ã€ŠGodhunterã€‹


 Chapter 0 - Cira

    Cira¡¯s boots crunched over the brittle bones of what remained of the past¡ªrusted metal, shattered glass, and the skeletal remains of machinery that had once hummed with life. The outpost stood as a crumbling testament to the past, a ghost of the Ascended¡¯s former glory now lost to the Wasteland¡¯s cruel embrace ... .Or that''s what she hoped. This outpost was the only one Cira ever saw in that condition.

    The wind howled through the gaps in the cracked walls, carrying with it the scent of decay and dust, the bitter remnants of a world that had long since forgotten hope.

    The air was thick with the stench of rot, and Cira instinctively pulled her scarf tighter around her nose and mouth, trying to block out the foul odor. Her heart pounded in her chest, not just from exertion, but from the nagging sense of unease that gnawed at the back of her mind. Something was wrong here¡ªterribly wrong.

    The outpost had once been a stronghold, its walls reinforced with the strongest metals known to man, its sentries unyielding, its defenses impenetrable. But now, it was little more than a ruin, its walls crumbling like sandcastles, its halls silent as the grave. The once-mighty defenses had been reduced to twisted heaps of metal and shattered glass, and the only sounds that echoed through the corridors were the mournful wails of the wind and the occasional creak of settling debris.

    And then there were the bodies.

    Cira hesitated as she stepped into a large chamber, her foot skidding slightly on something slick. She looked down and her breath caught in her throat. The corpses of Ascended warriors lay scattered across the floor, their once-proud forms now broken and lifeless. Their advanced, gleaming armor was splattered with dried blood, and some of it had been torn open, as though something had ripped through the hardened plates like they were paper.

    These corpses were not old¡ªno more than two days, at most. The sight sent a shiver down Cira¡¯s spine. For all the stories she had heard about the invincibility of the Ascended, to see them like this, reduced to nothing but broken shells, was unsettling in a way she could not put into words. Whatever had done this, it wasn¡¯t human. It couldn¡¯t be.

    She forced herself to step closer to one of the bodies, her hands trembling slightly as she reached out. The warrior¡¯s face was obscured by a cracked visor, but Cira could still see the dull gleam of metal beneath it, a reminder of the person this Ascended had once been. She reached for the Energy Blade still clasped in the warrior¡¯s hand, prying it free from fingers that had gone stiff with death. The hilt felt cold in her grasp, and when she flicked the activation switch, the blade sputtered to life, emitting a weak, flickering glow. It was damaged, but it might still be useful.

    As she was about to move on, something else caught her eye¡ªa small device strapped to the warrior¡¯s wrist. A Memory Pad, its screen still blinking faintly with unread messages. Cira knelt beside the body, her fingers fumbling as she detached the device and activated it. The screen flared to life, displaying a series of messages, each marked with an urgent red symbol.

    She opened the most recent one.

    The voice that came through was frantic, laced with desperation and terror. ¡°This is Lieutenant Voren of Outpost Theta. We are under attack! They... they came out of nowhere! We can¡¯t¡ª!¡± The message was abruptly cut off by the sound of gunfire, followed by screams, and then something else¡ªsomething wet, and the sickening crunch of bones breaking. The recording ended with a distorted, inhuman growl, a sound that made Cira¡¯s blood run cold.

    Yet, despite the feelings gnawing at her insides, Cira was determined. She wasn¡¯t going to turn back now. She had come too far. Steeling herself, she pocketed the Memory Pad and the malfunctioning Energy Blade, then moved deeper into the building. The corridors seemed to close in around her as she went, the shadows growing darker and the air growing colder. But Cira pressed on, her eyes scanning every corner, every doorway, every flicker of movement.

    Finally, she came to a heavy door, slightly opened. A faint blue light seeped through the crack, casting long shadows on the floor. Cira hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. The memory of the recording played back in her mind¡ªgunfire, screams, that sickening, inhuman growl. But she couldn¡¯t turn back now. She had to know.

    With a deep breath, she pushed the door open and as she stepped in, her senses immediately got assaulted by the overwhelming scent of blood and burnt metal. The chamber was larger than she had expected, its high ceiling casting long shadows that danced across the walls in the dim blue light. The source of the light was a large, cylindrical device in the center of the room, pulsing with a faint, eerie glow. Cira¡¯s eyes were drawn to it immediately, but the scene around it was far more¡­. interesting to her brain.

    Corpses littered the floor, their bodies sprawled in unnatural positions, their blood painting the walls and floors in gruesome patterns. Some of the Ascended warriors bore shot wounds, their armor pierced by high-caliber rounds that had shredded through both metal and flesh. Others had deep gashes across their chests and limbs, as if they had been torn apart by something with immense strength. One unfortunate soul had been nearly severed in two, his torso hanging by threads of muscle and sinew. The sight made Cira¡¯s stomach churn, but she forced herself to keep moving.

    The room was a battlefield frozen in time, each body telling a story of the final moments of desperation and fear. The walls, once pristine and metallic, were now marred with deep scratches and scorch marks. The air was thick with the stench of death, a heavy, suffocating odor that clung to everything. Cira¡¯s breath came in short, shallow gasps as she picked her way through the carnage, her eyes landing again on the strange device at the center of it all.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    The device was unlike anything Cira had ever seen before. It was roughly the size of a small crate, its surface smooth and unblemished save for the glowing blue lines that ran across it in intricate, swirling patterns. The lines seemed to pulse in time with some unseen rhythm, almost as if the device were alive. Despite the chaos around it, the device remained untouched, as though whatever had caused the carnage had intentionally avoided damaging it.

    Curiosity warred with caution. Every instinct told her to leave it alone, to walk away and not get involved in whatever nightmare had unfolded here. But Cira wasn¡¯t one to ignore her instincts¡ªor her curiosity.

    She reached out, her fingers grazing the cool surface of the crate-like object. It was warm to the touch, almost as if it were responding to her presence. The blue lines brightened, pulsing faster, and for a moment, she hesitated. But the pull was too strong. She had to know. Her hand closed around the device, and in that instant, a shrill alarm blared to life.

    The sudden noise shattered the oppressive silence, and Cira¡¯s heart leapt into her throat. Red lights flashed along the walls, bathing the room in a crimson glow.

    ?Damn it!? she cursed under her breath, snatching the device and bolting for the door.

    The walls vibrated with the sound of the alarm, and Cira ran, her boots pounding against the metal floor as she made her way through the winding corridors. The high-pitched wail of the alarm followed her, growing louder, more urgent. She barely made it through the threshold when the door slammed shut behind her, sealing her exit.

    Cira stumbled, her chest heaving as she gasped for breath. The device felt heavier now in her arms, its glow pulsing frenetically, as though responding to her panic. She forced herself to keep moving, the weight of the alarm and the bodies behind her lingering in her mind.

    Suddenly, the world fell silent.

    Cira froze. Her breath came in shallow, ragged gasps, and her ears rang from the sudden absence of noise. The flashing lights had stopped, the corridors now bathed in eerie stillness. She swallowed hard, the silence oppressive, thick like a tangible force pressing down on her.

    A low, rumbling growl reverberated through the corridor. The sound was deep, guttural, and unmistakably predatory.

    Cira¡¯s blood ran cold as her gaze snapped upwards. There, clinging to the ceiling like some grotesque spider, was the creature responsible for the massacre. Its skin was mottled and scarred, thick patches of fur clinging to a body too large and muscular to be natural. Its eyes glowed faintly in the dim light, two pinpricks of malevolent amber fixed squarely on her.

    A Revenant.

    Cira¡¯s heart pounded in her chest, her pulse hammering in her ears. She knew the beast. Knew it all too well. Revenants were not to be trifled with. Mutated creatures, far stronger and more ferocious than any normal predator, with speed and cunning that made them deadly even for seasoned hunters. And Cira was far from equipped to handle one.

    The Revenant snarled, its jaws parting to reveal rows of razor-sharp teeth. Blood still dripped from its maw, the sickly-sweet stench of death clinging to it.

    She took a step back, her mind racing. Fighting it head-on was suicide. Without proper equipment¡ªenergy weapons, reinforced armor¡ªshe stood no chance.

    Cira¡¯s instincts kicked in before her mind had fully processed the danger. The Revenant''s growl deepened, vibrating in the narrow corridor. Her body tensed, muscles coiling like springs, and then she bolted.

    The Revenant moved almost simultaneously. She heard the scrape of its claws on the ceiling as it launched itself after her, but Cira didn¡¯t look back.

    Her breath came in ragged gasps, heart thundering in her chest as she sprinted through the corridor. The walls blurred at the edges of her vision, and the foul stench of decay hung thick in the air, mixing with the metallic scent of blood. The corpses littering the floor threatened to trip her with every step, their lifeless bodies a grim reminder of what awaited her if she slowed down.

    She leapt over a twisted pile of armor and broken limbs, barely clearing the obstacle as the Revenant¡¯s snarl grew closer. The sound of its claws scraping against metal was deafening, a sharp reminder of just how fast it was.

    Just keep moving. Just get out.

    She glanced over her shoulder, only to see the Revenant''s hulking form gaining on her, its yellow eyes gleaming with predatory hunger. The creature¡¯s breath came in short, rasping huffs, and its massive jaws were dripping with blood. For a split second, their eyes met, and a shiver of pure terror shot down Cira¡¯s spine.

    Her foot snagged on something¡ªa loose cable, perhaps¡ªand she stumbled. Her heart lurched as her balance wavered, and for a split second, she thought she was done for. But somehow, she recovered, propelling herself forward with renewed desperation. The Revenant snarled behind her.

    Ahead, she could finally see the end of the corridor, sunlight streaming through a jagged crack in the structure''s outer wall.

    Sunlight.

    Cira¡¯s mind raced. Revenants avoided direct sunlight. It was one of the few things that could easily harm them, burn their mutated skin. She had to get out into the open.

    With one last burst of energy, Cira sprinted toward the light, her entire body screaming in protest. The Revenant roared, its claws scraping the ground with a final, desperate lunge.

    But just as Cira reached the breach, sunlight poured in from above, bathing her in its warmth. She threw herself through the opening, landing hard on the rocky ground outside.

    Behind her, the Revenant screeched, a horrific, guttural sound of pain. The beast skidded to a halt just inside the threshold of the outpost, its massive body recoiling from the sunlight as if struck by an invisible force. Its skin began to sizzle and blacken where the light touched it, and with a furious growl, it retreated into the shadows, out of reach of the burning sunlight.

    Cira collapsed to her knees, gasping for breath. She looked back at the darkened doorway, the Revenant still lurking just inside, its eyes glowing with barely contained rage. The way its eyes narrowed slightly, the low, rumbling growl that echoed from its throat¡ªit was almost as if the beast was telling her something. ?I will remember your face, girl.?

    The moment stretched, the tension between them palpable even from a distance. Then, with a ragged breath, Cira swallowed hard, the dry air burning her throat as she pushed herself to her feet and began to walk, the cracked, barren ground crunching beneath her boots. Her body ached, her lungs burned, but she forced herself to keep moving.

    In her hands, the device pulsed faintly, the soft blue glow illuminating the intricate patterns etched across its surface. It felt almost alive, as if the lines of light were responding to her touch, reacting to her presence. She stared at it, curiosity gnawing at the edges of her mind.

    Reaching into her pocket, Cira pulled out her Memory Pad and activated its scanner, aiming it at the device. The small screen flickered as it processed the data, a series of unfamiliar symbols and numbers flashing across the display. Cira¡¯s heart quickened as the Memory Pad beeped softly, identifying the object.

    Anti-Radiator.

    The words stood out starkly against the screen, and Cira¡¯s eyes widened. She had heard of these things before¡ªwhispers and rumors, mostly. It was said that the Anti-Radiator could stabilize volatile environments, neutralizing harmful radiation and creating pockets of safe zones in even the most irradiated areas of the Wasteland. Every Wastelander would kill for something like this.

    Suddenly, the weight of what she was holding became all too real. This wasn¡¯t just some lost piece of technology. This was valuable, maybe even invaluable. And now it was in her hands.

    Her fingers tightened around the device as she glanced back over her shoulder once more. The outpost lay in ruins behind her, the Revenant waiting in the shadows, but Cira knew the real danger wasn¡¯t over. If word got out that she had an Anti-Radiator, there would be more than just mutated creatures hunting her down.

    With a deep breath, she adjusted her grip on the Memory Pad and the device, then set her gaze ahead and Made her way Home.

 Chapter 1 - Cira

    Like tongues of pure fire, the flames of the campfire licked at the air and illuminated the small area around itself; the subtle heat gave a nice contrast to the biting cold of the wastelands. Chewing on a piece of dried meat, Cira tried to get the rust of the Energy Blade she found a few weeks back on the corpse of a Divine Guard, one of the soldiers from Eden, humanity''s last bastion on this war-torn planet. Cira felt hate, when she thought about the city, or rather who ran it; The Gods. She scrubbed the blade harder with the derusting rock she found on that same soldier. The rust, dust of a weirdly beautiful red-brown, fell to the ground and colored the wet, white ground beneath Cira in the same color.

    Cira has been scrubbing at this weapon for a long time now, and she slowly lost hope, that she would be able to derust it completely. So with a sigh, she set down the blade and the derust rock and stared into the flames that danced before her and engulfed her face in a bright, hot light. Sparks and embers flew from the fire and the wood below it.

    Cira let out a little sigh and leaned back against the old ruins wall; in the old world this was a house in which people lived. Probably a family with a mother and father, children and a pet. Cira lamented those poor souls that got caught into the War of The Old and died innocent¡­.probably.

    She leaned slightly forward again and grabbed the left leg of her pants - which were made of artificial fabric, made out of lead which made her clothes relatively heavy, but also granted her at least some protection against the radiation that plagued some parts of the wasteland - and slowly pulled it up to reveal a small wound a Cane inflicted on her. It had sneaked up on her, when she had a moment of blissful naivety and decided to take a bath in a Purewell - a place near Eden, where the excess water of the citizens got pumped, so it was relatively fresh. The Cane probably was stalking her for a while before it decided to strike when Cira was at her weakest; naked and without protection. Her weapons, the broken Energy Blade she tried to derust and that was sending out sparks here and there - which is why she wrapped a leather strap around the handle - and Gauss Pistol, laid too far away, so did her clothes. She also didn¡¯t wear her hearing aids, which is why she probably couldn''t properly hear it coming closer. Only when the Cane barked and lunged at her did she notice it.

    She remembered how the jagged teeth sunk into her flesh. How the claws ripped at the skin of her torso as the Cane tried to rip off her flesh. Luckily, even though her heart was racing and the adrenaline was pumping, Cira was able to keep calm enough to free herself with a precise hit on the beast''s nose which was its weak point among its stone-like skin; a consequence of the animals being forced to quickly adapt post war¡­and being used as guinea pigs by scientist a long time ago.

    A shiver ran down her spine, as she thought about how the scariest thing about the attack wasn¡¯t that she was attacked, but that she barely heard anything. If she had to describe it, then she would say that everything sounded like you¡¯d try to scream through water.

    She took a deep breath, held it for a moment and then forced herself to not think about it anymore. Instead she shifted her focus on the wound of her leg; the makeshift bandage she put around the biggest part of it was bled through and the part she didn''t cover luckily began to crust.

    ?At least the bleeding stopped for the most part¡­? Cira muttered and reached for her bag.

    Out she pulled a small roll of cloth and a half empty bottle of cleaning alcohol. She took one piece of the cloth and put it in her mouth before slowly taking off the makeshift bandage. She grimaced when she saw the wound; it was deep, though crusted, and it began to reden at the edges. Not a good sign. She took too long to decide to clean it and now the wound began to flare up and, if she was unlucky, she could end up being sick again.

    But her instincts told her that it won¡¯t be that Bad. And normally she could trust them.

    She took a deep breath through her nose and grabbed the bottle of cleaning alcohol and opened it. She grabbed another piece of cloth and drenched it in the alcohol.

    I hate this part¡­

    She took another deep breath, Held it and slowly moved the cloth to her wound. The moment the alcoholic piece of fabric touched her wound, Cira felt a sharp, hot pain rush through her nerves. Like her leg was lit on Fire. And her brain wanted her to stop.

    But she just bit onto the cloth to muffle her small Screams as best as possible as she continued to clean the wound as well as she could; she would need to have a doctor Look at it when she was back.

    She spit the cloth on the floor and breathed heavily after finishing to clean and disinfect her wound.

    That wasn''t as bad as expected, she thought, and with trembling hands she put the alcohol and pieces of cloth back into her bag. In the same movement she took another clean piece of cloth and wrapped it as a bandage around her leg; she should''ve really brought some with her.

    She grabbed her memorypad and a pen ¨C she was one of the few people in her group that Had one ¨C and opened the document about her prey; having taken that bath and being attacked by the cane almost made her forget why she was out here in the first place.

    She was out here to hunt down a Gammawolf for food. It has been a while since they last ate real meat and Cira felt that her family deserved it, and so she volunteered to leave their current place and go out to hunt. She opened her memorypad and the soft light illuminated a small circle around the device in an unnatural light, in contrast to the campfire.

    She double tapped the Screen and opened the map. It took a few seconds, the device was old and almost broke down several times after all. Then a map of her current surroundings appeared, with a large red circle around a stone formation ¨C or were those rotten trees? ¨C and the small drawing of a wolf head above it.

    Based on the map she only was about 3.5 kilometers away from it now. Based on her normal walking pace she would need about 35 minutes for that walk. That was if she was walking as she was.

    Now with her luggage and hurt leg added she would probably be at around 50 minutes, if not an hour for that walk.

    She let out another quiet sigh and closed her pad again. With another grab into her bag she reached for her bottle of water and pulled out 2 rather big syringes right with it. In it was a Red colored fluid that looked like someone just put blood into it.

    Those were pain nullifiers she stole from the doctors. A small drug that nullifies all pain, dizziness and nauseousness for a moment. It was a rewarding drug, but also an incredibly dangerous one; if you weren''t careful, this drug would increase your chance of dying.

    Carefully Cira put the syringes back into her bag and finally took a sip of her water. She shuddered when she felt the liquid heaven Go down her throat ¨C she didn''t drink anything the whole day ¨C and then Put the bottle away before laying down.

    I should get some sleep¡­

    ???

    Cira walked through the deserted ruins of old with a slight limp in her leg. She hated being handicapped like this, and on top of that the sun was burning down into her neck. She expected rain and so she didn¡¯t pack for this situation. So, since she couldn''t just get rid of her clothing - she kind of needed them to even have a chance of survival against the Gammawolf she was hunting - she had to power through with the rest of the water she got left.

    The energy blade, she so desperately tried to clean and make actually usable, hung on her belt, just did her Gauss Pistol, and made a climpering sound whenever she took a step and the crackling metal - the energy core of it was cracked - hit her clothes.

    It was a steady sound that somehow managed to keep Cira¡¯s mind off the pain and scorching heat, and weirdly calmed her down. That was a little something about her, because of her broken ears, Cira found calm in things and sounds that others deemed annoying. So she would often tap her nails against the surface of something, hum quiet tunes or just take heavier steps than other people, just to hear herself. Only eating noises she despised. She could slap everyone who wouldn¡¯t keep their mouth shut when chewing. Luckily she could just turn her hearing aids off and have the sounds be damped down or completely disappear, depending on how loud they were.

    The crack of wood tore Cira out of her thoughts.

    In an instant her hand was at the grip of the Energy Blade and she narrowed her eyes as she looked around in suspicion. Silence¡­almost. The wind whistled between the ruins and moved through Cira¡¯s hair. But other than that - and her heavy breathing combined with the crackling of the broken Energy Blade - there was no sound at all. No cracking of wood, no howling, no steps. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    Cira relaxed and slowly let go of the grip. Probably just a mouse¡­A big one Cira thought, her heart refusing to calm down from the shock. Which, despite what one might think, could prove to be good. It meant that she was on edge, that it was hard to surprise her, and that the adrenaline would allow her to react.

    She took a step forward. Another crack. Step. Crack. Step. Crack. Step¨C Cira groaned in annoyance. She grabbed her Pistol aimed in the direction of the sound and without wasting another thought she pulled the trigger.

    The gun vibrated and hummed. In the next moment, with a cry that cut through the air, the copper bullet left the muzzle and cut through air as it flew right into the darkness of a ruin.

    The sickening sound of something entering flesh followed by the agonizing scream of¡­something filled the air and made Cira shudder. It was so bad that for a few moments, Cira couldn¡¯t move. She was frozen in place. Her muscles tense. Her heart beating out of her chest and into her throat. She felt her pulse through her whole body.

    It was only when she saw a huge claw reach out from the darkness and gripped the doorframe, paired with a deep guttural that Cira¡¯s body moved. For a moment she forgot all her pain, all the heat and exhaustion, and just ran. Ran away from the beast and towards her destination.

    When she finally came to a halt, she was out of breath and her leg hurt; a warm wetness drenched her pants and ran down her skin.

    Shit her wound has been torn open from the running again. But what was she supposed to do? There was a Stalker coming from that Ruin. There was no way Cira would willingly face one of those without any type of properly functioning weapons ¡ª she had Heard that even the Divine guards dread those beasts and don''t fight them if they are not forced too.

    With an exhausted huff, she let herself drop against a nearby wall and sighed, when she lifted her wounded leg. She had to be careful now. She could, or should rather, change the bandage- a growl pulled Cira out of her thoughts and fully grasped her attention.

    She slowly leaned over and peaked out of her hiding spot. The growl was exactly what she expected it to be; the Gammawolf.

    The huge beast ¡ª it had a shoulders height of about 2,10m and a big gaping wound on its front Leg¡ª lowered its head and, with a sickening sound of mushy flesh and blood, bit into the torso of another, smaller Gammawolf.

    Did they have a Fight for territory? Cira watched closely and was fascinated. She maybe missed the fight, which would have been great to see play out, but she saw the aftermath and now was able to use it to her advantage. She pulled back into her hiding spot and counted her options. She could try to climb on a ruin and shoot at the Wolf, but she would need to have perfect accuracy or else the bullets would go to waste.

    She couldn''t really use the energy blade though, maybe for a final hit, but a head on fight would most definitely be her death. So she had to be more strategic about it.

    Carefully she climbed up the ruin she was hiding behind, so she would have the height advantage, and counted the makeshift bullets ¡ª which actually were just pieces of scrap metal ¡ª reloaded one.

    I have ten shots. She lifted her pistol, took aim and just as she was about to fire, the Gammawolf heard something. It lifted its head, looked into a direction ¡ª which luckily was the opposite of where Cira was ¡ª, let out a deep, almost deafening growl and then dashed off into that direction.

    Cira clicked her tongue. She wasted time with thinking and counting, and now she had to chase it. She climbed down the ruin, jumping would ruin her leg, and then quickly moved to the corpse of the smaller Gammawolf.

    It was¡­not a nice sight. The torso was torn apart, hind legs and head smashed and bitemarks were all over its body. If Cira didn''t grow up out here, she would have thrown up by now.

    She shook her head, narrowed her eyes and looked at the footprints her prey left in the sandy ground. She gripped her pistol tighter and limped after the Wolf.

    ???

    She stopped suddenly when he heard bones cracking and flesh tearing. She hid behind a ruin and surveyed the scene. The Gammawolf was feasting on another animal. This time it was some kind of Artiodactyl. But Cira didn''t care. Instead Cira raised her gun, aimed for the throat and shot.

    With a screech the bullet flew towards the wolf and drilled into its flesh, making it scream and roar out loud. Cira used the time, drew the energy blade and ran towards the wolf, ignoring her pain.

    Despite knowing that a head on confrontation might be her death, Cira¡¯s hubris was huge enough to let her believe that she could finish off the beast now.

    But, like so very often, she wasn''t. The Gammawolf recovered from its short moment of shock and swiped at Cira with its huge paw, and Cira was too slow; she got hit and thrown against a nearby wall.

    She gasped as all the air was forced from her lungs. Her vision blurred as tears filled her eyes and a sharp pain shot through her entire body. But even then, she still held onto her weapons.

    She knelt on the ground, breathing desperately to get enough air into her lungs to be able to move properly again. When her vision cleared, she looked up to see the Gammawolf flashing its teeth and splaying its claws as it growled at Cira.

    Cira gritted her teeth and tried her best to keep her composure, ultimately failing as the beast charged at her, claws outstretched.

    She screamed and quickly rolled to the side, causing the beast to slam into the ruin behind her.

    Cira quickly ran behind the beast as it shook its head at the impact. But as quickly as the animal charged at her, it turned to face her again.

    With a deep growl, it looked at him and prepared to attack again. Cira drew the Energy Blade and raised her hands and looked at the beast with a determined look. If she died here, it would not be without seriously injuring him.

    She narrowed her eyes and breathed deeply and evenly. She and the beast just stared at each other. No one moved a muscle... Although the Gammawolf could have killed her with a blow to the head or even chest, Cira was ready to fight to the end. The dry air burned her lungs and throat. Every breath was hard and painful, but she refused to let it show.

    ?Come on, you oversized mutt,? Cira muttered through clenched teeth. ?Let''s get this over with.?

    With a deep, snarling roar, the Gammawolf lunged. Cira rolled to the side, pain flaring in her leg, and fired the Gauss pistol. The projectile shot out with a cry, hitting the beast¡¯s shoulder and sparking against its dense fur. The Gammawolf barely flinched.

    ?Of course, you don''t feel that,? she groaned.

    She forced herself to her feet, wobbling slightly. The Gammawolf turned, eyes blazing with rage, and charged again. Cira swung her energy blade, its flickering edge slicing through the air. She aimed for the beast''s neck, but the blade sputtered, only grazing its thick hide.

    ?Piece of junk!? she muttered, shaking and hitting the blade and its handle as if willing it to work better. The Gammawolf¡¯s claws raked the air inches from her face as she ducked, feeling the rush of displaced air and the heat of its breath. The stench of decay filled her nostrils, making her gag.

    Cira stumbled back, her leg screaming in agony. But as she did, the Wolf clawed at her, and though she barely got the dodge, her top got torn with a huge claw mark over her torso and a thin trail of blood following. She fell to the Ground.

    Fuck, fuck, fuck. She reached into her bag, fingers fumbling for the pain nullifiers. The Gammawolf leapt again, and she barely managed to roll out of the way, her injured leg dragging painfully behind her.

    "Gotcha!" she hissed as her hand closed around a syringe. She jammed it into her thigh, feeling the cold rush of the nullifier flooding her system. The pain dulled to a manageable throb, and she gritted her teeth, pushing herself back up and grabbing her Gauss pistol that fell.

    The Gammawolf prowled closer, saliva dripping from its fangs. Cira gritted her teeth and steadied herself. She fired the Gauss pistol again, this time aiming for the creature''s eye. The shot landed true, and the Gammawolf howled in agony, its head snapping back.

    The Gammawolf, enraged and half-blind, charged once more. Cira sidestepped, swinging her energy blade, the weapon flickerdy and sputtered as it connected with the beast''s hide. The blade left a scorched gash, but the creature barely seemed to notice. It swiped at her, claws raking across her arm and drawing blood.

    She ignored the dull Feeling in her arm and swung the blade again. The blade sputtered, and she cursed, feeling the weapon''s grip heating up in her hand, but the blade held, cutting through muscle and sinew.

    The Gammawolf howled in pain, twisting and snapping at her. Cira yanked the blade free and stumbled back, firing the Gauss pistol again. The projectile embedded in the beast''s already injured leg, making it stagger.

    Cira used the moment to take some important distance as she felt the grip heating up more in her hands. She knew it wouldn''t hold long anymore.

    ?Not so tough now, are you?? Cira taunted, breathing heavily. The Gammawolf snarled, limping but still deadly. It lunged once more, slower this time, and Cira seized the moment. She threw the Energy Blade and embedded it into the Gammawolfs chest.

    It roared ¡ª it almost sounded like a scream ¡ª and stumbled, its injured leg actually giving up on it. It fell forward burying the blade deeper into itself by falling on the handle.

    The wolf winced and howled as Cira stumbled towards it. She looked down at the twitching and writhing animal, and somehow didn''t feel bad for the animal. Well, why should she? It¡¯s kill or be killed and her Village needs food.

    With a cold expression she lifted her gauss pistol and aimed at the Gammawolf¡¯s head; for a moment their eyes met and it looked like it was begging for mercy. Like it was screaming ?Please let me Live! I have a Family too!?.

    But Cira didn''t bat an eye and pulled the trigger.

    She watched as the creature''s body went completely numb and its last breaths stopped. Cira sighed heavily. ?Well, that went about as badly as I thought.? She whispered to himself and then fell to her knees as the effects of the pain nullifiers slowly stopped.

    She tried to lift the wolf just a little bit to pull out the Energy Blade, but she didn''t have any strength. So she gave up, turned around and leaned against the lifeless corpse.

    With a faint smile on her lips, she Put her gun away and pulled out her memorypad to give one of the others of her Village a Signal for help, when she Heard a loud screech.

    She flinched and looked up, only to see the worst thing she could have seen in this Moment;

    A stalker was sitting on a ruin nearby and had laid eyes on its prey.

 Chapter 2 - Cira

    Cira¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Her eyes met the pitch black ¡ª or were they green? ¡ª eyes of the predator that stared at her with a deep hunger.

    Cira tried to keep calm, even though her heart raced. She felt her pulse through her entire body. Every fiber in her screamed at her to run, to get away. But she couldn¡¯t leave the Gammawolf here¡­ Could she?

    The stalker tilted its head as it kept eye contact with Cira, but it didn¡¯t do fast movements. It just slowly crawled down the side of the building it was sitting on. Its claws easily penetrated the stone facade as it, agile like a spider, made its way down to the ground. And then it stopped and just stared at her again.

    It waits, Cira thought, struggling to keep her eyes open. Her wounds, the pain nullifiers and the fight against the Gammawolf really took a toll at her. But she knew, somehow, that if she now fell asleep, she would die. If not by the stalker, then from her wounds; and so she kept her eyes open and sent that signal to her village.

    Since they didn¡¯t hunt an animal and followed its tracks, a rescue group would take about 2 hours to reach her.

    She added one word to the Signal;

    ¡®Stalker¡¯.

    Her memory pad beeped as the message went out and Cira leaned against the Gammawolf corpse. She took deep breaths, calming herself down - or at least she was trying to - as the sun beat down on her.

    She felt the sweat, as well as her blood, drenching her clothes and she played with the idea of just taking the top off; it was torn anyway. She grabbed the end of her top and pulled it over her head and discarded it to the side. And the moment she looked up again, she noticed that the Stalker got closer. Her heart skipped another beat, and her sweat ran down her face.

    The Stalkers skeletal frame looked so out of place and it seemed to get inpatient. Its sunken eyes stared at Cira with lust and hunger and its body was shaking with anticipation.

    Cira swiftly grabbed into her bag and searched for something that could emit a bright light¡­But she didn¡¯t have anything. Instead she pulled out her second syringe of pain nullifiers. She stared at it for just a moment.

    Then her eyes wandered up to the stalker again. She could almost feel its breath, though it stood several meters away. The oppressive heat bore down on her, mixing with the throbbing pain of her wounds. Every heartbeat felt like a hammer against her ribs, and her vision began to blur slightly around the edges.

    And then, without another moment of hesitation, Cira plunged the syringe into her thigh, feeling the immediate cool relief of the pain nullifier spread through her veins. Calm washed over her, dulling the sharp edges of her agony but heightening her awareness of the threat before her.

    Cira''s breaths were ragged as her body began to feel lighter, the pain becoming a distant throb. She knew she had only moments before the Stalker made its move. Her eyes, now sharper, caught every detail of its skeletal frame, the way its muscles tensed and rippled beneath its pale skin.

    Sweat mixed with blood on Cira''s skin, the metallic smell of it filling her nostrils as she clutched the empty syringe and shoved it back into her bag. She had to act quickly.

    She forced her trembling legs to push her upright. The world swayed for a moment, but she steadied herself, her gaze never leaving the Stalker. Its eyes glinted with malicious intent, and its body seemed coiled to spring at any second. She took a deep breath, the air feeling thick and hot in her lungs.

    I have to get away! And so Cira bolted. Her feet pounding against the cracked pavement, the pain nullifier giving her a false sense of invulnerability. The sun beat down mercilessly, baking the ground beneath her as she sprinted. She could hear the Stalker''s claws scraping behind her.

    Every muscle in her body screamed for her to stop, to rest, but she pushed harder. Her vision blurred with each step, the landscape around her merging into a dizzying swirl of colors and shapes.

    Finally, Cira spotted a building up ahead, its entrance partially obscured by overgrown vines and debris¡­or that''s what she would say those were.

    She pushed herself harder, her legs burning and screaming with every step, and made a final sprint toward the door. She could hear the stalker closing in.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    She reached the entrance and threw herself inside, collapsing against a cool, shaded wall. Her chest heaved with each breath, the relative darkness of the building blinding her for just a Moment.

    She scanned her surroundings quickly, her eyes adjusting to the dimness. The room was filled with remnants of a forgotten life¡ªbroken furniture, scattered papers, with ink long faded, and a thick layer of dust that coated everything, that wasn''t taken over by plants.

    Hide, her mind screamed Find a place to hide!

    Cira forced herself to move, her body protesting against the movement. She moved deeper into the building, her eyes searching for a place to hide. She spotted a partially collapsed staircase leading to an upper level and made her way toward it, her steps slow and careful. Behind her she could hear the stalker moving into the building, its claws slowly clicking against the ground.

    It wants to catch me off guard, she looked over her shoulder and saw it sitting there mocking her with its gaze. It seemed to say that it will get her.

    The stairs creaked under her weight, each sound banging like drums in her head. Her movements were sluggish, her limbs heavy with exhaustion and the little pain the Nullifiers didn''t kill. She reached the top and found a small room, its door hanging ajar. She slipped inside and gently closed the door behind her, pressing her ear against it to listen for any sign of the stalker. Her heart pounded in her chest, the fear and adrenaline mixing with the pain nullifier to create a heady, disorienting rush.

    Cira backed away from the door and looked around the room frantically, her eyes landing on a wooden cabinet pushed against one wall. She hurried over to it and, using the last bits of her strength, began to move it in front of the door. The cabinet scraped against the wooden floor, the sound loud in the quiet room and booming in her ears, but she managed to wedge it against the door.

    She sank to her knees, her hands still resting on top of the cabinet. She breathed heavily ¡ª each one burning in her lungs and throat ¡ª as she tried to calm her racing heart. The pain nullifier was beginning to wear off and the dull ache of her wounds seeped back into her. She felt the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her, her eyelids growing heavier with each passing second.

    Stay awake! You can¡¯t fall asleep now.

    The room began to spin around her, the dark corners in her Vision closing in and out of focus. She pressed her forehead against the cool wood of the cabinet, hoping the chill would ground her, but instead, it sent a shiver down her spine. The acrid taste of bile rose in her throat, mixing with the coppery tang of blood in her mouth.

    Her stomach churned violently. She pressed a hand against her abdomen, trying to steady herself, but the nausea was too much. The room''s air, thick with dust and decay, only made it worse. She could feel the bile rising, burning her throat. Cira lurched to the side, just managing to lean over before she vomited, the contents of her stomach splattering onto the floor. The act left her weaker, her body shaking uncontrollably.

    She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, the bitter taste lingering. Her vision swam, and she clutched the cabinet for support, trying to regain her balance. The pain nullifiers were wearing off, and the side effects were hitting her hard. Her skin felt clammy, and cold sweat dripped down her back, mixing with the dried blood and dirt. Her muscles ached, not just from exertion but from the unnatural suppression of pain. Every nerve seemed to be firing randomly, sending jolts of discomfort through her body.

    The silence of the room pressed in on her like the weight of a hundred Glowhorns, broken only by the unsettling sounds of the stalker below. She could hear its methodical movements, the scraping of its claws against the floor, the subtle huffs of its breath. It was searching for her, and it was patient.

    Cira desperately tried to form a plan. She knew she couldn''t stay in that room; the stalker would find her. But her body was barely functioning right. She glanced around the small space, her eyes landing on a narrow window. It was a slim chance, but a Chance of getting Out nonetheless.

    Gritting her teeth, Cira pushed herself up, her legs trembling with the effort. She staggered to the window and pushed it open, the hinges creaking in protest, almost breaking apart when the window Hit the outer wall. She leaned out, scanning the area below. It was a short drop to a wide place, probably the old Backyard, littered with debris.

    She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the jump. Her vision blurred again, and she blinked rapidly, trying to focus. She had to land right or she would Hurt herself even more. A sudden crash from downstairs made her heart leap; it was now or never.

    Cira hastily swung one leg over the sill, then the other, and pushed off. She landed awkwardly, her ankle twisting painfully as she hit the ground. She bit back a scream, forcing herself to stay silent. She crawled into the shadows, pressing herself against the wall, trying to stay hidden.

    She heard the Stalker shuffling and searching above, and when it finally stopped, she rose to her feet slowly, testing her weight on the injured ankle. It held, barely. She limped down the Backyard, each step sending a jolt of pain through her body. Her head throbbed, the aftereffects of the nullifiers making her feel disoriented and nauseous.

    She looked back at the building, her eyes landing on the narrow window she had escaped through. Through the opening, she saw the Stalker appearing at the window ledge. Its dark eyes, once again meeting hers with that hunger, seemed to glow dark intent. The Stalker hesitated for just a moment, then leapt out of the window, its claws outstretched as it followed her.

    Fear peaked in Cira as she turned to run. She pushed herself forward, but the pain in her ankle was too much, and her legs felt like lead. She managed only a few stumbling steps before her injured ankle and leg gave up on her. She fell hard onto the debris-strewn ground, pain flaring up with a sharp, blinding intensity.

    As she struggled to get back up, the Stalker was already closing in on her. Cira''s breaths were ragged, and her vision was narrowing with every passing moment. Her body felt like it was collapsing under the weight of exhaustion and pain

    Just as the Stalker¡¯s claws were almost hitting her, a sudden, bright flash illuminated the scene. A sharp, crackling sound followed, and the Stalker was thrown sideways, its body slamming into a pile of rubble. The creature shrieked in a guttural, discordant cry as it skidded to a stop, its limbs flailing.

    Cira turned her head, her vision struggling to focus on the new arrivals. Through her blurred sight, she could make out the silhouettes of several figures emerging from a nearby vehicle. One of them, tall and commanding, stood at the forefront, wielding a plasma rifle. The rifle¡¯s barrel still emitted a faint blue glow from the recent shot. It was her brother, Rian, and his team.

    ¡°Cira!¡± Rian¡¯s voice cut through the haze of pain and confusion, filled with urgent concern. ¡°We¡¯re here!¡± He came towards her and picked her up. ¡°Ready bandages and medicine! We need a Bio-Fix Serum!¡±

    ¡°But sir-¡± one of the other voices, a girl, began but she was immediatly interrupted.

    ¡°Now.¡± Rian bellowed and, not so gently, put Cira on the back of the vehicle. ¡°We have to get away, those beasts are more resilient than they look.¡± And as if on cue, the Stalker screeched again.

    But Cira didn''t notice much anymore, because the moment the Anti-Adrenaline and Bio-Fix Serum was given to her, she lost consciousness.

 Chapter 3 - Cain

    Cain hated the smell of cigarettes. The acrid smell had a Habit of sticking to everything it touched; the air, clothes and, most disgustingly, people. You could always tell apart a smoker from someone who doesn''t.

    He walked briskly through the gleaming streets of Eden, the city¡¯s neon lights casting an iridescent glow that seemed to pulse with a life of its own. The city was a marvel of technology and architecture, a beacon of what humanity had achieved with the help of their divine overseers¡ªthe Gods. Yet, for all its advancement, Cain couldn''t fathom how the vices of the old world had managed to seep into this futuristic paradise.

    The irony was not lost on him as he passed a group of young men huddled in a corner, their cigarettes glowing like little embers in the artificial twilight. The smoke coiled around them, creating a haze that seemed out of place in Eden¡¯s otherwise pristine environment. Cain wrinkled his nose and pulled up the collar of his coat, trying to block out the smell as much as possible, speeding up to escape the cloying smell. His left eye, a sophisticated piece of cyborg technology, flickered briefly, automatically adjusted to the dim light of the alley, highlighting the faces and details of the smokers in sharp contrast. Cain instinctively noted each of their features¡ªscars, tattoos, clothing¡ªstoring them away in his memory pad for documentation later. It was an old habit, one born out of his duty to observe and record. After all, one never knew when a face might be important, when a seemingly insignificant detail might become crucial.

    As he continued down the clean, polished streets of Eden, his right arm, the one made of dull Aetherium, buzzed faintly with each step. The synthetic nerves within the arm were in perfect sync with his organic brain, making the limb feel as natural as his own flesh. Cain absentmindedly flexed his fingers, feeling the faint whirr of servos beneath the synthetic skin. The blend of human and machine, of flesh and metal, had long since become second nature to him.

    But no amount of technological advancement could mask the sour tang of alcohol on the breath of the man who stumbled past him, reeking of cheap spirits. Cain frowned, his nose wrinkling in distaste. Why smoking? he thought with irritation. Why drinking? Of all the things to survive the fall of the Old World, why did these vices have to be among them? In a world where humanity had achieved so much, transcending its former limitations, some habits clung on like a tumor.

    He Continued to move through Elohan¡¯s district, a part of the city that embodied the divine¡¯s mechanical and geometrical influence. Buildings here were angular, their surfaces covered in a sleek, metallic shee that seemed to reflect the city¡¯s vibrant lights in sharp, clean lines. Elohans also loved to use an abundance of Neon, and so Every building and Shoot was adorned by tubes emmiting Neon lights. Everything was precisely designed, with no hint of organic life. The district was a testament to Elohan¡¯s vision, a place where the very essence of technology and order was embedded in the architecture and environment.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    In contrast, the district of Synara, another of the Gods, was an entirely different world. Her domain was lush and vibrant, filled with organic growth and a riot of colors. Plants and flowers spilled over in abundance, and the air was alive with the scents of fresh earth and blooming flora. Synara¡¯s district was like stepping into an old-world garden, a stark and comforting juxtaposition to the mechanical perfection of Elohan¡¯s realm.

    Yet even in this city of near perfection, the remnants of the old, flawed humanity persisted. The irony of it all. Cain shook his head, his mechanical eye catching a glimpse of a beggar hidden in the shadows, a relic of the past who had somehow slipped through the cracks of Eden¡¯s immaculate facade.

    The man was huddled against a wall, wrapped in a tattered coat that had once been fine, the edges frayed and stained. His hair, though graying and unkempt, had a certain refinement to it, as if it had once been neatly styled. But it was the man¡¯s eyes that caught Cain¡¯s attention¡ªsharp and calculating, like those of someone who had once commanded respect. A deep scar ran across the man¡¯s face, from his left brow to the corner of his mouth, a mark of some long-forgotten battle. It was the sort of scar that told stories, that hinted at a life lived far above the gutter where he now resided. Cain hesitated for a moment, wondering what had brought the man to this state, but quickly pushed the thought asid, and made a note to report the man¡¯s location later. Eden isn¡¯t supposed to have beggars.

    As Cain continued walking, a sharp ping echoed in his mind, a signal from his memory pad. His right eye blinked rapidly as the message displayed across his vision, bold letters scrolling across the interface. Elohan summons you. Come to the tower immediately.

    He didn¡¯t hesitate. Turning sharply, Cain made his way toward Elohan¡¯s tower, the central spire that dominated the district¡¯s skyline. The tower itself was a masterpiece of design, a needle-like structure that seemed to pierce the heavens, its surface made of reflective, obsidian glass interwoven with intricate, pulsating lines of neon blue. The lines twisted and converged at points, forming symbols and patterns that were at once beautiful and utterly alien.

    As Cain finally approached the entrance, he saw other Ascended gathering¡ªa mix of men and women, all with varying degrees of cybernetic enhancements. Some had only minor augmentations, a mechanical eye here, a reinforced limb there, while others were more machine than human, their forms almost entirely encased in sleek metal. They acknowledged Cain with curt nods, their expressions as cold and unreadable as his own.

    Cain stepped into the tower¡¯s main hall, the doors sliding shut behind him with a soft hiss. The air inside was cool, almost sterile, and the soft hum of Machines and the building¡¯s systems resonated through the floor. The hall was vast and circular, its walls lined with the same obsidian glass as the exterior. Dim blue light filtered through the floor, casting an eerie glow that made the shadows dance.

    Cain¡¯s eye flicked to the massive doors at the far end of the hall¡ªthe entrance to Elohan¡¯s chamber. The doors were marked with the god¡¯s insignia, a complex geometric pattern that seemed to shift and change when looked at directly. They stood as a reminder of the power and order that ruled over Eden, a force that was both their creator and their master.

    The doors began to slide open with a low, mechanical groan, and Cain took a deep breath straightened, preparing himself to face his god.

 Chapter 4 - Cain

    The air inside Elohans Tower grew more sterile the deeper He went in. The walls and most decorations and furniture was made out of titanium or ceramic coated stainless steels; both Materials that the Old World primarily used in the medical field. Even today they were often used.

    But Elohan used those materials because they are easy to clean, so easy to keep sterile, and because titanium was anti magnetic, which was also why all of his subject¡¯s enhancements were alloyed with titanium; just as his own. Especially nowadays where those terrorist groups were on the rise, it was helpful, almost needed, to have extra protection.

    A voice rang out next to him, the kind of voice that made his skin crawl. ?Sir,? it drawled, so sweet yet irritatingly smug.

    Cain resisted the urge to groan. He sighed inwardly instead, steeling himself before turning to face the source. ?Alice,? he acknowledged with a curt nod, his tone flat, devoid of any warmth. ?Still a maid, I see.?

    ?Still a grumpy cat, I see,? Alice shot back, with a smirks, her metallic fingers clinking softly as she clasped them together.

    He bit back the urge to scowl. He hated that smirk, hated the way she always managed to get under his skin. He quickened his pace, hoping to outdistance her, but Alice matched him step for step, her prosthetic legs whirring softly with every step she took.

    Without warning, she pinched his cheek. The touch was warm¡ªtoo warm¡ªand it sent a shiver of irritation down his spine, and spoke; ?But that is why we like you Cainy~? she cooed with a voice people used when they talked with their pets or little Children.

    He sighed, again only Inside his head, and swatted Alice''s Hand away with more force than necessary. ?Don¡¯t you have maidy Things to do??

    Alice pulled her hand back and shrugged, unperturbed. ?I thought so too, but Elohan called me here. Just as he did you apparently.?

    Cain nodded absent mindedly. If Alice had been summoned alongside him, it could mean one of two things: either Elohan had another task for her entirely, or she was finally getting the promotion she¡¯d been working tirelessly for. Despite his personal dislike for her, Cain was honest enough to admit that she deserved it. He had sparred with Alice many times, and while he always came out on top, he couldn¡¯t deny that she was a skilled and formidable opponent. Her proficiency in combat was only matched by her irritating persistence.

    ?Why are you here,? Alice asked and tilted her head, studying him with those unnervingly bright blue eyes. Her gaze was as sharp as her tone was casual, a reminder that despite her playful demeanor, she missed little.

    Cain met her gaze, noting how the artificial light gleamed off her metallic limbs. She was taller than him, a fact that always irked him slightly, though he¡¯d never admit it. Out of everyone in Elohans inner circle ¡ª Cain was surprised she got in there If He was honest ¡ª, Alice had the most outside enhancements. Both of her hands and both of her legs from hip down, were prosthetic. ?I mean, normally you get your orders through a message, don''t you?? She added.

    ?You¡¯re right,? Cain said. ?But if it''s urgent, Elohan always calls me to give me the order in person.?

    Alice nodded thoughtfully, though her expression remained neutral. Cain could see the gears turning in her mind, though. She was like him; always analyzing, always calculating. It was one of the things that made her so dangerous¡ªand so annoying.

    They finally reached the massive doors of Elohan¡¯s chamber, two towering slabs of the same dark obsidian as the rest of the tower. The blue lines that crisscrossed the surface pulsed rhythmically, almost as if the structure was breathing. The air here was cooler, tinged with the faint scent of ozone, like the calm before a storm.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    Cain¡¯s gaze lingered on the pulsating lines that ran across the surface of the doors. They were mesmerizing, almost hypnotic, the steady rhythm acting as the towers'' very own Heartbeat. The cool air brushed against his skin, sending a faint shiver down his spine. The scent of ozone, sharp and electric, hung in the air like a promise of something ominous. He exchanged a glance with Alice, who stood beside him with her usual composed demeanor. The hum of the tower¡¯s machinery reverberated through the walls, a low, constant drone that rang in Cain''s ears.

    The doors slid open with a smooth, silent motion, revealing the vast expanse of Elohan¡¯s chamber. The room was a masterpiece of geometric precision, a perfect circle with walls that arced seamlessly into a high, domed ceiling. The floor was a mosaic of polished titanium, the blue lines forming intricate patterns that converged at the center, where Elohan¡¯s throne sat like a monument to some ancient, unknowable power.

    Elohan himself was a study in contrasts. At first glance, he appeared to be a strikingly handsome man in his mid-thirties, with sharp, symmetrical features that seemed almost too perfect to be real. His skin was a smooth, flawless olive tone, and his hair, a deep obsidian black ¡ª that was tied back into a sharp ponytail that reached just past his shoulders, the style giving him an air of disciplined elegance ¡ª gleamed under the chamber¡¯s soft, ambient light. His eyes, a piercing shade of blue, had a depth that was both unsettling and captivating.

    He wore a sleek, dark robe that flowed like liquid metal, its edges catching the light and reflecting the room¡¯s pulsating blue patterns. The robe was open at the collar, revealing a hint of the body beneath¡ªsmooth, perfect, yet without any sign of the machinery that lay hidden within.

    Despite his human appearance, there was something in Elohan¡¯s demeanor, in the way he moved and spoke, that was distinctly not human. His eyes, for all their beauty, held a coldness, an unyielding precision that spoke of the machine within. The way he sat, the way his fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of the throne, was too deliberate, too calculated to be natural.

    Cain¡¯s mechanical eye flickered slightly, adjusting to the ambient light, and he couldn''t help but notice the subtle shift in Elohan¡¯s gaze as it locked onto him, those piercing blue eyes calculating, assessing.

    ?Cain,? Elohan¡¯s voice was smooth, almost melodic, but it carried an underlying edge that demanded attention. ?You and Alice came promptly. As expected.?

    Cain sighed inwardly. It was always like this. Straight to business, as if Cain and Alice were just tools to be commanded, not individuals with lives or thoughts of their own. A part of Cain bristled at the slight, but he buried the irritation beneath layers of practiced indifference. He wasn¡¯t here for conversation.

    ?The Anti-Radiator,? Elohan said, his voice smooth and resonant, yet devoid of warmth. ?It has been found.?

    Cain¡¯s attention sharpened. They had been hunting that device for weeks, ever since it was stolen from an outpost in the Wasteland. The Anti-Radiator was vital¡ªa piece of advanced technology capable of stabilizing radiation levels in the most contaminated zones. Without it, entire sectors could become uninhabitable, even for the Ascended. The theft had been a blow, and the search for it had consumed every available resource. And now, after all the false leads and dead ends, they finally had a location

    ?Where?? Cain asked, his voice more clipped than he intended.

    Elohan¡¯s gaze flickered ever so slightly. Cain knew that His tone had not gone unnoticed. ?A village near the Eastern Ruins. A group of scavengers is holding it. They are primitive, but resourceful. You will assemble your troup and retrieve the device. You will not fail.?

    There it was¡ªno room for error, no allowance for complications. Elohan¡¯s commands were absolute, his expectations clear. Cain bit back a retort. Failure was not an option, not when it came to Elohan. The God¡¯s displeasure was something no one, not even an Ascended, wanted to endure.

    ?You will take Alice with you,? Elohan continued, his tone brooking no argument. ?Her skills will ensure success. The mission is too important for you to undertake alone.?

    ?As you command,? Cain replied, keeping his voice steady, devoid of the frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

    Elohan¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. He simply leaned back in his throne, the light catching the edges of his dark robe, making it shimmer. ?Do not disappoint me, Cain. You have until sunset.?

    The words were final, a dismissal without the formalities. Without another word, Elohan turned his attention back to whatever data streamed across his vision, leaving Cain and Alice standing in the center of the chamber, already forgotten.

    As they exited the chamber, the doors closing silently behind them, Cain¡¯s thoughts churned. Elohan hadn¡¯t even bothered with a proper greeting, hadn¡¯t acknowledged their presence beyond what was necessary to give his orders. Typical, Cain thought bitterly. To Elohan, they were little more than instruments, and his demands were all that mattered. The weight of those expectations pressed down on him, mingling with the unease that always followed a conversation with Elohan.

    Alice walked beside him, her expression unreadable, her mechanical limbs moving with that effortless grace that always unnerved him. She was efficient, flawless¡ªeverything Elohan valued. Cain wondered what she was thinking, or if she even thought at all. But he pushed the thought away. There was no time for doubts or distractions. They had a mission to complete, and failure was not an option.

    The stolen Anti-Radiator had to be retrieved, and Elohan¡¯s orders executed to the letter. Cain clenched his metal hand, feeling the familiar hum of the servos. Whatever awaited them in the Eastern Ruins, they would face it and ger the device Back.

    Elohan demanded nothing less.

 Chapter 5 - Cira

    Cira opened her eyes to the sunlight falling directly onto her face ¡ª and subsequently into her eyes as she opened them ¡ª and pulled the blanket over her head with a groan. But as she moved she flinched, hard; which made her flinch and groan again.

    She felt like shit.

    Slowly she moved the blanket Back down, it became hot quickly under it, and stared at the ceiling. The dull ache radiating from her temples clashed with the sunlight filtering through the blinds, making it feel like the room itself was throbbing.

    Her ribs were the worst, sharp stabs of pain whenever she shifted, even if it was only slightly; her limbs were heavy and sore, like she¡¯d been run over by something twice her size. And in a way, she had.

    Her mind was foggy, the events of what brought her here slipping through her consciousness like sand through her fingers. There were flashes, disjointed images that didn¡¯t really fit together¡ªpeople shouting, the sound of glass breaking, her heart pounding in her chest. She frowned, trying to piece it all together, but every attempt was met with more confusion.

    Her hearing aids lay on the desk beside her bed, the small devices glinting in the sunlight. Cira reached out slowly, her arm protesting the movement, and grabbed them. Gently, she placed them into her ears, the world suddenly becoming clearer, sharper, as sound rushed back to her. The quiet hum of the ceiling fan, the distant sound of people talking outside, the steady thrum of her own heartbeat¡ªit all filtered back into her consciousness. The blanket no longer muffled the world, and for a moment, she allowed herself to sink into that small familiarity.

    As she lay there, trying to gather her thoughts, the door to her room creaked open. Rian stepped inside, his silhouette framed by the sunlight in the hallway. Tall and lean, with dark tousled hair and sharp, angular features, Rian had always carried an air of effortless coolness, a natural confidence that bordered on arrogance. His eyes ¡ª those sharp, discerning eyes that always seemed to know what she was thinking¡ª, deep green like hers, scanned the room quickly before landing on her, taking in her disheveled state.

    ?Morning, sunshine,? he said, smirking as he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest. He was wearing his usual tactical gear, a light combat jacket and worn boots, which told Cira he was probably headed out on some mission soon. He had a faint scar on his left cheek, a remnant from a skirmish a few years back, and though he tried to hide it with his bravado, there was a gentleness about him when it came to her.

    ?I told you to Stop calling me that¡­? Cira muttered, wincing as she tried to sit up. She exhaled, her hand gingerly touching the side of her ribs where the bruises were most tender. She could still feel the phantom pressure from where the Gammawolf had thrown her into the rocks. How had she survived that? ?Feels like I got hit by a truck or something.?

    ?You might as well have,? Rian said, pushing off the doorframe and walking over to her bed. ?That Stalker nearly took you out. You¡¯re lucky to still be breathing.?

    Cira scowled. ?I had it under control.?

    ?Yeah, sure. Your ¡®under control¡¯ was you bleeding out in the dirt,? Rian replied, though his tone wasn¡¯t harsh, just matter-of-fact. He sat down on the edge of the bed, glancing over her bandages. "

    ?You need to stop trying to do everything on your own. You¡¯re tough, but you¡¯re not invincible.?

    Rian¡¯s eyes stayed on her face for a moment longer, as if he was weighing his next words carefully. Then, with a sigh, he stood up and moved toward the door. ?Anyway,? he said, glancing over his shoulder with a faint smile, ?there''s food downstairs. I figured you''d be hungry after almost kicking the bucket .?

    Cira managed a tired smirk. ?I didn¡¯t almost kick the bucket.?

    ?Right,? he replied, his tone dry. ?Because bleeding all over the place and passing out is a survival strategy.? His expression softened again, though.

    ?Seriously, though. You should eat something. I made breakfast, and for once, it''s actually not something out of a ration pack. Might even taste halfway decent.?

    Cira stared at him for a second, her stomach growling loudly in response. The thought of food hadn¡¯t crossed her mind until now, but the idea of something warm¡ªand real¡ªwas strangely comforting. She couldn¡¯t remember the last time she''d actually enjoyed a meal. Between missions, injuries, and the constant stress of survival, it was hard to relax, to even think eating could be more than just a way to get nutrition in.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    She shifted again, this time pushing herself more upright, breathing a Sharp at the tightness in her ribs but ignoring it. ?What did you make??

    Rian¡¯s smirk returned. ?Not telling. You¡¯ll just have to come downstairs and find out.?

    Cira rolled her eyes but carefully swung her legs over the side of the bed. As much as her Body was hurting, she wasn¡¯t about to stay in bed all day feeling sorry for herself. She was alive, after all¡ªsore, bruised, but alive. ?Fine. But if it¡¯s something disgusting, I¡¯m throwing it at you.?

    Rian laughed, a rare, genuine sound that lightened the mood in the room. ?Deal. Just try not to fall down the stairs on your way.? He turned and started out the door, pausing briefly at the threshold. ?Take it slow, okay? No need to prove anything right now.?

    Cira stood slowly, feeling the soreness pull at her muscles. The pain radiated from her ribs, but she pushed it down, gritting her teeth as she took a careful step. Her legs felt weak, but she wasn¡¯t about to let Rian see that. She steadied herself, one hand against the bed, the other gingerly pressing against her side. It wasn¡¯t broken, at least not from what she could tell, but it hurt like hell. With a deep breath, she straightened up ¡ª glancing down at the wrinkled, oversized shirt she was wearing. She didn¡¯t even remember how she got into bed, but the clean shirt was a sign Rian had taken care of her once again ¡ª and swallowed the discomfort as best she could.

    The smell of something faintly savory wafted up the stairs, reminding her just how empty her stomach felt. She couldn¡¯t remember the last time she¡¯d eaten properly¡ªprobably before the Gammawolf fight, and that had been... how long? A day? More?

    As Cira stepped into the hallway, the sounds of the house finally settled around her, grounding her in the familiar life. The quiet hum of the old air conditioning unit, the faint creak of floorboards from below. Her brother¡¯s presence had a way of anchoring her, even if she wouldn¡¯t admit it out loud. For all his teasing, Rian had always been there when it counted.

    The stairs loomed in front of her, and she exhaled slowly before making her way down, gripping the railing for support. Each step sent a jolt through her sore muscles, but she kept her pace steady, careful not to push too hard. She could almost hear Rian¡¯s voice in her head, reminding her to "take it slow."

    When she reached the bottom, the scent of breakfast hit her full force¡ªeggs, maybe some bacon, and something else she couldn¡¯t quite place. Her stomach growled louder in response, and she silently prayed that whatever Rian was making wouldn¡¯t be as bad as some of his past attempts.

    In the kitchen, Rian stood at the stove, flipping something in a pan with a practiced ease. His back was to her, but the sound of her entering the room made him glance over his shoulder. He smirked. ?Thought I might have to drag you down here.?

    Cira grunted, making her way to the table. ?I wasn¡¯t going to pass out again, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re worried about.?

    ?Good to know,? he replied, turning back to the stove. ?Because I¡¯m not carrying you back upstairs. Your stubborn ass can figure that out on its own.?

    Cira rolled her eyes at him but didn¡¯t respond more than that. Instead, she eased herself into one of the chairs, letting out a small, relieved sigh as she finally sat down. Her body was screaming at her to rest, but she wouldn¡¯t give it the satisfaction just yet.

    Rian turned, placing a plate in front of her¡ªa surprisingly normal-looking breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, and bacon. ?There,? he said. ?Not gourmet, but it¡¯s edible.?

    She raised an eyebrow at the food, then glanced up at him. ?You sure about that??

    He laughed. ?Just eat it. You¡¯ll need the energy when you go back to pretending you can handle everything on your own.?

    Cira grinned despite herself, picking up her fork. She wouldn¡¯t admit it, but having her brother around¡ªespecially now¡ªmade everything feel just a little bit easier to bear.

    ?Where did you even get the stuff for it??

    Rian sat down opposite of her with his own plate. ?Jacc¡¯s Razorbacks and Plowbirds. He was nice enough to share with us, when I told him that I wanted you to eat something proper when you wake up.?

    Cira raised an eyebrow at the mention of Jacc. He was a familiar face around the village, though not exactly a regular. Jacc¡¯s group was always on the move, drifting from one settlement to another, trading what they could find or hunt along the way. They weren¡¯t bandits¡ªat least, not by the village¡¯s standards¡ªbut they weren¡¯t exactly your typical traders either. His group, a small band of misfits and mercenaries, lived outside the village, more nomadic than the rest, trading with whoever offered the best deal and surviving in the wilds without complaint. Jacc was tough, practical, and fair. But he also had a sense of humor beneath the hard exterior, something Cira had seen only a few times.

    She remembered the first time she¡¯d met him¡ªhe had been quiet, sizing her up with those intense eyes of his, and had finally given her a slow nod, as if she had passed some unspoken test. Since then, they had crossed paths occasionally, trading stories or supplies when their groups intersected. He was good people, even if he preferred to keep a healthy distance from village life.

    She swallowed and leaned back in her chair, still feeling the strain in her ribs but managing to push it aside for the moment. ?I¡¯m surprised he didn¡¯t try to charge you extra for that. Guy never misses an opportunity to make a deal.?

    Rian shrugged, taking a bite of his own food. ?He tried. I told him it was for you, though, and that seemed to shut him up for once.?

    Cira snorted softly. ?I guess even Jacc has a soft spot.?

    Rian shrugged, shoving a piece of toast into his mouth. ? I think he¡¯s just impressed that you took down a Gammawolf on your own. And speaking of¡­? He trailed off, wiping his hands on a napkin before leaning back in his chair, that oh so familiar smirk playing on his lips. ?We¡¯re having a little get-together in a week. Jacc and his crew, a few from the village, even some from the outposts. Apparently, we¡¯re cooking the Gammawolf you killed. Gonna make a feast out of it. And everyone will be there. Jacc¡¯s bringing his group, the villagers will show up, and I think even a few people from the outpost are coming.?

    Cira couldn¡¯t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. ?A party to celebrate not getting eaten by a Gammawolf. Sounds about right for this place.?

    Rian leaned back in his chair, his expression softening. ?You did good, Cira. Real good. You¡¯ve earned a break, even if you won¡¯t admit it. Enjoy it while you can, yeah??

    Cira smiled faintly, though the weight of everything that had happened still lingered at the back of her mind. But for now, with the warmth of the meal in front of her and her brother across the table, she allowed herself a moment to just... be.

 Chapter 6 - Cira

    The sun burned in Cira¡¯s neck and the box in her Arms felt heavier each second. She squinted her eyes against the harsh light, drops of sweat rolling down her back as she adjusted her grip on the box. Her ribs still ached¡ªa dull, deep pain that reminded her she wasn¡¯t fully healed from the Gammawolf. Each step sent a jolt through her body, and her muscles protested with every movement. She wasn¡¯t used to feeling so¡­ fragile.

    The box in her arms was hot, it felt almost like it would burn her Arms off. She couldn¡¯t afford to look weak in front of the others, even if her entire body screamed at her to stop and rest. The village was bustling, everyone preparing for the upcoming feast, and she didn¡¯t want to be the one slacking off, especially not after her recent triumph against the Gammawolf. People were counting on her¡ªshe was a protector, not some helpless bystander.

    Still, every step felt like a test of willpower. Her vision blurred slightly from the heat, the sunlight catching her in the eyes no matter how much she squinted. She could hear the faint clanging of metal as others worked, and the murmur of voices as villagers passed by. It was a busy day, with preparations well underway, but all Cira could think about was finding a place to set this box down before her arms gave out completely.

    As if summoned by her wish, she spotted a small bench near the edge of the workshop area, shaded slightly by a large oak tree. Cira staggered over to it, lowering the box onto the bench with a groan of relief. The weight was gone, but the ache remained in her limbs. She sat down heavily next to the box, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand.

    For a moment, she just let herself breathe, the coolness of the shade offering a brief break from the oppressive heat. Her ribs throbbed in time with her pulse, but it was manageable¡ªat least for now. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes, letting the sounds of the village wash over her.

    Suddenly, a cold shock hit the back of her neck. Cira yelped and jerked forward, turning around to see Lina standing there, grinning with a cold bottle of water in her hand. The condensation dripped down the side, catching the light like tiny crystals.

    ?Relax,? Lina said, her grin widening. ?You looked like you were about to melt.?

    Cira blinked, still startled, but then let out a breathy laugh. ?You could¡¯ve warned me, you know.?

    "Where¡¯s the fun in that?" Lina teased, holding out the bottle. ?Here, drink before you pass out.?

    Cira hesitated for a moment, but then she grabbed the bottle, unscrewed the lid and took a big sip. As soon as the cold water touched her lips, a wave of relief washed over her and her muscles relaxed; even if just a little. She let out a sigh.

    ?Thank you,? She said as she slid down the bench slowly.

    ?No Problem,? Lina replied with a grin, taking a seat next to her. She stretched her legs out, the two of them sitting in comfortable silence for a few moments. The sounds of the bustling village filled the air around them¡ªvoices, the clatter of tools, the occasional bark of a dog¡ªbut here, in the shade of the oak tree, everything felt just a little more peaceful.

    Cira tilted her head back and let her eyes drift closed as she looked up at the swaying leaves overhead. She tried to let herself enjoy the brief pause, but the ache in her ribs and the heavy weight in her chest reminded her that she wasn¡¯t really resting¡ªjust catching her breath. Beside her, the box she had hauled all this way sat on the bench, still radiating heat from the sun. Inside, it held a collection of heavy iron plates, gears, and spare parts¡ªpieces meant for repairs on the village¡¯s machinery, things that would keep the upcoming feast running smoothly. Every item in that box had a purpose, something useful, unlike the way she felt when she wasn¡¯t working.

    Lina broke the silence first. ?You should really let yourself heal, you know. It¡¯s not like anyone¡¯s going to care if you take it easy for once.?

    Cira opened her eyes and glanced over at Lina, who was staring ahead with a look that said she wasn¡¯t going to take no for an answer. There was something about the way Lina spoke¡ªgentle yet unyielding¡ªthat always made Cira feel both comforted and slightly scolded. She reached for Lina¡¯s hand, intertwining their fingers. It was a small gesture, but it sent a warmth through her that helped ease the tension she hadn¡¯t realized she was carrying.

    ?I know, but¡­? Cira began, her voice trailing off as she looked at the heavy box beside them. ?There¡¯s so much to do.?

    ?Yeah,? Lina said, squeezing her hand, ?but you don¡¯t have to do it all by yourself.?

    Cira glanced over at her, catching the concern in Lina¡¯s expression. But instead of feeling reassured, a flicker of frustration bubbled up. It wasn¡¯t that Lina didn¡¯t understand¡ªshe did, more than anyone¡ªbut the idea of stopping, of letting others pick up the slack, felt¡­ Just so wrong. Cira had always been the one people relied on. Taking a step back now made her feel like she was letting them all down, as irrational as it was.

    ?Look,? Cira muttered, her eyes drifting back to the box, ?there¡¯s just too much to do.?

    ?There¡¯s always going to be too much to do.? Lina¡¯s voice was firm, but she gently squeezed Cira¡¯s hand, their fingers still intertwined. ?But you don¡¯t have to do it all. Not alone.?

    Cira wanted to believe her, but she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that if she stopped¡ªeven for a moment¡ªeverything would start slipping through her fingers. She hated the sense of uselessness that crept in when she wasn¡¯t doing something, wasn¡¯t being the protector she was supposed to be. How could she rest when there were people depending on her?

    They sat there for a moment longer, and then Lina stood, pulling Cira up gently by the hand. ?Come on,? Lina said, gesturing toward the box. ?Let¡¯s get this thing to the forge and then you can actually sit down for more than five minutes. Deal??

    Cira forced a small smile, though her stomach twisted at the idea of taking it easy. ¡°Deal,¡± she said, even though she wasn¡¯t sure she believed it.

    They lifted the box together, Lina taking the heavier side, and Cira¡¯s arms strained with the effort. The metal inside shifted with a clatter, the sound moving between them as they moved through the village. Cira¡¯s ribs protested with every step, but she kept her face neutral, determined not to let the pain show. Beside her, Lina glanced over to her, an obvious flicker of concern crossing her face, but she didn¡¯t say anything.

    A group of children, all different ages and sizes, dashed past them, kicking up a cloud of dust, their laughter cutting through the noise of hammering and chatter. They barely spared Cira and Lina a glance, too absorbed in their game of Catch. It was one of those rare sights that made Cira¡¯s heart tighten with a pang of bittersweet pride¡ªthese kids had a chance at a future, a chance she and the others had fought to give them. And she would do anything to protect them.

    A little further along, a group of women crouched around large tubs, washing clothes with rhythmic, practiced motions. One of them, an older woman named Tessa with lines creasing her sun-weathered face, waved at them. ?Cira! Lina! You two are still working too hard!? she called out, a teasing note in her voice. ?Especially you, Cira!¡±

    Lina chuckled and called back, ?Well, somebody¡¯s gotta keep this place running!?

    They turned a corner and passed by another group of kids playing with a makeshift ball. One of them, a boy with dirt-smudged cheeks, paused and called out, ?Hey, Cira! Did you really fight that Gammawolf on your own?? His eyes were wide with admiration.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    Cira shifted the box in her hand, feeling the weight of it pressing against her sore ribs, but she still managed to offer a small smile at the boy¡¯s enthusiasm. He stood there with dirt-smudged cheeks and bright, curious eyes, a reflection of innocence and admiration that made her heart soften.

    ?I did fight it,? she said, pausing to catch her breath. ?But it wasn¡¯t easy. It was close¡­ really close. I almost didn¡¯t make it out alive.? The memory of that brutal encounter flashed in her mind, the way the Gammawolf¡¯s massive form had loomed over her, and the adrenaline had surged as she fought against instinct to run.

    The boy¡¯s eyes widened even more, filled with awe. ?Whoa! You almost died? That¡¯s so cool!?

    Cira chuckled, shaking her head. ?It¡¯s not cool, trust me. You don¡¯t want to be in a situation like that. It¡¯s scary. Fighting isn¡¯t just about being strong.? She adjusted her grip on the box again, glancing down at him. ?You¡¯ve got to be smart, too. You can¡¯t just run in swinging without a plan, or you¡¯ll end up in trouble real fast.?

    The boy¡¯s eyes grew even wider, if that were possible. ?Really? So you didn¡¯t just bash it with your sword??

    Cira chuckled softly, shaking her head. ?No, I had to be careful. The Gammawolf was tough, and it almost got me. I was trapped at one point, and I thought it was going to be the end. But I remembered to stay calm and use my surroundings. It was closed in, so I used that to my advantage.?

    The boy''s brow furrowed, clearly trying to process her words. ?So you almost died??

    She nodded slowly, her expression serious. ?Yeah, but I didn¡¯t let fear take over. You can¡¯t let it. You have to think on your feet, and if you do, you might just come out on top. Just like the way you¡¯re playing with that ball¡ªkeep your head up, and don¡¯t let anyone knock you down, okay??

    His eyes sparkled with determination. ?I will! I want to be just like you when I grow up, Cira!?

    Cira felt a warmth spread through her chest, a mix of pride and affection. ?Just remember, being a protector isn¡¯t about strength alone. It¡¯s about being smart and brave, too. And don¡¯t forget to have fun. That¡¯s important, too.?

    The boy nodded enthusiastically, the admiration in his eyes shining bright. ?I promise! I¡¯ll remember!? With that, he ran off to join his friends, leaving Cira feeling a little lighter despite her burdens.

    Lina watched the exchange with an amused smile. ?Would be nice if you followed your own advice,? she teased.

    Cira Rolled her eyes. ?Don''t even start.?

    When they finally reached the forge, the building¡¯s familiar silhouette loomed in front of them. The stone walls radiated heat from the constant fire burning inside, and the rhythmic clang of Garel¡¯s hammer rang out, mingling with the sounds of the village. The forge door was propped open, letting in a breeze that barely touched the stifling air within.

    The forge was a blend of old-world craftsmanship and advanced tech. The walls were made of reinforced steel, interspersed with glowing conduits that pulsed with energy, feeding power to the various tools that hummed and buzzed with activity. Garel¡¯s anvil was a slab of dark alloy, far denser than traditional iron, capable of withstanding the heat and pressure needed to work with the futuristic metals he often shaped. Holographic displays flickered near the forge, showing schematics of weapons, armor, and mechanical components he was currently working on.

    The forge itself radiated heat, a massive furnace embedded in the wall with shimmering blue flames that were hotter and more efficient than anything made with coal or wood. The air smelled of molten metal, scorched with a slight tang of ozone, the result of high-energy plasma welding. On one side, a mechanical arm suspended from the ceiling held a hammer, which Garel occasionally activated with the push of a button to help him shape the more difficult metals.

    The large man, with broad shoulders and thick, soot-covered arms, looked up from his anvil. His face split into a crooked grin, revealing a missing tooth.

    ?Well, look what the cat dragged in,? Garel drawled, his accent thick and rolling, stretching the words out like molasses. His voice carried the distinctive twang of someone from the far reaches of the region, each word rising and falling with a singsong rhythm. ?Didn¡¯t think I¡¯d see the two of you lugging that box all the way here. Especially not you, Cira. Thought you¡¯d be too busy tusslin¡¯ with beasties.?

    Garel was a broad-shouldered man with a face that seemed permanently smudged with soot, the lines around his eyes deepening whenever he flashed one of his trademark grins. His accent was a blend of the nearby coastal region¡¯s drawl and the clipped, rustic speech of the mountain folks, giving every sentence a unique rhythm that made him hard to ignore.

    Cira couldn¡¯t help but return his grin, though she tried to mask her discomfort as she set the box down on the workbench. ?You know me, Garel. Never could sit still.?

    ?Aye, an¡¯ that¡¯ll be the death of ya, sure as the sun¡¯ll rise,? Garel replied with a low chuckle, wiping his hands on a stained leather apron. ?Now, what¡¯ve ye brought me today? Hope it¡¯s somethin¡¯ more than just a sore back and tired bones.?

    Cira rolled her eyes as she opened the box, revealing the contents inside¡ªmetal ingots, tools, and various supplies that Garel would put to use. Lina watched the exchange with a bemused smile, enjoying the banter.

    ?Got you some new steel and the tools you¡¯ve been askin¡¯ for,? Cira said, leaning against the counter as she gestured toward the box. ?Figured you¡¯d want them before the feast.?

    Garel let out a satisfied whistle. ?Ah, now that¡¯s what I like t¡¯ see. Good, solid steel. Not that flimsy stuff Jacc tried to pass off last time. He¡¯ll be wantin¡¯ to save face, I bet, but not in my forge.?

    He reached into the box, picking one of the metal ingots with practiced ease, turning it over in his calloused hands. The metal caught the light from the forge¡¯s flickering, electric-blue flame, casting a cold gleam across his face. Garel¡¯s keen eyes traced the metal¡¯s edges, assessing its quality as if reading an old friend¡¯s story. ?Aye, this¡¯ll do nicely. An¡¯ ye even brought those new hammers I asked for. Good on ya, Cira. Good on ya.? His grin widened, showing a gap where a tooth was supposed to be, but it only added to his charm.

    Cira leaned a little heavier against the counter, trying not to show how relieved she was to have put down the box. ?Just don¡¯t wear out the new stuff too fast, Garel. Rian¡¯s been whining about how it¡¯s a pain getting replacements.?

    He chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that matched the steady hum of the forge¡¯s heat. ?I¡¯ll be gentle, lass, but ye know how it goes. Can¡¯t make proper work without good tools. An¡¯ ye¡¯ll have to admit, my work¡¯s worth the trouble.?

    Lina stepped closer, glancing at the ingots, small machinery and scrap with interest. ?You¡¯re the only one around here who could make something decent out of that metal, Garel. If anyone can put it to good use, it¡¯s you.?

    Garel gave her an approving nod, tipping his head toward Cira with a wink. ¡°Yer girl¡¯s got a silver tongue, Cira. But she¡¯s right. This¡¯ll go a long way, ¡®specially with that feast comin¡¯ up. Folks¡¯ll be wantin¡¯ fresh blades and tools after all the celebratin¡¯.¡±

    Cira couldn¡¯t help the faint smile that tugged at her lips as she glanced at Lina. The warmth in her chest mingled with the ache, but it felt good to have this small, easy moment. Even if she wouldn¡¯t let herself rest fully, these little interactions made everything a little more bearable. She let her eyes wander around the Forge.

    In the far corners, plasma rifles and energy blades sat in varying states of disrepair. Some were in pieces, others had their casings removed, exposing the intricate wiring and mechanics within. Gauss weapons, with their sleek, elongated barrels designed for high-velocity projectiles, rested in a rack, though most were nonfunctional, the remnants of a time when such technology wasn¡¯t as rare for the normal people out Here.

    Garel noticed Cira¡¯s gaze. ? You¡¯ll be wantin¡¯ Rian¡¯s lot to take a look at the proper weapons,? Garel muttered, tapping the side of a broken plasma rifle. ?Most of this stuff¡¯s too far gone for me. But the tools¡ªah, the tools¡¯ll keep me busy.?

    Cira smirked, leaning back against the counter. ?Figured as much. The working gear¡¯s already with Rian and his crew.?

    Garel shrugged and let out another gravelly chuckle. ?At Least I won''t get bored. Between patchin¡¯ up those old energy blades and trying to keep the forge from blowin¡¯ up on me, I¡¯ve got my hands full.?

    Lina stepped forward, her hand still resting on Cira¡¯s shoulder. ?Speaking of Rian, he¡¯s been looking for more Gauss coils. You wouldn¡¯t happen to have any lying around, would you??

    Garel rubbed his chin, glancing toward the far wall where a pile of spare parts was stacked haphazardly. ?Might have a few left, but no guarantees on ¡®em workin¡¯. They¡¯re gettin¡¯ rarer these days. Folks don¡¯t know how to handle the tech like they used to.?

    Cira¡¯s gaze flickered toward the pile of half-dismantled weapons, feeling a pang of frustration. These tools¡ªthese weapons¡ªshould have been their edge against the dangers outside the village. But most of them were little more than relics now, shadows of their former glory. Only a handful were functional, and those were with Rian¡¯s group, who needed them most.

    She sighed. ?Maybe one day we¡¯ll figure out how to get them all working again.?

    Garel grinned, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of pride and mischief. ?Aye, maybe. But until then, ye¡¯ll have to make do with my hammer and some good steel. Ain¡¯t nothin¡¯ wrong with a good blade, after all. Sometimes, the old ways are the best ways.?

    ?Thanks, Garel,? Cira said, offering a tired but genuine smile. ?We appreciate it.?

    ?Aye, lass,? he replied, clapping her on the back gently. ?Now off with ye. Let an old man work in peace.?

    ?Just make sure you save us a good seat at the feast,? Lina added with a playful smirk. ?Can¡¯t have you hogging all the good food just because you¡¯ve got new tools.?

    Garel laughed again, his voice carrying through the forge. ?I¡¯ll keep a spot warm for ye, lass. But ye best be quick if ye want a share of the good stuff! Now, go on, get outta my hair before ya slow down my work. Ye know where to find me if there¡¯s more to be done.?

    As they made their way out of the forge, the sun bore down on them once more, but this time the weight of the heat felt just a bit more manageable. Lina walked close beside Cira, her fingers brushing lightly against hers as they navigated the bustling streets. Villagers passed by, offering nods or quick greetings, but Cira could feel Lina¡¯s eyes on her more than anyone else''s. It was a quiet, patient gaze¡ªone that made it clear she wasn¡¯t going to let this rest thing go without a fight.

    When they finally reached the shade of another oak tree near the edge of the market, Lina stopped and turned to Cira, crossing her arms. ?Alright, you¡¯ve done your good deed for the day. Time to take a break.?

    Cira groaned, knowing what was coming. ¡°Lina, I¡¯m fine, really. There¡¯s still plenty of stuff to do, and¡ª¡±

    ?Nope. You¡¯ve been running around all morning, and you still look like you¡¯ve been through a war zone.? Lina¡¯s voice was gentle but firm. ?You¡¯re taking a break, whether you like it or not. Doctor¡¯s orders.?

    Cira raised an eyebrow. ?Pretty sure you¡¯re not a doctor.?

    Lina shrugged, her smile widening. ?Well, I¡¯m the next best thing you¡¯ve got right now. Come on, Cira. You¡¯re not going to be any use to anyone if you push yourself until you collapse. Just... take it easy, at least until the feast.?

    Cira opened her mouth to argue, but then she saw the concern etched into Lina¡¯s expression, the genuine worry hidden behind the playful tone. It was that look, more than anything, that made her sigh and finally nod. ?Fine, I¡¯ll take a break. Until the feast. But if you tell anyone, I¡¯ll deny it.?

    Lina grinned triumphantly, wrapping an arm around Cira¡¯s shoulders and giving her a quick squeeze. ?Deal. Now let¡¯s find you somewhere shady to sit down before you change your mind.?

    As they walked together through the bustling market, Cira felt the familiar pang of restlessness tugging at her. She couldn''t sit down and do nothing. But for Lina she would do it.

    Even If she hated it.

 Chapter 7 - Cira

    The air smelt like meat, and the bitter sweetness of wine. The sounds of drumming and singing filled the air, only overshadowed by Captain Kruz¡¯s bellowing laughter. Her big forearms rested on the table. One of her hands held a cup that seemed way too small in her big hand, and the other she raised to pat Rian, who was seated next to her, on the back, causing him to drop his fork.

    ?Oh, don''t worry pup,? Kruz said. ?You are better than Rian was when he started! He was barely able to hold his wooden sword and stand upright!? Another bellowing laughter came from her and she almost threatened to break Rian ¡ª who looked tiny compared to her ¡ª apart. ?This guy had everything, but talent!?

    Cira learned against a nearby house ¡ª and to her own astonishment, was still sober ¡ª and chuckled as she took a sip of her own wine. It was a strong, potent wine of orange color. It had a very fruity taste with a hint of mint, to cover the stronger alcohol content. And even though this drink was dangerous for how fast it could get you drunk, Cira loved it.

    She will never let that go Rian, Cira thought with a shrug after Rian through her a helpless gaze as Kurz continued to shout out embarassing stories of Rian''s time as a recruit.

    Rian squinted his eyes at her and Cira responded by sticking her tongue out and chuckled again, when Kruz gave Rian another slap on the back, making him fall forward a little, dropping his fork once again.

    ?Isn¡¯t that nice,? Lina asked and stepped next to Cira. Her own drink smelled like spices. Well not only her drink, but also Lina¡¯s breath smelt like spicy wine. ?Finally, everyone is just having fun and relaxing.? She flinched when Rian ran past them and away from Kruz. ?Well, almost everyone,? Lina corrected herself.

    Cira giggled, as Rian dodged around a group of villagers, almost tripping over his own feet as he escaped Kruz¡¯s grasp. He shot a quick glance back, sticking his tongue out defiantly, but nearly collided with a stack of crates in the process. The onlookers chuckled, a few clapping and cheering him on, while Kruz took her time, rolling her eyes with exaggerated patience.

    ?Seems like he¡¯s having a bit too much fun,? Cira remarked, nudging Lina playfully with her elbow.

    Lina raised her glass in mock salute, her eyes twinkling. ?Well, he deserves it after all he¡¯s been through. And you¡ª? she leaned in, her voice warm and a little teasing, ?look like you could use a bit more of that yourself.?

    Cira rolled her eyes, but her smile lingered. ?I am relaxing, see?? She lifted her own drink, an orange concoction she had grown fond of. The sweet, citrusy flavor balanced perfectly with the slight burn of alcohol, and the color reminded her of sunsets on cooler days. She took a long sip, savoring the familiar taste. ?Besides,? she added, glancing over to where Rian and Kruz were now in some sort of standoff, ?someone has to be the responsible one.?

    Lina laughed softly. ?Responsibility can wait¡ªat least for tonight.? She slipped her hand into Cira¡¯s, pulling her a little closer, and the two of them stood together, watching as the laughter and festivities spread through the village.

    As Cira took another sip of her drink, she saw Jacc making his way through the crowd towards them. He was hard to miss¡ªhe was tall, broad-shouldered, and carried an air of quiet authority. His tanned skin was weathered from years of leading his group of travelers outside the village, and his long, dark hair was tied back, revealing a sharp, well-defined face. A thick beard decorated his jawline, streaked with silver that made him look a little older than he probably was. He always moved with a casual, confident stride, like someone who had seen too much to be fazed by anything.

    Jacc¡¯s group had been operating on the outskirts of the village for a while now, trading supplies and news with the locals. Unlike some of the other outsiders, Jacc had earned the respect of the villagers through his dealings and his willingness to lend a hand when needed. His group had become almost an extension of the village, but there was still an edge to him¡ªsomething wild that reminded people he didn¡¯t entirely belong here.

    ?Cira!? Jacc¡¯s deep voice carried over the din of the crowd as he approached, a warm smile breaking across his face. ?I was wondering when I¡¯d run into you.?

    Cira smiled back, her hand still intertwined with Lina¡¯s. ?Jacc. You missed all the chaos,? she said, glancing over to where Rian was now mock-wrestling with Kruz in front of an amused crowd. ?But I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll make up for it.?

    Jacc chuckled, his eyes briefly following her gaze. ?I¡¯ll pass on getting dragged into that mess,? he said with a grin, before turning his attention back to Cira. ?How¡¯ve you been? I heard about your little run-in with that Gammawolf.?

    Cira nodded, her smile fading a little as she remembered the fight. ?Yeah¡­ it wasn¡¯t pretty. But I¡¯m still here.?

    Jacc gave her a measured look, his dark eyes studying her closely. ?Barely, from what I heard,? he said, his tone a little more serious now. ?You need to be more careful, kid. Those things don¡¯t mess around.?

    Cira shrugged, trying to play it off. ?It wasn¡¯t my finest moment, but I managed.?This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    ?Managed,? Jacc repeated, shaking his head. ?You¡¯re too stubborn for your own good, you know that?? But there was no real reprimand in his voice¡ªjust the kind of concern that came from someone who had seen too many close calls. He shifted his gaze to the drink in her hand and raised an eyebrow. ?At least you¡¯re taking it easy tonight. Though, if I didn¡¯t know better, I¡¯d say that¡¯s a little weak for someone like you.?

    Cira laughed, her mood lightening again. ?Oh, it¡¯s stronger than it looks,? she said, lifting the glass. ?Sweet and strong¡ªjust like me.?

    Jacc snorted. ?I¡¯ll take your word for it. Speaking of which,? he added, leaning a little closer, ?you ever think about joining us out there? We could use someone like you.?

    Cira blinked, caught off guard by the question. ?Out there? You mean with your group??

    ?Why not?? Jacc said, his tone casual, but there was something behind his eyes¡ªsomething like a challenge. ?You¡¯re tough, you¡¯ve got skills, and you know how to handle yourself. You¡¯d fit right in.?

    Lina squeezed Cira¡¯s hand a little tighter, and Cira glanced at her, seeing a flicker of uncertainty in her girlfriend¡¯s eyes. She leaned closer to Cira and whispered: ?Meet me by the river when you''re done here.? Without another word, Lina slipped out of Cira''s grasp and disappeared into the dozens of villagers.

    Cira watched Lina disappear into the crowd, her steps light but quick. Her sudden departure left a strange tension in the air, a tightness that settled in Cira¡¯s chest.

    Jacc cleared his throat, pulling her attention back to him. His smile was still in place, but there was an intensity in his eyes that she hadn¡¯t seen there before. ?So, what do you say?? he asked, crossing his arms. ?You¡¯d get to see more than just this place. You¡¯ve done your time here, protected the village. Now maybe it¡¯s time for something bigger.?

    Cira hesitated, turning the idea over in her mind. Jacc¡¯s group was known for their mobility, scavenging from ruined cities and wastelands far beyond the village borders. They weren¡¯t a bad lot, but they lived on the edge, always moving, never quite safe. Joining them meant excitement, adventure, and constant danger.

    ?Seems like you¡¯ve already made up your mind that I¡¯m coming along,? Cira said, her tone lighter than her thoughts. She shifted from foot to foot, feeling the weight of the decision Jacc was dangling before her.

    Jacc shrugged, but his grin widened. ?Just saying you¡¯d be an asset. Think about it¡ªyou¡¯ve already taken down a Gammawolf. Not many can say that.?

    ?That wasn¡¯t exactly easy,? she said dryly. ?Almost died, if you recall.?

    ?Yeah, but you didn¡¯t.? Jacc stepped closer, lowering his voice. ?Look, Cira, there¡¯s more out there than just keeping this place safe. You can do more¡ªsee more. Don¡¯t you want that??

    Cira opened her mouth to respond, but the words caught in her throat. Did she want that? She¡¯d spent so much time focused on protecting the village, on fighting to survive, that she hadn¡¯t stopped to consider what came after. If there even was an after.

    She glanced again in the direction Lina had gone, her thoughts swirling. She knew Lina wanted something different for her¡ªsomething calmer, safer¡ªbut part of her couldn¡¯t deny the pull of Jacc¡¯s offer. The need to prove herself, to push past her limits, to keep moving forward.

    ?I¡¯ll think about it,? she said finally, her voice more uncertain than she intended.

    Jacc nodded, seeming satisfied. ?That¡¯s all I¡¯m asking. We leave in a couple of weeks if you¡¯re interested. You know where to find me.? With that, he gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder and walked off, disappearing into the crowd much like Lina had.

    Cira stood there for a moment, staring after him. The noise of the village swirled around her, but it felt distant, muffled. She glanced down at her hands, flexing her fingers as if trying to grasp something tangible, something that wasn¡¯t slipping through her control.

    With a sigh, she turned and started making her way toward the riverbank, her feet moving automatically, weaving through the groups of villagers still caught up in the feast¡¯s revelry. By the time she reached the river, the sun had dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the water. Lina was already there, sitting on a fallen log, her eyes fixed on the slow-moving current.

    Cira approached quietly, her steps soft on the grass. She sat down beside Lina, neither of them speaking for a moment, the sounds of the river filling the silence between them.

    Finally, Lina broke the quiet, her voice soft but steady. ?You¡¯re thinking about it, aren¡¯t you??

    Cira sighed, rubbing her hands together. ?Jacc thinks I¡¯d be a good fit for his group.?

    ?I know.? Lina¡¯s voice was calm, but there was a heaviness to it. ?And part of you thinks he¡¯s right.?

    Cira turned to look at her, seeing the concern etched in her features. ?What am I supposed to do? Just stay here forever? There¡¯s always going to be something dangerous. And what if next time I¡¯m not fast enough, or strong enough? I could do more out there.?

    Lina shook her head, a soft smile tugging at her lips. ?You don¡¯t always have to be doing more, Cira. You¡¯ve done enough.?

    ?That¡¯s not how it works,? Cira said, her frustration rising. ?If I stop, if I just sit around, then what¡¯s the point? I¡¯ll be useless.?

    ?You¡¯re not useless.? Lina reached out, placing a hand on Cira¡¯s. ?You¡¯re more than just the girl who fights monsters. You¡¯re more than just a protector.?

    Cira stared at her, feeling the weight of those words sink in. She wanted to believe it, but it was hard¡ªharder than she expected. ?I don¡¯t know how to do anything else.?

    Lina squeezed her hand, her eyes soft but firm. ?Then maybe it¡¯s time to learn. You don¡¯t have to chase danger every time it knocks. You could live for more than just adventure, Cira. You could live for us¡ªfor yourself.?

    Cira¡¯s heart clenched at that. The thought of settling into something quieter, something stable¡ªit was both comforting and terrifying. She didn¡¯t know if she could just let go of the part of herself that always needed to be fighting, to be pushing forward. But Lina¡¯s words lingered in her mind, echoing louder than the river¡¯s gentle flow.

    ?I don¡¯t know,? Cira whispered, her voice barely audible. ?I don¡¯t know if I can.?

    Lina leaned her head against Cira¡¯s shoulder, her breath warm against her skin. ?You don¡¯t have to decide right now. Just¡­ think about it.?

    Cira nodded, closing her eyes as she rested her head on top of Lina¡¯s. The river flowed on, the sun sinking lower behind them, casting the world in soft hues of orange and pink. For now, the decision could wait.

    The peaceful moment by the river broke in an instant as a piercing scream echoed from the village. Cira¡¯s head snapped up, her heart seizing in her chest.

    ¡°What the¡ª?¡± Lina was already on her feet, eyes wide with alarm.

    Without a word, Cira surged forward, sprinting toward the source of the chaos. Her body protested, the ache in her ribs flaring up with every step, but she ignored it. Lina was right behind her, their footsteps pounding the ground in unison as they raced back through the trees

    By the time they reached the village, the air was thick with tension. Villagers stood frozen in place, their faces pale with fear, and in the center of it all, Cira saw them¡ªa group of Ascended, standing tall and unflinching in the middle of the square. Their armor glinted in the dying light, dark and menacing, each of them carrying strange, angular weapons.

    Kruz and Rian¡¯s troupe stood in front of the villagers, weapons raised, muscles taut as if ready to strike at any moment. Rian¡¯s face was set in a hard line, his eyes locked on the invaders, but Cira could see the uncertainty there. The Ascended were nothing like the beasts they¡¯d faced before¡ªthis was something far worse.

    Cira¡¯s breath caught as she scanned the group of Ascended, her pulse quickening. And then, her gaze met the eyes of their leader.

    He stood at the front of the group, his eyes cold and calculating, boring into hers with an intensity that made her blood run cold. One of the eyes seemed to focus and unfocus multiple times.

    For a long, tense moment, they simply stared at each other¡ªCira frozen, unable to look away, while the village seemed to hold its breath.

 Chapter 8 - Cira / Cain

    Cain¡¯s eyes interlocked with the red-haired girl. She was standing rigid, her posture tense, every muscle in her body coiled tight, ready to spring. But something about her gaze caught him off guard¡ªthere was fire there, a wildness. But, it wasn¡¯t defiance, not like the man in front of him.

    The man was tall and lean, his stance firm and unwavering, showing a confidence that few in the village seemed to match. His dark hair was tousled, framing a face hardened by years of battle. His clothes, worn and patched, bore the marks of many fights¡ªa fighter through and through, Cain thought with a glimmer of interest. This one, at least, wouldn¡¯t fall without a fight.

    Cain took a step forward, his voice low but carrying easily over the tense silence. ?You all can save yourselves a lot of bloodshed today,? he said, his tone calm, almost reasonable. ?All I want is a single item. You hand it over, and we¡¯ll leave without spilling a single drop.?

    Rian narrowed his eyes, his posture tense. ?And if we refuse??

    Cain¡¯s gaze lingered on him, sizing him up. ?Then we do this the hard way.? He tilted his head slightly, glancing over the assembled villagers as if assessing their strength¡ªfinding it lacking. ?But here¡¯s my offer: you send out your best fighter. They face me, one on one. If they win, we leave. No trouble for your people.?

    A murmur rippled through the crowd, villagers looking to one another with glances of unease and relief. Cain smirked. It was a way out, but not an easy one.

    Rian took a step forward, his chin raised defiantly. ?I¡¯ll fight you.?

    Cain¡¯s lips twisted into a faint smile as he took in the challenge in Rian¡¯s eyes. He could respect that¡ªbravery from a man who knew he was outmatched. But respect would only get him so far; this was still business, after all.

    ?Then let¡¯s get this over with,? Cain replied, rolling his shoulders, tensing his artificial arm, as he prepared himself for the Duel. ?Valkyrie.?

    Valkyrie, her short, crimson hair tied into a ponytail, stopped next to him. ?Yes, sir??

    ?Give that man your blade,? Cain ordered and before Valkyrie could protest, he shot her a glare and she complied. With a swift Motion she grabbed her sword from her hip and tossed it towards the man, who clumsily caught it.

    Cain drew his own energy blade, a weapon with a slightly curved blade, and activated it. The weapon hummed to life and the blade was posted by a thin almost invisible barrier of super condensed energy, sharpening it at a molecular level.

    The man before him furrowed his brow in concentration as he tested the weapon¡¯s weight, rolling his shoulders and settling into a stance that showed he wasn¡¯t a complete stranger to combat.

    Cain studied the way Rian held the blade. The man¡¯s grip was solid but hesitant, like he wasn¡¯t used to the weight of a real Weapon. Cain had seen enough battles to know when someone was truly comfortable with their sword¡ªand Rian was not.

    He was strong, no doubt, but strength alone wasn¡¯t enough. Not against Cain.

    The hum of his energy blade thrummed through the air, the weapon an extension of himself, alive with power. Cain took a deep breath, letting the familiar feel of the blade in his hand calm him, center him. He tilted his head slightly, his eyes never leaving His opponent.

    Cain studied his oponent, his artificial eye scanning the man¡¯s every movement, analyzing the tension in his muscles, the way he held his sword, and the uneven rhythm of his breathing. The eye flickered faintly, feeding Cain data in real-time¡ªhis opponent¡¯s vitals, the trajectory of his strikes, the probability of his next move.

    ?Before we begin,? Cain said, his voice steady but sharp, ?I¡¯d like to know the name of the man I¡¯m about to defeat.?

    The man¡¯s jaw clenched, but he held Cain¡¯s gaze without flinching. ?Rian.?

    Cain¡¯s lips twitched into something resembling a smile. ?Rian. A strong name. I¡¯m Cain.?

    He spun his blade once, testing the air, letting its hum fill the space between them. The wind whistled softly through the village square, carrying with it the scent of smoke from nearby fires and the low murmur of nervous villagers. Cain felt the weight of their stares, but it didn¡¯t faze him. This was his stage, and Rian was just another actor in a play Cain had directed many times before.

    ?Well, Rian, I hope you¡¯ve made your peace with whatever gods you pray to.?

    Cain advanced with a deliberate pace, watching Rian carefully as he closed the distance. Rian swung first¡ªa powerful strike aimed at Cain¡¯s midsection. But Cain saw it coming a mile away. With a swift sidestep, he avoided the blow easily, letting the blade pass by him harmlessly.

    ?Not bad,? Cain remarked casually, as if they were discussing the weather, ?but not good enough.?This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Rian didn¡¯t hesitate. He spun around and attacked again, this time with more precision, aiming for Cain¡¯s legs. His artificial eye projected the arc of the blade, and he countered effortlessly. The sound of clashing steel echoed through the square as their blades met in a shower of sparks. The force of the impact sent vibrations up his arm, but Cain didn¡¯t budge an inch. He could feel the tension in Rian¡¯s movements¡ªthe man was strong, but strength without control was nothing.

    ?You¡¯re going to have to do a little better than that,? Cain said, his tone laced with unusual amusement.

    Rian gritted his teeth, attacking again and again, but each time, Cain parried with ease, his movements smooth and calculated. Cain could feel the frustration building in Rian¡¯s strikes, the man¡¯s determination turning into desperation as the fight wore on.

    Cain, on the other hand, was toying with him. This wasn¡¯t a duel¡ªit was a lesson. One that Rian was quickly learning. Cain could have ended it in the first few moments, but there was something satisfying about drawing it out, showing the villagers just how hopeless their situation was.

    ?You fight with your heart, Rian,? Cain said, his voice calm as he blocked another blow, ? admirable, but you¡¯re letting it cloud your judgment. You¡¯re swinging with anger, not skill.?

    Rian¡¯s breathing grew heavier, sweat dripping down his brow. He swung again, this time with all his strength.

    The artificial eye tracked the movement with clinical precision, marking the weakness in Rian¡¯s form. Cain¡¯s left hand shot up with lightning speed, catching Rian¡¯s wrist mid-swing. The impact sent a shiver through his arm, but Cain held firm, his grip like iron. Rian¡¯s eyes widened in shock, his strength faltering as Cain¡¯s artificial arm held him in place effortlessly.

    The look of shock on Rian¡¯s face was almost sad.

    ?And that,? Cain said quietly, ?is why you¡¯ll lose.?

    With a swift motion, Cain twisted Rian¡¯s arm, forcing the sword from his grip. It clattered to the ground with a dull thud, the finality of the sound echoing in the stillness.

    With one final sweep, Cain¡¯s blade connected with Rian¡¯s arm. The impact wasn¡¯t deadly, but the energy field around the blade sliced clean through, severing the limb just above the elbow. Rian cried out in pain, stumbling back, clutching the stump where his arm used to be.

    Cain stepped back, watching as Rian fell to his knees, his face twisted in agony. The duel was over. He could have killed him, but he hadn¡¯t. Not yet.

    Cain deactivated his energy blade with a hum, the tension in the air thick as the crowd watched in silence, waiting for what would happen next. Cain¡¯s eyes flicked briefly toward the Red Haired girl, but his expression remained unreadable.

    ¡ª---------------------

    ?It¡¯s done,? the leader of the Ascended said. ?Your fighter lost. Now hand out the Item!?

    The duel was over. Rian lay on the ground, his arm severed, blood pooling around him. Her stomach churned at the sight, and for a moment, everything else¡ªthe Ascended, the crowd, the threat of violence¡ªfaded away. All she could see was her brother, broken, his breath full of pain.

    Cira¡¯s gaze now snapped to Cain, fury surging through her veins. The audacity¡ªthe sheer coldness in his voice¡ªmade her want to lunge at him, consequences be damned. But she couldn¡¯t. Not with Rian lying there, barely conscious. Not with the village¡¯s safety hanging by a thread.

    Cain sighed as he sheathed his blade. ?Search the Village. Destroy stuff if you have to.?

    The Ascended fanned out only a handful, including the woman Cain called ?Valkyrie?, stood by Cain, whose eyes still laid on the villagers.

    ?You think you can just come in here and take what you want?? she shouted at the leader, her voice trembling with rage. ?You think we¡¯re just going to hand over the Item after you¡¯ve harmed our people??

    Cain¡¯s gaze flickered to her, his lips curling into a smirk. ?You have no leverage here, girl. Your precious fighter lost. There¡¯s nothing stopping me from taking it by force.?

    Cira glanced back at Rian, who was trying to gather himself, pain etched across his features as the village''s doctor helped him with His arm. She couldn¡¯t let them win. Not like this. Not after everything they had fought for.

    One of the Ascended standing near Cain raised their gun, not to shoot, but as a clear warning. The sleek, high-tech weapon gleamed in the light, and its barrel pointed directly at her.

    Before Cira could react, Lina stepped forward, positioning herself between Cira and the Ascended. She raised a hand, her voice calm but firm. ?Wait, we don¡¯t want any more bloodshed.? Her eyes flickered to Cain, her tone measured. ?There¡¯s been enough fighting. Let¡¯s talk about this.?

    Cira¡¯s breath caught in her throat. The sight of Lina standing in front of her, shielding her, filled her with a mix of pride and fear. She wanted to scream at her to step back, to let her handle this, but Lina had always been the one to try and diffuse situations, to keep the peace.

    Cain¡¯s smirk didn¡¯t fade, but he nodded ever so slightly, lowering his chin. ?Your girlfriend¡¯s smarter than you, it seems. But the question remains¡ªwill you give me what I¡¯ve come for, or do I have to keep taking it?? His eyes glittered with a predatory gleam, and it was clear he wasn¡¯t bluffing.

    Cira¡¯s chest tightened as Lina moved in front of her. The warmth of her presence, the smell of spices on her breath¡ªit was grounding, even in this moment. But as much as she loved Lina¡¯s bravery, this was dangerous. Too dangerous.

    For a brief second, it seemed like Lina might defuse the situation. Cain¡¯s eyes narrowed as he watched her closely, but he didn¡¯t say anything, didn¡¯t make a move.

    And then, out of the corner of her eye, Cira saw it¡ªa flash of movement. One of the villagers, desperate and panicked, raised his weapon.

    The movement was small, barely noticeable to most, but it was enough. One of the Ascended soldiers nearest to Lina reacted on pure instinct. His weapon fired.

    The blast was sudden, deafening. It cut through the tense air like a lightning strike.

    Cira¡¯s world slowed to a crawl. The sound faded, replaced by a ringing in her ears as the scene before her played out in slow motion. Lina¡¯s body jerked violently from the impact. Her eyes went wide with shock, her mouth half open as if she wanted to say something. The smell of burnt flesh hit Cira¡¯s nostrils, acrid and sharp, making her stomach churn.

    Lina staggered backward, her feet struggling to find purchase as the life drained from her face. Cira rushed forward, catching Lina as she fell, the weight of her body collapsing into Cira¡¯s arms.

    ?Lina,? Cira whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart. Panic gripped her chest like a vice, squeezing the air from her lungs.

    Lina''s eyes fluttered, trying to focus. Blood pooled quickly around her wound, staining Cira''s hands and clothes a deep crimson.

    ?No,? Cira choked, her voice breaking. ?No, no, no, Lina, stay with me.?

    Cira¡¯s breath hitched as she cradled Lina¡¯s body, her hands trembling as she pressed against the wound. Blood was everywhere, sticky and warm, soaking through Cira¡¯s clothes. The weight of Lina¡¯s body felt unbearable in her arms, and her world seemed to close in¡ªjust the two of them in that horrifying moment. She couldn¡¯t lose her. Not like this.

    She looked up, her vision blurred with tears, and saw Cain standing above them. His expression wasn¡¯t one of anger or even indifference. There was something softer there¡ªpity, perhaps? His dark eyes met hers, and for a second, Cira thought she saw a flicker of regret. But he didn¡¯t move. He didn¡¯t offer any apology.

    Behind him, one of his soldiers approached, carrying something¡ªthe Anti-Radiator. It was a small, sleek device, almost unremarkable, but Cira knew what it was. The thing they had come for. The thing that had cost Lina her life.

    Cain¡¯s gaze followed the soldier as he handed him the device. He held it up briefly, inspecting it, before slipping it into his coat. Then, without looking back at Cira, he spoke.

    ?This was never meant to end in blood,? Cain said, his voice low but steady. ?But blood has a way of finding us, no matter our intentions.?

    Cira wanted to scream at him, to hurl curses, but the words wouldn¡¯t come. Her throat felt tight, her mind numb with shock and grief. She could only stare, holding Lina¡¯s limp form, as Cain turned to leave.

    The Ascended soldiers, silent and efficient, began to move out, their purpose fulfilled. The village, once filled with life, now stood in a stunned silence, the only sound the quiet sobs and gasps of those left behind.

    Cain¡¯s footsteps were steady as he walked away, his figure disappearing into the distance with his soldiers. Cira¡¯s heart pounded in her chest, in sync with Cain''s footsteps her vision fading between the present and the lifeless form of the woman she loved in her arms.

    And then, as quickly as they had come, the Ascended were gone.