Forged In Freedom

Chapter 6: A city with electrifying might

With one team now leaving towards the ruins the other continued to be led by Blaze and Seraph in the direction of the city. After walking for what seemed like an eternity they reached it, the edge of the treeline and the sight of a city that seemed to almost glow. A sign outside of the city claimed its name, Sucreate Central City.

The city loomed ahead, its glow unnatural, almost too bright against the darkening sky. Phoenix stayed near the middle of the group, her fingers twitching over the controls of her drones. She didn't like this place—there was something off about it. As they passed the sign reading Sucreate Central City, she glanced toward Seraph and Blaze leading the way, feeling a pang of unease.

Her drones hovered silently around her, little guardians she trusted more than most people. But even they couldn't shake the feeling clawing at the edges of her mind. It was subtle at first, like a tickle in the back of her skull, but it grew with each step into the city. Her eyes darted to her surroundings, the buildings towering over them like silent sentinels.

She could almost hear it—the hum of electricity in the air. It reminded her too much of old memories she'd rather forget. Phoenix swallowed hard, her thoughts drifting to Karma, as they always did when she felt this way. Karma wasn't here, but she could almost hear her voice, steadying her, telling her to breathe.

You've got this. You're not alone.

But despite her best efforts, Phoenix couldn't shake the sensation of eyes boring into her from every shadow. Her hand trembled slightly, and she clenched her fist, trying to steady herself. She activated one of her drones to sweep the area behind them, its mechanical whirring giving her a small sense of control.

Nothing. No one there. But that didn't stop the creeping dread.

Ahead, Blaze and Seraph were speaking in low tones, but Phoenix barely registered their words. Her mind was focused on the feeling—someone is watching us. She glanced at Legion, whose eyes were locked forward, but even he seemed tenser than usual. Phoenix's gaze then flicked to Gaia, who was unusually quiet. It was as though the city itself was pressing in on them, and Phoenix felt the walls closing tighter with each step.

She caught sight of movement in her peripheral vision and whirled around, heart pounding, but there was nothing. Her drones beeped softly, confirming the empty streets, but the feeling didn't go away.

She quickened her pace, sidling up closer to Blaze. "Are you feeling this?" she muttered, barely audible. He glanced at her, his eyes narrowing. He didn't need to answer.

They pushed further into the city, the glow of the structures casting long, eerie shadows that seemed to twist and move when no one was looking. The wind carried strange sounds, almost like whispers, but too faint to make out. Phoenix's anxiety spiked as the sensation of being followed became almost unbearable.

Finally, they reached an intersection where the air seemed heavier. The city, once alive with a quiet hum, now fell into a deep, unnatural silence. Phoenix's heart raced as dark clouds began to gather on the horizon, swirling with ominous energy. Her drones circled around her in tighter formations, as if sensing the same danger.

The air crackled with electricity, and Phoenix knew, without a doubt—they weren't alone anymore.

As the team stood in tense silence, Phoenix's anxiety sharpened into something more tangible. The oppressive feeling of being watched was no longer just a suspicion; it was real. Her drones buzzed louder, their sensors reacting to the shift in the atmosphere. That's when a voice—smooth, confident, and laced with arrogance—cut through the air.

"Well, well. I see I have some uninvited guests."

Phoenix froze, her head snapping toward the sound. A figure stood atop a building just ahead of them, outlined against the swirling storm clouds. Lightning flashed, illuminating his form—tall, muscular, with a smirk that radiated superiority. He leapt down with ease, landing effortlessly in front of the team. His eyes scanned them like a predator sizing up its prey.