1 Chapter One: Secret meeting

The city of Legis was shrouded in an eerie stillness as the dead of night embraced it, the relentless downpour seemingly going on for hours. The raindrops echoed through the streets, where puddles formed, showing the persistence of the storm, as if nature itself knew what was about to take place.

On top of the W.W.P's headquarters, Alexander Gear, the CEO, gazed out from his office, the city lights below blurred by the rain. His anticipation lingered in the air as he awaited the notorious terrorist, Priliorm, whose malevolent deeds had etched his name into the archives of infamy.

Alexander Gear knew of the consequences if he were to be caught even speaking with Priliorm, possibly a lifetime behind bars. As Alexander came with the realization that his actions could alter the course of his life irreversibly, but nonetheless this meeting was absolutely necessary in his eyes.

Alexander's patience began to wear thin. Minutes stretched into hours, impatience overcoming him. The drumming of rain against the window, now became an constant reminder of the seemingly unending wait.

Frustration boiled within Alexander, erupting in a burst of anger as he slammed his hands onto the table. The quiet of his office shattered with the force of his displeasure. "That damn terrorist, where the hell is he? I've been waiting here far too long!" His voice echoed with impatience.

In a surge of frustration, "Fuck it, deal's off. I'll just find someone else, someone more competent than that damn coward," he declared with an annoyance in his voice.

A voice, rich with intrigue, sliced through the air behind Alexander just as his hand gripped the door handle. "Leaving so soon? We haven't even spoken about the deal you proposed, and admittedly, I'm quite curious as well, you know."

"You're a little late, Edward. Or should I call you 'Priliorm'? Damn it, what took you so long, Edward?!" Alexander's voice crackled with a mix of anger and annoyance.

"Sorry, but I was rather busy working on some experiments of mine. Now are you going to continue throwing a tantrum or are you going to show me what you proposed through that message you sent me?"

Alexander's gaze bore into Edward with murderous intent. "Hah! You've got a lot of guts to speak to me like that. Don't tell me those 'experiments' you were busy working on again were those robots of yours. Do you remember 'Metod'? That damn robot went sentient and laid siege here in Legis. I hope another one of your robots doesn't go rogue because Metod alone caused me enough trouble, you hear?"

"Instead of reminiscing about the past, why don't you show me why you called me here for. I'm growing ever impatient," Edward remarked, his impatience matching Alexander's own.

"Hmph, straight to business, that's how I like it. Here, let me show you. Follow me," Alexander said, he stepped outside his office; Edward following in silence.

Alexander guided Edward through the expansive headquarters, the well-lit corridors and neatly decorated rooms a contrast to the secret nature of their meeting. The duo proceeded, taking an elevator to the main floor where an eerie emptiness prevailed. No signs of security were in sight, and the surveillance cameras, strategically turned off, ensured that no trace of Edward's presence would linger.

Upon reaching the main floor, they proceeded to another elevator that descended to the basement. The room below emitted a sense of dullness, housing old company contracts, files, dated furniture, and janitorial equipment. Yet, within this seemingly mundane setting, a well-guarded secret lay hidden, known only to Alexander. The air in the basement carried an air of mystery as they navigated through the unassuming surroundings toward the undisclosed revelation.

Alexander withdrew an odd-looking stone from his pocket and pressed it against the wall. Like a key unlocking a hidden door, a secret passage revealed itself, the mechanism seamlessly blending into the dull surroundings of the basement.

Greeted by darkness, only a few dimly lit lightbulbs lined the corridor, guiding them through the obscure passage. As they made their way through the ominous path, the wall behind them returned to its normal state, hiding any trace of their entry. The seemingly endless hallway led them to the end, where a flight of stairs spiraled downward, plunging them further into the depths of the concealed labyrinth.

"You know, Edward. You came dressed quite formally, what a rare sight. The last time I saw you dressed like that was with your wife," Alexander remarked.

"Trying to make small talk, are you? But yes, I'm glad you've noticed. While this attire is pleasant to the eye, it has many of my gadgets hidden beneath this fabric. Enough to burn this building into the ground or level an entire city," Edward revealed, lifting the veil on the dangerous arsenal concealed within the seemingly elegant layers of his tuxedo.

"Hmph, I'd love to see you try, you damn terrorist. But enough of this small talk. We're here, behind these two large stone gates lie my great project. Feast your eyes upon my magnificent portal!" Alexander declared, his tone a mix of pride and anticipation. Once again, he held up the peculiar-looking stone, initiating the unveiling of what lay beyond the imposing stone gates. The air thickened with expectation as the secrets of Alexander's grand project were on the verge of being revealed.

As the giant stone gates swung open, a spectacular sight unfolded before them—a portal crafted from what appeared to be the bones of a dragon or perhaps a demon with rune engravings etched into them. Atop the portal, a large skull loomed, adding an eerie touch to the extraordinary creation. The air in the chamber crackled with awe, as the true nature of Alexander's grand project stood exposed in all its ominous glory.

Edward stood astonished at the sight of the portal, his gaze fixed upon the mesmerizing structure. "I'd be damned, Alexander. What's with that giant skull on top of it?" he asked, a mix of awe and curiosity in his voice.

"They tell me it's the skull of a legendary beast," Alexander replied.

"They?" Edward asked, his curiosity driving him closer to the portal to examine the rune markings etched onto the bones.

"Edward, do you remember the Void incident that happened long ago?"

"Ah, I remember the Void incident all too well," Edward replied, turning around to face Alexander.

"Would you believe me, if I said the Forbidden told me to make a portal for them?"

"No," Edward simply replied.

"Look, Edward, gaze upon this gem. The cosmic stone!" Alexander held up the cosmic stone, displaying it to Edward. It seemed as if the gem held another universe within its hypnotic depths.

"This is what shall power this portal, and once the Forbidden find a more convenient source of energy, the cosmic stone shall be your payment if you decide to help me. I'm sure you understand the importance of the cosmic stone," Alexander explained, placing the shiny gem in Edward's hand. The gravity of the offer hung in the air, the cosmic stone becoming a focal point in this possible alliance.

"Yeah, obviously, who do you think you're talking to? This stone contains the soul of the Cosmic core guardian, Pell," Edward said, his gaze fixated on the shiny gem.

"The Forbidden gave me the Cosmic stone. They entrusted me with this powerful gem. They also left that giant skull and rune-engraved bone pillars to make the portal. Now I don't know what I'm doing wrong since the portal won't activate when I insert the Cosmic stone in this little slot right here. Help me, Edward. Activate my portal, and receive the payment; a soul of a God," Alexander implored, placing his hand on Edward's shoulder.

"Technically, Pell isn't a god, but nonetheless, Pell is very powerful, and with their power, I'll be more than unstoppable. Very well, Alexander. I'll help you with your portal. When do I begin?" Edward returned the gesture, placing his hand on Alexander's shoulder, sealing their agreement.

"You won't regret this, Edward. Thank you. You start working on my portal in two days," Alexander replied, the relief and gratitude evident in his tone as the pact between them solidified.

"I'll try my best. Remember, I work with technology, not with the arcane arts," Edward reminded, emphasizing the boundaries of his expertise.

"Hah! Knowing a crazy-ass like you, I'm sure you'll find a way. But anyway, let's return to my office," Alexander remarked with a chuckle, the newly formed alliance between the two figures breaking through the serious tone of their discussions. The echoes of their footsteps marked their departure from the mysterious chamber.

They returned to Alexander's office, where he looked outside the window, appreciating the sound of the rain—a symphony of tranquility; for Alexander, it was the sound of true peace. The ambient sound of raindrops against the window created a serene backdrop to the unfolding chapters of their collaboration.

"There's one more thing I forgot to ask, Alexander. Why do you want to make this portal? Did the Forbidden promise you power?" Edward asked, his gaze fixed on Alexander as he looked outside at the rain pouring down.

"Of course not, it's because I've grown tired of this false peace. The Forbidden are our only salvation. They'll come through my portal and relieve us of this false peace, they'll grant us true tranquility. A world better than this one, then we can live like the angels up in the heavens," Alexander replied, his words carrying a mix of conviction and yearning for a utopian vision fueled by the promise of the Forbidden.

"Damn, you're more messed up than me, hmph. But I won't question anything. After all, I'm only working for you because of the payment. Anyway, I'll see you in two days. Until then, Alexander," Edward remarked with a grin. Using a device concealed in his suit, he vanished through teleportation, leaving the office in a momentary state of emptiness. The echoes of their unconventional alliance lingered in the air as the rain continued its rhythmic dance against the window.

Alexander stood up from his seat.

"From this day now on. Everyone on this planet is my enemy..."