The Storm Begins

The night air was thick with anticipation. The distant hum of the estate's security drones filled the silence as Hiroshi Von Drakrion stepped onto the balcony, his sharp gaze fixed on the approaching convoy. The black-armored vehicles cut through the darkness like a predator closing in on its prey.

His earpiece buzzed. "They're heavily armed," Rosalyn's voice came through. "Mercenary-grade weapons, some experimental tech. It's a full-scale hit."

Hiroshi smirked. "Let them come."

Behind him, Princess Evelyn stood in a fitted combat suit, her platinum hair reflecting the neon glow of the security displays inside. "You can't take them all on alone."

"I don't need to," Hiroshi replied. "They just don't know they've already lost."

With a flick of his wrist, he activated the estate's automated defense grid. Turrets emerged from hidden compartments along the walls, laser sights locking onto the enemy vehicles. The first warning shot blasted a hover bike into flames, sending its rider tumbling to the ground. The convoy swerved in response, but it was too late—the trap had already been sprung.

Explosions erupted as Hiroshi's AI-controlled drones rained down precision strikes. The once-stealthy approach of their enemies turned into chaos. Several mercenaries bailed from their vehicles, seeking cover behind whatever remained standing.

Rosalyn's voice remained calm. "Reinforcements inbound. They're sending backup from the city. You need to finish this fast."

Hiroshi cracked his neck. "Fine by me."

He leaped over the balcony, activating the mag-boots on his custom combat suit. The moment his feet hit the ground, he moved with inhuman speed, his enhanced reflexes allowing him to dodge incoming gunfire with ease. Drawing his energy pistol, he fired three quick shots, each hitting their mark. The mercenaries barely had time to react before they dropped.

Evelyn wasn't far behind. With a speed that matched her royal bloodline's reputation, she moved through the battlefield, slicing through enemies with a plasma blade. Her agility was unmatched, her strikes precise.

One of the mercenaries, larger and more heavily armored than the rest, charged at Hiroshi, wielding a hammer that crackled with energy. A shockwave pulsed outward as he swung, forcing Hiroshi to backflip out of range.

"You must be the boss," Hiroshi mused, dodging another attack.

The brute grunted. "You're just another spoiled noble."

Hiroshi sighed. "People really need to stop underestimating me."

Before the mercenary could react, Hiroshi activated his wrist-mounted grappling hook, latching onto the brute's chest plate and yanking himself forward. Using the momentum, he delivered a devastating knee strike to the man's helmet, denting it inward. The brute stumbled, dazed.

Hiroshi followed up with a shot to the knee, sending the mercenary crashing to the ground. "I'd say 'stay down,' but something tells me you're not that smart."

A second later, a high-powered sniper round finished the job. Hiroshi glanced up to see Rosalyn watching from the upper levels of the estate, her rifle still smoking. She gave a casual wave before disappearing back inside.

Within minutes, the remaining mercenaries surrendered, their weapons tossed aside as security drones surrounded them. The battle was over.

Evelyn wiped the sweat from her brow. "This was only the beginning. Whoever sent them won't stop."

Hiroshi smirked. "Then we won't stop either."

As the estate's cleanup crew moved in to secure the prisoners, Rosalyn reappeared, tablet in hand. "We traced their signals. They were receiving orders from an encrypted relay. We're working on breaking it now."

Evelyn stepped forward. "When we find out who's behind this, I want to be there."

"You will be," Hiroshi assured her. "Because we're going to take the fight to them."

For the first time in a long while, Evelyn felt a spark of hope. The storm was coming, but for the first time, she wasn't facing it alone.