Agent 12, codename "Nightshade," pushed open the reinforced door, its hydraulic hiss echoing through the corridor. He stepped into the dimly lit hallway, the soft hum of fluorescent lights overhead casting an eerie glow. The air was thick with the scent of polished steel and the faint tang of ozone.
Nightshade's footsteps resonated through the deserted corridor as he descended the staircase, his eyes scanning the surroundings with practiced vigilance. The walls were adorned with intricate frescoes depicting the Shadow Council's emblem: a serpent coiled around a crescent moon.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Nightshade approached the imposing door guarded by a majestic dragon's head. The mythical creature's eyes seemed to pierce through the shadows, its jaws open in a fierce snarl. The agent input the 12-digit code, known only to the Agent 22 Protectors and their servants, and the door's locking mechanism disengaged with a metallic click.
As the door swung open, Nightshade stepped into the grand chamber, his gaze immediately drawn to the figure seated on the raised dais. Valkris, his superior and one of the most feared agents within the Council, looked up from the holographic display projected before him.
Valkris's youthful appearance belied his formidable abilities. His slender frame and chiseled features seemed almost delicate, but Nightshade knew better. Those piercing emerald eyes had witnessed the darkest corners of humanity, and the subtle smile playing on Valkris's lips could freeze blood in veins.
Nightshade bowed his head, a gesture of respect. "Valkris, sir."
Valkris's gaze lingered on the agent before nodding in acknowledgment. "Nightshade. Your punctuality is appreciated."
"Thank you, sir." Nightshade's voice was steady, despite the flutter in his chest.
Valkris waved a hand, dismissing the formalities. "The Council requires my presence. With Immediate effect right."
Nightshade's eyes locked onto Valkris's. "The message arrived moments ago, sir. I was instructed to escort you to the Council chambers."
Valkris's expression remained inscrutable, but a flicker of interest danced in his eyes. "And what is the purpose of this summons?"
Nightshade hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "The message didn't specify, sir. But the Council's tone was... urgent."
Valkris's gaze narrowed. "Very well. Let us proceed."
With a fluid motion, Valkris rose from his seat, his movements eerily silent. Nightshade fell into step beside him, their footsteps echoing through the chamber as they departed for the Council's chambers.
"Nightshade," Valkris said, his voice low and even, "prepare yourself. The Council's summons rarely bode well."
"Yes, sir," Nightshade replied, his mind racing with possibilities.
As they exited the chamber, the dragon's head seemed to watch them, its eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intelligence.
As they approached the council chambers, Valkris expression remained unreadable,his pace steady. The doors slip open.
-———-
Valkris and Nightshade entered the dimly lit Council chambers. The air was heavy with anticipation. Six hooded figures, their faces obscured by darkness, sat around the circular table.
The lead Councilor, distinguishable only by a slightly deeper voice, spoke, "Valkris, your presence is required."
Valkris bowed slightly. "I am at your service, Councilors."
A low, gravelly voice responded, "A situation demands your unique expertise. We will brief you shortly."
Valkris's gaze remained fixed on the Councilors, his expression unreadable.
Nightshade stood at attention, observing the proceedings with interest.
The lead Councilor continued, "The details of your mission will be provided shortly. Your... skills are crucial to its success."
The Councilors' silence was palpable, their hooded figures seeming to confer without words.
The lead Councilor's voice echoed through the dimly lit chamber. "Valkris, your mission is to capture Jin alive. Eliminate the rest of his crew."
Valkris's gaze remained fixed on the Councilors. "Understood. However, locating Jin poses a challenge."
A hooded figure to the left spoke, its voice distorted. "We're aware of Jin's... abilities."
The lead Councilor leaned forward, voice taking on a sinister tone.
"We've identified two individuals close to Jin, Amy and Ryker, whom you captured three years ago."
Valkris nodded slightly, acknowledging his past accomplishment.
The lead Councilor continued,
"These individuals will be publicly executed. We want Jin to witness their demise."
A holographic display flickered to life, projecting images of Amy and Ryker. "Broadcast their execution globally. This will Ensure Jin witnesses it. His emotional response will reveal his location."
Valkris's expression remained unreadable. "And what assurance do we have Jin will react as anticipated?"
The distorted voice replied, "Your previous encounters with Jin suggest a strong emotional connection to these individuals. His reaction is predictable."
Valkris nodded once. "I'll arrange the public display."
The lead Councilor's voice dripped with malice. "Jin's attachment to these individuals will be his downfall. You, Valkris, will be the instrument of his capture."
The Councilors' hooded figures seemed to confer silently, their agreement palpable.
Valkris bowed slightly. "Consider it done."
As Valkris turned to leave, Nightshade followed, his mind reeling with the implications.
Outside the chamber, Nightshade whispered, "Sir, is this truly necessary?"
Valkris's gaze turned cold. "The Council's will is clear. We'll proceed accordingly."
Nightshade's doubts lingered, but he knew better than to question Valkris further.
Time Passed….
Valkris arrived at the maximum-security prison, his presence commanding attention. He approached the main desk, where two guards stood.
"Valkris, Shadow Council Agent," he announced, his voice firm.
Guard 1 nodded. "Agent Valkris, sir. What brings you here?"
"I require Amy and Ryker. The Council has ordered their execution."
Guard 2 hesitated. "Sir, those prisoners are high-risk. We'll need clearance."
Valkris's gaze turned cold. "My presence is clearance enough. Fetch them now."
The guards exchanged uneasy glances before complying.
Within minutes, Amy and Ryker were escorted out of their cells, shackled and flanked by additional guards.
Valkris inspected them briefly. "Ensure the restraints are secure. We wouldn't want... complications."
Amy's eyes flashed defiance, but Ryker's gaze remained sunken.
As they exited the prison, Valkris led the procession toward the public execution stage.
The city square bustled with activity, citizens gathering to witness the spectacle.
A massive screen towered above the stage, broadcasting the event to the entire New World.
Valkris ascended the stage, Amy and Ryker dragged alongside him.
A hush fell over the crowd as Valkris raised his hand.
"Citizens of the New World," his voice boomed through the speakers. "Amy and Ryker have been found guilty of treason. Their crimes will not go unpunished."
The screen behind Valkris flickered to life, displaying a countdown timer.
Amy's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for any sign of Jin.
Ryker's gaze remained fixed on the ground.
Valkris's expression remained impassive.
The countdown reached started..
Safehouse———-
Jin's camp was abuzz with activity as Jon rushed in, his face grim.
"Jin, it's Amy and Ryker. They're being executed publicly."
Jin's eyes blazed with fury.
"Where?" he demanded.
Jon hesitated. "New World's city square. But Jin, this could be a trap. Valkris is involved."
Jin's jaw clenched. "I don't care. I won't leave them to die."
Jon grasped Jin's arm. "Think this through. Valkris's powers—"
Jin shook off Jon's grip. "I'll handle Valkris."
Rex stepped forward. "I've got Jin's back."
Jon's expression turned desperate. "You can't seriously—"
Rex nodded. "We can't abandon Amy and Ryker."
Jon's attempts to reason with Jin failed.
With a deep breath, Jin grabbed his sword.
Jon opened a portal.
"Will you use it?" Jon asked, nodding toward the portal.
Jin's gaze burned with determination. "If necessary."
With Rex by his side, Jin leaped into the portal.
Jon watched them vanish, anxiety gnawing at his heart.
As they emerged in the New World, Jin's focus locked onto the city square.
The countdown timer loomed above the stage.
"Let's move," Jin growled.
Rex manifested a small, four-cornered cube on his palm.
"Cube, Creation," Rex whispered.
The cube glowed with a soft blue light.
Together, they charged into the fray.
The clock ticked down: 00:04... 00:03....
As Jin and Rex charged into the fray, Valkris's eyes snapped toward them, alerted by his heightened senses.
"As expected," Valkris whispered, a hint of excitement in his voice.
Rex's cube, now enlarged, engulfed the crowd, effortlessly disintegrating the brainwashed onlookers. The cube's surface rippled, like water, as it absorbed the scattered bodies.
Meanwhile, Jin burst into a sprint, shrouded in black flames that danced around him like living darkness. His speed defied human limits; he traversed 100 meters in under 5 seconds.
Jin materialized in front of Amy and Ryker, his sword still sheathed. His gaze locked onto Valkris.
A split second later, Jin's right hand extended, unleashing a devastating wind blast. The air shimmered as the blast struck Nightshade, sending him flying across the square.
Valkris, however, withstood the blast, his feet shifting slightly due to the force. His eyes gleamed with amusement.
"Looks like someone needs to work on their aim," Valkris quipped, chuckling. "Or maybe you're just blowing hot air, Jin?"
Jin's expression remained unfazed.
Rex, seizing the opportunity, pursued Nightshade.
The stage, once a platform for execution, now became a battleground. Jin and Valkris faced off, their powers crackling with anticipation.
Amy and Ryker, still shackled, watched in awe as Jin's black flames danced around him.
"Jin..." Amy whispered, hope flickering in her eyes.
Valkris's grin widened. "This should be interesting."
The air was heavy with tension, the outcome hanging precariously in the balance.