The Valorian estate buzzed with excitement as the annual festival commenced. Colorful banners adorned the sprawling grounds, fluttering in the crisp autumn breeze. Laughter and music filled the air as guests from far and wide gathered to celebrate. I felt a sense of joy wash over me as I took Cyprus, my wolf companion, for a walk, eager to practice my magic affinities in the quiet of the gardens.
"Come on, Cyprus!" I called, a smile breaking across my face as the wolf bounded ahead, his dark fur shimmering under the sunlight. "Let's see how much we can improve today!"
As we walked, I focused my energy, channeling it through my hands. I began with fire, summoning small flickers that danced like fireflies before me. "Not bad," I murmured, tossing a spark into the air, where it exploded into a brilliant burst of light.
"Hey, Ryuji!" Satsuki's voice broke through the tranquil moment. I turned to see her approaching, her expression a mix of determination and frustration. "Do you have a minute?"
"Of course," I replied, gesturing for her to join me. "What's on your mind?"
Satsuki took a deep breath, her brows furrowing. "It's just… I've been struggling with my water affinity. I feel like I'm always falling behind. Everyone else seems to be advancing so much faster."
I frowned, sensing the weight of her words. "You know that's not true. You have an incredible gift. It just takes time to master it. We all learn at our own pace."
"I know," she sighed, glancing down at her hands. "But I can't help but feel inadequate. Especially with you and Selene so far ahead. I want to make you proud, but…"
Before she could finish her thought, the air shifted abruptly. I felt a prickling sensation on the back of my neck, a warning that made my heart race. Cyprus growled lowly at my side, instinctively aware of the tension brewing.
"What's wrong?" Satsuki asked, her eyes darting around the garden, searching for the source of the disturbance.
Without warning, a thunderous roar echoed through the estate, shaking the very ground beneath us. My blood ran cold as shadows swept across the sun, darkening the vibrant festivities. Panic erupted in the distance as people screamed and fled, chaos unfurling like a dark banner.
"Get to safety!" I shouted, grabbing Satsuki's hand and pulling her close. "We need to find the others!"
Just as we turned to run, a massive figure broke through the trees—an armored behemoth with glowing red eyes and a menacing snarl. The creature's jagged teeth glinted in the fading light as it raised a colossal weapon, ready to strike.
"Ryuji!" Satsuki gasped, her grip tightening on my hand.
"We have to go! Now!" I urged, adrenaline pumping through my veins as I summoned my magic. "Cyprus, stay close!"
As we dashed through the chaos, the ground shook with each heavy step of the approaching monster. The joyful festival was now a nightmare, screams ringing out as the shadowy creature charged, wreaking havoc among the fleeing guests.
"Where is everyone?" I shouted, desperation creeping into my voice. "We need backup!"
But as we reached the edge of the gardens, the chaos escalated. More creatures emerged from the darkness, their forms indistinguishable in the frantic atmosphere. I felt my heart pound in my chest, the weight of responsibility pressing down on me. There was no time to waste. I had to protect Satsuki and the others, no matter what it took.
Suddenly I saw Selene, I went as fast as I could but a piece of the roof had crashed into her nearly smothering her as Satsuki held my hand, running to the opposite direction
More and more screams were heard all around the estate, civilians and noblemen alike caught in crossfire, Zedd had arrived.
My father, The Duke of Valorian, sent out an distress signal to all available units of Dicartha's royal army for help as well as aid from other kingdoms.
This chaos, this state of anarchy was just starting.
For the first time ever, I felt like I knew I was nearing my death, that unforeseen and unchangeable tragedy.
I quickly rushed to get the sword of King Arthur, the system telling me of certain danger approaching
[An undetectable anomaly has been sensed with unfathomable power]
[Danger Level: 4]
Possibly the highest I have ever faced, death was coming for me, for all of us.
Zeke and I had run into each other amidst the chaos, along with him Selene, her eyes shut and greatly injured by the surroundings
"Take Selene with you and don't look back" I said struggling to maintain my composure
"And what about you!?, I simply cant leave you here Ryuji I-" I stopped Zeke before he could finish his sentence
"Zeke!, take the chance when you still have it! Damn it go!" I shouted.
Zeke simply nodded and carried Selene's unconscious body to the main hall where the exit was.
I entered the basement with Satsuki and Cyprus, but all I could think about was if this really was my final night in this life.
Why.. Why couldn't the system allow me to use a Fate Script now? I pleaded, right before the basement was set to flames, Me, Satsuki, and Cyprus quickly ran as much as we can, as we escaped the basement we were met with the sight of a madman.
Zedd was right there, torturing innocent lives, feeding off their fear, for once I felt both terror and anger, all I wanted was to rip his heart out and make him the one to suffer.
The estate slowly crumbled as the flames worsened.
And I couldn't do anything about it.