DRIP 

DRIP

DRIP

Within the massive cavern, water droplets fell rhythmically from long stalactites. It was nearly summer, hence the humidity and rain. However, despite the moody temperature, a firey tension filled the area.

On top of a small, makeshift stage, there were several people. They all wore dark red crimson uniforms with gold accented designs. In front of them were hundreds of soldiers in similar attire. 

Amid the eerie quietness, a middle-aged woman with long black hair stepped forward. 

"My soldiers, I stand before you all today to ask a very simple question: why do you still fight? Monsters have raided our lands, stolen our homes, and killed our family and friends. They have sent us to live like rats underground and be fearful of them. Despite all this hardship, why do you resist?

Let me answer for you. The answer is simple: because we were born to struggle and survive. Each of you standing here has found your reason to continue living in this wretched world. Grab your comrades and clench your fists, we will fight to survive together. Let the world kneel to your conviction and pave the way toward a bright future.

In exactly one month from now, we, the Restoration, will kill Void King Number 12. Now, hold your heads high and scream we are declaring war."

Suddenly, the crowd erupted into a cohesive scream. However, one strange young boy stood completely still with his arms crossed and an ominous smile. 

He whispered to himself, "Finally, it's my turn."

***

The crowd dissolved, and the boy began to head out. However, he was stopped by a small group of older boys blocking his path. 

"Follow us stray," a boy in front stepped forward threateningly with disdain mixed with amusement in his expression. 

Suddenly, the young boy froze. He turned his head down and followed along without resistance. 

They walked through the alleys until they reached a secluded corner. Waiting there, were more boys huddled together. In the center was an older boy with striking blond hair who appeared to be the center of attention. 

"Sir Stein, I've brought the stray," the boy stepped forward humbly. He roughly threw the young boy down at the feet of the blond boy. 

"Hey stray, you've been avoiding me?" The blond boy squatted, pulling the young boy's hair. However, there was no response. 

POW

The crisp noise of his blow echoed. "My stress has been building without you, buddy," the blond boy chuckled.

Blood trickled down the young boy's lip.

"Ah"

Suddenly, a faint sigh escaped the young boy's lips. However, it did not go unnoticed. The blond boy froze briefly. "Did you just fucking sigh?" 

In an instant, the young boy's hand gripped the blond boy's wrist. His downturned eyes lifted to meet the other boy. 

"Why are you ruining my mood today?" His cold voice made the blond boy slightly flinch. 

"You must have really lost your mind stray"

BANG

Suddenly, a strong collision rang out. The young boy's small fist dug deep into the blond boy's stomach. 

Shock and pain contorted his face. As soon as his grip loosened, the boy pushed the blond boy back. He tumbled backward, lying sprawled on the floor. 

In the dead silence, the young boy spat blood onto the floor, wiping his lips. "Next time, it's your precious face caved in." 

The blond boy crawled backward in fear. His once neat hair is now messy on his face. 

"GET HIM," he shrieked to his lackeys. They awkwardly hesitated for a moment. 

Staring them down was the young boy. His dull black eyes shook their core. However, they quickly snapped out of it. 

They roared, rushing toward the boy in a disorganized manner. 

"Theodore," a deep masculine voice echoed. Everyone froze at the commanding voice. 

A figure stepped out of the shadows. His handsome face was calm despite the obvious chaotic scene. 

"You ditched our meeting for this?" Somehow, his tone turned into slight amusement. 

The young boy, Theodore, turned around and walked toward the man. "My apologies," he quietly replied. 

They left together as quickly as the man had appeared, but before they disappeared back into the shadows, the man glanced back, scanning everyone's faces with a frightening seriousness.

Everyone's mouth hung open. It appears they were now on the mysterious man's hit list. 

***

"How long have they been bothering you?" The man asked Theodore. 

However, he ignored her question. "The blond kid on the floor was George Stein; his father is the Warden of the facility. Please make sure nothing happens to my sister." 

The man grinned. "Of course, but…" he leaned forward in front of Theodore, blocking his path. "…that was the first thing you have ever asked something from me."

"How interesting. It's also the first time you acted out on your own," the man appeared curious. 

"Things are different. We're at war now," Theodore's dead eyes finally met the man's gaze.

***

They continued to walk together in silence. Finally, they arrived in front of a large stone building well decorated. A sign on the front read "Restoration Control Headquarters"

Inside, the building was busy, probably from the recent declaration from the general. However, they walked up several flights of stairs, arriving at the top. 

The entire floor was covered in red carpet and gold designs. At the center was a lavish office. The man took a seat while Theodore remained standing. 

"Before our large attack in a month, I plan on sending several smaller scout units. You will be a part of the first group leaving in a week. Someone will send you the official mission details later, but do you have any questions now?"

Theodore shook his head softly. Even though he was practically being sentenced to death with such a risky mission, he did not protest. 

The man smiled, "Great. I'll personally tell your sister to eagerly await your return."

Theodore clenched his fist behind his back. 

***

As he strolled, the street lights began to dim, signaling it was near curfew. 

Tears began to pool in his eyes. He bit his lip in response to stop himself, but it didn't work. The frustration in his heart exploded. 

'Get yourself together. There's no time for this,' he wiped his tears. 

"I'll destroy all of them. Until nothing is left."

BOOOM

A massive explosion rocked the ground. Theodore briefly lost his balance, slamming into the wall. 

He looked around frantically, a collision of that size never occurred before. 

Finally, he looked up. Stalactites of different sizes fell from the ceiling. Immediately, he began dodging, but as the number increased he ran into the nearest building. 

There were people at the entrance, but Theodore pushed past them, running inside. 

It appeared to be a large communal house with a couple of families. 

"What the hell is happening out there?!" One of the fathers approached Theodore who still wore his red and gold military uniform. 

"I'm not sure, but you should all remain inside," he explained. 

"Your fucking kidding me. You military dogs are so useless. Are we under attack?" He angrily came closer to Theodore until he was shouting in his face. 

'I don't have time for this,' Theodore turned away and approached the windows. His eyes widened and his body stiffened.

Right outside, a dark figure passed by. Its massive and tall body was covered in dark grey scales intimidatingly. 

Even though he had never seen one, somehow Theodore instinctively knew what the creature was.

"A Void..."