Chapter 4: CHAPTER 4 : The Rising Storm
Scarlet and Ember stood their ground as the massive Fallen Beast roared, its grotesque form lunging toward them. Without hesitation, Scarlet activated her ability, her entire body and sword transforming into a blazing red steel. With incredible speed, she charged at the monster, her blade cutting through its thick hide. The beast howled in pain, but before it could retaliate, Ember's diamond armor glowed with an intense light. She raised her hand, gathering energy before releasing a concentrated beam of light that seared through the creature's torso.
The battle raged, with the two warriors working in perfect tandem. Scarlet's relentless strikes kept the monster on the defensive, while Ember's piercing light attacks exploited its weaknesses. The beast swiped its massive claws toward Scarlet, but she evaded with ease, countering with a powerful slash that cleaved through bone and sinew. The creature stumbled, screeching in agony as Ember fired another brilliant beam, piercing straight through its skull.
As the dust settled, the massive corpse of the Fallen Beast lay motionless on the ruined ground. Scarlet planted her sword into the ground and smirked. "Well, that wasn't so bad."
Ember brushed a strand of hair from her face, her calm demeanor unchanged. "We should head back."
Scarlet huffed. "You're no fun. You barely even broke a sweat."
Ember gave a small smile. "Efficiency is key."
Scarlet rolled her eyes as they turned away from the battlefield, unaware of the shadowy figure watching them from the distance.
Meanwhile, in the bustling city of Damacus , the members of another guild gathered, whispering among themselves. Rumors had already spread—Michael, the so-called madman, had been brought into the guild. Some called it insanity, others a reckless gamble. The uncertainty hung in the air like a storm waiting to break.
In a small, dimly lit room, Leon Diamond entered, his steps steady and measured. "I've arrived," he announced.
Sitting before him in an ornate chair was Madame Celine, also known as The Queen of All Parallel Universes. She tapped her fingers on the armrest, studying him. "Took you long enough."
Leon exhaled. "I had to come from Niriven City."
As he moved closer, her bodyguards stepped in front of him, ready to stop him, but Celine raised a hand. "Let him through."
Leon took a seat, his expression serious. "I assume you've heard about Michael."
Celine's gaze was unreadable. "Of course. Why is he so important?"
Leon leaned forward. "Because Michael isn't just another reborn warrior. He's the son of the great samurai Hiori."
Silence filled the room. Even Celine's composed expression faltered for a moment. "That… complicates things."
Leon nodded. "I don't know if he even remembers his past life, but his instincts... his raw power... it's undeniable."
Celine sighed, rubbing her temples. "And if he turns against us?"
Leon's voice was firm. "Then I'll be the one to put him down."
Celine studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
A Heated Debate
Back at the battlefield, Scarlet and Ember stood over the corpse of the massive Fallen Beast. The air was thick with the scent of blood and scorched earth.
Scarlet crossed her arms. "I still don't trust Michael. He's reckless."
Ember sighed. "He's powerful. And he's one of us now."
Scarlet scoffed. "That doesn't mean I have to like him."
Their argument continued, their voices echoing in the empty ruins as the sun began to set over the battlefield. Scarlet's expression was filled with frustration, while Ember remained as composed as ever.
Scarlet finally let out a sharp exhale. "Fine. We'll see what he's made of."
Ember simply nodded. "We will."
The Mad Scientist's Lair
In a darkened room, the flickering light of old lamps illuminated a twisted laboratory. A shadowy figure hunched over a workbench, assembling something with meticulous care. The sound of clanking metal and bubbling liquids filled the air.
The scientist's breathing was erratic, his movements frantic yet precise. He chuckled to himself, a twisted, unsettling sound that echoed through the room. Then, suddenly, he burst into full-blown laughter, a maniacal, eerie cackle that sent shivers through the darkness.
On the table before him lay a grotesque experiment, something unnatural, something... alive.
The mad scientist grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Soon... soon they will all understand."
Something was coming. And it was only a matter of time before the world would see it.