In New Alexandria, the situation was not ideal. A growing threat now threatened the formerly vibrant city.
The Heniate's parasites, those insidious creatures that had infiltrated the city, were multiplying at a frightening rate.
Their presence had spread like wildfire, infecting innocent people and causing havoc in their wake.
What began as isolated cases quickly grew into a full-fledged epidemic.
The city's busy streets and regular life obscured the parasites' presence, allowing them to thrive in the darkness and remain hidden.
Individuals infected with these creatures went about their daily routines, oblivious to the impending danger, but it was clear they would mutate and kill people soon.
The number of infected people increased exponentially as the days turned into weeks.
Cunning parasites easily found new people to infect, their insatiable drive to proliferate, driving them to seek out new victims.
As the gravity of the situation became clear, panic set in. This enemy was encircling the city and slaughtering its inhabitants.
However, despite the situation's gravity, hope was still on the horizon. According to official sources, the military forces engaged in a campaign to eliminate the Heniate were returning to New Alexandria.
Rumors spread among the population, whispering of the military's return even though they had been forced to postpone their mission to eradicate the Heniate.
People clung to these stories of hope, desperate for solace in believing that salvation was on the way. However, as the days passed, doubts began to surface.
The city was still in shambles, with the infected multiplying at an alarming rate.
The military's once-confident promises of a return began to ring hollow, their absence casting a shadow of doubt over the desperate residents.
The situation was out of control. Fear and uncertainty hung heavy in the air, suffocating the once-vibrant spirit of the city.
The New Alexandrians braced themselves, their hearts heavy with the weight of the unknown. They waited for the military, hoping for quick intervention and a return to normalcy.
***
Gwen ascended the Red Palace's towering structure, its red-tinted windows gleaming in the sunlight and casting a crimson hue across the surrounding landscape.
The massive skyscraper was a symbol of power for Frant's most renowned training facility for young geniuses.
With each step, Gwen got closer to the gym, where Amber and the others were already working out. That didn't stop despite the situation because it was imperative that these people learned how to fight and became strong enough to defend themselves.
In the meantime, the adults did what they could to kill as many infected as possible.
As she entered the palace's gymnasium, Gwen felt the energy in the air. The vast training facility hummed with activity as people pushed their limits and perfected their skills.
The echoes of weapons clashing and shouts filled the space, creating a focused intensity. Gwen noticed Amber and the others engrossed in their respective training routines among the bustling training sessions.
Her eyes narrowed in concern as she observed Amber from a distance. Her friend's face was filled with determination, almost to the point of insanity, as she relentlessly practiced her dagger techniques.
Gwen recognized her desire to push herself beyond her limits. She approached Amber with caution, her voice carrying a sincere tone as she apologized for her tardiness. Amber, on the other hand, did not reply.
Instead, Amber's actions spoke volumes when she hurled a pair of gloves at Gwen.
She caught the gloves with a firm grip, sensing the unspoken invitation. She slid her hands into the gloves without hesitation, feeling the snug fit that promised protection and enhanced grip.
It was a silent agreement, a mutual understanding that they would train together and push each other to new heights.
Gwen's muscles tensed as she prepared for the rigorous practice session, mirroring Amber's unwavering look.
Their eyes locked in a shared resolve, and their synchronized movements reflected a profound connection between battle-hardened warriors.
"How is the situation?" Amber said, her voice cold and slightly enraged.
She was looking for an update on the situation in the city, and her gaze was drawn to Gwen's face for any signs of news.
Gwen sighed softly before responding, her voice concerned.
"It is the same," Gwen said, her voice steady but solemn. "The number of infected people roaming the streets has significantly increased. Master Rook and the others are doing what they can, but among the infected, some particularly powerful ones were born in the past weeks and are having trouble killing it. The police and the available military personnel are doing their best in the northern district, but it is a difficult battle there."
Amber's eyes twinkled with excitement and a desire to be back on the front lines of the battle. "Good," she said curtly, her voice firm and determined.
"I wonder when the Red Palace will send us out again to hunt them," Amber added.
Gwen's face softened, a mix of understanding and concern crossing her features. Her voice was full of concern as she placed a gentle hand on Amber's arm.
"Amber, I understand your eagerness to face the Thaids. But engaging in battle as you did the last time is reckless." Amber's reply was curt; her eyes were irritated.
"Gwen, I appreciate your concern, but mind your own business," Amber retorted firmly. "Besides, you should focus on our training."
Gwen skillfully evaded each strike as Amber launched herself into a fierce attack, her movements fluid and precise.
Gwen briefly spoke briefly as their blades clashed and sparks flew.
"Amber, I understand the pain you're going through," Gwen said, her voice soft and compassionate.
"Erik and Anderson's deaths have left a void in all of us." However, putting yourself in danger will not change what has already occurred."
Amber's eyes blazed with rage and grief as the names Erik and Anderson echoed in the air.
She withdrew her knives abruptly, her breathing heavy with pent-up emotions. She turned and left the training ring without saying anything, her footsteps echoing in the emptiness that lingered behind her.
Gwen stood there momentarily, her heart heavy with her friend's anguish. Amber's anguish and desire for redemption were clearly in front of her.
Her friend frequently blamed herself for the deaths of their friend and her lover. She was one of the strongest students at Thornton High School, but that was no longer the case, and that made it so that she couldn't help them when they needed her the most.
Things might have turned out differently if she had been stronger. Gwen was well aware of this, but none of her words managed to alleviate her friend's distress.
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