1 - The device

Silverlake city – Year 2250

The city of Silverlake was built floating 100 meters above the centre of an expansive silver glittering lake and was truly a future-oriented wonder. Its grace was matched by the backdrop of a majestic mountain which has helped shape the city to what it is today.

The skyline is sprinkled with elegant futuristic skyscrapers and there is no place on earth with anything like this.

It is rich with resources and had abundant talents specialised in different fields, the living quality, health and services were faultless in Silverlake city which attracted worldwide attention.

...

Within a certain lab situated in a high-rise building owned by Moon fall technologies, a young man stood facing his completed device for a science exam project. He has spent over 2 years working on this and it has received a lot of enthusiastic response from the higher ups in the college and Silverlake city's mayor.

This device's purpose was to condense blood with high regenerative abilities and purify it to a level where it can become a propelling agent for a health elixir. Using the latest fusion reactor technologies and biochemical gene stimulation, he managed to create an algorithm that should make this possible.

His long black hair was clumsily tied in a ponytail while loose strands were clinging over his tense face, glittering grey eyes focused and sweat dripping from his nose.

"Aura, start initiation!"

He said nervously to his artificial intelligence, while thinking to himself all the positive changes he could bring with this invention

"Initiation prompt received"

came a females voice ringing mechanically in the lab

"starting countdown 3,2,1 BEEP! fusion reactor engaged... injecting type XT2 blood gene... Analysingcell structures, no anomalies found in DNA... starting compression sequence."

Fists clenched so tightly his nails dug into the flesh of his palms, and heart in his throat waiting for the final stage, he always failed at this point. If this succeeded, not only would he ace his exam with flying colors but, also be the creator of a brand-new health elixir that was unequalled.

"what are you thinking about?" asked Cyris.

Kirin shifted slightly on his feet and looked at his older brother.

"I'm worried about the ripples this device will cause, I'm certain if Argent succeeds and decides topublicize the results. Many greedy and dangerous eyes will have him in their scope. History willrepeat itself!"

"How is that a bad thing?"

"what do you mean?" His gaze hardened

"He's different from us Cyris. With his kind personality I don't think he is ready to handle all the pressure that will come from this!"

Cyris looked back at Kirin and sighed softly...

"I know, and you're right" he glanced at Argents still immature and handsome face.

"But still, we cannot protect him for ever bro. He needs tempering, the trials and tribulations to come from this will harden his resolve. I'm afraid he is too soft and indecisive in conflicts; I hope to use this as a character refinement for him. I believe this will build his character and let him see with his own eyes what lengths some people will go to, in order to take everything from him"

"Ehh... that's bullshit bro! You want him to go through the same shit you went through, when you developed the first exo suit? How many times did you almost die then?... Shit, if you connect all the scars on your body into a single line. It will end up taller than you!"

"...Hmm, I never thought of it like that" Cyris said, trying to visualize it.

"For fuck's sake, till today the enemies you made are still plotting your death, wanting to pry open your pretty little brain"

"haha and look how I turned out, isn't it a good thing nah?"

"Say what? you must be joking, how is that any good bro. Seriously. Your cold as fuck and can watcha baby kitten die in front of you without caring." Kirin said shell shocked

"I mean they are so cute with their furry paws and pea sized little faces! how can one be so heartless?!" He exaggerated with wide eyes.

Argent looked over his shoulder seeing his two older brothers chatting leisurely, he couldn't help smiling. Cyris the oldest of the lot and the CEO of Moonfall technologies. The rising star of the science world, and a genius in advanced bioengineering, mechanics and machine learning. He single handedly built his success on creating powerful first-generation weapons, exoskeleton suits andmilitary grade A. I's as a living selling it to the highest bidder

He is by no means a nice guy. Cyris has sold weapons that have been used by terrorists, corrupt governments and warlords. Cold and cunning, quick-witted with a serious lack of empathy, his ruthlessness to his enemies has shocked nations and earned him the moniker of Evil genius. The only things he keeps close to his heart is his love for technology and his two brothers, if the rest of theworld evaporates into dust, he wouldn't even blink an eye.

"Ey can you guys stop joking around please, it's going to start any minute" Argent said trying to keepa straight face.

"Haha ok ok, sorry Argent, I was just letting Cyris over here know of how big of a saint hero he is" Kirin winked to his youngest brother.

Cyris rolled his eyes, he was already used to his brothers antics since long ago.

Kirin Moonfall was 24 years old and the second oldest and have been somewhat mildly influenced by his older brothers lack of moral compass. As young he became involved in organized crime and have been very successful in climbing up the hierarchy ladder, he is currently the right-hand man of the boss of the Onyx Rose syndicate.

A very intelligent man but more street smart than book smart like his two brothers. He is a specialist in reading people, his ability to socialise with both gangsters and officials coupled with his humour and quick wit has made him to be one of the most likable criminals in history. His motto has always been "why have enemies? when you can have friends" yet won't hesitate for a second when thosefriends turn to enemies to lay them to waste. His ambition has no end and his drive infectious.

"Have you triple checked the algorithm and the program's baseline framework?"

"Yes"

"The emergency fluid coolants in reactor? Als--"

"Yes, yes and yes! relax Cyris I have made all the preparations needed this time, for sure" Argent interrupted with confidence.

"That's what you said last time and look what happened then, the explosion burnt all of Cyris's facial hair, making his head look like a shining magic orb, hahaha! It was epic" Kirin chirped in from the side with a smirk.

"Pfft! HAHA it was kinda funny still, ouch!" Argent was holding his stomach. While Cyris slapped himacross the back of his head.

Argent Moonfall turned 17 this year and was the most normal of his brothers, a college student. He is a kind and gentle spirit who loves to help others, a little introverted and dislikes confrontation. However, he also takes after his oldest brother in his love for technology but has yet to choose a path for himself.

Since being the youngest of the three, his brothers have been overprotective of him and this has led him to be gentler in nature. Their father was a mercenary and professional martial artist, he taught them all close quarters combat and trained them in a variety of weapon techniques since they were young. So, the three are very capable in their own right and have ferocious prowess.

Sadly, the father died while on a mission to hunt down a vicious war criminal when he was 8 years old. This led to Cyris having to raise his siblings for the second half of their lives. Their bond is like the firmament, unbreakable.

Cyris turned his face to Kirin and asked with a serious and solemn tone

"Have you found or heard anything about Murdock's whereabouts yet?"

"Nah nothing still...He went off the grid, none of my intel teams have seen or caught a whiff of him since that day you almost wasted him, it's like he ghosted"

"Ok... Make sure to keep your ears and eyes open, you know as well as I do... that bastard will never stop. Until we see his corpse as proof, never assume he is dead!"

As the two were talking, the blood inside the compartment within the fusion reactor, started emitting a blinding light. One could see the blood sample in there being compressed to a horrifying degree, whilst shaking uncontrollably. It slowly started to pulse with energy, changing colour from crimson red into a lighter shade of scarlet and then changed once again to light orange. Just when it looked like it was about to stop transforming, a strange force exploded the drop of blood into millions of smaller fragments. Yet before it scattered, the same force quickly compressed it again into a liquid substance, slowly turning it transparent to the point the blood became a milky white, glossy colour. Invisible energy waves were surrounding it making it look enchanted, it was breathtaking, to say the least.

"YEESS! OH MY GOD!!, big bro, the condensation stage is completed it worked! Hahaha It worked!"Argent jumped while shouting excitedly.

Cyris looked at him with a kind smile "Haha! calm down" he replied slightly amused

"the most important part is starting now, so don't lose focus of the end goal kid"

Trying hard to hide his own excitement. He was very surprised and baffled by Argent's idea and praised him when he first read his theory of the condensation and purification of blood. He was sceptical at first, thinking it would not be something a college student could achieve. Yet after the first failed experiment he was utterly dumbfounded by what he saw and felt from the energy waves released by the blood sample. The pride and satisfaction he felt for his little brother's achievement could clearly be seen in his facial expression. For he understood the impact it would have on the planet would be earth-shattering.

Being called a genius himself he doubted he would come up with something similar. His eyes were glittering with moisture

"Pops, I wish you could see Argent. You would be so proud! Haha I'm afraidI'm too inferior compared to him, he will soon surpass me and swim in the expansive sea of stars!" He said inwardly.

"BEEP! Condensation has reached 100% completion; further compression is not advised..."

the voice of the A.I rang out bringing Argent back from his earlier excitement

"Aura start purification sequence now! Open valve 1 and 2 simultaneously."

The reflection of the milky white blood could be seen in his eyes, he has never felt so nervous, excited and fulfilled at the same time.

Just as the purification process started, the alarm systems in the lab suddenly started to ring loudly

"W-what's happening!? How can there be something wrong, the data shows nothing irregular, it's still going very smooth"

Argent asked his brothers stunned, he shouted with panic to Aura

"Check thermal heat expos--" but before he could finish his command, Kirin grabbed him.

" ARGENT get back now!! there's nothing wrong with the experiment" Kirlin shouted, emitting abone-chilling killing intent.

"Intruders have killed their way up and are about to breach the lab! Take cover inside the decontamination room, its reinforced glass doors should be strong enough to shield you from theline of fire"

Pushing Argent gently, the door closed slowly locking him inside, then he fired a shot at the control panel so no one could get access from the outside.

"W-what? Enemies! Wh-"

Argent's face paled with panic and was truly afraid, he could not understand what was happening.

"There's no time! Quick. I promise nothing is gonna happen to you little brother, so just stay there and wait for me and Cyris to handle this ok? When everything is settled, command Aura to overridethe system and let you out. Got it?"

Argent nodded his head quickly like a frightened fox.

With that said, Kirin pulled out a pitch-black titanium sword sheathed on his back and unstrapped his gun from his leg holster, a modified gold-plated desert eagle with double barrels. Looking at his little brothers anxious and nervous expression, his rage was simmering, like a volcano ready to erupt. Kirlin was pissed

"how dare they mess up his big moment like this! Whoever they are they are DEAD!"

He swore to himself silently. His little brother was different than himself and Cyris, they both were killers and emotionless in doing so. They both strangely enjoyed dancing on a knifes edge, the thrill they felt from it was something they inherited from their father. Argent on the other hand took after their mother who was kind gentle and caring, he loved his little brother and wished would remain the way he was.

"Master Cyris!! The enemy have infiltrated the building and killed almost everyone! We can't holdthem back, they are all elites! I have requested bac—ARRRGH!!"

The voice of Captain Linux rang over the intercom inside the lab, echoing loudly. His anguished screams scared Argent to the bones. He was shaking so hard he had to bite his tounge to regain composure

"KHEKEKE! Master Cyris was it? You can serve him in your next life, you will be meeting him soon!"a strange husky voice grated on the brother's ears. Kirin and Cyris were both shocked. They recognised who it belonged to

"Cyris! That's Murdo--"

when he looked to his older brother he suddenly froze. His tounge went slack and refused to complete the words, stopping midway. As a veteran warrior Kirin has been through many near-deathbattles himself and have never been fazed. Yet when he saw Cyris's expression, his spine tingled andall the hair on his body raised in alarm

"w-what the... that look in his eyes, what kind of eyes are those?!!"...

Two teams dressed in black combat gear stood outside the lab, the white hallway leading to it was littered with blood and the dead guards from moon fall corporation. You could tell they were professionals with a single glance.

A long, slim blade made of diamonds was held by a grip wrapped in expensive, red platinum looking prosthetic arm. Its razor-sharp point made this weapon a perfect choice if you wished to puncture your enemies to death with ruthless speed and precision.

Red, shoulder length hair revealed a chiseled, wild face. His remaining eye was bloodshot and deep black. A terrible scar was reaching from just under the left eye, running towards the other eye that was blinded and ending on his forehead. It left a stinging memory of his previous assassination attempts on the Moonfall brothers.

This is the face of Jaylin Murdock, 25 years old and a true hunter among assassins. A legend in the making within the underworld kingdom that has received the nurturing of the legendary king of shadows. With 188 confirmed kills, he was the most lethal in the younger generation, and has only failed twice.

He lost his eye to Kirin on his first failed attempt and his arm to Cyris on his second, the two brothers were his mortal enemies and he would never stop until one side perishes.

"Clips! hurry the fuck up with the explosives, MOVE!!"

Shouted Jaylin filled with murderous intent and excitement. The battle lust in his every cell threatened to explode at any second. He considered Cyris as his true opponent and their ability were on the same level, Kirin on the other hand was a level weaker. The only reason he lost was because the brothers ganged up on him.

"Hehe you bastards I brought ten with me this time, how can you survive this. I will make you beg for mercy!!" a crazed look appeared in his eyes scaring his team members.

"Boss the setup is ready to go" replied the man called Clips.

"Good, let's do this quick, remember the game plan. Our source of intel is solid, Argent Moonfall the youngest is in there with them. No failure is allowed as you all know the higher ups are paying closeattention to this OP. Team two, you know what to do." he said to everyone, while taking cover waiting for the explosion to incinerate the door.

"Blast off!"BOOOM!

The whole building shook from the overwhelming force, the red light was flickering nonstop and the blaring noise of the alarm system made the senses turn numb. But as soon as the smoke and fire cleared, he gave his order to charge in.

"ATTACK!!"

The first team rushed in to the lab with blinding speed.