Multiple silhouettes resided in a dilapidated chamber that constantly shook with lowly vibrations causing an eerie hum that pierced the ears. Black plumes of smog surrounded this crumbling chamber in a void where only a crimson moon could be seen through the dense haze, its rays casting over a glistening red pool.

Muddled books were strewn and hanging from sagging bookshelves dotted around the figures. Beyond that, a cracked mural laid on the back wall facing directly with the crimson moon. Constructed from reddish glass depicting a battle littered with corpses cowering, a man standing in the center reigning over destruction holding a brimming book of light. In front of this display, a desk stood which a figure was situated behind facing the rest with a composed posture. Unlike its scenery the wooden desk was pristine unaffected by its surroundings, not a speck of decay was present. Upon closer inspection there were three figures, the one sitting behind the desk wore full black clothing nearly, seamless almost as if constructed from darkness his attire looked like the void around him, alluding that his body parts not covered were floating or.. perhaps they truly were.

His appearance was that of a middle-aged man, with strong striking features such as notable black skin lining his cheeks like gills. Donning short grey hair parting at the side, the man seemed robust with his gaudy figure, bulging clothing- even his hands, face brimmed with a muscled physique. What's more his eyes were split with double irises in each radiating a deep gold. "It's been a while Morel, still must we meet in this place?" One of the two standing figures spoke coyishly.

"..Hmph have you got the report, Carolin I dislike stalling." Morel huffed, shifting his hands together... Trickles of sweat dripped down her forehead. "Ah. Yes sorry." Carolin quickly kneeled facing the ground with a stern expression, watching the drudge fill around her shoes. Then gestured to the figure beside her. Who resembled an animatronic doll, with somewhat robotic movements pulled out an envelope. "Give him the envelope Alsin." With haste Alsin placed it onto the desk, stepping from the shadows, rays of light beamed down causing Alsin's porcelain mask to shimmer. With its finer details exposed the mask was marble white with splotches of gray and silver lining the edges, angled ruby lines were marked along the eye slits. Behind these slits a darkness was present, to onlookers it looked like an abyss Morel watched this as Alsin approached placing the files down.

Stepping back Alsin assumed the same position, briefly gazed at Carolin then kneeled awaiting Morel's response. The room slightly rumbled once more subtle plumes of dust, decay wafted stuffing the air while he opened the file focused on its contents. Alsin idly watched withered banners tugged by violent gusts, slowly pondering.. Could only think isolation upon the surroundings. Morel drew breath, slightly exhaling "This list shows some promising candidates. Although much are lackluster." Shortly Carolin retorted getting up, "Times have changed, officially we are at peace." she uttered in a low somber tone... Morel grimaced "I'd like to begin testing soon as possible with some of the less promising. This is our only option."

"What of the council?" Alsin stated void of emotion, appearing uninterested in the topics discussed. "...The council? They are ignorant of what we need. Once our project is done there'll be no reason to worry about them," A dangerous glint reflected off his eyes. "If successful we will have powerful disposable aids, something they sorely lack." Morel laughed "Anyone particular you think would be best suited?" Finishing, he looked towards Carolin. "I have a few in mind but no specifics yet I'll need more time." she paused. "Using the entrance exams would be a good way to gauge more subjects n-" "An acceptable proposition Carolin don't disappoint me." Leaning in Morel interjected. "Leave."

Carolin inwardly sighed then bowed giving respect, the sooner I get out of this dimension the better... Still with a stern expression she turned, approaching glowing slits of light. Momentarily pausing glancing behind still Alsin stood motionless. "Alsin we are leaving, come." Bowing once more, now with Alsin in tow they both retracted from the void as white light overtook them. The white light fully dispersed its shine no longer casting over the chamber's revolting display, beyond the constant grumble and this room it was truly a void of nothing. Morel watched the bleakness before him, with small elation he smiled. "Just like home." But only lasting a moment, a sour expression surfaced looking to his side.

A vile puddle seeped up, encroaching from the floors cracks forming into one body. "Now wasn't the best time to make your lovely presence known." With a sarcastic tone Morel stared at the floor, the ebony sludge fully formed on its surface multiple paled faces contorted in terror, dread bubbled to the top each haphazardly aligned, looking at Morel intently. ".. Flattery is un..necessary, as I am just but the follower of him." The faces talked in unison, various insects grazed along the skulls, some even cannibalizing themselves or just gorging on the decaying flesh, revolted Morel. "What has he come for this time?"

"He... Desires weapons.." Its raspy voice irritated Morel's ears, as he looked down in disdain. "Your master will get his shipment soon." ... "Patience wanes. He won't wait forever." Expressing is final words the ooze shortly dissolved vanishing from sight. Leaving only a horrid stench in its absence Morel's nose curled. "Repugnant creature." mumbling Morel reached for the report once more looking over its contents in further detail.

.

...

"I Scripts of Revelation"

In lamination, in aftermath of destruction darkness first reigned, one basked standing in its wake. With burning desire he chose the path of unceasing torment. In fury, insatiable hatred consumed him, fervently he cleansed the land of life, his ire knew no peace. Seeking annihilation, utter agony to those who had turned steel against him...In gasping breaths they called him, "The Betrayer."

Forsaken, consumed by thy powers he sought, his entirety bound to its whims. A force unchained, no longer restrained within shackles of the mighty, The Betrayer with savagery carved out the world, changing and dividing it opening gates of the underworld and others alike. Remaining clutched, drenched in overwhelming desire preyed upon the weak consuming their very essence, passed through dimensions cutting the worlds divide never to be witnessed again.

"II Scripts of Revelation"

Dedicated to his command, in baptism of blood none was forgiven all guilty, by thy divine judgement. Persecuted, by the lords and those whose ideals desired, such in chains were sent to death in pits of holy-flame. Those swearing allegiance, spared from righteous light. No salvation waited, for those succumbed to temptations of otherworldly power were left to rot, discrimination beckoned them who had crossed the barrier, judged on the lesser.

"

...

Sunlight faded, its embrace slowly lost, dusk's twilight ensued shadows crept, encroaching from various depths they soon enveloped the scenery in a penumbra of darkness. With the sun's warmth receding, no longer in the rays grasp the forest chilled, twitching countless shadows bulged, distorting with rapid contortions... Low growls emanated blanketing all directions in an eerie moan as if the forest itself cried.

In the distance violent plumes of dirt, gravel were kicked leaving a trail of smoke galloping stallions, full black in leather studs, bolted down a forested path. In their wake a wooden carriage was pushed ragged, multiple indents rested along its frame with torn flaps it rattled haphazardly. Occasionally the carriage blew open tugged by strong winds, sending striking chills. Flickering rays of twilight beamed in, illuminating the interior. Flashes of numerous figures revealed themselves, sitting inside shrouded in uncertainty most covered wearing various masks, large coats shrouding what laid beneath...

Slight rumbling emanated below, the carriage jolted, white smoke slowly seeped through the seams. Large geysers of smog sprouted, filling the area with a dense haze. Even so as the lowly smog clogged up the surroundings covering the area in a coat of white still, the swirling whips didn't deter the coachman nay speed increased further as the reins were loosened. Shortly distant howls echoed, twisting around the surroundings as the light retracted further to which only darkness reigned. Hastily galloping through the dense vegetation, much of their view was obscured causing anxiety to arise within the stallions hearts...

With vigilance the old coachman's face stiffened, noticing subtle movement in the distance squinting when needles ran along his arm. Catching breath he quickly lit the side lamp, illuminating the path albeit barely. Finished, a cord was pulled, connected to the carriage with it a metallic bell rang, stirring the passengers. Alerted many turned tense, gazing out the carriage after a brief exchange of glances a figure stood slowly approaching the carriages rim, peaking outside. Fluttering the person's grey-cloak revealed plated armor supplemented with leather, moonlight glinted off its back. It was pristine, only a few inside were surprised while the rest remained stoic, tightly gripping on steel.

Fierce gales rushed past, causing the long white hair to go wild. With keen steps the figure held their mask keeping it from flying away, slowly moved to the front were the coachman resided. "They've already come, Herald?" A low voice spoke from behind the mask, with a slight lisp. ... Herald turned, facing the voice briefly resting his eyes on the strange mask, its appearance that of a demonic skull.

"It appears so.." With shallow breaths Herald spoke, gesturing to the nearby brush lining the path. Parted much of the plant life constantly twisted, bending from some unknown force. Further lingering within the treeline a low tapping radiated followed by wretched howls, solidifying his previous statement. Large silhouettes moved throughout the shadows, just beyond lights reach. Momentarily peering into the abyss, watching the trees piercing eyes answered. "...There's no mistake the shadowborne are upon us." Lyia's gaze turned tight looking around. Crimson eyes enveloped the surroundings, a seething intent to kill swept encircling them... With haste she pounded the carriages side, "THEY'RE HERE!" Lyia braced herself, unsheathing a saber strapped to her back. Runes were embedded into its blade, radiating a deep scarlet.

Instantly the cloaked figures bolted up grabbing the carriages cover, throwing it off exposing what laid within. and like a well oiled machine no movement was wasted with efficiency various levers and latches were pulled, focused expressions hovered, vibrant lanterns beamed illuminating the scenery. Caught in the light's rays, darkness wavered, deep shrills sounded causing some to jitter watching abominations, its effect didn't last long, quickly the shadows rejuvenated, reforming in mass.

Eight figures dressed in ambiguity paused retracting spears, swords from under their cloaks drenched in a green ooze the weaponry glowed a strange hue... Readying themselves, now in a circular formation surrounding a covered object one of the figures pulled its tarp. A massive ballista-like weapon was unveiled, no longer shrouded the machinery shown its characteristics. It was different no massive arrow was present instead large coils intertwined twisting around its nozzle, numerous pipes and wires vibrated coupled together via metal mesh a large pump resided at its base. Golden runes were etched, pulsating rays seeped upwards causing rings of light to bubble filling the coils.

The darkness scowled, sensing danger shrieked in bloodlust... Soon an intense desire boiled the abominations manifested taking form of wicked hounds soaked in shadows, serrated fangs seething with an intent to kill consumed further. A spiked exoskeleton lined the creature's entirety, seemingly out of human bones, a crimson skin waved them in an eerie coats. Beyond the vile puss, forsaken extremities, a silver locket decorated with twin dragons danced in the wind, Lyia huffed. "Here we go again...."

Screeching, the creatures swarmed, enveloping the cart's outer rim the hounds of shadow drenched in the splatter, blistering corpses of the fallen became a walkway. Endlessly the Shadowborne approached, still burning alive they ferociously attacked fueled by pure hatred, a desire to slaughter. Without fault seven of the figures slashed, gouged causing havoc among the creatures daring to board, the few filled drudge making it were without remorse split in two. The weapons coated in glowing muck effortlessly shredded the shadow's hide as if butter numerous fell, decapitated with necks drooling.

The previously somewhat clean flooring was now home to a goreish site, body parts littered in nearly every corner. Entrails of horrifying creatures hung at the sides waving in the wind, seared flesh filled the atmosphere, bubbling fluids filled the floor coating it a deep crimson. Through the bloodshed laid a looming sense of dread. Lyia looked ahead, seeing specks of flickering light those of the city walls on the valleys other side. An unsettling feeling swayed her heart, .."Something's not right." Interrupted a scream beckoned her, that of Herald. "TO YOUR LEFT!!!" Awakened from her daze, black claws dashed near raising up her saber to block sparks flew, Lyia became pinned the creature loomed over exerting its weight onto her blade as it encroached closer intending to slit the neck.

Resisting she held the sword with both hands, peering into soulless eyes. Its saliva fell close, scorching the surface, her expression turned sour. Soft inaudible words left, silently kept to her alone... Immediately the sword trembled, shining a deep scarlet a rim of light surrounded it causing the creature to boil, turning into a puddle of ooze as she ripped through its chest. Getting up her lower half was enveloped in the vile liquid, tingling parts of the clothing began to fade losing its luster. Gesturing to Herald she pulled a short sword, coated in the same mysterious substance. "Use it wisely.." Nodding in thanks Herald remained stoic guiding the stallions.

"Will someone get on that damned gun?" Lyia bellowed to her companions, "This is merely the first wave, the eaters will be here soon too." Remaining composed, the squad gave affirmation. Briefly pausing the shadows dispersed beyond lights reach, an ominous silence struck many took deep breaths intently guarded. In the eye of the storm, Sam finished fully turning the valve watching from a distance Lyia observed his every action. Turning around Sam smiled, "All ready to go." Getting on he rested both hands on dual bars, leaned his back on leather cushions. Lining his sight, similar to a rifle holosight he got in position awaiting the swarm.

Jittering, a soft current jolted Sam's palm, hair stood on end, slight tingling enveloped his entirety musing a strange sensation. Looking at the machine he couldn't help but marvel at its ingenious design, let out a small gasp. Coming up behind Lyia rested her hand on his shoulder, "Your affinity for guns is apparent." she chuckled, "But don't let that blind you, they're coming." Gesturing to the direction they had come from. Just beyond horizons edge, ominous shadows stirred, towering spires of darkness erupted in the distance, forming in mass. As if a bottomless void, an abyss as formed devoid of all light, its gloom blanketed even the skies, around them numerous howls sounded, that seemingly turned into laughter.

Without delay, the abyss moved drawing closer at incredible speeds, quaking the ground trembled with constant thumping. Massive tentacles stretched out, mashing their way forward. In its path all was sucked, even dirt began to dissolve in its muck. Lyia's face straightened "So.. One light eater has shown itself." She said softly, pulled out a spyglass extending it... Peering into the darkness, seeing the creature's horrific body. Mouth wide multiple rows of teeth-- No tusks lined its jaw, wiggling viciously even its tongue formed from ragged fangs. It's body filled the road, sweeping across tens of meters.

Yet it's magnitude didn't cause Lyia to waver, nay her expression turned mile wide a wicked grin surfaced slightly startling Sam at the sight. "Time to show these slags what we got, power this machine to maximum. I want to see the abomination vaporized." Nudging him, Lyia refolded the spyglass "Get ready for another wave." Giving command the others nodded in response. Preparing the squad members re-coated their weapons, layering them once more, a green glow revitalized shining brighter. Flickering the lanterns dimmed, with it so did the horde of darkness approach, the animosity increased sensing their chance. "Hmph, surprised the lamp's fuel lasted this long." Lyia spoke eyeing the containers in scrutiny, "I had a feeling they didn't fill them all the way, those cockards..."

The light faded, in utter seconds the horde descended on both sides. Violently their weight caused the carriage to tremble, constantly swaying the creatures boarded clawing, snapping. With a boiling desire, without solid bodies getting on was child's play, still the abominations were cut down almost instantaneously slaughtered by the squad's trained movements. The horde thinned, noticing this some showed elation however this brief respite was only a lapse. The shadowborne halted their advance, the ones on board stood giving off deadly glares in a deadlock the outside horde lost its form, assembling into gaudy pillars. The swirling whips of darkness connected adsorbed by those on-board.

Quickly the creature formed into a single mass, towering its original appearance. Bulging muscles, odd scales lined its thick hide resembling that of a Cerberus, massive spikes protruded from every joint. Now the only infernal plague, residing on the carriage the team surrounded it raising their blades. Without a second thought it charged, jumping over the squad landing near Lyia. Baring its fangs, starting to run over the members where stopped Michael raised his fist. "The beast made the wrong choice..." ... "So doggy wants to play? Don't underestimate my small stature it'll be the death of you." Lyia smiled, seeing the creature draw near traversing meters in mere seconds appearing to moving beyond what human eyes could perceive. But to her it was if the abomination had moved in slow motion.

Breathing in, Lyia rested her hand on the saber's hilt feeling at ease and slight pleasure. Her eyes like daggers burned the creature's image into the mind. In a flash, the meager Cerberus copy was decapitated before the blood began to drip her blade already rested back in the hilt. Soon three large thumps sounded, that of its heads lifeless, with red gushing over the floor. "Oh Ares, how I love this sword." … Looking around much of the darkness had receded, still it wavered hovering in the depths waiting, reforming for another barrage.

Moonlight slowly crept from above illuminating the surroundings...

Michael laughed, "There's our boss for you." His voice carried along the entire carriage arousing smiles within the other members. Unlike Sam's somewhat youthful appearance, Michael struck one of a hardened veteran.. "Only one thing remains in this oppressive hell." He inwardly thought, glancing in the distance momentarily almost sneering at the abomination... Nearly strutting Lyia walked to Sam, with all eyes watching. "How's our overgrown friend doing?"

"Ready any time, just give the word." Sam replied, firmly in position eyeing the encroaching beast... "Hmm..." Lyia mused placing her arms around Sam's shoulders, "What's the distance in meters give me a countdown." At this point she held Sam's hand, from the triggers... "I want to see the glint in its eyes before we blast it sky high." ..."What.." Sam gulped, looking at the basket case, pleading to the squad he was met with just a shrug.

Starting to get nudged from behind, he gave in...

"Three hundred meters.."

...

"Two hundred meters.."

...

"One hundred meters.."

"Um boss, it's getting a little close don't you think?" Naberal spoke, to only be met with an intense glare..

Herald, dare didn't look as sweat trickled down his forehead.. "This wasn't in the job description.." The creature's stench carried ahead, alluding to its horrid display much of the squad curled their noises.

"F-fifty.. meters" Trying to fire Sam was stopped, "Don't you dare fire, till I see the white of its eyes Sammy boy." Chuckling Lyia smiled.

"Twenty meters..." .. "Is this safe?" .. "I hope so.." Michael sighed, slightly laughing in defeat.. Leaning down to rest. "How can you sleep at a time like this?!" Sam thought, watching him in the corner of his eye.

"TEN METERS.." Practically tasting the creature it filled the scenery, as it enveloped the surroundings entirely blacking out the moonlight it towered above the treeline. "HAHAHA GO BACK TO HELL YOU ABOMINATION!" Maniacally laughing, Lyia pressed the trigger via viciously strangling Sam's hand...

Shortly after a quiet buzz, the weapons handles shook pulsating they shone cryptic inscriptions. Fervently these oddities stretched out, even grasping part of Sam's palm as they vibrated. With hairs erect, an electric current filled the air, small dashes of light, sparks sprouted throughout causing slight disturbances. Soon the gun's insides began to bubble, the golden liquid seemingly formed from bright light started to boil, building up in the nozzle. An intense white coated the scenery, nearly blinding.. A ear piercing boom followed, causing much of the area to shake, vibrate deeply.

As the haze faded, a somewhat pleasant sight took place one without that beast. Vaporized, its carcass laid only a husk the shadows were burned off seared black, carbonized much of it still sizzled. Streams of blaze dotted the charred scenery, foliage causing a small wildfire. As moonlight passed through its now massive cavity, Lyia couldn't help but think... "What a pushover." Taking off her mask, Lyia turned facing the squad... "Let's get out of here before more decide to show up."

Her face resembled that of almost a child, with ringing ears the squad nodded, some still awing at the creatures husk.. But Sam, looking at Lyia could only muster " .. This woman is mad.."

…

..

Just beyond, towering stacks of fire, smoke dwarfed the scenery. Blanketing the skies, reigning over once distant walls encasing the city within its embrace of stone, yet it had been cracked, crumbling walls now resided. Riddled with holes, much of its exterior had fallen, the gate devastated, nearly all of its surface coated in stains of red. Sprawling from its opening a road of death, stretching out those of townsfolk, animals were slaughtered haphazardly strewn with entrails splattered. Faces of terror rooted, as they scrambled desperately before demise. A deathly silence, stood the sounds of animal life had left, eerily void of life only crackling fire, an ominous gale took residence. With barbarous cruelty, all was torn, countless bite, claw marks laid waste etched into the surroundings, bodies of those dead...

Soldiers outfitted in shells of iron laid mauled, many with torn limbs and gorged eye sockets presumably eaten out.. Through the miasma of decay, revolting stench a carriage slowly turned pulled by black stallions, abruptly stopped. Weighing a grim expression Herald pulled reins, viewing what laid with worry. Taken from his contemplation, Lyia walked from behind too carrying a somber tone resting her hand on his shoulder. Looking up Herald saw a dreadful expression from beneath her mask, arousing a slight shock as Lyia's hand twitched.

Lyia jumped down, filling her soles with those deceased. Walking upon the decay, a chilling gale swept past similar to mourning as if the cries still lingered... Grimacing as she looked around, salvation was nowhere it was too late, momentarily pausing a deep sigh came fourth. Gazing at bodies of children no older than ten, drenched in blood. "Those damned beasts." Turning around Lyia signaled the squad,"Sam keep the gun hot we don't want any surprises." .. "Michael and Naberal you're with me let's salvage what we can, the rest of you protect the carriage." Nodding, they carried out the orders.

Drawing near the cities gate, flickering runes lining the walls had been defaced. "This isn't right..." Naberal spoke softly, with hands gliding across the inscriptions. An odd golden cross took its place coupled together with ancient symbols marked in blood. Pulling down her hood Naberal's face came into light, akin to that of a dragon she held aqua like scales and long spiked ears with irises shining a deep green. In silence, Lyia and Michael kept vigilant, focused on their surroundings... Removing her glove Naberal's hand too was covered in scales, extending the fingers that were more like claws showed webbing which glowed violet. Slightly pulsing rested her palm on the cross.. "It's fresh no less than two days old." Finishing, she looked at Lyia.

"I've seen those symbols in blood before... It means heretic." Walking closer, Lyia eyed the emblem.... "This however, I don't know.." ... "It too eludes me, but it isn't a stretch to think someone was behind this." Michael spoke, pointed ahead towards the city center. Swaying massive crosses stood, erect numerous townsfolk were nailed, left there to rot. Coming closer the trio entered the epicenter on all sides a horrid display of men,women and children were hung with large pools of dried blood below them. The building, surroundings all in ruins, nothing was left besides death...

"Whoever did this isn't that far behind, but we still have a mission to carry out." Lyia said, looking at the stars above, "Lets go we need to find that bounty"

…