Godfire: The Split Soul-Chapter 165: Die With Me

All televisions, wall screens, and smart devices lit up at once.

The sudden glow of screens washed over streets, checkpoints, and apartments. Conversations paused mid-word.

And at the borderline, where people had been arguing over permits and rations, the public screen glitched, then stabilized.

A man with brown eyes, brown hair, and in a general’s uniform filled the display, medals catching the lights.

"Good day, citizens in the Central City of Westeros," he said. "The country is now under Code Black."

A sharp inhalation of breath rippled through the crowd as someone cursed under his breath.

"Every man with the strength to fight, defend, and ladies with the knowledge of healing are entrusted to come forth and aid the country to stand against our enemy, the monsters."

Screams tore out, hands shooting up as energy spiked out in every crowded place, while others felt great fear in their gut.

As soon as the feed ended without warning, the general vanishing into a glare, broad-shouldered men moved out and stood at the front of the crowds.

Their faces glistened with joy as they looked at each other. Military vehicles rolled in from every side of streets.

Tires rolled on ramps, engines grinding, and doors slid open when the vehicles stopped. Those that were willing to volunteer surged forward, while those that hesitated were pushed aside by the crowd.

...

Inside Lena’s estate, silence ruled in the hall except for the faint hum of the city beyond the glass door.

Lena stood at the front of the stairs, her eyes fixed on the empty hallway above it, while her fingers dug into her palms.

Tiny particles flared to life, followed by the sound of a door opening.

Kai stood at the doorstep of his room, wearing his black hoodie. "This is the time," he murmured and moved, exited fully, emerging into the hallway.

His steps slowed when he reached the stairs and saw Lena after taking two steps down.

"Kai," she called to the boy with a voice that sounded alien to her own ears.

Kai didn’t step; he descended like a God that had been called to war. At the base of the stairs, he neared her. "They’re calling for help."

"Yeah, but—" the remaining words got locked in her throat, seeing the sudden shift in Kai’s gaze.

Before she could continue, the screen of the television crackled, the screen glitching.

A fair-skinned reporter in a red gown stood beside a live feed window. "This is what we need. Someone who is willing to sacrifice everything. Just like this civilian who saved everyone earlier today."

The video at the right side started reeling.

White hair soaked in dark liquid, a lady dragging herself forward, raising twin swords.

’Jinx.’ The name popped up in Kai’s mind. His legs moved forward before he could catch up, then pointed. "Aunt Lena, Jinx."

Lena turned herself slowly. Cold ran through her veins, her mouth opening. ’No. No. No.’

From the television, witnesses took the microphone.

"She lunged at the Titanaboa as if she wasn’t human."

"Like my brother said, the lady single-handedly fought with the creatures with a strength that looked inhuman."

"She saved us. All of us."

From the corner of the screen, a small girl appeared, clutching something to her chest. "My name is Selina. My mom gave me this to give her when she wakes up."

The reporter took the mic back. "Jinx, the lady who sacrificed her life, has been taken to the Military Hospital. Let’s come together and drive these creatures out."

Sweat slid down Lena’s brow the moment the broadcast ended.

Her trembling legs took her near the couch, sat down heavily, then pressed her palms over her face.

"Aunty," Kai said, taking slow steps forward. "Don’t worry. Jinx will be fine." He placed a hand on Lena’s shoulder, then sighed.

Tears dropped free as Lena’s head shot up and gazed at the transparent door where massive shapes churned in the sky like stormy clouds.

"Go."

She swallowed hard and stood up abruptly, then climbed the stairs. When she returned, she cradled Gray’s silver sword in her arms. "Take this. Go and help save the world."

Kai stretched his arm toward it, accepting it without hesitation, then bowed. He looked at Lena’s face once again, then left her side.

Rain and thundering wings greeted Kai in the open space, where the cars normally make the U-turn before parking.

ROAR.

From behind him, a bat-like creature dove, its claws flashing as it closed at great speed.

Kai closed his eyes, rippled through the movement of the rain, and tuned them into one sound, then focused on the wing-flapping sound.

Rushing air flew by his left side as soon as he ducked low. The sword sang, its blade slamming down on the ground.

The creature shrieked past him, twisted its body, then began flapping its wings. It changed its stance after the three flaps, then on the fourth, it split into perfect halves.

Blood burst outward as both pieces hit the ground with a thud sound.

"What?!" Pablo yelled, crouched behind a slightly opening window. The swift movement looped in his skull, staring at the boy and the now-dead creature.

Kai flicked the blade, clearing the ichor, then pushed the metallic gate open and stepped onto the main street.

"Hey, boy!" a bloodied soldier waved at Kai, his face twisted with pain. With disgust filling his eyes, he scanned the boy, then gestured at him to come over.

Kai placed the blade of the sword in its case, wore it like a bag, then ran toward the man.

"What’s your name?"

"Yung Chin K."

The soldier paused, stared at the boy as the name sounded familiar. "Alright, Yung Chin. Welcome onboard."

He shoved Kai toward the truck, slapped the side, then yelled at the driver. "You can take off."

Two miles out, two of the creatures descended at high speed. Their claws tore into the soldier’s chest and head.

"Die with me!" he screamed, pulling the triggers of the explosives tied to his waist and chest.

A loud blast echoed and shook the city, causing weak fruits to fall from their branches.

Shards of clothes and skin danced as the fire burned both the soldier and the creatures.

Back at the estate, Lena staggered to the door as the explosion rolled through the ground, the flames blooming against the rain.

And back in the truck, Kai stared at the fire until it blurred out in his vision. For a moment, Lieutenant Gray’s smile hovered in his mind right before the truck sped out of the Nurses Estate.