15 YEARS AGO

  DRUMMER TOWN

  DOSLIGHT, NAZENDEL - 8:04 PM

  A bloodied Zack takes cover from the searchlights as disaster sirens blare throughout the rainy city. He anxiously wanders through the street while continuing to hide from the helicopters above. Though his bloodied appearance does poorly to conceal his identity, the citizens of Doslight were already too far gone to care.

  While running through the streets, he collides into a hooded man, knocking the two over. Exhausted from all the running, Zack struggles to stand as the man pulls out a pistol. Zack instantly fires off a shard of glass, piercing the man’s right eye as he continues to run away.

  WINCHESTER RESIDENCE

  DOSLIGHT, NAZENDEL - 8:21 PM

  Arriving at a small, quaint home with the lights on, Zack desperately knocks on the door, leaning his head against it in hopes of a response. After a few minutes pass, a hopeless Zack screams against the window.

  “Mrs. Winchester! It’s Evergreen! Nobody’s with me, I swear!” he yells out as he continues to be drenched by the pouring rain. With no response yielded yet again, Zack shatters the window with his glass-coated fist, jumping into the living room as a woman screams.

  Inside, Zack finds a terrified, old woman who backs herself up against the corner. Zack raises his hands up, signifying he means no harm.

  “Look. It’s me, Zack. Easy, alright?” he says in an attempt to calm the woman down, who shifts her terrified visage into that of a glare filled with hatred.

  “You… What are you doing here…” the woman mutters under her breath, recognizing him.

  “I… It’s me. They had me imprisoned in their tower for nearly a decade,” asks Zack as he slowly approaches the woman.

  “You don’t fucking belong here! Get out! You should be dead!” the woman screams, tossing several objects at Zack. Zack swats them away while trying to calm her down.

  “Easy… Easy! I just need a place to stay for the time being!”

  “And you think that I’d let you stay here?!” she furiously retorts.

  “Just one night! Please!” pleads Zack.

  “I fed you… Let you sleep under my roof. Entrusted my DAUGHTER to you!” the woman yells out, continuing to hurl objects at Zack.

  “I know! And I’m sorry!”

  “You dragged Lily into starting a coup! You fucking brute!” she screams out as Zack quits defending himself, rushing at the woman and grabbing her wrists.

  “Listen to me!” he commands as the woman tries breaking free to no avail.

  “I know Lily’s dead. I know that nothing I say will bring her back. I know that she meant the world to you and you meant the world to her,” Zack says as he kneels in front of Lily’s mother.

  “Which is why with all my heart- I am SORRY!” an emotional Zack yells out as Mrs. Winchester begins to calm down.

  “I promised to protect her with everything I had, and I didnt. If I could trade places with her right now, I would! My heart aches every day remembering that she’s no longer with us…” he continues as tears stream down his face.

  “You…”

  “I know I’ve got a lot of nerve showing my face here again… but Mrs. Winchester, you’re all I have left! Please, for just one night, let me stay under your roof!” he begs.

  “...Get out,” Mrs. Winchester mutters under her breath.

  “Get out before I report you to the authorities,” she threatens the desperate escapee. Zack, though frustrated, complies after contemplating on forcing himself inside. Even though he could easily overpower Mrs. Winchester, further conflict between the two would be the complete opposite of Lily’s desire.

  As Zack leaves, he turns to Mrs. Winchester one last time, the two determined to never see each other again.

  “I’m sorry. I really am,” he says as he disappears into the night.

  ETERNAL TOWER - 38TH FLOOR

  EVERNIGHT, NAZENDEL - 11:36 PM

  Chained up in the experiment facility is Jason Diaz, bloody after a beating from the soldiers. His chamber door creaks open as Damon Estreval and Trent Omega, whose nose was broken from Zack’s stomp, walk in.

  “Hah… here’s the scum who let the projects out prematurely,” Trent says as he and Damon approach the imprisoned Jason.

  “...How many did he kill?” asks Damon.

  “None. His accomplice, however… killed four and broke my face,” Trent answers.

  “Evergreen did? Then where did all this blood come from?” Damon continues asking as he inspects Jason’s body, relatively unharmed despite being covered in blood.

  “Oh… That’s something I’ve been working on for a long time. I injected him with a serum that lets him regenerate lost limbs, but I tortured him enough to the point that he’s evolved into regenerating small wounds- bullet holes included,” explains a proud Trent.

  “Invulnerability to damage?”

  “No, he still feels pain. He shouldn’t be hindered by it unless he succumbs to shock, though that is extremely unlikely as his blood flow shouldn't be easily disrupted.”

  “Interesting… Very interesting. You’ve truly achieved greatness, Trent. A physical anomaly never seen before…” Damon says, admiring Trent’s masterpiece laid before him.

  “I appreciate the kind words, sir, but I do not wish to achieve greatness. I wish to achieve perfection,” states the mad scientist.

  “I’ll be taking over Project Diaz. Take a sabbatical, Trent. You’ve earned it,” says Damon as Trent stands his ground.

  “With all due respect, I refuse. I cannot stop working. Not when this is our last project left,” he replies, feeling guilt over the breakout.

  “Don’t worry, I sent Brian to retrieve the loose projects. You’ll have your fun with them, but I’d like to keep a close eye on this particular one. Would that be okay?” asks Damon.

  “...If it is as you desire, sir.”

  ETERNAL TOWER - 50TH FLOOR

  While signing various documents, Damon’s focus is shifted towards the entrance of his office as the doors slide open. A weary Brian Mathers walks in, carrying a limp Falco Bivelli on his shoulder. Brian drops Falco on the ground as Damon looks at him, unfazed. The enforcer heavily pants as he faces his boss.

  “Hah… There… That’s one of four… Urgh…” he says as he sits against the office wall. Damon stands from his chair to observe the unconscious Falco.

  “...And Project Allister?”

  “Don’t know… I’m… So… Tired… Project Bivelli was a beast…” Brian replies.

  “Hmm. No matter. Project Allister was mostly finished, anyways. Let him and Evergreen and kill each other. Perhaps he might even find his way to Altair if we luck out,” says Damon as he returns to his desk.

  “You’d… let him... rampage on the streets?” Brian asks, getting back on his feet.

  “Yes. We’ll just repeat the process with Project Zeta. Brand him a psycho who was out of our control.”

  “Damon… What’s your vision for this country?” asks a slightly appalled Brian.

  “...The greatest rulers in history were built on fear and blood,” Damon answers with conviction.

  “And you intend to bring back that… primitive mindset? I thought Eternal Drive was all about evolution.”

  “This is evolution. Lavia used to be an underdeveloped country when Esper left it in ruin. Then Eternal Drive came along, and now I’d wager that Lavia is far more powerful than those who oppressed it. I intend to keep that momentum going,” states Damon, staring directly at Brian.

  “...I hope the ends justify the means,” Brian mutters.

  “Trust me. All of this will be worth it. Have faith in your boss, would you?”

  1 MONTH LATER

  TINA’S TAILORY

  AURUS, PRECIDIA - 11:47 AM

  The sounds of machinery can be heard echoing throughout the store as Tina Ross works on sewing a yellow top. Her attention is diverted towards the door when three knocks disrupt her train of thought. She stops the machine, standing up to answer the door.

  On the other side was Entro Gruff, whom Tina lets inside. She returns to her desk, continuing her job as he walks around the room, admiring the various garments on display.

  “...Where’s Liam?”

  “At his office. Why do you ask?” Tina answers.

  “I found something interesting and I’d like to discuss it with him,” replies Entro, taking a seat at an empty tailoring desk.

  “You can discuss it with me just fine. I’ll relay the info to him.”

  “...I’ve been looking into Baron Rivers’ sudden passing. I think it’s safe to assume that there’s foul play involved,” Entro states.

  “Please, anyone with a functioning brain knows Estreval was behind it,” Tina retorts.

  “Exactly. A usurper, through and through…”

  “...Is that it? You came all this way just to tell us that?” asks a dissapointed Tina.

  “Not quite. Baron’s cause of death was announced to be an overdose, yes?”

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  “Mhmm. And?”

  “My brother has heard whispers. Whispers of a charred, unrecognizable corpse,” says Entro as Tina pays full attention.

  “...Now do you seem to recall the massive wildfire in Briken?” he asks the mayor’s wife.

  “...Are you saying that Estreval can generate fire?”

  “I cannot come to that conclusion just yet. Again, these are all whispers in the wind. You, of all people, should know how easy fake news can be peddled,” Entro concludes as a man holding a folder walks into the store. Middle-aged and balding with a kind look on his face, he walks towards Entro and Tina in the midst of their conversation.

  “Liam? You’re already done with your shift?” Tina asks as she stands up to greet her husband, kissing him on the cheek.

  “Not yet. I wanted to drop by since Entro came to visit,” Liam replies.

  “We were just having a conversation about Estreval’s potential ability - creating flames,” says Entro.

  “Ah, so you’ve heard too? They’re already doing damage control. A botched cremation process eliminated every ounce of cocaine in Baron Rivers’ body - that’s the story they’re going with now,” Liam explains.

  “Ugh. I was never a fan of Rivers, but having your death tampered with over and over is a fate nobody should ever experience,” a disgusted Tina comments.

  “I disagree.” Entro bluntly states.

  “I think death is too forgiving of a punishment for these monsters. Baron Rivers was the ultimate enabler, and he deserves everything Estreval is putting him through,” He doubles down.

  “Entro… I understand you’re angry-”

  “No, you don’t. My baby girl was taken in front of my very eyes. You couldn’t even begin to imagine the pain of losing a child,” Entro scathingly replies, cutting the mayor off.

  “Don’t go there, Entro,” a despondent Tina mutters.

  “...I’m going to kill every last one of them. Nobody will stand in my way,” Entro ragefully declares before beginning to calm down.

  “I, uh, don’t necessarily agree with your approach, but if this is truly what you desire…” Liam replies as he hands his folder over to Entro. Entro opens the folder, revealing its contents. Several pictures of demedioms are inside, including illustrations of Zack Evergreen, who was last spotted near Terminus.

  “I found several leads on the demedioms who escaped. Now I’m uncertain if any of them are the liquid-generating demediom you faced, but I do hope you’ll find justice in putting these rampaging monsters down,” says Liam as Entro inspects the files.

  “...Just remember that you’re a regular human facing up against half-demons.”

  1 DAY LATER

  SQUATTER RESIDENCE

  TERMINUS, GRATA - 1:01 PM

  Carrying a duffel bag, a dashingly clad Entro roams through the slums of Terminus. The smell of the area was atrocious and the road was dirty, staining his boots, but Entro could not care less. His goal was to hunt demedioms and no inconvenience could stop him.

  While making his way throughout the contrastingly poor area surrounded by the massive, multi-million die wall, Entro stumbles upon a small shop. He approaches the shop where he is greeted by a cheerful store owner, very much unlike the other people who looked upon him with scorn. His fancy attire from Virtum did not help his first impressions with the squatters of Terminus, though this particular shopkeeper did not seem to mind. Unaware if she was just doing business or legitimately nonjudgmental, Entro sparks a conversation with her nonetheless as she could serve as his only lead in this town that looked upon him with unwelcoming eyes.

  “Good afternoon! May I help you with something?” the old shopkeeper asks.

  “Yes. I would like to know…” replies Entro as he pulls out the folder Liam Ross gave him from his duffel bag. He opens it, turning it to the page that documented Zack Evergreen.

  “...if you recognize this man?” he continues as he shows the shopkeeper the page. Her cheerful look quickly drops and changes into that of anxiety and concern as she quickly refutes.

  “No, no, I have never seen that man. Why do you ask?” she responds.

  “I merely want to have a chat with him. That is all,” Entro answers.

  “You will not find him here. I know everybody in this neighborhood since I’m the local gossip broker...” she jokes as she winks at an unamused Entro.

  “...but I have never seen this man in my life. Demons in Terminus? Sure. Demedioms? No, no! Absolutely not!” she follows up to a skeptical Entro. Realizing that this conversation would go nowhere, he opts to leave instead.

  “As you say,” he says as he continues his hunt. Once out of sight, however, the shopkeeper leaves her post in a rush.

  As he walks further through the slums, the scorned looks of the people turn even more bitter, with some glaring at Entro as if he was Damon Estreval himself. After several more minutes, Entro begins to notice that some of the people were trailing him, leading him to become more cautious. As he reaches a dead end in a tight alley, dozens of slum dwellers begin to surround him.

  With his only exit barred, Entro gently places the duffel bag on the ground, unzipping it and whipping out an automatic rifle which takes the squatters aback. He points the gun at them, ready to rain fire on his stalkers.

  “Back off. Last warning,” he threatens as they continue to approach him. As his finger creeps closer to the trigger, however, the fore end of his firearm comes crashing down after being sliced from above.

  Entro looks up to see Zack Evergreen, sitting on the rooftop behind him. Zack points his fingers at Entro, ready to fire another laser should the latter turn hostile. Entro instead, accepts defeat and drops his broken firearm onto the ground. Zack draws back his hand and jumps off the roof, landing in front of Entro.

  “...Who are you?” Zack asks the foreign man.

  “...My identity is of no importance,” Entro bluntly answers.

  “Answer me again like a smartass and my regard for your life will be of no importance,” says Zack, resting his fingers at Entro’s temple.

  “Again. Who are you?”

  “...Entro Gruff.”

  “Why the hell did you come to the poorest section of South Lavia?” Zack continues to interrogate.

  “...A month ago my daughter was killed on the night of the demediom breakout. I’m hunting down those who escaped and wreaked havoc all over the nation,” Entro answers as Zack scoffs.

  “With… that?” Zack mockingly says, pointing at Entro’s fragmented firearm.

  “Have you ever even fought a demediom before?” He asks as Entro shakes his head.

  “...That explains. So, you’ve never fought a demediom, you’ve definitely never killed one before, what made you think it was a good idea to step foot into no man’s land?” Zack continues interrogating as Entro remains silent.

  “Are you just… some kind of suicidal dumbass? Surely there was a plan here…”

  “...Perhaps. When a man’s heart gets ripped out right in front of him, perhaps his will to live falters,” Entro replies as Zack drops his hand, relating to Entro’s statement.

  “...I get you. They ripped out my heart right in front of me, too. But, you see… contrary to popular belief, Terminus isn’t really no man’s land. No, this is actually Evergreen country. And I can’t just let you leave since… well, you know too much,” Zack explains.

  “Besides... I caused that breakout. Does that mean you're gonna kill me?” Zack provokes Entro, who initially stares at him with contempt. After a heavy sigh, he calms down and faces Zack with a much more relaxed face.

  “I don't care. As long as you’re not one of them, it's fine by me.”

  “One of who?”

  “The ones who spread carnage that night. All the reports were of mindless, crazed psychopaths. You… still have some human left in you,” answers Entro.

  “How the hell did you know where to find me, then?”

  “...I’ll share that information with you if you agree to assist me in my mission,” Entro proposes.

  “You’re trying to strike a bargain? Hah, it’s your only way out, isn’t it?”

  “You lived in the Eternal Tower, didn’t you? I work with some… powerful people.”

  “And what’s your grand proposal?”

  “I want to see them pay in blood. The demedioms who wreaked havoc, the complacent army who mishandled the disaster, and the higher ups who caused this disaster in the first place,” explains Entro.

  “That is far too ambitious for a simple man like me.”

  “Stop lying to yourself. I can see it in your eyes. You despise them just as much as I do,” Entro says, looking Zack directly in the eyes.

  “...What’s in it for me?”

  “Like I said, I work with some powerful people. We can reinvent these slums if you wish, give these people proper homes. Give you a proper life. All I need in return is some inside information,”

  “I gotta say you drive a heavy bargain, Entro…”

  “Gruff,”

  “...Gruff! Unfortunately, it’ll take a lot more than that to convince me,” says Zack.

  “That is all I can promise. Perhaps my companions may offer a more substantial reward.”

  “Such as…?”

  “I cannot make promises on their behalf. You will have to meet them yourself.”

  “Hah! I’m not fucking falling for that. No, if we do things, it’s on my turf. How about… you stay here in Terminus for a while. Have them pick you up, and then we’ll talk?” Zack replies, his trauma of Trent’s deception still hanging above his head. Entro reluctantly agrees, being taken hostage by Zack as he contacts Tina and Liam Ross.

  2 WEEKS LATER

  ENTRO’S CABIN

  BRIKEN, GRATA - 4:37 PM

  Caressing a photo of him and his daughter, Entro sentimentally reflects while his brother, Tyson Gruff takes a seat.

  “...Do you want to visit the cemetery?” Tyson asks, noticing Entro holding the picture for a little too long.

  “No. I just wanted one last moment to reflect on my humanity,” Entro replies, placing the photo back on the table.

  “And… why would that be?”

  “I found us a new ally for our cause - a former Eternal Drive scientist,” states Entro as Tyson’s ears perk up.

  “Thought you already had an insider?” Tyson asks, wanting clarification from his brother.

  “This individual is more than just an insider. He worked on the Demediom Project and even smuggled a couple of serums on his way out of the company,” Entro explains.

  “Demediom serums? What does he intend to do with them? Make a deal with Palladium?”

  “For now, he has no intention of using them, consuming or trading. I was, however, offered one to hold my own in combat,” Entro says as Tyson’s lips quiver.

  “Entro…”

  “I accepted his offer.”

  “Damn it, Entro! You know the reason why we’re doing this in the first place! If you become one of them, that’d make you no different from the motherfucker who killed Amber!” Tyson yells in an outburst.

  “I almost died in Terminus. Dozens of firearms were pointed at me and a rogue demediom in the flesh stared right into my eyes, threatening me. That encounter made me realize that I headed there with no care over my life. It wasn’t my unbridled rage over Amber’s death that led me to impulsiveness; it was me looking for an escape,” Entro replies, staring down his sympathetic brother.

  “...And that serum’s supposed to guarantee your safety? Is that it?”

  “No. The complete opposite, in fact. When the time comes, I plan on utilizing these newfound abilities to guarantee the downfall of Eternal Drive.”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “...If it takes a monster to unseat Damon Estreval from his throne of blood, then I will gladly become that monster,” Entro declares.

  4 MONTHS LATER

  TINA’S TAILORY

  AURUS, PRECIDIA - 1:01 PM

  “You’re leaving?” a perplexed Liam asks Zack and Entro, standing before him.

  “I respect your craft, but motivational speeches and charity campaigns aren’t enough. We’re going to topple the bastards ourselves,” Zack replies with his tone set in stone.

  “I knew it… Taking that serum was an awful decision…” Tina comments disappointedly.

  “Perhaps, but it was mine to make. I won’t let anyone tie me down any longer. Not Eternal Drive, not you,” states Entro as Zack steps out of the room.

  “Farewell,” Entro follows up before going after Zack. Confused and lethargic, Tina takes a seat as her husband comforts her.

  “Let them be. They should dictate their own definition of freedom.”

  “If freedom was heading into an untimely death… Those imbeciles…” Tina replies, frustrated at their decision.

  “When will they realize that whatever they’re planning…” she continues as Zack and Entro step inside a white sedan just outside the tailory.

  “...their efforts…”

  2 YEARS LATER

  TINA’S TAILORY

  AURUS, PRECIDIA - 4:48 PM

  “...will amount to nothing in the end?”

  Coated in blood, the lifeless body of Liam Ross stays still on the ground with a revolver in his hand. With blood still leaking out the side of his head, a horrified Tina finds herself speechless at the gruesome scene of her husband’s staged suicide. Perhaps if they listened to Entro and Zack, none of this would have happened.

  13 YEARS LATER - PRESENT DAY

  EVERGREEN RESIDENCE A

  VIRTUM, GRATA - 11:47 AM

  “Alright! What’s the plan?” asks an enthusiastic Luke to Zack, Celeste and Tina in the living room.

  “Hold up, Luke. We’re still waiting on someone,” replies Celeste as a white SUV pulls up in front of Zack’s driveway. Zack opens the front door, letting the driver of the SUV, Entro Gruff inside.

  “Mrs. Ross. It’s been too long,” Entro greets Tina.

  “Entro. I heard about Tyson from Zack. I’m sorry.”

  “What’s done is done. I’m sorry about Liam, too,” Entro replies as Tina nods in recognition.

  “The least we can do now is give them justice.”

  “Damn right. Okay, everybody listen up!” Zack says as the five gather around the table. Tina places down a metallic box onto it, similar to the one she showed Nick and Elena. The box opens up, revealing a holographic layout of the Eternal Tower.

  “While the tower is mostly made up of concrete and glass, there’s an inner layer of technologically amplified steel that protects its exterior in case of emergency. This was built around ten years ago, a security measure after your initial breach,” says Tina as she looks at Zack.

  “We don’t know how long it’ll take to activate since it's never been used. Hell, it might even be a bluff, but let’s take it into consideration just to be safe,” Zack states as he points to the 38th floor.

  “Nick and Elena are most likely contained within this floor; that’s where my buddy and I were imprisoned. Omega mostly stays here to conduct his experiments. Hopefully they weren’t tortured as well, but knowing Omega…” he says as his fingers drift upward, reaching the 50th floor.

  “At the very top of the tower is Damon’s office. The bastard only ever leaves to check on the Demediom Project’s progress,” Zack continues as he draws his hand back.

  “That leaves our wildcards. Mathers, who does Estreval’s dirty work. He could be anywhere from the 50th floor, sucking Damon’s cock to Valcove, spying on Palladium. There’s also Jason, who I’m not quite sure what his role is yet, as well as any other new projects Trent took during my absence,” he concludes as the five share glances at each other.

  “In two days, the raid on the Eternal Tower will commence with the goal of annihilating Estreval, Omega, Diaz and Mathers. We’ll rescue Nick Altair and Elena Lune, as well as put a full-stop to the Demediom Project,” Tina declares.

  “...And if this doesn’t work?”

  “Hopefully Palladium finally gets off its ass and does something. It’s embarrassing that we, the common folk, went first before that massive org,” Celeste replies, berating the seemingly idle organization of the north.

  “...This will work. But even if it does not… We must guarantee one thing,” Entro replies to Luke as the group looks at each other, aware of the primary motive. Zack steps forward, shutting off the display as he declares their mission.

  “Estreval must die.”

  To Be Continued…

  Failure is not an option.