Before the Battle Began

The warehouse echoed with the clash of metal and low grunts. Sweat dripped from the recruits' faces as they struggled to wield their weapons. A heavy mix of determination and fear filled the air, signaling the storm ahead.

Aria stood beside me, worry etched on her face. "They're not ready," she murmured. "None of them are. How can we possibly face the Diablomon like this?"

I watched a recruit flail his sword wildly, barely aiming. "Unless Diablomon fears wild swinging, we're in serious trouble."

Aria shot me a sharp glare. "Eric, this isn't a joke. We're talking about a demon lord here."

"I know," I said, raising my hands defensively. "But come on! Watching that guy fight himself? A sight to behold!"

Her lips twitched, but seriousness returned. "They need discipline. They have to be prepared."

"I agree," I replied, pointing at the same recruit, nearly hitting another trainee. "But unless you have a magic potion for competence, we're stuck with this crew."

She sighed deeply. "We don't have time for real training. Diablomon could strike at any moment, and these people are just not ready."

I locked eyes with her, recognizing the fatigue. "Listen, Aria, we might not have the best soldiers, but we've got heart. Sometimes, that's enough to turn the tide."

She gave me a doubtful look. "Heart won't protect us from a demon lord."

"True," I conceded. "But thinking outside the box might. Diablomon's powerful, but he's not invincible. He fears losing control. If we can leverage that fear, we might stand a chance."

Aria frowned, contemplating. "You really believe we can use his fear against him?"

I nodded, watching another recruit drop his weapon. "Fear can be a weapon, Aria. Right now, we need every edge. What's scarier than a bunch of recruits fumbling? If we can make it look like they know what they're doing—and throw in some yelling—we might confuse Diablomon long enough to strike."

She raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement. "Your grand plan is to drown him in chaos?"

"Hey, chaos got me through childhood," I grinned. "Why not now?"

Her smile was small but genuine. "This is why I keep you around, Eric. Not for your fighting skills, but for your terrible jokes."

"Hey, at least I'm good for something," I said with a wink. But deep down, I knew we were both terrified. We were stepping into a fight that seemed impossible.

Later that night, I returned to my room, replaying our conversation. I closed the door and collapsed onto the bed with a long sigh.

I recalled that night in the forest when everything changed. I was just a scared kid, lost and vulnerable. The wind howled, whispering secrets I couldn't grasp, shadows moving menacingly.

Then, out of nowhere, a glowing figure appeared. It spoke to me with a voice resonating deep within, filling me with strength and power I never knew I had. From that moment on, I was transformed—stronger, more capable.

I reached for the pendant around my neck, feeling its warmth pulse gently, as if attuned to my thoughts. It was the same pendant from that night, reminding me of the power coursing through me.

"This isn't who I was meant to be," I whispered. "I wasn't destined for this…"

But the forest had chosen me. Whatever it saw in me, whatever it gifted me, I couldn't deny my transformation. I had a duty, whether I accepted it or not.

I closed my eyes, seeking sleep, but my mind raced. My dreams had grown strange—filled with unfamiliar places and faces. Tonight would likely be no different.

As I drifted into sleep, I found myself back in the forest, but this time, it was serene. The wind was gentle, and the shadows had vanished.

"Eric..."

At the sound of my name, I turned, heart racing like a Stand battle. Bathed in moonlight was a woman with silver hair and deep, wise eyes.

"Sarah?" I whispered, barely able to speak.

She smiled softly, like a mentor in a climactic moment. "You've been searching for answers, haven't you, you fool?"

I stepped closer, confused. "Why are you here?"

"I've been watching over you," she said. "The forest chose you for a reason, like how destiny chooses its champions."

I shook my head, struggling to understand. "But why me? I'm just a regular guy".

"You are more than you think," she replied. "The forest sees potential in you—a power waiting to be unleashed, like a hidden Stand."

"But what am I supposed to do?" Frustration edged my voice. "I'm not a hero! I'm just trying to survive!"

Sarah knelt before me, unwavering, like a steadfast ally. "I am Sarah Harvey, leader of the elven warriors. I served our chief, but I'm trapped, unconscious. I reach out through dreams because you are key to freeing us."

"Trapped? Like a rat in a cage?" I felt my heart sink.

"Yes," she said, sadness clouding her eyes. "But you can free me. You can free all of us."

She placed a small dagger in my hand, its handle glowing with runes. The blade felt light yet powerful, like a Stand that held the potential to change fate.

"This dagger is a gift," she said. "It can cut through any darkness. Use it wisely, Eric. Protect the innocent and fight for what's right. With this, you can break the chains binding me and yourself, like a powerful new Stand evolving!"

I stared at the dagger, energy coursing through me. "But how do I—"

"You are not alone," she said, voice steady, full of conviction. "I will guide you. Together, we will defeat this darkness, like two Stands fusing for a final attack."

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

As the dream faded, her words echoed in my mind. When I awoke, the dagger remained in my hand, its cold metal chilling me. This was just the beginning.

[ The Battle Begins ]

The day finally arrived. Diablomon's army attacked from all sides—five million strong, brutal, and merciless.

"Great. A million new friends—just what we needed," I muttered, half-joking.

Aria placed her hand on my shoulder, her face a mix of fear and determination, as if she were ready to pull a crazy scheme. "Remember, we're all in this together! Let's show them what Crimson Village is made of! We won't back down, even if it costs us everything!"

We stood at the front lines with the villagers. Our defenses felt weak compared to the massive army approaching. The tension was palpable, like the calm before a storm.

As the enemy drew closer, everything we'd worked for was about to be tested. The fight for Crimson Village was imminent, and destruction lurked closer.

The air buzzed with energy, a tension I felt in my bones. I lunged forward, my dagger flashing as I sliced through a shadow creature.

"ARIA!" I shouted above the chaos. "Something's wrong! Diablomon is using the Dark Inferno differently!"

[ Dark Inferno is a demonic machine that can generate energy for Diablomons. Diablomons always carry that machine with their army, To get energy time to time.]

"What do you mean?" Aria yelled, her worry crystal clear.

"I think he's using it for something more powerful than before—like the ultimate Stand ability that we didn't see coming!"

I glanced at the raging inferno. The smoke pulsed with strange energy, as if something monstrous hid within.

"He's gaining strength," Sarah whispered in my ear, her voice low and urgent. "The Dark Inferno isn't just a weapon. It's a source of power, feeding on destruction itself like a true villain!"

Suddenly, a massive figure emerged from the smoke. It was Diablomon, but he was larger and more terrifying, his eyes burning with a power that drained hope from the air, like a Stand that crushes your will to fight.

"He's absorbing the inferno!" I realized, heart racing.

"And using its power to fuel his attack," Sarah said, steady yet fearful. "We need to do something now, or we're done for!"

Adrenaline surged through me. I had to fight, protect everyone, and buy time. "If I don't stand firm, this village will crumble."

"Protect the city!" I yelled. "Don't let him get close! Fight like your life depends on it, because it does!"

The battlefield roared with chaos. Diablomon, now more powerful, charged forward, spreading darkness and destruction.

I moved, body quick and sharp. The dagger felt like an extension of my will, slicing through shadows. Creatures attacked, but I dodged and struck, constantly on the move, like a dancer in a fierce battle.

But I knew this was only delaying the inevitable. Diablomon was too powerful, too relentless—a force of nature. I had to change the game, make him fear his own power.

I focused on the creature from the forest, the ancient strength it had given me. I had to create a distraction to throw Diablomon off balance. "Focus on the forest!" I shouted to Aria, determination fueling my voice like a Stand's battle cry.

Understanding lit up her eyes. "They're using the Dark Inferno as a power source! We can turn it against him! Let's turn the tide!"

"We need to make it unstable. Overload it. Turn it against Diablomon like a reverse trap card!"

Aria nodded, fierce determination in her eyes. "The Dwarven engineers can help us! Together, we'll forge a new path!"

Turning back to the inferno, I noticed something strange—onions piled amidst the chaos, left by a fleeing caravan. It was a long shot, but these onions might help us.

I grabbed a handful and held them up to the smoky sky. "Don't be afraid!" I shouted at Diablomon. "You think you're powerful? But have you ever faced... the wrath of the onion?!"

A confused silence fell over the battlefield. Even Diablomon paused, his monstrous form tilting its head in bewilderment. "What madness is this?! Is he serious?!"

The absurdity of it gave me confidence. "You're about to face a power beyond your understanding! A force that will make you question your very existence! Can you handle this vegetable of destiny? Are you prepared for my greatest move?!"

The battlefield stilled. Diablomon, towering and menacing, chuckled darkly. "You think this will save you?"

[SYSTEM ALERT: COMBAT MODE ACTIVATED]

[TASK: SURVIVE AND DEFEND CRIMSON VILLAGE]

He rushed toward me, a blur of fire and shadow. I barely dodged his crushing blow, my dagger sparking against his dark energy. "You'll regret underestimating me!" I taunted, slashing at his side. A shadow barrier blocked my strike. My dagger flickered.

[Anium's Power Detected]

"You're no match for me!" Diablomon mocked, eyes burning with fury.

"Eric, behind you!" Aria's voice cut through. I blocked a shadow beast just in time, slashing through its neck. Diablomon roared, sending shadow tendrils my way.

[SYSTEM ALERT: DANGER IMMINENT – EVASIVE ACTION REQUIRED]

I rolled, barely dodging. "I won't go down so easily!" Charging forward, I aimed my glowing dagger at his chest. Diablomon caught the blade with a sneer. His strength sent shockwaves through the ground.

"Fool!" he growled, throwing me across the battlefield. My body ached, blood dripping.

[HEALTH: CRITICAL – 25% REMAINING]

"Is that all you've got?" I spat, standing against the odds. Diablomon slammed the ground, molten energy rushing toward me.

[SYSTEM ALERT: COMBAT MODE ACTIVE]

[WARNING: ALLIED FORCES – 60% DEAD]

[TASK: DEFEND CRIMSON VILLAGE UNTIL REINFORCEMENTS ARRIVE]

I could feel fear rising. "We're losing ground!" I yelled into my comms. "We can't let them win!"

[SYSTEM ALERT: AMMUNITION SUPPLY AT 15%]

With the last of my Anium-powered rounds in hand, I slashed through the beasts. "Aria, gather the survivors," I ordered. "I'll hold them off."

Battling through the beasts, I felt Diablomon's oppressive magic. His voice echoed. "Weak, Eric. You're nothing."

Before I could counter, he unleashed a blast, sending me flying.

"Is this… the end?" I whispered.

[SYSTEM ALERT: POWER LEVEL INCREASING]

[WARNING: OVERLOAD IMMINENT]

Suddenly, Anium surged through me. I roared, standing tall. "You think you can destroy everything? I'll stop you!" My dagger blazed, and Diablomon's eyes filled with rage.

[SYSTEM ALERT: COMBO ATTACK UNLOCKED!]

Ignoring the system, I combined my weapons—dagger and rifle. "This is for the village!" I fired, dagger-bullets speeding towards Diablomon. He vanished into smoke. My hand trembled, and a voice echoed in my mind.

"Eric… I know you."

His voice slithered into my thoughts, offering power. My anger exploded. "You destroyed everything! I'll never join you!" Slamming my fist into the ground, cracks formed. "My village… my mother… gone because of you."

[Note: While Eric and the villagers were training hard, a message came from the capital: "THEY'VE ATTACKED!!" Colossal Diablomonic creatures swarmed the city, leaving only chaos in their wake. In that moment, nearly all citizens perished—including, Eric believed, his mother. "Gone… she's really gone," he whispered, his heart heavy. The pain burned deep within, a burden he swore to hide from everyone, even his sister. "No one… must ever know…" Eric vowed, the secret becoming part of him, fueling his silent rage and determination.]

"Sentiment blinds you, Eric," the voice taunted. "Join me, and you'll be free of those chains."

Fury surged. "Never! I won't be your pawn!" Energy crackled as the earth trembled. The shadows grew darker, and then Diablomon appeared.

"I am Dilah," he announced. "You'll beg for mercy, like all before you."

The shadows attacked. I screamed, my strength fading. But then—a shield of light burst from my chest, pushing the darkness back. "What… is this?" I muttered, awe-struck.

Diablomon hissed. "Impossible! No one resists Shadow Ruthless!"

But there I stood, shield bright, my resolve burning. "You won't take me down," I growled. "You destroyed my home, but I won't let you destroy me."

Diablomon prepared another attack, rage twisting his features. "You'll regret defying me!" he roared.

BOOM! The ground erupted as bombs ascended from the earth—thousands of them, silent yet menacing. "What is this madness!?" I clenched my fists as terror surged through me.

Suddenly, explosions filled the air. The village crumbled, screams piercing the chaos. "No... not my home!" I watched in horror as the place I grew up in was annihilated—the same place where my mother had lived and died.

"Eric!" A sinister voice echoed through the wreckage. "Do you understand the power now? This is my masterpiece, the Nuclear Diablo Bombs," Dilah sneered, his eyes gleaming with pride.

"Dilah!" I growled, my fists trembling with fury. "How can you do this!? How can you be so twisted?"

"HA! You've always been so naive, Eric! These bombs don't just destroy. They erase existence itself. No one will remember this place! But the best part? Those who die... I'll control them! They will serve me in death!"

My heart pounded as his words hit me like a punch. "You... You monster!" I gritted my teeth, the weight of what he was saying making me sick.

But I had no time to waste. "Aria!" I shouted, running through the destruction. Flames, smoke, rubble—all of it blurred as I searched. "Where are you!?" She had to be in the control room.

When I reached the entrance, my heart sank. The bombs had hit it too. "No…" The doorway was obliterated, debris everywhere. But I pushed through, desperately hoping she was alive.

And then I saw her.

She lay there, broken, her body slowly turning to stone. "Aria!" I collapsed beside her, my hands trembling. "Please, no! Stay with me!"

Her eyes fluttered open, barely able to stay focused. "Eric... I don't have much time…" Her voice was weak, her breath shallow. "There's still a chance... If you hold onto a piece of me... I can come back…"

"What are you saying? You're not going anywhere!" I cried, my voice shaking. But the stone was creeping up her body, faster than I could comprehend.

"Sarah... gave me a gift," Aria whispered, her voice fading. "If you keep a fragment of me safe... I can regenerate."

Tears blurred my vision as I clutched her hand. "I'll do it, Aria. I swear I'll bring you back!"

Suddenly, Sarah appeared beside me. "Eric," she said softly. "This fight is yours now. But you are only at level 10. You must reach level 1000 to defeat the Diablo General. He's at level 999."

I stared at her, disbelief mixing with rage. "Level 10…?" My hands shook as I realized how far I had to go. But determination surged through me. "I will destroy them all for what they've done!"

Sarah nodded, her expression solemn. "Take this system. It will help you level up. But the road ahead will not be easy."

Before I could reply, she vanished, leaving me standing in the ruins of my home. I held the glowing fragment of Aria close to my heart, whispering, "I will bring you back. And I will make them pay."