Scene: Battlefield Carnage
Rain lashed the blood-soaked earth as soldiers scrambled backward, terror etching their faces. One stumbled toward a communication crystal, shrieking: "Contact the generals! An S-Rank monster—he's tearing through us like paper!"
A superior officer stared at the whirlwind of destruction—a lone figure moving faster than thought. "No doubt… only an S-Rank could move like that."
Amidst the chaos, Nero's blade carved arcs of crimson, felling soldiers like wheat. Then—a shockwave. The Seventh General, Kanori, landed before him, her armor gleaming under storm-lashed skies.
Nero lowered his sword, a feral grin spreading. "Finally. A general worth my time."
Kanori's eyes blazed. "Who are you, monster? How dare you slaughter without mercy!"
Nero chuckled, dark and low. "Mercy? Hypocrisy suits you. Weren't your hands stained long before mine?"
Scene: Clash of Titans
Kanori faltered. "What are you—"
"—You forgot?" Nero's gaze turned glacial. "Let me remind you."
Kanori unleashed torrents of energy, shattering the ground—but Nero flowed through her attacks like smoke. Fist met steel, bone crunched, and her aura flickered. "I tire of this," Nero yawned. He raised a hand skyward. "Million Strikes."
The heavens split. A thousand spectral swords rained down, pinning Kanori to the earth. Before she could scream, Nero's bare fist hammered her ribs. Again. Again. Until she crumpled, broken.
He nudged her limp form with his boot. "Fainted already? Poor little general… and I was just starting to enjoy myself."
Scene: Salvation and Warning
A roar shook the battlefield. General Blaze descended, fists wreathed in apocalyptic fire. "DIE, ABOMINATION!" His inferno engulfed the square—villagers wailed, knowing escape was impossible.
A tiny monster-girl tugged Nero's cloak. "Big brother… save us."
Nero's eyes softened. "Heh. Worry not—your brother's the strongest here." With a thought (Teleport), the entire village vanished—reappearing leagues away, safe.
Blaze stared at the smoldering crater. Then—gasps. Kanori and the fallen soldiers stirred, wounds sealing as if time reversed. Beside them lay a note:
"A great war dawns, General. I spared your soldiers—they are innocents caught in your folly. Interfere again… and I paint this world red."
—Followers of the Primordial One
Scene: Dungeon Peril
Deep in a serpentine dungeon, Yoshito and Keisuke sneered at a hulking beast. "An 'SS-Rank'? Pathetic," Yoshito spat. Their blades flashed—but the boss grinned.
"Fools. You're outmatched." Shadows detached from walls—minions swarmed them. Blows rained, bones cracked. Unseen, Miku trembled behind a pillar, having followed her brothers.
The boss seized her wrist. "Luck favors me today!"
Scene: Spirit's Wrath
As the boss raised a claw to strike Miku—her amulet shattered. Blue fire erupted, coalescing into a humanoid spirit wreathed in azure flame.
WHOOSH.
The spirit moved like lightning. Minions vaporized. The boss shrieked as the spirit grabbed his throat, dunking him into stone like a basketball before incinerating him to ash.
"Pathetic," the spirit sighed, embers curling from its lips. It turned to Miku—and bowed.
"My Lord… are you harmed?"
Yoshito roared as blue flames enveloped Miku—but they healed her scrapes instantly. The spirit summoned a blade, advancing on the brothers—
"STOP!" Miku cried. "They're my family!"
The spirit knelt, fire dimming to a gentle glow. "How may I serve you, Lord?"
Miku blinked. "Me? Your lord?"
"My allegiance was to Nero Almik. He gifted me to you. Thus… you command me now."
"Did… did big brother Nero send you?"
"Indeed. The Great Lord ensured your protection."
Scene: Revelations
Yoshito staggered. "Nero's… alive?"
"Without question."
Keisuke gaped at the spirit. "You were that tiny flame in Miku's pendant! How—?"
"My strength mirrors my source's power. The stronger Lord Nero grows… the mightier I become."
Joy ignited the brothers' eyes. "He's alive…" Yoshito whispered.
Miku tugged Keisuke's sleeve. "What's happening? Is brother Nero okay?"
Keisuke masked his face. "He… was on a dangerous mission. We feared the worst. But he survived!"
"Silly!" Miku beamed. "Brother Nero's the strongest! He'd never lose!"
The spirit watched the lie unfold—and stayed silent.
As they exited the dungeon, rejoining their expanded guild, Yoshito's grip tightened on his sword. Somewhere out there, Nero was fighting a war—and they'd be ready.