Chapter 1: The Orb

It is 8:00 in the morning. Soft sunlight slips through gaps in the drifting clouds that fly across the sky. The wooden alarm dings. Sen is awakened by his clock, rolling over to silence it with a groggy hand. He looks out the window next to his bed. He takes a moment to absorb the sight in front of him: trees, grass, and warm light shining on the open blue sky painted by scattered clouds.

After a moment of quiet reflection, Sen gets up and changes into a black sleeveless shirt and matching shorts. He splashes warm water on his face, brushes his teeth, and heads to the kitchen. A quick breakfast follows—a powdered drink stirred into water and a bar grabbed from the pantry.

The doorbell rings. Setting his drink aside, Sen answers the door to find Dain standing there, dressed in a dark blue shirt and gray shorts.

Sen: Hey, I’ll be out there in a bit.

Dain: Alright, no rush.

Sen returns to his dining table, finishing up his meal by stuffing it into his face quickly and drinking his shake in one final gulp. He grabs his water bottle and slips on his socks and shoes. Finally, he walks out the door, where Dain is still waiting for him.

Sen: I’m ready now. Let’s go.

Dain: Cool.

Both Sen and Dain walk together down an open street that is barely occupied with people.

Dain: So, did you hear about the update on the bombing incident?

Sen: Dude, I just woke up. I’m barely figuring out what my plans are for today.

Dain: Well, anyway, turns out the attack was not from Krutone.

Sen: Really? News sources were all so confident Krutone were the ones who attacked.

Dain: That’s what I thought too, but get this—Krutone was also bombed.

Sen: Who bombs Krutone?

Dain: Right? Usually, it’s just Krutone that attacks with that kind of force.

Sen: What I don’t get is who has both Krutone and Luria as enemies?

Dain: That’s why I wanted to ask if you knew about the update. I thought maybe you might know some things I haven’t found out yet.

Sen: Nope, not at all. But that is crazy to hear.

Dain: Right? It feels like one of the countries is being a traitor or something. Or maybe just trying to take this chance at taking Krutone down.

Sen: Whoever’s doing it is either stupid or brave. No one’s taking Krutone down.

Dain: I just find it interesting that no one still knows who’s behind all of this. Not even Krutone. Eztan is practically burned down to nothing, and still no one knows who took them down.

Sen: I think it’s just the new sources not wanting to share with us what’s going on. I can almost guarantee Krutone’s leaders are well aware of who is behind all the terrorist attacks.

Dain: Well, it’s been reported that Zagons are being used too.

Sen gives Dain a look of shock and confusion.

Dain: That’s how I reacted too. Zagons? Really? Like the folklore stories.

Sen: That’s just mythology, though. We read those dumb books when we were in school.

Dain: Well, they’re not exactly like the Zagons in the storybooks, but people have described seeing these creatures attacking Eztan as Zagons.

Sen: Huh… Damn…

Dain: I bring this up because, do you think they’re real?

Sen: What, the Zagons?

Dain: Yeah.

Sen: Dude, I don’t know. It sounds crazy, but if that’s what the news is telling us, then maybe? I can’t see why someone would lie about something like Zagons.

Dain: True. It just has me thinking—if Zagons really are a thing, Krutone is going to find a way to make them a new weapon. I can just see it coming.

Sen: This world war is going to get even crazier.

Dain: Hell yeah, it is. Using mythological creatures as instruments of war? That’s insane.

Sen and Dain arrive at their location. They open the door to a large warehouse full of people training. There are weights racked against the wall, punching bags hanging from the ceiling, caged arenas with people sparring, and many other types of equipment used for training. In some enclosed spaces, people are seen sparring, sending flames and electricity through their hands, generating them out of thin air. In other rooms, people are sparring with raging water, and some are using swords or other blades.

Sen: I’m going to warm up a bit.

Dain: Same.

Sen jumps up to a bar that travels across the walls and begins pulling himself up and down with control. Dain stretches out his legs and takes a drink from his water bottle. The two proceed to work out.

Dain: Question.

Sen: Yeah?

Dain: Do you ever wonder if this world would be better without people?

Sen: Ummm, I don’t know. Maybe both with and without?

Dain: Why, yes?

Sen: Well, yes because we make use of this world we’re in. Otherwise, this place would just be a dump of nothing.

Dain: Why, no?

Sen: Probably because we destroy this place.

Dain is quiet for a moment.

Sen: What about you? What do you think?

Dain: Sometimes I think this world would be better without people.

Sen: Am I supposed to argue the other side like we usually do?

Dain: Sure.

Sen: Well, I guess one could argue that this world functions because of humans. And I guess not all humans are bad.

Dain: Yeah, I get that… but sometimes I can’t help but wonder if this world would be at peace if we just let it be. Who says we need to make use of the world? Why not just let it be?

Sen: Fair?... I think?... But some other being or animal would take over. Do you think they’d be peaceful?

Dain: Yeah, but that’s just their way of survival.

Sen: True, but this is our way of survival… as people… or humans.

Dain: I just think about this war that we’re all in, and I honestly don’t want to be drafted.

Sen: So, you’re bringing this up because you don’t want to fight in this war?

Dain: Well, yeah. But also, like, this world is messed up.

Sen: Okay, I can see that.

Dain: I know I sound naïve. Dumb, even. But like, why fight in the first place? Why suffer?

Sen doesn’t respond. He waits in silence, which gives Dain the sign to continue.

Dain: Sometimes I do think it’s better to just let the world go quietly rather than cause so much suffering. There’s such a divide among people at the social level. There are people who die of starvation because they’re poor, when clearly there’s enough food. Go to a grocery store and tell me there isn’t enough food. Just because they don’t have money, the world can look them in the eye and let them starve.

Sen: Okay, am I supposed to argue the other side now?

Dain: Sure. Let’s debate a bit.

Sen: Those who are poor choose to be there. I mean, just look at Ken from work. He barely does the minimum. Can you imagine if he was supplied free food? He’d do even less.

Dain: No, I’m not saying supply everyone with government food.

Sen: Ok, then what?

Dain: I guess I don’t know exactly what I’m saying. I just know something doesn’t feel right.

Again, Sen says nothing.

Dain: I mean, perhaps what I’m saying is that people suffer for no reason. I know suffering is just something embedded into life. I get that sometimes people can get sick or accidents happen... or maybe I’m just the dumb one here.

Sen: I mean, I kind of get where you’re coming from. You’re afraid of this war, so now your outlook on this world falling on the negative side of things.

Dain: It’s like, why exactly are we waging a world war again? Is it really because of conquest? What more resources does Krutone want?

Sen: Right. It’s not like Krutone is a poor place with limited resources. I mean, look at us over here. We may not be super poor, but we sure aren’t rich.

Dain: Exactly. And our people eat just fine.

Sen finishes his last set of pushups.

Dain: I’m just glad our country is allied with Krutone.

Sen: Right? I can’t imagine being drafted to fight against them as our enemies.

Dain: And if I’m real with you, I am scared of getting drafted.

Sen: I know.

Dain: I don’t always show it, but I care about my parents.

Sen doesn’t say anything.

Dain: And I’m sure they’d be just as devastated if you were forced to fight, too.

Sen: Well, good thing we don’t have to worry about it. It’s very unlikely that we’ll get called for war. Krutone has plenty of soldiers.

Dain finishes his workout and places the dumbbells on the rack.

Sen: You ready?

Dain: Is there a training room open?

Sen: Over there.

He points to a far corner door with the lights off, visible through the window.

Dain: Cool, let’s go.

Sen and Dain step into the room, flipping on the lights before shutting the door behind them. Dain rubs his fingers together, small sparks flickering to life from the friction as he warms up. Meanwhile, Sen stretches each arm across his chest, faint glimmers of light radiating from his skin with each movement.

The two quickly begin sparring, pushing each other’s reaction times and testing their ability to defend under pressure. Dain commands waves of fire with precise gestures, demonstrating remarkable control. Fire, known for its chaotic and uncontrollable nature, bends to his will, flowing with a discipline that reflects his mastery.

Sen, in contrast, wields light as an extension of his Intergy, unleashing bursts of energy that can explode on impact or slice cleanly through obstacles. Their session is intense and focused—a half-hour of relentless training that leaves both of them sharp and honed.

As they finish, they grab their water bottles, taking long swigs as they head out of the room together.

Sen: Good workout today.

Dain: Yeah, it was good. Although, were you going a little lighter? You usually push a bit harder than that.

Sen: Yeah, to be honest, I didn’t sleep well last night. Didn’t want to exhaust myself.

Dain: Didn’t sleep much? Same stuff on your mind?

Sen: Yeah, same stuff.

Dain notices a girl finishing an exercise and sitting on a bench.

Dain: Hey, it’s your girl.

Sen: Oh, shut up.

Dain: What’s her name again?

Sen: Who, Yerah?

Dain: Ohhh, so you do know her name.

Sen: Dude, shut it.

Dain: If you don’t talk to her, I will.

Sen: You won’t.

Dain: Try me?

Sen: You won’t.

Dain smiles jokingly.

Dain: Okay, I won’t, hahaha.

By then, Sen and Dain leave the gym doors.

Dain: You know you can just come over.

Sen: Hm?

Dain: When you can’t sleep.

Sen: Oh, that. Eh, I bother you too much already.

Dain: Well, it’s not like I’m doing anything else anyway.

Sen: Sure.

Sen and Dain stop at a crosswalk.

Dain: Yeah. So, I’ll see you at work in a few hours?

Sen: Yeah, I’ll see you then.

Sen and Dain bump fists, snapping their fingers as they part ways.

A few miles away from Sen and Dain, two figures sit at a secluded table, sharing lunch. Their table is tucked away in a distant corner, ensuring their conversation remains private.

One is a broad-shouldered man with a muscular build, while the other is a woman with a lean, athletic frame. Both wear identical black jackets.

The man, Aetrem, and the woman, Lilan, speak quietly to one another—not in whispers, but in low, measured tones.

Aetrem: Six more hours.

Lilan: Six more hours.

Lilan heats her tea in a cup using Intergy, then takes a sip.

Aetrem: You think Sicrus will show up?

Lilan: Doubt it. That guy could really care less about a place like Clyden. Just look around you. It’s filthy, and this was the best place we could find for a decent meal.

Aetrem: Ugh, it would just be easier and faster if Sicrus was here.

Lilan: Yeah, well, he’s planning another mission with Mayzen, so our job is to take care of the city of Clyden.

A moment of silence.

Aetrem: I don’t get why he doesn’t just announce his intentions, or at least have Zan do it.

Lilan: Zan would love to.

Aetrem: That’s what I’m saying.

Lilan: That guy gives me the creeps. He’s always so happy.

Aetrem: Right? Until he’s not.

Lilan: I hate what he’s capable of.

Another moment of silence. Lilan sips her tea.

Aetrem: Do you think Sicrus is right?

Lilan: You’re asking that now of all times? We’re practically six hours from turning this city into a slaughterhouse, and you question him?

Aetrem: Well, it just got me thinking.

Lilan: If you aren’t sure, why did you accept the job? Hell, why did you even join Sicrus?

Aetrem: I guess because I have nothing to lose anymore… And I just needed something to do.

Another moment of silence.

Lilan: Yeah, me too. Nothing seems to be working, so we might as well try something else… Just didn’t think it’d be something like this.

Aetrem: But you’re like me.

Lilan: Ew. Gross. I’m not like you.

Aetrem: But you are. We have nothing, and we like to entertain ourselves with a bit of brutality.

Lilan: A bit?

Aetrem: Okay, a lot.

Silence. A waitress comes to refill their tea.

Waitress: Anything else I can do for you?

Lilan: We’re good.

Waitress: Okay, thank you. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with.

Lilan: Sure.

The waitress leaves.

Aetrem: This is probably the last time I’ll get to see you be polite, huh?

Lilan: Depends if you die first.

Aetrem: And there you go, being an ass again.

Lilan gives Aetrem a disgusted look.

Aetrem: How many Zagons did Sicrus give you?

Lilan: I have twenty. You?

Aetrem: Also twenty.

Lilan: Sending forty Zagons into a small place like Clyden is overkill.

Aetrem: Are any of yours attached with explosives, too?

Lilan: No, not any of mine.

Aetrem: I have only one.

Lilan: Sicrus is really trying to stir the pot, huh?

Aetrem: Well, that’s what he was told to do.

Five hours later, Sen and Dain are hard at work. Dain, wearing a tank top, sweats as he superheats a metal cog until it’s malleable enough to reshape. Across the room, Sen, in a dirt-stained gray shirt, uses a thin, focused beam of light from his fingertips to slice metal pipes into equal lengths.Around them, other workers employ their own elemental abilities—some channel electricity, others wield fire, and a few manipulate air to blast rust from inside pipes. Off to one side, a rail-thin man named Ken sits lazily polishing tools while the bustle carries on around him.

Dain: Dude, could you be any more useless?

Ken: Hm? I did my part already. Not my fault you’re slow at your shit.

Dain: Yeah, well, clearly the job is bigger than we expected.

Sen: Wouldn’t you want to leave sooner?

Ken: Yes, but I’m not getting paid for it. Besides, I’m out of Intergy.

Dain: No, you aren’t, lazy bastard.

Ken: Hey, hey! Don’t be so salty you’re working for free. I’m at least polishing our tools. I do extra work too.

Sen: All of us would just like to get out of here faster.

Ken: Yeah, well, buy me some lunch or dinner and I’ll think about it. Haha.

Dain (sighs): Useless fucker.

Ken giggles, and Dain rolls his eyes. Sen finishes cutting the thin pipes, then moves to help Dain reshape the cogs.

Sen: We’d be out of here faster, including you, if you just helped.

Ken: Yeah, well, I need to piss anyway. I’ll be back.

Ken leaves the room.

Dain: I swear I hate that sack of useless trash.

Sen: Still wanna give him free government food? Hahaha.

Dain doesn’t respond to that question.

Sen: We’re almost done anyway.

Dain: Yeah, well, we stayed an extra hour.

Sen: What’s the plan for tomorrow? Same thing?

Dain: Like we do anything else?

Sen: True.

Dain: Life would be a bit more entertaining if you just took the time to talk to your girlfriend.

Sen: She’s not my girlfriend.

Dain: …yet.

Sen: Okay, buddy.

A few more minutes pass, and they are just about done with their job.

Dain: Last one.

Just as Dain is about to place the final cog onto the stack, a thunderous explosion erupts nearby, rattling the ground and sending the stacked cogs crashing down.

Man 1: What the hell was that!?

Man 2: Damn, that was loud!

Man 1: What’s going on out—

He’s interrupted by five long claws coming out of a nearby wall that pierce through his torso. Blood scatters, and he drops dead. Immediately, the wall breaks down, and the men run from the scene.

Dain: Holy shit! Go!

Sen doesn’t run. He sees a dark figure coming out of the wall.

Dain: Sen, we need to get the hell out of here!

Sen and several other men hold their ground as the debris settles, revealing a towering black-and-white beast hunched at the back. Its claws, each three feet long, gleam in the dust-filled air. One man charges forward, electricity crackling around his fist as he tries to land a blow. With a single swipe, the creature deflects the attack and slices clean through him. Panic spreads. Some flee in terror while others launch desperate assaults of Intergy, only to be cut down just as quickly by the rampaging monster.

Dain: Sen, we gotta get the hell out of here!

Sen still doesn’t move.

Sen: Is that… a Zagon?

Dain realizes it now too. Everything they talked about in the morning lines up. Dain grabs Sen’s arm and pulls him to run.

Ken shows up, returning from the restroom.

Ken: What in the hell is going on out there? Can’t a man just take a silent piss?

Ken sees the monster.

Ken: What the fuck is that!?

The Zagon lunges at Ken, driving its claws through his neck and nearly decapitating him. By the time Sen and Dain rush out the nearest exit, alarms are blaring throughout the building. Men and women scatter in panic, desperate to find a way out. Sen and Dain sprint toward another door, only to discover it’s been slammed shut and locked, leaving them trapped.

Dain: No, no! Open up!

Sen and Dain bang on the thick metal door.

Sen: Open up! Damn it, open up!!!

Behind them, they hear the noises of tools and metal hitting the floor. The Zagon is heard approaching from behind.

Sen: Shit, we need to figure something out.

Dain: We have to kill it or it kills us.

Sen: I’ll distract it and you burn it from behind.

Dain: Go full force.

Dain scans the chaos and ducks behind a nearby crate, heart pounding. The Zagon forces its way through the ruined doorway, splintering wood and twisting metal as it pushes through. Sen’s hand flares with a brilliance far more intense than usual, and he fires a focused beam of Intergy straight into the creature’s forelimb. One of the Zagon’s massive claws snaps clean off, and it shrieks in rage.

Enraged, the beast hurtles toward Sen. Dain springs from hiding, channeling fire into his legs to launch himself over the Zagon’s head. Mid-leap, he hurls a concentrated wave of flames across its back, scorching fur and flesh. The Zagon roars, whipping around with a vicious swipe. Although Dain quickly coats his body with Intergy, the impact still sends him crashing into a wall, blood trickling from a shallow gash.

Seizing the distraction, Sen shapes a glowing sword from his light Intergy and slides beneath the towering monster, slicing deeply into its ankle. The Zagon lurches and staggers, howling in agony. Dain recovers just enough to fling three fireballs into its face, temporarily blinding it.

Sensing an opening, Sen channels Intergy under his feet, propelling himself high into the air. With a precise strike, he plunges his blade through the Zagon’s throat from behind. Brown, viscous blood oozes out, yet the creature refuses to die quietly. It thrashes desperately, grabbing Sen by the leg and hurling him across the room. Deep gashes tear open around Sen’s calf, leaving him sprawled and unable to stand.

Dain wastes no time. Summoning a blazing sword of condensed fire, he thrusts it through the Zagon’s skull. The monster collapses with a final rasping roar. Breathing heavily, Dain rushes to Sen’s side, his expression dark with concern as he checks on him.

Dain: Shit, are you okay?

Sen: I’m good. You good?

Dain: My arm’s a bit cut up, but I’ll be fine. Can you walk?

Sen: Maybe a little.

Dain observes the wound.

Dain: Damn, those are deep cuts. You should wait until a medic or healer gets here. Hopefully there’s not another one of those things coming.

Sen: That was a damn Zagon.

Dain: I know. That shit’s crazy. What the hell is actually going on?

Sen: And you killed it.

Dain isn’t sure how to respond at first.

Dain: We killed it.

As the Zagon bleeds out, it starts to evaporate into black and white smoke. Sen and Dain watch it dissipate slowly as they try to regain their composure. Sen stares at Ken’s lifeless body lying in a pool of blood. The flames from Dain continue to flicker across the room, slowly dying away with the Zagon’s evaporating body.