On the threshold of a ruined bridge that separated the homeless neighborhood from the long-cherished city of Córdoba, a titanic confrontation was unfolding. On one side, the group of Benjamin, a warrior determined to avenge the tragedy that had devastated his beloved home, was facing the sinister Jack. The latter, basking in Benjamin's anger and longing for revenge, stood like a menacing shadow in the midst of the chaos, his long dark cloak billowing in the icy wind. Red and storm-laden clouds covered the sky, as if the universe itself was responding to the impending catastrophe.
Benjamin, with fierce determination, drew his two bright crimson red swords, a gift from Zeus after having survived a battle against the horrifying dark spiders. His white trench coat, stained with the blood of his enemies and his own wounds, shone dimly in the gloom. With a mask that hid half of her face, only her eyes shone with an intense and determined light. As their hands clung firmly to the hilts of their swords, an ominous silence took over the bridge, interrupted only by the subtle whisper of the wind.
As their hands clung firmly to the hilts of their swords, an ominous silence took over the bridge, interrupted only by the subtle whisper of the wind
Jack, for his part, was reveling in the anticipation of combat. A black scythe emerged from his trench coat, raised above his head, taller than a man and sharp as obsidian. His crooked smile revealed the satisfaction of one who enjoys the suffering of others. Both fighters, in an instant, rushed towards the center of the bridge, moving at a speed almost invisible to human eyes. The sparks of metal echoed in the air like thunder, as their weapons collided, creating a symphony of violence that reverberated in the desolate landscape.
The battle broke out with unimaginable ferocity. Benjamin moved with grace and precision, dodging deadly cuts from Jack's scythe with impressive acrobatics. Every turn and jump he executed was a demonstration of his mastery, while his blood pumped with adrenaline. Jack, on the other hand, used the force of Benjamin's attacks to counter and hit back with even more impetus. It was a deadly dance between life and death, where every mistake could be fatal.
When Jack attempted a direct attack on Benjamin's hips, he performed a 180-degree turn in the air, landing on the edge of the scythe. In a bold move, he threw one of his swords at Jack's face, who, with a quick and almost carefree movement, let himself fall into the void, dodging the attack. In a clever twist, he took the sword in his fall, spinning with it to return it to Benjamin with a devastating impulse.
The sword embedded itself in the arm that Benjamin raised to protect himself, the blood gushing from the wound like a dark river. However, the pain could not stop his resolution. With an expression of unleashed fury, he concentrated Zeus' energy, charging his sword with the power of star rays. As Jack's scythe struck, a burst of light illuminated the bridge, sending Jack flying into a nearby building. Benjamin followed him, without giving him respite, entering the interior of that structure covered with shadows.
The building, once a symbol of life, had become a labyrinth of darkness. As Benjamin paced the crumbling corridors, each step resonated like an echo of his own determination. However, Jack's voice, soft and mocking, began to whisper to him from the depths of the gloom.
Jack: "Why are you doing this? Out of pride? For honor? Maybe for companionship... No, I don't think it's any of those things."
Jack's every word became an arrow in Benjamin's heart, piercing his courage and leading him to question his own purpose. Doubt enveloped him, like a suffocating shadow.
Jack: "You do it because you're envious... You're jealous... You feel small next to him, don't you? He is the hero, while you were only left to take care of what he saved. A misunderstood soul, someone who seeks the attention he did not receive from who he thought was his only friend."
Jack's words echoed in his mind, as he tried to hold on to his resolve. But insecurity was starting to creep its way in, creating cracks in her determination. Even so, he could not afford to fall into the trap of his manipulations. With a shout of defiance, he gathered all his energy in one devastating blow, creating a shockwave that split the building in two, the debris falling towards nothingness.
As the ruins crumbled, Jack emerged from the shadows atop one of the cut pillars, his ghoulish smile lit up by the chaos. He showed not a mark of the fighting, and his gaze defied Benjamin.
Benjamin: "It's not like you say it! It can't be! You're just trying to confuse me! I'll kill you!"
Jack looked at him in disappointment, his scythe slowly rising, ready for the next round.
Jack: "It's a pity... You're boring... and a hypocrite. I will not be able to make a good canvas in my painting with your blood contaminated by ignorance."
At that moment, Benjamin felt everything falling apart. Frustration and helplessness flooded him, reminding him of every defeat and every criticism he had faced. It was then that Jack, with a quick movement, lunged at him, his scythe cutting through the air like lightning.
Benjamin was brutally beaten, returning to the reality of the bridge where his companions and his beloved, Ilulu, were. He fell heavily, wounded and bleeding to death, while Jack appeared in a black cloud, perching majestically on his scythe. Ilulu, seeing Benjamin fall, ran to him, her heart beating with despair.
Ilulu: "Benjamin, you're fine! You're really hurt! Why did you fight alone?"
With great effort, Benjamin looked up into Ilulu's eyes, and in that instant, the glow of her love revitalized him. The flame of hope resurfaced inside her, a burning fire that rejected the darkness.
Benjamin: "They can't kill me that easy having my beloved looking at me, can they?"
Jack, watching the scene with a ghoulish smile, was reveling in the suffering. Jack's subordinates felt sorry for what was about to happen, but they were powerless to intervene. With a gentle lowering of his scythe, Jack took a couple of steps forward.
Benjamin: "Ready for a second round, you fucking bastard?"
The resolution shone in Benjamin's eyes. He was determined to fight, not for himself, but for everyone he loved. His heart was pounding furiously and his mind was filled with determination, defying the doubts that Jack had sown.
Jack: "I don't think that's enough... only one detail is missing."
Benjamin: "What are you talking about—"
He couldn't finish the sentence. The blood stained his face in an instant, a quick and almost inaudible movement. His eyes were tinged red by the vital liquid gushing from his body. Reality froze when he realized the truth: Ilulu had been pierced by Jack's scythe.
She, with a kind and loving smile, tried to touch his cheeks, even with the scythe still buried in his stomach, his blood slowly oozing from his mouth. Benjamin was paralyzed, trapped in a sea of horror and despair, while the darkness surrounded him, taking with it his last hope.
With the gloom of the bridge enveloping the stage, the air became heavy from the unfolding horror. Ilulu, her eyes full of love and sadness, looked at Benjamin as tears welled up from her face.
Ilulu: "I'm sorry... I couldn't protect him... to our baby. Sorry if I didn't tell you; it was a surprise for our wedding... I love you..."
With those words, Jack's scythe cruelly emerged from Ilulu's stomach. She leaned forward, her lips meeting Benjamin's in one last, heartbreaking kiss, before pulling back, leaving a trail of blood. Jack, enjoying the macabre spectacle, began to dismember her, cutting her into hundreds of pieces, bathing Benjamin in the blood of his beloved. Jack's smile was a mixture of satisfaction and ecstasy.
Jack: "Now I do think we're ready to move on, since dinner was served... hehehehehe..."
Benjamin's mind was in a whirl. It had all happened so quickly; the revelation that he was going to be a father vanished the instant his world was falling apart. His unborn child, his beloved, all lost before his eyes. He couldn't do anything. The tears were falling uncontrollably as he collapsed on his knees, staring at Ilulu's severed head, still with a smile on his face, the blood dripping on the floor.
Jack wasted no time and attacked Benjamin, bringing the edge of the scythe closer to his face. At that moment, time stopped. The blood, the wind, everything was frozen. A dark aura filled the void, and four black, scaly, elongated wings were projected before the sunlight hidden behind the clouds. That being approached, with a sweet face like that of an angel, but with horns that revealed his demonic nature.
???: "Do you want power?"
Benjamin didn't look at him, trapped in his own pain. The voice of the being continued to echo in his mind.
???: "Do you want the power that will make your pain disappear? Do you want the power that will fulfill your desire?"
Benjamin: "..... Yes... i want it... please give me power..."
???: "Cancel the contract with Zeus and I promise you that I will give you the power you desire."
Without hesitation, Benjamin opened the system screen and began to delete the contract with Zeus. The Latter, feeling the betrayal, tried to stop him with all the legal strategies at his disposal, but to no avail. Benjamin canceled the contract, looking at the dark being, who extended his hand to him.
Benjamin: "King of Putrefaction... Astaroth."
The instant he uttered the name, both bodies merged into one, uniting body and soul. For Benjamin, time became extremely slow, every second lengthening as he looked at Ilulu's body for the last time. Normality returned, showing the new Benjamin in front of everyone. His long gray hair was waving in the wind, and two long scaly extensions emerged from his back, like the tails of angry snakes. The aura surrounding him was so dense that he began to crack the bridge, trembling before its power.
Those present watched in amazement as Benjamin's body had radically changed, showing the effects of a perfect fusion. Jack, feeling the transformation, was forced to merge with his god, Loki, although his appearance remained unchanged, only his power intensified. However, his gaze reflected a hint of fear at the unexpected situation.
Without giving respite, Jack attacked Benjamin instantly. The coming battle would not only be a clash of strength, but a clash between destinies, where pain, rage and the desire for revenge intertwined in a deadly dance. Benjamin, now refreshed, was ready to unleash all his power, as the shadows of the past threatened to consume him.
Jack: "Maybe it looks like you got more power! But still, that doesn't mean I can't play with you!"
With a defiant shriek, the expanses of flesh sprouting from Benjamin's back moved like sharp tentacles. They beat Jack with inhuman ferocity, smashing him to the pavement. The impact echoed through the city, making the ground shake until Jack reached the entrance, where Benjamin was waiting for him standing, with a look full of hatred and contempt.
Benjamin abruptly grabbed him by the face, slowly lifting him up as Jack screamed, his body covered in bleeding wounds.
Jack: "This is not what the gods wish for! They want fights, entertainment, something to have fun. This isn't supposed to be like this!"
Benjamin: "And that to me... It's the same to me."
In a brutal move, Benjamin grabbed Jack's torso and split it in half as if it were a simple piece of paper. Jack's remains fell to the ground, and his parts slowly crawled towards the city, while Benjamin walked away, letting the smell of blood attract the nearby monsters. Jack, although wounded, watched helplessly as his fate was sealed as the beings pounced on him, slowly and savagely devouring him.
Returning to the place where his teammates were, Benjamin looked at them. Rosario, in particular, caught his attention.
Benjamin: "From now on, you are the leader. I'm leaving the group. If we meet again... I don't know what will happen."
Without saying more, Benjamin looked away and used his magic power to cremate Ilulu's body. The ashes of his beloved were trapped in a small jar that he took with him wherever he went. With a determined leap, he soared into the sky, leaving Rosario and his companions watching his departure with sadness. They felt a mixture of compassion and helplessness, knowing that they needed to get stronger.
In front of them, Jack's group had already completely disappeared, leaving only a bloody note that said: "We are at peace."That phrase resonated in their hearts, reminding them that their struggle was not over.
In the background, the mission was still stalking them, with a status window that said:
Mission: Recover the city from the domain of the evil god.
That message told them that this hell had only just begun. The tension in the air was palpable, and each of them understood that their path was full of dangers and challenges. With renewed determination, they knew that they had to prepare, not only to find Benjamin, but also to face the chaos that was coming, ready to devour them if they were not ready.
At the same time, on the other side of the coin, in the neighborhood where Leon and Santiago were, an attack of monsters broke out. All this happened due to an event that took place hours before Benjamin murdered Jack. Santiago was enlisting the awakened of the system, who possessed new skills, when an informant arrived, badly injured and with several more in tow, screaming in panic that something very bad was going to happen.
Santiago: "Quick! Take them to the hospital, we have to take care of them."
While Santiago grabbed the investigators and took them to a safe place, the only one who was not injured was questioned. This man, trembling and sweating, began to relate the terrible truth.
Informant: "In a neighboring city, in the greater Buenos Aires, people were surviving, living happily. They had taken the city peacefully, annihilating the monsters of the first wave along with their bosses. However, in their research, they found something dark and forgotten."
The man continued, his eyes filled with fear, while his words seemed to resonate with an ancient echo.
Informant: "They discovered a hidden dungeon, a place that the system called the 'Memory Dungeon'. Ancient treasures and grimoires, forgotten skills and artifacts of power were kept here. But the scariest thing were the time murals, which told an ancient story of an apocalypse similar to ours."
Santiago listened intently, his mind trying to process the magnitude of the revelation.
Informant: "The murals relate that when a world reaches a peak of peace, it becomes a target of darkness. We are not the only ones, many worlds in the multiverse suffer from this curse. Reality is divided between those who seek peace and dark beings, aberrations rejected by the creator."
The informant paused for a moment, trying to calm his agitation.
Informant: "Humanity, blinded by its worldly desires, such as the longing for power and technology, neglected its gods. The barrier that protected our dimension collapsed five years ago, giving way to dark beings, just like us but deformed by the darkness. Born of our own repressed fears and desires, some evolved and became divinities, seeking to end our existence."
As the informant's words flowed like a dark river, Santiago's eyes filled with determination. However, the informant had more to tell.
Informant: "The mural ends in a disturbing way. There were three possible destinations for us..."
Santiago, with anxiety, moved the man, wishing that he would continue.
Informant: "The first one... it tells of a king who, forged in suffering, takes the throne to lead the world to destruction alongside the dark ones. Pain becomes his crown, and his sword, a symbol of desolation."
Informant: "The second... it tells the story of a young man who, after suffering unspeakable hardships, manages to unite some of the dark ones to his cause, leaving an uncertain future, a path with no definite end."
Informant: "And the last one... he's the scariest one of all. It is the arrival of the dark creator, who, out of curiosity, seeks to meet those who challenged his power. But his visit turns into a massacre, devouring everything in its path. The earth is swallowed up by his shadow, and his laughter turns into a lament that echoes in the void."
The informant took a deep breath, his voice cracking under the weight of what he had revealed.
Informant: "However, there was a mural that was not complete. A single text was inscribed on its surface: 'This final will be decided by us'."
Santiago felt that the gravity of the situation was hanging over him. With the acquired knowledge, they left the dungeon, armed with relics, grimoires and armor, but fate had a fatal twist in store for them.
A portal opened in the city, a dimensional rift so large that the inhabitants did not have time to react. Thousands of beasts and monsters emerged from it, unleashing an apocalyptic event that ordered the survivors: "Survive the surge and return to the base alive."
While the others in the city were organizing to contain the monsters, many died; hunters and awakened faced an uncontrollable horde. Desperate, Santiago and his companions took a car equipped with a large submachine gun, unleashing magic bullets on their way to the exit. However, when they reached the entrance, a sacrifice was necessary: the fifth member of the group jumped out of the car, giving his life so that the others could escape.
Santiago: "No! We can't leave him!"
But it was already too late. The hateful horde was coming towards them, and when they arrived in the neighborhood, the system window was updated with an ominous message.
System: "Provincial emergency Event underway. All nearby neighborhoods must defend themselves and destroy the oncoming wave of monsters."
The neighborhoods, along with the Ciudad de los Niños and the Benjamín neighborhood, received the notice. Although fear and doubt hung over them, they decided to gather their leaders, knowing that the attack would begin in three hours.
The meeting was held at a midpoint of the main avenue, where Santiago and his army of 2000 members of various races met. The head of the children's city, Savitar, arrived with a group of 400 young teenagers. However, the last one to arrive was not the leader of Barrio norte, but a tall man with black hair, dressed in a dark military suit and surrounded by an army of 2000 trained soldiers.
Alexis: "I'm Alexis, leader of the Barrio norte resistance. I have come to help, because the military in our neighborhood will only let us die to our fate."
The first official meeting of the three leaders took place, where the roles were decided
The first official meeting of the three leaders took place, where the roles were decided. Santiago, Savitar and Alexis would go to the front, while their troops would make a detour around the entrance of Juárez-Celman Avenue, where the horde of monsters would pounce.
The weaker side would be taken by Savitar's team, who would position themselves on the right, near the train tracks and the open field, to avoid being attacked by too many monsters. The left side would be defended by Alexis' soldiers, who, being better trained, would protect civilians who might get trapped. Santiago and his team would go to the front, ready to fight with all their weapons and powers to stop the advance of the monsters.
With the three leaders in their agreed positions, they moved decisively. The wait became tense, a terrifying silence surrounded them, knowing that it could be their last match. Men and women, young and old, were ready to face the approaching tsunami of horror.
When the system counter reached zero, thousands, not to say tens of thousands of monsters were heard in the distance, causing the earth to shake under their feet. The battle for survival had begun, and everyone's fate hung in the balance.
Night had fallen over the Juárez-Celman neighborhood, and with it, an ominous silence hovered over the streets. The lights were flickering, reflecting the anxiety of the soldiers who lined up in rows, armed with swords, spears, bows and giant shields. Every warrior knew that this would not be a normal fight; it was a battle for survival.
The wind was blowing hard, as if nature itself foreshadowed the arrival of the storm. In the field in front of the train tracks of Villa Los Llanos, the earth trembled under the weight of the approaching monstrous hordes. Santiago, Savitar and Alexis, the three leaders, were at the front, watching the dark tide that was inexorably advancing towards them.
Santiago: "We can't turn our backs on them, not now."
Santiago's words resonated among the soldiers, a reminder that the fight was just beginning. However, the trust they once had in joining forces was fading with every passing second. The monsters, grotesque and deformed, seemed to multiply, as if the darkness itself gave them life.
The first battle cries began to break the silence. The creatures emerged from the darkness, running towards the human ranks. They were a mixture of shapes: some had the appearance of humans, but with empty eyes and grayish skin; others were giant beasts, with sharp claws and teeth that gleamed in the dim moonlight.
Santiago raised his sword, the metallic sheen reflecting the determination still left in him.
Savitar: "Hold the line! Don't back down!"
But as the orders were being thrown into the air, panic began to infiltrate the ranks. The soldiers, many of them young, faced the brutality of the monsters for the first time. Swords clashed against claws, bows shot arrows that rarely hit their target, and magic spells lit up the sky in momentary flashes, only to be swallowed up by the darkness around them.
In the first confrontation, a group of Savitar's soldiers was surrounded. The fighting was frantic; the sound of steel mingled with the heart-rending screams of the fallen. One of the young warriors, a boy of barely seventeen, was knocked down by a monster that pounced on him, its claws tearing flesh and armor with ease. James saw everything from a distance, and anguish seized his heart.
Santiago: "Cover him up! Don't let it fall!"
But the reality was cruel. For every monster that fell under the edge of their swords, two more appeared. The number of human casualties began to increase, the battlefield was filled with lifeless bodies, and the air became heavy with the smell of blood and fear.
As the battle intensified, the soldiers began to lose hope. That dark tide seemed endless. The human ranks were crumbling, their forces were weakening with each attack. Some soldiers took shelter behind shields, others fell to the ground, exhausted or wounded.
Alexis, with his group of soldiers, was fighting bravely, but his look betrayed worry. With every passing second, her confidence was crumbling.
Alexis: "We need more support! This is not enough!"
Alexis' words were an echo of the despair everyone was feeling. However, there was no time for more, and the struggle continued. In the rear, magicians were casting spells, their hands glowing with energy as they tried to hold back the beasts that were pouncing on them. Every spell seemed to be absorbed by the darkness that enveloped the field, and frustration got the better of them.
The battle was raging, and the sound of war echoed through the night. Screams, wails, and the clash of steel against flesh filled the air, creating a symphony of terror. Santiago found himself fighting side by side with his soldiers, pushing forward, but his body began to get tired. The creatures were relentless, and the blood of their companions covered the ground.
A large-sized creature pounced on him, launching a fierce attack with its claws. Santiago managed to dodge, but the monster continued its onslaught, and in a moment of distraction, a warrior next to him was knocked down. The sight of his fall tore Santiago's heart apart.
Meanwhile, Savitar was struggling on the right side of the field. His team was getting overwhelmed, and desperation was starting to sink in. One of the bravest soldiers, who had been by his side from the beginning, found himself cornered. The monster's claws caught him, and Savitar could only watch helplessly as his friend was torn to pieces.
Savitar: "No! Don't go, brother!"
But the words did not reach. Blood splattered on his face and madness seized him. Without thinking, Savitar charged at the creature, disregarding his own safety. With each blow, his fury grew, but the creature stood its ground, laughing with a chilling sound.
The remaining warriors began to shout, some were retreating, others were trying to recover. The struggle was far from balanced. As the night progressed, the reality of the battle became even more palpable: the monsters were endless, a plague that would not stop.
Santiago: "Form a circle! Don't let them get away!"
The strategy had changed, but it was a futile effort. The creatures were rushing at them, a whirlwind of claws and teeth, and the ground was soaked with blood. Every move became a matter of survival. The soldiers, previously united in their trust, began to doubt, to question whether what they were doing made sense.
A shadow flew past Santiago's head, and when he looked up, he saw a winged creature swooping towards his troops. With a scream, he pounced on a group of young people, unleashing chaos. The screams intensified, and despair grew in the heart of every warrior. Santiago felt the weight of responsibility crumbling down on him, like a dark cloak that oppressed him.
The battlefield became a chaos. The soldiers were fighting desperately, but the casualties began to accumulate. A group of magicians, once full of confidence, was swept away by a surprise attack. His magic, which once shone with power, was now fading under the pressure. One of them screamed, casting a spell that burst into a glow, but was quickly extinguished by the roar of the creatures.
As the fighting continued, Savitar's defense line wobbled. The tide of monsters seemed to have no end, and every attempt to contain them only led to more losses. A soldier who had been by his side for most of the battle fell, and Savitar felt helpless.
Savitar: "We must back off! We can't go on like this!"
The soldiers, trembling with fear, looked at their leader for direction, but Savitar, exhausted and worn out, could only watch as hope faded from his eyes. The camaraderie that once existed evaporated in the uncertainty of the moment.
The fallen bodies, both human and monstrous, formed a desolate landscape. Every stumble, every scream, every fall was a reminder of the cost of war. The swords were soaked with blood, and the arrows were lost in the darkness.
The moments of light were brief, an explosion of magic or a cry of victory, but they were quickly drowned out by the surge of creatures. As the battle progressed, the warriors began to lose faith. Distrust between them grew, and the fear of losing their companions became an unbearable weight.
The fight escalated, and the battlefield became a scene of horror. The monsters, fueled by the desperation of their victims, seemed more ferocious, more ruthless. Every time one warrior fell, another rose to take his place, but the line of defense was quickly weakened. Santiago, Savitar and Alexis were now more than leaders; they were the last bastions of the resistance.
Santiago faced a creature that had an imposing stature and a grotesque face. With each attack, the sword in his hand seemed heavier. The determination that once burned inside her was beginning to fade, and in her mind, the question was becoming clearer and clearer: How much longer could they resist?
Santiago: "We can't give up! This is all we have!"
His words echoed in the air, but the echo was lost among the battle cries. The creatures surrounded his soldiers, moving with terrifying swiftness, throwing claws and bites in an attempt to wear down their last line of defense. Visibility was obscured by dust and blood, and the air became unbreathable.
Savitar cast a spell in a desperate attempt to contain a wave of monsters that was rushing on his right flank. The magic sizzled and exploded in a flash, knocking down several of them. However, the relief was momentary; more of them emerged from the shadows, and despair seized their group.
Savitar: "Damn it! How many are there?"
The words were lost in the din. Swords were clashing against claws, and screams of agony and despair were intermingled with the sound of fighting. A group of archers, who were trying to provide cover from an elevated position, was suddenly attacked by a flying monster. The arrows were flying in all directions, and panic seized them.
Fear had begun to take its toll on the soldiers' ranks. Some began to recoil, the instinct of survival overcoming the sense of duty. The shadows were getting closer and closer, like a tsunami of darkness that threatened to engulf everything in its path.
Alexis, watching his men crumble, felt caught in a storm of helplessness. With every fall of a soldier, a part of his confidence vanished. He found himself fighting alongside an experienced warrior, an older man who had survived countless battles, but even he was beginning to show signs of fatigue.
Alexis: "Resist! Remember why we are fighting!"
But the words felt empty, like echoes of a past that no longer had relevance. The reality was relentless; loss was inevitable. The number of fallen was increasing, and the soldiers were starting to look back, towards the escape route that seemed to get further away with each falling monster.
A dark shadow was thrown towards Alexis, and he had to react quickly. With a thoughtful movement, he blocked the attack with his shield, but the force of the impact almost caused him to fall. The creature, wounded, retreated for a moment, but others took his place.
As the fight continued, Santiago felt the weight of his decisions fall on him. He was the leader, but at that moment, the truth hit him with the force of a hammer. There were no reinforcements. This was the last defense, and if they fell, there would be no more hope. The earth itself seemed to swallow the spilled blood, while the cries of despair echoed in his ears.
The monsters continued their advance, relentless, like an overflowing river. Every movement became more difficult, and fatigue was beginning to take hold of the soldiers. Confidence, which had once been his greatest strength, had become a weight. Santiago saw a group of soldiers trying to regroup, but the moment they turned around, they were attacked. The screams of those who were falling echoed in his mind, a symphony of terror that he could not forget.
As the battle progressed, the reality of the situation became clearer. The casualties were devastating. Santiago was standing next to Savitar, fighting an endless wave of monsters. Fatigue was building up in their bodies, and each blow they gave was weaker than the previous one.
Savitar: "We can't take it anymore, Santiago. They're everywhere."
Santiago nodded, but in his mind, the question remained unanswered. How could they fight against something that seemed to have no end? Sweat trickled down his forehead, and the blood of his comrades covered his hands and his armor.
In a moment of desperation, a scream echoed in the distance. One of their magicians had fallen, and the spark of hope that had once lit up their hearts began to die out. The monsters, as if sniffing weakness, rushed with more ferocity, taking advantage of every small moment of doubt.
The streets of Juarez became a killing field. Shadows crept along the walls, and echoes of the battle filled the air. Santiago, Savitar and Alexis knew they couldn't back down. They had to fight, although every second that passed seemed like a shackle around their hearts.
The soldiers began to look towards the leaders, looking for direction, but despair was reflected in their eyes. Trust, which had once been a powerful bond, had become fragmented. The fighting became increasingly chaotic, and the lines blurred. Some, consumed by fear, began to retreat, breaking the formation.
Alexis: "No! Stay in formation! We cannot allow the line to be broken!"
But his words were ignored. Several warriors began to panic, and distrust grew like a spreading shadow. The casualties continued to pile up, and the creatures seemed to feed on terror, getting stronger and more numerous.
The fighting continued, but more and more warriors were fading into chaos. Santiago realized that they were losing not only the battle, but also themselves. Desolation took possession of his mind, and the certainty of defeat began to nestle in his heart.
In a last-ditch effort, they tried to regroup. Savitar, his voice filled with despair, shouted to his men.
Savitar: "Get together! We are stronger together! We will fight to the end!"
The words rang out, but the response was scant. Some soldiers began to join him, while others, completely consumed by fear, turned their backs and fled, leaving their comrades behind.
The battle became even more brutal. Santiago was forced to fight alongside Savitar, every blow a desperate attempt to hold the line. The determination of the leaders was strong, but the shadow of fear hung over them. Every creature that fell seemed to be replaced by two more, and the situation became more and more untenable.
Santiago: "Don't give up! Hold on a little longer!"
But deep down in his being, he knew that victory was a distant dream. Sweat and blood covered the ground, and the earth trembled under the burden of despair. The confidence that had once been her strength had become her greatest weakness, and the struggle for survival became a struggle for desperation.
Eventually, the night progressed, and the landscape of the battle was filled with shadows. The casualties became a constant, an endless echo of losses. The leaders were struggling, but reality was quickly catching up with them; the number of soldiers kept decreasing, and the darkness swallowed everything in its path.
Santiago felt trapped, watching as despair turned into chaos. The creatures did not cease, and each attack seemed to become more cruel and more merciless. The struggle was becoming more and more personal, and the loss of comrades felt like an open wound.
The battlefield was filled with whispers of agony, and the screams of his comrades became distant echoes. In the midst of the chaos, the struggle continued, but hope began to fade, like the last ray of light on a stormy day. The earth was shaking, darkness was looming, and the battle, which was once a struggle for life, became an attempt to survive
The three monsters emerged from the shadows, each with a presence that eclipsed any other creature the soldiers had faced before. The atmosphere became dense and oppressive, and a dark and evil energy emanated from their figures, causing the earth itself to tremble under their power.
Skeleton King:
The first of the three monsters, known as the "Skeleton King", slowly advanced from the gloom, his hulking figure composed of twisted bones and wrapped in ancient armor. His presence was so imposing that the very earth seemed to give way under the weight of his aura. The bones that made him up seemed to have fused with a dark power, creating a figure that defied all logic and nature. His face, a skull crowned with a helmet decorated with obsidian thorns, lacked eyes, but radiated a spectral light that penetrated the souls of the warriors. The dark energy emanating from him seemed to suck the warmth and hope out of everything around him, leaving a trace of pure despair.
The Angel of Nightmares:
Beside him, a figure shrouded in hellish flames soared into the air, unfurling wings made of shadows and fire. This being, known as the "Angel of Nightmares", was an amalgam of pure terror and distorted beauty. His skin seemed to be a combination of charred feathers and burning flesh, dripping liquid fire with every movement. On his chest, a molten human skull glowed with a demonic fire, as if the souls of the damned were its core. All around them, the air was distorted with the heat and suffering of the nightmares it brought with it, causing the soldiers on the field to begin to tremble and recoil at the sight of hell itself incarnate.
All around them, the air was distorted with the heat and suffering of the nightmares it brought with it, causing the soldiers on the field to begin to tremble and recoil at the sight of hell itself incarnate
Lizard Dragonic:
Finally, the third of these beings, known as "Lizard Dragonic", emerged from the shadows, his gigantic body covered with dark scales that shone like onyx under the light of the fire. His eyes, two abysses of red hatred, watched his enemies with a malevolence that only a primitive beast could exhibit. His jaw, full of sharp fangs and blackened by the flames, curved into a cruel grimace as a black fire rose from his throat. Every step he took made the earth tremble, as if the world itself feared his existence. Its tail, long and loaded with spikes, lashed the air with fury, destroying everything in its path as it advanced.
The three monsters stopped in unison, looking with contempt at the human leaders who remained standing, barely resisting the oppressive aura of terror that these beings emanated
The three monsters stopped in unison, looking with contempt at the human leaders who remained standing, barely resisting the oppressive aura of terror that these beings emanated.
Skeleton King: "So you are the leaders who have resisted so far? Pathetic."
The Angel of Nightmares: "Their hopes are as fragile as the fire that surrounds us. Burn with us in eternal darkness."
Lizard Draconic: "If they're as strong as they look... Face us! Prove it in this death camp. If we fall, the system will reward them with the victory they want so much."
At that moment, a cold, metallic sound echoed in the minds of all the combatants, as if the very system that governed this apocalypse had changed the rules of the game.
System: "New objective: To eliminate the provincial chiefs. Defeat Skeleton King, The Angel of Nightmares, and Lizard Draconic to secure the victory. The survival of humanity depends on it."
The leaders looked at each other, without uttering a word, aware of the gravity of the situation. This was the last obstacle, the last test. The confidence they had once felt began to fade, replaced by a cold, terrifying reality. There would be no reinforcements. There would be no second chances. If they fell, humanity would fall with them.
The final battle was about to begin, and the hope of humanity hung by a thread, supported only by the will and strength of those who dared to face the horrors of another world.
The first to step forward, determined to confront the three provincial chiefs, was Alexis. Without a word, he threw his cap aside and fixed his cold and calculating gaze on one of the monsters, choosing his opponent - Lizard Draconic. He pointed a finger at it, a gesture of defiance that resonated with the promise of destruction.
Alexis: "You will be the first to test my power as Mr. Ares' berserker."
Lizard Draconic, initially bored and confident, began to advance towards Alexis with a calculated calm, convinced that the human in front of him would be an easy prey. He did not perceive in Alexis any power that could pose a real threat.
But in an instant, the air around Alexis was charged with an explosive energy. A burst of power echoed in every corner of the paved streets, filling the atmosphere with a dark red wake. The divine energy of the god of war, Ares, merged with Alexis, covering her body with an aura that ran through every fiber of her being. His muscles, skin and soul became one, and an armor that seemed to be an extension of his own flesh formed around him. This armor, of a dark red hue, sizzled with electricity at such high temperatures that it became dangerous to be near him.
Alexis' anger, fueled by the deaths of so many of his comrades, erupted into a war cry. Without hesitation, he violently lunged towards Lizard Draconic. The beast, still shocked by Alexis' sudden transformation, barely had time to react before the berserker pounced on her with relentless fury.
The beast, still shocked by Alexis' sudden transformation, barely had time to react before the berserker pounced on her with an unrelenting fury
The first impact was brutal. Alexis rammed Lizard Draconic with the force of a meteor, his fist colliding directly into the monster's scaly chest. The sound of bones fracturing and flesh tearing echoed in the air, as Lizard Draconic retreated several meters, spitting out black blood that sizzled on contact with the ground.
The sky, tinged with an ominous crimson red, seemed to respond to the combat with flashes of lightning that snaked through the dark clouds, as if the cosmos itself were crumbling.
In the midst of that chaotic tempest, another of the leaders, a young warrior named Savitar, stepped forward. Her small but imposing figure stood tall with a determination that defied her youth. His eyes, fixed on the figure approaching from the gloom, radiated an iron confidence. In front of him, walked with silent steps and charged with ominous majesty The Angel of Nightmares, a being of pure darkness, whose black wings fluttered with a disturbing softness, as if cutting the air in silent syllables.
The angel stopped his advance a few meters from Savitar, slightly tilting his head, evaluating the young man with a look that seemed to pierce his soul.
The Angel of Nightmares: "I hope this match won't be as disappointing as the last one... Human."
The angel's words resounded with a cold echo, charged with a contempt that chilled the blood.
Savitar did not hesitate for an instant. With a fluid movement, he activated his dimensional inventory, materializing in the blink of an eye an arsenal of weapons and a black armor like the night. Each piece of the armor was adjusted to his body like a second skin, increasing his stats by 500%, granting him the strength and endurance necessary to face a being of such colossal power. Still young and not fulfilling the requirements to merge with his god, Savitar prepared for battle with the ferocity of an emperor who does not know defeat. From his gauntlets emerged two sharp blades that shone in the flickering light of the lightning, ready to tear the flesh of the enemy. Her eyes, filled with a burning determination, were riveted on the angel with a defiant look.
Savitar: "I will make you feel what this human is capable of, fallen angel..."
The tension in the air was palpable.
From one moment to the next, Savitar crouched down and threw his body forward with a speed that defied logic, turning into a blur of pure fury that tore through the battlefield. In the blink of an eye, he appeared in front of the angel, his fist charged with a destructive energy that sought to shatter the arrogance of the celestial being. The impact was brutal, but the next instant, the angel disappeared, leaving Savitar punching the void.
Before he could react, The Angel of Nightmares appeared behind his back, like an intangible shadow, and with a movement as fast as lethal, he traced a cut along Savitar's back. The black armor resisted the blow, but the force was such that it threw Savitar violently to the ground, raising a cloud of dust and debris. The young warrior rolled on the ground, getting up with difficulty, while he felt an intense burning in his back. The battle was just beginning, and Savitar knew that he was facing an opponent whose power surpassed anything he had faced before.
But in his eyes there was no fear, only a growing fury and an unrelenting determination.
The sky above them darkened even more, as if on the same night he had descended to witness the clash between light and darkness. The wind was howling, carrying with it the ashes of the crumbling world around him.
Savitar's every breath was a defiance of fate, his every heartbeat resonated with the promise of a bloody revenge. He knew that this would be a difficult fight, a battle that would test every last bit of his strength and will. But I also knew that I couldn't
While the battle between Savitar and The Angel of Nightmares raged with an intensity that shook the heavens, at another point of the battlefield only two beings of immense power remained standing, observing each other with icy and defiant gazes. On one side, the imposing Skeleton King, a spectral figure that radiated such an overwhelming presence that it made the air around him ripple with the sheer density of his magical power. Levitating above the ground was not a simple demonstration of his power, but a declaration of his contempt for anything earthly. In front of him, Santiago, a warrior whose imposing bearing and expression full of confidence left no doubt of his unshakable will.
Their intertwined gazes were like a clash of titans in themselves, a prelude to the destruction that was about to be unleashed. That moment, so full of tension that it seemed to slow down time, was the trigger. Both warriors, without uttering a word, let their energies manifest, unleashing their full potential in a show of inordinate power.
The Skeleton King was the first to unleash his fury. From their empty basins, a dark, malevolent light flared up like the glow of dying stars. With an inaudible roar, which was felt more than heard, he let out a surge of dark energy that spread in all directions. The vibrations of the sound were so powerful that the ground itself began to shake as if it was being torn from its entrails. The earth creaked and opened in deep cracks, and the echoes of that otherworldly roar made the air vibrate, as if the very fabric of reality was about to be torn apart.
But Santiago did not allow himself to be intimidated. He took a deep breath, invoking the indomitable will of Hestia, the goddess of sacred fire, whose powers burned within him like an incandescent sun. With an iron concentration, he gathered his energy in his hands, and with a titanic applause that resounded like the thunder of a thousand storms, he countered the dark energy with an overwhelming force. The clash of energies was so colossal that the entire battlefield shook violently. Both armies, who were watching their champions from afar, were pushed back, as if an invisible explosion had swept them away in its shockwave.
The ground beneath Santiago's feet became a sea of flames, Hestia's sacred fire springing up with an indomitable ferocity, painting the landscape a hellish red.
Santiago: "It looks like I'll have to be hard on you to win."
Santiago's words echoed through the chaos, his voice firm and determined, charged with a determination that knew no fear
Santiago's words echoed through the chaos, his voice firm and determined, charged with a determination that knew no fear. But in response, the Skeleton King showed neither fear nor doubt, but a strange joy, a spark of excitement that shone in his empty eyes.
Skeleton King: "Make me feel full of life... like when I walked among humans in the land of the living."
His words were a macabre irony, a statement that contained in itself a desire to revive what he had lost eons ago. But they were also a challenge, an invitation to a duel that transcended the mere physical battle, a clash of wills that would shake the foundations of what was left of the world.
And so, with the fury of two opposing gods, they both launched into the attack.
The Skeleton King displayed his dark power, materializing luminous tentacles that emerged from the shadows around him. Each of those tentacles, vibrating with a sinister energy, moved with the speed of lightning, cutting through the air in search of Santiago's flesh. The shadows came to life, dancing around the skeleton, amplifying its power, as it released dark energy outages that whistled into the air like screams of doomed souls.
Santiago, for his part, displayed all the strength of his muscular body, his huge hands intercepting the tentacles with an almost supernatural precision. Every time one of those energy whips approached, Santiago deflected it with a quick and accurate blow, his fists crossing the air with a power that could shatter mountains. The sound of metal echoing against the darkness filled the battlefield, creating a symphony of destruction.
But among the multiple attacks, one hid in the shadows of the others, a lethal cut that slipped through the tangle of tentacles. James saw him a second too late. The cut hit full on his chest, tearing his clothes and exposing his skin hardened by a thousand battles. The impact was brutal, pushing him back several meters, but his body resisted. Blood gushed from the wound, but Santiago did not stagger.
A defiant smile curved his lips, as the fire around him burned with even greater intensity. The Skeleton King had managed to mark him, but it wouldn't be enough to stop him. On the contrary, the injury only fanned the fury inside him.
The sky, now a canvas of lightning dancing in the middle of the darkness, witnessed how these two titans collided again and again, each blow charged with a force that shook the very firmament. The battle between Santiago and the Skeleton King was not just a physical confrontation, it was a struggle between life and death, between light and darkness, in a world teetering on the brink of total annihilation.
And the fate of the entire world hung by a thread in that macabre dance of destruction and power.
Alexis vs. Lizard Draconic
Alexis' first blow was devastating, his fist crashing into Lizard Draconic's chest with the force of a warhammer. The creature's hardened scales crunched under the impact, and a dry sound echoed out as the monster's ribs fractured. The black blood that gushed from his mouth left a slimy trail as the creature recoiled, reeling from the intensity of the blow. Alexis, feeling the resistance that was still left in the beast, knew that he had to go beyond his limits if he wanted to get out alive.
Lizard Draconic didn't let the pain stop him. With a roar filled with anger and despair, he charged at Alexis, his right claw extended in an attempt to tear him apart. Alexis reacted quickly, but it wasn't enough. The monster's sharp claw dug into his side, tearing through his flesh and piercing his intercostal muscles, while one of his ribs splintered from the force of the attack. Lacerating pain shot through Alexis' body. He was thrown backwards, his body crashing into a nearby rock. The impact was so strong that he felt his right collarbone fracture, sending a wave of pain through his arm.
The warrior could not afford to succumb to pain. Screaming through agony, she got up with difficulty, her breathing short and painful. Lizard Draconic was not going to give him rest. The creature leaped forward, its jaws gaping open to bite. Alexis, despite his injured body, managed to barely dodge, but the blow of the beast's tail hit him in the abdomen, making him bend in half. He felt his stomach compress, and air was forced out of his lungs, leaving him momentarily paralyzed.
With his stomach churning and a dull ache pulsing in his abdomen, Alexis gathered all his strength to fight back. His left fist, charged with what little energy he had left, slammed into Lizard Draconic's face. The monster's skull deformed under the pressure, and a cascade of black blood gushed from its broken snout. Alexis knew that this was the decisive moment.
Taking advantage of his enemy's momentary weakness, Alexis concentrated every ounce of his strength on one last blow. With a roar that echoed like thunder in the storm, his fist descended on the monster's skull, crushing it to the ground with tremendous force. The cracking sound of the skull bones breaking was deafening, and finally, Lizard Draconic lay inert, his lifeless body collapsing in on itself.
Alexis, panting and staggering, stood over the beast's corpse, his body trembling from the extreme exertion. Blood was gushing from his wounds, and every breath caused a sharp pain in his chest and abdomen. But in spite of everything, he had won. His gaze was fixed and hard, and although he knew he was at the edge of his strength, he stood firm, victorious but seriously injured.
Savitar vs. The Angel of Nightmares
Savitar looked at the Angel of Nightmares with a mixture of defiance and hatred. He knew that facing a creature of such power required everything he had, even beyond his limits. With one determined move, he activated his dimensional inventory, wrapping himself in a black armor that amplified his abilities, preparing for what he knew would be the fight of his life.
The angel was unfazed by Savitar's transformation, his cold and calculating gaze did not show any emotion. "I hope this fight won't be disappointing like the last one... Human," he said, his words laden with venom. Savitar didn't respond verbally, but his look said it all. With a fierce scream, he lunged forward, his black blades flashing as they sliced through the air.
The initial impact was brutal, but not in the way Savitar expected. The Angel of Nightmares vanished just before the blow could connect, appearing behind Savitar in the blink of an eye. Before the young warrior could react, he felt an explosion of pain in his back. The edge of the angel's sword pierced through his armor, tearing the right trapezius muscle and deeply lacerating the muscle tissue. A stream of blood gushed from the wound, as Savitar fell to the ground, rolling from the impact.
The pain was unbearable, but Savitar didn't have time to stop. With a superhuman effort, he got up, his back burning with searing pain. Every movement pulled at the torn muscles, and the metal of his armor felt like a dead weight. Savitar knew he couldn't let the angel overtake him in speed again. He concentrated all his energy, releasing a dark power wave that distorted the air around him, creating a momentary barrier that gave him precious few seconds.
The Angel of Nightmares came close again, but this time Savitar was ready. He barely dodged the attack, turning his body to avoid the blow and launching a counterattack with his blades. The angel was surprised by the rapidity of the movement, and one of Savitar's blades cut through the angel's ethereal skin, sending a blast of dark energy through his being. The angel grunted in pain, taking a few steps back.
But Savitar knew he couldn't let the angel regain control. With a cry of pure determination, he charged again, this time attacking with everything he had. Each blow was precise, and despite the pain in his back, he managed to hit the angel repeatedly, causing the creature to growl in pain and recoil even further. But The Angel of Nightmares wasn't finished. With a furious roar, he unleashed an energy attack that hit Savitar directly in the chest, shattering the chest plate of his armor and sending him flying backwards. The impact was so strong that one of his ribs was fractured, slightly puncturing his left lung, which caused Savitar to start coughing up blood.
I knew I was on the edge. The pain in his chest was unbearable, and every breath was a titanic effort. But he couldn't give up. With his vision clouded, he stood up once more, concentrating all his energy on one last attack. His blades flashed with a dark light, and with a final scream, he cut through the angel's chest, splitting it in two with deadly precision.
The Angel of Nightmares let out a scream of pure agony before disintegrating into nothingness. Savitar fell to his knees, coughing up blood, but victorious. His body was trembling from the effort, covered with wounds and on the verge of death, but he stood firm. She was barely breathing, each inhalation a reminder of her human frailty, but she knew she had won, albeit at a very high price.
Santiago vs. The Skeleton King
Santiago barely had time to react when the Skeleton King's energy swords rushed towards him. With a quick movement, he raised a shield that suddenly appeared in his hand, materializing from his dimensional inventory. This hidden space allowed him to store and access all his weapons in an instant, a skill that Santiago had perfected for battle.
The shield blocked the first attack, but the force behind the sword was tremendous. The impact echoed through his arm, and he felt his humerus crack from the pressure, sending a sharp pain that spread throughout his body. He gritted his teeth, his face a mask of determination, as he struggled to stay on his feet.
The Skeleton King, relentless, did not stop attacking. Another tentacle lunged at him, this time aimed at his leg. Santiago tried to dodge, but the sharp edge of the tentacle grazed his thigh, cutting through his armor and tearing the quadriceps muscle. The lacerating pain made him stagger, but he did not fall. With a mixture of fury and resistance, he let out a battle cry, and from his dimensional inventory materialized a heavy sword, lifting it with both hands, ignoring the pain in his arm.
The Skeleton King laughed in a hollow, sinister voice, as if mocking Santiago's desperate resistance. The tentacles were raised once more, preparing for the final blow, but Santiago was ready. With a quick and precise movement, he threw his shield towards one of the tentacles, deflecting its trajectory. At the same time, he threw his sword with brutal force towards the center of the skeleton's torso.
The sword, whose blade had been specially forged to break through the defense of his enemies, penetrated the Skeleton King's chest, piercing through the bone ribs that protected him. The skeleton let out a cry of pain, and for the first time, the arrogance in his laughter vanished. Santiago lunged forward, grabbing the hilt of his sword with both hands and, with a titanic effort, turned it inside the torso of the skeleton. The sound of bones breaking was deafening, and a blast of dark energy exploded outward.
The released energy threw Santiago backwards, making him crash against a rock with such force that he felt several vertebrae in his spine compress, sending a wave of pain through his back. His vision blurred for a moment, and a metallic taste filled his mouth as he started coughing up blood. The air felt heavy, every breath a reminder of the internal damage he had suffered. But it wasn't finished.
Coughing up blood, Santiago struggled to stand up. I knew I couldn't let the Skeleton King recover. Using his dimensional inventory once more, he summoned a new weapon: a long sword, the edge of which gleamed with a dark glow, ready for the final assault.
The Skeleton King, now seriously wounded, tried to launch a last desperate attack. Santiago dodged it with difficulty, his body screaming in pain with every movement. With a final scream, he charged towards the skeleton, his sword descending with a deadly bow.
The sword's edge cut cleanly through the skeleton's skull, splitting it in two. The Skeleton King let out one last shriek before collapsing, his bones crumbling into a cloud of dark dust.
Santiago, panting and covered with sweat and blood, remained standing on the remains of the Skeleton King. His muscles were trembling from the effort, and every wound on his body was burning with searing pain. But, in spite of everything, he had won. Extreme tiredness was written on his face, but his eyes shone with the determination of someone who had overcome the impossible. Santiago remained on his feet, triumphant, but aware that this victory had come at a high cost.
That day culminated in an overwhelming silence, in which the three leaders, barely standing, found themselves on the verge of despair. Their bodies were shattered, scarred by wounds and suffering. The armor, once bright and sturdy, now hung in tatters, torn and blackened by the fire of combat. The weapons that had once been his companions in battle, were broken and stripped of their glory. An air of palpable exhaustion filled the battlefield as they stared at each other, sharing a connection beyond words.
With a last effort, Santiago, Savitar, and Alexis let themselves fall to the ground, their tired and aching bodies touching the cold earth. They looked up at the sky, where the gray clouds were slowly dissolving, revealing a flash of light. At that instant, they raised their hands, a sign of triumph and resistance, and shouted in unison with a firm voice that echoed in the air:
Santiago: "We survived!"
An echo of his words was lost in the breeze, but in their hearts, victory was beating strongly. Euphoria began to replace the pain as they entwined in a brotherly embrace, celebrating the fact that they had faced monsters that would have made any warrior tremble.
In that moment of respite, the system, omnipresent and always vigilant, recognized his exploits. A series of bright lights emerged from the void, illuminating the field with an unearthly flash. Heaven seemed to respond to their effort, giving them rewards worthy of heroes. New armor and gleaming weapons materialized before them, each forged by their protective gods, as a symbol of honor and gratitude.
However, the real gift that awaited them was even more surprising. The system, in its infinite wisdom, had decided to grant them a singular gift. An egg, from a random divine beast, appeared in front of each of them, shining with a light that seemed to pulse with a life of its own. Its texture was soft, almost ethereal, with a design that reflected the colors of its gods. But there was a mystery in each of those eggs, a secret that would remain hidden until the day of its birth.
Savitar, with a smile that lit up his scarred face, held his egg, feeling the promise of a future. Alexis, with her intense and determined gaze, did the same, her mind already imagining the possibilities of what could arise from her gift.
The system spoke again, its voice echoing in their minds:
System: "Main event updated. Take Cordoba and free it from the evil god before the next wave. Time remaining: 1 month, 23 hours, 60 minutes."
The weight of responsibility hung over them, but instead of fear, they felt a renewed sense of purpose. The coming battle was not only a fight for survival, but a chance to take back what was once his. Looking at each other, with determination burning in their hearts, the three leaders knew that they were not alone. Together, they would face whatever challenges fate threw at them.