The captured Ancient creature, breaking free from its restraints in the military facility. The chains snap under its immense strength as Akuma's eyes glow with malevolent power. It lets out a deafening roar, alerting the guards.
Masato and Aiko rush to the scene, but Akuma easily overpowers the soldiers. It escapes the base, disappearing in a blur of speed. "It's heading for the ancient temple," Masato realizes, his face grim.
"We have to stop it before it's too late."
The scene shifts to the temple, an imposing structure nestled deep in the mountains. Akuma approaches the entrance, placing its clawed hand against the ancient stone. A rumbling shakes the earth as the temple's defenses activate, unleashing a horde of smaller Ancient creatures.
Masato and Aiko arrive with a team of elite sorcerers and soldiers, ready for battle. "Spread out and secure the perimeter," Aiko commands. "We can't let those escape." The troops move into position as the Ancient creatures emerge from the temple, their glowing eyes fixed on the intruders.
The battle erupts, with the sorcerers unleashing a barrage of cursed energy attacks. Masato summons his ice dragon, the spectral beast slamming into the Ancient creature and freezing them solid. But for every one they take down, two more take its place.
"There's too many of them!" a soldier yells, his rifle empty. Aiko grits her teeth, her mind racing. "We need more firepower. Masato, can you hold them off?"
Masato nods, his hands glowing with energy. "I'll buy you some time. Go, I'll be right behind you." Aiko hesitates, then turns to the troops. "Fall back to the secondary position! Masato, don't do anything reckless!"
As the others retreat, Masato unleashes a devastating attack, his ice dragon tearing through the Ancient creature. But they keep coming, their regenerative abilities making them nearly unstoppable. Masato staggers, his energy running low.
Akuma watches from the temple entrance, a twisted smile on its monstrous face. "Yes, fight, sorcerer. Show me your power." It raises its hand, and the temple begins to glow with an unearthly light.
The scene shifts to Aiko and the other, regrouping at a safe distance. "Where's Masato?" she demands. A soldier shakes his hand. "He's still out there. We couldn't get to him."
Aiko's eyes widen in horror as a massive explosion rocks the temple. A shockwave ripples outwards, and the earth begin to tremble. "No..." she whispers, her face pale. "Masato... "
The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, with Masato's fate uncertain and the Ancient creatures continuing their assault. The temple's activation suggests something even more dangerous is about to be unleashed upon the world.