The night air smelled of grapevines from the west and pulsed with the sound of crickets. Nicolo Francesco, a sergeant village guard, was alone outside of his station and his fear of being related to corruption had been greatly given him so much grief. His eyes turned at the red moon as the gunshots somewhere from the 3rd District could be heard..
"So, it has begun. Man, I'm screwed. That kid is not just an ordinary child but he's a vicious existence I ever encountered," he sat down in the middle of the road and he held his knees like a pitiful child lost his lollipop. He added, "I wish I can turn back time. I shouldn't save that brat during that time. Damn, I'm so wrong!"
From the beginning of his career as a village guard, he also already regretted joining forces with Captain Mattia's schemes and corruption. He had been planned to retire at an early age before everything went south. However, it was already too late for him to do so.
"Why the kid, let me live? What was he planning me to do?" he asked, worrying.
"Sergeant Francesco, Sergeant Francesco, is that you?" someone called him, panicky.
He turned his gaze at the person who called him. And he replied, "Yes, this is Sergeant Francesco. What do you want from me, private?" The private and his five comrades who were rushing towards his location gave a salute at his presence. He answered, "Sir, the 3rd District Main HQ has been reported to be under attack by unknown assailants. We were unable to move because our superiors were not there to command us. Thankfully, we all know that you are here all alone in this station. Wait― what happened to your door, sir?" They pulled out their rifles and they scattered around the area. "Did someone attacked your station when you were alone?" With his consecutive questions, Nicolo sighed. He simply replied, "Forget about it. There's nothing to concern about it. I broke my own door because I was drunk. Lower your guns and go back to your stations. I'm not interested anymore."
"But, sir. The main headquarters is under attack. We need someone to lead us there." the private insisted and everyone appeared to agree with his concern.
"Where the hell is your commanding officers then? I am all alone without any underlings under my watch. I am not authorized to command you all," Nicolo responded wearily as he stuck his head on his knees.
The private felt pity for his position. They kept their mouth shut for a minute to give this man space.
"Sergeant Francesco!" a feminine voice called his name. He recognized her voice and he immediately stood up when she approached him.
"Yes, Ms. Daliah!" sputtered Nicolo.
Her pink pajamas with a bear logo got his attention first before he looked at her face. It was Daliah, the 3rd District representative. The private and his comrades flustered when they saw her like that.
"Sergeant Francesco," she grabbed his hands. "I need your help. The handdog gang has attacked our station and they are causing a lot of trouble in my district. I called every official nearby but no one was answering my call."
"F-Forgive me, Ms. Daliah." He gently released his hand from her. "But I am under the jurisdiction of Lord Richarde. I won't make a move without his orders," said Nicolo who had been too focusing on her chest.
"Oh, then do it. The Handdog gang has become the reason for our crime rate to rise. As the representative of my district, I'll give you the authorization to eradicate them all. You have my word." Richarde appeared in their distance which surprised them all.
Daliah followed, "How did you get in here ? I thought ― nevermind. Me too. I, Daliah the 3rd district representative, order you to eradicate the criminals who are causing chaos in our village."
"L-L-Lord Richarde," Nicolo and the others lowered their head, with the exemption of Daliah. Richarde simpered, "Please raise your heads. I am not a God or some kind of important existence. The officers of every district have been reported being murdered inside the main headquarters. According to the last report, it is said that a number of twenty-four men killed in action. I didn't exactly know why that fat bastard called a sudden meeting to his colleagues and he didn't even invite you there. So, you're the only active officer who still alive at this moment, Sergeant." His kind approach made the sergeant replied. "But, sir. Wait― is this what he wanted me to do? So, that how it is, huh. Ms. Daliah, did anyone report any casualties on our side?" She answered, "Yes, apparently, one of the people who witnessed the assault said that he found Captain Mattia corpse in front of the headquarters."
Richarde and Daliah tilted their head in confusion.
Nicolo grinned, "Sir Richarde, Ms. Daliah, please rest assured. We will eradicate them all. Peace will be within our grasp. Justice shall prevail."
"Good," Richarde thumbed up, "That's the spirit."
"Men, follow me. Forget about your superiors, they must ― they might be dead anyway. I am now your acting leader from this day onward." The sergeant went inside his station and he armed himself with a rifle and a pistol hanged on his waist. "We will avenge the death of Captain Mattia. Follow me!"
The private asked, "Sir, where are we going then?"
"To the warzone. Enemy ― Hangdog Gang." he answered.
Daliah looked surprised and she asked, "Richarde, the organization is strong. Can they win?" With her cute and worrywart gaze, Richarde simpered, "Don't worry, milady. They will. Now, allow me to accompany you to the safehouse."
She slapped his hand with a doubtful gaze, "Safehouse or your own house?"
Richarde grinned, "It's for your own safety."
"I doubt it." she turned around and walked away.
"W-wait, where are you going?" Richarde asked.
"I'll go back to my district and lead my people to safety. Richarde, remember our position in this village," replied Daliah as she left him behind.
"No, my beloved princess. No!" Richarde knelt down and his hand raised as he shouted it.
"Cut the crap already!" she flustered when he looked like that before she finally disappeared from his sight.
Meanwhile, Ilona rushed towards the room of the chief who was naked on his bed. She fixed her wet towel and she woke up him with her magic.
"Gaaag, Ilona. What the hell?" asked Chief Zamor who had awakened by her electric shock.
"Chief, district 3 is under attack. Some witnesses found them attacking the 3rd district headquarters," she reported.
"Ilona," he paused.
"Yes, sir." Ilona tilted her head.
"Wear some clothes." He tossed the blanket to her hands.
She flustered, "Are you worried about me? You think I will catch a cold, hmm?" The chief sat down on his bed with a serious gaze, "No, my kids will see you half-naked in the middle of the night. I don't want them to see you like this. You do realize that our relationship must be kept secret."
"Oh," her smile became terrifying. "I think you are not fully awakened. Allow me to help you."
"Wha― Aaaarggh!" the chief screamed. "C'mon, stop it."
"You shut your mouth. The kids might wake up from your scream. Get your ass out of that bed. We have a job to do." Ilona chastised, picking her clothes to dress up.
"Right, have you inform the representatives?" he asked, calmly. Ilona sighed, "Yes, sir. I think those people have been busy right now. Who would've thought that this gang will attack one of our headquarters? That's doesn't make any sense."
"Casualties?" he asked, seriously.
"One of the eyewitnesses who ran away from the shootout had found Mattia's body lay down in front of his base. He stated that he was killed in action by the hands of the mobsters." Ilona replied, pulling up her skirts and she fixed it neatly.
"A'ight, that's really bad. I feel pity for that fatty bastard," he smirked.
"Your face is showing the opposite, though," said Ilona as she looked at him with doubt gaze.
The chief giggled, "Oh, forgive me. I can't believe that he is already dead. So, that kid has finally begun his operation."
"Hmm? Kid?" she tilted her head. The chief noticed her reaction and he quickly changed the topic, "Forget about it. Inform Rafel and Ylla to secure their bases and their priority is the safety of our people. Also, contact Daliah and Richarde. They must initiate an evacuation of the citizens from the shoot out. Do we have any available officers on our side?" She replied, "Apparently, we do have one. His name is Nicolo Francesco. He is a sergeant in the 4th district. It is reported that he is reorganizing our forces to attack the bases of the hostile enemy."
He rubbed his chin, "Nicolo, huh. I never knew we have a man like him in our forces. Alright, this night shall be the end of their tyranny. Let justice prevail tonight."
Ilona combed her hair and covered it with her cap. She stepped onward to his side, and she said, "Roger that, chief. By the way, I'll go first. Let's meet in the office later." And, both of them kissed each other before they separated.
"Forgive me, my wife." The chief muttered aside when his gaze turned at the wedding picture. "Now, that she mentioned it, did that man saved the Priestess? Well, who knows."
"Father," a cute girl called him.
"Oh, July. Why are you still awake?" he asked, calmly. He knelt down on the floor and he concentrated at her.
"Father, where are you going?" she sincerely asked, rubbing her eyes to clear her vision.
"Father will go to work," he replied, patting her head.
She slowly lose her balance as she questioned him, "Father, why are you going to work tonight?"
"Let me ask you something, dear. Why my little July is awake during this period?" She answered, smiling, "I heard some boom-boom outside. Is there some kind of event happening, father? July, July is hungry. July wants to.... to.... eat.... pie...." He kissed his daughter's head when she slowly got tired. He didn't have to answer her since she slowly fell down to sleep on his hands. He gently carried her body and placed her down to her bed. He could hear the gentle snooze of his son, Troy, on his slumber. He covered her with her pink blanket and kissed her forehead before he took a leave.
He declared with a serious expression, "Time to go to work."
In the first district, there was a little girl who was wearing pink gothic clothes and apparel hanged on her shoulder in front of a small house. Her folded arms pressed to her chest, her feet stomped the ground consecutively, and her face looked mad while looking at the front door.
"Rafel, don't make me knock your door twice. Get your ass out of there. We have an emergency." she commanded.
"Shut it, bitch," his replied, angrily.
"Don't call me, bitch. I told you already. Get your ass out of there. People are dying out there. I received a call from Lady Ilona about our mission. We must keep our people to safety." said Ylla as she spanked her apparel at the door.
Rafel retorted, "Then, why don't you go there first? Stop doing that to my door. If I find a scratch or a hole, I will smack you. You hear me!"
"How dare you?" Ylla growled. "It is not my intention to come here. I was ordered to pick you up. It is not I want to do this or something, dipshit!"
"I'm coming out!" Rafel exited his house. He wore his black tailored suit tonight. Behind his back, there was a two-barrel shotgun. "Let's go. Those bastards, they dare to attack us first."
"Hey, wait for me!" Ylla raised up her skirt and followed him.
At 8:44:58 in the evening, the Handdog gang bases had been rapidly attacked by surprised by the village guards under the leadership of acting-Captain Nicolo. With the assistance of the two representatives, Richarde and Daliah, the whole gang had been slowly killed in action. Some of them lowered their weapons, and they begged for their lives to be spared from the massacre, however, no one had been spared.
Chief Zamor arrived at the conference room and he led his team by giving them direct orders. Rafel and Ylla had successfully evacuated the 3rd district villagers out of the battlefield.
Returning to the battlefield, the young Don and his butler had assaulted the leader of the Handdog gang and his small crew. Intenzo, surprised, had been frightened to the young Don's confession.
"W-W-What do you mean by that?" asked Intenzo, pulling his pistol at the young Don. With his action, Justin quickly moved forward to shield his master. Hermes grinned, "Oh, my. There's no need to ask that. It is a simple question that can be easily be answered."
Intenzo continued to heal his boss who was still keeping himself alive. He asked, "What did you do to our people?" Hermes sighed, "To tell you the truth, we didn't do anything at all."
"Then, why are you so confident about your confession? Your piece of shit, you're just a man who is telling lies." Intenzo scoffed.
Justin snapped, "Shut your mouth, you insect."
His terrifying gaze made him bite his lips.
"Oh, come on. Justin, let me handle this, okay. There's nothing to get mad to his pitiful NPCs." Hermes said, calmly. "So, you really want to know, huh."
"Yes," Intenzo nodded.
"Listen very carefully, there's no one will come to help you out because you guys are assholes. Period," he stated, calmly. "Your gang is just small-time criminals who are acting so high despite the fact, you're all bunch of scumbags. Since you guys openly fired here first. There might be some witnesses who had seen the brutal death of one of their own people. Don't you know, the villagers won't tolerate such a thing."
Intenzo's vein showed up and he quickly retorted, "That's a bullshit answer, brat!"
"C'mon, boy. I'm stating the truth but nothing but the factual mindset of a rational human. Let me tell you something about these people, they'll slaughter every single of one of you. Also, there are some bunch of losers who are going to take vengeance of their superior. Nonetheless, I expected bloodshed in your home right now."
An explosion emerged from their south, the flame had colored their sight, and led Intenzo and his boss turned their gaze at its direction. Renzo who had slowly recovered turned pale as he noticed that it was the exact location of their office.
"I-I-It can be," Renzo muttered, "It can't be. You bastards, you'll pay for this. Intenzo, inject the drug to me right now!"
Intenzo pulled out a syringe containing a green liquid and he injected it to his boss.
"Hmm? What the hell is that thing? Oh, boy," Hermes signaled his butler to slaughter them both before they could react. A sound of two slashed of meat echoed the street, the people who witnessed the execution turned disgusted at the scene, and the young Don who had been stood still smirk in their death. "I planned to have a tea party with you guys and asked you some questions about the Priestess and who are you working with. But is already too late. Well, whatever. It is already done."
The heads of the criminals had rolled down in the ground, the blood from the decapitated throat lay scattered at the place. The butler removed his gloves after he finished his job.
The sky turned red as the burning office and corpse of the remnants of the gang had been murdered by the village guards. Led by Sergeant Nicolo, he ordered his men, shoot to kill.
"How insightful. This is why I don't like to be a frontline. Next time, I'll hire some goons and let them clean this mess for me," said the young Don, inadequately.
"Should I dispose of their body, my Don?" his butler asked.
He replied, "Leave it be. Let the citizens of this village see their corpses like this. Some of them have sickened at their faces, criminal operations, and immorality."
Hermes took a peek at the syringe before he broke it. He thought it was something like a potion to increase his health.
"As you wish, my Don." Justin lowered his head with respect.
His face couldn't hide his joy. His plan went smoothly. The sergeant who he spared followed his scheme. Sparing his life was really worth it.
He had no idea how many members of the hostile gang had, so he decided to use the village guards instead. Since his servant killed all of their officers, no one shall stand on his puppet official this time. Letting the enemies started to shoot an official was outstanding. In accordance with their law, it was an act of treachery and declaration of war against the authority of this village.
"The law of this game is still the same as usual. People of these ages hate criminals like them.," he mumbled. "Our mission is complete. We must escape before the authorities arrive."
Justin glared his sight at the citizens who were watching through their windows, "Sir, should I kill the citizens who witness everything here?" Hermes shook his head, "Let them live. They are innocent. Also, they won't do anything for us. You know why? Because we kill the parasite of their village."
His butler simpered, looking pleased to his master, "Oh, I see. Impressive, my Don."
As the young Don and his butler walked away from the corpses, a small box had been tossed to their front. Hermes flinched when the box appeared on their sight. His butler noticed the powerful aura coming out from it, he quickly rushed on his front, and he forcibly dragged his master out of its range. However, it was too late. The box exploded and a dark smoke engulfed their view.
"Don Hermes!" the last word came out from his mouth before the young Don had been swallowed by the dark shadow.
His upper body raised up and he found himself in the middle of a space dimension. He commented it was an endless dimension that no one could even dare to live. He stood up and fixed his attire. He pulled out his rifle, reloaded it and aimed at a random direction, looking for an enemy inside of it.
"Hermes Archnemesis, " said the woman on a black cloak, who had a honeyed voice.
"Nope, it is not me," Hermes pulled out his mask and placed it on his face to cover his identity.
"You can't hide the truth from me, Hermes Archnemesis. Third son of the Don Archnemesis. The sole survivor of the family when the Archnemesis-Corleon war initiated." she stated, appealing.
"Oh, I see." Hermes grinned. "Are you working with that unfortunate gang? Or you're acting alone, milady?" She replied, "I am not working with those people. To tell you the truth, I am working with somebody else."
"Let me guess, the Verdugo family?" he asked, glaring. But her answer made him be confused. "I won't let myself to be working with a middle class but arrogant family. However, I have a companion who is working as our spy."
"So, what are you exactly?" he quizzed her. He aimed his gun at her. She simpered, looking pleased with his confidence, "I don't want to reveal our true identity and I don't plan to betray our oath. But I will give you exactly what are we in the eyes of the public. We are the lost race of the world who were distrust, put into discretion and oppressed by society. We were the descendants of the people who were perished and eradicated by humankind."
Hermes recalled the newspaper content recently. It stated that there was a secret organization in this world that he needed to eradicate too.
"A secret organization is the right answer, I think," he said.
"Your answer is closer to it, but I cannot say that you're not wrong either," she said.
"Let me ask you something, milady." he stepped forward, keeping himself in a distance.
"You such a charming man, Mr. Archnemesis. Calling me, milady twice is making me blush," she beamed.
Hermes who felt chilled in his spine and he flinched when she licked her lips, "You have a terrifying grace, milady. May I ask you something?" She quickly responded, "Yes, you may."
"Do you know the lady in the blue cloak?" he asked. With his serious gaze, she answered, "No."
"A'right then, that was too fast. But you do have a piece of knowledge about her background, right?" he questioned. He believed she would know her however, she shook her head.
Hermes heaved a disappointing sigh.
"How disappointing. So," his sight turned red as he raised up his rifle, aiming it at her head. "Why did you bring me here? Stop bullshitting me, lady."
Her neon sight made him flinch and her aura gave him a large pressure in his chest. She pulled out her knives with a terrifying gaze.
"Hermes Archnemesis, I have come here to ―" she giggled and a sound of two objects collided in a second.
"― assassinate me." Hermes finished her sentence after he dodged her knives. "Take this!" He commenced his attack by firing his submachine gun at her place. Thanks to his character's skill of sensing danger, he escaped his death from that first assault.
She used her barrier, and she chirped, "Futile, your attack is meaningless."
"Let's see about that, lady." He reloaded his gun and continued his assault. Bullets fell down in the dimensional ground and it disappeared like melted ice cream.
"Futile, futile, futile, futile," she blocked his attack and she spoke, redundantly.
Hermes clicked his tongue when his attack didn't inflict any damages to his enemy.
"Son of a bitch. Just take damage already!" he reloaded.
With his nonstop shooting, the girl felt bored. She dashed to his side and begun her counterattack.
The young Don used his rifle to block her knives, duck his body from her kick, bent his body from her elbow and used his head to find her weakness, consecutively.
"You're good. Are you exercising every day? But you don't look like a man who'll do it anyway. I never thought you were called a wimpy kid. Rumors are wrong," she praised. "I guess, I have failed to watch you closely and study you by myself. There's a saying, you wouldn't know the person if you don't meet him in person. I mean, let me correct my word. You cannot see the truth if you don't fight him in person."
"I'm flatter. But, the rumors are true eventually. Gaawg," his body got hit by her fist, and the impact led him to fly away for two meters. He coughed blood, he tried to stand up but the damage was really imminent, so he stayed in his position for a few seconds to recover.
"Damn it, you're strong," he argued, trying to stand up. He pressed his hand to cover his stomach.
"Oh, my. You're still alive." she grinned. "I haven't been serious this time. You're lucky that we are in this dimension. If not, you're already dead."
He picked his rifle on the ground, he checked it if it was still fine and he aimed it at her face.
"I won't let myself be killed in this place. Underestimating me will be your wrong move. There's no one can defeat this character by yourself. Fate will disapprove, and there's nothing you can do but to pray for oneself." said the young Don, reloading his gun readied to fire it once again.
"Nonsense." she gave him a heavy splash from above but he blocked it. He maintained his position and he waited for her to step back before he gave her a hard kick through her stomach. His body fell down in the ground when he lost his balance.
"Ouch, I think I need to learn how to kick properly. My character is not yet ready for that moment." He gradually stood up after the pain was gone. His eyes concentrated at his enemy. He said, "Lady, you're three years early to defeat me. I don't know why are you holding back but I do realize you're scheming something from those eyes. I won't die. Not in this shit world, you are living. Not also in your hands either.," he resumed his attack.
"Then, farewell." she dashed to his side before he could react. A swish of her knife stuck directly to his heart. She simpered for a second but her expression perplexed when she noticed his terrifying gaze, "Huh?" Her eyes opened wide when there's no blood coming out.
"Lady, your attack is futile. I'm wearing an armored vest," he sacrificed his rifle and he went to her back. He grabbed her shoulders and he forcibly did what all the men would do in the wrestling match ― German suplex.
The girl who was surprised got her head hit the spacial ground. The impact echoed the place and she got hurt severely.
Hermes quickly grabbed something from her body, he used his weight to pin her down, he pulled out the knife after he stole it, and he quickly pressed the weapon at her throat.
"Oh, my. I didn't expect this to happen. You surprised me, Hermes. So, this is the end for me. It's been an honor to be killed by someone like you. Kill me," she asked, seriously.
"Why should I?" Hermes objected.
"Kill me, please," she begged. "This is a one time opportunity for me. Kill me!"
Hermes sensed something was wrong with this woman. She was stronger than him but she deliberately let him touch her. Her reaction and strange behavior made him feel disgusted.
"Hey, lady. What the hell was wrong with you? You smell so nice and I can see through your lips that you are a beautiful woman. But I didn't know you are this kind of indecent person. I have no plan to kill someone like you." he stated. "You're frightening me already."
The girl flustered and she insisted, "Kill me, oh, Hermes."
Hermes didn't even grasp her shoulders tightly. She's breathing heavily as their bodies collided with each other.
"Oi, stop it already. You're getting in my nerves.," he said. "I don't know what's wrong with you but you should stop moving already. My brain is telling me to get away from you, but my body tells me not to do it because you're going to kill me."
"I'm your enemy. According to the mediocre law of mafia, an assassin who has failed her mission shall be deemed to die by the hands of her target. It is the only honor he or she could get in order to redeem herself. Now, kill me!" she insisted once again.
Hermes who was annoyed slapped her face, "Shut up, lady. Human lives are the most sophisticated gift of God."
"God doesn't exist!" she said.
"Stupid, atheist. He exists. There are a scientific explanation and theological reason for his existence. But to such degree, there are some fools who are proclaiming themselves as one. But he really exists. Only fools would deny his existence. But, let's change the subject already. God damn it, stop resisting already!" he slapped her face once again.
"Ouch, stop hurting me!" she caterwauled. "That's against the women's right. Just kill me!"
"Shut the fuck up, I don't care about women's right or mafia rights. We do know that all of these laws are in favor of your gender." His hand grabbed her arms to stop her. "Now, let's find out what's hidden behind that hood."
She started to breathe heavily as his hand slowly came closer to her hood, 'You filthy man, you stole my first kiss and now this. Is the rumors are true that you really changed? Oooh, my. His sweat tastes good'. Her thoughts. There was nothing she could do but she must use her trump card. However, someone intervened and he cast a spell, "[Monstrous Activus]."
From that magic, a huge monster had appeared from the shadow in front of the young Don. It depicted a humanly large, tall and having a disproportionately large head, abundant hair, unusually colored skin, a voracious appetite, and a strong body.
"A-A-An ogre. But that's impossible," Hermes shivered. "They shouldn't exist in this world."
The ogre picked the young Don's rifle and it used a magic spell to change it into the finest sword.
She clicked her tongue and she demanded, "Don't kill this man. He's mine!"
The ogre stepped forward and raised its sword. It smoothly sliced the young Don's head in a blink of an eye.
A man in his black cloak appeared, it was Seraph who was part of this scheme. He who had been watching from afar looked at his watch after the death of the young Archnemesis.
"What a wonderful scene. Now, the objective is complete." he grinned.
On the fourth of January, 1811 A.D., It was exactly 9:58 in the evening. The last heir of the Archnemesis crime family had been slaughtered by a mystical beast. It seemed the assassins who were ordered to kill pleased to his corpse.
So, it seemed.
That time, this villain rose up from the endless dimensional ground and he turned the world under his palm ― by accident.