Everything was chaos. Blinding lights above, blurry movements in front of his eyes, muffled voices he could not understand, he felt like he was floating in water. What was going on? The shadows were back again, growing in the corners of his vision. The voices sounded louder now, agitated.
If he only knew what was going on. But he could not make sense of it, the shadows engulfed him again.
==========
[Vedir, Capital] [September, MC 076]
He was unable to grasp how long he had drifted in darkness. Suddenly it felt as gravity had a meaning again.
Slowly, Elric opened his eyes.
The first thing he saw was the ceiling, it was grey or white. He could not really tell as the room was dark. The only light he could see came from the outside, the way it was shining through the closed curtains upwards made Elric realise that it came from a street light below, the other light source he saw was a dim green light from the machinery that oversaw his vital functions. His breath seemed louder thanks to the respiratory mask he was wearing.
He was in a hospital, that was for sure. But why?
His mind was still clouded and his body was numb from the painkillers. At least he was hoping that this was the cause.
The image of a blade sticking out of his belly popped into his mind. He made a moaning sound and his head was spinning as soon he remembered it. How was his body? He could not see the display of the machine.
The sword had pierced his back. Had it severed his spine? He imagined himself unable to walk anymore. Sure, nowadays grave wounds could be healed, but was what once destroyed could not be fixed that easily.
Idiot, he scolded himself as more and more memories of the incident surfaced from his clouded memory. He was able to crawl after he was stabbed, even if only for a moment, so his worries could be without any reason.
He tried to move his legs, which was hard as they felt numb, but he heard the sound of his feet slightly rubbing against the blanket. Relieved he sank back into the pillow.
"How's my… condition?" his voice sounded as weak as he felt
[Vital signs are stable but combat capability is still reduced to under 10%. Estimated time of full recovery in three to five weeks. No hostile forces detected within security perimeters.] Carnage answered and added a moment later: [My Lord, I was given authorization to contact local medical staff if needed. Shall I commence opening communication lines?]
"What time is it?"
[Local time is 0348, my Lord.]
"Then don't bother."
The Device said nothing as it switched back to standby. Elric closed his eyes.
When was the last time he was like this?
He remembered. It was nearly two years ago after his body was beaten and broken after a day he would never forget.
Naïve wishes of turning back time filled his mind. Useless. What was done is done.
Elric's mind drifted away again and he fell asleep.
==========
[Midchilda – Old industrial area] [December, MC 074]
His armoured fingers were clawing into the brick wall. He chuckled.
It obviously had been a trap. He had known it, but prime orders were absolute, he had to follow the detected magical signature. Still chuckling he bend backwards and slammed his forehead against the wall. Chips of stone came off as he did. It hurt.
He knew the Bureau mages were there, standing behind him, pointing their low energy Devices at his back.
His chuckling stopped. The air tasted of their tension, their fear. Did they really thought he would surrender? Idiots.
He took his head from the wall turned his head slowly, looking at them from the corner of his eye. Then his mouth formed into a wide grin. With a metallic sound the blades of his Device suddenly sprung out of the main body
One of them was jumpy, there always was one that was. This one opened fire. The magical bolt hit Elric between the shoulders and shoved him against the wall. Others joined the attack. His body was rocked as more shots hit him. Pain surged through his body.
One shot hit him in the back of the knee and he fell into a kneeling position.
Orders were shouted, the barrage stopped.
Disappointing.
Now a single voice talked to him. Telling him conditions he would meet if he cased resistance and surrendered immediately. Elric stood up. This was war. There was no such thing as surrender, only total annihilation.
Retracting his blades, he slowly turned around and faced the enemy squad, his body was in pain but undamaged. The Bureau Mages still aimed at him, still tense but he also saw the hope in their eyes that he would finally surrender now that he retracted his blades again. Foolish maggots, combat capability was restored to 98% there was no chance they could harm him with their wimpy little weaponry. He was near the peak of his power!
Magical energy was gathering in his Device, his right arm started to shake because of this. And those weak minded cowards still saw not that he had absolutely no intention to surrender. Had those times of peace left Midchilda really this weak? He clicked with his tongue. The weak died first, this is how it is always has been. The most favourable outcome will be achieved.
His legs pushed the ground. One moment he was standing at the wall, then he was in the air, jumping towards the surprised enemy. Shots hissed through the air below him. Their reaction was too slow… again.
He landed between them, near a manhole he had aimed for. His right fist slammed onto the ground, erupting magical energy into it as it made contact. The asphalt burst open, Elric and others dropped into the dark sewer below.
He freed himself from the rubble. Beside him a Bureau Mage did the same. Elric's hands reached for the man's head and snapped his neck. Using his blades he made short work of the others that were still dazed.
Fire from above likely, initializing precautions.
He summoned six bolts of energy which floated around him and waited. Pretty sure they… there!
The bolts shot upwards towards TSAB mages that appeared on the edge of the hole. Two were hit and fell backwards, others managed to go into cover.
Shots rained down on him, they were shooting blind down the hole. His brought up shield held of the attacks with ease, but left him motionless. Low-energy shots were unable to damage him but may pin him down long enough until heavier weaponry arrived. Surprise attack had been successful, change of position was recommended.
Without further thought he dashed upwards, out of the hole. Gaining more and more altitude he was now able to overview the industrial compound below.
Energy signature from the left, he reached out his hand and quickly brought up a shield.
The shield was shattered, magical energy grazed him, cracking his shoulder armour. He tumbled. A quick gaze. Heavy anti-armour, tank mounted weaponry detected. Second barrage was being prepared.
He teleported upwards out of the angle of fire and switched modes. Fire.
The energy beam punched through the tank and buried itself into the ground behind it. A moment later the vehicle exploded.
Other armoured vehicles were detected inside the vicinity.
Midchilda's retaliation was well-orchestrated, but lacking. Without greater firepower they were destined to be crushed. He would show them. One display of power would be all he needed to break their courage.
Slowly he raised his right arm towards the clouded sky. All safeties released. Magical reserves being accessed. Defensive systems reinforced. Energy being concentrated for attack.
An black orb of magical energy, crackling with crimson power appeared at the tip of his outstretched arm.
Charge will take time. Enemy forces will be in attack position by the time charge will be complete.
It didn't matter.
He grinned. Nothing will stop this. Wide area artillery attack imminent. Destruction of industrial compound and enemy forces expected.
First shots hit the barrier that surrounded him. It would hold.
Fire preparations complete. Commencing attack. His voice was only a whisper: "Final Judgment."
The energy orb shot upwards.