Auforus was scrubbing down the diner’s counters when he heard the faint jingle of the doorbell. Surprised by the early visitor, he looked up. "Sorry, we’re not open yet," he called out, but the stranger just stood there silently. With a sigh, Auforus turned to Snow, who was wiping down tables. “Snow, could you see what this kid wants?”
Snow nodded, grabbing a menu with a cheerful smile and heading over to the visitor. "Hi there! Can I help you with anything?" she asked brightly. The stranger looked at her, his face unreadable under his hood.
“Do you have any connections with two beings named Moxie and Insanity?” the stranger asked, his voice low and icy.
Snow’s smile faltered. “No, I don’t know anyone by those names,” she replied cautiously.
The stranger chuckled, and before she could react, he slashed at her with a swift motion. Snow barely had time to gasp as a sharp pain shot through her eye, forcing her to stagger backward.
The figure stepped forward, finally revealing himself. "You can call me Judas," he said with a wicked smile. “And no, I’m not that Judas.” He laughed, his voice echoing in the quiet diner.
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Just then, Xero and Afuwafu appeared from the back, sensing Snow’s distress. Without hesitation, they attacked, but Judas was faster. He grabbed a knife from a nearby table and moved with deadly precision. In one swift move, he slashed Xero’s throat, sending her crashing into the diner wall, while Afuwafu was struck in the eyes and then stabbed repeatedly in the leg. Both struggled to retaliate, but Judas unsheathed a katana from his back and attacked them with blinding speed, leaving them on the floor, bleeding and barely conscious.
Xero tried to focus, fear gripping her as she faced Judas, unsure of his power. Then, she sensed Auforus approaching, his life force flaring with determination. Auforus aimed his weapon at Judas and fired a shot, but Judas dodged, managing to slash Auforus in the eye as he lunged away. Stumbling back, Auforus barely held himself upright, his vision blurred.
Judas clapped, his smirk widening. “Impressive. That weapon can rewrite reality itself,” he said. “But even that won’t save you.”
Realizing the danger, Auforus fired at the ground, creating a smokescreen as he grabbed Snow and the others, escaping before Judas could strike again. As Judas watched them vanish, he clenched his fists in frustration. “Can’t hide forever,” he muttered, looking up and offering a cold prayer to his god, AuthorM.
Auforus eventually reached Insanity’s hideout, carrying the wounded group. Insanity’s eyes widened as he saw the state they were in. “What happened?” he asked, rushing over.
Calypso quickly began treating Snow and Xero’s injuries, while Auforus caught his breath. “There was a man… calling himself Judas. He’s powerful. Stronger than any of the Sins we’ve encountered. He’s targeting Moxie and you. We barely got out alive.”
As Auforus spoke, a voice echoed in everyone’s minds, cold and taunting. *“I will take over this realm, and no one will stand in my way. Moxie and Insanity, your days are numbered.”*
Auforus clenched his fists, glancing at Insanity. “That was Judas. He’s not bluffing. He’s coming for us.”
Insanity nodded, sending waves of aura in an attempt to reach Moxie, but there was no response. He turned, his gaze fixed on the forest beyond. "We’ll need to be ready. This fight might be against someone stronger than even Pride… and it’s only just begun."