《The Warrior's Path [ENG]》


 Prologue

    The world was no longer the same.


    The cities rose like giants of metal and stone, each with its own heartbeat and its own secrets. They were fragments of hope and fear, of survival and oppression, connected by roads, forgotten paths, and horizons of fire. Some were imposing, with their constant lights and advanced technology; others, more humble, breathed an air of constant survival. But all shared one truth: the battle never ceased.


    The night fell with a thick mist, and the murmurs of the darkness sounded like distant echoes. The winds, often silent, carried promises of something more, of an unknown future woven between shadows and the whisper of trees. Every movement, every strike, every shadow on the horizon was a warning: the world had changed forever.


    In the darkness of a corner of metal and debris, a sound broke the silence. It was not the hum of an engine or the creaking of old buildings, but something deeper, something older: a presence. Something large, something ancient, moved in the shadows. A cold-skinned predator dragging the weight of a history of destruction and past wars. The ancient mutations, born from a mix of experimentation, radiation, and desperation, had never stopped evolving.


    The warriors of the resistance, who wielded primordial elements of nature, watched the arrival of every shadow with suspicion. Some said their powers were a gift; others said they were a curse, a connection to a force they could not control. They were the only thing holding a semblance of order in the chaos, fighting with swords, fire, air, and water against the forces that sought to subjugate everything. But the price of their power was high: they were connected to the earth, the air, and the fire, but often also to uncertainty and sacrifice.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    On the horizon, a lone figure advanced. A young man who preferred the noise of his scooter to the shadows and murmurs of a city that never slept. He believed he could face the night with a cheap price: a bit of courage and speed. He did not know that, on this very night, the story of his destiny would intertwine with the roar of something much larger than his small life. Something dark, something he could not comprehend.


    The wind began to tremble.


    It was not an earthquake. It was something else. His eyes moved toward the sound: a mosquito of darkness, a blot that seemed to consume everything in its path. It was not merely an animal nor a man: it was a presence, a force that breathed among the rubble, and that knew more history than any man could ever comprehend.


    At that moment, a figure emerged from the shadows, a reflection of struggle and power that was uncommon in the days of peace. It was not a hero, nor a soldier, but it was a warning in the night, a sign of what was coming. It should have been alone, but it was not. History, always intertwined and complex, had other plans.


    Fear was palpable, destiny a sharp edge that felt closer with each passing moment. The battle, inevitable and constant, was about to begin.


    The world turned, and somewhere, deep in the depths of history and chaos, a mind awoke. It was the omen of something many would not understand until it was too late. Every city, every fighter, every shadow, every beast, was part of an ancient cycle, a battle that had been forgotten but had never disappeared.


    Nothing was as it seemed.


    In the air, amid the sound of engines and the echoes of distant cries, a whisper appeared: the cycle continued. And perhaps, just perhaps, the unknown awaited to reclaim what was rightfully its own.


    For now, the story was beginning.

 Light and Shadow in City Sven-1 [Chapter 1]

    The story begins in City Sven-1, a city marked by chaos, poverty, and violence. It was the kind of place where the streets became dangerous after nightfall; it was advised to avoid going out unless you were prepared to never return. But sometimes, fate forced you to take risks.


    Saico was one of those young men who, out of necessity, chose to face the night. A delivery driver in one of the most dangerous areas of the city, he always trusted that his moped was the fastest in the neighborhood and that nothing could stop him. That night, the reward was tempting: nighttime deliveries paid up to five times more than during the day, an opportunity too good to pass up.


    It wasn¡¯t the first time he had accepted a late delivery, and this time he didn¡¯t just have one: there were five. Fast and easy money, if he could manage to finish them without any problems. Resolute and without a second thought, he accepted the challenge.


    On the other hand, Ziggy was in the city that night, uneasy. He hated the idea of spending time in City Sven-1 and had always considered the area far too dangerous. But the favor for BJ was something he couldn¡¯t turn down. BJ had a date with his girlfriend, Rouse, and he didn¡¯t want to miss it. Ziggy was a good friend, but the warning in his chest didn¡¯t go away: he felt a kind of pressure in the air, something strange, like a signal that tonight would not be calm.


    Suddenly, as he made his way through the dark, damp streets, something caught his attention. In the distance, he saw a figure on a moped speeding through the neighborhood streets.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡ªIs he crazy, or does he really need the money? ¡ªhe muttered to himself as he continued on his way.


    However, not long after, a more unsettling sensation took hold of his body: a tremor. It wasn¡¯t an earthquake; he would have felt it differently. But this tremor was constant, like a distant rhythmic step. Ziggy stopped and looked back.


    It was then that he saw it: a massive black shadow moving toward the young messenger.


    ¡ªIt can¡¯t be... ¡ªhe thought, his chest tightening with pressure like he had never felt before.


    Before he could react, a powerful force hurled him forward, as if an invisible hand had pushed him. Ziggy was thrown, even passing Saico¡¯s moped, who couldn¡¯t believe what he had just seen.


    ¡ªWhat the... ? ¡ªSaico murmured, turning back with wide eyes.


    Ziggy landed on his feet, unaided, and quickly scanned the horizon. The black shadow was now much clearer: a monstrous figure was advancing, a presence completely out of place for any ordinary night. Ziggy had seen these creatures before: mutant beasts, and now it was clear to him.


    ¡ªFind a safe place! ¡ªhe shouted, ignoring any fear as he expertly prepared his sword.


    Saico, still bewildered, couldn¡¯t comprehend what he was seeing. Was he dreaming? Or was this some cruel joke? But there was no time to question it further.


    Suddenly, a deep, guttural roar rumbled through the air. It was a massive shadow now completely visible: Pardo, the strongest of the Primordials.


    The two young men froze, Saico fearful and Ziggy completely alert. Saico had heard rumors about creatures like this: enormous mutants that lurked in the shadows of the city, but he always thought they were urban legends. However, now he was staring at one face to face, flesh and bone.


    Ziggy never took his eyes off the monstrous figure as a question tormented him:


    What was a Primordial doing in a city like this?

 Light and Shadow in City Sven-1 [Chapter 2]

    ¡ªWhat was a Primordial doing in a city like this? ¡ªmuttered Ziggy as he watched Pardo, locking eyes with the colossal beast.


    Saico, completely confused, struggled to process what he was seeing.


    ¡ªIs that guy seriously going to face that thing¡­ with a sword? Is he insane?


    The tension broke when Pardo spoke, his deep, mocking voice echoing through the deserted street.


    ¡ªWell, well¡­ What do we have here? An Elemental. This is going to be fun.


    Without further warning, Pardo lunged at Ziggy. But Ziggy, moving as swiftly as lightning, dodged the attack and countered, aiming for the Primordial''s neck. However, the enormous beast reacted with incredible speed, catching the blade with both hands before it could reach him.


    Ziggy tried to free his sword by striking Pardo with force, but the monster barely flinched, wearing a sinister grin before shaking the ground with a blow that seemed to tremble the entire street.


    Ziggy gritted his teeth. He knew he couldn¡¯t face this monster alone, but there was no time to wait for reinforcements. The LEGATUS-ranked Elementals weren¡¯t in the city, and the others weren¡¯t a match for a threat of this level. Still, he decided to send a global message, hoping someone could come.


    However, before he could do so, Pardo unleashed a flurry of strikes, fast but not quick enough to surpass Ziggy¡¯s reflexes. He dodged each attack with precision, fully aware that a single blow could be fatal.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡ªHe¡¯s not fast enough ¡ªZiggy thought as he avoided another strike¡ª. But his strength and endurance are another story. I can¡¯t lose focus¡­ but I can¡¯t let him keep advancing either.


    Ziggy knew he had no choice. He tightened his grip on his sword and activated his power. Suddenly, the dark street, illuminated only by a distant lamppost, was flooded with a blinding glow. The blade of his sword transformed from a simple piece of iron to being enveloped in brilliant flames, as warm as the sun.


    The flare was visible for miles around.


    The battle raged on, and though Ziggy fought with everything he had, Pardo refused to yield. Saico, still watching closely, couldn¡¯t look away. His mind was in total chaos.


    ¡ªThat guy¡­ he¡¯s fighting evenly with that thing. But¡­ he¡¯s not going to last.


    And he was right. After several minutes of combat, the fateful moment arrived. A small slip, barely a blink, was enough for Pardo to find an opening. With a swift movement, he swiped his claws directly at Ziggy.


    Saico, watching it all as if time had slowed, acted before he could even think. He grabbed a stone from the ground and hurled it with all his might at Pardo¡¯s face, striking his right eye.


    The impact did no real damage but distracted him. The fury on Pardo¡¯s face was evident, and with a deafening roar, he turned his attention toward Saico.


    ¡ªShit! ¡ªZiggy cursed, noticing the change in direction¡ª. That speed¡­?


    Pardo rushed toward Saico with immense speed, far greater than before. The boy, paralyzed by fear, couldn¡¯t move. His legs wouldn¡¯t respond, and tears began to stream down his face.


    ¡ªI¡¯m going to die¡­


    Suddenly, a deafening blow stopped Pardo in his tracks. Saico, stunned, looked around. In front of him, an unknown figure had intercepted the beast.


    ¡ªWho¡­ who is that?


    The dust slowly settled, revealing a new fighter who had managed to halt Pardo with an impact so powerful that even the Primordial seemed bewildered.

 Light and Shadow in City Sven-1 [Chapter 3]

    ¡ªWho is that? ¡ªsaid Ziggy, trying to make out the figure moving through the shadows. The flame of his sword had dimmed, making it difficult to determine if this was an ally or a new threat.


    The figure advanced slowly, until the faint glow of a lighter revealed his face.


    ¡ªMax! ¡ªZiggy exclaimed, surprised.


    Standing before him was Max, the second strongest of the Centurios. Despite the dangerous situation, Ziggy couldn¡¯t help but feel a brief wave of relief having him there. A Legatus and a Centurio together almost guaranteed victory, especially when it came to them, widely recognized among the beasts for their strength and skill.


    Pardo frowned, aware that he was in a difficult position. Facing two of the most powerful Elementals wasn¡¯t something to take lightly.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s rare to see you around here, Ziggy, ¡ªMax said as he extinguished the lighter and drew his sword¡ª. I thought I¡¯d find BJ.


    ¡ªIt doesn¡¯t matter, ¡ªhe added with a confident glint in his eyes¡ª. With you here, we have a good shot against this freak.


    Without another word, Max launched himself at Pardo with the speed and strength characteristic of the Centurios. Pardo reacted instantly, positioning himself to intercept the attack. At that precise moment, Ziggy seized the opportunity to strike from behind, brandishing his flaming sword. For a brief second, Pardo forgot about Ziggy¡¯s presence and was nearly hit, but with a powerful blow to the ground, he made the entire street quake, forcing both Elementals to retreat.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Max and Ziggy stepped back but quickly repositioned themselves in front of the beast, launching a coordinated attack. Their movements were swift and precise, as if they were an extension of each other. They didn¡¯t need to speak; each seemed to know exactly what the other would do, covering and supporting one another with every strike.


    Saico, watching the battle from a dark corner, couldn¡¯t believe what he was seeing.


    ¡ªHow...? When...? ¡ªhe muttered, bewildered.


    Everything was happening too fast for his eyes. The two swordsmen fought with near-perfect synchronization, but what was most shocking was how Pardo, despite being outnumbered, seemed better positioned than his opponents.


    The battle raged on for several minutes. Max and Ziggy¡¯s attacks didn¡¯t relent, but Pardo endured with inhuman ferocity. Though he knew the Elementals wouldn¡¯t give up easily, he also understood that he couldn¡¯t afford to fall tonight.


    Suddenly, with a guttural roar, Pardo slammed the ground with all his strength, lifting chunks of pavement and creating a distraction amidst the chaos. He knew he had to retreat before reinforcements arrived. Seizing the confusion, he slipped away into the shadows, but not without leaving a message.


    ¡ªZero is almost ready! ¡ªhe roared¡ª. And he¡¯s coming for you, Elementals!


    With those words, Pardo vanished into the cold darkness of the night, leaving Max, Ziggy, and Saico with a mix of unease and determination.

 Light and Shadow in City Sven-1 [Chapter 4]

    ¡ªWho the hell is Zero? ¡ªSaico asked, clearly clueless about what had just happened.


    ¡ªThe leader of the beasts, ¡ªZiggy replied with a serious tone. His expression betrayed his concern. He couldn¡¯t understand why a high-ranking beast like Pardo was in City Sven-1. Normally, the Primordials don¡¯t stray too far from Route 66.


    While Ziggy tried to process the situation, Max broke the silence.


    ¡ªWhere¡¯s BJ?


    Ziggy explained that BJ had asked him to keep watch over the city that night for personal reasons. However, Max¡¯s question made him think.


    ¡ªDo you think he¡¯s already finished his espionage mission in Route 66? ¡ªMax asked cautiously.


    That¡¯s when it all clicked for Ziggy. A spark of realization crossed his face as he responded,


    ¡ªThat must be it! BJ completed the mission, but the beasts must have discovered him. That¡¯s why they sent Pardo here¡­ they¡¯re after him!


    Everything made sense now. Ziggy knew he needed to call a meeting with the other LEGATUS and the Captain to inform them of the situation. However, there was still something unresolved: Saico. Ziggy extended his hand to help him up and, as he did, he uttered the same words Leppart had told him five years ago:


    ¡ªFollow me, and you¡¯ll get the answers you¡¯re looking for.


    Max couldn¡¯t help but warn him,


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.¡ªZiggy, don¡¯t turn this kid into an Elemental.


    But Ziggy, fully aware of their lack of manpower and the number of beasts still roaming free, decided to take him along anyway.


    Saico, confused but intrigued, agreed to follow them. He had no idea what he was getting himself into, but he was certain this was where he¡¯d find the answers he needed.


    A few hours later, they arrived at the outskirts of City Sven-1, where the Elementals¡¯ base was located. Saico stared at the structure in disbelief.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s a base? ¡ªhe asked, looking at the dilapidated shack that seemed on the verge of collapse.


    Once inside, his surprise was immense. Beneath the surface lay an impressive underground complex filled with advanced technology and bustling activity.


    ¡ªThis is insane! ¡ªSaico exclaimed, astonished.


    Eventually, they reached the Captain¡¯s office, where the other LEGATUS were already waiting for them. Ziggy wasted no time and got straight to the point.


    ¡ªWe ran into Pardo in the city.


    ¡ªAND YOU DIDN¡¯T KILL HIM?! ¡ªa furious voice interrupted. It was Reckless, the Earth Elemental and the strongest of the LEGATUS.


    Ziggy turned to him, holding his ground.


    ¡ªYou know it takes more than one to take down a beast like Pardo.


    Reckless, though he knew this, wasn¡¯t satisfied with the response.


    ¡ªYou¡¯re just not trying hard enough!


    Whisper Wind and BJ stepped in to diffuse the tension. They couldn¡¯t afford to argue among themselves; there were more pressing matters at hand.


    ¡ªWhy the meeting? ¡ªBJ asked.


    ¡ªBecause of you, ¡ªZiggy replied.


    ¡ªMe?


    Ziggy explained the reason behind Pardo¡¯s unexpected presence in the city. Everyone knew how meticulous BJ was in his missions, especially in a dangerous place like Route 66. For the beasts to have discovered him was deeply unsettling.


    BJ nodded slowly before delivering his report:


    ¡ªPardo¡¯s words weren¡¯t just random threats meant to scare us. Zero is almost fully recovered. It¡¯s only a matter of time before he¡¯s ready to fight again.


    The room fell silent as the weight of that revelation sank in. Finally, BJ asked,


    ¡ªAnything else to add?


    ¡ªYes! ¡ªWhisper Wind interjected, her gaze shifting to Saico.


    ¡ªThat boy Ziggy brought¡­ is he going to become an Elemental?

 Light and Shadow in City Sven-1 [Chapter 5]

    The air in the Captain¡¯s chamber felt heavy after the meeting. Whisper Wind broke the silence:


    ¡ªWhat about that boy, Saico? ¡ªshe asked, looking at the young man with curiosity.


    ¡ªHe¡¯s not an Elemental yet ¡ªZiggy replied with a firm tone, though his expression did not dismiss the possibility.


    ¡ªNot yet? ¡ªReckless raised an eyebrow in disbelief¡ª. Ziggy, we don¡¯t have time to train rookies, let alone protect someone weaker than ourselves.


    ¡ªI agree with Reckless ¡ªinterjected BJ, crossing his arms¡ª. We¡¯re not in a position to carry unnecessary weight.


    Saico clenched his fists, feeling the tension in his chest grow with every word. Finally, he spoke:


    ¡ªI don¡¯t need you to protect me. I may be weak now, but I¡¯ll find a way to help.


    Ziggy watched him in silence, noting the glimmer of determination in his eyes ¡ªa look that reminded him of himself five years ago. However, before he could respond, an alarm sounded throughout the base.


    ¡ªIntruders detected! ¡ªthe robotic voice of the security systems filled the room.


    ¡ªIt can¡¯t be... ¡ªMax murmured as Reckless was already moving toward the exit.


    ¡ªZiggy, what¡¯s happening? ¡ªSaico asked, trying to remain calm.


    ¡ªGrunts... and something else ¡ªWhisper Wind answered while scanning the holographic panel.


    ¡ªThe LEGATUS can¡¯t get involved ¡ªZiggy ordered quickly, stopping Reckless before he could advance further. His tone brooked no argument¡ª. DESTURIOS and VENATOR, this is your responsibility.


    Within seconds, the lower-ranked soldiers were already mobilizing. Among them were Jazz and Flow, both from the DESTURIOS rank, and Punk from the VENATOR rank.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡ªWhat do we do? ¡ªSaico asked, feeling himself falling behind.


    ¡ªObserve ¡ªZiggy answered, placing a hand on his shoulder¡ª. Learn how the Elementals work.


    As the DESTURIOS and VENATOR spread out through the underground passages of the base, the first waves of Grunts appeared, advancing with clumsy movements but with palpable destructive force.


    ¡ªMaintain formation! ¡ªJazz ordered, planting her sword into the ground and creating a wall of earth that blocked the path of several enemies.


    Flow, his sword engulfed in flames, charged straight at the Grunts, burning several with a swift spin. Meanwhile, Punk used bursts of water to disorient the enemies and keep them at bay while the others secured the more vulnerable areas.


    Saico observed from an elevated vantage point beside Ziggy, marveling at the coordination and strength of the Elementals. However, something caught his attention: a deeper, more guttural growl resonating through the corridors.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s not a Grunt... ¡ªWhisper Wind murmured, already back at the holographic panel.


    ¡ªALPHA detected ¡ªthe base¡¯s system confirmed.


    ¡ªJazz, Flow, Punk, fall back! ¡ªZiggy ordered over the communicator.


    But before they could regroup, an ALPHA beast emerged from the shadows. It was massive, with thick skin and spines along its back that emitted an eerie glow. It roared furiously and charged directly at them.


    Jazz took the initiative, raising a wall of earth to halt its advance, but the ALPHA tore through the barrier with ease. Punk and Flow launched a coordinated attack. While Flow burned the creature¡¯s front legs, Punk used water to target its weak spots.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t lose the rhythm! ¡ªFlow shouted, dodging a strike from the beast¡¯s tail.


    Meanwhile, Saico watched, gripping the edge of the balcony with his hands. Something within him screamed that he had to do something, but Ziggy stopped him again.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s not your time yet.


    The battle continued. The ALPHA was formidable, but the experience and coordination of the DESTURIOS and VENATORS managed to overpower it. Jazz finally delivered the finishing blow, driving her sword deep into the creature¡¯s skull as it tried to rise from the ground.


    ¡ªObjective neutralized! ¡ªPunk announced, his chest heaving from the effort.


    The alarm ceased, and a triumphant silence filled the base. Ziggy looked at Saico, who appeared more determined than ever.


    ¡ªDo you still want to join? ¡ªZiggy asked with a half-smile.


    ¡ªMore than ever ¡ªSaico replied without hesitation.


    Whisper Wind, observing the scene, gave a slight nod, as if reconsidering her stance on the boy.


    ¡ªThen prepare yourself, because this was just the beginning ¡ªadded Ziggy as the Elementals returned to the chamber with victorious expressions.

 Light and Shadow in City Sven-1 [Chapter 6]

    The training hall at the base was a vast space, with reinforced walls and platforms adapted for the unique abilities of the Elementals. Ziggy stood in a corner, arms crossed, observing as Saico faced off against a training dummy.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s not just about strength, Saico. It¡¯s technique, strategy... and patience ¡ªZiggy said, his tone firm but encouraging.


    Saico, drenched in sweat, pushed a strand of hair off his forehead and nodded. It had been three days since the Grunt attack and the appearance of the ALPHA. Although he wasn¡¯t officially an Elemental yet, Ziggy had decided to train him¡ªsomething not everyone was happy about.


    From the balcony above, Jazz, Flow, and Punk watched the training session.


    ¡ªDo you think that kid has what it takes? ¡ªFlow asked, spinning his sword in his hand.


    ¡ªHe¡¯s got spirit, but that¡¯s not enough. He¡¯ll need more than drive to survive down here ¡ªJazz replied, arms crossed.


    Meanwhile, Saico was trying to mimic the moves Ziggy had demonstrated. Every strike he delivered to the dummy landed with a dull thud, but his movements lacked the necessary precision.


    ¡ªMore control, less brute force ¡ªZiggy commented as he approached. He picked up a training sword and positioned himself in front of Saico¡ª. Watch.


    Ziggy executed a fluid motion: a direct thrust followed by an elegant spin that sliced through the dummy with surgical precision. Saico watched, impressed, and then gripped his sword with renewed determination.


    ¡ªLet me try again.


    Ziggy nodded, stepping back to give him room. This time, Saico¡¯s movements were more controlled. While he still lacked fluidity, his progress was noticeable.


    Just as the atmosphere began to relax, the robotic voice of the security system echoed throughout the hall:This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡ªUnusual activity detected near the outskirts of City Sven-1.


    Everyone immediately tensed. Ziggy activated the holographic panel, bringing up a map of the affected area.


    ¡ªLooks like we won¡¯t get any rest ¡ªJazz commented, preparing to leave.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s not a major threat, but we should check it out ¡ªZiggy said, analyzing the information¡ª. DESTURIOS, handle this. Saico, Punk, you¡¯re coming with me.


    ¡ªWhat? Me too? ¡ªSaico asked, surprised.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s time you see what it¡¯s like out there ¡ªZiggy replied, his tone serious.


    The group quickly departed for the surface. The streets of City Sven-1 were calm, but a tense atmosphere lingered. The residents, accustomed to the presence of the Elementals, barely glanced at them as they moved swiftly.


    Jazz and Flow led the charge, while Ziggy, Punk, and Saico stayed slightly behind. It was a simple operation: investigate the presence of a few Grunt creatures detected near the city¡¯s outskirts.


    When they arrived, they found a small group of Grunts. They were smaller and less coordinated than those that had attacked the base, but still dangerous.


    ¡ªThis¡¯ll be quick ¡ªJazz said, spinning her sword confidently.


    ¡ªSaico, watch closely. Learn how we work as a team ¡ªZiggy said before letting the DESTURIOS handle it.


    Jazz was the first to engage, using her control over the earth to create a trap that immobilized two of the creatures. Flow followed up with a fire attack, disorienting three more.


    ¡ªSee how they complement each other? ¡ªZiggy asked as he pointed to the fight¡ª. That¡¯s the key to surviving.


    But as they watched, one of the Grunts, more cunning than usual, slipped through the rubble and headed straight for Saico.


    ¡ªWatch out! ¡ªZiggy shouted, but Saico had already reacted.


    He grabbed the training sword he¡¯d been given and faced the Grunt. Though his stance wasn¡¯t perfect, he managed to block the initial attack and countered with a direct strike to the creature¡¯s abdomen, taking it down.


    ¡ªNot bad ¡ªZiggy commented with a slight smile.


    ¡ªSaico, behind you! ¡ªPunk warned.


    Another Grunt appeared suddenly, but before it could attack, Jazz crushed it with a massive boulder.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t get distracted ¡ªJazz said, looking at him sternly.


    The fight ended quickly, and the group returned to the base with a report that the threat had been neutralized.


    Back in the training hall, Ziggy approached Saico, who was exhausted but visibly proud of what he¡¯d done.


    ¡ªYou¡¯ve got potential, but there¡¯s still a lot to learn ¡ªZiggy said as he patted Saico on the shoulder¡ª. Today, you took your first step.


    Saico nodded, knowing the journey had only just begun.

 Light and Shadow in City Sven-1 [Chapter 7]

    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.


    ¡ª What¡¯s going on here? ¡ª he asked, his deep voice cutting through the air.


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


    ¡ª We¡¯ve received reports... about unusual activity on the highway near the city. Something big, sir. ¡ª


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


    ¡ª This isn¡¯t a coincidence. Those damn beasts have been acting with more strategy lately... but they won¡¯t do anything in my city. ¡ªStolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


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


    ¡ª 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. ¡ª


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


    ¡ª I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d handle this yourself, Leppart. I thought the great leader of the Rock Brigade delegated this kind of thing. ¡ª


    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.


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


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


    Leppart looked at her with a sideways grin.


    ¡ª Then I¡¯d better make sure they never try. ¡ª


    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.


    ¡ª Alright, let¡¯s see what they¡¯re made of... ¡ª 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.


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