Might of Fallen Creature

The city of Kythera began like any other day. Merchants opened their stalls, the streets bustled with life, and the hum of magic-driven devices filled the air. People went about their routines, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing just beyond their perception.

But all of it shattered in an instant.

A deafening, guttural roar tore through the air, reverberating across the city. It wasn't the sound of any beast known to the people of Kythera—it was primal, ancient, and filled with unrelenting malice. The sound shook buildings, cracked windows, and sent a wave of sheer terror coursing through the hearts of every citizen.

For a brief, terrible moment, there was silence. Then, chaos erupted.

People screamed and scrambled, unsure of what had caused the sound but understanding one thing with dreadful clarity—staying aboveground meant certain death. Panic spread like wildfire as families grabbed their children and fled toward the evacuation centers, their hope of survival.

The city's lord, an imposing figure clad in ceremonial mage robes, stood atop the central tower. His piercing gaze scanned the horizon, his heart sinking as he felt the oppressive energy radiating from the distance. The source of the roar was no ordinary threat.

He raised his staff, its tip glowing with an intricate array of magic circles that pulsed with power. His voice, amplified by magic, boomed across the city.

"Citizens of Kythera! Proceed to the evacuation centers immediately! Do not delay! Your safety is our priority!"

As his words echoed, squads of armored soldiers and mages mobilized in perfect synchrony. These were the elite forces of Kythera, trained for moments of crisis. Their polished armor and disciplined movements brought a semblance of order to the chaos. The soldiers lined the streets, directing civilians toward the underground shelters while scanning the skies for signs of the creature.

The city lord turned to his trusted aides—mages and combat masters who had served him loyally for years. "You know your assignments," he said grimly. "The evacuation centers must remain secure at all costs. Deploy elite squads to guard every entrance. Let no harm come to the people under our protection."

"Yes, Lord Arkhel," one of the commanders responded, saluting sharply.

Arkhel, the Archmage and city lord, nodded. His mind raced as he considered the options before him. He was no stranger to threats—Kythera had faced rogue ascenders, beast hordes, and even incursions from rival cities. But this was different. The presence radiating from the horizon was unlike anything he had ever encountered.

"The remaining high-tier combat masters will come with me," Arkhel announced. "We will confront the creature directly."

His words were met with grim determination. The warriors and mages around him, each a master of their craft, knew the risk they were taking. Facing the unknown was a gamble few could win, but the lives of thousands depended on their resolve.

As the last civilians disappeared into the safety of the underground shelters, the streets of Kythera fell eerily silent. The elites guarding the evacuation centers tightened their grips on their weapons, their eyes scanning the desolate cityscape.

Arkhel took a deep breath, his grip firm on his staff. The oppressive energy had grown stronger, its weight pressing down on his very soul. Whatever this creature was, it was getting closer.

"This city is under my protection," he said out loud. "And I will not let it fall."

With that, Arkhel and his chosen warriors departed, heading toward the source of the roar.

...

At the Everbloom Inn, Elara sat by the window, her gaze fixed on the horizon where the first rays of sunlight pierced through the darkness. Yet her thoughts were elsewhere.

'Kain should've returned by now,' she thought, her brow furrowing with concern. 'Even the sun is rising… Did something happen to him? No, that's impossible. I checked the reports on his mission—this should've been easy for him.'

Despite her logical reasoning, a gnawing sense of unease crept into her heart.

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a soft, sleepy voice. "Icee creem… I want it, Mama," murmured Lily, her daughter, clearly dreaming about something sweet.

Unknowingly, a gentle smile formed on Elara's face as she glanced at her sleeping child. Lily's tiny hands clutched the edge of her blanket, her innocent face a stark contrast to Elara's own troubled expression. For a moment, the tension in her chest eased.

But the moment didn't last.

A deafening roar tore through the air, shaking the walls of the inn. The mirrors on the windows shattered instantly, shards of glass scattering across the floor. Elara's smile vanished as her instincts as an ascender took over.

'What was that?!' she thought, her heart pounding as she spun toward Lily.

The noise startled Lily awake. Her wide, curious eyes scanned the room as she clutched her blanket tightly. "What happened, Mom?" she asked, her voice still groggy but tinged with fear.

Elara forced a calm smile onto her face, masking her unease. "It's nothing, sweetheart," she said softly, her voice steady despite the turmoil brewing in her chest. "Let's go now, okay?"

She lifted Lily into her arms, holding her close. The child buried her face into Elara's shoulder, seeking comfort in her mother's warmth.

Elara glanced outside, the shattered glass crunching under her boots as she moved toward the door. The streets below were already in chaos, civilians fleeing toward the evacuation centers in droves. The roar had sent shockwaves of fear through the city, and the oppressive energy in the air confirmed her worst suspicions.

'Be careful, Kain,' she thought as she tightened her grip on Lily. Whatever was happening, she could only pray her brother was safe.

Without another word, Elara stepped out of the inn, her resolve hardening as she headed toward the evacuation center. The safety of her daughter came first, but her thoughts remained with Kain, the storm ahead, and the chaos that threatened to engulf Kythera.

.....

Aric sprinted through the chaotic streets of Kythera, weaving between panicked civilians as he dialed the principal's number. The line connected, and Zander's composed voice came through.

"Is something the matter, Aric? If this is about your mission, you should report it to the governm—"

Aric cut him off mid-sentence, urgency lacing his voice. "No, sir, this is an emergency situation!"

Zander's tone sharpened. "What kind of emergency?"

"A fallen creature has awakened in Kythera," Aric said, still running at full speed. His breath was heavy, but he pushed through. "It seems this was the vampires' real motive all along."

The line fell silent for a moment, and then Zander's voice returned, tinged with shock. "A fallen creature… still alive in this era?"

Zander understood the implications all too well. Fallen creatures were ancient, devastating beings capable of rivaling sovereigns in power. Their reappearance was nothing short of catastrophic.

"What's the current status of the situation?" Zander asked, his tone grave.

Aric responded quickly, his eyes scanning his surroundings as he helped an elderly man who had fallen in the street. "The city is evacuating. Civilians are heading to evacuation centers, and the Mage Council has stationed themselves to protect the centers. The city lord is leading the magicians to confront the creature."

Zander's voice grew more serious. "And what about Ka—" He paused, correcting himself. "What about Reaper?"

"He's heading toward the creature now," Aric replied, his grip tightening on his comm. "He said even though he can't kill it, but he'll do everything he can to divert its attention for the next three hours. By that time, the three sovereigns will have returned to Kythera."

Zander sighed, a mix of frustration and understanding in his voice. "That's reckless of him, but not unexpected. Youth tends to overestimate itself after a string of victories. Still, I can't fault his decision. This situation leaves little room for hesitation."

Zander stood from his chair, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a rare sense of urgency. "I'll come to Kythera myself, but it will take me at least an hour to get there."

Aric frowned, momentarily distracted as he helped guide another civilian toward safety. "An hour? But… aren't you over 3,000 kilometers away from Kythera?"

"You clearly underestimate the capabilities of a Supreme Ascender," Zander said, his tone steady but firm.

Before Aric could respond, the call ended abruptly.

As Aric pocketed his phone, his mind raced with thoughts of the impending confrontation. He could only hope that Reaper's boldness would buy them the time they so desperately needed.