The Black Dragons returned to their headquarters under the cover of twilight. The once-gleaming city was still shrouded in the eerie presence of the towers, but for now, victory was theirs. They had crushed another stronghold, claiming the spoils of battle.
Inside their war room, a heavy but satisfied silence hung in the air. The battle had drained them, but for the first time in a long while, they felt stronger—more connected.
Alaric placed a small chest on the table, unlatching it with a quiet click. The glow of several Essence Stones bathed the room in an ethereal light, shimmering in hues of red, blue, and gold. These stones, known to enhance a person’s innate abilities, were treasures beyond value.
Torren whistled, picking up a fiery crimson stone. “Well, well. Looks like our hard work paid off.”
Sylvia held a deep azure stone between her fingers, feeling its power resonate with her own. “With these, we can push our abilities even further.”
Rina nodded, running her fingers over a golden-hued stone. “They will be useful in the battles ahead.”
As they each took their respective Essence Stones, feeling their energy surge within them, Hakan remained silent. His gaze wasn’t on the stones, but on something else entirely.
A weathered scroll sat on the table before him. Unlike the Essence Stones, it bore no radiant glow, no clear sign of power. Yet, something about it drew him in. The parchment was old, its edges frayed with time, the inked characters barely legible.
Is this… a martial arts manual?
Hakan slowly unfurled it, his eyes narrowing as he examined the strange symbols and intricate diagrams within. The movements depicted were unlike anything he had ever seen—fluid, yet destructive. Balanced, yet unpredictable. There was no name on the scroll, no indication of its origin. It was as if the technique itself had been lost to time.
Alaric leaned over, raising an eyebrow. “Find something interesting?”
Hakan didn’t answer immediately. He traced a finger along the faded strokes, feeling the weight of something ancient, something forgotten.
“I’m not sure yet,” he murmured. “But I intend to find out.”
As the others discussed their newfound strength, Hakan remained deep in thought.
Something about this scroll called to him.
And he was determined to uncover its secrets.
The dim glow of candlelight cast flickering shadows across Hakan’s Office the main area of the guild and a place where all the others satay and plan . He sat hunched over the ancient scroll, his twin swords, Eclipse Fang, resting beside him. His fingers traced the unfamiliar symbols on the parchment, trying to decipher the cryptic techniques detailed within. The movements drawn were unlike any swordsmanship he had ever encountered—fluid yet razor-sharp, demanding more than just strength.
He attempted to mimic one of the stances, but the moment he shifted his weight, a sharp strain shot through his muscles. His form collapsed slightly, his body untrained for the precision the scroll demanded.
Hakan exhaled, frustration creeping in. What is this technique?
A knock at the door broke his concentration.
Two Hero Accord officials entered, their expressions unreadable. They had been the same ones who initially evaluated the Black Dragons before they were officially recognized as a guild. One of them, an older man with silver-rimmed glasses, stepped forward and placed a sealed envelope on Hakan’s desk.
“The reservoirs have yielded treasures,” he stated in a monotone voice. “Under Hero Accord regulations, your guild is entitled to 70% of the spoils.”
Hakan took the envelope and tore it open, his eyes scanning the contents. A check for 200 million stared back at him.
His brow raised slightly. “Damn… this hero business pays well.”
The officials nodded stiffly before turning to leave, their presence vanishing as swiftly as they arrived.
Hakan leaned back in his chair, letting out a low breath. The Black Dragons had officially earned their keep—but money wasn’t what fueled him. He glanced at the scroll again, his fingers tightening slightly.
Strength. That was what mattered.
He fought to keep his eyes open, but exhaustion finally took hold. Before he could resist, his body slumped forward, head resting on the scroll. Within moments, he was asleep.
MEANWHILE…
In one of the cleared towers, Alaric and Torren stood amidst the remnants of battle, honing their abilities.
Alaric focused on his kinetic manipulation, pushing himself to absorb and redirect energy at a faster rate. Every punch he threw carried an unnatural weight, enhanced by his growing control over momentum.
Torren, on the other hand, stood in the center of a ring of fire. His flames danced wildly around him, coiling like living serpents as he practiced
refining their intensity. He concentrated, making them burn hotter, sharper, more controlled.
In a separate area, Sylvia and Rina trained together.
Sylvia conjured illusions, shifting the environment into deceptive landscapes, while Rina reinforced her barriers, ensuring that even under relentless attacks, her defenses would not falter. The two synchronized their abilities, testing how illusions and barriers could work in unison—tricking enemies into attacking false targets while protecting allies from real ones.
Hours passed before the team finally returned to headquarters.
As they entered, they were met with a sight none of them expected.
Hakan—passed out at his desk, scroll still open beneath him.
Sylvia stifled a laugh, her eyes twinkling. “Looks like someone worked himself to exhaustion.”
Torren grinned. “Never thought I’d see him sleep before any of us.”
Rina raised an eyebrow. “I wonder what’s in that scroll that had him up all night.”
Alaric, shaking his head with amusement, stepped closer and noticed the check on the desk. His sharp eyes scanned the numbers, and his expression briefly changed.
“200 million.” He let out a low whistle. “Not bad.” He picked it up and turned to Hakan’s safe. “I’ll transfer it into our accounts.”
As he walked off, the others continued to quietly joke about their usually unshakable leader being caught in such a vulnerable moment.
But just as Alaric was about to leave, Hakan stirred.
His eyes slowly opened, adjusting to the dim light. He blinked a few times before straightening himself, shaking off the remnants of sleep.
Then, his gaze hardened.
He rose to his feet.
“Alright, everyone. Team meeting. Now.”
The laughter immediately died down.
The Black Dragons knew—whenever Hakan called a meeting, something important was about to happen.
And this time, it had to do with their next move.
The Meeting Begins
The Black Dragons sat in the guild’s main office, a spacious yet modest apartment serving as their temporary headquarters. The room was illuminated by the soft glow of the evening sun streaming through the large window. The team sat around a rectangular table, with Hakan at the head, his expression calm but intense. Eclipse Fang rested against the table's edge, its twin blades a silent reminder of the challenges they had overcome.
Hakan’s voice broke the quiet. “We’ve done well so far, but this is just the beginning.” His eyes scanned the room, meeting each teammate’s gaze. “The towers surrounding this city aren’t going to clear themselves. We need to be ready—stronger, faster, and smarter than before.”
The room was silent, the weight of his words sinking in. Hakan continued, his voice steady but resolute. “And when the time comes, we’ll face the so-called King. Whatever power he holds, it won’t stop us.”
Alaric leaned back, crossing his arms with a determined glint in his eye. “Just say the word, and I’ll make sure we’re prepared.”
Sylvia, sitting beside him, smirked. “And I’ll work on the tactical plans. No way we’re going in blind.”
Torren cracked his knuckles, his usual confidence shining through. “Let’s show these towers why the Black Dragons aren’t to be messed with.”
Rina nodded quietly, her resolve clear in her steady gaze.
Hakan’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “Good. But there’s more we need to address before we move out.”
Hakan turned to Alaric first. “Your kinetic energy manipulation has been pivotal in our fights. But I want you to experiment further—channeling your energy through your sword.”
Alaric frowned slightly, intrigued. “What’s the advantage?”
“Precision and efficiency,” Hakan explained. “If you can infuse your strikes with kinetic energy, you’ll amplify the force of every swing. It’ll give you an edge in battle, especially against stronger foes. And,” he added, “you’ll conserve energy instead of using large, dispersed attacks.”
Alaric nodded slowly, already considering the possibilities. “I’ll give it a shot. Might take some practice to perfect, though.”
“Good,” Hakan said, turning to Sylvia and Rina. “Your teamwork has been impressive, but we need to refine it further. Sylvia, I want you to focus on maintaining longer-lasting illusions. Rina, work on making your barriers more versatile—see if you can shape them for both defense and offense.”
The two women exchanged a glance, then nodded in unison. “Understood,” Sylvia said, her voice steady.
“Got it,” Rina added. “I’ll push my limits.”
Finally, Hakan addressed Torren. “Your fire-based attacks are powerful, but we need to think about synergy. Work with Alaric to combine your abilities—controlled bursts of flame with kinetic energy behind them could be devastating.”
Torren grinned. “You’ve got it, boss.”
With the evaluations complete, Hakan leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Now, onto the next matter. We need a proper headquarters—something more than just this apartment. A place where we can train, plan, and rest.”
He looked at Alaric. “How much do we have left from the tower earnings?”
Alaric pulled out a small ledger, flipping through it. “We’ve only spent about 110 million so far. That leaves us with over 2 billion yen.”
Hakan nodded thoughtfully. “Good. I want a headquarters that has everything we need—training grounds, rest areas, meeting rooms, and space for future recruits. Something that can handle the scale of what we’re building.”
Rina hesitated before speaking. “I heard about a property in the south of the city. It’s in a less populated area, which makes it affordable and perfect for us to go all out without worrying about collateral damage.”
Hakan’s eyes lit up with interest. “That sounds promising. Alaric, Torren, I want you two to check it out tomorrow. See if it fits our needs.”
Alaric nodded. “Consider it done.”
Torren grinned. “Field trip, huh? I’m in.”
Hakan then turned to Sylvia and Rina. “While they’re scouting the property, I need the two of you to start looking for potential recruits. We’ll need more members if we’re going to take on the remaining towers.”
Sylvia smirked. “Leave it to us. We’ll find the best.”
Rina nodded firmly. “We won’t let you down.”
As the meeting adjourned, the team dispersed to their respective tasks. Hakan, however, lingered in the quiet apartment. The scroll he had found in the tower lay on the table before him, its intricate characters and diagrams illuminated by the soft glow of a nearby lamp.
He traced a finger along the parchment, his mind racing. The movements described within were unlike anything he had seen before—fluid, precise, and designed for a warrior without powers. It felt as though the scroll was calling to him, challenging him to master its secrets.
Hakan leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting to the window. The city skyline was dotted with the ominous silhouettes of the towers, their presence a constant reminder of the battles yet to come.
His thoughts turned to his team—their strengths, their determination, and the trust they had placed in him. He clenched his fists, a steely resolve settling in his chest.
“We’ll be ready,” he murmured to himself. “For the towers, the King, and whatever comes next.”
With that, he rose from his chair and headed to bed, his mind still swirling with plans and possibilities. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but he knew the Black Dragons would face them together.
Hakan was in the middle of reviewing the notes on the mysterious scroll when his communicator buzzed. The emblem of the Hero Accord flashed on the screen, signaling an official call. His brow furrowed as he accepted it.
“Mr. Hakan,” a formal voice greeted him. “This is Ayaka Ishiguro from the Hero Accord. We have an urgent matter that requires your immediate attention. A meeting has been scheduled at the Hero Accord headquarters in the capital regarding the towers. Your presence is non-negotiable.”
Hakan’s jaw tightened. “Understood. When do I leave?”
“There’s a flight arranged for you in three hours. A representative will meet you at the airport.”
“Got it,” Hakan said, ending the call.
He leaned back in his chair, processing the sudden shift in plans. He trusted the Hero Accord’s urgency but leaving the city meant temporarily handing over leadership of the Black Dragons.
Hakan dialed Alaric’s number. The line clicked, and Alaric’s voice came through. “What’s up, boss?”
“I need to leave the city for a while,” Hakan began. “The Hero Accord has called for an urgent meeting in the capital about the towers. Until I’m back, you’re in charge.”
Alaric’s tone grew serious. “Got it. Any specific instructions?”
“Keep the guild running smoothly. Check out the property Rina mentioned, and if it looks good, start the process of acquiring it. Also, ensure everyone stays sharp. I don’t want anyone slacking while I’m away.”
“You can count on me,” Alaric said confidently.
Hakan hesitated for a moment. “One more thing—if anything happens, don’t hesitate to act. Trust your instincts.”
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Alaric chuckled. “Hakan, we’ve got this. Go handle the Hero Accord. We’ll hold the fort.”
Hours later, Hakan stood at the city’s modest airport, his figure cloaked in an all-black ensemble. A long black coat, fitted with a hood that cast a shadow over his face, flowed around him with each step. The fabric glinted faintly under the terminal lights, its texture both durable and refined, offering a mix of practicality and mystery. Beneath the hood, his signature black mask concealed his features, leaving only his piercing eyes visible.
A duffel bag hung loosely over his shoulder, and his boots echoed softly against the tiled floor as he moved toward the gate. The terminal was quieter than usual, but a few onlookers recognized the enigmatic leader of the Black Dragons. They whispered among themselves, their curiosity piqued by his imposing yet enigmatic appearance.
A sleek, black sedan rolled up outside the private terminal. The Hero Accord representative stepped out, his posture stiff with professionalism. “Mr. Hakan,” the man greeted, bowing slightly. “This way, please.”
Without a word, Hakan nodded and slipped into the car’s back seat, his hooded form blending into the vehicle’s shadowy interior. As the sedan pulled away, the whispers in the terminal grew louder, but none dared approach him.
As the plane touched down, the scale of the capital city was immediately apparent. Towering skyscrapers lined the horizon, and the streets bustled with activity, a stark contrast to the relatively quiet city Hakan had been protecting.
At the airport, another Hero Accord envoy awaited him. “Mr. Hakan, welcome to the capital. The meeting is scheduled to start in an hour. This way, please.”
Hakan followed the envoy to a private helicopter that would take him directly to the Hero Accord headquarters. The gleaming, state-of-the-art building loomed ahead as the helicopter descended onto its rooftop helipad.
The Accord’s crest—a shield with a sword and laurel wreath—was etched into the glass facade, a symbol of unity and strength.
Hakan stepped off the helicopter, his long black coat trailing behind him as the wind from the rotors ruffled the rooftop. His hood remained up, the black mask obscuring his features, adding to the aura of mystery surrounding him. The towering glass structure of the Hero Accord headquarters was a testament to the nation’s dedication to its protectors.
A security team guided him to an elevator that whisked him down to the main lobby. As the doors opened, the sight before him was striking: heroes from across the nation filled the expansive hall. The gathering was a testament to the gravity of the situation, and the tension in the air was palpable.
Each hero wore distinct outfits representing their guilds, and conversations buzzed in clusters as they discussed strategies, their recent battles, and the looming tower crisis. Among them were nine guild leaders, easily distinguishable by their commanding presence.
Hakan moved silently through the crowd, his dark attire making him stand out against the colorful uniforms of the other guild members.
Two figures in particular drew his attention. They exuded an unmistakable aura of power, their mere presence silencing the conversations around them.
Kaede Arashi – Guild: Tempest Vanguard
Kaede was a six-star hero whose ability, “Stormcaller,” allowed her to control and summon powerful storms. Her silver armor shimmered like lightning, and the twin swords at her back crackled faintly with electricity. Her piercing blue eyes met Hakan’s as she approached.
“So, you’re the Black Dragon,” she said, her tone even but tinged with curiosity. “Clearing a tower single-handedly is no small feat.”
Hakan inclined his head slightly. “It wasn’t just me. My team played their part.”
Kaede smirked. “Modest. That’s rare among heroes.”
Raiden Jin – Guild: Obsidian Wardens
Raiden, the second six-star hero, stood beside Kaede. His imposing frame was wrapped in dark armor that seemed to absorb the light around him. His ability, “Void-breaker,” allowed him to manipulate gravitational fields, crushing enemies or creating shields of immense density.
“I’ve heard rumors,” Raiden said, his voice deep and resonant. “A six-star that relizes on brute force more than his powers.”
Hakan met his gaze without flinching. “You’ll find rumors don’t do justice to reality.”
Raiden chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. “We’ll see.”
Before the conversation could go further, the sound of a bell chiming echoed through the hall, and the crowd fell silent. Shiro Tanaka, the chairman of the Hero Accord, descended from the grand staircase, flanked by two attendants. His presence commanded respect, and his sharp eyes scanned the room before he addressed the gathering.
“Heroes,” he began, his voice carrying through the room with practiced authority. “The towers are multiplying, and the stakes have never been higher. I thank each of you for answering the call. Leaders, follow me. The rest of you, standby for instructions.”
Tanaka’s gaze briefly lingered on Hakan, a small nod of acknowledgment passing between them.
Hakan, Kaede, Raiden, and the other guild leaders followed Tanaka into a large conference room on the top floor.
The conference room was a masterpiece of modern architecture, with a long glass table at its center and holographic displays lining the walls. The ten guild leaders took their seats, each exuding a commanding presence that underscored their reputations as the nation’s strongest heroes.
Hakan sat at one end of the table, his black hood casting a shadow over his face, masking his thoughts. To his left and right were the other leaders, a formidable assembly of strength and strategy. The air in the room was thick with unspoken tension, the weight of their collective responsibilities pressing down on everyone.
The door at the far end of the room opened, and a tall, composed official stepped in. He was dressed in a sharp navy suit, his badge of authority gleaming on his chest. His voice was clear and professional as he began.
“Good evening, leaders. On behalf of the Hero Accord, I thank you all for gathering on such short notice. You are the pillars of strength for this nation, and it is an honor to address you.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room. “Before we begin, let us formally introduce the distinguished leaders present today.”
The holographic displays flickered to life, showing the names, guilds, and symbols associated with each leader.
The official gestured toward the first figure. “Representing the Tempest Vanguard, we have Kaede Arashi, known as the Stormcaller. Her ability to command the skies with devastating precision is unparalleled.”
Kaede nodded, her sharp blue eyes scanning the room.
He moved to the next. “From the Obsidian Wardens, Raiden Jin, the Voidbreaker. His mastery over destructive energy has turned the tide of countless battles.”
Raiden inclined his head, his massive frame and dark armor radiating quiet power.
“Selena Voss, leader of the Lunar Sentinels. Her Celestial Veil grants her control over moonlight, blending elegance with overwhelming force.”
Selena offered a serene smile, her silver robes shimmering faintly.
“Dante Cross, Infernal Aegis, representing the Infernal Vanguard. His power to wield molten lava makes him a walking force of nature.”
Dante smirked, his fiery red hair and crimson armor making him an imposing figure.
“Aria Lysander of the Ethereal Blades. Known as Phantom Strikes, her ability to phase through objects and strike from any angle is both deadly and elusive.”
Aria gave a small nod, her calculating eyes observing the room.
“Victor Steele, Titan’s Might, leads the Iron Dominion. His indomitable strength and metal transformation make him a cornerstone of defense and offense.”
Victor grunted in acknowledgment, the sound of grinding metal accompanying the motion.
“Liora Ashen of the Solar Legion, the wielder of Solar Flare. Her radiant energy shields and searing attacks embody the power of the sun.”
Liora sat confidently, her golden armor glinting under the overhead lights.
“Ezekiel Thorn of the Shadow Reapers. His ability, Shadewalk, allows him to move unseen and strike from the shadows with surgical precision.”
Ezekiel’s piercing green eyes glinted as he remained silent, shrouded in his dark cloak.
“Mira Solis, Shardweaver, representing the Crystal Vanguard. Her crystalline constructs provide unmatched versatility on the battlefield.”
Mira offered a small, polite smile, her crystalline staff shimmering faintly.
Finally, the official turned to Hakan. “And Hakan, leader of the Black Dragons. A new six start hero emerging from the ashes of the towers though his ability still unknown he posses sheer strength and agility that makes him a strong 6 start hero.”
The room shifted slightly, a murmur of respect mixed with curiosity passing through the heroes. Hakan remained still, his hood shadowing his face, projecting quiet strength.
As the official stepped back, the room’s lights dimmed slightly, and the door opened once more. A man in a white lab coat entered, carrying a tablet. He was in his late forties, his face lined with stress.
Dr. Marcus Elenwood, head of the Hero Accord’s Tower Research Division, introduced himself. “Leaders, I regret that our first meeting is under such dire circumstances. What I am about to share requires your immediate attention.”
Here’s the revised and more detailed continuation with added pacing, natural responses, and Hakan's insights about the King:
As Dr. Marcus Elenwood displayed the glowing tower map on the holographic screens, the room fell into an uneasy silence.
“The energy surges we’ve detected are unlike anything we’ve seen before. They’re spiking simultaneously across multiple towers,” he began, his tone measured but urgent. “Based on the patterns, we estimate that a tower break is imminent—and this time, it won’t be just one tower. If our calculations are correct, several towers could break simultaneously within the next week.”
A sharp intake of breath rippled through the room.
Dante Cross leaned forward, his fiery presence commanding attention. “Simultaneous breaks? You’re saying this could hit every major city at once?”
Dr. Elenwood nodded grimly. “Precisely. If we don’t act, the devastation will be catastrophic—loss of life, infrastructure collapse, and the unleashing of countless creatures far beyond what we’ve faced before.”
Selena Voss, calm but with a hint of tension in her voice, asked, “What’s causing this? Towers don’t just destabilize on their own.”
The scientist hesitated before replying. “We believe the towers are reacting to an external force. Something—or someone—is triggering this reaction.”
The tension in the room spiked as the leaders processed the revelation.
Raiden Jin crossed his arms, his voice low and sharp. “You’re telling us there’s someone out there who can control these towers? How is that even possible?”
Aria Lysander leaned back in her chair, her gaze narrowing. “If this is true, we’re not just dealing with a force of nature. We’re dealing with an enemy who knows how to weaponize it.”
Victor Steele’s metallic fingers tapped rhythmically on the table. “And we’re running out of time to figure out who—or what—it is.”
Kaede Arashi frowned, her fingers idly tapping the armrest. “If this is external manipulation, the High Tower has to be involved. It’s the center of all this.”
At the mention of the High Tower, all eyes turned to Hakan, still sitting at the end of the table, his hood casting a shadow over his face.
Hakan shifted in his seat, his calm, measured voice cutting through the rising tension. “There’s someone in the High Tower who calls himself the King. My team and I encountered his presence after clearing one of the lower towers.”
The room fell silent, every leader now focused on him.
“The King isn’t just a name,” Hakan continued. “He’s real. He claimed to be the one who oversees the towers, controlling their power and movements. He spoke as if this entire system—these breaks, these creatures—is his design. If anyone is responsible for what’s happening now, it’s him.”
Liora Ashen’s golden eyes widened slightly. “And you’re only bringing this up now?”
Hakan’s tone remained steady. “I didn’t have proof before. I still don’t. But if the towers are reacting to an external force, then it matches what he told me. He sees himself as the architect of this chaos.”
Dante let out a low growl. “You’re saying this King is pulling the strings? That he’s the one forcing these towers to break?”
Hakan nodded. “That’s my suspicion. He wants us to act—whether it’s out of desperation or some bigger plan, I don’t know. But he’s testing us, and these simultaneous surges aren’t a coincidence.”
Ezekiel Thorn’s voice was calm but laced with intrigue. “If this King is behind it, why hasn’t he made his move directly? Why hide behind the towers?”
Hakan shook his head. “He doesn’t see us as equals. In his mind, we’re obstacles, not threats. If he’s truly the one manipulating the towers, then he’s playing a long game. The breaks are his way of watching how we respond, testing our strength and unity.”
Mira Solis tapped her crystalline staff lightly on the floor. “If he’s testing us, then he must be preparing for something bigger. This isn’t just about survival anymore—it’s about strategy. He’s forcing us to divide our resources.”
Kaede frowned, her voice cold. “Then we can’t give him what he wants. We have to strike at the High Tower before he forces our hand.”
Selena raised a hand, her voice calm but commanding. “Attacking prematurely could be a mistake. We need to understand his endgame before we act. Rushing in blind will only make things worse.”
The weight of the situation settled over the room. Every leader seemed lost in thought, weighing the risks and stakes.
Dr. Elenwood broke the silence. “We’ll continue to analyze the energy surges and gather as much data as we can. But time is against us. We need decisive action—and soon.”
Hakan leaned forward, his voice steady and resolute. “Then we act. Split our forces, clear the destabilizing towers, and gather intelligence along the way. The High Tower remains the key, but we can’t approach it without preparation.”
Raiden nodded. “Agreed. We take out the weaker towers first and ensure the cities are secure. Then we focus everything we have on the King.”
Victor grunted in agreement. “This is war now. And we fight to win.”
Hakan stood on the high balcony of the Hero Accord’s war room, staring out at the neon-lit city skyline. The distant towers pulsed with an ominous glow, a sign of the storm to come. His fingers curled into fists at his sides, his breath steady but his mind racing. He had spent his life as a spectator, watching others rise, watching others fight. Now, the weight of leadership pressed against his back like an iron hand.
Footsteps approached. Heavy. Controlled. Raiden Jin.
The massive warrior stopped a few feet away, arms crossed over his dark armor, his piercing gaze studying Hakan’s frame. Unlike the others, Raiden wasn’t dismissing him. He was measuring him.
"You remind me of someone I once knew," Raiden said, his voice rough, worn from battles past. "A boy who fought against the impossible. But you’re different."
Hakan exhaled through his nose. "How so?"
"You don’t fear death, do you?"
Hakan let the question hang in the air. He could have lied. He could have told Raiden what most men wanted to hear—something about courage, about honor. But he wasn’t most men.
"I’ve already lost too much to fear it," he replied, his voice quiet but sharp.
Raiden didn’t press further. He didn’t need to. He understood loss, the kind that hollowed a man out and filled him with something colder.
A faint hum of electricity filled the air. Kaede Arashi leaned against the stone railing beside them, her arms folded, eyes fixed on Hakan with something between curiosity and calculation. The air around her crackled, charged with energy—not enough to be threatening, but enough to remind him of who she was.
"I don’t get you," she admitted, tilting her head slightly. "You carry yourself like a warrior, but deep down, there’s something else."
Hakan turned his gaze to her, unreadable.
"A monster, maybe?"
A slow, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. "Maybe I am."
Kaede narrowed her eyes. She had seen countless warriors, men who wielded power like weapons, who let their abilities define them. But Hakan had none of that. No gifts. No overwhelming strength. Just sheer, unshakable will. And yet, something in him felt dangerous, something she couldn’t quite name.
For the first time in years, Kaede felt unsettled—not by power, but by the unknown.
The war table was set. Ten leaders. Ten legacies. One mission.
Hakan took a deep breath, his hands steady against the cold metal of the war table. The flickering holographic display of the towers cast an eerie glow on the faces around him. He could see it in their eyes—determination, doubt, calculation. Each leader had their own reasons for being here, their own motivations. But in this moment, they needed unity.
“We need to decide the teams now,” Hakan said, his voice firm. “Each team will have one six-star hero leading it. The rest will follow based on compatibility. This isn’t just about power—it’s about strategy.”
A moment of silence passed before Kaede Arashi stepped forward. “I’ll take the first team.” She glanced at the display, her sharp blue eyes analyzing the towers. “I’ll need speed and precision. My team’s task will be to suppress the breaks and contain as many creatures as possible before they reach the cities.”
Selena Voss’s silver robes shimmered slightly as she stepped forward. “Then I’ll go with you. My illusions and moonlight strikes can keep them disoriented while we clear the threats efficiently.”
Liora Ashen crossed her arms, her golden armor gleaming under the lights. “If we’re talking about suppression, then you need me. My Solar Flare ability can create barriers strong enough to block their escape and incinerate anything trying to break through.”
Mira Solis tapped her crystalline staff against the ground, her voice steady. “And I’ll complete the team. My constructs can reinforce your defenses and provide additional versatility in combat.”
Kaede smirked. “Looks like I’ve got a team of tacticians and powerhouses. Perfect.”
Raiden Jin, his massive frame radiating quiet strength, rolled his shoulders. “That leaves me with the defensive front.” His gaze swept across the room, stopping on Victor Steele. “Victor, you’re with me. We need raw power to hold the lines.”
Victor let out a low chuckle. “I was hoping you’d say that.” His metallic fists clenched. “I’ll be the wall. Nothing gets past us.”
Dante Cross, the Infernal Aegis, cracked his knuckles, flames flickering around his fingertips. “You’ll need me too. If we’re protecting the cities, I can create barriers of molten rock, forcing them into choke points.”
Raiden nodded approvingly. “Good. With this team, we keep the people safe while the others handle the towers.”
That left only one team. The most dangerous mission.
Hakan straightened, feeling the weight of their gazes on him.
“I’ll take the High Tower.”
The room fell silent.
Aria Lysander, who had remained quiet until now, finally spoke. “You don’t have powers like the rest of us.” Her voice wasn’t mocking, just stating a fact. “Yet you’re choosing the most dangerous path.”
Hakan met her gaze without hesitation. “Because I’m the only one who has spoken with the King before. And if we want to stop this, we need to understand his endgame.”
Aria studied him for a moment, then nodded. “Then I’m going with you. You’ll need someone who can slip through their defenses unnoticed.”
That left one final person.
Selena Voss turned her gaze toward the last remaining leader. “Ezekiel, where do you belong?”
Ezekiel exhaled slowly. “Hakan.”
Everyone turned to him, but he didn’t flinch under their scrutiny.
“I’ve spent my life moving unseen, striking from the darkness. If this King truly is watching, then you’ll need someone who can disappear when needed. Someone who can gather intel without being noticed.”
Hakan gave a small nod. “Then we’re set.”
Kaede crossed her arms. “Three teams, three missions. We move at dawn three days from now.”
Hakan looked at each of them in turn. They weren’t just warriors. They were legends, each with the strength to change the tide of battle.
But this war wasn’t about individual strength.
It was about survival.
And soon, they would find out if they were ready.
Raiden Jin stood at the head of the table, his dark armor glistening in the dim light of the war room. He held the weight of their plans on his shoulders, the lives of many dependent on their success. With a steady breath, he spoke, his voice cutting through the tense air.
“The teams are set,” Raiden announced, his voice deep and resolute. “Team One, under Kaede Arashi’s command, will consist of Kaede Arashi, Selena Voss, Liora Ashen, and Mira Solis. Your mission is to handle the northern towers and prevent the breaks from spilling into the cities. You’ll be our first line of defense.”
Raiden’s gaze flicked to Kaede, whose steely blue eyes met his with a silent acknowledgment.
“Team Two, my team, will consist of Raiden Jin, Victor Steele, and Dante Cross. We’ll handle the defensive lines, fortifying the cities and holding back the creatures. The cities must stand at all costs.”
The room quieted as Raiden paused. He turned his focus to Hakan, his eyes meeting his fellow leader’s steady gaze.
“And Team Three,” Raiden continued, “will be led by Hakan, and his team will consist of Aria Lysander and Ezekiel Thorn. Their task is to infiltrate and disable the source of the breaks—the High Tower. Hakan’s previous encounter with the King gives him the edge on this mission.”
There was a moment of silence as the teams settled into place. As the final names hung in the air, the heavy door to the war room opened, and the Chief stepped in, his presence commanding immediate attention. His uniform was crisp, his expression unreadable, and his gaze sweeping over the room with the sharpness of one accustomed to power.
“Report, Arashi,” the Chief said, his voice calm but firm, with no hint of subordination—just mutual respect between equals.
Kaede Arashi, always poised and unshaken, met his gaze directly. “The teams have been selected, Chief. We’ve divided our forces based on strategic priorities. Team One will move towards the northern towers, clearing the area of any threats while maintaining control over the cities. Their primary focus is to contain the surges and prevent mass destruction.”
The Chief’s eyes flickered briefly to Raiden before returning to Kaede. “And Team Two?”
“Raiden’s team will fortify the cities and neutralize any threats before they can escalate. With their strength and firepower, they’ll ensure that nothing slips through to the population. We can’t afford any vulnerabilities.” Kaede’s tone was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge of urgency in her voice.
“And Team Three?” The Chief’s gaze now turned fully to Hakan, who stood silently at the back of the room.
Kaede took a breath before continuing. “Team Three, under Hakan’s leadership, will be tasked with reaching the High Tower. Hakan has had previous contact with the King, so his knowledge of the situation makes him the ideal leader for this mission. The goal is to infiltrate and dismantle the source of the breaks before they escalate further.”
The Chief’s brow furrowed as he considered the plan. “You’re confident this will work? The High Tower is no small target.”
Kaede’s gaze remained steady. “We have no choice. The King is the key to this entire crisis. If we don’t take him out, the breaks will continue—and the damage will be catastrophic. This is our best shot.”
The Chief was silent for a moment, his eyes scanning the room, before he nodded slowly. “Very well. You have four days to prepare. Don’t waste a moment.”
With that, the Chief turned and exited the room, his footsteps echoing in the stillness that followed. The leaders stood in silence for a moment, the weight of the upcoming mission pressing heavily on them.
Kaede met Raiden’s eyes, her expression resolute. “We move out in four days. Let’s make sure we’re ready.”
The room buzzed with an unspoken understanding. The time for planning was over—now, they would prepare for war.