Protagonist?Antagonist? I Reject Both

390  390 Nôv(el)B\\jnn

A place similar to the battlefield lay in ruins, a scorched earth littered with the carcasses of monsters that had been burned to dust.

 The  lively landscape had become a hellish scene of flame and destruction. Amidst this fiery nightmare stood a woman, her body enveloped in intense flames, radiating both power and resolve.

Sophia, having finished her assault on the monster, wiped the sweat from her brow as her eyes scanning the smoldering remains.

 "This seems to be the last batch for today," she muttered, her voice tinged with exhaustion but also a note of satisfaction.

Behind her,stood Irina, whose body was glistening with frost and snow, spoke with an uncanny calmness. "The monsters' numbers are decreasing, and it's been a few days since we had an earthquake. Perhaps Leon has taken care of the situation."

Sophia glanced back at her and her fiery aura flickered as she considered Irina's words.

 "Hmm, I think so. It would make sense if Leon had managed to resolve whatever was causing the disturbance."

As the two women made their way toward the walls of Sector 11, they were met with a scene of unexpected chaos. The usually orderly sector now seemed to be filled with panic and confusion.

The sight was jarring after the relative calm of the battlefield.

Gwen, who had been overseeing the situation, approached them with a look of concern. "You won't believe what's happening," she said urgently. "A secret realm of inheritance has just opened near Sector 12."

Sophia's eyes widened in surprise. "A secret realm? That's a huge thing.

Gwen nodded. "It seems to have drawn attention from all sorts of beings, not just those within our ranks. There's a massive rush of people and other species trying their luck. It's creating a frenzy."

Irina, still with her snow-covered composure, added, "This could be a double-edged sword. While it might offer opportunities, it could also bring unwanted trouble if not managed properly."

Sophia looked around, her fiery aura calming but her determination unyielding. "We need to get a handle on this situation and try out luck."

Gwen then nodded and looked at Irina,"Oh! I forgot to mention. The General had called a meeting and was looking for you."

"Then, I should be quick."Irina muttered walking away quickly leaving Sophia and Irina to chat together.

.......

Sector 11's General Board Room was filled with tension, as  the air felt heavy and oppressive. Maps and charts lined the walls, casting shadows that seemed to close in on the occupants.

At the centre of this atmosphere sat General Liara, her silver hair cascading like a waterfall of steel. Her piercing gaze was directed at the four commanders,Mac, Cameron, Irina, and the newest addition, Jarek who shifted uneasily under her scrutiny.

Irina nodded in understanding, her face tense with concern. She then turned to Liara as the general began to explain.

"The opening of the secret realm near Sector 12 has just been reported," Liara said, her tone grave. "We need to send a team to assist and manage the situation. This realm could attract beings from various species seeking opportunities, and we must prevent it from descending into chaos."

The commanders' expressions shifted as the gravity of the situation became clear. Despite being in human territory, the realm's allure would likely draw many outsiders, necessitating a strong defense to maintain order.

Jarek, visibly puzzled, spoke up. "What about Sector 11? The monsters seem to be diminishing, and the earthquakes have lessened still we can't be sure that there won't be any attack.Things may be troublesome if we decrease the force."

Liara smiled faintly and replied, "It's not a miracle. The game we  played with the high stakes seemed to have turned out in our favour."

Confused murmurs filled the room as everyone looked to Liara for clarification. With a knowing glance at Irina, Liara added, "It seems your boy has once again achieved something remarkable."

The room fell silent,as the commanders processes Liara's words and the implications of their new assignment.

.........

In a dark, suffocating realm shrouded in swirling miasma, a hooded figure sat on a rocky cliff.His silhouette was obscured by the dense smoke that seemed to pulse with malevolent energy. The air was thick with shadows, and the oppressive gloom gave no hint of the outside world.

Before him, a massive vortex materialized, its swirling chaos drawing in light from distant sources. A brilliant ray of light pierced through the vortex, casting an ethereal glow that seemed to struggle against the encroaching darkness. However, before the light could touch the ground, a dense, impenetrable darkness surged forth, swallowing the beam and plunging the area into deeper obscurity.

The hooded figure, having his body entirely enveloped in the dark, exhaled slowly, his body resembling a shadow more than a man. As he opened his eyes, stars flickered in their depths, illuminating the surrounding darkness with an intense, blazing light. He turned his gaze away from the vortex, rising from his seat with a sense of purpose and resolve.

With a deep, resonant breath, he spoke with a voice that seemed to echo from the very depths of the abyss. "That thing has appeared... The key is here."

His words hung in the air, heavy with portent, as the swirling darkness around him seemed to pulsate in anticipation. The figure's eyes glowed fiercely, reflecting the gravity of the revelation and the impending actions that would follow.

The hooded figure raised a hand, his gesture commanding and authoritative. "The realm has opened. Go and snatch the key," he ordered, his voice resonating with dark power.

At his command, the swirling miasma around him began to twist and coalesce, forming spectral figures. These shadowy beings bowed their heads in unison, their voices merging into a unified chant. "We obey the Lord!"

With a final, reverent bow, the spectral figures dissipated into the swirling smoke, their forms vanishing as the miasma began to disperse. The darkness seemed to envelop the area once more, leaving only the hooded figure standing amidst the remnants of the shadowy commands.

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