Mega Dragon: Harbinger of Death

A REMINDER FROM THE PAST

Atlan grinned at the masked intruder. What better show of strength was there than to catch your opponent’s weapon effortlessly with bare hands? He could have simply deflected it with his sword or had all of the Elites take him down that instant. But Atlan was trying to send a message. Whether or not someone was watching or whether they would let him leave alive or not, Atlan wanted to pass a clear message across. Don’t mess with Kerra!

“Oh, you’re as good as they say. Maybe I was being too careful not to hurt you too much. Should I increase the output then?” the masked intruder. His voice was awfully familiar to Atlan, but he couldn’t wrap his finger around it. But did someone just say he was taking easy on him? Surely only regret could follow such a foolish action.

“Who are you?” Atlan asked. His voice was familiar, but neither his build nor his presence was. And that in itself was strange. Atlan wasn’t the type to forget a face or a voice. Although it was also possible that the mask was muffling his voice.

“Brace yourself,” the enemy warned.

Atlan felt a terrifying aura from him that forced him to take a step back. A right call it was. The enemy retrieved his sword from Atlan’s grasp and swung even faster for his head. But Atlan evaded it easily, as well as all the other attacks that followed. While Atlan had told Harold and the other Elites not to interfere, he had his arrow loaded in his bow. If the need arose, he would disregard Atlan’s order. Atlan’s life was a top priority even if it meant disobeying his order. The other Elites were ready as well. It wasn’t that they didn’t trust his ability. The only reason why they let him take such a risky approach was that they trusted him. But they would be foolish to think that Atlan was incapable of losing. Atlan was aware of this fact as well. No matter how the difference between their strengths was or how much he wanted to taunt your opponent, never let your guard down. Never look down on them. It was a code that they all followed. And this time was no different.

Atlan was pushed back a few steps. His opponent was trying to force him to unsheathe his sword. But that would mean the same as acknowledging his strength. But there was no question that his opponent was strong.

“You should have just given up when you had the chance!” Atlan exclaimed as he unsheathed his sword to parry one of his opponent’s strikes. It was a heavy blow that forced his opponent back a few steps even though Atlan was the one blocking. It looked clear that Atlan was superior. But that wasn’t the case after that clash. Atlan and his opponent exchanged blows for what looked to be the longest clash Atlan had had with anyone. Except for the Elites of course. That would put this enemy on their level. He was clearly a threat. And not only was he holding Atlan back, he had forced him to get serious, but even Atlan couldn’t get the better of this opponent. Who was he?

To everyone watching, these two were equally matched, which was a rare sight. Of all the members of the Elites, the only one that was equally matched with Atlan was the Hakuri; their archer Harold. They would all give Atlan a run for his money, however, but this fight looked like it was never going to end. Amidst their cautiousness, they were also enjoying the show. It was a good fight to watch. Except for Lilian of course. She was anything but calm. Atlan on the other hand could tell that his opponent was stronger than him. It almost felt like he was being tested. Unless one was in battle with this foe themselves, they wouldn’t notice that he was slightly holding back. It felt more like he was testing Atlan than anything else. Who would be so audacious as to try to test the leader of the Elites; Atlan Deharas?

The next move that Atlan pulled of was an even bigger shocker than the first. He did absolutely nothing. The enemy swung for his neck and Atlan didn’t try to block so evade it. He just stood there not moving an inch. At that moment, Harold dropped his bow. They could all see it too. It was all a test. The enemy’s sword stopped right before Atlan’s neck. He didn’t even bat an eyelid.

He dropped his sword. He had achieved his aim. “You’ve grown, Atlan. I’m glad you are as strong as they say you are,” he said as he pulled off his mask. Atlan was wide-eyed to see who was behind the mask. It was someone he never expected to see.

“Gin Akuma?” Atlan asked and he nodded to confirm his question.

“Wait, Gin Akuma, like the Beast of the Nura?” Rickon, one of the Elites asked. He was huge. A Gorge he was; special humans with superhuman strength. On his back was his menacing battle-ax. The other two apart from Harold the Hakuri, Dianne the Jorke (the fast special humans), Rickon the Gorge, and Atlan Deharas were Bill and Claire. Claire was a Gorge like Rickon but she wasn’t as large while Bill was a Rani like Atlan. They operated in pairs based on their compatibility. Although they were the strongest, Atlan and Harold were a pair. Rickon and Dianne were a pair while Bill and Claire were a pair as well.

“I see I’m quite famous. It’s an honor to be known by such great warriors,” Gin said. “It’s quite saddening that we have to meet under such circumstances, but I’ve come to ask for your help. The world as we know it might only exist for a while longer if we fail. Will you listen to my request?” Gin asked.