Chapter 11: Kai's Fury
The night was young as the carriage rolled efficiently through the streets toward the Western Gate. The Darkness Guild was making their escape. Feared in the Biola Kingdom for their meticulous planning, their operations were always handled with utmost priority, and tonight was no different.
The storm intensified, raindrops pelting the city as the five guards stationed at the gate remained vigilant. They sensed something strange in the air. While Imperial City was lively at night, especially with bars and casinos open, tonight felt distinctly different. The storm only thickened the tension, amplifying their unease.
Suddenly, a massive flash of lightning illuminated the sky, and the guards instinctively gripped their weapons, eyes fixed on several wooden carriages approaching the Western Gate. Each was driven by figures clad in black, an eerie sight against the backdrop of the storm.
"We need to stop them," one guard urged, his voice steady yet tinged with urgency. "They don't have permission to come this way; we haven't been informed of any carriages passing through from our superiors."
Before the guards could react further, several carriages screeched to a halt while others continued racing forward. The coordinated movements testified to the careful plotting behind this operation.
From the stopped carriages, masked figures emerged, their faces obscured. They summoned their Endowments, tendrils of shadow shooting through the night sky, incapacitating the guards with swift efficiency. Another figure stood atop a moving carriage, raising his right hand to summon the power of his endowment. Flames streaked through the air as he shot a fireball forward, packed with enough magical energy to melt the gates.
The plan unfolded smoothly, exactly as the Captain had described. They would escape the city without further trouble, leaving chaos in their wake.
Rumble!
The distant rumble of thunder echoed in the sky, several streaks of lightning flashing across the horizon. Gordon, sitting impatiently in one of the wagons where Cecilia was held, felt a wave of unease.
"What is going on?" he muttered, his eyes drawn to the erratic lightning. It felt unnatural—despite the storm, he had never seen such chaotic movements before.
And then it struck. A bolt of lightning, powerful and blinding, slammed into the carriage nearest to the Western Gate, sending a shockwave that tossed all nearby carriages into the air. Each crashed to the ground, and the horses were thrown violently, some collapsing upon impact.
The Captain was visibly startled. 'I didn't account for this,' he thought, turning his gaze to Gordon, who trembled, and to Cecilia, who was wide-eyed, her mind racing with questions about the sudden chaos.
"I want you to take her and escape," the masked man commanded. "Take her through the slums; there's an exit there. We'll deal with this inconvenience and catch up with you."
Gordon hesitated, wanting to voice his objections, but the masked man quickly added an irresistible incentive. "I'll double your payment if you just go without questions," he said, exiting the carriage, trusting Gordon's greed would compel him.
As Gordon complied, heaving Cecilia over his shoulder, he scurried out of the carriage.
As he ran, the smoke from the crater began to clear, revealing a figure standing within it. Gordon barely glimpsed the person, but the words that followed struck him to the core.
"Darkness Guild," Kai shouted, his voice transformed from that of a child into one echoing with power. "I know you have my sister! I want her back—if you dare to touch a single strand of hair on her head, I swear I'll end all of you!"
The timer still counted down in front of him, but he dismissed it as he flicked his finger. His powers crackled to life, and a gigantic bolt of lightning blasted forth, obliterating carriages and striking down members of the Darkness Guild in its path.
"Such raw, untamed power," the masked man said, nearly losing his balance from the force of the wind generated by the attack. "How could someone so powerful belong to the Brandon family?"
"I gave you a chance!" Kai shouted, his body blurring as he charged forward. The ground shattered beneath him, and he appeared in front of one of the masked figures, delivering a swift punch that sent the figure reeling.
Kai didn't hesitate; he moved quickly, his lightning-infused speed allowing him to intercept anyone who approached.
"Cecilia!" Kai shouted, searching for any sign of his sister. The desperation in his voice echoed through the night.
But the remnants of the Darkness Guild were unrelenting. More masked figures emerged from the shadows, each wielding their own powers, but they were no match for Kai's newfound strength. He struck with precision and fury, lightning crackling around him, illuminating the darkened streets of Imperial City.
As the battle raged on, Kai pressed forward, determined to reclaim his sister from the clutches of the Darkness Guild. The storm intensified, as if the very heavens were rallying behind him, fueling his resolve.
Kai launched another bolt of lightning toward the nearest masked figure, a powerful blast destroying not only the Masked figure but several fallen Carriages in the vicinity
With renewed determination, he pressed on, ready to face whatever the Darkness Guild had in store for him.
Kai didn't hesitate for a moment, feeling the surge of energy coursing through him, a potent reminder of his power. He savored the raw essence of magic that lingered on his lips—a show that the power of a god was not a joke. Shadows spiraled into the air around him, attempting to ensnare him in their dark embrace yet his focus sharpened. He turned to confront the one bold enough to challenge him.
A masked figure stood before him, eyes pulsating with crackling energy, reflecting the stormy chaos that surrounded them. This was no ordinary opponent; he recognized this character from the Character Art section, a prominent figure in the future war. A key player who had helped tip the scales in favor of Biola. The Darkness Guild had long operated in the shadows under the command of the King, and this individual was crucial to their dark agenda. Yet, as Kai met the gaze of his adversary, he felt no nostalgia, only an overwhelming desire to seek revenge against them.
The tendrils of shadow stretched closer, wrapping around his arms, but Kai's resolve was unshakeable. He wouldn't allow anyone to hold him back. With a determined shrug, he broke free from the dark grasp, feeling the power of his endowment surging within him. Lightning crackled in response to his will, illuminating the night with flashes of brilliance.
"Insolent fool!" Kai exclaimed, his voice resonating with fury and authority. He thrust his hands forward, channeling the raw energy that coursed through him. Several bolts of lightning shot from his fingertips, illuminating the darkened street like a celestial display. Each bolt streaked toward the masked figure, carrying with it the promise of retribution.
The masked figure braced himself, but Kai's power was overwhelming. The lightning struck with a resounding crack, the impact reverberating through the air and illuminating the shadows that cloaked the alleyway. The masked figure staggered back, his confidence wavering as he felt the might of Kai's fury.