Kyle, now Alucard, stood at the edge of Central Park, his eyes lingering on the graves of Sarah and Emily. The sun was setting, casting an eerie red glow across the city that seemed to bleed into his very soul. His once warm brown skin now appeared darker, almost as if the shadows themselves clung to him, a stark reminder of the power he wielded and the darkness he had embraced.
He wore a long, black leather coat that billowed behind him in the wind, its interior lined with deep crimson, a macabre reflection of the bloodshed that had taken his family. Underneath, he donned a fitted black shirt that highlighted his muscular frame, the fabric stretching over his chest and arms like a second skin. His pants were equally dark, made of a durable material that allowed for both flexibility and protection, tucked into heavy, steel-toed boots that echoed with each purposeful step he took.
A silver chain hung around his neck, glinting faintly in the dim light, bearing a small locket that contained a photo of Sarah and Emily. This was his anchor, his reminder of the life that had been ripped away from him. His eyes, once filled with warmth, were now cold and calculating, their deep green hue piercing through the darkness with a fierce intensity. His black hair, usually kept short and neat, had grown longer and more disheveled, a testament to the inner turmoil and single-minded focus on vengeance that consumed him.
As Alucard moved through the city streets, the power of the Stygian Method thrummed within him. He could feel the shadows around him, each one a potential weapon or shield, waiting for his command. The essence of God had left him with more than just strength and speed; it had given him a unique connection to the darkness, allowing him to manipulate it in ways that defied the natural order.
He made his way to an abandoned building, a former skyscraper now left in ruins by the chaos that had enveloped the world. This was his sanctuary, a place where he could plan his next move without the threat of Dr. Forge's minions finding him. The entrance was hidden, concealed by shadows that only he could control, leading to a hidden basement where he had set up his base of operations.
The room was sparsely furnished, with a makeshift bed in one corner and a large table covered in maps, notes, and blueprints. Alucard had been tracking Dr. Forge's movements, using every resource he could find to piece together the madman's plans. His mind was a whirlwind of strategies and contingencies, each one focused on bringing Forge to justice.
As he settled into a worn leather chair, Alucard allowed himself a moment of reflection. The darkness within him whispered of power and revenge, urging him to embrace his role as a harbinger of death. He knew he couldn't afford to lose himself completely, not if he wanted to honor the memory of his family. He had to find a balance, to use the Stygian Method without becoming consumed by it.
He picked up a worn photograph from the table, one of the few he had salvaged from their apartment. It showed Sarah and Emily at Central Park, their faces radiant with joy. The sight of it brought a pang of sorrow, but also steeled his resolve. He couldn't bring them back, but he could ensure that their deaths were not in vain.
Alucard's thoughts were interrupted by a faint sound, barely audible but unmistakable. He tensed, his senses heightened as he reached out with his powers, feeling the shadows shift around him. Someone was approaching.
He moved silently through the basement, his footsteps soundless on the cold concrete floor. As he reached the entrance, he saw a figure cloaked in darkness, their features obscured. Alucard's hand instinctively went to the hilt of the shadow blade he had crafted, ready to strike if necessary.
"Who are you?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.
The figure stepped forward, revealing a young woman with striking silver hair and piercing blue eyes. She was dressed in dark, form-fitting armor that seemed to blend with the shadows, a hood pulled low over her face.
"My name is Selene," she said, her voice steady and calm. "I've been looking for you, Kyle. I need your help."
"It's Alucard now," he replied, narrowing his eyes. "And why should I trust you? Better yet help you ?"
Selene met his gaze without flinching. "Because we share a common enemy. Dr. Forge has taken everything from me, just as he has from you. I want to see him fall as much as you do."
Alucard hesitated, the darkness within him urging caution. "You could be a spy sent by Forge for all I know," he said, his tone still wary. "What proof do you have that your intentions are genuine?"
Selene took a step closer, her eyes fierce with determination. "I can prove my loyalty. Let me show you what I know about Forge's plans. If I betray you, then kill me where I stand."
Alucard studied her intently, the silence stretching between them. Finally, he lowered his weapon but kept it within reach. "Alright, Selene. But make no mistake—one false move, and you'll regret it."
As Selene began to speak, Alucard felt a spark of hope ignite within him. He wasn't alone in his quest for vengeance. Together, they would bring down Dr. Forge and reclaim a world that had been lost to darkness and chaos.