Chapter Twenty-Two — Beasts Unleashed
Location:
Argent Blade Academy — Lower District & Training Grounds
Time: Pre-dawn
Scene 1: The Sirens
A shrill alarm shattered the night.
Announcement:
"Code Crimson. All students evacuate to inner shelters."
Dormitory windows exploded outward.
Screams followed.
Celsius was already moving.
Eridiaries: "Six portals. Inferior beasts… but many."
Shadow wrapped around his body like armor.
Scene 2: Portals Open
Crimson rifts tore open in the training grounds.
Monsters poured out.
Scaled hounds.
Winged horrors.
A hulking brute with molten veins.
Students froze.
Student: "W-we can't fight that!"
Celsius stepped forward.
Celsius: "Then stand behind me."
Shadow expanded.
Scene 3: Command Without Title
Celsius's voice cut through panic.
Celsius: "Form ranks! Shields front—mages rear!"
They obeyed.
Without realizing why.
A beast lunged.
Shadow spears erupted.
The creature collapsed.
Cheers erupted.
Scene 4: Prince Bleeds
Alaric fought nearby, bloodied.
Celsius intercepted a killing blow.
Alaric: "You didn't have to."
Celsius: "You're useful alive."
They fought back-to-back.
Royal blade.
Living shadow.
Scene 5: The Alpha Emerges
The ground shook.
A massive beast stepped through the largest portal.
Eyes burning crimson.
Eridiaries: "Commander-class."
Celsius stepped forward alone.
Celsius: "Clear the field."
Shadow coiled upward.
Scene 6: The Breaking Point
The beast roared.
Celsius released a fraction of his authority.
The air screamed.
Shadow crushed bone.
The alpha collapsed—alive.
Silence followed.
Scene 7: Aftermath
The portals sealed.
The academy stood damaged… but intact.
Aurelion arrived.
He looked at Celsius.
Aurelion: "You led."
Celsius nodded.
Celsius: "Someone had to."
Scene 8: Consequences
Location: High Council Chamber
Aurelion spoke coldly.
Aurelion: "From this day—"
Aurelion: "Celsius Valerius is granted provisional command authority during emergencies."
Whispers spread.
Scene 9: Night's Silence
Location: Unknown
A broken sigil smoked.
Night Leader: "He's becoming a symbol."
A darker voice replied.
???: "Then we erase the symbol."
To be continued.