Chapter 14: Black Blood and Titans

The dim light of dawn filtered through the narrow cracks of the bunker, casting eerie shadows on the walls. Elys sat cross-legged on the floor, the strange syringes of black blood resting between his fingers. As he turned them over, he suddenly realized he had three. One remained hidden in the folds of his jacket—a precaution against the uncertainty that lay ahead.

He picked up the first syringe, the dark liquid swirling ominously within the clear casing. Memories of Nadia's explanations flooded his mind—how black blood could enhance physical abilities and grant radiation resistance, turning the user into something more powerful. The potential for destruction was both exhilarating and terrifying. Nadia's explanations of the Titans and the implications of black blood.

"Black blood is more than just a weapon," she had said, her eyes serious. "It grants enhanced physical abilities and radiation resistance. But there's more. Once you inject it, you can start to absorb radiation and other energy, eventually generating a nuclear pulse. It takes time to transform completely into a Titan, but once you do, the potential for destruction is immense."

The words lingered in his mind about the various classes of Titans and their abilities. The Prime Titans, she had explained, were rare and exceptionally powerful, capable of commanding others. In contrast, Combat Titans and Support Titans played critical roles on the battlefield, each contributing their unique strengths. Elys's fascination turned into dread as he realized how easily the power of black blood could be misused in the wrong hands. There are even more types of Titians .

Elys took a deep breath and looked around at the guards gathered in the room, their faces a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Among them was Soren, the stern leader of the guards, and Avery Torres, a fighter from the Exile Tribe known for her fierce attitude. "What's on your mind?" Soren asked, his gaze steady on Elys.

"Just trying to understand what this is capable of," Elys replied, glancing at the syringes. "And what it means for us… and for the Grounders."

"Knowledge is power, Elys. But remember, this power can also bring devastation. We must tread carefully," Soren cautioned.

Elys nodded, his thoughts racing. The ranking system of the Titans that Nadia had shared with him felt daunting:

1. F-Rank (Minor Threat): Titans with small or limited abilities, primarily used for scouting or distractions.

2. E-Rank (Lesser Threat): Basic combat abilities; they pose no significant threat to stronger opponents.

3. D-Rank (Moderate Threat): Enhanced strength and durability, capable of holding ground in mid-level conflicts.

4. C-Rank (Serious Threat): Titans with specialized abilities that make them formidable to most regular Titans.

5. B-Rank (High Threat): Titans capable of large-scale destruction or advanced manipulative abilities.

6. A-Rank (Extreme Threat): Titans that can influence entire battlefields and annihilate armies.

7. S-Rank (Catastrophic Threat): Catastrophic power, often possessing multiple abilities, capable of city-level or higher destruction.

8. SS-Rank (World-Breaker): Near-unstoppable entities that can single-handedly change the fate of nations or worlds.

"And the Grounders," Elys said, contemplating the complexities of their situation. "We need to understand them better. Their society, their structure."

As if on cue, Nadia entered the room, her expression serious. "We are not just survivors; we've built an empire. We operate in a society reminiscent of medieval structures, with clans and warriors who value strength and loyalty. If we can communicate our intentions, we might find a way to coexist rather than fight."

Elys felt the weight of leadership pressing down on him. "I think I we should set up a meeting with their leader, Lexa," he suggested. "If we can show them we mean no harm, perhaps we can avoid the bloodshed that seems inevitable. But we must be ready for anything."

Soren placed a reassuring hand on Elys's shoulder. "Then we'll be ready. But first, let's focus on preparation."

Elys glanced at the syringes again. He knew he had to act strategically. "I want to give you these," he said, offering the first two syringes to Soren. "We need to be prepared.'' (He had three but kept 1 since if you didn't need all three)

But I'll keep one for myself, just in case. I don't want to risk losing this power if i need it.

Soren accepted the syringes with a nod. "Understood. We need to talk about our problems, too. Communication with the Ark is gone. We have no idea what's happening up there."

"Then we should act quickly," Nadia interjected. "I can set up a meeting with Lexa. But we must approach with caution."

As the guards murmured amongst themselves, Elys felt a renewed sense of purpose. The complexities of Titan powers, the impending threat of war, and the uncertainty of the Grounders all hung heavily in the air. But the potential for peace existed, too, and it was a path he was determined to explore.

"Let's prepare for this meeting," Elys said, his voice firm. "If we can establish a dialogue, we might find common ground. But we must be ready for anything."

The guards nodded, determination settling into their expressions. Elys held onto his hidden syringe, a silent promise to himself that he would protect his people and seek the truth behind the black blood and the Titans, no matter the cost.