The crimson sky loomed over the desolate plains, casting an eerie glow across the shattered remnants of the old world. The air was thick with ash and the lingering stench of burning flesh—a grim reminder of the Beasts' first assault. Jackeal stood atop a rocky outcrop, his eyes scanning the horizon, vigilant and unwavering. Every breath he took was laced with tension, for he knew the war had only just begun.
A World in Turmoil
The remnants of humanity had gathered in makeshift camps scattered across the ravaged lands. Broken families, hollow-eyed survivors, and warriors hardened by desperation stood side by side. They whispered tales of Jackeal, the man who wielded divine power, draining the Beasts' mana and turning the tide of battle. To some, he was a messiah; to others, a dangerous anomaly whose existence defied reason.
Amidst the murmurs of hope and fear, a familiar voice called out:
"Jackeal!"
He turned to see Veyra, a fierce warrior with piercing green eyes and twin blades strapped to her back. Her expression was a mix of relief and urgency.
"The scouts have returned. They found something… unnatural."
Without a word, Jackeal followed her through the camp, weaving between huddled groups. His mind raced with possibilities—none of them good.
A Grim Discovery
They reached the camp's edge, where a small group of battered scouts awaited, their faces pale and eyes wide with terror. One stepped forward, barely able to speak.
"We... we found a village… completely erased. Not destroyed—just… gone."
Jackeal's gaze sharpened. "Gone?"
The scout nodded shakily. "No bodies… no ruins... only an empty crater, like it was never there."
A cold chill ran down Jackeal's spine. This was no ordinary act of destruction; it was something far worse.
The Descent into Darkness
Determined to uncover the truth, Jackeal, Veyra, and a small team set out toward the reported location. Hours passed as they trekked through the harsh, barren terrain until they finally arrived at the edge of the mysterious crater.
The ground was scorched black, radiating a dark energy that made the air hum with malice. At the crater's center lay an obsidian monolith, its surface etched with twisted runes that pulsed with an ominous light.
Suddenly, the wind howled, carrying with it faint whispers—horrific, pleading voices calling for salvation. Jackeal clenched his fists, recognizing the aura.
"Lucifer…" he growled.
Before anyone could react, the ground trembled, and shadowy figures emerged from the earth—soulless, hollow-eyed wraiths birthed from pure malice. They charged with inhuman speed, their twisted claws gleaming in the dark light.
The Battle Begins
"Form up!" Jackeal commanded, drawing his sword that shimmered with celestial energy. Veyra unsheathed her twin blades, her expression fierce and determined.
The clash was immediate and brutal. Jackeal's strikes radiated divine power, slicing through the wraiths with righteous fury. Veyra moved with deadly grace, her blades a whirlwind of steel and precision.
But for every wraith they felled, two more rose from the cursed ground. The team was outnumbered, and their energy waned with every swing.
Desperation fueled Jackeal as he channeled his inner power, unleashing a massive wave of mana-infused light that obliterated the immediate threat. Yet, the monolith remained, untouched and throbbing with dark energy.
A Voice from Beyond
As the last wraith fell, an otherworldly voice echoed from the monolith—a deep, mocking tone dripping with malice.
"Did you truly believe you could stop what's coming, Jackeal?"
The ground cracked as infernal flames burst forth, forming a towering demonic figure—one of the Beasts, a general of Lucifer's dark legion. Its burning eyes locked onto Jackeal with murderous intent.
Jackeal steadied his breath, tightening his grip on his blade. "I don't care what you are. You'll fall like the rest."
With a deafening roar, the Beast lunged, and Jackeal met its strike head-on, their clash sending shockwaves across the battlefield. The fight for humanity's survival had only just begun.