Before the 12 Harbingers of Destruction could leave the shattered halls of the Lovigary Empire's palace, a series of powerful auras began rushing toward them, tearing through the air like violent gusts of wind.
Lokk, standing at the edge of the broken palace walls, glanced outside, a twisted grin spreading across his face as the approaching figures grew nearer. His eyes gleamed with malice, and his energy flared uncontrollably, like flames hungry for destruction. "Ah... how long I've waited for this," he growled, his voice dripping with venom.
"A little family reunion, finally." His aura pulsed dangerously, the ground beneath his feet trembling in response.
Saryna, standing beside him, shot him a disapproving glance. Her eyes narrowed, though her expression remained calm, her hand gently rising to settle the swirling power around her. "Lokk, calm yourself. I know you're eager to settle the score with your brother, but remember, we're not here for personal revenge.
We're on a mission." Her voice was firm yet measured, carrying a quiet authority she always wielded with precision.
Lokk's smile vanished in an instant, replaced by a cold, simmering fury as he turned to face her, his face a mask of defiance. "Don't you dare talk down to me, elf," he snarled, stepping closer, his tall, imposing frame casting a shadow over her. "You may give the orders, and they might all follow you like sheep..." he gestured dismissively to the other Harbingers behind him, "...but not me.
I'm no lapdog. I'll act how I damn well please."
For a moment, the tension between them thickened, Saryna's eyes meeting his with a steely calm, though a flicker of frustration passed through her gaze. She didn't respond immediately, recognizing that despite his reckless temper, Lokk wasn't wrong. No one here could truly control him. He had his own score to settle with Lovigary, and they all knew it.
Ulthra, the towering giant of the group, stepped forward, her massive hand resting on Saryna's shoulder with a gentleness that contrasted her hulking form. Her deep voice rumbled like distant thunder, "Don't let him get under your skin, Saryna. Lokk's still stewing over what Lovigary did to him all those years ago.
He's been waiting for this." She tried to offer some comfort, but Saryna, her jaw clenched, merely nodded and stepped forward, her mind already working on the next move.
The other Harbingers exchanged glances, knowing full well the storm brewing between their members. Lokk stood at the forefront now, his hands clenched into fists, anticipation radiating from him like heat off a forge. He was ready for blood, and no amount of strategy would quench that thirst.
Saryna, however, pushed aside the tension. She was always one step ahead, always thinking several moves forward. This wasn't just about settling old grudges. She had a plan, and no matter what Lokk or the others felt, they would follow it. For now, she remained quiet, the weight of her leadership settling like an unspoken pact between them all.
How you became nothing more than breeding livestock for his plans?" The venom in his words was palpable, his gaze never wavering from Lovigary's.
A collective silence fell over the seven who had arrived. Lokk's words hit hard, too close to the truth. Memories of their downfall, their imprisonment, and their role in his schemes were not so easily dismissed. Yet, they were not here to challenge him. Their mission was to stop old friends, siblings, and acquaintances—now the Harbingers of Destruction—from unleashing chaos upon the Divine Plane.
The Dragon God's expression shifted ever so slightly, his jaw tightening. Though Lokk's taunt stung, it only steeled his determination.
"Where is Gor?" Ulthra asked, her eyes scanning the faces of the group, a flicker of worry in her voice. Her gaze darted, searching, but Gor was nowhere to be found.
The celestial, standing with a posture weighed by the burdens of his years, turned to face her. He exhaled deeply, the weight of his words evident in his tone. "I'm sorry, Ulthra. Gor... couldn't make it. But before you despair—he did protect your offspring.
They've grown into fine warriors." He offered her a reassuring smile.
Ulthra's expression softened for a moment, a sigh of relief escaping her lips. "That's... comforting, I suppose." Her voice wavered before a weak smile formed on her face, full of sadness and longing. "But it's still sad, isn't it? We're still on different sides... I just wish things had turned out differently."
The sadness quickly twisted into something far more unstable. Her lips curled upward in a manic grin, eyes alight with a wild fire. "But since we're here, I'm going to have so much fun with you all!"
The vampire, standing a few paces away, let out an exaggerated groan. He tightened his grip on his sword, rolling his eyes. "Here we go again, Ulthra and her split personality. I swear, this is getting old." He shifted his weight, sword gleaming in anticipation.
The celestial didn't flinch at Ulthra's shift. His eyes remained soft, even though his muscles tensed. "Don't worry, Ulthra. Your family will be safe. There's someone who can stop 'him' this time. We just have to believe." His tone was calm, almost pleading, even as he readied himself for the inevitable clash, locking eyes with his old friend.
"Are we going to fight, or are we just going to stand around talking all day?" Lokk growled, impatience dripping from every word. His body was already taut, prepared to spring into action at a moment's notice.
Lovigary, his grin wide and mocking, glanced at his brother with gleaming eyes. "Eager as always, Lokk. I can't wait to see how badly you get your ass whooped this time, little brother." His voice was a mixture of humor and malice, the tension between them palpable as they stood on the precipice of battle.
Every breath was heavy with anticipation. The laughter, the smiles, even the banter—it was all a mask for the inevitable bloodshed that would soon unfold. Each of them ready, each of them resigned to their roles in the coming storm.