Chapter 66
The major large metropolitan city of Eldridge was once again engulfed in panic as monstrous spiders roamed the streets by the hundreds. Law enforcement and nearby registered knights responded swiftly to the chaos, each with their own motivations for answering the sirens blaring across the city.
Some knights rushed to the scene driven by a sense of honor and duty, while others saw this as a golden opportunity to grasp fame and notoriety in a city alive with fear. Pedestrians who caught sight of the enormous arachnids spilling from the manholes were soon swept into a frenzied dash, scattering in all directions as they desperately sought safety from these terrifying creatures.
Ethan, ever the pragmatist, had always prepared for the worst possible scenarios that lurked in the shadows of Eldridge. However, this unprecedented outbreak of giant spiders in broad daylight shattered his expectations. These beasts, typically nocturnal hunters, had inexplicably broken from their routine, now prowling the streets in search of unsuspecting prey.
The sight was both surreal and alarming, igniting a primal instinct to survive among the city's inhabitants. With the chaos swirling around him, Ethan instinctively pulled up a scarf to obscure his identity, steeling himself for a confrontation. The gnawing concern for Katarine fueled his determination; he had to face the threat head-on if he was ever to reach her amidst the burgeoning terror that flooded the city's veins.
Meanwhile, Katarine was getting annoyed because fighting while ensuring the safety of her staff was getting to her; she had to run down toward the other office floor and check her employees condition. Many were hurt, but luckily her early announcement was able to prepare all those who were staying on the floors below the administrative section to be still safe.
As many of her employees barricaded the windows with their tables and chairs and resisted with all their might preventing these spiders from freely entering their work area, and because some of her staff were ability users, they were able to use their non-combatant powers to safeguard their territory.
Some had the ability to manifest sticky slime like substances; others had the power of speed and low lever telekinesis; some just used their ability to predict the monster movements; a few could control the wind and create weapons; and others were granted the ability to heal, cast poison, and create shields made of energy. Katarine felt a mix of pride and worry as she moved swiftly through the chaos, her heart racing at the sight of her team working together against the onslaught of monstrous Arachnids.
Each office was a fortress, transformed through sheer determination and quick thinking. Despite the tension that crackled in the air, there was an undeniable sense of camaraderie among her employees; they were all in this together, fighting for their lives and each other.
As she reached the lower level, the scene before her was both heartening and alarming. Several of her staff were using their powers in concert, creating a symphony of defense against the relentless advance of the spiders. She watched as one team member, harnessing their mastery over wind, created a barrier that deflected incoming threats while another used their predictive skills to warn others of incoming attacks.
Some could even change their bodies into living rocks, some could turn their arms into weapons and stretch their bodies like rubber to some extent, those who were gisted with powers of animals used their transformation to fight the spiders, and others could create sticky substances oozing from another's hands, which served both as a trap and a protective barrier, keeping the spiders at bay. It was a dynamic, chaotic display of creativity and resilience that left her in awe, though she still couldn't shake off the worry gnawing at her insides.
Katarine knew that while many of her employees were exhibiting extraordinary abilities, fatigue was setting in. She had to think strategically and fast. Gathering her thoughts, she summoned her own powers to create an aura of protection that spread through the lower office.
"Stay focused!"
She called out, her voice cutting through the din of chaos.
"We can hold them off, but we need to work together!"
Her words fueled their spirits, and for a brief moment, the morale lifted. She felt a renewed sense of purpose; by standing her ground and showing up for her team, she was not only safeguarding their physical wellbeing but also strengthening the bond that held them together during this crisis.
As the battle raged on, she silently vowed to find a way to end this nightmare and ensure that everyone would come out of it unscathed.
These are low class ability users; these people tried to get registered and be knights, hoping to gain some change in their fate before getting hired to work under the newly appointed Kartrine Horn Siegert, but because Katarine made drastic changes in the administrative and working structure of the company including the subsidy under her control, she treated her employees with respect, dignity, and proper financial compensation.
Everybody knew Katarine as cold, strict, and professional when it came to work; she never smiled and hardly reacted to anyone who accidentally crossed her path. The chilling aura she projected intimidated most, yet her employees quickly realized that beneath her frosty exterior lay a leader who was fair and just in her decision-making.
This earned her their loyalty and admiration over time, despite the fact that personal reasons made it difficult for them to approach her. Yet, as they faced insurmountable odds together, something extraordinary happened: they began to acquire supernatural abilities. This newfound strength bound them even closer to her, igniting a fierce determination to fight alongside her until the very end. In the face of epic challenges, Katarine understood that their unity and unwavering resolve would be their greatest assets in overcoming whatever monsters lurked around the corner.
Though she might have seemed cold and distant, Katarine was remarkably generous to those who genuinely put in the effort. Many of her low-ranking employees, who had never encountered her personally, found their motivation in her unyielding leadership and the strength she displayed. The steadfast nature she embodied became a beacon of inspiration, urging them to fight beside her and stand firm in their times of need. Her example highlighted a vital truth: true leadership transcends mere appearances, and her ability to foster loyalty and purpose among her team was nothing short of remarkable.
In the heat of battle, her luxurious clothing, once pristine, became tattered and stained with spider blood and dirt, starkly contrasting her polished exterior. She commanded her team with authority, fighting monsters head-on and using every imaginable tool to protect them and eliminate the threats they faced. As the battle wore on, her horns began to manifest, an outward sign of her power and commitment.
Caught up in the struggle to shield her team, she remained oblivious to the changes occurring around her. Those who fought alongside her, including the janitor who had transformed into a towering six-foot-tall humanoid bull, recognized her tireless spirit and ferocity, choosing to focus on their shared purpose rather than the eerie transformations taking place around them. Together, they all formed an indomitable force, uniting their strengths under her guidance to face the darkness that lay ahead.
The day was alive with chaos, the air thick with the scent of desperation as spiders continued to pour out from the cracks and crevices beneath the streets, relentless and insatiable. Ethan fought valiantly, his blade a flicker of silver in the strobing streetlights, but no matter how many he felled, more surged forth to take their place.
The other knights and police officers around him, stalwart in their resolve, were equally overwhelmed, some succumbing to exhaustion while others bore the marks of their intense struggle. Ethan could see the weariness in their eyes; it mirrored his own fatigue, yet he pushed forward, drawing strength from the need to protect those around him.
Despite his high rank as a knight, Ethan learned a disheartening lesson that night: authority and skill alone could not stem the tide of chaos that threatened the innocent. Each fallen spider offered a fleeting sense of victory, but the endless onslaught weighed heavily on his heart. The realization hit him; he was just one man amidst a sea of adversaries, and saving everyone felt impossible. It was painfully clear to him that he needed a contingency plan—a backup strategy that could assist him in this dire situation.
However, he also understood the inherent challenges of rallying a team under such overwhelming pressure. The world was filled with individuals who held vastly different mindsets and personalities, complicating any attempt at unified action. Trust was an elusive commodity, and in the heat of battle, the discord between allies might prove just as dangerous as the spiders themselves.
Ethan needs a dependable subordinate, which can be his eyes, ears, arms, and legs. Someone who can anticipate his needs and act accordingly, without the need for constant direction. This trusted individual could make all the difference in ensuring their survival in the face of such formidable foes. Having the power to summon monsters would be a blessing, but his powers were not even remotely near that. He can't manifest fire or any other form of energy. He was just an excellent fighter.
Ethan had always considered himself an ordinary young man, navigating the ups and downs of everyday life without much thought to the peculiarities that surrounded him. Little did he know that within the depths of his being lay an extraordinary energy, unlike anything found in the realm of the supernatural.
His powers were not derived from the elements, the spirits, or even the mystical artifacts that many of his peers drew upon; instead, they emanated from his blood—a unique gift that pulsed through his veins, waiting for the right moment to awaken. The world around him thrummed with energy, but Ethan remained blissfully unaware of the latent potential that lay dormant within him.
As he moved through the ordinary rhythm of life, a sense of restlessness tugged at him, whispering secrets he could not yet understand. When he experienced moments of heightened emotion, flickers of power would spark at his fingertips, but he brushed them off as mere coincidence.
Unknown to him, these were the nascent signs of his true heritage, a lineage steeped in ancient magic. Blood was not just a fluid coursing through him; it was a vessel of power, laden with the history of those who had come before him. As the threads of fate began to weave together, Ethan's journey into the supernatural would soon reveal the true nature of his abilities and the responsibilities that accompanied them.
The realization would come crashing down like a tidal wave, transforming his perception of self and purpose. With each revelation, Ethan would be forced to confront the darker implications of his gift. Power born of blood often meant sacrifice, and he would have to navigate the treacherous waters of a destiny entwined with conflict, allegiance, and long-forgotten truths.
In the shadows of the supernatural realm, threats loomed, eager to exploit his unique energy for their gain. As Ethan unearthed the secrets of his heritage, he would not only discover the remarkable strength that lay within him but also the courage needed to wield it responsibly in a world brimming with danger.
Ethan finally reached the building premises, his footsteps echoing against the cold concrete as he entered. Knight observed him closely, noting not just his physical demeanor but the unsettling thick red aura that seemed to swirl around him, pulsating with an energy that was both captivating and foreboding.
It was a presence that spoke of power, yet also hinted at something darker lurking just beneath the surface. Ethan, however, was blissfully unaware of the impression he was making. As they entered the building together, Knight felt a growing apprehension, a nagging thought that perhaps this was no ordinary individual, but rather the new Marshal Knight, a figure spoken of in hushed tones among the ranks—registered under the enigmatic code of "Nameless."
Whispers among the gathered knights suggested that Ethan's choice of weapon mirrored that of the legendary Nameless, a detail that heightened their curiosity. One perceptive female knight, unable to suppress her intrigue, approached Ethan with a question that had been on the minds of many. "What is your connection to the new Marshal Knight known as Nameless?"
Her voice was a blend of admiration and skepticism, as all eyes turned toward Ethan in anticipation of his answer. But instead of diving into the depths of his past or sharing the story behind his ominous aura, Ethan simply smiled—a gesture that held a myriad of unspoken thoughts—and replied,
"Your questions are not really that important now."
His voice was calm, almost soothing, yet it carried an underlying urgency.
"Please focus on saving the people."
The immediacy of the situation overshadowed personal histories and legendary connections. Ethan seemed to understand that the looming threat outside demanded their attention, and the time for tales had passed. Knight recognized the weight of his words, understanding that their task was far greater than the curiosity that swirled around Ethan's identity.
In that moment, they became united by purpose, ready to face the chaos ahead, each step guided by a desire to protect those who were unable to defend themselves. The entrace of the main Siegert building was barricaded with tables, chairs, and waiting lobby furniture, a makeshift barrier against the spiders. People were seen guarding the entrance; those that saw the one knight signaled them to give way , but Ethan or Nameless stopped him and pointed at the new batches of spiders coming in to swarm them.,
This was the reason Ethan never liked having too many people around him. There are so many scenarios that might emerge that will put others in danger, and he couldn't bear the thought of being responsible for their safety. He preferred to work with just a few selected people with specific talents and abilities , like in a military unit , where each member knew their role and could be relied upon in any situation. This way, Ethan could trust his team to handle whatever challenges came their way without putting innocent bystanders at risk.
Being a registered knight among his fellow warriors wasn't the same as leading a cohesive team. Ethan observed how many of the knights around him were more concerned with their personal glory than the task at hand. Their arrogance shone through as they barked orders, positioning themselves as leaders when, in reality, their bravado was built on a shaky foundation. Knowing the dynamics of the situation, Ethan chose a different path.
With a keen awareness of his innate power and blood aura, he channeled that energy, casting a daunting presence that sent tremors of fear rippling through the other knights and the monstrous spiders lurking nearby.
As the familiar chill of dread washed over the scene, Ethan watched as the once boisterous knights recoiled, their bravado quickly replaced by a palpable anxiety. The bickering leaders who had strutted about like peacocks now stood silent, their arrogance stripped away by the weight of impending danger.
"Remember what you came here for."
Ethan reminded them, his voice steady, cutting through the tension like a sword.
"Arrogance and ego will not get you far in this battle."
His gaze swept across the startled faces around him, reminding them that while he could instill fear, it was their own courage that would ultimately guide them through the chaos.
He continued, "As soon as I move away, those creatures will be free from my influence,"
emphasizing the urgency of their situation.
"If you all falter in your focus, those spider-like fiends will resume their assault without hesitation."
"And you will all die!"
With each word, he sought to rally his fellow knights, urging them to keep their emotions in check.
"The key to success in this battle lies in maintaining control and not letting fear or arrogance dictate your actions."
He asserted, sowing seeds of resolve where there had been panic. In the heart of the storm, Ethan understood that unity and resilience would be the true measures of their strength against the looming threat.
Ethan, or Nameless as he was often called, was poised at the base of the towering building, his heart racing with adrenaline. With a swift motion, he grabbed hold of his gleaming daggers, feeling their blood stain steel. He deftly attached a ten-foot retractable titanium chain to the hilt of his primary blade, a mechanism designed for versatility in combat and agility in ascension. With a powerful flick of his wrist, he hurled the dagger upward, the chain unfurling as it embedded itself into the concrete frame of the structure.
Using the momentum of his throw, Nameless propelled himself upward, climbing the building with a grace reminiscent of the very spiders that scurried along the walls. Tension thrummed in the air as he ascended, the hustle of the city below fading into a dull roar, eclipsed by his focus on the goal ahead. As he neared the reception lobby, he spotted dark silhouettes—the spiders clinging to the glass, relentless in their attempts to shatter the barrier that stood between them and their target. With fierce strength, he drew his second dagger, its blade glinting menacingly in the sunlight.
In a flurry of motion, he struck expertly at the arachnid-like figures attempting to breach the window, each swipe a precise calculation of speed and strength. The force of his strikes echoed against the building, sending fragments of shattered glass cascading down like confetti. Nameless was an unstoppable force, embodying the very essence of a predator in the urban jungle: fearless and adaptive. With each opponent he dispatched, he climbed closer to his ultimate objective, driven by an urgent desire to see Katarine and save as many as he could.
Ethan saw one are of the glass was being pierced by the creatures, and he knew he had to act quickly to protect the innocent bystanders inside. A few staff inside saw what he was doing and noticed that he was pointing at a certain spot. The spiders that elluded his attacks were all merging in one side their sharp legs was about pierce through the thick shatter proof glass,
As the creature was seen sarcrifing their own life just to get inside,
Countless speders broke their legs and fell to the ground as another replaced them, signs of a coordinated attack by the arachnids. The staff inside quickly sprang into action as Ethan rushed toward that area using his daggers as grapling hooks and swiftly cutting down the spiders before they could breach the glass. The other staff members worked together to contain the situation and prevent any further infiltration.
While this was happening, Katarine and her employees including her upper administrative officers, were able to secure their lives as they were accompanied by Monica while using her powers to temporarily control their minds to follow her command. This was a difficult task; she could only use her abilities on small animals , mostly cats. Katarine orders the survivors and their non ability to secure a place to hide while those who can fight over see their safety and sweep the floor downward until they reach the main receiving lobby.
Katarine's exhaustion mounted as she sprinted down the stairs from the 27th floor to her office on the 25th, her mind racing with the urgency of the situation. She had become acutely aware that confirmation and proper coordination were critical; the safety of everyone in the building depended on their ability to communicate effectively.
With the telecommunications system down, her reliance on the PA system felt like a lifeline in a sea of chaos. Managers and team leaders on each floor were disseminating vital information as the PA crackled to life. "Top Floor 30 going up is still safe; wind is so strong spiders could not climb up. Floor 28 is secure, but we are keeping an eye on the lower levels for any potential danger," echoed through the hallways, temporarily offering a sense of order amid the pandemonium.
Katarine, who had mobilized every resource available to her, instructed a member of the utility staff to use the walkie-talkie she had received from the janitor for real-time updates. As she descended further into the depths of the building, her heart raced with the frantic energy of those who had been touched by the crisis.
Each floor yielded grim reports. The PA system delivered news that chilled her: "Floor 27; one dead, heart attack; seventeen injured, including directors and guests, are safe, and six are confirmed ability users." The status updates continued, detailing the dire circumstances that had unfolded, painting a grim picture for every level below. "Floor 10, eighteen are dead, twenty-five survivors, and nine are confirmed ability users," the voice relayed, each word feeling like a somber toll of a bell echoing across the expansive building.
Every announcement weighed heavily on Katarine, but she pressed on with a fierce determination, driven by the duty to protect her colleagues and friends. The lower levels grew closer, where the situation was reportedly dire. "Ground Floor lobby, zero dead, fifty-two survivors, and ten are confirmed ability users," reported the PA, a flicker of hope amidst the turmoil. Still, the urgency of the knights battling outside among the relentless swarm of spiders permeated her thoughts.
The seriousness of the situation deepened: "Knights are attempting to enter the building, but the spiders are relentless in their attempts to breach the Siegert building." She felt the weight of the impending danger as she prepared to make her way to ground zero, hoping against hope that the coordination efforts would prove sufficient to keep everyone safe during this unprecedented emergency. The panic of the gathering storm surged around her as the sounds of skirmishing rang in her ears, the glass above now being targeted by the encroaching horde.
Soon a thundering sound was heard through the PA system.
"Blood everywhere…killed them all,"
"A single knight just killed the horde of spiders as he also forced his way inside the broken window."
"He is wearing a skarf mask; this is the reception desk we are currently watching as this man single handedly killed dozens of spiders in one strike from his chain like weapon."
Katarine moved swiftly through the chaos, her hands steady as she applied bandages and offered words of comfort to those around her. The air was thick with the sounds of distress—cries for help, the rustle of medical supplies, and the distant wail of sirens. In the midst of it all, she took a moment to coordinate the efforts of those with healing abilities, directing them to the most severely injured. She had always excelled in moments like these, her calm demeanor acting as a balm to others' panic. However, her heart raced when she suddenly heard the announcement crackling through the PA system: "It's Ethan!"
Katarine paused, her breath hitching at the sound of his name. Ethan, her partner in both healing and life, had always been her anchor in the storm. As she whispered to herself, "He's here; he's safe," a flicker of hope ignited within her. The chaos around her faded momentarily as she envisioned Ethan's familiar presence, a reminder that they were in this fight together. She shook her head to regain her focus, reminding herself that there were still lives to save and that she couldn't afford to be distracted. Yet, in the back of her mind, she couldn't help but wonder if he would find her amidst the turmoil and if together they could turn the tide of this unfolding disaster.
Katarine clutched the walkie-talkie tightly, her fingers trembling slightly as she prepared to relay a critical message to the utility staff. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and she could feel her heart racing in her chest.
"Utility staff, listen up," she said, her voice steady and authoritative.
"I need you to continue monitoring the situation closely and provide updates to everyone involved. We can't afford any miscommunication in this time of crisis."
" After ensuring her instructions were clear, she directed her attention to the knight currently at the ground floor lobby.
"This message is for the knight wielding the twin chain daggers."
The female utility staff continued, her voice rising above the ambient noise. "You are needed on the east wing to assist with the evacuation process. "