PART IV-ARRIVAL OF THE LONGMAN
After I waved goodbye to the cab driver, I pushed the gate open, it swung easily. Easier than usual.
Mom would usually keep it locked in place.
Well, maybe dad already got home, since today is Sunday, where he usually comes back early from work.
As I pushed through the front gate, the front door was ajar. Absolute darkness behind the door.
I was confused, is it because mom knew I would return today?
My shirt was stained with mud, and smelt like piss. I was frightened to get in, afraid that my parents would ground me for an entire month.
As I slowly walked through the door, I screamed out "Mom! Dad! I'm home!". No one replied, the house was filled with darkness and silence.
I slowly approached the couch, but I stepped on a puddle with cold liquid on the carpet.
"Is it water?"
"No…this isn't water, it is way thicker than water."
"Maybe they spilled the tea?"
I crouched, leaned closer and took a breath on the puddle.
It smelt like iron, metallic and sharp.
Turns out, it wasn't tea, it was blood.
I crawled through the puddle, to my surprise, it was a foot, bare, pale, stiff.
I recognized the foot, the foot was smaller than mine, it was my mother's foot!
"Maybe she fainted and hit her head, hopefully…"
As I crawled behind the couch, I saw them, not only my mother. My father as well.
The floor was freezing cold, blood spreading everywhere.
Both of them are lying on the floor, pale and unmoved.
I reached out my trembling hands towards my mother, it was stiff.
Just stiff.
My mind was overwhelmed.
"What do I do?"
My fingers went numb.
"Is this the end?"
My vision became blurry.
"How did this happen?"
My throat went dry.
"What if I just leave them and run away?"
I couldn't feel my numb legs.
"Is this a nightmare?"
Suddenly, I felt dizzy.
(Did these damn anomalies…kill my entire family…?)
(Why?)
(Just…why…?!)
(What have I done to deserve this?)
(Did these damn anomalies…kill my entire family…?)
(Why?)
(Just…why…?!)
(What have I done to deserve this?)
I collapsed to the floor, powerless. As I saw my bracelet on my wrist, the last gift I received before my grandfather passed away. Suddenly, a memory kicked in my mind, it was a line from my grandfather himself. "George, you only live once, protect your family, cherish them. Once they're gone, it feels like money burned in flames."
A line from someone who experienced it before, someone who kept going despite his loss…
"I failed to protect my family. I'm useless."
"How…How do you let go of it so easily?!"
"Acceptance, although it might take a while."
"How should I start?"
A shape stood at the edge of my vision—tall, unmoving, swallowed by shadow.
"Stand up."
"What do you mean?"
My mind became silent.
I refused to give it up, I shook my mother, trying to wake her up, but she didn't even flinch.
"Mom! Wake up!"
At this point, I realized it'd be hopeless if I kept on going like this.
"What should I do? Call the police? Call the ambulance? Or find a mage capable of reviving?"
Three words. Protect your family. Which I failed to do.
It's all my fault…why did I agree to explore the rift and leave my family behind?
"You would've died if you stayed."
Well at least I would die with my family together!
"If you've died, no one could continue the legacy of this family."
I was stunned by the line, my body felt warmer.
"I just couldn't let it go, if I don't do anything, their deaths would be meaningless. I'll have to move on…even if my heart tells me to stay."
Suddenly, there were voices everywhere outside the house, the sky turned dark orange, those voices were screams, everyone was panicking, buildings were collapsing. There it is. The Arrival Of The Longman and his team as I looked out the window.
There he is, the gigantic, sinister Longman. The ground shook as soon as he stepped into the town. The Longman threw debris everywhere, collapsing multiple buildings at once. One of the shattered pieces of the debris hit George's house, demolishing the roof of the house.
"What are you doing?! Run!"
"But that would leave the corpses of my family behind!"
"Run, it's for your own good. That way your family wouldn't have a meaningless death."
I ran swiftly towards the exit of the house, avoiding the hit just by an inch, leaving the corpses of my family behind.
The Longman:I'll leave the rest to you guys.
As Longman said in a deep sinister voice.
Wilson:Kill them all. Leave no mercy. I want to see blood splattered everywhere.
Skinwalkers spread out across the town, slaughtering humans in their way.
George, stunned. Having absolutely no idea of what to do. Hatred builds up in him, overwhelmed with rage. A skinwalker approaches him.
George punches the skinwalker, with anger and hatred. Turns out, when he punched the skinwalker, the punch emitted strong energy, having an appearance similar to the cosmos.
The punch wasn't just an ordinary punch emitting cosmic powers, it felt like everything was tilted, reversed. I felt stars on my fist, supernova explosions. Where even time couldn't escape.
George:How...did I gain this mysterious power...?
George rushes out to the chaotic outbreak of the town, where the gigantic Longman destroys large buildings.
(Wilson…Did you do this…?)
(Did you kill my entire…family…?)
The mages eventually arrived and began clearing the skinwalkers.
Wilson:As expected, the presence of the mages. Let's do this, Scientist X.
Wilson creates a massive inferno tornado, burning the mages who are near the tornado.
Meanwhile Scientist X uses his railgun and blasts the mages, creating a huge explosion with each blast.
George sees Prince Kaito, causing him to bear more hatred.
He then rushes towards Wilson.
George:This is for VENGEANCE!
I punched Wilson with his full power. The punch was so strong it created a small nova explosion. The shockwave didn't just push Wilson back; it traveled up my own arm like a lightning strike. I heard the sickening 'pop' of my shoulder and the crunch of my radius fracturing. The pain was white-hot, but my hatred was hotter. I didn't even care if my arm fell off, as long as I saw him bleed.
Wilson:Bastard! Damn it! How are you this strong?!
Wilson coughs out blood, his eyes began glowing with anger.
Wilson:DIE!
Wilson attempts to slash George, but something else was stopping him.
Suddenly, a tall figure in yellow appeared in front of George. The tall figure pulls out a long, sharp glowing yellow sword and slashes Wilson.
Wilson:It's you…Master Zen. This is our third time meeting each other.
Master Zen:Ah Wilson, bullying kids again? Classic.
Wilson:Scientist X, Zyo. Let's take him down together! Attack!
Master Zen:Good luck, cause you'll need it.
Wilson, Scientist X and Zyo attacked Master Zen all at once,
Master Zen swiftly swings his sword in a full circle, piercing through the abdomens of the anomalies with powers of the light.
While the anomalies were down, Master Zen clashes with Wilson, creating a legendary clash.
George:(So this is how one of the strongest anomalies looks like clashing with the Top Mage!)
As George was standing aside, witnessing the legendary fight.
Wilson deflects the slashes from Master Zen using pure strength. The light energy pierces through Wilson's body, creating small holes.
George:Master Zen! Watch out! He's coming from behind!
Zyo gets up, rushing towards Master Zen.
Wilson:Zyo! Strike him with your full power!
Zyo strikes…It fails…Master Zen was nowhere to be seen.
Wilson:Did he teleport away?!
Suddenly a light beam strikes Zyo right in the solar plexus, light energy burning through his cells. Master Zen flashes through buildings, gaining momentum and ultimately lunging towards Wilson with full speed.
George:(Master Zen's amazing! He could easily handle three anomalies at once!)
Wilson:You're really fast!
Wilson jumps high enough to avoid the direct strike, but not the impact from the explosion from the strike. Light beams being fired constantly at Wilson.
Wilson:Scientist X, do something quick! Or I'll kill you!
Scientist X:Right, got it!
As Scientist X emerges with a fractured head, and fires a plasma beam towards Master Zen from behind.
Master Zen:That will not work easily, fool!
George:(How can he do that?!)
Master Zen fires light beams with his hands, clashing with the plasma beam. While Scientist X was trying his best, the railgun began overheating. Master Zen's light beam ultimately wins the clash over Scientist X's plasma beam. Upon impact, the beam created a massive explosion, fire spilled across the area and the village. While Master Zen exhausts out from using too much energy to generate such a strong beam, Wilson successfully stabs Master Zen with his Hellfire Axe, fire ripping through Master Zen's clothes.
Master Zen:No matter what, you will not defeat me. I am immune to fire!
He might be immune to fire burns, but the heat tore through his organs, exhausting him.
As Master Zen's blood flows towards the ground, he pulls out the Sword Of Light, once again clashing with Wilson with his Axe. The clashes were so powerful that explosions occurred as they clashed forward. Both of them were drawing out immense power as the explosions got stronger.
Master Zen:You're stronger than I expected...
Wilson:I'm glad that I could even fight this well against you.
Master Zen draws out his full power, ending the clash and sending Wilson critically injured.
Wilson:My power has no chance against yours...You've gotten stronger significantly.
As Wilson huffs and collapses to the ground.
Master Zen:Let's end this, shall we?
Master Zen steps forward to finish off Wilson.
Zyo's body regenerated unnaturally, soul energy stitching his flesh together.
George:Master Zen! Behind!
The half charred Zyo flashes towards Master Zen and rapidly sliced him, creating wounds over his body. Master Zen instantly backs up to create a safe distance against Zyo and Wilson.
Master Zen:(Damn it! He got me!) You're quite a tank, Soul Cleaver.
Zyo:I'm not as weak as the others after all.
Master Zen uses light energy and creates a bow with three arrows made of light.
Master Zen:Why not feel my ultimate weapon? The Blazing Arrows Of Brilliance.
Master Zen fires the arrows, essentially piercing through Zyo's organs, and eventually creating a huge explosion out of light.
As George witnesses the fight, his hate on mages turns into inspiration.
Master Zen:Stronger than the others or not, you're still not as strong to fight me.
Master Zen turns away, leaving the burning anomaly aside.
Wilson manages to use his healing technique and completely heal up his wounds.
Master Zen:Healed up already?! Impressive.
Wilson:I'll never surpass you, but I'll be a strong obstacle.
Master Zen:That's true.
Wilson and Master Zen lunges towards each other. Wilson focuses all of his power into his axe while Master Zen pulls out his sword.
Wilson attempts to stab Master Zen, but is stopped by his sword.
Wilson:Damn it! Screw you!
Wilson forces the axe to try and overpower Master Zen, shouting out loud and extremely fierce flames around his body.
The air itself began to scream, the brutal energy forming in the shape of a sphere, with half-searing light light energy and half-scorching hellfire. The ground fractured into a spiderweb of glowing cracks. The magma melting through the asphalt at their feet. Master Zen's muscles screamed in torment.
This will be a major disaster to the district!
Master Zen:(Damn it! Is there anyone around here?!)
As Master Zen struggles holding back Wilson.
Master Zen:Oi kid! Get out of this area! This is a safety order!
George:But-
Master Zen:NOW! There's no time left!
George:Yes, sir!
George dashes away from the battleground as far as he can.
As the clash continued, the catastrophic energy kept growing. The cracks of the ground spread onto the entire battleground.
Suddenly, a memory stirred up in Master Zen's mind. The majestic line from his father-"To win over something, sacrifices must be made." Master Zen pauses, shivers sent down towards his spine. As the battleground glows, fire spreads towards the towns. Distant silhouettes of fleeing citizens-including George.
At this point, Master Zen realized-the sacrifice wasn't his own life, it was his spirit. Master Zen roars, as he decides to use his own body to absorb the impact. He forced himself, pushing forward, bones in his body cracking.
Master Zen:To win...you must sacrifice...something...
Master Zen:A wise man once told me...
Master Zen hears the distant thunders, screams of the citizens.
Master Zen:That's right! I must sacrifice myself...to face off the evils. Now...there are a lot of victims in pain...and they need me!
Master Zen's body glows, letting the impact be absorbed by his body.
Upon impact, shockwaves were sent throughout the city. Both of them, Wilson and Master Zen, collapse onto the ground, in agonizing pain.
Dad:Remember, never give up. Stand up and keep going.
It was no longer a line of memory, it was an order.
Master Zen stands up, with his bones fractured, organs being torn through.
Master Zen:(If I lose this...The town will be in anguish, withering in the flames...)
As the intense heat makes their feet blister, Master Zen continues with a spirit of tenacity, ready to face the consequences if he fails.
Energy surges through Master Zen's full body, charging up for a fatal attack.
Master Zen:I will be...
Master Zen leaps forward with absolute energy, the district breaks apart. He charges his fist with overwhelming energy.
Master Zen:...The Hero.
Master Zen's full body was glowing with light energy, he charged towards Wilson with his fist of death.
Master Zen:Fists Of The Lightbringer!!!
Master Zen punches Wilson, sending a strong shockwave, the city shakes, collapsing nearby large buildings and leaving a massive crater.
Wilson:Screw you!!!!!!!!
As Wilson drags his scream while being sent flying away.
Master Zen flies towards Wilson, rapidly punching him.
Wilson:(I have no choice left, I must force myself!)
Wilson lights up his fists with hellflame, clashing mid-air with Master Zen again.
Master Zen's punches manage to overpower Wilson's, Master Zen smashes Wilson down into the ground, waves of explosions occurred after the impact.
Blood erupts from Wilson's mouth, while his ruptured body lies on the ground.
Wilson:It was an honour fighting you, Master Zen.
Wilson's orange glowing eyes slowly fades away, as he coughs out blood and rain pours on both of them.
Wilson:This is goodbye, I guess.
Master Zen:You're extremely strong, I had to draw out my full power to defeat you.
Master Zen stands up, with his injured fist while Wilson gives his last smile and dies in the rain.
As Master Zen walks out from the battleground, he bowls down onto the enemies he defeated, showing respect towards their corpses.
They chose destruction… but they fought with conviction.
Citizens:Please help us!
The Shapeshifter with its army of skinwalkers wipes out the villagers in the open street.
George swiftly moves to the crowded area, trying to help out the crowd.
Master Zen:Fear not! I'm here now! Don't panic!
As Master Zen holds his injured wound on his chest.
Citizen:Master Zen?! We're saved!
The crowd cheers.
Shapeshifter:(Damn it! Didn't Wilson and the others promise to defeat Master Zen?! Why is he here?!)
Master Zen leaps towards the Shapeshifter, carried by a barrage of punches of light.
The Shapeshifter eventually fell to the ground, spitting out blood.
George:(Amazing! He easily dealt with the anomaly in just seconds!)
Master Zen:You're not as strong compared to the others in your team...
Shapeshifter:Just wait...! I'll defeat you!
The shapeshifter lunges itself towards Master Zen, drawing out his spear of agony.
The spear successfully pierced through Master Zen's arm, allowing the shapeshifter to use his ability on Master Zen.
Master Zen:You're quite fast, but your destructive power is inferior.
That line from Master Zen enraged the shapeshifter. The shapeshifter's skin turned into glowing magma with bubbling tar.
Shapeshifter:Fool! That's just the beginning! My abilities are one of the most powerful among the group!
The shapeshifter transforms his arms into Master Zen's.
Shapeshifter:My ability is...Shapeshift into whatever I hit with my spear of agony!
Master Zen:Interesting.
The shapeshifter cracks the ground into a complex shape, with magma replacing the surface of the ground.
Shapeshifter:You shall feel my wrath...
The shapeshifter pumps his fists with light energy, while Master Zen pulls out his sword, clashing with the shapeshifter. The light energy from Master Zen's sword overwhelmed the energy from the shapeshifter's fist, thus ending the clash.
Master Zen:I could confirm that you're weaker than the soul cleaver.
As the shapeshifter gets knocked back, he creates a huge orb made with light energy, sending it towards Master Zen.
Shapeshifter:Don't underestimate me!
The shapeshifter increases his surrounding temperature, burning nearby citizens.He uses the cracks of the road to create a meteor. Master Zen manages to absorb the light energy from the light orb using a reverse light beam.
Shapeshifter:Don't you care about your citizens? Why not come and save them?
Master Zen:Tsk! Oi! Get out of here quick! (Damn it! If I move the citizens away, the meteor will hit and create a larger impact...)
George:Don't worry Master Zen! I'll evacuate them! Follow me citizens!
George leads the citizens away from the battlefield, but he stumbles across Skinwalkers in the way.
George:(Damn it! Skinwalkers!) Everyone! Stay behind me! I'll deal with this!
The citizens ran out of panic. While George finds a way to deal with the skinwalkers.
George:Looks like I'll have to deal with this...
George shouts, charging forward.
George:God of the cosmos! Please help me just this one time!
George prays for his power from before to work, eventually a star sign appears, marking the skinwalkers in a parallel way. When George punches the nearest skinwalker to him, the impact travels through the star sign, defeating all the skinwalkers that were marked on the star sign, George instantly teleports on the end of the star sign.
Citizens:Did he just...defeat all of those skinwalkers in just one blow?!
George:How did...I gain this power?
The citizens cheer, symbolising George as hope.
George:No time to waste, citizens! Follow me quickly!
George successfully leads the citizens to a safe place, saving all of them.
As the meteor pushes forward to Master Zen, he uses his fist and manages to punch the meteor into pieces.
Master Zen:Now that you finished off your attack, it's my turn.
Master Zen creates a portal with light, firing a large beam of light onto the shapeshifter.
Shapeshifter:Damn it!
The shapeshifter eventually got hit by the beam, ripping through his body and a mini searing explosion of light.
As shapeshifter kneels down onto the road, he regenerates the wounds in an instant.
Shapeshifter:I might be weak, but I have super regeneration!
As the shapeshifter gets back up, Master Zen flashes around the area, firing arrows of brilliance using his bow.
The shapeshifter fails to catch up on Master Zen's movements, thus getting caught in the rain of arrows, levelling the small area.
The shapeshifter collapses to the ground, holes around his body and charred skin.
Shapeshifter:Looks like I severely underestimated you, Master Zen, but I'll never back down!
The shapeshifter regenerates the wound.
Shapeshifter:You took all of my energy to regenerate such major wounds...
Master Zen:Well then, at least you were brave.
Master Zen flashes with his sword, slicing the shapeshifter at light speed.
The shapeshifter smirks, using Master Zen's arms, he uses the light power and creates a shockwave, pushing Master Zen back.
Shapeshifter:(This is my chance to attack!)
The shapeshifter leaps forward and penetrates through Master Zen's flesh.
Shapeshifter:Finally I can have your body!
The shapeshifter transforms its body into Master Zen's, creating two Zen's.
Shapeshifter:Woah!-This body feels extremely powerful!
While Master Zen was down from the penetration, the shapeshifter flew towards George and the citizens.
Shapeshifter:Heya citizens! Do not worry, I have already suppressed the anomaly! It's all thanks to you, kid!
The shapeshifter mimics Master Zen's majestic voice and copied the exact appearance of Master Zen.
Shapeshifter:Citizens of this town, follow me, I'll evacuate all of you to the pro mages and ensure your safety.
George:You've already suppressed the anomaly?! Amazing!
Shapeshifter:That's right...it's all because of my father, who taught me the proper ways to be heroes. I promise to defeat all evils and save every life I could.
Citizens:Hooray! We're saved!
As the shapeshifter led the citizens including George, he drew out light energy, preparing for a mass execution.
As False-Zen leads them, George notices his "light" energy has a faint, sickly green hue at its core, unlike Master Zen's pure gold. Or, False-Zen's smile doesn't reach his eyes; it's a perfect but empty replica.
George slows down. The shapeshifter smirks.
The energy the shapeshifter drew became stronger. George's pupil shrank, he paused as the air instantly became cold.
George:(Wait...why would Master Zen help evacuate us if he still has more anomalies and greater things to worry about?!)
Suddenly, another Master Zen charges his leg, kicking Master Zen with full force at lightning speed. The other Master Zen gets knocked back, gripping his legs tight on the ground.
Shapeshifter:(I've only got approximately nine minutes left before I revert back into my normal form.)
Citizens:Wait...why are there two Master Zens?
George:Don't tell me...one of the Master Zen is an anomaly in disguise?
Master Zen:Yes! Trust me, I am the real one!
Shapeshifter:No! I am the real one! He's lying to you!
Both Master Zens point to each other.
George:I think...the right one is fake...
George points towards the shapeshifter.
Shapeshifter:What?! Why do you think I'm fake?!
George:Something just doesn't feel right about you...
Shapeshifter:HUH?! Just because you don't feel right about me?! I helped all of you to evacuate!
George:Shut up! You won't trick us into your dumb trap!
Shapeshifter:Me?! Dumb?! That's it—there's no point in this disguise anymore! You've ruined my plan!
The shapeshifter enrages and reverts himself into his normal form.
Shapeshifter:I'll make you regret seeing through me, brat!
Master Zen:You've made a huge blunder, shapeshifter.
Shapeshifter:You will not stop me...as the ruler of the skinwalkers!
Master Zen:Hey potential kid, why not suppress him together? I'll be responsible for your injuries. Sue me if you want. I'm fine with it.
George's mouth was wide open, as his pupils enlarged.
George:I look forward to working with you! Master Zen!
Citizen:The rest of you guys! Follow me! I know an escape route to safety!
A citizen commands the rest of them to follow him to safety.
Citizens:Win for us! Future hero!
George:Don't worry! I'll make all of you proud!
George clenches his fist, widening his smile towards the citizens.
Master Zen:Now, let's finish him off!
Shapeshifter:It won't be easy though.
George:Now, what should we do?
George looks up to Master Zen.
Master Zen:You'll engage with him in close combat, since I've realized your power works effectively in close combat, right?
George:Yep! It's probably the power from something strange that looked like a relic a few days ago...
Master Zen:A relic...?
Shapeshifter:Oi! Don't ignore me, come fight me to the death!
Master Zen:While you fight him, I'll use long-ranged attacks while he is distracted in fighting you. Got it?
George:Got it!
Shapeshifter:That's it! I'm getting impatient!
The shapeshifter leaps towards George with his spear of agony.
George:(Oh god, this is my first time fighting with a real anomaly...what should I do?!)
As the shapeshifter was charging towards George, George panics with an overwhelmed mind and trembling fists.
George:(I'll have to predict his movements...)
George closes his eyes, trying to think of the possibilities of where the shapeshifter is going to land.
George:(I'll have to rely on my instincts, he must be... right here!)
George manages to predict the shapeshifter's move, punching him right in the stomach with his full power.
The punch emitted an immense energy towards the shapeshifter's body. The impact sent a shockwave through the shapeshifter's body, fracturing bones in the shapeshifter's body.
Shapeshifter:(How is he this strong?!)
George:(I managed to predict his movements and sent a deadly blow?)
Master Zen:Good job kid! You've done well as this was your first time!
Master Zen fired rapid arrows of brilliance, as the shapeshifter was stunned by George's punch.
Shapeshifter:(I'll have to act quick!)
The shapeshifter got back up quickly and deflected the arrows, but injuring his arms as the cost.
Master Zen and George charge towards the shapeshifter with all their might, landing a final blow to the shapeshifter with both of their punches, creating a huge explosion.
The shapeshifter's body was left with a large hole, and fractured bones all over his body.
Shapeshifter:The energy's too strong...for me to regenerate.
Master Zen:That's right, the energy overwhelms and destroys your regenerative power throughout your whole body.
Shapeshifter:I have no choice left then, it's time I draw out my absolute limit!
The shapeshifter carries out a barrage towards Master Zen, pushing him backwards.
The barrage was so fast it created a sphere of blazing flames. Master Zen couldn't find an opportunity to strike back. As he was blocking the attacks, his grip on the ground tightened, cracking the ground into a spiderweb shape.
George was unable to find an opportunity to counterattack.
Master Zen:Hey kid! Leave the rest to me...I'll deal with him, it's safer for you! Things are about to get real flashy!
George:Would you win...?
Master Zen:I would. Now follow my orders and get to safety! Quick!
George runs away, catching up with the silhouettes of the fleeing citizens.
As the shapeshifter finishes his attack, a fiery shockwave was sent through the city, burning through buildings and replacing the surface of the ground into magma. The blast shredded Zen's clothes and scorched his skin. He grit his teeth as the heat seared his muscles, but he refused to take a step back.
Shapeshifter:You've fought well, Master Zen.
Master Zen continued the fight and forced his arms to attack, tearing his skin apart. Waves of searing shockwaves shook the entire city. The sky went red and the city was blazing.
Both of them sent rapid attacks to each other, flashing around the battlefield. The shapeshifter manages to focus his energy and strikes Master Zen forcefully. The punch sent Master Zen flying towards the ground, creating a huge crater.
Shapeshifter:You're strong, but not strong enough to stop me!
Master Zen:Don't get cocky...
Master Zen uses all his might, power and spirit on his leg. He flashes around with his full speed, gaining momentum. The shapeshifter was unable to keep track of Master Zen. As Master Zen reaches the speed of light, his body glows, almost like he was lightning. As the shapeshifter was out of confusion, Master Zen managed to strike the shapeshifter, fracturing all of his bones and destroying the thick layer of the epidermis.
Master Zen:I will never...
Master Zen pulls out his sword, pushing forward with lightning speed while the shapeshifter was sent flying away.
Master Zen:Back down no matter what!
Master Zen dashes forward, sending the final strike by beheading the shapeshifter.
Shapeshifter:I've lost...?
Master Zen kneels down, coughing out blood and powerless.
Shapeshifter:You've done well, Master Zen. I'm glad I could be defeated by someone like you.
Master Zen:You've done well, too.
Cold rain began to fall, washing the soot and blood from the pavement. As the shapeshifter's body dissolved into grey ash, the droplets hissed against the dying heat of the magma.
The rest of the skinwalkers began to fade away as well.
Citizens:Hooray! The town is saved! As expected from the Top One Mage!
The Longman eventually arrived at the center of the town.
Master Zen:Sigh, here comes another one.
George:Whoa! This guy's gigantic!
The Longman:Surrender yourselves!
As the Longman was about to step on the shelter full of citizens, Master Zen flew towards him and fired multiple arrows toward his eyes, blinding him and stopping the attack.
The Longman:Damn you!
Master Zen:(He will take about thirty to forty seconds to regenerate his eyes! This is my opportunity!)
Master Zen flies towards The Longman, charging his leg with immense power.
Master Zen:Taste my Kick Of Zeus!
Master Zen's kick deformed the shape of The Longman's face. The shockwave shook the cliffs and sent Master Zen flying backwards.
The Longman covers his face with his colossal arms, eventually healing up his eyes.
The Longman:I'm impressed that you've got guts to fight me...
The Longman picks up debris from the ground, throwing multiple enormous spheres of debris.
Master Zen:(The debris is going to hit the ground! The citizens fleeing are going to be hit!)
The Longman:Don't you want to save your citizens?! Either you stop me from stepping on this shelter or save the debris from killing tons of citizens!
Master Zen:(Oh god, this is checkmate...What do I do?! Save the shelter or destroy the debris?)
The Longman:I might be slow, but I've got immense power-
Suddenly, a massive wrecking ball hit The Longman in the head, sending him falling to the ground.
Master Zen:Wait...
Mr.Creative:Yo, Lightbringer! You look like hell. Need a hand?
Master Zen:Mr.Creative...why did you come to help?
Mr.Creative:Look at you, you're severely wounded, why not get the job done easier.
Citizens:Look! Is that the Top Three Mage?! Mr.Creative!
Mr.Creative:Of course it's your beloved Mr.Creative! I'm here to save the town!
Mr.Creative grins while resting the chain over his shoulder.
Mr.Creative:Relax folks! I got this!
George:No way! This is the first time seeing the Top One and Top Three Mage together!
Mr.Creative:Lightbringer, leave this colossal monster to me, you go save the citizens.
Master Zen:Alright then, I've got high hopes for you.
Master Zen swiftly flashes around the town, with his light speed, he saves tons of citizens from the debris in just a short period of time.
Mr.Creative:Come fight me, you oversized monster.
The Longman:Damn it! My plan is ruined!
The Longman gets back up, enraged. He tried to punch Mr.Creative, but the punches were too slow.
Mr.Creative:(His colossal size slows him down! This is an advantage for me!)
Mr.Creative creates an enormous hammer, swinging it towards The Longman. BAM! The hammer hit The Longman, the immense power destroyed The Longman's face, causing him to lose balance and focus.
While Mr.Creative was dealing with The Longman, Master Zen successfully saves the citizens in just minutes.
Mr.Creative:I need your help! Lightbringer!
Mr.Creative waves his hands to Master Zen, signaling for help.
Master Zen:What's wrong?!
Master Zen was exhausted, his blood began to flow out from his body again as he used up a lot of stamina.
While The Longman was down, Mr.Creative mutters a plan to Master Zen to take down The Longman.
Mr.Creative:Since he is extremely slow, I'll tie him up with chains, binding him completely, restraining him fully and you land the absolute strongest move that defeats even infinity. Simple, right?
Master Zen's eyes widened, as he sighed.
Master Zen:But it comes with a great cost...
Mr.Creative:True, but for the sake of this town, would you do it?
Mr.Creative pats Master Zen's shoulder.
Mr.Creative:I know you can do it! You always succeed when it comes to saving people.
Master Zen:Fine, I'll do it. Give me the signal.
Mr.Creative:That's what I thought, looks like we've got the right Top One Mage. No time to waste, let's get going!
Mr.Creative flew towards The Longman, creating colossal chains like serpents emerging.
The Longman swung its massive arm towards him.
Mr.Creative:Too slow!
He slid beneath the blow, chain whipping upwards, binding The Longman's wrist in place, and the arm.
The Longman:Hah! Do you think you could stop me with these trash-
Dozens of chains coiled around The Longman's legs, and the other arm, the torso, and the neck, constricting tighter and tighter.
Mr.Creative:(Come on! Just a little more!)
Sweat poured down on his face, with his arms trembling from the strain. The energy consumed to produce such massive chains pushed past his limit.
The Longman roared, as it tried to break free from the chains.
Mr.Creative pulled the chains, getting tighter each second.
Mr.Creative:Lightbringer! NOW!
Master Zen flies upwards to the sky, emitting a golden light that changes the dark sky into a heavenly sky.
Master Zen:Everyone! Take cover! Get as far as possible!
Citizens scrambled, fleeing from the center of the town.
George:What is he doing? The energy felt heavier than before.
The ground beneath Master Zen cracked, spiderwebbing outwards.
"You must sacrifice something"
Master Zen:(That's right, sacrificing my body to save countless lives.)
A massive, flat portal formed in the sky.
Master Zen:(With this sacred energy from the heavens and earth, I cast the-)
Master Zen:Divine Beam Of The Virtue!!!
A gigantic beam from the portal fired towards The Longman. The air itself screamed. The cracks of the ground melted into bubbling magma. Countless orbs of light were fired throughout the entire city. Buildings were turned into dust.
Mr.Creative:(Damn...That is...)
When the beam hit The Longman, it instantly vaporized anything that was near, the buildings, ground turned into ashes. The beam dug through the Earth's crust. A massive crater was found filled with ashes in the area.
The Longman was vaporized in an instant.
Tons of meteors made of debris fell from the sky, both Master Zen and Mr.Creative were drained.
George:Oh no...the meteors are gonna land, what should I do?! No one left is capable of stopping it.
"You can do it, believe in yourself."
I suddenly remembered the line from grandpa.
"Fight while you can, not to win, but to survive."
My heart screamed at me to run. But I refused.
To be a savior, you don't fight because you're fearless. You fight despite being terrified.
It all makes sense now.
George charged towards the meteor, he punched it like his life was depending on it. Suddenly, another star sign appeared, this time it was massive and a different star sign from the previous, the marks of the star sign created small nova explosions.
The starlight didn't just appear on the meteor; it felt like the ghosts of my family were pushing my fist forward. The supernova explosion didn't sound like a bomb—it sounded like a heartbeat.
The starburst manages to atomize the debris, but George's body breaks down in the process.
I was astonished. My bones in my arm were fully fractured, the injury spread through my torso, causing internal bleeding and bruises all over my body. The next thing I saw was blurred, I lost my balance and eventually went out cold.
"Wake up."
The words "wake up" kept repeating in my mind, it didn't sound like any of my family, instead it sounded like the mysterious silhouette from before.
At that moment, I saw light coming in my eyes. It was shining brighter and brighter. I felt like I ascended to heaven, slowly floating upwards. The wind breezed me, I was surrounded by silence.
Josh:George! Wake up! Can you hear me?!
Josh's hands were stained with soot and my own blood as he shook my limp shoulders. Every sob seemed to rattle his entire chest, the sound lost in the distance as the sirens grew louder.
Josh:Don't die please, I can't lose another brother!
Josh started crying, tears falling onto my chest.
Josh:This is not the end yet! Please endure this, just for a while!
My eyelid cracked open, the shining bright light of the sun ray shined at my eyes, I saw everyone surrounding me.
Mr.Creative:You've done good, kid. Let's meet again next time.
The ambulance came, saving tons of injured citizens, including George.
Medics:Out of the way, please!
The medics carried George into the ambulance, Josh couldn't hesitate but rushed to George, but the medics stopped him eventually.
Josh:Please! Just two or three minutes!
Medic:You can meet him at the hospital.
A male medic blocked Josh's way as he was rushing towards the ambulance.
Master Zen:It's okay, kid. I believe he is strong enough to endure it.
Master Zen pats Josh's shoulders.
Josh:Really?
Josh's eyes widened, as he looked up to Master Zen.
Master Zen:He's no ordinary kid...he is different...in a good way.
Josh:Thank you for saving the town! My family could've died!
Josh bows down to Master Zen, as more tears dripped to the ground, showing pure gratitude.
Master Zen:It's my job to save others, anyways.
Master Zen pats Josh's head.
Mr.Creative:Hey, aren't you one of those who breached the rift?
Josh:Y-yeah. That was us.
Josh wiped his eyes, trying to compose himself.
Mr.Creative:I'm surprised that most of you could survive all of that. I believe that all of you have potential.
Josh:Yeah, but we lost one in the way...
Mr.Creative:Still, making it out of there alive? That's no small feat.
Master Zen:Are you planning to join the Academy? The entrance exam's gonna be tough, but I'm sure you've got it!
Josh:(Isn't the Academy what George talked about earlier? If George wanted to join and become a mage, then...)
Josh hesitated.
Josh:About the Academy...My friend George was planning to join. After everything that happened...
He clenched his fists.
Josh:Maybe I should give it a shot too.
Mr.Creative:Perfect! How about you call your other friends to join as well? Here's my number, if you've finished your decision, please contact me!
Josh:Thank you sir!
Mr.Creative:Oh just address me as Mr.Creative, please.
Josh bows down to Mr.Creative.
Mr.Creative:Lightbringer, you look like you're on the verge of death, it'd be better if you went back to the Academy to rest.
Leave the rest to me.
Master Zen:I'm counting on you, Mr.Creative.
Master Zen gives a thumbs up to Mr.Creative, and flies away.
Suddenly, a roar of engines was heard as Scientist X descended through the smoke.
Scientist X:Fools! This is just the beginning...Remember this,I will kill all of you, one day...Just wait!
Scientist X shouted to the mages and the citizens below, his visor glowing through the smoke. He ascended with his jetpack, leaving behind a cloud of ash. He hauled Wilson's battered body into the air and left the town.
Mr.Creative:Not if we kill you first...bastard.
Mr.Creative stares onto the fleeing Scientist X with his furrowed eyebrows, while clenching his fist.
Unexpectedly, sirens started going off again, mages were running towards Mr.Creative.
Mr.Creative:You've gotta be kidding me! What is it this time?! Nachi?!
A mage dressed with a blue suit and glasses with blue hair was gasping for air.
Nachi:Two... two anomalies. East side.
He straightened.
Nachi:They're tearing through our mages.
Mr.Creative:Describe them.
Nachi:One of them is just a chair that moves, and the other one has a mask on and a chainsaw.
Nachi pointed east.
An explosion rocked the district, flames erupted. Two silhouettes were seen walking towards the center of the town in the haze.
Boogeyman:Looks like we finally arrived at the center of the town...
Mr.Creative:Nachi, evacuate the citizens, I'll handle this.
Nachi:But-
Nachi hesitated.
Mr.Creative:NOW! This is an order.
Nachi:Alright!
Boogeyman:Well well well, isn't that the Top Three Mage?
The boogeyman charges up his chainsaw.
Mr.Creative:Nachi, how strong are these anomalies?
Nachi:I would say about Danger Level Three, which is the district-destroying level.
Mr.Creative:This is gonna be a piece of cake!
Mr.Creative creates two rocket launchers, firing both onto the anomalies.
Boogeyman:Damn it!
The rocket detonated on impact and tore through the flesh and bones of the boogeyman. The chair disintegrated into burning splinters.
Mr.Creative:Hah! Easier than expected, these are not even Danger Level Three-
The chair builds itself up into its original form, while The Boogeyman regenerates its wound.
Mr.Creative:So you ARE Danger Level Three, very interesting.
Mr.Creative grins.
The Boogeyman smirked.
Boogeyman:I'm honored, Mr.Creative.
The chair launched itself at Mr.Creative.
Mr.Creative:Whoa-
Mr.Creative manages to dodge the ram of the chair.
Mr.Creative:You're really fast!
Mr.Creative threw a boomerang towards the chair, the boomerang split into sharp points of explosive spears. The chair detonated into burnt splinters. The wood burned in the flames.
Mr.Creative:Now it's you and me, Boogeyman.
Boogeyman:Oh don't be so gentle, Mr.Creative!
Mr.Creative:Let's make this quick and easy, shall we?
Mr.Creative created elastic strings surrounding The Boogeyman, restraining him fully.
Mr.Creative:You do realize that you stand no chance against me, right? Your chainsaw does absolutely nothing to these elastic strings.
Boogeyman:Good for you, I guess.
The Boogeyman gave a soft laugh.
Mr.Creative swung the elastic strings all over the area, ultimately slamming him onto the ground.
The mild shockwave shook nearby houses, the ground cracked as The Boogeyman landed.
Mr.Creative:Now for the ultimate blow...
Mr.Creative creates an enormous hard shell covering his fist, dropping from the sky.
The punch sent The Boogeyman deep into Earth's crust, shattering most of his bones.
Mr.Creative stood above the ground, crossing his arms while rays of the sun passed through his shoulders.
Boogeyman:I'm honoured...to be defeated by a true hero like you, Mr.Creative.
The Boogeyman coughs out blood, smiling behind his cracked mask.
Boogeyman:I stood no chance...I wasn't strong enough.
Mr.Creative:You were in fact strong, but not strong enough to defeat me.
Birds were chirping, the town was filled with silence after the evacuation. The strong wind fluttered Mr.Creatives' cape as it blew away the rubble and the shattered pieces of the Boogeyman's mask.
Mr.Creative crouched, smiling at the Boogeyman.
Boogeyman:Don't you want to end this quickly? Mr.Creative.
The Boogeyman's voice began to fade.
Mr.Creative:I'll make it a painless death.
Mr.Creative pulls out a gun and shot multiple explosive darts onto the Boogeyman's chest.
Boogeyman:I won't be able to regenerate from this, right?
Mr.Creative:Yep. Finish up your final words and rest.
Mr.Creative took off his mask and stood up.
Boogeyman:Farewell, Mr.Creative.
Mr.Creative:I won't forget you, Boogeyman.
Mr.Creative turned around and walked away, putting back his mask.
BOOM!
The explosion erupted outwards, splitting the ground in half, burning anything within a ten-meter radius.
When the smoke cleared, nothing remained, the Boogeyman was gone.
The crater that the Longman was in was still glowing with residual heat.
Mr.Creative sighed.
Mr.Creative:Absolutely a hellish experience.
Another battle won. Another dozen lives saved.
But the war was far from over.
END OF PART IV-ARRIVAL OF THE LONGMAN