Chapter 82
In the sprawling mega city in the entertainment district , where neon lights flickered like distant stars against a backdrop of metal and concrete, an unsettling darkness had begun to spread. Creatures, grotesque and ravenous, emerged from the shadows to feast upon the innocent. Ethan, a high-ranking marshal known as the Vermilion Sovereign, stood on the precipice of this chaos a bulwark between civilization and its impending doom.
The communication system of the Knight Association buzzed with urgency. News of outbreaks reverberated through every registered knight's device, each alert sharpening Ethan's resolve. He donned his gear, gleaming armor reinforced with nanofibers, and fastened his face mask tightly against his features; it was not just protection but a symbol of his commitment to this war.
Ethan stepped into the streets that were once alive with laughter and conversation but now echoed only with fear. The scent of blood hung thick in the air as he surveyed what remained: shattered storefronts and terrified civilians scattered like leaves before an approaching storm.
"Time to hunt," he muttered under his breath.
With swift determination, he summoned forth his twelve wolves, many of whom named them Blood Phantoms because of their blood red color, whose eyes glowed crimson in response to their master's command. Each wolf bore a unique insignia on their fur; they were not mere beasts but extensions of Ethan's will and strategy. Six would protect; six would attack.
"You know your tasks."
The wolves split seamlessly into two groups: one pack prowled toward clusters of civilians huddling behind barricades while the other surged forward into enemy territory, where monstrous figures loomed hungrily over fallen prey.
As Ethan moved through alleyways cloaked in darkness, he felt both fear and exhilaration coursing through him, the thrill of battle igniting ancient instincts within him.
His father's retractable short sword gleamed at his side, a family heirloom forged in a forgotten age when magic mingled freely with technology. It was more than just steel; it was hope distilled into lethal elegance.
Suddenly, an ear-piercing shriek pierced through the night a creature had broken free from its hiding place! Its form twisted grotesquely beneath flaps of leathery skin as it lunged for an unsuspecting child who trembled at her mother's side.
"No!" Ethan roared instinctively.
He launched himself forward without waiting for backup or hesitation; his training ingrained deep within him propelled him ahead like a comet streaking across dark skies. In one fluid motion, he unsheathed his blade while leaping onto debris-strewn ground that crunched beneath him like glass shards underfoot.
The creature turned its baleful gaze toward him just as he struck—the short sword sliced cleanly through flesh as if it were mere parchment. Blood sprayed across Ethan's visor, staining it crimson, but there was no time for revulsion or regret; another monster lurked nearby!
" Attack!"
The remaining Red wolves sprang into action like synchronized dancers performing deathly pirouettes around their prey, each wolf melding seamlessly with shadows until they struck at precisely calculated moments: jaws tearing flesh apart while claws raked away sinew and muscle in wild abandon.
Amidst this cacophony erupted cries filled with desperation—but also awe—as bystanders witnessed firsthand how swiftly justice could manifest itself when guided by sheer conviction alone.
Five days passed since that initial outbreak became public knowledge, and yet here stood Ethan known in his public name as the Vermilion Sovereign. now revered by some as a hero while others whispered accusations about attention-seeking motives lurking beneath valorous façades that painted him noble within society's eye.
But amidst all scrutiny lay truth hidden deep within heartbeats echoing alongside crushing blows dealt against fiends creeping ever closer towards humanity's fragile existence: Ethan did not fight merely for glory; he fought because those who had tasted life deserved nothing less than protection from annihilation, even if chaos sometimes masked itself behind righteousness' veil during darker hours when hope dimmed precariously low enough..
Yet even then whispers stirred rumors among circles regarding Ethan's other pursuits beyond battling monsters lurking amidst urban landscapes; they spoke furtively about criminals wielding abilities long thought extinguished amid societal decay wrought by negligence towards moral integrity.
Twilight came again, rumors spreading through the networks that linked knights across the major city with nearly 25 million people about evildoers with lethal skills who were unredeemable.
Summoning forth his 12 red wolves attuned keenly towards scents on those with a lingering smell of blood on their bodies, leaving traces of their vile deeds indelibly etched. Ethan knew these people were no longer just mere criminals but rather sinister beings capable of unimaginable horrors, and he vowed to put an end to their reign of terror before it was too late. With each passing day, the shadows grew darker and the danger more imminent, pushing Ethan to his limits as he prepared to confront the malevolent forces threatening his city.
And thus began a new hunt , not simply for creatures born out of nightmares but equally so against those who reveled too easily spilling blood on those who were weak , helpless, and innocent. As Ethan father mentioned, evil action deserves to be answered with a reasonable answer, and that was death.
Every evening presented new difficulties full of unexpected detours that emerged from obscure corners and revealed secrets. Some streets were now battle grounds as many aspiring knights wanted to achieve the same honor and fame the Vermilion Sovereign has attained through his ruthless conquests and kills over the monsters. The huge city's once peaceful atmosphere was now shattered by the sounds of clashing weapons and gunshots and cries of agony, as the hunt for power consumed everybody who dared to seek it.
The number of savage creatures was dwindling; soon a new type of enemy emerged; these were humanoid looking but still had the features of mythological creatures; there were tribes of trolls, orcs, and lizard men.
More knights joined the organization to gain some leverage, as they have support from their guild. The knights quickly realized that they needed to band together in order to combat this new threat. With the support of their guild, they strategized on how to defeat these formidable enemies and restore peace to the city.
Ethan was expanding his skills at a rapid rate, as he faced more than just creatures of nightmares , soon hordes of Grey Orcs with dangerous thistles for war and murder. These creatures were intelligent and knew how to strategize; many knights failed to see this and ended up losing parts of their bodies and some even their lives. Many knight guilds wanted to earn their respect by defeating these formidable foes. We were nearly massacred.
On the seventh night, Ethan found himself once more drawn to the cryptic warnings issued by the association regarding the peculiar sightings in the entertainment district.
Reports had surfaced of humanoid-looking creatures lurking in the shadows, armed with long bows and an uncanny grace that seemed almost otherworldly. The guild leaders were growing increasingly concerned about the safety of their members, knowing that these creatures posed a significant threat. Ethan knew that he needed to act quickly to uncover the truth behind these mysterious sightings before more lives were lost.
Descriptions of these beings were both alluring and unsettling; witnesses claimed they had dark skin that glimmered under the neon lights, standing at an intimidating six feet tall. Beyond their striking appearance, these creatures were noted for their attractive features and pointed ears, traits that stirred a mixture of fascination and fear among those who encountered them.
As Ethan navigated under his secret underground home for the seventh time, the rental storage place was now standing, and while walking toward the secret doorway going outside, he was monitoring the situation as his knight association phone was continuously updating the current events that were happening at the entertainment district.
With the recent activities, of the knight and the Vermilion Sovereign , Ethan was hoping that these creatures would think twice about showing their presence near crowded places; he has been killing the most numbers of these unworldly invaders that were roaming openly during the entire day in random encounters.
Many Guild knights that saw him wanted to recruit him, but he never entertained their invitation . He was the most active knight in the city; many were questioning how he could know the exact location of the monster attack. Even the highest awakened registered knight with the ability to sense and detect these cracks in space were still a few minutes late, as they still needed to gather enough residual mana coming out of the dimensional distortion.
Each mana frequency that there dimension openings differed based on how powerful the creatures were. The knights association knew every well that the creatures that attacked the populace were just the first wave; these were the savage and weak monsters.
But some reported monsters that came out were strong enough to send fear toward a commander rank knight or a Qíshì and her entire team. As hordes of evolved fire salamander weak havok in mainland China, the scales of these dead creatures were hard enough to deflect a 50 caliber bullet..
More monsters all over the planet that are above level are being reported left and right,
Powerful creatures that came from mythological books were all coming to life. Many knights lost their lives protecting the people, and with this sacrifice many knights also gained fame and recognition for their bravery. The world was in a state of chaos as these mythical creatures continued to wreak havoc, leaving humanity to rely on the bravery and skill of these knights to protect them.
The history were the knight association came to be is still being debated as they came out from no were , but left they have been around for hundreds of years. ,as the very firts confirmation of these creatures killing a civilian, the government basically accepted the association without question, as if they already in power and already knew this even will come true
The information given to the knight association concerning the dimensional rift in another realm was handed down from generation to generation as stories and folklore from each county were created to inform and subconsciously imprint these creatures into the human psyche, ,as if they were preparing mankind that the eventuality these creatures come to life, humanity can gain some control over the change and learn to adapt quickly.
All this conspiracy theory came from an unconfirmed sources; some say it came from the secretive and unheard 12 rulers of the worlds , the 12 Apostles . The knights association understood the urgency of the situation and prepared for the impending arrival of stronger and more dangerous creatures. They knew they had to act quickly to protect the populace from the potential devastation that could come from the dimensional openings. The information provided by the mysterious 12 Apostles was crucial in their efforts to strategize and defend against this otherworldly threat.
As days and weeks passed by, more technological advancements were seen, including weapons that were created from monster parts. These weapons proved to be effective in battle, giving the knights association an edge against the creatures. With each passing day, they grew more confident in their ability to protect their world from the impending danger.
A few knights were getting more attention than the rest; the hottest knight was the new Marshal knight rank, who was called by the public as the Vermilion Sovereign. Unlike the other high rank knights, who were very upfront with their title and gave out a sense of pride and arrogance in front of a camera, it was obvious these knights wanted fame and recognition above anything else.
A few stood out in the past that were like the Vermilion Sovereign attitude, but unlike Ethan they still interacted and accommodated a few social interactions for the public to see and respond to, but the Vermilion Sovereign never stayed to face the reporters and was always ahead of the rest, his speed in responding toward dimensional creature attacks was unmatched, and his reputation as a fearless warrior only grew with each battle. his summoned wolves that was accompanying was theorize was the reason for his fast reaction time against the dimensional creature attacks but it was still unconfirmed
because of The Vermilion Sovereign's mysterious and aloof demeanor only added to his long list of mysterious accomplishment and secretive allure.
Many news veterans and even reporters with awakened non combat type abilities could not get any proper insight from him; many tried to make up false reports, but nobody would even dare question his abilities on the battlefield. His enigmatic aura only served to fuel the rumors and speculation surrounding his true identity and motives, leaving everyone in awe of the enigmatic Vermilion Sovereign.
Many reporters that were covering Knight activities wanted to gain insight into this . They can wrap around the idea , but many assumed he has many skills or has a huge information gathering network under his control,
The mystery surrounding Ethan's prowess piqued the curiosity of countless reporters eager to uncover the secrets behind his success. They churned out theories, some believing he operated with a vast network of informants, while others speculated that his skill set was far broader than anyone realized. Over the years, some knights had been assessed and confirmed to wield more than one ability, a rarity that only heightened the intrigue surrounding Ethan.
Among them was the new registered knight Nicole Hernandez, known for her remarkable power to manipulate metal while simultaneously controlling advanced machines through mental programming. Such varied capabilities had become a point of interest for aspiring knights in the testing facility, and those invested in the ongoing battle against the creatures. thus expanding the associations worth with dealings with the monster attacks.
A few knight guilds ,that were rich were able to buy a few new AI-programmed portable machine gun torrents with armor piercing 50-caliber, 1000-round bullets. Bullets—these weapons were highly effective in dealing with lower creatures that do not use mana like red caps , goblins, and savage flesh eating creatures as residential sentries toward high level luxury homes. These protective weapons are also the same equipment that the Siegert Construction Company would be installing at the new residential building.
as they are now embarking on an ambitious new project, breaking ground on a sprawling 100-acre parcel of land located just outside the metropolitan area. This prime location, conveniently situated half an hour from the bustling business district, promises to be an ideal setting for future development. However, the history of this land paints a more complex picture; once, it was a picturesque hill that gently sloped down to connect with the nearest river. Its natural beauty and ecological significance have been noted for years, as it served as a habitat for endangered plant life that flourished in the diverse ecosystem.
As construction progresses, concerns have arisen regarding the impact on this fragile environment. The rich biodiversity of the area, including the rare plant species that call this place home, has been the subject of much debate. The construction pross was similar to a mini-skycity in Hunan province, the capital of Changsha, which was built up from the ground by Broad Sustainable Building, a prefab construction company, using a modular system by assembling three floors in a day. Without hardly disturbing the surrounding area.
This innovative construction method minimized disruption to the surrounding environment, allowing for the preservation of the delicate ecosystem. The success of this project in Hunan province serves as a model for sustainable development practices in other environmentally sensitive areas.
The company has stated that they are committed to adhering to regulations and are exploring ways to incorporate green technologies and practices into their building plans. They plan to work closely with environmental experts to conduct assessments that will help in mitigating any adverse effects on the surrounding ecosystem. As this construction project moves forward, the eyes of the community will undoubtedly remain fixed on it, hopeful that progress can be achieved without sacrificing the natural heritage that makes this area so unique.
With this, Siegert Construction Company stands along side with other large construction companies in innovation in the prefabrication industry, pioneering the use of advanced prefabrication materials that drastically enhance the performance and durability of traditional building components.
One of the company's key developments is the transformation of raw materials sourced from recycled or repurposed materials, particularly the crushing or powdering of mana core' substances. This innovative approach serves to create a unique composite that can be mixed with standard cement, producing a final product that boasts numerous benefits, including unparalleled strength and significantly reduced weight.
The incorporation of manacore not only adds remarkable tensile strength to the cement but also ensures that structures are more resilient and longer-lasting compared to conventional materials. By making the concrete as hard as steel while cutting the overall weight in half, Siegert Construction is enabling architects and builders to rethink their designs and open up new possibilities for large-scale construction projects. The reduction in weight also translates to lower transportation costs and simplified machinery requirements during the construction phase, leading to greater efficiency and sustainability.
By pushing the boundaries of prefabrication technology, Siegert Construction is not just providing a product; they are revolutionizing how structures are built with the help of their partners . This commitment to innovation and sustainability positions the company as a leader in the construction sector, demonstrating that with the right materials, it is possible to achieve both strength and efficiency without compromising on quality. As the demand for eco-friendly and durable building solutions continues to rise, Siegert's use of mana core-infused materials is likely to shape the future of construction for years to come.
Mr. Davis, being the new director, pushed this idea to Katarine a few weeks ago, and it was received well and gained approval from her, as Mr. Davis made sure all the necessary tests were conducted on the prefabricated modular building parts of the residential unit that could fit an entire family of six. Katarine and even her uncle, who will be the one that oversees the construction, were impressed with the Director Davis presentation; all the tests were perfectly inclined to Katarine's plan to have a sturdy home from monster attacks.
The thorough testing conducted by Director Davis reassured Katarine and her uncle that the prefabricated modular building parts were indeed reliable and could withstand potential threats. With their confidence in the durability of the residential unit, they were eager to move forward with the construction process.
While this was happening, Ethan was increasingly alarmed by the unsettling shift in the nature of the attacks. What had once seemed like the mindless rampages of savage monsters had transformed into something much more calculated and sinister. Reports flooded in about civilians being picked off from a distance, arrows finding their marks with alarming accuracy. The random chaos of the past had given way to a disturbing semblance of strategy. This disturbing evolution suggested that their enemies were not merely feral beasts but rather cunning adversaries capable of organization and intent.
The precision and coordination of each strike sent a chill down Ethan's spine; it was as if they were being tested, their defenses assessed with each brutal encounter. Buildings that had once felt like sanctuaries were now merely target practices for these deadly new foes. Civilians caught unaware in their moving cars were being targeted with unnerving efficiency, adding to the mounting fear that this would become a systematic campaign against the population.
Ethan couldn't help but wonder who or what was orchestrating these attacks. With each revelation of the enemy's capabilities, a profound sense of dread settled over him—this was no longer just a fight for survival; it was a battle of wits against an opponent who had clearly devised a terrifying plan. materials, it is possible to achieve both strength and efficiency without compromising on quality. As the demand for eco-friendly and durable building solutions continues to rise, Siegert's use of mana core-infused materials is likely to shape the future of construction for years to come.
No confirmation on the identity of the enemy who were hunting the civilians; even a few knights nearly lost their lives; if it wasn't for their high senses and reflexes, these arrows would have pierced their chest. Before proceeding with his own hunt, Ethan needs additional eyes on higher grounds, so he commands his wolves to hunt and capture as many creatures in the area that were scavenging food. Within a few days, the pack was with Ethan; his massive blood aura was evolving them to the point where Ethan's consciousness link with the pack was simultanious. They knew he wanted to summon additional vanguards that could fly.
As Ethan waited and remained hiding within the arm of the night, the 12 came back with dead a few young salamanders , a few stray kobolds, and even a harpy. The pack fulfilled their task effectively; now that each dead body was on the ground, Ethan took out a few mana cores and summoned his new helpers. As his blood aura merged with the hand full of small seed like-sized cores, soon the blood from the dead monster started to rise upward and swirl and became a ball of moving blood. It started at the size of a baseball, and soon it became bigger.
Ethan stood back, watching intently as the transformation took place before his eyes. The once ominous blood sphere had erupted into a flurry of dark feathers and sharp beaks, morphing seamlessly into a murder of metallic black crows. Each of the avian creatures shimmered faintly in the ambient light, their bodies a striking blend of obsidian and iridescent hues, suggesting an otherworldly nature that made them seem both majestic and foreboding.
With their piercing eyes scanning the surroundings, Ethan could feel the palpable energy emanating from them, a testament to the mana cores he had infused into the very essence of these summons.
As the wind rustled through the trees, the crows took flight, their wings cutting through the air with a silent, purposeful grace. They circled briefly overhead, voices merging into a haunting cacophony, before separating into various directions, each one tasked with a singular duty: to seek and track down their prey with unerring precision.
Ethan knew the dark intelligence of these creatures; they would not rest until they fulfilled their mission. The forest, once serene, took on a more sinister air as the crows dispersed, a tangible reminder of the power he wielded.
Ethan's heart raced with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. He had grown accustomed to summoning creatures, but the crows felt different—more alive, more connected to the primal forces of nature. It was as though, through the blood and mana, he had bridged the gap between realms, calling forth beings that existed on the fringes of reality.
With each flap of their wings, he could sense the link they shared, and for a brief moment, he envisioned the endless possibilities that lay ahead. As the murder of Crows flew toward their prey, Ethanan and his hunting pack followed. They were running at full speed. Following the murder of crows, Ethan noticed that he could create more because, like the wolves the crows were stable, and his mana connection towads the murder and pack was now bigger and stronger than ever before. The synergy between the two groups allowed for seamless coordination in their hunt, enhancing their chances of success and solidifying their bond as allies in the world of magic and mystery.