.)

Hooded Man: "Think about it. I’ll be watching. And when the time comes, you’ll know where to find me."

As they spoke, another step was heard and they approached them.

(The camera shifts to reveal a second figure, a tall, imposing man with a scar running down his cheek. He stands beside the hooded man, his presence radiating an air of authority and menace.)

"Oh, what a surprise for you, my king, to bestow us your presence, the hooded man said while bowing.

Scarred Man: (voice deep and commanding) "Enough of this charade. You think you can toy with their minds? They are already broken. They don’t need your whispers of darkness to lead them astray. And who is the key?"

"This one, my king, she is the senator Delion's daughter (pointing at Ghelle) Ghelle D. Delion.

Scarred Man: (narrowing his eyes) "The senator's daughter? Interesting. Her bloodline could be quite useful to us. But we need to ensure she understands the gravity of her situation."

Hooded Man: (smirking) "Exactly. She holds the potential to tip the scales in our favor. If she embraces the darkness, she could become a powerful ally."

Ghelle: (defiantly) "I won’t be a pawn in your game! You think you can manipulate me? You’re wrong!"

Scarred Man: (stepping closer to the cell) "Bravery is commendable, but it won’t save you. You’re trapped here, and your friends are out there, unaware of the true danger they face. They will come for you, but will they be strong enough to save you? Or will they fall into the same traps you’re caught in?"

Micah: (voice trembling) "What do you want from us? Why are you doing this?"

Hooded Man: (leaning against the bars) "Chaos, my dear. I thrive on chaos. The more fear and desperation, the more powerful I become. And you, my dear captives, are the perfect ingredients for my next grand spectacle."

Scarred Man: (turning to the hooded man) "Enough of your theatrics. We have a plan to execute, and we can’t afford any distractions. We need to prepare for the inevitable confrontation with the Black Order."

"Don't worry, my king, because... Balthazar belcegor Allen has plenty of traps and plans in store just for them," he said with a sly grin as the flicker of light revealed his full face.