Far from the misery of City Sven-1, the bright lights of Yersi-City illuminated the horizon. A bustling metropolis, filled with towering buildings that touched the clouds and streets packed with vehicles and people that never stopped. But beneath this modern, vibrant facade, there hid a much darker world.

In one of the city's underground levels, a man walked with a steady pace. His boots echoed on the rusty metal floor, and the flickering neon lights revealed his figure: a tall, muscular man, with black hair falling in messy strands over a leather jacket marked with the symbol of a lightning bolt. His sword, hanging on his back, had a unique design, with a black blade and a glowing red core that seemed to pulse as if it were alive.

Leppart, the current leader of the Rock Brigade, was not someone easy to ignore. His presence filled the room as he entered an underground bar, a clandestine place where the faction gathered from time to time.

The atmosphere was thick with tension. Some lower-ranked members quietly discussed rumors of beast movements near the border. As soon as they noticed Leppart’s arrival, they all fell silent.

— What’s going on here? — he asked, his deep voice cutting through the air.

One of the subordinates, a man with dyed hair and a nervous expression, stepped forward.

— We’ve received reports... about unusual activity on the highway near the city. Something big, sir. —

Leppart frowned and approached the holographic panel displaying a map of the surrounding area. He pointed to a specific spot with his gloved finger.

— This isn’t a coincidence. Those damn beasts have been acting with more strategy lately... but they won’t do anything in my city. —

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— Should we mobilize the entire Rock Brigade? — another member asked, enthusiasm in his voice.

— No. This doesn’t require such a large deployment... not yet. I’ll send a message to the Elemental Council to inform them. If anyone decides to intervene, it’ll be them. In the meantime, I’ll make sure this problem disappears. —

The bar returned to a low murmur as Leppart headed for the exit. But before leaving, a figure appeared from the shadows.

— I didn’t think you’d handle this yourself, Leppart. I thought the great leader of the Rock Brigade delegated this kind of thing. —

It was Michelle, a Centurio like him, though more inclined to challenge his authority than follow it. Her short hair and sarcastic gaze were her trademarks.

— Someone has to do the dirty work, Michelle. If you have something to say, say it now. —

— I just wanted to remind you that you’re not invincible. There are things out there that could tear us apart, even you. —

Leppart looked at her with a sideways grin.

— Then I’d better make sure they never try. —

Michelle watched him leave, her expression shifting from sarcastic to serious. Though she’d never admit it aloud, she respected Leppart for his strength and leadership, but she also knew his overflowing confidence could cost him dearly one day.

Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Yersi-City, a group of Grunts moved in formation. It wasn’t common to see them so close to the city, let alone organized. From an elevated point, Leppart watched in silence, his sword resting in his right hand.

— Alright, let’s see what they’re made of... — he whispered to himself before charging into the battle.

With a single movement, he unleashed a fiery attack that wiped out several enemies in seconds. His fighting style was fierce and precise, a combination of brutal power and absolute control. As he eliminated the Grunts, his mind was elsewhere.

The Rock Brigade wasn’t created for this. Its original purpose was to protect and coordinate the Elementals, but the appearance of more organized and powerful beasts was changing the game. Something bigger was brewing, and he knew it.

When the last Grunt fell, Leppart looked at the horizon, towards the heart of Yersi-City. He knew his path would take him beyond what he could see that night.

— This is just the beginning, — he murmured, as he headed back to the city.