In a different dimension, the beings that gathered have multiplied to what can only be described as an army. They took turns for countless hours attacking the small crack in space that was left behind. With each attack, each swing, each bit of violence exerted upon it, the crack was strained a little. The beings didn’t see the crack grow at first. But they knew that if they kept on putting pressure on it eventually the waves of energy would force it to crack open even more. And it was after what felt like an eternity the first sign of the crack growing showed. This delighted them and gave them even more incentive to keep going. Once the crack started increasing in size it kept breaking exponentially until finally it opened up enough for an army to walk through. They stepped through the portal into a new dimension. Once a lot of them were through they stood still and let their bodies adjust to the new sensations of the dimension. Once fully adjust they let loose a scream so loud and so vicious that it shook the very planet beneath them.

On planet Numbers every person heard a sudden sound coming from the sky. It was as if the gods themselves were angry and let loose a scream of rage, as the sound covered the entire planet everyone felt a cold chill run down their spine. Once the scream reached Demo who was running he grabbed his chest in pain and fell down. The tattoo on his chest started pulsating again, but this time it was a lot more violent as if the scream excited it. The other students who had since gathered in the gym all looked at each other in confusion as to what the sound was. Li-On who was in his private room looked up in fear he recognized the sound and with fear in his voice he said.

“No.”

The beings above the planet having finished their harrowing scream looked at the planet with rage in their eyes. A huge being covered in scars and armor then walked up to be in front of them. His aura was filled with menace and anger as he pointed at the planet and spoke in their language.

“Nethal Thrimana (Let them drown in their Shadows)”

This is the war cry the other beings were waiting for. They rush towards the planet. It’s as if a wave of darkness is about to crash into the planet. The flames of entry don’t seem to have any effect on them. As they land they release another scream. The people in this city seeing the dark being realize that they are in danger because these seem like the monsters they have been taught about in school. Panic rolls over the land as the beings start slaughtering everything that crosses their path.

The beings landed on one continent and started their rampage. The rest of the world was quickly informed of the sudden invasion. All the TV screens broadcasted the sudden massacre happening on their planet.

“These are the images of the destruction caused by the Palindra who invaded our world. There must have been a portal rupture somewhere. Requests for help has been sent to the U.D.A. (Universe Defense Army) but it will take them some time before they arrive. We want to ask anyone who is capable, to please go and defend our planet before it’s too late.”

The news spread across planet numbers as all the gyms and martial artists and those who deemed themselves strong got ready to go to battle with the Palindra Monsters. Back in the Dragon gym, Demo was still on the ground but the other members were all busy getting dressed for battle or cowering in the corner or calling their family members. They all stopped what they were doing when Li-On stepped into the gym wearing his full battle uniform. All attention turned to him and he decided to boost morale before they stepped onto the battlefield.

“All of you here get ready to fight. Being afraid doesn’t mean you get to skip fighting for your life. These monsters don’t care if you’re afraid. So why should you? The S rank will be the vanguard. You will take the brunt of their attack and kill as many as you can. A rank, you will take care of those that slip through the cracks. B, you will do all you can to support the A rank. Make sure their equipment stays strong, make sure their bones don’t stay broken for long. And the new recruits, you will be in the back. Your duty is to make sure that materials are in constant supply. If you can join the fight, do so. If you’re too afraid to fight with your fists, fight with your ability to strengthen others.”

The members nod.

“Make sure everyone is wearing a belt of materials and a bracelet of durability.”

Eight looks at Li-On and feels like a certain piece of information is missing so he decides to ask.

“Master, what will you do?”

Li-On smiles at the question as if to reassure everyone.

“Show you what it means to be a master and why our gym is the strongest.”

Eight nods and Li-On screams to make sure they hear him and their morale is up to its peak.

“NOW GET READY FOR WAR!”

All the members scream in unison as they prepare everything. The previous confusion is gone as everyone knows what to do. Li-On then looks at Demo on the ground grasping his chest. He walks towards Demo and kneels in front of him. Touches Demos shirt and transforms it into a sheet of paper. He sees that Demo is holding his tattoo and the tattoo vibrating in a weird way.

“Do you know why its hurting?”

Demo in pain shakes his head profusely. Li-On keeps his focus on the tattoo.

“How did you get it?”

Demo shakes his head as he in pain answers.

“I don’t know, I woke up with them.”

Li-On looks at the members in the gym and how they are getting ready to put their lives on the line. He looks back down at Demo.

“We are going to need you in this fight. Are you ok with me helping you?”

Demo nods.

“Move your hand.”

While still in pain Demo decides to trust Li-On and moves his hand away slowly from his chest. Li-On doesn’t waste any time and places his hand on the tattoo. He closes his eyes and starts chanting. But this particular chant sounds different from all the other chants Demo has heard. This one doesn’t sound like math but more so language based. The edge of the tattoo starts lighting up. The pain starts subsiding and as Demo looks down to see whats happening he sees 4 symbols appear around the tattoo. Up, down, left and right a symbol appears he has never seen before. Once the symbols complete themselves the pain is completely gone. Demo stands up and Li-On raises as well.

“Demo, this isn’t your war but we need your help to safe as many people as we can.”

“Who is attacking you?”

“They are beings that reside in between dimension.”

“Why are they attacking you?”

“Because they are angry. But their anger is harming innocent people right now so we need to protect them.”

“Why are they angry at you?”

“It would take too long to explain. We need to help the people first. After I will explain everything. Will you help us?”

Demo looks at Li-On to see if he can tell if his words are sincere. But this old man hasn’t lied to Demo yet so why would he start now. Demo nods.

“Ok, just tell me what to do.”

Li-On smiles.

“Just follow me, and hit whatever attacks you.

Demo smiles excitedly. Li-On goes into his pocket and grabs a small device. He types in what seems to be coordinates and throws it in front of him. A gate opens up and on the other side is what looks like a warzone.

“On the other side of this is where the Parlindra are. The moment you step through be ready for anything. S rank behind me.”

He looks at Demo and beckons him to come stand next to him. And in order they start walking through the gate onto the battlefield.

On a screen in a ship in space a sudden message pops up and with it several alarms go off. KetsuEki closes the book he is reading and looks at the screen. It reads EMERGENCY – PORTAL RUPTURE.

“Stitches failed? Damn.”

He stands up and places his hands on the floor of the ship. The entire ship starts to glow.

Chapter 13 Fin