章節 57: The Birth Of Black Death

[Name: Lucius]

[Race: Hybrid][Human/Xenovian]

[Xenovian ability]

[Devour: When used, the host's Xenovian genes are activated, forcing him to take a form more befitting of the Xenovian lineage. The Devour ability is one-half of the Royal Xenovian lineage, which allows the user to consume anything and everything without fear. By consuming, the user gains nutrients that can be used to hasten his regenerative capabilities. The legendary power of devour also allows the user to permanently gain the unique abilities of anyone consumed. It is said the being with this power is destined to swallow the entire universe.]

[Devoured Abilities]

[Arch Angel: The host gains a pair of devil wings, enabling flight. These wings can be controlled with incredible precision, allowing the host to manipulate each feather as if it were an extension of their own body.]

[Stampede Charge: The host accumulates Aether energy in the atmosphere as he runs and unleashes an outburst of this energy upon collision. The farther he runs, the more Aether energy he can accumulate.]

[Shadow Step: Ability to blend into shadows, becoming nearly invisible and moving silently. This ability can be used on others as long as the host is making physical contact with them]

[Invisibility: The host can become completely invisible, making it impossible to be seen by the naked eye. This ability can be used on others as long as the host is making physical contact with them]

[Illusion Craft: Host can create realistic illusions, deceiving the senses of others and altering their perception of reality.]

[Human ability]

[Hand of God: The user can absorb the matter of anything, which can be used to reinforce his skin for additional durability and strength. The user can also absorb energy in its purest form, using it to supercharge his cells and gain a temporary burst of power, but such actions may result in a backlash.]

Lucius sat on the couch of his living room and gazed at his status with a dull look. Outside the illusion craft ability, the shadow step and invisibility were almost the same thing, but the little differences were what set them apart.

The shadow step masked one's presence and allowed them to move silently within the shadows. It prevented the sounds of footsteps from being heard but was mostly effective during the nighttime. Meanwhile, the invisibility power allows the user to turn invisible, but it doesn't mask anything else, breathing, scent, footsteps, and more could be easily perceived by anyone with a good perception.

"That's why Andre died. Not only was the stench of cigarettes on him, but he was also flustered, and his breathing and footsteps were heavy. He had no chance of escaping." Lucius said, seemingly favoring Xiaolian's Shadow step over Andre's invisibility.

[Well, the shadow step's limitations are vast. It is only effective during nighttime or in dark places, and a torchlight will be your greatest enemy. Lame!] Lyxor had a different opinion on this.

"Fair enough." Lucius shrugged. "I have both, so it doesn't really matter."

[Yep] Lyxor agreed.

"The illusion craft is quite unique, though." Lucius was pleased with Mira's ability.

Outside his Arch Angel ability, he considered the Illusion Craft ability as the best he had devoured so far and even felt it had more potential if it could undergo the Biogenic process.

[Yep. In my opinion, she was the one with the most talent among the three. If given enough time, she could have been a formidable character]

Lucius was about to say more, but the title of the day's news broadcast caught his attention, gluing his eyes to the television.

{BREAKING NEWS: TRAGIC DEATHS AT FESTIVAL – KILLER AT LARGE.}

**Anchor:**

"Good evening, I'm Maria Delgado, and we interrupt your regular programming to bring you a tragic update from the heart of the city. Last night, the vibrant and joyous atmosphere of the music festival was shattered by the gruesome deaths of three young heroes."

*The screen transitions to a live scene at the festival grounds, now cordoned off with yellow police tape. Officers and investigators move about, the festive lights now replaced by flashing blue and red from police vehicles.*

**Anchor (voice-over):**

"Xiaolian Mei, Andre Depont, and Mira Rivera, known sidekicks to the renowned heroes Alex, Silver, Dean, and Maya, were found dead in the chill zones of the festival. In a chilling twist, all three victims were discovered with their hearts missing."

*The broadcast cuts to footage of a distressed crowd outside the chill zone, festival-goers speaking to reporters, their faces pale and shocked.*

**Eyewitness 1:**

"I can't believe this happened here. They were just enjoying the festival like everyone else."

[Rubbish! You guys didn't even notice them! You are the reason they died!] Lyxor barked angrily at the blatant lies.

**Eyewitness 2:**

"It's terrifying. We thought we were safe with heroes around."

*The screen returns to the anchor, her expression grave.*

**Anchor:**

"Authorities have released CCTV footage from the scene. The footage shows a masked figure, now being referred to as 'Black Death', moving through the chill zones. The figure is seen wearing a distinctive black and purple devil mask, with razor-sharp teeth at the mouth area"

*The footage from the CCTV is shown on the screen. The masked figure brutally drives his claws through Xioalian and Mira's backs, ripping out their hearts and eating them, before chasing down Andre and crushing his skull.*

**Anchor:**

"The authorities have officially classified Black Death as a C-rated villain, but given the nature of these heinous acts, there is speculation that this rating may be elevated. A bounty of one million dollars has been placed on Black Death's head, reflecting the urgent need to capture this dangerous individual."

*The screen transitions to a press conference with Police Chief Harris standing at a podium, flanked by officers.*

**Police Chief Harris:**

"We are utilizing all available resources to track down this individual. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any information that may lead to the apprehension of Black Death. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this difficult time."

*The broadcast returns to the anchor, her tone somber but determined.*

**Anchor:**

"As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of three promising young heroes. Their dedication and bravery will not be forgotten. Stay tuned to Channel 8 News for further updates on this developing story. I'm Maria Delgado, thank you for watching, and please, stay safe."