"Sometimes you have to break the rules to protect those who can't. Strength isn't about obedience—it's about making the right choices, no matter the cost." – Liang Wei
"Boy, oh boy. It seems I'm not the only one chosen in my group. So, what are you going to do now? Massacre them all? Or are you planning to use your immense powers to protect them? Well, in the end, it's up to you. I'm just saying, when the time comes for us to meet in person, I will give you my strength so we can fight side by side against this world. When we meet, I want to hear your decision... Aiden!"
Episode 4 – The Forbidden Army
"What... happened...? Where am I?" The boy opened his eyes. He was lying in a hospital bed inside a navy-blue tent. Next to the bed sat a young man with long silver hair, tied back into a ponytail. His facial features were soft, making it hard to tell if he was a man or a woman. The young man's eyes shone with a metallic hue. As Aiden looked at the stranger, he noticed that he had Asian features. "Is he also from our world? Or are there replicas of some countries here?" Before the boy could finish his thought, the young man spoke up: "Oh, you've woken up. When we found you half-dead like that, I wasn't sure if you'd survive." Aiden sat up. On the other side of the room was a mirror, and through it, he could see himself. About half of his body was wrapped in bandages. The young man and his people had taken good care of him. "Amazing..." the silver-haired man remarked, "You've just woken up and can already sit up. Your healing abilities seem to be incredible."
Aiden looked at him. "I don't even know why I suddenly feel so good. It's like all my injuries have healed..." As the young man removed the bandages from around his right ear, he noticed a severe third-degree burn extending from his chest to his right eye. He then remembered that when he passed out, he fell on his right side onto the tree trunk, which was apparently the cause of the burn wounds. Bandages were wrapped around his entire right arm. "Uh... D-Does my arm look bad...?" His companion gestured for him to see for himself. Aiden opened the bandage slightly and saw that his entire arm was black. The young man quickly rewrapped the bandage around his arm to cover the burns. "Damn... All because of Vincent..." Then he slid to the edge of the bed and stood up.
"We haven't introduced ourselves yet," the stranger noted. "My name is Liang Wei, and I'm the leader of the Forbidden Army." Liang Wei stood up as well. A Chinese name? That was unexpected. With a slight smile, Aiden replied, "I'm Aiden Blackthorn. Nice to meet you!" Liang Wei opened the small "door" of the tent and invited Aiden to follow him. Once outside, Aiden saw many more tents. It was like a small town. "Well, Aiden, I welcome you to the Forbidden Army." The two walked through the streets together. After a while, Aiden asked what the Forbidden Army was all about. "I was wondering when you'd ask," Liang Wei replied. "The Forbidden Army is a group of fighters who protect people and fight outside the dungeons. Beasts are appearing more and more outside of dungeons, so we see it as our duty to protect people from them."
However, Aiden still had one question: "But why is the army forbidden?" Liang Wei looked at him, confused. "Armies and fighting outside dungeons are generally forbidden. Didn't you know that?" Aiden slowly shook his head. Liang Wei then put his hand on his forehead. "Decades ago, a great battle took place, which ended with all four territories of the world joining forces to seal the great prophet. This battle was called the 'last war.' Afterward, all the territories swore that all people would live in peace and that there would never be another war. To ensure this, the combat ban was enacted, forbidding armies and the use of skills outside dungeons. Do you understand now?" Aiden nodded. So, the Forbidden Army existed because fighters were needed in this world, whether it prevented wars or not.
Aiden continued to follow Liang Wei through the Forbidden Army's camp. Everywhere, fighters were preparing for battle, sharpening their weapons, or training their skills. The atmosphere was serious, but at the same time, a spark of determination seemed to burn in the eyes of the fighters. They knew they were breaking the world's rules, but they had decided to risk everything to protect the people. "So, Aiden," Liang Wei began as they walked through the narrow alleys between the tents, "we took you in because we believe you're special. Not many survive an attack by the beasts, let alone with such healing powers as yours." Aiden nodded silently, but doubts churned inside him. Why had he survived? And what did this mysterious stranger mean by the power sleeping inside him? Before he could ponder further, they reached a larger tent where several fighters were already waiting for them. Liang Wei introduced the members of the Forbidden Army: "This is Morvan, our vice leader." Morvan, a tall man with jet-black hair and dark eyes, gave Aiden a brief nod. He had a stoic demeanor, but there was something distant in his gaze, as if he had fought many battles.
"And these are the three fighter brothers – Kade, Roan, and Faron." The three brothers looked different, but it was clear that they shared a strong bond. Kade, the eldest, had a stern expression, while Roan leaned against the wall with a self-assured grin. Faron, the youngest, seemed the most energetic, constantly moving as if he couldn't stay still for a second. Finally, Liang Wei turned to a young woman standing a bit apart. Her eyes were sharp and alert, and she held a dagger loosely in her hand. "And this is Luna, our dagger fighter. Fast, precise, and deadly. She's one of our best warriors." Luna gave Aiden only a quick glance before returning her focus to her weapon. She seemed distant, as if she had no time for small talk. Liang Wei stepped into the middle of the tent and looked around. "We have an important mission today. A Storm Titan has appeared near a town and is threatening the inhabitants. We must stop it before it destroys everything." Aiden perked up. A Storm Titan? Tier II monster of the elemental type. He had heard stories about these beasts – massive creatures that could control the elements and destroy everything in their path. "You will come with us, Aiden," Liang Wei continued. "We can use all the help we can get. Your power, even if you may not fully control it yet, could be crucial." Aiden nodded, unsure if he was truly ready to fight such a beast. But before he could voice his doubts, Liang Wei had already instructed everyone to get ready.
After Liang Wei gave the order, Aiden and the rest of the team prepared to face the Storm Titan. The atmosphere in the camp suddenly grew tense. Everyone knew what was at stake – not just the town they wanted to protect, but also their very existence as members of the Forbidden Army. Liang Wei led the way, his stride firm and determined. Luna, always with a cool and focused expression, checked her daggers one last time before silently following them. Morvan hefted a large black weapon, which stood in stark contrast to his quiet but menacing aura. The three fighter brothers – Kade, Roan, and Faron – grabbed their swords, which they had sharpened and reinforced in their family tradition. Aiden stood still for a moment, looking around. He was still new to this world, and although he felt stronger, the thought of fighting a Storm Titan was intimidating. Yet, he felt something stirring within him – a deep need to find his place in this new world. The march to the town was silent. Aiden noticed that none of the fighters felt the need to talk. Everyone seemed lost in thought. He, too, pondered what was to come. So far, he had only used his strength sporadically and knew that he did not yet have the control that fighters like Liang Wei and Morvan had over their powers.
But before he could lose himself in his doubts, Liang Wei walked up beside him. "You think a lot, Aiden," he said without looking at the boy. "I understand that. But sometimes we have to stop thinking and just act. You've already shown that you can do it. Trust in your power." Aiden nodded slowly. "It's not easy, but I'll do my best." Liang Wei smiled slightly. "Your best is all we can ask for." The march continued, and after a few hours, they reached a hill overlooking the town. The clouds had already gathered ominously over the city, and in the distance, they could hear the rumbling thunder of the Storm Titan. Lightning flickered on the horizon as the wind grew stronger. The town itself was surrounded by a high wall, but it didn't seem like much protection against the impending danger. "There it is," Liang Wei said, surveying the terrain. "The Storm Titan is already attacking the outer fields. If we hesitate too long, it will reach the city walls soon."
"So, what's the plan?" asked Kade, the eldest of the three brothers, with an energetic look. "I assume we're not just charging straight into battle." "No, we're not," Morvan replied calmly. "Luna, you'll take out the Merodacti before they get in our way. They fly fast and are dangerous in large groups, but you're faster." Luna nodded silently. Her gaze was fixed on the dark clouds above the town, where the silhouettes of the flying Merodacti could already be seen – dinosaur-like creatures of Tier II. "Morvan and I will deal with the Storm Titan itself," Liang Wei continued. "I'll distract its attacks and slow its movements. Morvan, you'll use your skill to expose the Titan's core, so Aiden can strike." Aiden looked up in surprise. "Me?"
"Yes," Liang Wei confirmed calmly. "Your strength doesn't lie in the quantity of your attacks, but in the force of a single blow. Focus your power on your right arm, as you did in the fight against the Behemoth. The core of the Storm Titan is its weak spot – if you hit it, it will fall." Aiden swallowed and felt the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. "Okay... I'll do it." "We're all counting on you," Morvan added as he prepared his weapon. "You can do this, Aiden."
As they approached the town, the weather grew wilder. The wind whipped around them, and rain began to fall in thick sheets. The sounds of thunder mixed with the rumbling of the ground under the Titan's steps as it plowed through the land. The townspeople had already barricaded themselves in their homes, and from the walls, they could see the Forbidden Army marching toward the enemy. Fear and hope hung in the air, but the fighters were focused. This wasn't their first battle, and they knew they had to work together to survive. Liang Wei, Luna, Morvan, and Aiden separated from the three brothers, who took on the defense of the outer city walls to fend off any attacks from smaller beasts. The wind howled across the battlefield as the group of the Forbidden Army neared the center of the looming danger. Lightning flashed in the sky, and the deafening roar of the Storm Titan filled the air as the massive beast marched toward the village. The ground shook with each of its steps, and a wave of panic gripped the townspeople, who hid behind the protective walls. But the Forbidden Army was ready.
The Storm Titan was truly a colossal sight. Its towering form, shrouded in raging clouds, loomed like a living storm. Lightning crackled between the veins of its muscular limbs, which hovered over the ground like mountains. Its body seemed to be made of pure storm – clouds, lightning, and wind formed it into a deadly beast that threatened to consume the city. The creature's eyes glowed with an intense, electric blue as it ravaged its surroundings with dull, pounding blows. "We don't have time to waste!" Liang Wei shouted, giving the order to attack. "Aiden, be ready!" Luna was the first to go on the offensive. She was little more than a shadow as she hurled herself into the battle, her daggers flashing in the wind. Above her, the Merodacti – massive dinosaurs with wide-spanning wings – dominated the skies of the battlefield. But Luna was faster. Her daggers sliced through the air silently, and with deadly precision, one Merodact after another fell from the sky. Her movements were almost inhuman, darting between the beasts with no room for error. Within minutes, she had cleared the skies for the remaining fighters. "Impressive as always," Aiden muttered, holding his breath as he watched.
Meanwhile, Liang Wei and Morvan charged toward the Storm Titan. Liang Wei activated his skill, [Wrath of the Vanguard], and immediately, a shimmering golden aura enveloped him. Each of his steps caused the ground beneath him to tremble, but it wasn't the Titan's power that shook it – it was Liang Wei's own unshakable defensive strength. He stood directly in front of the Titan, drawing its attention and blocking every attack the beast launched at him. The lightning bolts shooting from the Titan's claws bounced off his aura, disappearing harmlessly. "Now, Morvan!" Liang Wei shouted as he pushed back one of the Titan's massive claws, which threatened to crush the group. Morvan moved with precision and focus. He raised his hand and summoned the skill [Dark Goo]. A dark, sticky substance began to pour from his palms, wrapping around the Titan's legs. The massive creature roared in fury as its movements were increasingly restricted. The gooey mass slowly pulled the Titan down, making it impossible for it to move quickly. "Aiden, now's your chance!" Liang Wei shouted over the storm's rumbling. Aiden stood still for a moment, taking in the scene before him. The gigantic Titan, which had seemed invincible, was now trapped. Morvan had exposed the Titan's core – a glowing, pulsating point in the beast's chest. Aiden knew that this moment would decide everything. The entire responsibility rested on him.
"Focus..." Aiden muttered to himself as he felt the energy deep within his body. For the second time in his life, he called forth all his strength into his right arm. But this time, he went even further. He didn't just gather his body's enhancement but channeled every last bit of energy into a single point. "Here goes," he whispered before he launched himself toward the Storm Titan with a powerful leap. For a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Aiden's right arm glowed with energy as he fought through the wind and rain. The distance to the Titan vanished in a single heartbeat. His target was clear – the glowing core of the Storm Titan. With one final, mighty jump, Aiden shot toward the Titan's core. His right arm, charged with all the power he had gathered, struck directly at the faintly pulsating point in the beast's chest. The impact was deafening. A massive flash of light burst from the Titan's body, and the force of the blow sent a shockwave rippling across the entire battlefield.
The Titan let out a thunderous, bone-rattling scream that shook the air. Lightning crackled wildly, and for a moment, it seemed as if the entire sky would tear apart. But then, suddenly, the monstrous creature went silent. The Storm Titan collapsed to its knees, its colossal form crumbling helplessly. The glowing core flickered out, and with it, the unstoppable power of the storm disappeared. Aiden landed on the ground, breathing heavily just a few meters from the collapsing creature. He felt a sharp pain in his right arm, but the sense of triumph overpowered everything. He had done it. The Storm Titan had fallen. Liang Wei stepped up beside Aiden and patted him on the shoulder. "You did it, Aiden. That was impressive." Aiden nodded silently, trying to catch his breath. Morvan also approached and looked at the fallen Titan. "It wasn't easy, but we did it." Luna emerged from the shadows as silently as ever. She nodded in Aiden's direction, acknowledging his efforts. "Not bad," she said briefly.
But before the group could relax further, they heard the crunching of bones and the distant, dull sound of marching feet. Liang Wei turned around, narrowing his eyes. "This isn't over yet," he muttered. In the distance, on the horizon, they saw it: an army of skeletal warriors, slowly and relentlessly marching toward the Forbidden Army's camp. There was no end in sight – a new threat was rising on the horizon. "We need to go back," Liang Wei said seriously. "This isn't the last battle we'll face." Aiden felt his exhaustion being replaced by a new wave of determination. The battle against the Storm Titan was over, but the war had only just begun.
Hey! Thanks for reading episode four of Tales of Seven! Soon we'll see the showdown with Azrael!
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Stay tuned for the next chapter, and don't forget to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments. See you next time!