CHAPTER 6 - I AM NOVA: Unveiling the Shadows, A Startling Investigation
After the life-altering incident that transformed Steve into NOVA, he sought solace and anonymity in the secluded western part of the village.
However, this seemingly tranquil village concealed a haunting past, draped in a sinister shroud.
As the sun descended below the horizon, a nefarious energy stirred, awakening the dormant horrors that lurked in the darkness.
These vile creatures were driven by a single motive—to engage in relentless combat with anyone unfortunate enough to cross their path.
Unbeknownst to them, NOVA had made a resolute decision—he would confront and vanquish these nightmarish entities, putting an end to their reign of terror.
Embracing the mantle of a warrior, NOVA fearlessly confronted the abominations, engaging in an epic battle that shook the very foundations of the village.
His blade sang with lethal precision as he struck down one monstrous foe after another, their screams of agony echoing through the night.
Amidst the chaos, an unsettling realization dawned upon NOVA—the creatures he fought were not driven by malevolence but rather by fear.
To his astonishment, he discovered that these so-called monsters were nothing more than frightened children, trapped in monstrous guises. However, NOVA knew that he could not waver in his resolve.
"Although they may bear the visage of monsters, their actions have brought harm upon innocent lives. There is no purpose in allowing them to persist," NOVA pondered, his gaze filled with a somber determination.
It was in the midst of this intense introspection that NOVA experienced a harrowing vision—a haunting glimpse into the past.
He witnessed a man ruthlessly attempting to end the life of a defenseless child, a child who had already suffered the tragic loss of their parents.
In the depths of his soul, NOVA questioned the justification for such senseless violence.
"What is the point of ending someone's life, especially when they are unaware and innocent?
Am I any different from the person who took my parents away? Is there any purpose in killing without reason or understanding?
"What purpose does it serve to extinguish the life of an innocent, ignorant of the world's cruelty? Is there any meaning in snuffing out a life without reason or understanding?"
These weighty questions swirled within NOVA's mind, casting a shadow of doubt upon his purpose.
"I cannot ascertain whether you would comprehend my motives,"
NOVA mused, his voice filled with a mix of determination and uncertainty. Addressing the monsters before him, he continued, "I will spare your lives if you follow my commands."
"Woah wait you guys."
To his surprise, the monsters embraced him with overwhelming joy, as if perceiving the true essence of his words.
"They understand,"
NOVA realized, though he cautioned them against getting too carried away.
"Just leave me be."
In the present, Steve, now reborn as NOVA, assumed the role of a guardian, raising and training four formidable monsters to protect the village.
Among them stood a humanoid creature, its appearance paradoxically human yet unmistakably alien.
Another monster possessed the uncanny ability to teleport with astonishing speed, while another wielded the power of telekinesis.
However, one creature stood apart from the rest—a magnificent dragon with dark, demonic features, adorned with devil wings capable of transcending realms unknown to mortals.
Its ominous presence sent shivers down his spine, while its devil wings possessed an eerie allure, capable of traversing realms unknown to mankind.
NOVA dedicated himself to training three formidable creatures, molding them into guardians of the village.
However, the dragon stood apart—a creature of immense rarity and value. Its wings, coveted by gods and mortals alike, were severed to prevent chaos in the divine realm.
Only humans held the potential to ascend to heavenly heights with these wings, yet their ignorance stifled their true potential.
NOVA delved into the enigmatic process of merging the mighty dragon wings with mortal beings, unlocking a path towards celestial realms waiting to be claimed.
NOVA dedicated himself to nurturing these three extraordinary creatures, viewing them as his own flesh and blood.
Night after night, as darkness descended upon the village, they rose to defend its fragile existence.
Over time, their skills and prowess expanded to such an extent that they could protect the village even under the searing gaze of daylight, becoming unwavering sentinels safeguarding the lives within.
Yet, fate had a peculiar turn of events in store for NOVA.
The monsters, attuned to the unknown and sensitive to aberrations, summoned NOVA with an urgency borne of foreboding.
"This presence is unlike any other,"
NOVA mused, detecting a distinct aura emanating from the anomaly—an aura capable of deflecting cursed energy and concealing human presence.
Intrigued, he instructed one of his monsters to investigate whether this enigmatic presence permeated other locations.
The creature shook its head, indicating that this anomaly was unique to their current surroundings.
Curiosity gnawed at NOVA's consciousness as he gazed upon the locket hanging from his neck, a precious memento housing a photograph of his beloved family.
"I sense that a new problem is about to arise," he murmured, his determination unyielding.
"Prepare yourselves for an investigation."
Suddenly, a bandit brazenly laid a hand on NOVA's shoulder, his voice dripping with menace.
"You aberration! Surrender your belongings, including that locket. It seems you've slain a man for a trinket of great value."
NOVA, undaunted, met the bandit's gaze with steely resolve.
"Who's to say? I suggest you flee before I decide to claim your life instead."
The bandit, consumed by terror in the face of NOVA's unwavering determination, promptly turned and scurried away, his wails of fear reverberating through the night.
NOVA couldn't help but muse, "It appears I've instilled a greater fear within him than he did in me. Very well, let us commence our investigation, starting with his family."
As NOVA embarked upon this mysterious and perilous path, myriad questions surged through his mind.
"Who are you? What forces have led you down this treacherous road? Rest assured, I shall deliver justice to those who have wronged you."
And thus, with an unwavering resolve and a thrill coursing through his veins, NOVA's investigation into the bandit's family marked the beginning of a perilous, yet enthralling, journey into the depths of darkness.
Written by - Riteesh