Chapter 7
Chapter Seven: Shadows Stirring
In a dimly lit room, illuminated only by the soft glow of the moonlight, a boy sat in the traditional Japanese seiza style, his black kimono neatly folded around him. His short red hair, buzzed close to the scalp, caught the faint light, giving it an almost fiery appearance. He stared forward, his eyes unwavering, filled with a quiet determination.
"I'm going, master," he said, his voice steady but soft.
For a moment, there was only silence, then a voice replied—a voice that sent chills down his spine. It was low, almost a whisper, but it carried a weight that could bend steel. "Hmm..."
The boy stood up, bowing deeply before leaving the room. As he closed the sliding door behind him, the voice spoke again, its tone tinged with a hint of melancholy. "Looks like I will have to visit an old friend."
---
Elsewhere, in an underground laboratory, two scientists stood before a large test tube filled with a strange green liquid. Their white lab coats were stark against the dim lighting, and their goggles reflected the soft, eerie glow from the liquid. Suspended within was a girl with striking blue hair, her face peaceful behind the oxygen mask that covered her mouth and nose.
One of the scientists, a woman with sharp features, glanced at her companion. "It's time to wake her up," she murmured, her voice filled with anticipation.
The other scientist nodded and pressed a button on the control panel. The machine hummed to life, and the green liquid began to bubble around the girl.
---
At a football club, on a well-lit pitch, the rhythmic sound of panting could be heard. A boy with green hair jogged steadily across the field, his breath visible in the cool evening air. His muscles were taut, his face focused, sweat dripping from his brow.
A man walked over, his posture relaxed but authoritative. "Alright, that's enough for today. Go rest up for tomorrow."
The boy slowed to a stop, nodding. "Yes, coach," he replied, wiping his forehead and jogging off towards the locker rooms.
---
In an unknown location, a dimly lit room housed a massive round table, with eleven chairs surrounding it. One chair, larger than the others, remained empty, while the remaining ten were filled with figures cloaked in shadows.
A booming voice broke the silence, dripping with sarcasm. "Why do we have to have a meeting like this, as if we're some supervillain organization?"
The others ignored him, their faces set in grim concentration. Another voice, calm but firm, asked, "How is the preparation?"
A different figure replied, "Everything is ready."
A third voice joined in, "Have there been any activities from them?
A man replied curtly, "No."
"Be vigilant regardless," a woman's voice cautioned. "Those bastards won't want to miss this opportunity."
The booming voice rang out again, filled with barely contained rage. "Those bastards... betraying humanity! If I find them, I'll smash their heads!"
He slammed his fist down onto the table. Though the table appeared solid, it shattered like glass, pieces flying everywhere. Yet, strangely, none of the debris touched any of the other members, as if an invisible barrier shielded them. Some of the figures hissed in annoyance, while others simply shook their heads, unimpressed.
---
Deep underground, where the earth's crust was visible, a crude yet bustling human civilization thrived. Amidst the flickering torchlight, three men stood before a figure on a menacing throne. The figure's features were obscured by darkness, only his piercing eyes visible.
The figure on the throne spoke, his voice a low rumble that resonated through the cavern. "How is it?"
One of the three men stepped forward and bowed slightly. "We have managed to infiltrate it."
The man on the throne chuckled, a deep, mirthless sound that sent a shiver through the cavern. "I hope they like my surprise."
His laughter echoed ominously through the underground chamber, reverberating off the walls like a gathering storm.