章 3: EDGE OF DESPERATION

The moment 23 and 95 left, the warehouse fell into an eerie silence, as if it had been abandoned for ages. The only remnants of their presence were the mysterious coffin and the debris scattered across the floor. Suddenly, the coffin began to convulse, as if it were struggling to contain an immense power. The outside world grew dark and sinister, as if the heavens themselves were displeased. The once clear sky turned ominous, filling with dark clouds that obscured the moon's light, casting a foreboding shadow over the entire warehouse.

As if in response to the growing chaos, a bolt of lightning struck the coffin with a deafening crack, illuminating the room with an intense, blinding light. The coffin rose slowly into the air, spinning wildly as if it were trying to break free from its confines.

After what felt like an eternity, the winds finally died down, and the lightning and thunder ceased. The coffin's lid creaked open, and a majestic entity emerged from within. It was dressed in an ancient, royal blue attire adorned with intricate gold embroidery, giving it an air of authority and power. The entity's radiant aura engulfed it, as if it were a beacon of pure light in the darkness.

As it stepped out of the coffin, its voice boomed with a commanding authority, filled with a sense of ancient wisdom. Its appearance was both awe-inspiring and intimidating, captivating the attention of all who laid eyes upon it. The entity exuded power and knowledge, hinting at an incredible backstory and an even greater future.

"At long last..."

The man emerged from the dilapidated warehouse, his eyes scanning the vibrant metropolis with the scrutiny of a seasoned warrior. The towering skyscrapers, the whirring machines, the flashing lights - it was all a dizzying spectacle to him. His mind raced as he compared the unfamiliar sights and sounds to the familiar and primitive world he once knew.

A sense of longing washed over him as he recalled a time when life was simpler, when the struggle for survival was the only concern. But he couldn't dwell on the past, not when his mission demanded his utmost attention.

With a practiced calm, he focused on his senses, seeking out the source of the energy signal that had led him to this strange place. As he navigated through the throngs of people, he couldn't help but marvel at the advanced technology that surrounded him. The people, too, were a curious sight - their garb and gadgets a far cry from the rough, earthy attire he was accustomed to.

With a hawk-like gaze, he studied them, attempting to glean any knowledge that could aid him in his mission. The man was a mystery, an enigma to those around him, but to those who knew his true purpose, he was a force to be reckoned with.

'Just...how much time has passed since I last saw this world?', the entity questioned himself intriguingly.

The entity was baffled by the strangeness of his surroundings, his mind racing with questions about the reality he now found himself in. As he strode through the futuristic streets, his regal attire and air of authority drew curious glances from passers-by, who were puzzled by his appearance and demeanour.

A young man approached him, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Excuse me, sir, are you lost?" he asked, eyeing the entity with suspicion.

The entity regarded him with a mix of bewilderment and fascination. "Lost? No, my friend. Merely disoriented. Tell me, what is the year?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of otherworldliness.

The young man's eyes widened with shock. "It's 2099, sir. Are you alright? Do you need help?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

The entity shook his head with a regal air. "No, I am not in need of assistance. But thank you for your concern, my young friend," he replied, his voice rich with an accent that spoke of a time long past.

As the young man walked away, the entity continued to marvel at the strange new world around him, his mind racing with wonder and intrigue. How had he come to be in this place, so far removed from the reality he once knew? The answers lay just beyond his grasp, but he was determined to uncover the truth.

The stranger traversed the uncharted territory, mesmerized by the futuristic architecture that towered above him. He was lost in thought, wondering how such magnificent structures could be crafted. It was as if he had been transported to a world beyond his wildest dreams, where the impossible was made possible through the sheer force of technology and ingenuity. His curiosity was insatiable, and he eagerly continued to explore this foreign land with a sense of childlike wonder, his every step taking him deeper into the unknown.

'Hmph... Humans, what fascinating life forms. They never cease to impress me.'

A smug smirk tugged at the corners of Raizel's lips, as his sharp eyes scanned the skyline with a cool precision. Raizel O'Hara had seen his fair share of humanity's technological advancements, but the current state of affairs left him nothing short of impressed. The world had evolved far beyond his wildest dreams, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for the species he once vowed to protect.

His train of thought was abruptly halted as his gaze settled on two dark figures, rapidly moving across the horizon. Raizel's predatory instincts kicked into gear as he zeroed in on the source of his interest. The challenge was apparent, and Raizel O'Hara was always up for a thrilling fight.

"Looks like things are about to get interesting," he murmured to himself, a hint of excitement in his voice.

A thrill coursed through Raizel's veins as he witnessed the shadowy figures dart across the skyline. His instincts were roused, sensing an exciting challenge.

With unwavering confidence, Raizel propelled himself into the air, his power surging through the ground and illuminating the sky with red lightning. The intensity of his energy caused the atmosphere to quake with anticipation.

As he descended with a graceful poise, his eyes glowed with a fiery crimson that conveyed his lethal power. The ground shook beneath him, and the air around him sizzled with energy. The two men before him cowered in fear, recognizing the sheer force of Raizel's presence.

As Raizel closed in on his prey, they trembled with terror, unable to even form a single word. The atmosphere was charged with electricity, and the heat was unbearable as Raizel's raw energy threatened to engulf them. The men were suffocating under the weight of his immense power, their fates now in his hands.

As Raizel's energy emanated from him, the air crackled and the ground trembled beneath him. The men before him were overwhelmed, struggling to breathe under the weight of his power. But despite his immense strength, Raizel was not callous. He could sense their discomfort and with a reluctant sigh, he lessened his power, allowing the air to once again become breathable. The men gasped for air, grateful for the reprieve. Looking up at Raizel, they saw a being of great power, but also one who showed empathy and consideration, a rarity in a world dominated by strength and might.

One of the entities on the left barked, 'Who on earth are you?!'

Raizel's youthful appearance belied his calm and calculated approach to the perilous scenario unfolding before him. The two men trembled with fear at the sight of him, their limbs rendered useless by the intensity of his commanding presence. Raizel was in complete control of the situation, his unwavering focus and confidence making it clear that he was not to be trifled with.

Raizel's acute intuition told him that the duo posed no threat. His lips curled into a subtle smile as he approached, radiating an aura of calmness and ease that belied his immense power. Despite the tense situation, he held the upper hand, his experience allowing him to read his opponents like a book. The men trembled before him, but Raizel's peaceful demeanour put them at ease, and they relaxed their rigid postures.

Raizel replied with composure, 'Is it not customary to introduce oneself before inquiring about another's identity, no?'

The mental tension emanating from the duo was palpable, and Raizel sensed their fear and uncertainty. With a swift and calculated move, he projected a calming presence that radiated authority and reassurance. "Settle yourselves," he commanded, his voice like a beacon of strength. "I have no intention of harming you. I stand by my word, even in the face of certain death. You can trust that my presence guarantees your safety."

The two individuals stood in awe of the fabled entity that stood before them, recognizing the potential of this legendary figure to change the course of their fate. Their reluctance gave way as they slowly lifted their hoods and removed their masks, revealing their faces to Raizel, trusting him to safeguard their identities. Raizel's commanding presence had instilled a sense of security in them, allowing them to let down their guard and place their faith in him.

'Oh..', Raizel looked, a bit surprised at the two.