The continental palace of Tempestus stood imposing against the horizon, its architecture a testament to Gamma's power and influence. Within its grand halls, two young men knelt before their lord—Franklin Claire and Alfred Florescent, Heptad Ranks 5 and 6.
Gamma, the Elemental Conqueror, ruler of Tempestus, regarded them with calculating eyes. His presence filled the chamber with a palpable weight, the air itself seeming to bend to his will.
"Rise," he commanded, his voice resonating with authority.
The two complied immediately. Franklin Claire, a lanky 22-year-old with tousled hair and a perpetual hint of mischief in his eyes, stood with casual confidence. Beside him, Alfred Florescent, shorter but powerfully built, practically vibrated with eager energy, his youthful face unable to contain his excitement despite the formal setting.
"A situation requires your immediate attention," Gamma began, leaning forward slightly. "A group of metallic impostors has established a tower in the eastern borderlands. At their head is an entity claiming to be Steel—a pale imitation, but dangerous nonetheless. Their corruption spreads rapidly. You will eliminate this threat."
Franklin's lips curved into an easy smile. "Fake Steel, huh? Sounds like an interesting challenge."
"You can count on us, Lord Gamma!" Alfred exclaimed, his fist raised with enthusiasm. "We'll handle this and be back before you know it!"
Gamma's stern expression softened almost imperceptibly. "I expect nothing less. You are dismissed. And try to be careful, both of you."
As they departed, the contrast between them was striking—Franklin sauntering with the casual grace of a seasoned veteran despite his youth, Alfred practically bouncing with each step, his boundless energy a counterpoint to his partner's languid confidence.
***
The tower loomed against the clouded sky, a dark monolith jutting from the earth like a malignant growth. Unlike the underground fortress in Land Astralis, this structure defiantly proclaimed its presence—a challenge to any who would oppose it.
Franklin whistled low, his gaze sweeping the imposing edifice. "Now that's what I call ominous architecture. Reminds me of that video game I've been playing—you know, the one with all the towers and boss battles?"
Alfred's eyes widened with recognition and delight. "Seriously? Tower of Challenges? I love that game!" He bounced on his heels, studying the structure before them. "So, what's the plan, Franky? Do we rush in together, or split up and conquer each floor?"
Franklin ran a hand through his tousled hair, considering. "Let's enter first and see what we're dealing with. No point strategizing until we know what's waiting for us."
The massive entrance loomed before them, its ancient mechanisms thrumming with dark energy. Franklin approached it with practiced nonchalance, placing his palm against the cold surface. With a subtle flare of power, he created a barrier that wedged itself between the gates, forcing them apart with the inexorable pressure of his will.
The doors groaned open, revealing a cavernous chamber bathed in dim, unnatural light.
A hulking figure awaited them—a mountain of muscle wielding an axe so massive it seemed impossible for even his frame to lift. His voice boomed through the chamber, echoing off the walls. "Welcome he—"
The greeting died unfinished. Alfred moved with astonishing speed, his blade flashing in the dim light. A single, precise slash, and the giant collapsed, his form dissolving into metallic dust.
Alfred flicked his blade clean with practiced ease, disappointment evident in his youthful features. "Huh, that was anticlimactic. Didn't even need my ability. Just took a second."
Franklin chuckled, clapping his partner on the shoulder. "Save some for the rest of the tower, would you?" He gestured toward the staircase spiraling upward. "Shall we continue our little adventure?"
The second floor revealed another imposing figure—this one tall and lean, a katana held with practiced precision in his metal hands. His eyes glowed with malevolent intent.
"This one looks promising," Franklin said, stepping forward with casual confidence. "I'll handle him."
The metal warrior—Bale—gazed into Franklin's eyes, seemingly attempting to penetrate his mind. Franklin met the stare unflinchingly, a small smile playing on his lips. Frustrated by his failed attempt at mental domination, Bale lunged forward, his katana a blur of deadly intent.
Franklin's response was almost lazy in its execution. With a subtle gesture, he encased his hand in a barrier, forming a gauntlet of pure energy. As Bale's katana descended, Franklin simply raised his reinforced fist and caught the blade. The impact created a shockwave that rippled through the chamber.
"Is that all?" Franklin asked, his tone conversational.
With a flick of his wrist, he sent Bale flying backward. The impostor crashed through the tower wall, leaving a gaping hole in his wake. The sound of crumbling stone and metal reverberated through the structure.
"I think that concludes our business here," Franklin observed, brushing nonexistent dust from his sleeve. He glanced at Alfred with a raised eyebrow. "Ready for the main event?"
Alfred nodded eagerly, his eyes shining with anticipation. "Finally time for Steel—the real monster!"
They ascended to the tower's summit, where a figure sat upon an ornate throne. Behind him stood a twisted tree, its metallic branches pulsing with corrupted energy. As they approached, Fake Steel rose from his seat, his movements fluid despite his metallic composition.
Without a word, he punched the air, unleashing a shockwave of devastating force toward the pair.
Franklin grinned, a genuine expression of delight. "Now this is more like it! Alfred, let me handle this one. It's been too long since I've had a real challenge."
He reinforced his hands once more with shimmering barrier energy, the power dancing around his fingers like eager flames. Franklin and Fake Steel lunged at each other simultaneously, meeting in a clash that shook the very foundations of the tower.
The exchange lasted mere seconds. Franklin's barrier-enhanced fist connected with Fake Steel's chest, and the impostor crumpled instantly, overwhelmed by the sheer force of the impact. Without pausing to admire his handiwork, Franklin turned to the corrupted tree and delivered another devastating blow, reducing it to splinters of twisted metal.
As dust settled around them, Franklin turned to Alfred with a slightly disappointed expression. "Well, that was... brief."
Alfred laughed, slapping his partner on the back. "What did you expect? We're the Heptad, after all!"
***
Gamma's expression remained impassive as he listened to their report, though a keen observer might have noticed the slight relaxation of his shoulders, the marginal softening around his eyes.
"Lord Gamma," Franklin began, assuming a casual stance that somehow managed to convey both respect and irreverence. "Mission accomplished! We took care of everything. Fake Steel? Gone. Ugly tower? Demolished. You're welcome."
Alfred grinned broadly, offering Gamma an enthusiastic thumbs-up. "Yeah! We totally crushed it! It was no problem at all!"
For a moment, silence filled the grand chamber. Then, remarkably, Gamma's stern countenance softened, and a genuine smile—small but unmistakable—graced his lips.
"You both have done well," he acknowledged, his typically severe voice tinged with warmth. "I am... impressed. And grateful. You have my sincere appreciation."
That simple acknowledgment—so rare from their formidable lord—was enough to fill both young men with a deep sense of pride and satisfaction. They exchanged brief glances, their expressions reflecting the same thought: this was why they served in the Heptad, why they had dedicated their lives to Gamma's cause. His approval meant everything to them.
As they left the chamber, Franklin nudged Alfred with his elbow. "Not bad for a day's work, eh? How about we celebrate with some gaming? I bet I can beat your high score this time."
Alfred's enthusiastic response echoed down the corridor, a reminder that despite their tremendous power and responsibility, the two youngest members of the Heptad were still, in many ways, just beginning their journey.