On the other edge of the Pandemonium, Creed sat on top of a rocky cliff with his rucksack next to him. His eyes lingered around his IOT compass attached to his belt. A gaze of solemnity hovered over his eyes. It was pretty obvious that something was going on inside his head."Hmm… looks like compasses don't work here! I can't sense anyone's rhythm on the ground… that's weird!"He chewed on his energy bar. "This Pandemonium... it's like a whole separate dimension…"Though it seemed as if Agenor and others had reached the Pandemonium first, what they didn't know was that Creed had been sitting on this random cliff for quite a while now. In fact, he had reached the Pandemonium long before other Rha members stepped foot on the surface. The only difference was Creed took a shortcut and climbed it by using his Inca Wings.However, since the Inca Wings were part of Phantom's identity he had to fly and reach the other edge of Pandemonium without being seen by anyone, not even his party member
"Kid… why do you have to shove your nose where it doesn't belong? Are you crazy!""You wake up and the first thing you do is scold me?" Creed retaliated,"Besides, How couldn't I have known if this boulder is some kind of freak of nature?"~sighAtlas replied, "You know, If I hadn't pulled your hand away at the last second, you would have been brain dead by now. Just stay away from that thing, you idiot. If you touch it one more time, even I wouldn't be able to save you.""What are you talking about? Are you saying this freaking boulder can kill me if I touch it again? Can you even hear yourself?""Kid, your arrogance is preposterous, isn't it? You think you are so tough that you can handle the residual killing intent of a god slayer?""Eh! Wait… what? hold on! " Creed jerked his head back, "What slayer?""Ah jeez… you seriously have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?""No! I really don't…""To dumb it down for you…the boulder is bundled with a surplus killing intent! This threat
"Crap!" The saliva in Creed's mouth dried up from a mere glance, "Ghouls! So many of them!"The entire valley was packed with thousands of wandering ghouls, with no sense of purpose or direction. If someone would take a closer look, they would seem most of them either sleeping, fighting, stomping, copulating, killing and even eating one another. "Yeah.. "Agenor uttered, "Over 10 thousand, I believe!""Damn!" Colt shivered at the heinous sight, "So this is what hell looks like…""So let's say we jump into the middle of the party… any chance of survival?""None...""How are we supposed to cross the valley?" Falco gritted his teeth. "Anyone got any bright ideas?""Should we push through from one corner?" Nakiya replied,"No! Terrible idea… those monsters are fast runners!" Maira shook her head, "If they catch any of us—which they will definitely do—there is no hope!""So let's make sure they don't… "Falco replied, "How about we create a distraction again? So that we slip through them fr
"Alright kid!" Agenor nudged," You go next."Creed nodded and followed the same routine. Just like Maira, he hooked himself up to the wheeler and zipped across. While he was in the air, he saw Maira looking out for any ghouls nearby. Soon enough, he reached the other side with no trouble as well. Fortunately, there were not too many on this side of the valley, and sneaking past them was not as difficult.He immediately signaled others to join as well. Rain was the third one to join. Being already a lightweight she got across just fine. Nakiya joined after her and went to the corner.~tingNow with all the women and children on this side, only Colt, Falco, and Agenor were the remaining ones. Creed noticed that the next in line was Colt. He grabbed his own clutch and pushed himself towards this side. ~tingColt's keep gliding through the sky while being tormented by the sight from ground. The valley was filled with so many Ghouls; he had trouble holding back his imminent urge to puke
Their pulse got wrecked when they saw how much blood Creed was losing while holding the cord. Yet, he was holding on to it as if his own life depended on it. He gritted his, clenched his muscles, bit his lips but he didn't let go of the cord.As soon as tension returned in the cord gravity automatically wheeled the Colt and Flaco towards this side of the cliff.Soon enough both reached this side and managed to bounce on the cliff's edge before they could crash into Creed's hanging body.Just as they two landed, they all rushed to grab a hold on him. Falco and Colt grabbed him by his shoulder and pulled him back. His arms were shivering uncontrollably and blood kept coming out of his fist. His left eyelid was also bleeding profusely. Creed laid on the ground with his chest thumping like a blow-horn. Both his arms and shoulders bruised and abused by the excess tension. He coughed as if his lungs would burst in a few seconds.After getting him back to the surface, Nakiya tried to open h
"Guess those legs aren't just for show…" Agenor jerked his numb arm to reset the blood flow.Though, It was just one ghoul surrounded by 7 of them, and yet they felt overwhelmed by its power. They didn't even want to imagine what kind of havoc those thousands of ghouls in the valley could wreck. The carnal killing aura and merciless appetite for flesh coming out of the beast violently rattled their senses. Nevertheless, Creed's senses were going berserk way more than anyone else. The situation wasn't ideal. He was painfully aware that this ghoul was not a dumb beast. The reason he attacked Creed first was because he must have smelled his blood and injuries. Everyone one in the team clutched their weapons. Agenor was a tank thus he was supposed to manhandle and nullify the beast's attack. He pulled himself together. His calves strained as he bolted towards the beast with unsettling velocity.Ghoul had no eyes, and yet Agenor's sudden movement rattled the creature's whip-like tongue.
Earlier their countermoves seemed forced and calculated but soon Colt and Rain grew more and more fluid and coordinated with wash passing second. An intoxicating unity was born out of the most chaotic patterns of melee.With each passing moment, they both kept closing the gap between each other, kiting the ghoul's movements despite his extremely chaotic tongue whips. Nevertheless, The most theatrical aspect of these movesets was that—for some reason—their blocks and random attacks were pushing the ghoul back. Their positions and slipperiness made the beast back off step by step into a corner. Almost as if he was being caged by some invisible force."Hey! Agenor… are you seeing this?""Yeah…" Agenor uttered, "I don't understand what is happening…but I feel as if I've seen something like this before…""Really? Where?""Oh wait!" Hearing Agenor's words Nakiya felt a spark inside her pool of memories. For some reason she too felt a familiarity from their moves and patterns."Is that reall
"Every possible A-rank technique that Genome Library had lost against this new technique in just the first few simulations. Obviously it freaked out the entire genome library administration. This incident immediately came into the light on the forums which made its popularity rise in just a couple hours of its launch.""You've gotta be kidding me?" Agenor scratched his chin trying to understand the gravity behind Colt's words. "If it got assigned such a high rank, that means it is better than every other A-rank technique that portal has in their system, right?""Yes!" Colt made a huge nod, "Now, here comes the freakiest part. The second reason behind the massive commotion is something that made people lose their shit.""This new technique was eligible for being put into an A-rank category and all the clans were ready to buy it for millions of genome credits, if not for billions. However, before that could happen, the technique's donor pulled the rug from under everyone's feet. When th
A few days later inside the archery facility, Target 101, Kendrik was still busting his ass on the endurance range. However, today for some reason, he was more enthusiastic than ever. Although, his expression told that he was really struggling but the subtleties of his body language during the practice hinted otherwise.Though his limbs were twitching with pain, body drenched with sweat, and veins burst with blood rush, regardless, he was still humming as if he was enjoying his training regime. This shouldn't come as a surprise since he was finally noticing some changes in his shots. Over the past few days Kendrik noticed that his accuracy has slightly increased and he has finally gotten a hang of the customized training regime. This training regime was extremely taxing but after everyday's practice and consistent effort he realized that starting from scratch—as Creed advised—was not bad advice after all. He was also diligently taking the pill that Creed prescribed, and coincident
Creed walked out of the medical facility feeling despondent. He was undoubtedly thinking about the discussion that he just had. He continued to mutter to himself, agitatedly. "What a stupid facade…""And what the hell was I even thinking?? Of Course, she's not gonna tell me shit!! This must be what they call the classified information!! Not to mention that grumpy old man was also sitting right there gawking like a freaking viper!!""Meh… Whatever!! It doesn't matter… At least, now I know that there are more variables in the picture.""Argh fuck!!" Creed cursed under his breath, slapping his forehead with frustration. "What was I even thinking, promising that scumbag Varun a favor? I got nothing in return... what a waste of time!!"Creed went back to his home with no leads at all. Finding 'Eos' and getting him to talk about his unusual weapon was his only lead. Unfortunately, with him leaving without a trace, Creed was out of options now. Nevertheless, one thing was crystal clear. If
Varun stared at him for a few seconds before smiling, "If you are that desperate, alright fine. But don't back off later, or I'll shank your ass in your sleep.""Just take me to her," Creed ignored Varun's warning.Varun led Creed to another floor, and as they walked, Creed couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the efficient, advanced, state-of-the-art equipment in this medical facility. This facility had by far the most efficient, advanced, state of the art equipment available to humans. It reminded him how difficult it was to bridge that gap between privilege and non privilege.Compared to this, the hospitals available to the general public were absolutely garbage. Creed was creeped out by how well funded, and well designed this facility was. It almost seemed as if he arrived like a planetary hyperspace launch station."So this is what true aristocratic privilege looks like?" Creed whispered, "What'd you say?""Uhm… I said… I've never seen a hospital like this before!
Creed opened his straining eyes pulsating with throbbing agony. As the vision grew slowly, he could see nothing past the blur of lights and shadows. He tried to move his limbs, but a sharp pain shot up his arm. He groaned in pain. All he had were the brief flashbacks of memories from the night before. The Formless beast, the Serpent Woman, and most importantly, Eos' daunting trickery.He tried to move, but he immediately felt restrained. His naked body was wet. His body was completely naked and afloat in a viscous fluid. His eyeballs jittered once he saw the silver edges of curved encasing. He was trapped in a box like a barbie doll.Panic flooded inside his mind when he realized he was inside a bionic pod. He knew what had happened to him? Creed immediately struggled against the restraints, but they held firm. Soon, he heard footsteps approaching, and a door swished open."Ah!! Mr. Gryffon, you're awake!!" A voice landed in his ear. It was a woman's voice, calm and professional. "Hm
The serpent woman's spine-curling screams pushed even the Formless beast to his limits, causing him to reconsider his position in the hierarchy of dominance, as they served as a warning and clear indication of the carnage she was capable of unleashing.She issued an open threat against the formless beast that he must not take another step forward. This situation was way beyond Creed's caliber. ~GRRRARGGGGGGHHHHSoon enough, the formless beast also roared on top of his lungs. His killing intent directed at the serpent woman forcefully standing between him and Creed. Both creatures relentlessly tried to force each into submission but were also greatly wary of each other's powers.Creed was encountering a clash between two superior predominant entities. The last thing Creed wanted to do was fuck around and find out. Right now, His atoms in his body were screaming at him to run away but his body was in dreary paralysis because of her presence. However, the next second, the snake woman
With a roar, the ferocious beast charged at Creed, its killing intent crystal clear. Creed's heart pounded in his chest as he braced himself for impact. His sword sliced through the beast's flesh. But that was not good news, but quite the opposite. As Creed's sword locked inside the creature's body, the beast taunted him with a cruel grin. Creed's heart sank as he realized he had made a fatal mistake.The cunning bastard rendered his sword orbit completely useless with his flawless strategy by letting him dig his sword into his own non vital organs. Creed's hair stood straight behind his neck as he understood how intelligent this abnormality was."Fuck! Is this it?" ~huff ~huff ~huff "I guess… I bit more than i could chew— "Before Creed could finish his sentence, his breaths turned shallow. The beast viciously ripped his arm from his shoulder. The beast then slammed him to the ground with such force that Creed felt his bones shatter beneath him. ~arggghhhHe wheezed much oxygen
The next instant, Grisha's eyes were splashed with His blood, which finally forced her to return to reality. She was even more surprised by Creed's frantic scream."LIEUTENANT, SNAP OUT OF IT!! I CAN'T HOLD HIM FOR TOO LONG!!!""You change your mind??" Grisha yelled, "Now is not the time!! Just FUCKING DO SOMETHING!! Don't make me regret my decision!!"Grisha's eyes changed to the deepest shade of purple the following instant. Her eyes radiated an atmosphere that was more viscous than molasses. The earth beneath her feet darkened, appearing to be on fire.A rhythmic shockwave erupted and spewed noxious gas into the air. A razor-sharp crescent slice spread into the air, illuminating it with a neon brilliance. The sword stroke struck the beast in the chest, pushing him away from Creed.She appeared right next to Creed and pulled him up from the ground. "How long does your berserk skill last?" She asked, "5 more minutes! then i'll probably pass out!" Creed answers, "Yours?""6 minute
Grisha let out a bellow of frustration, "Shit! I have to go back! We need to help him!"Creed's mouth twisted into a sinister grin. "No! Wait!" he hissed. "This is our opportunity. Let's run, Lieutenant. We can't handle this anomaly. But now, while it's distracted, we might be able to slip away. It's our only chance.""You heartless bastard!" Grisha spat."What?" Creed jerked his head in surprise."You're going to leave him behind?""Why not?" Creed nodded immediately. "I did everything I could! But it didn't work out. What else can we do here but save ourselves?"Grisha clicked her tongue in vexation. "I'll never understand you. What if he has a family waiting for him?""Lieutenant, stop wasting time. That creature is no joke. If we stood a chance, I would have helped, but we don't. Besides, I don't even know the guy. Why should I risk my neck for him?""You're despicable. ASSHOLE!" Grisha jeered, "You know what? Just fuck off... I'll help him myself."Creed's eyebrows twitched viole
"For fuck's sake, Lieutenant!! It's my soul radix that's keeping him paralyzed! Happy now?" Creed replied in frenzy and ran like a lunatic, leaving them behind, "Trust me we are still within his reach. Stop with the questions and fucking run!!""Oh Crap!!" Grisha immediately understood why Creed was pressing them to run. "Should have told us earlier, you idiot!!"Grisha, realizing her stupidity, grabbed Eos by his arm and bolted forward once again. The ground caved inside with her feet from the impact. However, just after taking a couple steps she felt a claw sinking deep inside the armor's back plate reaching all the way to her spine.Blood gushed out like a fountain, as if a dam had burst within Grisha's body, staining the ground crimson and creating a pool of death beneath her. Eos was frozen in shock for a moment, but the sight of her bloodied back snapped him out of it. The beast was so close that its foul breath rubbed against his neck, draining the life out of veins. He wanted