FOUR DESTROYER OF MONSTER SYSTEM

Episode 7: Bloodline of the Enemy

A Betrayal Caught in the Dark

The night was unsettlingly quiet. A cold wind slithered through the corridors of the underground base, carrying whispers of unseen ghosts. The Echo K stood in the distance, its metallic body glinting under the artificial lights. In just a few hours, it would launch—their one chance to escape and seek the truth that had been buried for too long.

But Dess had no plans of waiting for the others.

His body moved like a shadow, blending into the dimly lit halls as he approached the restricted section of the base. His mind was sharp, his heart steady. The stolen map inside his jacket felt like a burning brand against his skin, reminding him why he had come this far.

If I can find the truth before the others do, I'll be the one holding all the cards.

He slipped through the security barriers with ease, his fingers moving swiftly across the access panels. Every step brought him closer to the place where the secrets lay hidden—where Cargo's past and his own destiny would finally collide.

But just as he reached the final door, his body tensed.

A presence loomed behind him, heavy and suffocating.

And before he could react—

SLAP!

A forceful strike whipped his head to the side. A sharp sting spread across his cheek, but it was nothing compared to the voice that followed.

"WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS, DESS?!?!"

The voice wasn't just angry. It was broken.

Dess blinked rapidly as he turned, locking eyes with Mr. David—his mentor, his guardian, the man who had risked everything to protect him.

But right now, all Dess saw in his face was pain.

Mr. David grabbed him by the collar, his breath ragged, his eyes red with fury and sorrow. His hands trembled as he shook Dess violently.

"I TRUSTED YOU OVER A HUNDRED TIMES! I GAVE YOU CHANCES OTHERS WOULD NEVER GET! AND STILL, YOU—WHY?!? WHY DO YOU KEEP BREAKING MY FAITH IN YOU?!?!"

Dess clenched his fists. His lips quivered, but he forced himself to fake a sob. He needed to control the situation.

"I… I just… I wanted to know the truth! I don't want to be a soldier in a war I don't even understand!"

Mr. David's grip loosened slightly. His breathing slowed as he stared at Dess with a father's disappointment.

"This isn't just a war, Dess. This is survival. This is about saving what's left of us."

His voice turned cold, and he took a step closer, his eyes piercing into Dess' very soul.

"And you don't even KNOW what Cargo really is."

Dess exhaled sharply. "Then tell me. If I don't know anything, then tell me why I should listen to you!"

Before Mr. David could answer, a metallic voice echoed through the halls, cutting through the heavy tension.

"Airship launch in 3 hours. All crew members, please prepare for departure."

A wave of silence followed.

Mr. David's fists clenched at his sides. His jaw tightened, his mind racing with things left unsaid.

And then, he looked at Dess—not with anger anymore, but with regret.

"Because Cargo is your father, Dess."

A heavy weight slammed into Dess' chest. His breath hitched.

"…What?"

The world around him felt like it was shifting, breaking apart.

Cargo—the mysterious enemy, the unstoppable force, the monster everyone feared—was his father?

"No… you're lying. You're trying to manipulate me."

Mr. David shook his head. "I wish I were."

But before he could say anything more—

CLAP. CLAP. CLAP.

A slow, mocking clap rang through the hall, slicing through the tension like a knife.

A figure emerged from the darkness, his boots clicking against the cold metal floor.

Grasper.

His signature smirk curled across his lips, his body radiating pure confidence as he leaned against the wall.

"Well, well, well… looks like the bastard finally knows his roots."

Dess snapped.

He whirled around, fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. "SHUT YOUR DAMN MOUTH, GRASPER!"

Grasper chuckled, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Why? Does the truth hurt? Maybe you thought you were some kind of hero. Maybe you thought you were special. But in the end? You're just another version of him."

That was the final straw.

Dess launched himself forward, his rage exploding as he swung a brutal punch straight at Grasper's face.

But Grasper was faster.

He dodged with inhuman reflexes, moving just enough for Dess' fist to miss him by mere inches.

And then, he grinned.

"Tch. Too slow. Guess Cargo didn't pass down his strength, huh?"

"YOU SON OF A—"

"ENOUGH!"

Mr. David's thunderous roar stopped them both in their tracks.

His hands trembled as he pulled out a handkerchief, wiping his sweat as if trying to compose himself. When he finally looked at Dess, his eyes were hollow.

"This is your last chance, Dess. I don't care what you believe anymore. I don't care what you think of me."

His voice was filled with something deeper than anger. Disappointment.

"I won't stop you. But this is the last time I give you my trust. Prove me wrong… or prove Grasper right."

Dess hesitated.

He looked at Mr. David, at the man who had raised him, taught him, believed in him.

And then, without looking back, he muttered under his breath, "That's you, Mr. David… I know you're not like them. Thanks."

But as he walked away, a wicked smirk curled on his lips.

---

The Journey Begins – Echo K

The time had come.

The Echo K stood in the launch bay, its engines roaring to life. A deep hum filled the air, shaking the ground as the final countdown began.

The crew gathered inside. Some were filled with determination, some with fear, but all of them knew—this was the moment of no return.

Mr. David stood outside, watching them board. His expression was unreadable.

Dess took his place at the pilot's seat. His hands hovered over the controls, his heart pounding with a strange mix of excitement and dread.

Mr. David took a deep breath. "I name this ship… Echo K."

The doors sealed shut.

The engines roared louder. The countdown reached its final moments.

Grasper leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, watching Dess closely. He didn't trust him. Not one damn bit.

And as the ship lifted off, leaving the base behind, the last thing they saw was Mr. David standing alone.

Dess glanced at his reflection in the cockpit window. His wicked smirk was still there.

He tapped a few buttons, feeling the ship surge forward into the unknown.

"Cargo… my father, huh?"

---

Cliffhanger: The Path of Betrayal

As the Echo K soared through the sky, the clouds ahead churned with an ominous storm. Lightning flashed, illuminating the distant horizon.

This wasn't just a journey to find Cargo.

This was a journey that would change everything.

And Dess…

He was ready.

To be continued...