A/N: highly descriptive language and intense violence.

Amidst the relentless onslaught, Bernard's frustration grew as he and his comrades fought valiantly against the Scale Shield minions. Despite their obvious disadvantage, the enemy seemed determined to press forward, showing no regard for their own safety. Bernard couldn't help but find their resolve somewhat absurd, given the vast difference in power between them and their adversaries.

BERNARD: "Bethany! Shadow!! Swiftly dispatch these bothersome pests with your lethal moves. This skirmish has grown tiresome," Bernard directed his comrades nonchalantly, his hands casually tucked into his pockets.

Taking heed of Bernard's demand, Bethany and Shadow surged forward, synchronizing their fire techniques to decimate the relentless enemy once and for all. Shadow tapped into the technique of his hidden shadow flame, activating the 'Flame Shadow: Movement Seal,' which instantly immobilized the enemy forces. Meanwhile, Bethany unleashed her 'Sonic X Blade' move, conjuring a massive blade of fire that sliced through the stunned foes with blistering efficiency, leaving nothing but smoldering remnants in its wake.

However, the massive blade of fire, did not dissipate after its devastating onslaught. Instead, it surged forward with unrelenting force, slicing through the air and surging for the building's main entrance door.

But nonetheless, the fiery onslaught was met with an unexpected resistance from two emerging Chaos Force sorcerers. With retaliatory prowess, the minions unleashed a barrage of magical wave attacks, aiming to halt the advance of the three teenagers with chaotic force.

The magic waves hurtled toward Bernard and his companions with startling speed, catching them off guard. Upon impact, Bethany and Shadow were forcefully propelled backward, their bodies engulfed in searing pain and severe injuries as the arcane energies tore through their defenses.

However, Bernard's swift reflexes allowed him to partially shield himself from the attack, minimizing the damage to his own body. He stood firm with gritted teeth, his muscles straining against the force of the magic waves as he weathered the storm with resolve. But despite his efforts, the sheer force of the waves pushed him several steps backward, his arms crossed protectively as he struggled to maintain his footing.

As the assault subsided, Bernard lowered his arms and surveyed the aftermath of the unexpected attack. He observed the condition of Bethany and Shadow, who lay sprawled on the ground, visibly wounded but resiliently attempting to heal their injuries.

<<In the world of superhumans, those of the saint realm's hierarchy and below were acutely vulnerable to the machinations of magic practitioners. Their formidable physical prowess offered little defense against the mystical onslaughts unleashed by those versed in the arcane arts, leaving them exposed to potentially fatal blows with each encounter.

Meanwhile, the magic practitioners' magical prowess granted them natural resistance to conventional powers of lower superhuman hierarchies.>>

BERNARD: "... Sorcery! What a dark surprise. The Scale Shield now has mages on their payroll, it seems. I can't help but wonder what other surprises lie beyond those walls," Bernard muttered to himself, his expression a mix of bemusement and curiosity.

Meanwhile, Modred and Kozak made dramatic appearances, revealing themselves to Bernard from the top floor of the building's window.

KOZAK: "As expected, it's the western freaks - mere bags of trash spouting despicable flames. Let me guess, you've come for your people,... No! It's more than that; you seek retribution. Hah, I suggest you three cease your resistance now, lest your deaths become even more agonizing. You stand no chance of victory!"

BERNARD: "[Stares up at Kozak and Modred.] Well, are those your famous last words, human? It's a shame that you and your accomplice up there will perish without leaving any successors to take your places." Bernard taunted them with a derisive smirk.

MODRED: "Humph! For a mere superhuman of the saint realm's rank, you sure are arrogant, even as death looms over you. However, you seem to be the better one amongst the other two lying twigs.... Reminds me of a little brat who wields your feeble flame.... Yes, someone worth exterminating!" Modred spoke with a crazy grin on his face.

BERNARD: "Humph! Do not compare me to some random loser. I am far beyond anyone's comprehension. I trust you've both made your peace, for your deaths are imminent!" Bernard retorted defiantly, issuing a stark promise to Modred and Kozak.

MODRED: "Hah! Arrogant fool! You will be the end of yourself and your comrades. Do not blame me for your pitiful demise, but rather, blame your overheated ego! Chaos Force sorcerers, attend to my bidding. Deliver those three twigs to Kozak!" Modred commanded his minions with a tone dripping with contempt and authority.

KOZAK: "... And ensure that boy's body is brought to me for experimentation. I'd need him either dead or alive!" Kozak added, punctuating his decree with a pointed finger directed at Bernard.

After issuing their orders, the two villainous partners confidently retreated to their base, leaving their forces to handle the teenagers.

A horde of Scale Shield elites, accompanied by a contingent of Chaos Force sorcerers, emerged from the building to confront Bernard and his allies. With Shadow and Bethany back on their feet, the trio prepared for the escalated battle, their seriousness evident in their focused expressions and defensive stances.

Bethany deftly retrieved two gleaming daggers from the concealed recesses of her boots, twirling them skillfully around her fingers before securing them in a defensive stance and firm grip. Meanwhile, Shadow's hands erupted in a burst of cyan flame, the heat searing intensely as he sought to instill fear in the heart of the enemy. As for Bernard, his expression betrayed no emotion as he buried his hands deep within the pockets of his coat. His demeanor was one of icy detachment as he regarded the approaching enemies with a cold, calculating gaze.

As Shadow and Bethany braced themselves for combat, Bernard intervened, his commanding voice cutting through the tension.

BERNARD: "I'll handle this. Let me show them what true fear looks like," he declared, his voice rumbling with an undercurrent of quiet menace.

His words hung in the air like a tangible challenge, daring their adversaries to test his resolve. But as he stepped forward, ready to face the enemy alone, Shadow revealed a contemptuous sneer, silently proclaiming disdain for Bernard's bravado.

SHADOW: "Humph! What a show-off," he scoffed, his arms folding across his chest as he begrudgingly acquiesced to Bernard's wishes.

Now the combined forces of Scale Shield and Chaos Force surged forward with weapons drawn and spells primed. Yet, Bernard met their advance with a ferocity born of determination and skill.

With a swift motion of his hands, he unleashed a torrent of fiery blasts that engulfed the battlefield, momentarily shrouding his movements in a veil of distraction.

Within the chaotic inferno, Bernard became a blur of motion, employing his family's fighting style, called the 'Deity Paw.' He X-slashed through the ranks of his adversaries with inhumane agility, ruthless targeting their vulnerable body parts. Limbs were severed, armor shattered, and bodies rent asunder, leaving trails of devastation behind.

The flames eventually subsided, revealing a scorched battlefield littered with the fallen. The few surviving enemies surged forward with renewed fury, their rage expressions visible. Two mage-level sorcerers and a Scale Shield elite charged at Bernard simultaneously, their weapons and spells aimed at his vulnerable spots.

However, Bernard deftly dodged their blows and magic spells before counterattacking with his bare fists.

He incapacitated the first sorcerer with a powerful kick to the groin, effortlessly dispatching the second sorcerer with ease. The Scale Shield elite engaged him in a desperate fistfight, trying to land blows, but he deftly side-stepped each attack with his hands tucked behind his back.

With each passing moment, the elite soldier's movements grew more sluggish, their energy waning under the agile nature of Bernard's evasiveness. Sensing his opponent's fatigue, Bernard finally struck back. He unleashed a flurry of slashes in a lethal X-pattern, his razor-sharp fingernails tearing through armor and flesh with brutal efficiency.

The elite stood defenseless, their eyes wide with disbelief as they faced the wrath of Bernard's onslaught. With a surge of strength, Bernard impaled his anguished opponent through the abdomen, his blazing fingers tearing through the screaming soldier's internal organs with searing heat.

And then, in one final, fatal strike, he cleaved the soldier's upper body in half, leaving nothing but a lifeless husk behind.

Having dispatched their enemies with brutal efficiency, Bernard motioned for Shadow and Bethany to join him as he ascended toward the entrance door of the Scale Shield's building. The trio made their way through the threshold, their footsteps echoing across the expansive walls.

However, their progress was soon halted as they encountered three passageways branching off in different directions, each leading to a different area of the building.

They stood at the crossroads with uncertainty, faced with the daunting task of choosing their path forward amidst the labyrinthine corridors of the Scale Shield's stronghold.

However, Bernard suddenly thought of an idea.

BERNARD: "[Assigns tasks with a firm tone.] We must divide our efforts. Bethany, locate the facility holding the girl with Aurora's DNA and rescue her. Shadow, you've earned another chance to secure our people. Do not squander it again."

BETHANY: "... And what's your role in all of this, Bernie?" Bethany inquired, curious about Bernard's intentions.

BERNARD: "Hm! Just purging out the necessary evil!" Bernard replied bluntly, his stern gaze reflecting the flickering cyan flame in his palm.

******

Meanwhile.......

At a remote corner of the Scale Shield's building, atop a towering mountain, David, Aurora, Fiona, and a handful of armed troops arrived.

Fiona utilized a high-tech scouting camera to survey the Scale Shield's building, but what she observed left her visibly taken aback.

FIONA: "Hmm, it seems we are not the only uninvited guests visiting the Scale Shield today."

AURORA: "Can you tell who these guests are?"

FIONA: "No, not from up here. However, we can only hope that whoever these strangers are, they are on our side!"

As Fiona kept scanning, her attention was suddenly drawn to another interesting sight. These were adversaries that were subdued months ago - the Chaos Force.

FIONA: "... Intriguing! Our old adversary also make its presence known." Fiona remarked to David, her stoic demeanor masking a hidden smile.

DAVID: "The Chaos Force, eh? I anticipated that they would return after our last encounter. However, I did not expect they'll even ally so soon with the Scale Shield," David responded, swiftly taking the camera from Fiona's grasp to inspect the scene for himself.

As everyone prepared themselves, Fiona took a moment to remind her companions of their mission's crucial objectives. She emphasized the importance of liberating as many hostages as possible and retrieve what they believed to be Aurora's clone, all before dismantling the Scale Shield organization once and for all.

But while she diligently outlined the mission objectives, David soon found himself growing increasingly bored, his attention drifting away from her words before he finally interjected.

DAVID: "[Smirks at Fiona.] Hey, blondie! Time's not on our side. We've got a bloody party to attend!"

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A/N: Hello dear readers, your feedback matters. Please star 🌟 or share your thoughts on the comment box 🗃 if you found this chapter intriguing. Thank you.