The red rain continued to fall, casting an eerie red hue over Ravendale, unsettling its residents. Whispers of unease rippled through the streets as people stared at the strange phenomenon. Even the city's security forces grew tense, their watchful eyes scanning for signs of danger.
At first, when nothing seemed to happen, the tension started to dissipate. Nervous smiles spread among the crowd as they reassured themselves that it was just an unusual weather occurrence. But their relief was short-lived.
"Everyone, ready for action!" a sharp voice rang out, breaking the fragile calm. It was the city's chief of security, his previously composed expression now replaced with grim urgency. His fierce gaze and rigid posture signaled that he had realized something ominous.
Before anyone could comprehend his alarm, the first screams rang out. "Ahhh!" "Help!" The desperate cries quickly multiplied, filling the streets with chaos. Panic spread like wildfire, shattering the city's fragile sense of safety.
All eyes turned toward the source of the commotion, where grotesque, flesh-like masses began to rise from the ground. The writhing forms grew rapidly, twisting and contorting until they transformed into monstrous beings. Their skin was a deep blood-red, their sharp teeth gleaming menacingly, and four powerful claws extended from their limbs. Their feral eyes glowed with an insatiable bloodlust.
As soon as the creatures fully formed, they sprang into action. With terrifying speed, they targeted the nearest humans. Their claws slashed through flesh, and their jagged teeth tore mercilessly into their victims. The air filled with screams as the monsters unleashed a nightmarish slaughter, leaving devastation in their wake.
But soon, the city's defenses sprang into action. Guards, soldiers, and even skilled individuals among the common people rallied, their weapons and abilities aimed at the monstrous invaders. Coordinated strikes brought down the creatures one by one.
However, the relief was short-lived. More grotesque monsters began to emerge from the ground, their numbers multiplying rapidly. To make matters worse, larger, more powerful versions of the creatures appeared.
Unlike the smaller monsters, which could be handled by awakened and Master-level Awakeners, these towering beasts were far more resilient and powerful. Their strength matched even the most skilled defenders, turning the battle into a desperate struggle for survival.
Inside Academy No. 4, both students and teachers were drawn to the sounds of chaos outside.
Peering out the windows, they saw what was once a vibrant city now transformed into a grotesque nightmare. Blood splattered across the streets, staining everything in sight. Corpses—both human and monstrous—lay scattered everywhere, with vicious creatures continuing their rampage.
Many of the students, witnessing this horrific sight for the first time, turned pale. Some, unable to handle the gruesome scene, began vomiting or crying uncontrollably.
The teachers quickly moved in, trying to calm the students and restore some semblance of order in the midst of the terror unfolding outside.
"Why is this happening? Are those Dark Temple fanatics out of their minds?!" Roy exclaimed, his face filled with shock as he turned to Sein.
"What do you mean 'it's here'?" Sein asked urgently, his voice rising with panic. He needed to understand what was happening, and quickly. The dread in his chest intensified.
Roy took a deep breath, trying to stay calm, and explained, "These things are called 'Red Spawns.' They're created by the Shura Clan as disposable soldiers for battle. They're easy to produce, but they don't last long—once they've wreaked enough havoc, they die off."
Roy continued, his tone growing more serious. "And only the Dark Temple has access to them here in Belmond. Looking at what's happening outside, it seems they've let them breed right here in the city."
Sein's anxiety deepened as he thought of Cier, still at school. The thought of his last living relative being in danger made his heart race.
"But don't worry," Roy continued, trying to calm him. "The city's top powers will handle this. These beasts only grow up to Master level, and the Grandmasters in the city will wipe them out in no time."
Sein nodded, trying to steady his breathing, but the fear remained. Just then, the voice of Dean Alaric rang through the academy: "Everyone, the city is in immediate danger. We cannot sit idly by while these beasts terrorize Ravendale. The safety of the people is our responsibility. All teachers, please step forward and lend your strength to help clear the city. You must be quick—every moment counts."
The teachers exchanged determined glances, nodding in agreement. "Yes, Dean," they replied in unison.
Dean Alaric looked to a few senior teachers and said, "You five, stay behind. Ensure the safety of the students here. Keep them inside and do not let anyone leave until the situation is under control."
With swift movements, the teachers hurried off, leaving only a few behind to maintain order. The students watched, their faces a mix of fear and uncertainty. Sein, however, could not afford to wait. He needed to reach Cier's school—quickly.
As Sein rushed toward the door, Roy followed closely behind, determined to stop him from acting rashly. "Sein, wait!" Roy called out, but before he could stop him, something caught their eyes—a massive, cube-shaped shadow looming in the sky, casting a dark and ominous presence over the city.
"Oh shi—" Roy started, his voice filled with disbelief, but before he could finish, the cube rotated slightly, and in that instant, Sein's vision went black.
When Sein regained his senses, he found himself no longer at the academy. Instead, he stood in an unfamiliar street in Ravendale, surrounded by chaos.
The people around him were equally stunned, confused about what had just happened and how they had ended up in this strange place. Before anyone could react, a sickening squelch pierced the air. Turning toward the sound, they saw a red monster tear the head off one of the nearby civilians with a single vicious bite. The gruesome sight made it painfully clear that survival, not understanding, was the immediate priority.
Sein's heart pounded as he quickly reached into his Beast Space and summoned Kuro. The pup materialized with a sharp growl, its eyes narrowed and alert, instinctively ready to defend its master.
Sein scanned his surroundings as more red beasts began to emerge from the ground. Their eyes glowed a fierce, predatory red, and they fixed their gaze on him and the others, like hungry predators stalking their prey. With powerful claws and razor-sharp teeth, they advanced slowly but deliberately, as if savoring the fear in the air. The tension grew unbearable as the creatures closed in, their ominous presence filling the street.