More than three days passed peacefully after the unexpected confrontation. Thanks to the incredible healing power of magic, Yanis, Jacob, and Rogue were fully healed from their wounds, dealt by Tony's formidable nunchakus. Yet, the resounding echo of this battle spread through every cobblestone alley of the medieval village, moving from one mouth to another, from tavern to tavern.
Residents, going about their daily tasks, paused momentarily in their work to listen to stories that spread like wildfire. Whispers blended with gasps of astonishment, creating a palpable atmosphere of bewilderment.
Newspapers, faithful witnesses to the most significant events, displayed headlines that left villagers both stunned and frightened. In imposing capital letters, one could read: "The return of the Archdemons of Emotions: The dawn of anarchy and dominance?", a title that sent shivers down the spine of many a reader at the mention of these feared, mythical beings.
Other even more unsettling headlines sprawled across the pages, fueling the fears and questions of the peasants of the Kingdom of Rymis. "More teenagers from the Lost Ones' Planet on Trillia?" was boldly displayed, evoking a mix of terror and confusion in the readers.
In the narrow streets of the village, conversations inevitably revolved around these sensational articles. Faces were marked by worry, eyes wide with bewilderment. Peasants gathered in small groups, exchanging theories about the meaning of these disturbing events, and seeking answers in age-old legends and tales passed down from generation to generation.
The once peaceful and serene medieval capital now pulsed with fear and uncertainty. Everyone wondered what fate this new era - marked by the resurgence of dark forces and mysteries hovering over Trillia - held for them.
[City of Delforde, capital of Edra]
In the vibrant and modern setting of Edra's capital, where elves and humans collaborated to build a future, a heartwarming scene unfolded. A blissful pair—a golden-haired elf and a brown-haired young man—sipped their coffee beneath a woolen blanket, as the elven news anchor on the modern television summarized the latest events of the fight between Dasra and Yorgor. The hum of vehicular traffic wafted through their studio's open window near the kitchen.
"Yesterday, in the afternoon, the half-human, half-phoenix warrior Dasra of the Kingdom of Rymis, registered her 926th death during a fierce battle with Yorgor, the Archdemon of anger and rage."
The couple's expressions shifted to sheer shock upon hearing the announcer's words.
"The Archdemon of anger?"
"Do you think they are back?" she inquired.
"I don't know... But we must prepare for the worst, my love..."
"I'm scared... My heart, tell me this is just a nightmare!"
With gentle affection, she sought solace in her beloved's embrace. She felt the warmth of his presence as he gently stroked her, his hands weaving through her long silky hair. The love they shared charged the air around them, creating a perfect atmosphere brimming with hope.
"Don't worry... I'll always be here for you."
[City of Arktoskaya, capital of Argha]
In a chamber illuminated by lampposts crafted of gold and gemstones, a woman with long white hair sat in a plush armchair. She was Milityasha Karpeva, the President of Argha. Wearing a comforting smile, she was dressed in a flowing gown of white and green, which served as her nightdress. Holding a glass of spirit with grace, she gazed out at her nighttime city through a massive window, brought to life by a snowstorm, her green eyes reflective.
"What a storm..."
As she yawned, covering her mouth with her hand, a soldier clad in military attire entered the room and approached her. The man's face was hidden under a hood, and he held an automatic rifle resembling a Kalashnikov. The only difference was the eerie and purplish aura emanating from it.
"Madam President, I have news to relay."
"I'm listening."
"It's about the Kingdom of Rymis."
"What on earth has Rymis done now? Has he finally decided to advance technologically? I'll never understand his insistence on remaining in the past. While I respect customs and traditions, there's a limit! Rymis should at least try to protect their people. It's fortunate I forced him to accept the Lost Ones into their Kingdom..."
"Madam... it's not about the King. It's about an Archdemon of Emotions..."
"Oh... intriguing... Go on."
[Érétide, capital of the Kingdom of Rymis, home of the Lost Ones]
The melancholic silence was palpable. The atmosphere in Érétide was thick with tension. Yanis was on the brink of unveiling his past to his comrades, the Lost Ones. Jaïka, Charnald, and Kalen waited in anticipation to hear the young man's testimony.
"Alright, here's the story of Tony..."
[France, two months before the summoning of the Lost Ones to Trillia, suburb]
First off, you should know that I grew up in the city, protecting dealers from the police. Whenever rival neighborhoods tried causing trouble, they called me.
Children's joyful shouts echoed from a nearby football pitch. The sun cast its warm rays on Yanis and his friend as they sat chatting in a kebab shop.
"Hey, by the way," Yanis's friend said, catching his attention.
"Yeah?"
"The boss wants to see you. I think he's got a new position for you."
"Alright, I'll see him afterward."
As they savored their sandwiches and glanced occasionally at the restaurant's TV, a radiant-faced teenager approached their table. The girl, with long brown hair, wore a lovely black skirt that reached her knees, paired with a pink t-shirt.
"It's been a while, Yanis."
A sincere and genuinely remarkable smile lit up Yanis's face, revealing his deep affection for her.
"You can say that again, Léa. How's school?"
"It's going really well. Can't wait for university!"
"That's great! You better impress your parents with those grades."
"They're already so proud of me."
After their satisfying meal, the three teens parted ways, each heading in a different direction.
With hands tucked in his pockets, Yanis strolled towards an old, derelict parking lot in the neighborhood. In the distance, a group of men in tracksuits surrounded a distinctly recognizable figure - a Black man with a trimmed beard. It was undeniably his infamous boss.
"Yo! It's me," Yanis called out.
"Yanis!" The boss greeted, his voice filled with genuine pleasure. They exchanged a firm handshake.
"How've you been?"
"Good. And you?"
"Never better."
"Heard you wanted to see me, boss?"
"Yeah, I've got a new role for you."
"I'm all ears."
"You'll oversee and guard the drug production."
"So, I'll be in charge?"
"Exactly. And if you excel, I have a special position in mind just for you."
"Really? What kind?"
"It's a surprise!"
"Well, you can count on me. I won't let you down."
"You never have!"
Then, as they conversed, horror unfolded. A gunshot rang out from the neighboring parking area. Shouts of anger and the roar of speeding cars echoed alongside rifle shots, putting the group on high alert. The boss, in a surge of panic, grabbed his walkie-talkie.
"What's going on?!" he exclaimed.
As he anxiously awaited a reassuring response, more gunshots sounded in quick succession. It seemed the attackers weren't aiming at anyone in particular; rather, they were firing warning shots. As the boss surveyed the parking lot trying to calm himself, a frightened voice finally responded over the walkie-talkie, painting a dire picture of the situation.
"There are guys entering the neighborhood; they're headed your way!
"What?!"
"They're shooting everywhere, with several vehicles!"
"Alright, alright... Tell the lookouts near the neighborhood exit to stay put. And warn those near the production facility to guard it!"
"Got it!"
As he pocketed the walkie-talkie, the assailants pulled into the parking lot in three black cars. They parked hastily, and one by one, men armed with assault rifles emerged. The boss's crew quickly retrieved their firearms, all but Yanis, who maintained a calm and distant expression, hands in his pockets.
Only one person remained inside a car, a seemingly smug and taunting figure. He had long light hair and a rough, three-day beard. Suddenly stepping out of the car, he slammed the door behind him, locking eyes with the boss. Despite his poor fashion sense, wearing an oversized long t-shirt and ripped jeans, he tried to reassure the boss, saying, "Easy, guys. We're not here for a massacre!"
"Hey! What the hell are you talking about?!"
As the atmosphere grew thick with tension, the brazen intruder slowly approached the boss, creating a dramatic and solemn ambiance.
"I won't beat around the bush, man. I'm here to rob you and your turf!"
"You won't do a damn thing!"
The masked assailants fired their assault rifles into the parking garage ceiling. To emphasize their seriousness, they gave the boss a defiant look. The ensuing silence was deafening, underlining the palpable threat in the air.
"So! I'm not gonna do anything?!"
One after another, they pointed their guns at the boss, not waiting for an order from their leader.
"Damn it..."
"Listen, little punk! If your buddies don't drop their guns in a minute, it's gonna be a bloodbath."
The boss, not wanting his men to die senselessly, turned to them, head down.
"Guys, lower your weapons..."
Reluctantly, they complied, slowly and calmly lowering their arms.
"A bunch of weaklings, ahah!
"Who are you?"
"Me? I'm Harry. But you can call me the executioner, ahah!"
"I'll stick with Harry. So… what do you want?"
"Your money and all your drugs!"
"You just came to rob me in my turf?! We'll find you, and we'll screw you over, you and your entire damn neighborhood!"
"Listen, times are tough in my hood. So, my boss told me to come here and rob you!"
"Because you have a boss?!"
"Yeah!"
His face, worn with stress, betrayed his inner turmoil.
"Alright, I have a deal for you, you up for it?"
"I'm listening."
"I propose a one-on-one, my best fighter against yours. If you win, I'll give you all my stash and money. If you lose, you leave and never come back."
A stifling silence descended, more brutal than ever before, as an amused smile appeared on Harry's lips, probably in response to the foolish question posed by the boss.
"You're serious right now?! Like, where do you think you are?! This is the real street, not some fight club or whatever!
"I mean it. If you win, everything's yours.
"Fine... show me your best fighter."
Without a moment's hesitation, Yanis moved closer to Harry, fists clenched. He was ready to fight, ready to show the true worth of his hood.
"It's me."
Upon seeing Yanis, everyone from the opposing side burst into laughter, thinking he was just another neighborhood punk.
"Enough laughing. Akim!" Harry shouted.
The walls of silence crumbled as Harry called upon the mighty Akim, who was sitting in one of the three cars. When he emerged, his muscular and towering figure showcased his immense power.
"Alright, I'll keep my end of the bargain if you keep yours!
"Deal!
"Akim's been doing MMA for ten years. He'll easily beat your guy.
"We'll see about that."
Yanis and Akim took their stances. Without waiting for any signal, Akim started the fight by swiftly delivering a low kick. Yanis, far more agile and quick than this hulking brute, countered with an immediate front kick, sending him crashing to the ground.
"Damn it!" Akim muttered.
Jumping up quickly, Akim lunged with uncontrollable rage, throwing a punch aimed at Yanis's lung. However, Yanis effortlessly dodged and grabbed Akim's right forearm. With a move filled with grace and expertise, he executed an Aikido technique, throwing his opponent to the ground and breaking his right arm in the process.
"Who the hell is this guy?!" Harry exclaimed.
In a final desperate attempt, Akim got up and lunged at Yanis, shouting in anger:
"Bastard!"
He tried hitting Yanis in the throat, thinking, So that's his game. He's aiming for my vital spots, the jerk!
With supernatural grace and speed, Yanis launched a high kick to block the punch. Immediately after, he unleashed a powerful question-mark kick to Akim's head. The brutal and swift impact sent Akim crashing into a wall, creating a minor crack and echoing through the air like a roll of thunder.
"There you go."
No one could believe their eyes, not even the boss for whom he worked. Yanis had managed to send a man over 80kg/176lbs crashing into a concrete wall, which infuriated Harry.
"Damn it!"
Overcome with rage, Harry pulled a gun from his pocket but was immediately stopped by a threatening call from Yanis, who already had a Glock 17 aimed at him:
"Hey! If you value your life, I wouldn't do that."
"Let's get out of here!"
The attackers hastily picked up the unconscious Akim from the ground. They quickly got back into the car, waiting for Harry to join them.
"What's your name, bastard?!"
"Yanis."
"I'll find you and take you out!"
To which Yanis replied, with that cocky smile he loved so much:
"Bring your whole crew; you alone can't do anything!"
"Yanis! You're a dead man!"
"I'm waiting for it, dude!"