On the television screen, the face of a news anchor appeared pale, his eyes full of concern as he reported the latest news. "We have just received reports that the alien invasion has spread across the globe. Major cities in various countries are now in a state of emergency."In a destroyed home, a small family gathered in front of a still-working television, though its screen was cracked. The father, his face filled with sorrow and despair, clenched his hands, his voice trembling. "We have to leave. We can't stay in this place that's no longer safe. But where? There's no safe place left in this world."His wife, holding their young child in her lap, shook her head gently. "There’s nothing we can do. All we can do is hope... hope that someone comes to save us."In another part of the city, a group of people gathered outside the large building that served as Victor’s headquarters. One man, with eyes full of respect and hope, spoke loudly to the others. "Victor will protect us. He saved
In the heart of Arcadia, the safe zone established by Victor Draven grew increasingly crowded with people seeking refuge. His towering skyscraper stood as a beacon of hope amidst the surrounding devastation. But for Victor, this was more than just a heroic act—it was an opportunity to build a loyal army, bound only to him.The recruitment process within the safe zone was meticulously organized. Victor didn’t want just anyone in his ranks. In the skyscraper’s grand lobby, a long table was set up specifically for registration and selection. Young men eager to join had to undergo rigorous screening.First, they faced intense physical tests under the supervision of seasoned fighters who had long served Victor. These tests were designed to measure strength, endurance, and basic combat skills. Only those who passed with satisfactory results could proceed to the next stage.Next, they underwent psychological evaluation. Victor wanted to ensure that only those with high loyalty and strong men
In the high-ceilinged meeting room at the Ironfist family stronghold, Liam gathered Evan, Aria, and several of the family elders. The room was dimly lit by oil lamps, casting a serious atmosphere that reflected the gravity of the situation.Liam stood at the head of a large table, with a map of Arcadia spread out before him. The map highlighted various locations, including the dimensional gate still open in the city. After a moment, Liam looked at those assembled, his expression conveying determination and resolve."Thank you for coming," Liam began, his voice authoritative. "The situation in Arcadia is worsening. We know that the dimensional gate open in the city could bring new threats. We must act swiftly to close this gate before things spiral out of control."Evan and Aria stood by Liam’s side, ready to listen to their next instructions. The elders of the Ironfist family also paid close attention, fully aware of the seriousness of the matter.Liam continued, "After considering al
Isolde Vesper walked slowly along the main road of the safe zone, her silver eyes sweeping over the disheartening sights around her. Starving and exhausted refugees lay on the sidewalks, some curled up under tattered blankets, trying to survive the cold night air. The ruined buildings and makeshift tents bore silent witness to the destruction and suffering that had befallen the city.Isolde moved gracefully, her long white hair cascading down her back, a stark contrast to the darkness and despair surrounding her. She was a striking figure, not just for her beauty but for the calm and determination evident in every movement. Yet, beneath that serene exterior, her heart was in turmoil.As she walked, a few refugees looked at her with desperate hope, wishing she brought good news or at least some aid. But Isolde could only bow her head slightly, feeling powerless despite being an executive with authority.As she passed a nearly collapsed tent, Isolde heard a faint voice from behind her,
Under the bright morning sky, ten members of the scouting team stood tall in front of the main gate of the Ironfist family's residence. A cold wind blew, carrying with it the whispered prayers of the families standing behind them, sending the scouts off with a mixture of hope and worry. The ten members consisted of seven men and three women, each standing with their heads held high, ready to face the dangers that awaited them in the otherworld.Among them, a young woman stood calmly, though her heart pounded with nervousness. She was Celeste Ironfist, the granddaughter of the Ironfist family leader and a direct cousin of Liam Ironfist. She was of the same age as Evan and Aria, but the determination in her eyes showed that she was ready to face whatever awaited beyond the dimensional gate. Despite mastering all the martial arts of the Ironfist family, Celeste knew she still lacked field combat experience. However, the courage and confidence inherited from her family made her undaunted.
When Isolde arrived at the scene of the attack, the sight that greeted her was far from ordinary. Victor’s usually confident forces were now cowering in fear behind the ruins of buildings, their weapons clutched tightly but lacking the courage to advance. The atmosphere was tense, the air heavy with the faint smell of gunpowder and blood.“What’s happening here?” Isolde asked firmly, her gaze sweeping the area in search of any hidden threats.Before anyone could answer, a high-pitched sound broke the silence. An arrow shot swiftly from the shadows, aimed directly at Isolde. But with remarkable reflexes, Isolde quickly raised her hand and caught the arrow in mid-air, as if catching a small ball.However, as her fingers gripped the arrow’s shaft, Isolde sensed something unusual. A sharp, foreign odor—like burning gunpowder—emitted from the arrowhead. Instantly, realization dawned on her. This was not just an ordinary arrow; it was an explosive arrow designed to obliterate its target wit
Under Liam’s strong leadership, the team formed a defensive circle. Aria, Celeste, and Merlin, who served as the medic, were positioned at the center of this protective formation.The seven men with shields carefully positioned themselves, raising their shields to deflect the relentless rain of arrows. Each shield clanged loudly as arrows struck, the sound echoing through the dense fog.Liam, standing resolute outside the circle, shouted loudly to keep everyone focused and vigilant. “Stay alert! Maintain your positions!”Meanwhile, Aria used wind magic to help deflect arrows that slipped past the shields. The powerful wind she generated blew some arrows off course, reducing their speed and accuracy.Celeste, despite her fear, remained focused on her role. She prayed that the shields would hold against the continuous barrage. Beside her, Merlin tried to calm Celeste and provide medical support if needed.The ongoing onslaught of arrows kept them all on edge, but thanks to Liam’s strate
Liam and the rest of the team were finally able to take a slight breath of relief as the rain of arrows ceased. Though still cautious, the team felt a bit more at ease after surviving the wave of attacks.However, their relief was short-lived. A loud explosion echoed from the distance, reverberating through the fog. Aria, who had been trying to regain some strength after protecting the team with her wind magic, was immediately alarmed. Her expression turned to one of worry as she realized the source of the explosion.“It must be Evan!” Aria shouted, panic-stricken, her voice breaking through the chaos. “He’s fighting out there!”Liam responded quickly, his eyes filled with concern. “We can’t just stay here. If Evan needs help, we must move fast!”He ordered the team to prepare, despite some members still being injured from the previous attack. “Everyone, get ready to move. We need to catch up with Evan and make sure he’s safe!”Aria, still anxious, helped tend to some of the injured t