The Eternal Imperium

Chapter 11: B for The Balance

The streets of the newly occupied city of Vacuo are bustling with people. With the Eternal Imperium taking control of the city, the city underwent a massive boom in its economy and quality of living.

With the city now under the protection of that Eternal Imperium, new goods, and trade items finally began to be imported into the city consistently. Dilapidated buildings and structures were soon replaced with newer, sleeker buildings that could easily house the people of the gigantic city.

As the city was undergoing its drastic change, Sternritter walked through its streets. He wore a black cloak that hid his damaged outfit from those who would be looking for him. He watched as the people moved through the streets, going about their lives. But Sternritter mildly marveled at the futuristic technology that surrounded him.

So much had changed since he was last walking through Remnant. Everything had evolved to a point it felt as though he had awoken in a different world. People used strange handheld trinkets that made voices, lights, and paintings appear in the palm of their hands. Flying vehicles hovered over the sky and carpeted the city in their shadows.

Eventually, Sternritter took a seat on a bench, which allowed him the time to properly understand what his next move would be. As he sat and contemplated his next move, he disregarded the three unsavory men who nonchalantly surrounded him.

Thug: "Well, look what we got here. Is the old man tired? Cheer up, old man, we'll get you to safety." He signals for the other two to lift Sternritter off the bench and forcibly move him to another location.

Sternritter could've easily resisted them, even trying to move him with little effort, but he knew that drawing unneeded attention wouldn't help him. The three men force Sterritter into an alley that leaves them out of view.

Thug: "Alright, old man. Hand over everything you got!" He pulls a knife from his jacket as Sternritter couldn't help but snicker.

Sternritter: "Even now, such tools are still in use. That could help."

Thug: "What the fuck are you on about?! Give us all you got, or you're not making it out of this alley!"

???: "Hey!"

The thugs turn down the alley as the one with the knife is hit in the face with the flat end of a trashcan lid. The two thugs turn to see a young man around his mid-20s with long blonde hair eyeing the two thugs with his fist in a battle-ready position.

Sternritter also eyes the young man. The boy had a horrible combat stance. The boy was most likely going to die if he actually fought these three thugs. The leader of the thugs soon returns to his feet as he holds his head.

Thug: "That was the last mistake you'll ever make. Kill him!"

The two thugs begin to confidently move toward the young man who remained stalwart in his decision to fight. But that fight would never come as the first thug didn't even see Sternritter stiff arm the side of his face into the alley wall, crushing it between the stone and his hand. The second caught off guard was left wide open as Sternritter followed up with an uppercut, which sent the thug's head flying off his body and toppling onto the ground. Lastly, the leader of the thugs tries to run but is tackled by the young man. The boy, seeing he knocked the thug's knife out of his hand, grabs it and sinks the blade into the man's neck. The thugs pushed the young boy off him as he wriggled on the ground like a fish trying to hold the throat wound shut, but soon, the blood loss took the man's life.

As the young boy sits up, he breathes heavily as he looks at the three corpses surrounding him. He then looks up toward Sternritter, who looks down at the boy indifferently.