“Shouldn’t you be training, brute?” Euthemia snarled.
She was seated in a small stool in front of a mirror, gently brushing her hair next to her bed. Her room was neatly organized, painted in a soft pink with a flowery design—with a queen-sized bed displaying a darker tone of the same color. Sitting at the edge of her window in a relaxed position was Loki—who observed the mostly abandoned capital of Heildin in the distance, illuminated by the silver light of the moon.
“I had enough for today,” the knight replied. “Paradise has become quite boring since Atalanta left.”
“Then why did you come to my room, idiot? Go find someone to kill you or whatever it is that you do.”
Stepping off from the window to plant his feet on the ceramic floor, Loki strolled towards a small wooden chair near Euthemia’s bed—spinning it backwards with a quick motion to sit himself down, resting his arms on the back of the chair.
“As if anything could even come close to it…” the knight smirked. “Still, I came here to ask a few questions.”
“Uh?” the man’s words caught the princess’ attention—turning her head to notice the flying picture floating in her direction.
Euthemia quickly caught the small item in her hand, laying her brush on the bed. Her eyes concentrated on a woman walking the street—slightly hidden within a large crowd, with the focus of the lens centered around her. It took the princess a few quick seconds to remember her face, turning towards Loki with a frown.
“Yech, what do you want with her?”
“Nothing much,” the knight said as he smirked. “I just need a few short descriptions of a place you’ve been at before… a place you both met in fact.”
Euthemia moved his gaze to glance at Loki, her eyebrow raised with puzzlement and curiosity. “Place…? Ah… Hmph!” she huffed, flinging the picture on top of her bed. “Why do you have to act like that for such a simple question? You really are nothing but a child, you boor.”
Cerberus HQ, Near Deadlands Border: 936, August 12th, Sunday, 2:00 PM.
At headquarters, where the combined armies of Hydra and Chimera awaited orders from their commanders—led personally by their respective CEOs. Arwen guided both groups near the massive rampart protecting HQ from the Deadlands, the once clear blue sky turning into a hellish crimson the closer the walked to it. All three parties stopped in front of a gigantic gate of reinforced concrete and steel.
“I’m not impressed,” Boris—CEO of the company known as hydra began to speak. “But it is clear by the lack of troops patrolling the area, that your company simply does not have the firepower to protect this place anymore.”
Arwen—who was escorted by a few loyal officers and soldiers from the empire, fixed his glasses. “Your numbers may be larger, but that only means more sacrifices you are willing to throw at the Deadlands.” he stated. “We know how to fight the specters, even with numbers as small as ours. You will only send millions to their deaths.”
“Who are you trying to persuade?” Boris retorted. “This isn’t a meeting at Heildin we gathered for.”
A redhead woman stepped in next to Boris, her strict look and demeanor displaying years of experience in her field. Her name was Sara Endel, CEO of Chimera and mother to Tori. She looked at Awren with a firm look, offering her opinion on the matter.
“We are all aware of the empire’s support towards your company, but this is a matter for Hemel to resolve.” she stated. “We are the ones suffering under the influence of the Deadlands, and while the empire has taken on many refugees this year…”
“They hide themselves on the other side of the ocean, thinking they will be safe forever.” Boris interrupted Sara. “You allowed the Deadlands to expand all the way to the south. We have gathered the support of most of the continent by now, and have installed multiple outposts near Pelkesk and Heildin. Also…” the man looked behind from over his shoulder, smirking at his soldiers with a nod.
Five soldiers clad in blue combat armor stepped forward from the front line of Hydra’s army, displaying an almost futuristic look in their attire. Their faces were covered by visored-helmets, and various tubes could be seen connecting from their back into their arms and legs—pumping a strange liquid into their bodies.
“These warriors you see here, are an experiment years in the making.” Boris proudly announced. “Super soldiers, possessing the strength of a gladean knight. These… are humanities knights. Far beyond the strength of any soldier you could ever bring to your decaying company.”
Sara pushed the bridge of her glasses, offering further explanation. “With the technology of Hydra, and the experiments we’ve been carrying at Chimera. We’ve devised a way to enhance human strength beyond its normal capabilities,” she told Arwen with a calm demeanor. “I know you may disagree with our methods, but these fighters are fearless and only care about the task at hand.” she continued. “This isn’t about a rivalry between us, or a fight for territory. It’s about the future and our planet. Step down, and help us put an end to this conflict once and for all.”
“When it comes to saving the world from the specters, any sacrifice made is well worth it.” Boris claimed. “Or would you rather see humanity’s extinction instead? Even someone like you must agree that this is the only path forward.”
“That must be the serum the lieutenant failed to retrieve…” Arwen thought while clenching his jaw—observing the strange liquid pumping into the modified soldiers’ veins. “Could they really be as strong as a gladean knight?”
“Give up headquarters, Arwen.” Boris warned. “Or we will be compelled to take it by force.”
“I—”
An abrupt tremor interrupted Arwen just as he began to open his mouth, forcing everyone to plant their feet or crouch in order to retain their balance. The sudden earthquake came to a stop as its violent outburst faded slowly—giving all present at HQ a moment to breath, a moment that would last for merely a second.
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“What was…” Boris began his protest, quickly biting down on his own words as his gaze turned upwards towards the massive rampart in front of him.
At the top of the wall, pressing its fingers on the sturdy concrete structure protecting headquarters, was the massive hand of a specter—crimson glowing veins running across its fissured black exoskeleton. The combined army of hydra and Chimera instinctively broke formation—slowly stepping away from the creature. Sara retreated quickly behind her red armored officers, with her eyes wide open in shock at the massive proportions of the demon.
“It’s…” she swallowed her own saliva before continuing. “It’s more intimidating in person for sure…”
Raising its head to peek over the rampart, the skulled demon’s sunken eyes glowed with a fierce red as it observed the large gathering in front of it—like a massive army of ants gathered in one place. Emitting a low growl, the Wendigo slowly lifted its body to tower over the massive wall of HQ—revealing its gaunt appearance, and matted hair covering parts of its chest and shoulders.
“W—why now?” Arwen said to himself, sweat drops of sweat rolling down his face.
A second growl could be heard from within the monster’s chest. Its jaw opened slowly, before the demon snapped it open into a nightmare inducing screech. The earsplitting sounds of its screams forced all present to cover their ears, screaming alongside the beast. Joining with the screeches of the beast and cries of the people, was Cerberus’ alert siren as it fired off in the region.
Boris’ breath quivered at the presence of the giant monster, turning quickly to command his warriors. “This is what we brought you for… deal with that thing!” he shouted. “Show Cerberus our superior technology!”
Fearless and incapable of sensing the danger that the demon represented, the five enhanced soldiers from Chimera and Hydra charged valiantly at the monster. They carried a new type of blade developed by Hydra itself—utilizing heat to melt and slice anything that crosses their way. They climbed the wall in a way no normal person could possibly achieve, standing at the top of the rampart to face the Wendigo.
“Stop them!” Arwen yelled at Boris. “You’ll get them all killed!”
“I guess we’ll find out sooner or later…” Sara whispered to herself—hiding behind her army with gritted teeth—fearing for her life.
The enhanced warriors leaped at the demon in a combined assault—starting from the creature’s limbs. One of them plunged its sword in the arm of the specter—burning through its exoskeleton with relative ease, another pair ran across its second arm—distracting the creature as it attempted to swayed them off. Having its attention drawn to one of its limbs, the remaining two soldiers used the opportunity to attack the monster’s core—jumping from its arm into its chest with an inhuman level of strength. They mercilessly plunged their blazing weapons into the specter’s chest, pulling upwards to slice its core in half.
“…!” a gasp escaped from between Arwen’s lips—shocked at the effectiveness of the modified soldiers.
As the Wendigo stood motionless with its core split in half, Boris’ face shifted from shock to a confident smirk—turning to look at Arwen’s baffled expression. “Our soldiers are nothing but the best humanity has to offer, Arwen. No gladean knights, no gods or divine powers. Our greatest strength is our technology, and with th—”
A crunching sound that echoed across the region suddenly caused Boris to seal his mouth—like a group of chips being crushed under someone’s hand. Hydra’s owner slowly turned his head to check on his warriors as silence reign over headquarters, a crimson fog lurking closer and closer at everyone’s feet. There was little reaction from the hundreds gathered around, reinforcements from Cerberus’ barracks arrived only to plant their feet on the ground—watching in complete horror at the towering demon.
Another low growl escaped from the creature’s chest, with one of its hands pressed tightly together into a ball. A cascade of crimson leaked from within the lines if its fingers—the blood of its victims pouring down its exoskeletal hand. Unscathed by the attacks of its foes, the core resting inside the chest of the demon slowly fused itself back together, recovering its original form in mere seconds.
“But… how…” Sara panted—a thought crossing her mind in a flash. “Tori… does she really…?”
Cerberus HQ, CEO’s office: 936, August 12th, Sunday, 2:00 PM.
Seated behind his desk with little concern, keeping one leg crossed on top of the other. Sovereign rested his head on one fist while observing the red fog through his window, emotionlessly staring into the depths of the Deadlands. In between two fingers of his right hand, he played with a small red and white pill he moved in between them.
“What an insult... to come into my home with such claims.”
“Sovereign,” Yeon’s voice called out from the entrance as she stepped inside the office—closing the door behind her. “Take your medicine.”
“I should be more effective without it,” the man replied—his voice slightly distorted. “My body can take a little more now, aren’t you happy to hear it?”
“I am,” Yeon calmly answered—casually approaching the man’s desk. “Now take the medicine. Don’t make me stick it down your throat again.”
“…”
“Loewe.”
Sovereign exhaled through his nose, emitting a low grunting sound. “Sorry…” he said, bringing the pill to his mouth, swallowing the small item in one gulp. “How is everyone?” he asked while rubbing his forehead.
“Just another earthquake this year,” taking a seat, Yeon replied while laying some papers on top of the desk. “We can still operate somewhat normally, assuming Hydra and Chimera decide to leave.”
“Right… what about the emperor and Gaspard?”
“The emperor is in safe hands, but I received a report that Loki was involved.”
“That means Theo should be somewhere here in Hemel, possibly the Deadlands.” Sovereign said. “Although I didn’t think they would send Loki for such a task… but there’s no way I’m missing something.”
“How do you want us to deal with the Wendigo by the way?” Yeon asked. “I don’t feel like becoming food for the specters today, a sentiment we all share here at the company.”
“I already got it covered…” Sovereign replied. “I made a call earlier, just in case things got a bit out of control.”
“Excellent,” standing from her chair—Yeon observed Sovereign’s back as he continued to look outside through the window. “I’ll bring you something to eat, any preferences?”
“Heh,” a quick chuckle escaped the man’s lips. “How about some rice with vegetables? You used to make some for mom and I, remember?”
“I’ll just buy it this time,” Yeon replied with a smile. “Stay here, and avoid doing anything stupid.”
“Ma’am yes ma’am.”
Northern Region of the Deadlands, Near Cerberus’ Borders: 936, August 12th, Sunday, 2:00 PM.
Having cut her way through the hellish zone of the Deadlands—with a little assistance form Heretic along the way, an armored clad knight rapidly sprinted through the scorched earth and red fog of the zone—slashing any opponent in her way. In the distance, somewhat near her position, she could see the crimson glow of a gigantic demon threatening the safety of Cerberus—prompting her to hasten her steps.
“What the hell is going on…” Eutychia muttered.
A specter suddenly leaped in her way, emerging from within the shadows of the fog. Skillfully rolling under the sharp claws of the demonic creature, the princess spun around to reposition herself and face the specter. A muscular monster of humanoid shape, with claws and teeth as sharp as the princess’ blade.
“More?” she whispered—glancing around to spot a small horde of approaching demons surrounding her. “I’ll make quick work of you all…” unsheathing the sword safeguarded in her lower back, the princess held her weapon with a reversed grip—pointing the tip of the blade towards the crimson sky. “Now… out of my way!”
END OF CHAPTER