The dragon moves incessantly, as if it belonged to a higher dimension, quite different from that of the other dragons, too easily slain by the heroes of Terra. When it opens its mouth, an intangible yet visible circle forms before it, heralding the imminent birth of a geyser of flames. Yet, it does not breathe ordinary fire. A breath, concentrated in hydrogen and helium, comparable to a solar storm, bursts from its jaws. The alien, observing this intriguing display, smirks slightly. Rather than intervening immediately, he chooses to amuse himself for a moment before beginning his true mission. He snaps his fingers nonchalantly.
Alien— Black plasma.
Instantly, a tiny ball of plasma, so black it seems to absorb all light around it, forms at a specific point. A beam of dark, formidable energy spreads out, annihilating the air all around it, creating a total vacuum. The ensuing explosion is of unprecedented violence. The once vibrant city is reduced to ashes, its foundations vaporized. The capital, Webenne, is obliterated, erased from existence. Nothing remains but ruins, and even they will not be rebuilt for centuries. This is not mere destruction; it is total annihilation. The heroes, who had come as reinforcements, didn't even have time to react. They were simply pulverized by this concentration of energy beyond all comprehension.
The dragon then cuts through the fog, so thick it seems almost solid. It pierces it, moving straight toward the stranger who dared to stand in its path.
Alien— I'm so hungry... let me devour you!!!
But behind the dragon's burning rage, a visceral terror lies. Despite its youth, it understands that the creature it faces is of incomprehensible power, far beyond its own.
Dragon (Draconic language): — "May gravity put an end to your existence! Gravity of Falling Existence!!!"
Alien (responding in the same language): — "Oh, you command such a powerful tongue? Curious. I only need to hear it once to learn it. But enough games. It's time for you to become my meal. Then, I will restore this planet. Quasar Nova!!!"
A wicked smile twists his lips, a smile that makes the entire planet shudder. The echo of its doom reverberates through the air itself. The energy amassed by the alien is felt by every living being. Atachi, deeply asleep, wakes with a start, while Titan, traveling faster than light, penetrates the atmosphere, defying the laws of physics.
Alien— "This planet will be sold for an exorbitant price. We'll enslave its inhabitants and build arenas for intergalactic tournaments..."
Titan then strikes the alien with such a powerful punch that it sends him flying hundreds of meters, interrupting the attack he was about to launch. The alien gets up, dazed but still unrelenting. Their gazes meet, icy and announcing an imminent battle. As for the dragon, gripped by panic, it flees the battlefield. Unable to bear such pressure, it disappears, seeking refuge far from what surpasses it.
Alien (in Universal Language): — "May I know who I am dealing with? Are you just a mere human from this planet?"
Titan (in Universal Language): — "My name is Titan, god of creation. And you, Keryt, are a commander of Barbatéos' army. I recognize your race, the Toropyques, a species from beyond the observable universe."
Keryt— "Interesting... You dare call yourself a god? You don't seem very powerful. I will punish you for having the audacity to oppose me! If our information has been leaked, that means there are traitors among us."
The duel begins with titanic force. From their very first clash, a wave of energy ripples through the ground, carving gaping craters at each impact. Blows are exchanged at lightning speed, and for now, the balance seems precarious between the two adversaries. Over 500 kilometers away, Atachi, in deep meditation, observes calmly.
Atachi— "Two beings foreign to Terra are fighting... The damage caused by the most malevolent of them is immense. I must remain calm so as not to destroy this world myself."
The fight continues, and Titan takes the initiative. With an upward kick, he pushes Keryt back several meters, and a guttural cry escapes him as he accumulates a massive amount of energy. He extends his arm, the other helping to stabilize his stance.
Titan— "Holy Celestial Strike!!!"
A massive energy beam shoots toward Keryt, growing larger as it progresses. But Keryt is not to be outdone.
Keryt— "I will crush you with a single attack... White Hole Directional!!!"
Keryt's attack transcends everything Titan had anticipated. Energy from a white hole rushes over him, projecting him into space. Titan is swept away, his body scorched by this torrent of unleashed energy, while the beam extends five million kilometers beyond the planet. Titan falls into the interstellar void, weakened.
Titan— "If I unleash all my power, this planet and its intergalactic cluster will be annihilated... How can I face a being who seems to master this ability to destroy everything?"
Taking advantage of Titan's temporary weakness, Keryt rushes forward and delivers a hammer kick, crushing Titan's body against the scorched debris of the ground. Titan spits a stream of blood. The pain is intense, though he's still able to fight. Bouncing off the ground, he slowly rises, while Keryt, without wasting a moment, draws a saber of exceptional beauty.
Keryt— "The gods have grown arrogant. Show me what you're really worth, Titan!"
The saber strikes multiply, slashing Titan repeatedly, who struggles to regenerate. Yet, in a final effort, he manages to block a vertical blow with his bare hand. Two energy spears appear in his hands, and he unleashes his full power. The battle reaches a peak of violence. Titan seems to gain the upper hand, his strength concentrated and controlled. But Keryt, still as unpredictable as ever, prepares an ultimate move. A sphere of darkness appears thousands of kilometers away in space, a sphere capable of stripping Terra of all life.
Titan— "You have no honor... but I will protect this world, no matter the cost."
Dozens of similar spheres then emerge, all heading toward Terra. Titan, under pressure, halts in his tracks. He knows he is incapable of stopping them all. Falling to his knees, his mind tormented, he watches as the spheres descend inexorably toward the planet. Keryt, amused by the scene, attacks him relentlessly, slashing without mercy, before unleashing the energy spheres. He finally sheaths his sword and grabs Titan by the throat, lifting him off the ground.
Keryt— "You, so-called god of creation... You've created only your own end. Titan, is it? You're just a warm-up before I move on to the real deal."
He threw him several dozen meters away, then rushed at him with fierce determination, ready to finish him off for good. His sword, glowing with deadly light, emerged once more from its sheath. Like a streak of light piercing the skies, he swooped down on his prey, a glimmer of victory in his eyes. The target seemed irrevocably doomed. Yet, from his observation post above, Atachi, impassive, saw the scene differently. He understood that the individual who had intervened between the alien and Terra's destruction was at his limit. Titan, the creator god, had just yielded. The time had come for Atachi to take the reins.
With an almost imperceptible movement, he materialized in front of the alien, fluid and elusive like a shadow passing through the mist. Just as the sword was about to strike Titan, Atachi appeared like lightning. But, without warning, a reverse punch, out of nowhere, violently struck him, sending him flying over ten kilometers. Atachi, dazed but resolute, quickly recovered, his features displaying an imperturbable serenity. He advanced with slow and confident steps toward Titan, who, in a descent slowed by gravitational forces, was dangerously approaching the ground.
Titan (shocked) (Universal Language): — "Who are you? How can a mere human possess such power?"
Atachi did not respond immediately. With a gesture as simple as it was precise, he placed a calming hand on Titan's wounded body, infusing him with regenerative energy of staggering intensity. In just three seconds, the creator god, previously weakened and out of breath, was restored, his wounds completely healed. Initially incredulous, Titan jumped to his feet, his gaze filled with astonishment.
Titan— "How is this possible?"
Atachi— "Rest, warrior. You fought with honor. Let me take care of the rest."
Atachi's charismatic aura radiated with such intensity that Titan, the creator god, was left speechless. Then, with an almost disarmingly simple gesture, Atachi snapped his fingers. In that single gesture, he dissipated all the energy spheres that had been threatening to reduce Terra to dust. Meanwhile, the alien, though stunned by the shock of this intervention, managed to stand up. His body, though resilient, now seemed vulnerable before this mysterious warrior. But before he could recover, Atachi was already there, standing before him, his movement so swift that even Titan, with all his divine perception, could not follow.
Alien: "Humans… capable of standing up to me? This planet truly is a gem. It will make us immensely rich."
Atachi: "Are you a creature lost from another world, or a monster strayed from some unknown dimension?"
Keryt (in Terran language): "I am Keryt, commander of the forces of Barbatéos, master of the universe. More than half of the galaxies already belong to him. I am here to claim this territory in his name."
Atachi: "I care not for your conquests and titles. You've taken thousands of innocent lives, brave souls defending their home. You will not lay a hand on this planet. That, I can guarantee."
The alien burst into bitter laughter, but before he could react further, Atachi struck. A lightning-fast, precise blow to the abdomen bent him in half. The shockwave coursed through his entire body, and in violent convulsions, he vomited from the unbearable pain.
Atachi: "Do you really think your kind could conquer humanity? Terrans will never bow to creatures like you. You're nothing but a pawn, a tool in the hands of your so-called master. And if he dares show himself, I'll teach him what true justice is."
Though gravely wounded, Keryt activated his species' regenerative ability. Humiliated and enraged, he let his fury consume his mind. Using 80% of his strength, he leapt forward, his fist charged with colossal power, moving at five times the speed of light.
Keryt: "My lord is not someone to be insulted with impunity! You'll regret your words!"
Atachi, still as calm as ever, dodged with disconcerting ease. With a graceful leap, he spun through the air and landed on Keryt's arm. Completing his movement, he delivered a devastating kick to his opponent's chin, sending him flying several kilometers away. Unfazed, Atachi remained still, arms crossed, waiting for Keryt to recover. When the alien resurfaced, Atachi gave him no chance. This time, he sent him flying into the skies with a seemingly effortless kick.
Titan, witnessing this display of power, felt his awe turn into fascination. Atachi's strength far exceeded anything he had ever known.
Titan: "I've spent centuries training, and here a simple Terran solves the problem in the blink of an eye… This warrior is exceptional. I will fight alongside him."
Atachi, focused, did not respond. He was preparing to unleash the full extent of his power. A portal appeared before him, soon followed by hundreds more, surrounding Keryt on all sides. Atachi struck with a fist charged with titanic energy through one of the portals.
Atachi: "Yakudé!!!"
An explosion of horrifying magnitude engulfed the horizon. Though still alive, Keryt was completely crushed. Atachi, whistling a soothing tune, walked towards him with a light, almost indifferent step. Keryt, petrified with fear, looked at him in despair. Atachi crouched near him, his gaze icy.
Atachi: "Are all aliens as arrogant and greedy as you? What, are you afraid now? No, you won't escape. Not after everything you've done."
Keryt let out a desperate scream, tearing through the heavens, but it had no effect on Atachi. In one final fit of panic, the alien drew his sword, attempting to plunge it into Terra's ground to destroy it. But Atachi, quick and relentless, ripped the weapon from his hands with unnerving ease.
The shock of this humiliation was palpable.
Titan, regaining his senses, stood up, ready to resume the fight.
Titan (in universal language): "This Terran brought you to your knees. It's time to finish this."
Atachi (without even glancing at him): "Who gave you permission to stand, alien?"
These words, spoken in such a calm and detached tone, instantly froze Titan and Keryt. Atachi's mere presence emitted such overwhelming pressure that even Titan, a creator god, was paralyzed by fear. Smiling cruelly, Atachi slowly moved toward Titan, then, in a lightning-fast motion, struck. The ground exploded under the impact, creating a massive crater. Titan was flung off Terra, crashing into a distant planet in a burst of debris.
Keryt: "You're so cruel… But I like your style. Join the ranks of the Organization. We would be honored to have you among our greatest warriors."
Amused by Keryt's hypocrisy and despair, Atachi sliced off Keryt's right arm with surgical precision.
Atachi: "A submissive one, that's what you are. A coward like you doesn't even deserve my pity. But I'll give you a chance (he stepped back), pick up your sword. Go ahead, I dare you, colonizer, kill me."
Humiliated, Keryt, boiling with rage, accelerated at a monstrous speed, attempting one final strike.
Keryt: "I will destroy you and your entire species! No one will survive! The annihilation of the Terrans is an accident I will celebrate with my comrades! Forgive me, Lord Barbatéos, but this enemy must be defeated! True Chaos of Antimatters!!!"
Atachi advanced with an almost disconcerting arrogance, walking steadily toward Keryt's cosmic attack without a shred of hesitation. The overwhelming power he contained within made the air vibrate around his body. Each step he took on the ground resonated like the tolling of a bell, announcing an inevitable end. Keryt, on the other hand, could only watch, powerless, as what seemed like fate unfolded. His doom was already sealed, and nothing in this universe seemed capable of diverting the course of this conclusion.
Atachi: "You aliens have no values that can measure up to ours. Man is man's worst enemy, Keryt."
The rumbling of the imminent explosion began to fill the air when, with unnerving precision, Atachi slightly turned to the side. With a simple movement of his arm, he delivered a backhanded slap that, in an action both elegant and brutal, dissipated the cosmic attack as if it had never existed. The upper half of Keryt was literally erased from reality, consumed by the void like a shadow under the light. What should have been a catastrophe of galactic proportions was now just a memory in suspension. A few moments later, the remaining half of Keryt's body collapsed heavily to the ground, while Atachi remained unscathed, only his clothes having been reduced to ashes.
Atachi raised his eyes, gazing at the celestial dome with an expression caught between contemplation and weariness. He had saved this world once again, but who on Terra would recognize the magnitude of his act? The tragedy of Webenne would be etched into history, but his role, his part, would remain unknown, lost in the shadows of a fate he had never chosen.
Atachi (with a hint of bitterness): "Once again… I'll have to go through social services to find me a new home. Why is it so hard to simply live in peace? The monsters aren't even a challenge… Yet, I've abandoned my greatest goal. This planet… it has held me captive for too long. My progress has stalled here for years. It's time for me to break free, to escape this cursed land weighed down by its own tragedies."
It was then that a rare phenomenon, as splendid as it was terrifying, unfolded before his eyes. A colossal dimensional rift slowly opened before him, a tear in the very fabric of space-time, both mesmerizing and frightening. It appeared due to the overwhelming amount of energy generated by the battles. It was an opportunity, a call to the unknown, but also a mortal threat.
Atachi feared no such danger. Dimensional rifts were extremely dangerous phenomena, enough to mobilize humanity's most powerful warriors. If such a rift remained open for more than a week, Terra itself would be doomed to endure calamities beyond control.
Atachi: "Ah, Fate… do you really believe you can stop the one you fear so much? Very well. I accept your challenge… or perhaps I should say, your affront. But tell me, when will these trials end, which, for me, are no more than pointless games?"