A monstrous roar ripped across the sky as the colossal Leviathan slammed through the meadow, dragging half the ocean behind it. Tentacles the size of trees lashed wildly, tearing apart the landscape as it pursued three figures.
Justice skidded to a halt, sparks dancing off her skin. She possessed a physique reminiscent of an Amazonian, characterized by a harmonious blend of muscularity and feminine attributes. Her blonde hair was intricately braided, with a few strands elegantly framing her face. "Big, ugly, and way past your prime," she muttered. Electricity crackled in her clenched fists. "Let's finish this."
She launched a lightning bolt straight into one of the Leviathan's glowing eyes— The creature screeched in rage, flailing blindly.
"Truth! Execute protocol—NOW!" she shouted, leaping back as a tentacle slammed where she'd just stood. Errant sparks dissipated.
The calm voice came without a hint of urgency. "Hasn't this approach already been addressed in prior discussions?"
"HE'S INSIDE THE BEAST, Truth! Freedom's in its belly! We don't have time to philosophize!" Justice snarled. The warrior's crystalline blue eyes radiated an intense, electric energy.
Without waiting, she launched herself into a tree's canopy, channeling her energy. A blast of freezing wind spiraled from her hands, slamming into the Leviathan's side in a frosty explosion.
Truth, unfazed, adjusted his coat. His distinguished, silvery hair possessed a wavy texture, meticulously styled to complement his striking violet eyes. "Your panic won't thaw logic," he muttered—but raised a hand. A volley of razor-sharp ice shards burst forth, pelting the creature with precision. "But fine. Let's dance."
The Leviathan howled, steam rising as its body shimmered with internal heat. Tentacles swept low—Justice vaulted into the air, flipping mid-spin and hurling a lightning spear straight into its other eye. The beast reeled, its guttural cry shaking the ground.
A glowing pulse began in its chest—a fiery light.
The two regrouped as wind swirled around them.
"If he doesn't get himself out," Truth said, "we intervene. But knowing him, we may or may not need to intervene."
"This never would've happened if Freedom didn't play solo hero," Justice grumbled.
The sky darkened. Justice raised both arms, summoning a storm. Lightning snaked through the clouds, flickering around her like a halo of fury.
"Stick to the script," Truth said coolly, conjuring a blizzard. "Precision wins battles."
The two unleashed their combined assault—a storm of ice and thunder crashed down, encasing the Leviathan in a glacial tomb.
Justice narrowed her eyes at the frozen titan. "...Think that's enough?"
Before Truth could respond, the ice cracked. The creature's chest glowed brighter—then shattered the ice from the inside.
BOOOOM!
The Leviathan exploded out of its prison, hurling a wave of heat and debris that knocked them off their feet. From within the fire—
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME!"
A figure surged through the blaze, flames whipping around his body. Freedom, scorched but alive, stood with burning fists.
"You two let that beast swallow me whole!" he roared. Dirty blonde hair was wild. Wild like him. His eyes, reddened, betrayed a flicker of irritation.
"Correction," said Truth calmly. "You rushed in without strategy."
Justice, now casually walking across the field, tossed a rock. "We technically saved your life. I just didn't like the method."
"You FROZE THE ENTIRE BEAST. WHILE I WAS INSIDE IT!"
Truth nodded. "Cold keeps your blood flowing. You tend to overheat."
Freedom's jaw dropped. "Are you insane?!"
Justice smirked. "Totally his idea. I voted for lightning."
Freedom groaned. "Let's just move. Victory said our next target's west—Torez Warman, right?"
"Prophesied, more like," Justice corrected, shrugging.
The ground trembled again.
Above them, the Leviathan roared one last time, shadow falling across the field. The beast was stubborn, refusing to go down.
Before any of them could react— A blazing red streak tore across the sky like a comet.
THWOOOM!
An arrow, glowing with molten energy, pierced the Leviathan clean through. The beast cried out, collapsing with a seismic crash.
A tall, red-clad figure strode toward them from the smoke. Long crimson hair, braids coiled like ribbons. His sharp gaze locked on the trio with disdain.
"You three!" he snapped, his voice cutting like steel. "This is ridiculous! You were due yesterday."
Freedom blinked. "...What?"
None of the three individuals were aware of his identity. Furthermore, they were also unaware of the nature of the directive from the person who instructed him to postpone delivering the message to them.