Third day of posting 5 chapters in a week.
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[Arthur Watts]
As I enter the Queen of Grimm's throne room, my heart races with fear. I knew I had to report to her that the weaknesses I had placed in the Atlas system had been purged, and my contacts had either been captured or fled the kingdom, fearing a similar fate.
The thought of another person, a genius hacker, manipulating everything behind the scenes filled me with dread almost as much as facing Salem herself with the bad news.
Unable to meet her gaze, I walk with my head lowered until I kneel before her as I near the throne.
"Your Majesty…" I begin, my voice firm but trembling inside. "I have news about Atlas."
Cold sweat drips from my forehead as I wait to be answered by her cold, powerful voice. But after several minutes of silence, I receive nothing.
I swallow my fear and hesitation, slowly lifting my eyes to encounter a horrifying scene.
Salem sits on her throne surrounded by Seers, Grimm creatures resembling jellyfish that she typically uses as espionage drones. But now the monsters' tendrils are embedded in her flesh, pumping what seems to be red energy into her body. Despite the Queen of Grimm showing no signs of pain or discomfort, the veins in her face and neck throb as if they were about to explode.
"By the Gods." The words escape my lips, drawing the attention of another being in the room.
"She is surely divine, my dear Watts." A voice cackles, emerging from the darkness of a pillar.
"Tyrian?" I question, surprised.
Tyrian Callows' manic laughter echoes through the chamber, sending a shiver down my spine. His laughter is frenzied, and his eyes gleam with a wild, insane light.
I take a step back, trying to put some distance between us, but Tyrian quickly closes the gap. His tail lashes the air menacingly as he advances toward me. I can see the poisonous barbs at the tip of it gleaming in the dim light of the chamber.
"Arthur Watts," Tyrian growls, his voice shifting from cheerful to low and threatening. "May I know what you wish with our Goddess?"
My heart pounds in my chest as I try to think of the best way to respond. Tyrian is Salem's most fanatical servant, and he is known for his brutal methods and unpredictable temper.
"I came to update your Majesty on the situation in Atlas, as she had asked of me." I affirm, my voice trembling.
Once he realizes that my presence is by Salem's will, Tyrian reduces his intensity slightly, satisfied with my response.
"But I see I must come another time, since she is… indisposed." I continue, returning my gaze to her throne.
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Tyrian exclaims, clapping his hands cheerfully. "Our Goddess felt an ancient and powerful Grimm awakening, but due to the great distance, she couldn't pinpoint its exact location."
I look at the Seers, the creatures pulsating with red energy, their ethereal forms flickering as they connect to Salem. The sight is both fascinating and terrifying. The energy flowing through them seems to amplify the already imposing presence of the Queen of Grimm.
"So..." I begin, my cautious voice reflecting my apprehension. "The Grimm connected to her... they're amplifying her influence?"
Tyrian spins toward me, his eyes glowing with an intensity that makes me step back once again.
"Ah, Watts. Always so insightful." He says, his voice a mix of madness and admiration. "Yes, the Seers are amplifying our Goddess's influence. They are her eyes and ears, extending her reach beyond what we mere mortals can comprehend."
"But why is she doing this?" I ask, curious.
In response, the scorpion assassin steps closer to me, the stinger of his tail swinging dangerously near my face, enough that I can smell the acidic scent of his venom. I stay firm, trying not to show my discomfort. Tyrian continues, his tone shifting to something almost serious.
"Cinder's plans are delayed, and the probability of them succeeding is lower than yours of surviving my venom HUAHAHAHA!" My stomach churns with the manic laughter punctuating his veiled threat. "Our Queen is seeking alternatives, and this humble servant is here to ensure no one will interfere."
The assassin finishes, removing his stinger from my face.
I adjust my clothes, smoothing out the lapels of my suit as I try to regain my composure. Tyrian's threats shake me, but I try not to show it visibly. I maintain a cold, calculated expression, despite the cold sweat running down my back.
"What kind of Grimm did our Queen sense?" I ask, my voice firm, no trace of fear.
Tyrian, still wearing that manic grin, steps closer once more, his eyes gleaming with an almost childlike excitement.
"Curious, aren't you?" He asks with a wide, intimidating smile. "It's a Leviathan Grimm, ancient as Monstra."
[Audra Taurus]
I gritted my teeth and continued to fight as the swarm of raptors advanced. Behind me, I could hear Sienna's orders to retreat with the soldiers out of ammunition. We had to hold these monsters off long enough for them to get organized.
The Pride of Steel, dressed in their powerful armor, were a blessing that literally fell from the sky to help. Few of them were real fighters, but the thick plates of their armor could withstand the Terror Raptor's bite without even a scratch, turning the small Grimms into insects crushed by their hands and hammers.
"ROOOOOOOOOOOOA!" Roars a single-headed Terror Rex approaching.
"The problem now is just the big Grimms." I muttered, frustrated.
But before the creature could get any closer, something hits it in the face.
"VARÃO ARC!" A familiar voice shouts from above. "GROW!"
A red wooden staff stretches, hitting the creature directly in the eyes, making it take a step back.
"What the hell is that?" I ask, stunned.
Then the staff anchors to the ground and begins to shrink. When I look at who is on the other end, I can't help but smile.
"Took you long enough, Nikos!" I exclaim, waving at the redhead coming down to the ground.
With the help of the staff, Nikos had managed to cushion her fall after jumping from a transport jet I hadn't seen before.
"It's not my fault." The redhead complains, brushing the excess sand off her clothes. "I'm babysitting 14 prisoners in power armor and 4 robots."
"Robots?" I ask, curious.
KABOOOOOM!
I turn toward the explosion and feel confused and relieved when I realize it's in the middle of the grimm, followed by more explosions.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
When I look at the cause of the explosions, I'm surprised to see a mohawked chicken robot holding a black fuse bomb in each hand, similar to ones in old cartoons.
"Nikos?" I murmur, jaw dropped. "Where did that thing come from?"
"From the same place those three did." The redhead answers, pointing in another direction.
My eyes widen at the carnage the three robots are bringing down upon the Grimms.
RRRIP! VRRRM! RRRIP! VRRRM!
A red robot was throwing circular saws with inhuman speed at the enemy forces; with each saw, it killed three raptors before they lost power and fell, while for the larger monsters, it was able to slice off one of their legs, leaving the chicken robot to finish them with its bombs.
In another corner, a robot with a yellow head and red limbs was throwing giant rocks as if they were tennis balls.
POW! CRUNCH! POW! CRUNCH!
At first, the rocks seemed to fall randomly, but the last orange one was shooting concrete that hardened in less than a second, creating instant walls that funneled the Grimms and delayed their advance.
[Image]
"Now, if you'll excuse me." The redhead said, wielding her staff. "I need to take out my anger and frustration on an army of Grimms."
Surprised by the reinforcements taking over the battlefield, I begin to laugh with relief. With the arrival of Boudica Nikos and her fighters, this battle went from a lost cause to a possible victory.
"And if my idiot blonde angel has anything to say about it." I turn, staring at the Dread Shadow in the distance, writhing in pain with explosions coursing through its body. "We've already won."
[Jaune Arc]
I wake up drenched in sweat, my vision blurry and my ears buzzing.
"Fuuuuuck." I complain, getting up, not realizing the straps are loose.
Fortunately, everything clears up quickly, and to my surprise, I discover that my vision is sharper than ever, the smells are stronger, and my hearing is picking up sounds and noises that were once imperceptible to me.
"It feels like I woke up in a world with better resolution." I comment, astonished by the changes. "Is this because the Extremis Virus upgraded a body that had already been modified by the super soldier serum?"
As soon as I take a step forward, I notice that my boot had exploded from the inside out.
"What?" I look down and realize the reason. "Am I taller?"
{{Cool, right?}} Church asks, appearing in front of me.
But this time, he's not a hologram projected by my Stark Tech watch or an AR image projected on my Scouter. He looked like a realistic action figure of a Spartan II in blue armor holding a sniper rifle.
With wide eyes, I extend my finger, trying to interact with the little figure.
{{Don't even think about it!}} The little being exclaims, floating in front of me.
"He-he." I chuckle awkwardly, scratching the back of my neck. "Sorry."
{{With the help of the virus, you've undergone an enhancement process, blending the SPARTAN-II program by Dr. Catherine Halsey and Project Freelancer by Dr. Leonard Church. The implants in your brain are what allow you to see me as real. It will also help guide you while you fight more effectively.}}
"Wait a second." I ask, surprised. "Do I have all the modifications from both projects?"
{{Not everything, but some of the best hits from each.}} Church comments, projecting a model of my body, but transparent with organs and bones visible. {{You're too old for the full process from Halsey, and I don't have all the resources needed to implant what the director did with the Freelancers. The Extremis Virus, guided by me, along with the extra nutrients from the senzu bean, helped a lot, but I don't do miracles.}}
I'd like to ask more, but a beastly screech reminds me of the situation we're in.
"SKRYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAK!"
I frown immediately, turning back to Church.
"Keep updating me while we fight."
{{Roger that!}} The AI responds, saluting.
I walk to the cabinet, grab my 'bag of holding' with some magical items inside, and then test my equipment to see if it still fits.
"The clothes and armor are stretching without tearing and don't hinder my movement." I Say testing my equipment. "The sword and the lawgiver still fit in my hand, although uncomfortable. Now, the shield…"
I look with regret at the first item I created with magic in this world. Maybe I can adjust the straps with Ruby's help, but for now, it didn't fit on my arm.
"Next time, old friend." I mutter sadly, leaving the shield behind in the cabinet.
Equipped with my sword, gun, and backpack, I head to the cargo ramp of the Black Bird.
"Fly 20 meters(65f) over the Dread Shadow."
I feel the ship move and take out two green emeralds from the bag of holding.
"Hope you guys obey me." I mutter, breaking the jewels in my hands.
As they start to glow, I release them, their light illuminating the darkness around us. But before they could touch the floor of the ship, two strange figures emerged from within them. They were made entirely of swirling white and gray winds, their shimmering, ethereal forms in the dim light of the Black Bird's interior standing over three meters (10 feet) tall.
These are air elementals, and they looked at me as if awaiting orders.
"Awesome!" I exclaim, flashing a wild smile. "When I jump, you're going to guide my fall, make me land on the bird."
In response, the beings swayed what seemed to be their heads, as if agreeing with what I said.
"After that, each of you is going to one of its wings, try to destabilize it and bring it down. But even if you don't succeed, keep trying to hindering it."
The beings once again responded with a confirming swaying.
"I need your help, Church."
{{Just say the word.}} The AI responds, excited for the fight. {{Want a battle plan, enemy info breakdown, or a review of your enhancements?}}
"Play 'Kickstart My Heart'."
...
{{Seriously?}} The AI asked, irritated.
"On the ship's system."
{{SERIOUSLY?}} The AI shouted, frustrated.
Instead of responding, I throw one leg back and place both hands on the ground, as if in a starting position.
Even though Church is angry at my request, Motley Crew's music started playing on the ship.
{When I get high, I get high on speed
Top fuel funny car's a drug for me
My heart, my heart
Kickstart my heart}
The elementals, sensing my intentions, move to my side, dissolving their humanoid forms while covering me with their winds.
{Always got the cops coming after me
Custom built bike doing 103
My heart, my heart
Kickstart my heart}
As the music echoes through the Black Bird's speakers, I feel a rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins. Subconsciously, my implants are helping my body prepare for battle.
{Ooh, are you ready girls?
Ooh, are you ready now?}
My muscles tense, ready to launch me forward at top speed. My heart races, pumping blood and oxygen to every part of my being. Everything around me seems to slow down, as if time itself had slowed, but it's my perception and reaction that are accelerating.
{Whoa, yeah
Kickstart my heart, give it a start
Whoa, yeah
Baby}
I shoot forward at full speed, faster than I've ever run in my life, two tornadoes surround me, propelling and guiding me as I leap.
{Whoa, yeah
Kickstart my heart, hope it never stops
Ooh, yeah
Baby, yeah}
"LEEROY JENKIS!" I scream, laughing loudly, falling towards the Dread Shadow.
The wind howled in my ears as I fell. My skin felt the resistance of the air as if it were liquid. Not knowing whether this was caused by the alteration in my nervous system or brain, I enjoyed the strange sensation with my eyes closed until I felt the tornadoes around me slowing my fall.
"It's showtime, motherfucker!" I exclaim, landing on the back of the monster.
"SKRYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAK!" The beast screeches, writhing, trying to throw me off its back.
Trying to avoid that fate, I throw myself forward, grabbing a clump of feathers hard as steel with my right hand and pressing my feet into the creature's back. At that moment, I realized I forgot one small detail.
"I'm still barefoot." I mutter, spending my Aura to activate my Semblance, summoning what looks like a dark gray caulk gun into my left hand. "Guess I'll go John McClane on this shit."
Running with a low posture and my right hand pressed against the creature's back, I leave a series of 'X's' along the Dread Shadow's spine, until I reach its skull and leap forward, landing on the monstrous vulture's beak.
It stares at me with its left eye, that massive orb measuring three meters in diameter.
With my right hand gripping the beak, I show the small gadget and speak before pulling the trigger.
"Yippee ki yay, motherfucker!"
Then all the X's on the Dread Shadow's spine, drawn with the 'bat-explosive gel', detonate.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
"KAAAAAAAAAAA!" Dread Shadow agonizes, feeling its back explode in several spots.
"HA! I blew your back out." I mock the monster, dematerializing the Batman gadget to draw my sword. "Flame on!"
The creature's eyes widen as it sees my flame ignite near its eyes.
"MORRE DEMONIO!" I scream in portuguese, driving the sword into the monster's eye.
"HIIIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" The creature shrieks, finally beginning to fall.
The monster must have been over twenty meters long from head to claws, which is why it was so difficult to destabilize. But with the elementals on its wings, the explosions in its spine, and now the burning puncture in its eye, it had no other fate but to fall into the sands of Menagerie.
With the certainty that the creature would fall, I manifest a parachute and jump away from it. At a safe distance, I pull the cord.
As I float, I can't help but feel a sense of pride wash over me. Although it's not dead, the Dread Shadow is a formidable opponent, and I'm happy to have grounded it before it could cause more damage.
"But I still have to finish it." I murmur, checking my aura level that Church has displayed in my vision.
{99.83%}
"Not bad." I say, pleased with the number.
Confident in my aura reserves, I manifest in my hand a white and blue board, appropriately sized for me. It's the extreme gear used by the blue hedgehog in the game Sonic Rider Zero Gravity. I step onto the board and feel my body float, I dissolve the parachute and fly toward the grimm lying in the desert of Menagerie.
As I approach the monstrous creature, I feel discomfort on my skin, something I haven't felt at any point in the fight so far.
Just a moment ago, the creature was thrashing and agonizing, but now it was still, lying in the sands of Menagerie, making me suspect something was wrong.
Up close, I notice two things. First, the monster is not disintegrating, meaning the Dread Shadow is still alive. But the thing that catches my attention the most is that the creature seems... calm.
"Too calm." I murmur, concerned.
I slow my approach, circling the body until I'm in front of its face.
"Just like its spine, the eye has regenerated." I mutter in frustration.
Even though I'm frustrated with the regeneration of the creature, It's nothing compared to the behavior that takes me by surprise next.
"Mwah ha ha HA!" The giant grimm laughs.
The laugh echoes across the desert, sending chills down my spine. It's a guttural, low, unearthly laugh as you'd expect from a monster like that, but it's also feminine.
"Little pawn of Ozma." The voice resonates, coming from the Dread Shadow's throat. "No matter how many generations pass my old lover, your pawns keep trying…"
Something seems to suffocate me. I feel a pressure rising throughout my body. A presence similar to what I feel when I hold a Dust crystal while absorbing it. But while Dust crystals could be compared to glasses or buckets of water, in front of me I feel a whole ocean.
"And they keep failing." She ends by pointing out with disgust and disdain evident in her tone.
With my heart pounding, I didn't need to think for more than a second to understand who was in front of me.
"Salem," I murmur, feeling my blood turn cold.