Chereads / Zero hours: Clash of legends / Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: The Awakening of Forces

Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: The Awakening of Forces

The battlefield, now quiet and somber, was a testament to the clash of forces. The humans, still catching their breath from their incredible victory, stood amidst the wreckage, their emotions torn between triumph and disbelief. Victory over a Zero — the first time in history that such an event had occurred — was an accomplishment many would never have thought possible. The warriors and leaders, once skeptical of their own abilities, were now filled with pride. Their voices echoed through the air, a cacophony of joy and celebration.

But amidst the noise, a dark truth lingered in the back of the minds of those who had been in the thick of it: they had faced only the weakest of the Zeros.

In the distance, a figure stood motionless, watching from the shadows, hidden from the revelry. This was no ordinary observer. His name was the Arbiter, known only as "The Unknown." His presence sent a chill through the air, and those who could feel his gaze knew that he was a force beyond comprehension, one whose motives were shrouded in secrecy. His sharp eyes observed everything, every moment of humanity's victory, and his lips curled into a knowing smirk.

"Such a display," he murmured to himself, his voice low but filled with a chilling authority. "They celebrate and call out in joy, but they don't know yet... they've faced the weakest Zero among the twelve."

At his side, ever the loyal butler, stood Neil, a silent figure, his sharp gaze fixed on the Arbiter. Neil had served the Arbiter for many years, but even now, he couldn't help but feel the weight of the words just spoken.

"Master," Neil spoke quietly, "Are you implying that this was just the beginning?"

The Arbiter's gaze shifted to Neil, his smirk widening ever so slightly. "Indeed. The humans, so full of arrogance in their victory, do not realize that they have barely scratched the surface of what is to come."

He paused for a moment, the darkness around him thickening as if it, too, awaited the Arbiter's next words.

"That Zero was nothing compared to the true strength of the rest of them. They were too naive to see it, too eager to claim victory over something so weak. But it will be... most interesting to see how they fare against the other Zeros."

Neil didn't respond, but his unease was palpable. The Zeros, powerful beings who had tested the limits of the human race, were far from done. The Arbiter's words were like a warning, a whisper of something far more ominous on the horizon.

The Arbiter took a step forward, his form blending with the shadows. "And as for the humans... they believe they've won. They believe they understand how to face what is coming. But they are only just beginning to comprehend the true nature of the Zeros. The game has only started."

He turned his attention back to the distant celebration, watching as the humans reveled in their perceived triumph.

"The Zeros are much more than they've seen. Much more than the humans will ever understand. But that is their fate — to try, to fail, and to rise again. And I will be watching, observing their every move."

Neil, though still silent, could not shake the weight of the Arbiter's words. "So... is it all for their entertainment? A game, as you say?"

A faint laugh echoed from the Arbiter. "Entertainment? Perhaps. Or perhaps it is simply the way of things. The world is always in motion, and these humans—so fragile, yet so determined—will play their part. It will be... quite a spectacle."

The Arbiter turned once more, as if dismissing Neil's inquiry, his mind already fixed on the unfolding chaos. "Let them have their victory. Let them taste the sweetness of triumph. But when the true Zeros arrive... they will see that this was but a shadow of what is to come."

Neil, still watching his master, knew that the coming days would not be kind to humanity. Whatever fate awaited them, it was far from certain, and the challenges ahead would test them in ways they could never have prepared for.

Far away, in the depths of the unknown, the rest of the Zeros stirred, their silence boding ill for the humans. And the Arbiter, content to remain a passive observer, smiled at the thought. He knew one thing for certain: whatever came next, it would not be boring.