The library was quiet that evening. Elia loved that about it—the smell of old books, the silence, the gentle scratch of turning pages. She had always told Tarus that books were her escape, her window into worlds without machines, demons, or battles. She smiled faintly as she picked up a worn copy of a classic and settled into her favorite chair by the tall windows.She did not notice the shadow move behind her until it was too late.The lights flickered. The air grew cold. A tall figure in a black suit stepped from the dark corner—the owner of Dynamo, his eyes glowing with Malakar's fire. Elia gasped, dropping the book, but before she could scream, the shadows wrapped around her like chains. Her mouth was covered, her body dragged into the darkness.The library fell silent again, as if nothing had happened.
The Call:
At the Hornet estate, Tarus and Homeless were deep in training. Sparks flew as the Shadow Suit clashed against the Hornet suit in a controlled test, both men moving faster and stronger than before. Then, suddenly, the workshop lights flickered. A piercing tone echoed from the screen mounted on the wall.
"Video call… encrypted," Tarus muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
The screen lit up. The image froze Tarus in place.Elia. Bound by shadows, her hands tied, her eyes wide with fear.And beside her—Dynamo's CEO, but not himself anymore. His face twisted, his smile cruel, his eyes burning with Malakar's fire.
Malakar (through the host): "Ah, Tarus. I wondered how long it would take before we truly tested your heart. Machines and suits… they are nothing without the people you love. And here—your sister. Your little light. Such a fragile flame."
Tarus's heart pounded. "Elia! Let her go!"
Malakar only laughed, the sound filling the room like cracking stone.
Malakar: "No, no, Tarus. You see, you took something from me. You denied me when I was inside Homeless. You dare resist me. And now… you will learn the cost of defiance."
Homeless Speaks:
Homeless stepped forward, his voice sharp. "Malakar! Leave her out of this! Your war is with us, not with her."
Malakar turned his burning gaze to Homeless and sneered.
Malakar: "You, vessel-that-failed, have no voice here. You betrayed me. You spat on the gift I gave you. And for that betrayal, you will watch what happens when mercy is denied."
Homeless clenched his fists, his body trembling. "If you touch her—"
Malakar: "I already have."
The Cruel End:
On the screen, Elia's muffled voice broke through. "Tarus… don't give him what he wants. Don't—"
Her words were cut short. Malakar's hand, glowing with black fire, rose. The shadows twisted around her chest like blades. Tarus screamed, "NO! STOP!"
But the demon's eyes burned with victory.With a flick of his hand, the shadows struck. Elia gasped once, her eyes wide with pain, and then the light in them faded. She fell limp in the chains.The library floor turned dark as her body collapsed, and the screen froze for a second before cutting off.
The Silence:
For a long moment, there was no sound. The garage, once alive with machines, felt like a tomb.Tarus stood frozen, staring at the black screen. His breath came in sharp, broken gasps. His hands shook, not from fear, but from fury that shook him to the core.
Homeless whispered, almost broken, "He killed her… He actually killed her…"
Tarus's fists slammed into the table, splitting it in half. Sparks flew as tools scattered to the floor.
Tarus (roaring): "MALAKAR!"
The sound echoed through the entire estate, carrying rage, grief, and a vow of war.
A New Oath:
Tarus sank to his knees, his chest heaving. Homeless knelt beside him, his own eyes wet with guilt and rage.
Homeless: "Tarus… I swear to you, I'll fight with you until the end. We'll make him pay. For your sister. For my family. For everyone he's broken."
Tarus's voice was low, trembling, but firm.
Tarus: "No more mercy. No more chances. If he wants war… then I'll bring him war. Hornet and Shadow—together. We will tear him out of Dynamo and end this."
The garage burned with the fire of two men—one who lost his sister, one who lost his soul. Now bound not only by trust, but by vengeance.And far away, in his high tower, Malakar smiled. His plan had worked. He had broken Tarus's heart. But he had also lit a fire that could either destroy him—or consume the whole world.