It's raining at Asmund City. An old and tired man arrives its vicinity, knowing that come back to this city would mean bring up the past again. But he made a promise, there’s no way around it.

«Every time it rains like this, it makes me remember about that day. I really miss you M, but I will fulfill our promise, no matter what. »

The Asmund rusty and ancient gates, recognizable for its Asmund’s maroon symbols, are the only way in and out of the city. The city is surrounded by sturdy walls and watchtowers. And on the present day the watch guard was even reinforced, due to the information sent by Thartan’s Task Force. As one of the Nation’s most profitable cities, Asmund has the biggest army on Crimson Continent, in exchange of a large donation to the Nation trust fund done every month. This army consists of 8 squads, each with its war veterans and new talents blooming from all over the globe, including some of the top rated Essentia users. Using the Asmund army outfit is only possible to the very best. This is the power that wealth can buy. With the constant harassment of rebels against the nation, more than half of the squads are out of town, leaving the 3rd and 4th squad on the city. But with the information that the Red Prophet was coming to town, it was sent the request that the 1^st squad would return from war frontlines to backup Asmund. That was how much of a threat the intruder was.

At the gate entry, the 3rd and 4th squad were gather waiting for their unwanted guest. The 3rd squad was composed by many youngsters, and that would lead to be the youngest squad among all the Asmund’s Army. Even thought they were inexperienced when compared to the other squads, they hold the most potential Essentia wise. Among them, the 3 troublemakers Luke Howell [Essentia Ability: Fiber], Troy McClay [Essentia Ability: Haste] and Philip Peck [Essentia Ability: Sound] were annoyed by their sudden summoning.

-I don’t get it. Why would you need to call the 3rd and 4th squad to deal with some geezer? – inquires Luke - And we are here standing for hours already.

-Yeah, and I overheard that even the 1^st squad was requested to comeback…- says Troy while shaking his head- 3 squads to take care of an old man. I don’t understand the need to call all of us. This is just ridiculous.

-I heard that old man is crazy strong, and one of the most wanted men of the Nation for years. – declares Philip.

Troy giggles. – Strong? We trained in order to become elites and reach the 3rd squad of Asmund. Even if it was just the 3 of us, we could handle this easily. And who knows, maybe Commander Haze would reward us with some nice vacations.

-Yeah, even though he was one of the most wanted man 10 years ago, he disappeared and he’s older now. He certainly doesn’t mean shit nowadays. – Luke

-You say that, but I also heard that he was the one who made the scar on commander’s face 5 years ago. – Philip.

-I think you overheard that Peck. To injure our commander is almost impossible, and leave that scar? An old man couldn’t do that. You know that each new generation has a better Essentia control, so we are fated to be strong that the previous gen. I bet that it was another squad commander that scarred our commander, like Commander Gibbon.

-It’s what makes sense, this old man doesn’t stand a chance. The Nation has to review their data and update the marked book.

As the three squad mates were chatting, a light golden ponytail with a bun man approaches them. This man possessed a strange metal bat, with three saws surrounding it. At his long white coat, is possible to see at his left side the 1^st  squad emblem.

-You really think that you can handle that monster? What a fucking joke! Even the 3 squads may not be enough to beat him down. We have to go for the kill if we want to survive.

-C-c-c-com-commander!!-shout the three soldiers at once, while getting in formation.

It was in fact commander Haze Moltz [Essentia Ability: Resonating Metal]. The youngest squad commander in Asmund history; His battle achievements are taught on Asmund army academy, and his vicious style makes him feared by every Asmund enemies. The meander like scar that crosses his lip on the left side to his chin was made in a battle against the Oath Legion guild, where he was the sole survivor. Haze would be known as one of the few that survive a Oath Legion’s strike on the infamous Battle of Hallow Hill. He’s also known for originate the high number of deserters recruiting wise, due to his old barbaric spartan trainings.

-You guys seem too eager to get some action…want me to provide some extra training?

-It’s not really necessary sir. We need to be ready for when the enemy arrives – says nervously Luke.

-Yeah, we don’t need more sparta - - I mean, splendid training, sir.

-You guys always drag me into these messes. – mutters Philip.

As Haze continues to lecture his squad members for their nonchalance attitude, a tall and slender guy puts his hand on Haze’s shoulder. The long silky hair would reach his lower back, hiding the peculiar chest armor that he had, while his arms seemed much longer than they should be. This would be strange if it weren’t the 4th squad commander Austen Schwartz [Essentia Ability: Bio-Magnify]. He is known as a creepy and sadistic member even among the Asmund Army, leading to a series of killing on his own squad. He shows absolutely no mercy for the weak.

-Oh, come on, be nice to your squad Hazey-boy. They can’t know how terrifying Darkmore can be. This new generation, I tell you, I think it doesn’t show respect to anyone – says Austen, and in a provoking tone continues – Even I cannot even phantom how strong he is…but your scar does, isn’t that right? Kukukuku

Haze fix his gaze towards Austen and shakes off his hand from Haze’s shoulder.

-Hands off, you annoying creep. Darkmore has to be reaching his limits, based on the reports. Even so he’s coming here, knowing that we are expecting him. Cornered animals are the most dangerous. He really is a monster.

-Hmmm, sounds like you are a Darkmore’s fanboy. Are you going for a rematch or are you defecting our army? – provokes Austen.

-He’s one of the greatest of all time, it’s natural that I admire him – says Haze as he strokes his old scar – The Hallow Hill’s battle was decided singlehandedly by him; He defeated more than 120 soldiers, leaving only me alive with this scar as warning. His essential control is second to none, he’s a fucking monster. I trained during these 5 years to stand a chance against him, but I can’t say that even with whole army we could defeat him without a large wipeout. – Haze coldly stares at Austen – You can go stretch those arms of yours somewhere else, I don’t care.

-Don’t be like that. And you have that image of that old man, but years have passed, who knows if he even can use Essentia after so many years being chased. My squad is at the outer layer and could have already captured him, you might not even have a chance to face h—

KABOOOM!!!

The gate explodes. More than a third of the troops stationed on the first line of city’s defense were wiped out. Every soldier is speechless seeing an attack of this magnitude; The only thing replacing what formerly was known as the Asmund city entrance is big black cloud of smoke. Soon, the smoke starts to dissipate, revealing a shadow of just one man. Everyone could fill his presence.

-He’s here. – states Haze, preparing his battle stance – Luther Darkmore.

The intruder shakes off the dust from his cloak due to the explosion. As he walks in, it is drawn a grey beard on a 50’s man face; his shady grey coat has the extinct Oath Legion creed on his back. It was the same man that had escaped Thartan City days ago. It was indeed the Red Prophet, 2nd man in command of the legendary Oath Legion guild, the conqueror of the Blue Storm, the Crimson Battle Imp, and a top priority on the Nation’s marked book, Luther “The Red Prophet” Darkmore. He’s known for his extreme rare Essentia Ability: Bloody Road, and to have achieved the limits of this aptitude. The Nation would try to erase every information regarding Oath Legion and any other extinct threats so that it could quench any new opposition movement. The new gens aren’t taught about it, as it can be dangerous, or so the Nation says. As such, they don’t fear confronting people like Darkmore: ignorance is a bliss. But war veterans, that face Oath Legion, know of him. There was a saying about Darkmore: “The question isn’t who’s going to fight him, it’s who’s going to sacrifice for the others get a chance to run”.

-Hello everyone. What a warm reception, did you throw a party just for me? I’m flatter really, but I’m sorry, I have a tight schedule tonight, so can you move aside? – requests Darkmore with a careless smile.

Austen changed to a serious expression, sweating; he could sense Darkmore’s strength from where he stood. He thought that Darkmore was overrated by those who talk about him, but now he thinks that there might have been some underestimation.

 «What a fucking monster, and he’s not even on his prime. » Austen starts to emanate his Essentia.

-Are you getting cold feet, you freak? – teases Haze, as he unsheathes his special metal club. -If you want to run, now is the time.

-Who’s says that I’m afraid? I’m excited – says Austen, while his remaining men assemble – Let’s see what he can do about this. 4th squad execute ploy #2, full power.

-Yes, sir. – replied the 4th squad soldiers as they conjure Essentia and channel it to the member Vasco Hill [Essentia Ability: MultiShot]. His body was burnt, for the excessive use of his ability, even more without a proper Essentia ability of conversion between the other soldiers and Vasco.

-I’m ready sir. – says Vasco in clearly pain.

-Good. FIRE! – orders Austen.

-Youngsters, can you let this old man go just this one ti-- -tries Darkmore, but it gets interrupt by an eminent attack, from multiple Essentia arrows coming from different directions. -It’s going to be like that, huh?

His smile disappears and his eyes appear to be burning, right before the impact. A large dust cloud emerges from the attack explosion. Vasco is in serious difficulties to remain standing up, and his skin seems to have been burn again. The other members are supporting him, as they try to find Darkmore.

- Did we get him?

- “Blood Road: Red Claw”

- I don’t know. I can’t s —

In an instant and coming from where the attack hit, red rough shaped Essentia slices cut down every 4th squad member. Austen is speechless as his men drop on the spot.

-3rd squad, get ready! Let’s give him a day to forget! – yells Haze, as he conjures Essentia on his club – formation D!

The remaining units of Haze’s squad gather all their Essentia on Raihan Vickers [Essentia Ability: Convection], whose ability makes it possible to channel Essentia between bodies, the drawback of it is that is only possible at direct contact, and is impossible to do more than once each day. Vickers would collect all the other members’ Essentia and give it to Tomek Giles [Essentia Ability: Rampart]. Giles can forge shield walls, and its duration and its resilience depends on his Essentia levels. The downside of his skill is that he’s arms are sealed for ten times longer than the time used during his ability.

Haze chose these two members among the elite because of the synergy that they could get, having in mind this present confrontation. With some practice and talent, Essentia ability users can match their abilities up, forming a more powerful skill; this process is nominated as Essentia Sync.

-Transfer complete- informs Raihan- Let’s do it.

- “Essentia Sync: Rampart + Convection: Mighty Fortress”

Multiple inscriptions circle signs are developed from Giles and expand. An enormous Essentia orb is created, shielding every Asmund soldier.

Darkmore reappears when the dust settles. He makes an unpleasant smile and condenses a big red orb liquid orb.

 - Nice trick, I have to congratulate you for it. But I’m in a hurry. “Condense”- the orb stabilizes, with some dark red projectiles surrounding it. – “Blood Bolt”

Darkmore’s attack is blasted against the shield. The shield withstands it at first, but soon it starts to break.

-It’s impossible…not even Commander Haze could break it.

-What a monster…

-How can he be cracking our barrier?

The shield wears off, breaking into pieces. The 3^rd squad members have exhausted all their Essentia for the defense shield, while Darkmore advances to them, forming an Essentia aura around his whole body.

 “Bloody Soul Assault”

A red flash travels between each and every 3^rd squad soldier, knocking them down.

-These kids have potential, and the way they could sync up…it was you Haze, wasn’t it? – asks Darkmore, while his skin darkens up – Don’t worry, I left them alive, but they need some time to rest.

-After this power display, now I know what you meant, Haze.

-Yeah. So if you don’t wanna die, follow me, and don’t get in my way.

The 2 squad captains take the initiative. Haze surrounds his club with Essentia, while Austen already magnified his arms, doubling their size.

-LET’S DO THIS! - yell both of them.

-I maybe old, but I think I can still manage you two brats. – smirks Darkmore, ready to engage.