Chapter 3: The Weight of Fate
A world engulfed in flames. Skyscrapers crumbling like sandcastles, streets filled with desperate screams. The sky, once blue, now a swirling storm of darkness. Mankind was being erased. People ran, but there was nowhere to go. The source of this destruction? An unseen force, an impending doom beyond comprehension.
Lucien's breathing was heavy. His body was drenched in sweat. Then—he woke up.
It was just a dream. But to Lucien, it was more than that. It was a warning.
He sat up, glancing around their small camp in the forest. His three students—Ryo, Kael, and Nova—were still asleep. They had been traveling for days, searching for Metro, their only hope against the darkness that loomed.
Lucien couldn't sleep. The weight of responsibility crushed his thoughts. He walked to the riverside, staring at his reflection in the water. His golden eyes, hidden behind his blindfold, burned with unspoken worry.
"What if we never find him?" he thought. "What if Trayor, the demon lord, is freed? What if Metro's father wins?"
His fingers curled into fists. No. I can't allow that.
---
A Conversation in the Dark
"Can't sleep?"
Lucien turned. It was Ryo, standing a few feet away. His sharp blue eyes reflected the moonlight. He had his sword strapped to his back, though there was no need for it now.
Lucien smirked. "Nah. Just enjoying the view. You should try it."
Ryo chuckled. "You're a terrible liar." He walked closer, taking a seat beside his master.
Lucien didn't respond. He just gazed at the water, lost in thought.
After a moment, Ryo spoke again. "You've been restless ever since we started this mission."
Lucien let out a breath. "Is it that obvious?"
Ryo nodded. "You think too much. About Metro… and about Trayor."
Lucien tilted his head slightly. "Wouldn't you? If you knew the fate of the world rested on one person, and that person was missing?"
Ryo was quiet for a moment before speaking. "You really believe Metro is the key?"
Lucien's expression turned serious. "It's not about belief, Ryo. It's a fact. If Trayor is ever freed, there is only one person who can stop him. And that's Metro."
Ryo sighed. "And if we find him? What then? Would we… tell him the truth?"
Lucien's smirk faded. He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he looked up at the night sky, lost in thought.
Finally, he said, "It depends."
Ryo frowned. "On what?"
Lucien turned to him. "On whether he's ready."
Silence settled between them. The sound of the river filled the air.
"Ryo," Lucien said suddenly. "What do you think of fate?"
Ryo hesitated. "I… I don't know. I never really thought about it."
Lucien smirked. "That's because you've never had to. But when you do, you'll realize something: fate is never kind."
Ryo didn't respond.
Lucien patted his shoulder and stood up. "Get some sleep. We leave at dawn."
Ryo remained seated, staring at the water. Deep down, he had a feeling things were about to change forever.
---
Elsewhere…
Two figures walked through an endless desert. The sun burned above them, but they were unaffected. Two demons—high-ranking, powerful.
One, a cool and collected man dressed in black, his silver hair flowing behind him. Vael.
The other, an arrogant troublemaker with a sinister grin, his crimson eyes glowing in the darkness. Zareth.
They were opposites. And yet, they walked together.
"Why does the master want this power stone?" Vael asked, his voice calm.
Zareth scoffed. "None of your business. This is a mission. No questions."
Vael smirked. "I just hope we find Metro. I wonder where the Slayers are hiding him."
Zareth suddenly stopped and turned, smirking. "You're really a fool, aren't you?"
Vael's expression darkened. In an instant, he released a powerful shockwave of dark energy. The sand beneath them cracked.
But Zareth dodged effortlessly.
A fight broke out.
It was a clash of monstrous strength—sandstorms forming from their attacks, the sky trembling. They fought fiercely, matching each other blow for blow.
Vael's sword clashed against Zareth's claws. Dark energy burned around them.
Finally, Zareth emerged victorious, pinning Vael down with a smirk.
He leaned in and whispered, "We've found Metro."
Vael's eyes widened. "Where?"
"Neo City."
A slow grin spread across Vael's face.
"Then let's make this interesting."
---
Back in Neo City…
The alarm buzzed. Metro groaned, rubbing his eyes. His morning routine was simple. Wake up. Shower. Get dressed.
But something felt… different.
As he stepped out of his apartment, the city felt empty. A strange silence in the air.
At the bus stop, he met Mark, his only friend.
"Yo, Metro!" Mark waved. "You good?"
Metro nodded, though his mind was elsewhere.
They boarded the bus. Metro's heart suddenly started pounding—faster than normal. He turned his head and saw her.
Rose.
The most beautiful girl in school.
She made eye contact with him for a brief second. Metro froze. His stomach twisted. What is this feeling?
Mark smirked. "Bro, I can talk to her for you."
Metro immediately refused. Before he could react further, Rose walked past them—to sit with her boyfriend.
Metro sighed. "She has a boyfriend. That's… nice."
Mark patted his shoulder. "Tough luck, buddy."
---
At school…
Metro and Mark walked through the school gates. The usual chaos of students filled the air. But something felt off.
As Metro reached his locker, he felt a presence.
He turned.
Caleb was there. The demon-human hybrid who had spoken to him yesterday.
Metro's breath hitched. He ignored him and opened his locker.
Caleb grabbed his wrist.
"Metro." His voice was eerily calm. "Do you want to learn about your life?"
Metro turned slowly. His curiosity burned.
Somewhere far away, an eyeball-shaped demon laughed.
"Plan A is on the roll."
---
To be continued…