Chapter 67
Ethan, standing at the nerve center of the chaos, felt the weight of the situation bearing down on him. He was acutely aware that the enemy continued to pour in from an unconfirmed location, a relentless tide of danger that made multitasking impossible. With threats closing in, his focus sharpened; he could only address what was directly accessible to him. Taking a brief moment to collect himself, he introduced himself to the nearby employees, his voice steady despite the turmoil around them.
"Is anyone here an ability user? We need someone who can seal off or block the windows the spiders have created. Their continued entry is compromising our position."
Outside, the battle raged on, a cacophony of shouts and clashing metal as knights and police fought valiantly but struggled under the weight of overwhelming numbers. The relentless swarm of spiders was too much; each strike from the brave defenders only seemed to rally their foes, pushing the protectors further back with every passing moment. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Ethan pivoted to damage control.
"We need to initiate an evacuation,"
He said urgency in his tone as he turned to an employee near the PA system.
"Use the intercom to announce an official evacuation. Everyone must head toward the east wing basement where the old delivery dock is located. Assure them that the closed entrance will be opened for safe passage."
His words carried with a gravity that seemed to momentarily still the chaos, galvanizing those around him into action. While the battle outside continued to unfold, Ethan held onto the hope that his quick thinking and leadership could save lives as they prepared to retreat to safety.
But this was an overwhelming task; most ability users were non-combatants; the knights, armed police, and military personnel were focused on saving their own lives, as 20 percent of the business district was filled with crawling 2 feet tall, hungry flesh eating spiders.
He badly needed assistance to do multiple tasks. Ethan suddenly recalled when his mother was working on the farm while his father was still in active military service. She once mentioned how great it would be if she could clone her body and make many copies of herself, and being the original, these close will just basically follow her thoughts and mental commands.
Ethan was already managing the hole from the spiders that was still entring the window shattered part, as an ability use with the power control metal was seen consentrating on making a temporary metal blocker to stop the spiders from entering . Ethan was aware that the people were too many to manage , even if they were already moving toward the basement with the assistance of the wounded security guards working inside the building.
"If only I could create clones like what my mother used to say when she was tending to our farm, when I was younger."
"A clone that was part of me and has the same features and mindset as me would be such a great help in situations like this."
With this in his mind, Ethan found himself standing amidst the carnage of the street; the once-vibrant scene transformed into a tableau of death. The blood of the spiders he had slain, glistening under the dim light, bore an uncanny resemblance to that of earth spiders—thick and dark, it pooled around him, forming grotesque patterns on the cobblestones.
Yet, in that moment, Ethan felt a profound connection to the lifeblood of these creatures, an undeniable link forged through the ancient blood energy swirling within him. As he closed his eyes, he could sense the echo of his own life force coursing through the crimson streams, intertwining with theirs.
The sheer volume of blood that had spilled onto the street was staggering; it was enough to fill a thousand-gallon water tank, a testament to the ferocity of the battle that had just taken place.
But it wasn't merely a pool of viscera; it was a channel, an avenue through which Ethan could exert his will. As if responding to an unspoken command, the creatures' blood began to writhe and pulse, animated by the energy coursing through Ethan's veins.
Each drop seemed to vibrate with a life of its own, moving in sync with Ethan's thoughts and intentions. It was a dance of power and control, a manifestation of his will that made the blood a conduit through which he could reshape the very fabric of this dark reality.
As if responding to his subconscious command, the scattered droplets began to converge, pulling together with an almost sentient grace.
The crimson fluid swirled and churned, the air thick with the metallic scent that reeked of violence and sacrifice. Gradually, the red mass coalesced, forming an amorphous shape that mimicked Ethan's own physique yet was devoid of any distinguishing features—a blank canvas animated by his primal energy.
In an instant, the peculiar entity sprang to life, its movements fluid and aggressive. Its primal nature resonated with the chaos surrounding them, and it hurled itself against the swarm of monstrous spiders that had invaded their sanctuary. Ethan, still grappling with the thrill of wielding such power, was momentarily taken aback by the sight.
The sudden emergence of this blood-spawned creature both enthralled and bewildered him; it was a testament to his abilities, yet its unpredictable autonomy sparked a flicker of doubt within him. As he swung his weapon against the arachnids, he couldn't shake the confusion that gnawed at his mind—had he summoned a protector or merely unleashed another threat? The air crackled with tension as he fought side by side with his bizarre red doppelgänger, an uneasy alliance born from the very essence of violence that flowed in their veins.
Ethan, the Alpha and creator of his kind, felt a surge of both dread and fascination as he stood his ground in the building lobby. Before him, a few red doppelgängers materialized, their forms a nightmarish reflection of his own. With skin like molten rubies and shining with an eerie light, they were twisted replicas, unsettling imitations crafted without the ability to fully replicate his essence. Ethan knew they could mimic his physical appearance but lacked the intricacies of true life; their vacant black faces were merely blank slates, devoid of the organs necessary to express emotion or intent.
As the red doppelgängers advanced, their bare hands ready to strike, Ethan couldn't help but acknowledge the bond he shared with them. It was an unsettling revelation—these creatures were extensions of himself, echoes of his power made manifest. He observed their movements with an eerie sense of clarity; each swipe and lunge mirrored his own, a dance choreographed by his deepest instincts.
Despite their menacing appearance, there was a peculiar kinship between them, an understanding that transcended mere creation. He was not just their creator but also their deepest connection; the very essence of his being spread across multiple forms. In that moment, amidst the tension of impending confrontation, Ethan realized that his greatest enemy might very well be himself, reflected in shades of crimson.
Those who saw these creatures were utterly in disbelief. Ordinary people that were trapped inside the Siegert corporate head office were shocked and were scared seeing this in full view. The blood that came from the dead spider took form and became somewhat alive and moving. While the world was introduced to different and still unknown power users, many were still trying to comprehend the surreal scene unfolding before them. The once ordinary office environment was now filled with a sense of unease and uncertainty as they witnessed the unexpected transformation.
But when these condensed red liquids moved and started attacking the incoming spiders, they were scratching their heads at what was happening. One guest spoke out loud and mentioned this might be summoned creatures to help us escape; they are only attacking the spiders and not even paying attention toward us.
"Who summoned them? It might be that knight."
"Was it you, sir knight?" asks the lady security guard.
The knight shook his head in confusion, denying any involvement in the mysterious appearance of the creatures. The tension in the room escalated as everyone tried to make sense of the unfolding situation and just answer what came to mind.
" I can't answer your question now, as we need to move to safety toward the east basement quickly
" Knight is right, you all heard what the PA System announced. While those monsters are bust let proceed toward the basement.,"
"All those who are ability users need to cover their backs. Guard the emergency staircase leading down , I will make sure you are safe.,"
"Gather the ability users that are combat type among those who are going down, inform them about the situation."
"Just focus on your ability and let it guide you through this chaos. Trust in your instincts and stay alert as we make our way to safety."
Everybody nodded and quickly gathered the wounded and went toward the main lobby basement entrance. As they made their way through the chaos, the group stayed close together, relying on each other for support. The sounds of destruction and chaos echoed around them as they hurried towards safety.
They were oblivious to the truth that lay beneath the surface of this creation. To them, these red doppelgängers were mere weapons, fearsome avatars of destruction unleashed by the Marshal knight called nameless will.
As word spread about the strange phenomenon taking place in the small town, locals began referring to the eerie new beings as "blood phantoms." Social media buzzed with activity as curious onlookers flocked to document this bizarre spectacle. In the glow of their smartphones, they snapped pictures and recorded videos, showcasing these red-skinned figures that were once the life force of ordinary spiders.
These once-familiar eight-legged creatures, transformed into something so otherworldly, were now represented by solid, humanoid masses that seemed to pulse with unwelcome vitality.
The blood phantoms held a strange allure; they weren't the slimy remnants one might expect from creatures that had been drained of life. Instead, their surfaces resembled the glossy sheen of gummy candy, exuding a surreal quality that was both fascinating and unsettling.
The sight of these coalesced forms, solid and eerily lifelike, left a deep imprint on the minds of those who witnessed them. Their robust structures were astonishing enough to break through the bodies of their former hosts, a startling reminder of the life that once thrived within.
As the neighborly curiosity morphed into a social media frenzy, discussions erupted about the nature of these beings. Were they mere curiosities or something more sinister? Strikingly, onlookers noted how swiftly the blood phantoms moved, their strength defying the expectations set by their grotesque origins.
What had once been seen as a tragedy of nature had morphed into a captivating spectacle of life's resilience—even in death. As individuals shared their encounters, they unwittingly became part of a wider narrative that blurred the lines between beauty and horror, life and death, opening debates on the essence of existence itself.
The observers couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as they witnessed the transformation of blood into these mysterious beings. As Ethen and the awakened ability user were assisting those who were coming down from the top floors as other users joined them, Ethan was patiently waiting and conserving his energy , hoping he could see Katarine among those who were coming down the emergency staircase.
as one of the blood phantoms gestured at Ethan, and it was signaling and communicating with sign language that they would fulfill his command while the Prime did what he needed to do. The blood phantoms moved with eerie precision; their movements synchronized as if they were extensions of his own will.
Ethan knew that in order to defeat the large number of enemies, he would have to confront what just happened and find a way to integrate them into his being. He still needs to test all possible variables to see how much he can control and create based on the control conditions within a scientific and logical framework. Ethan understood that mastering this new power would require patience, practice, and a deep understanding of the connection between himself and the blood phantoms.
The more spiders they killed, the more Blood Phantoms manifested, twisting the very fabric of their reality into something unknown and more chaotic. Ethan could feel the pulse of the summoning energy thrumming through his veins, urging him to act quickly. Each phantom that materialized was a caricature of his own soul that had birthed it.
Although this newfound power was formidable, its implications sat heavy on Ethan's mind. He had yet to decipher the conditions tethered to these spectral allies, nor could he predict how much longer they would remain loyal to him—or if they even possessed loyalty at all. With every moment of hesitation, the specters grew stronger, and Ethan felt compelled to assert control over the situation.
As Ethan guided the remaining personnel toward the east basement, an uneasy tension hung in the air, thick with anticipation and dread. He was beginning to understand that these Blood Phantoms were not mere tools but living manifestations of the battlefield's darker desires. They increasingly depended on Ethan's life force, a realization that stirred anxiety within him.
Ethan gazed into the swirling red mist that emanated from his body, a surreal mix of awe and confusion washing over him. This enigmatic force, something he had never encountered before, felt undeniably connected to his very essence.
While others in his class wielded traditional forms of mana, Ethan discovered he possessed something unique—a new type of mana that seemed to mirror his will and intentions. The beings materializing alongside him, summoned from the depths of this crimson energy, were mere extensions of his own desires, reflections of his thoughts and emotions given form.
It was a perplexing phenomenon for a warrior class knight, especially one whose accomplishments were measured solely by the number of foes felled in combat, but it held a profound significance that Ethan yearned to decipher. As the echoes of his battle test rang in his mind, centered on his prowess as a Marshal Knight, he realized he stood at the precipice of a new understanding, a potential that could redefine not just his approach to warfare, but his very identity.
In the heart of tumultuous battles, where most warriors relied on discipline and technique, Ethan found himself grappling with a different kind of power. His innate ability to command this vibrant, red mana hinted at a deeper connection to the fabric of reality itself, whispering of possibilities that transcended conventional limits.
It sparked his imagination: could this unique mana be a hidden strength waiting to be unraveled? Or was it a burden, a manifestation of an untamed potential that set him apart not just from his peers, but from the very nature of what it meant to be a knight? Caught between the world of martial prowess he had mastered and the arcane mysteries now unfolding before him, Ethan vowed to explore this newfound power.
He would navigate the chasm between being a mere warrior and the potential of becoming something far greater, driven by a desire not just for victory but for a profound understanding of his exceptional gift. Little did he know, this journey would lead him toward uncharted territories, where destiny awaited—an intricate weave of fate, power, and the essence of his own spirit.