The soft hum of machinery filled the back of the Sprinter van as Zughaib inspected the abysmal weaponry laid out before him. Each piece gleamed faintly under the dim overhead light, their sleek designs infused with an otherworldly aura. The Sprinter Van Merchant leaned casually against the workbench, his distorted voice breaking the silence.
"Listen closely, Mr. Zughaib," the merchant began, gesturing to the weapons. "Our sources indicate that a DARKCON focal HQ has been identified—an old masonry compound just off Cadona Street. The place is fortified, crawling with their best units. You'll want to tread carefully." He tapped the edge of a blade resting on the table, the black steel pulsing faintly. "Or not. These tools don't lend themselves to subtlety."
Zughaib tilted his head slightly, signaling his understanding, as his hands methodically checked each weapon. Among the arsenal were magnetum's, small devices capable of hurling charged projectiles that detonated on impact; dark-seared blades, knives infused with energy that sliced through metal like butter; and Hellspitter rounds, modified bullets designed to explode into shards upon penetration.
The merchant continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's not just DARKCON you need to worry about. The BIF, SWAT, and even some holier-than-thou Churchists have teamed up to strike the cultists in the downtown area. Conveniently, this creates the perfect distraction for you to take care of our little friends at DARKCON."
He stepped closer, handing Zughaib a small transmitter. "This will track the activity at the compound and give you an escape route once the fun's over. Don't lose it." The merchant gave a mocking bow as Zughaib moved toward the exit, now fully geared up and donning a worn combat suit designed to integrate with the abysmal weaponry.
"Good luck out there," the merchant said with a grin behind his mask. "Try not to lose too much blood."
Zughaib gave a curt nod and climbed into a worn ambulance, its faded paint and creaking frame hiding the arsenal hidden inside. The engine roared to life, and Zughaib set off toward Cadona Street.
---
About an hour later, Zughaib reached the outskirts of Cadona Street, the air thick with tension. He drove past a fleet of SWAT and BIF vehicles, their sirens blaring as they sped toward the downtown area. The chaos they would unleash there would serve as his cover. Zughaib continued until he spotted a remote masonry compound, its weathered stone walls and looming towers almost blending into the surrounding terrain.
Parking the ambulance a safe distance away, Zughaib stepped out, wrapping himself in a camo cloth that concealed him against the barren landscape. He moved swiftly, each step silent, his breathing steady. The compound's perimeter was heavily guarded by DARKCON soldiers, their tactical gear and advanced weaponry indicating their readiness for an attack.
But they weren't ready for Zughaib.
---
Using the magnetum, Zughaib dispatched the first set of guards. He attached the small devices to their weapons as he moved past, the faint hum of the magnets barely audible. Moments later, the throwers activated, pulling the guards' rifles into the air before detonating in a burst of concussive energy. The guards crumpled silently, their bodies slumping against the stone walls.
Moving further into the compound, Zughaib unsheathed one of the dark-seared blades. Its edge glowed faintly as he slipped behind a group of patrolling soldiers. With a single fluid motion, he sliced through their armor, their bodies falling limp before they could react.
One by one, the guards fell, their deaths swift and silent. Zughaib used the Hellspitter rounds to neutralize groups of soldiers from a distance, the bullets tearing through their ranks and sending shards into anyone nearby. His precision was surgical, eliminating one-fourth of the DARKCON forces before anyone realized what was happening.
But stealth could only take him so far.
---
As Zughaib moved to disable another unit, one of the soldiers spotted him. The guard shouted, raising a harpoon gun, and fired. Zughaib spun out of the way, the harpoon grazing his arm and embedding itself into the wall behind him. His cover was blown.
The compound erupted in chaos as alarms blared and soldiers swarmed toward his position. Zughaib dropped the camo cloth and switched to Carnage Mode, his movements becoming faster, more aggressive. He hurled a grenade into the center of an approaching squad, the explosion scattering bodies across the courtyard.
A group of heavily armored DARKCON soldiers advanced, their weapons trained on him. Zughaib dodged their gunfire with calculated precision, using the environment to his advantage. He vaulted over a fallen pillar, landing behind one of the soldiers and driving a dark-seared blade into their spine. Grabbing their weapon, he swung it around, mowing down the rest of the squad in a hail of bullets.
The elite DARKCON units were relentless, their tactics coordinated as they tried to corner him. But Zughaib was a force of nature. He used the magnetic throwers to disable their equipment, forcing them into close combat where his superior speed and skill gave him the upper hand. He moved like a shadow, his blades slicing through armor and flesh with ease.
Despite his efficiency, the sheer number of enemies began to take its toll. Zughaib took several hits—a bullet grazed his thigh, another embedded itself in his shoulder. He clenched his teeth against the pain, refusing to slow down. His focus was unshakable, his determination driving him forward.
---
From a high vantage point within the compound, Rex watched the carnage unfold, his eyes narrowing as he recognized Zughaib's movements. Beside him, the DARKCON Warmac, a towering figure clad in black tactical armor, chuckled darkly.
"Your friend is impressive," the Warmac said, his voice deep and resonant. "But he's only delaying the inevitable."
Rex smirked, his hand resting on his injured side. "Zughaib's always been stubborn. But even he has his limits."
The two men watched as Zughaib tore through the remaining forces, his movements growing more frenzied as he fought through the pain. Despite his injuries, he was relentless, his resolve unbreakable.
---
The fight reached its climax as Zughaib approached a locked door at the heart of the compound. Behind it lay the command center, the heart of DARKCON's operations. Using a plasma charge from the arsenal to blast the lock, the door swinging open to reveal a room filled with terminals and communication equipment.
But before Zughaib could advance, the DARKCON Warmac stepped into the room, his imposing figure blocking the way.
"Impressive," the Warmac said, his voice echoing through the chamber. "But this is where your rampage ends."
Zughaib raised his weapon, his expression cold and unyielding. The fight wasn't over yet.
And Zughaib wasn't about to stop.