The First Men Chronicles

Chapter 31: The Sealed Gate of the Messiah

The atmosphere on the battlefield was tense, thick with the weight of clashing energies. Beside Draven , Huey leaned forward slightly, whispering just loud enough for Draven to hear, his tone playful yet laced with something darker.

"Quag was once a friend of your brother Shiki… Who knows what really happened between them, or with your family?"

Draven's expression twisted instantly, fury igniting within him like a roaring blaze. His breathing became heavier, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles whitened. His entire body pulsed with rage, Shen energy crackling violently around him.

Huey's usual grin faltered for a split second. He muttered under his breath, his eyes flickering with interest.

"Let's see if what Lord Arcade wrote about those eyes is true…"

Then, just as quickly, his playful nature returned. A slow chuckle left his lips as wooden roots sprouted beneath his feet, lifting him higher onto the remnants of a temple pillar. He settled comfortably, crossing one leg over the other, eager to witness what would unfold next.

Down below, Quag studied Draven carefully.

"His Shen is developing at an abnormal rate," Quag thought, watching the fluctuations in the boy's aura. His gaze shifted momentarily to Huey, who simply chuckled in response.

"Yes, you're right, Quag," Huey called out casually, his voice carrying across the battlefield. "That boy is preparing for something big."

Quag narrowed his eyes. "I won't let you manipulate kids for your own agenda." His voice was firm, unwavering. "I'll put an end to this here."

But before he could make a move—

CRACK!

A deafening BOOM echoed through the air as a massive bolt of red lightning erupted from Draven's outstretched hand. The energy surged forward like a roaring beast, its sheer presence distorting the air around it.

Quag barely had time to react. He dodged, but a sharp jolt struck his shoulder regardless. A burning sensation shot through him.

He widened his eyes.

"Even though I dodged, it still got me he's technique got the same physiology as mine in the Ram form impressive…!"

High above, Huey let out a satisfied hum. "Oh? I didn't know Draven had actually tested that technique since I introduced it to him… I'm impressed."

Quag exhaled, rolling his shoulder to shake off the lingering shock. "Not bad, kid," he admitted. His tone darkened. "But that won't be enough."

Draven clenched his fists. His eyes burned with intensity, his voice low and seething.

"Were you a part of the massacre?"

A heavy silence fell.

Quag raised an eyebrow, tilting his head slightly. "What massacre?" he asked, feigning ignorance.

Draven's veins bulged in fury. His breathing quickened, rage boiling over into a surge of raw energy. "You know exactly what I'm talking about," he spat.

Quag let out a dismissive chuckle. "No idea, kid."

Draven's teeth gritted.

"Never mind anyways I'll still kill you anyways."

In an instant, he disappeared.

A sonic burst shook the air as Draven blurred forward, reappearing right in front of Quag faster than he could process.

"Shit, he's fast—!"

Quag instinctively leaped backward, but Draven's All Creation Eyes tracked his movement with almost 99.9% accuracy.

He didn't hesitate.

"Red Lightning: Binding Bolt!"

Above them, a colossal bolt of red lightning materialized and shot downward just as Quag's feet touched the ground.

The moment Quag looked up, it was already upon him,He had no choice.

"Forbidden Order: Abyssal Ram Claws!"

His arms twisted as black crystalline spikes erupted from his knuckles. A monstrous Shen aura radiated from his form, crackling with chaotic energy.

BOOOOOM!

The lightning collided with his clawed hands, sending waves of energy rippling through the battlefield. The force of the impact cracked the ground beneath him.

He groaned, feeling the intensity of the attack.

"That lightning isn't Shen-based… it's something else."

He gritted his teeth and swung his claw, redirecting the remaining energy away—

KABOOOOOOOOOOM!

A distant building erupted in a fiery explosion, sending debris raining down.

Quag exhaled, lowering his guard slightly. "You're not normal, kid," he muttered, locking eyes with Draven,His gaze hardened.

And then, he froze.

For the first time, Quag truly saw Draven's eyes.

A cold, chilling recognition flickered across his face.

"oh… I've seen those eyes before."

A sharp laugh left his lips. "So it's true," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "I thought all of you were dead."

Draven's expression twisted in confusion.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

Before Quag could answer, a searing pain gripped Draven's chest. His breathing faltered, his vision blurring.

The memories,The slaughter,His family's screams.

He clutched his chest, staggering. The pain was unbearable.

Quag's smirk widened.

"He's breaking."

"Now's my chance."

His body blurred forward, aiming directly for Draven's vulnerable form with his clawed hand aiming for a strike.

On the rooftop, Huey moved.

His body tensed, ready to intervene—

But just before Quag's attack connected—

A golden light erupted.

CLANG!

A colossal impact shook the battlefield.

Six golden gates materialized around Draven, forming an impenetrable barrier. Each gate shone with a divine force , their engravings pulsating with energy.

Quag's attack was deflected instantly.

The force of the rejection sent him flying back, his body slamming into the ground with a thunderous crash.

He skidded to a stop, coughing out blood. His arms trembled from the sheer force.

"What… was that?"

Draven staggered to his feet, his body shaking from the overwhelming energy he had just released.

From above, Huey's smile faded.

His voice was barely a whisper.

"That gate…?"

A dark chuckle escaped his lips. "Well, well… I never thought I'd see it in my lifetime."

He leaned forward, resting his chin on his knuckles.

"The Sealed Gate of the Messiah."

His eyes gleamed with fascination.

"Draven, just what else are you capable of?"