The Ministry's hidden chamber still hummed with the aftershocks of the battle against Vraxxus. The demon lord's words echoed in their minds, a haunting reminder of the Abyss's growing threat.
Outside, the world felt colder. Craterhold's shattered streets had become a grim testament to the brewing war — not just between men and demons, but between two powerful factions: the Ministry Church, sworn to protect, and the Vatican, hungry for control.
In a dimly lit hall far from the front lines, the Ministry's Council convened. Elder priests and commanders, their faces marked by years of vigilance and sacrifice, gathered around a massive table etched with ancient runes and maps.
Brother Simon stood at the head, his voice steady but grave.
"The Vatican's interference grows bolder. They have infiltrators within our ranks. We must root them out before the Ministry collapses from within."
A cold-faced commander, Sister Elena, nodded.
"Our intelligence shows they're planning another strike—this time targeting the boys directly. They want to fracture their bond."
From a shadowed corner, a hooded figure added quietly,
"Divisions between the four could be their undoing.
Meanwhile, in a secluded training courtyard surrounded by towering, crumbling stone walls fused with rusted tech—remnants of a forgotten era—the Four grappled with their own fractures.
Daiki's sword was sheathed but his hands trembled with unspent fury.
"We can't keep fighting each other when the real enemy waits beyond the veil."
Haru's pistols glimmered in the fading sunlight, but his stance was defensive.
"Easy for you to say, sword boy. You think you know what it's like to carry this fire that burns out of control?"
Ren's usually calm demeanor cracked, his eyes haunted.
"My visions show betrayal. Not just from the Vatican, but from us. We need to trust each other—or we're finished."
Icarus leaned heavily on a broken pillar, his earth-hardened fists clenched.
"Trust is earned, not given. We've all been lied to... by those we thought were our allies."
Back in the Vatican's marble halls, Cardinal Malraux sipped dark wine, eyes gleaming with calculated malice.
"The boys are fragile. Their strengths make them weapons — but even the sharpest blade can be broken."
An Inquisitor stepped forward, delivering a sealed message.
"A new demon cult has surfaced, pledging loyalty to the Abyss. They're spreading chaos in the outer provinces, distracting the Ministry's forces."
Malraux smiled thinly.
"Perfect. Let the Four face demons at every turn — while we dismantle their foundation from within."
Craterhold, barely recovering from Vraxxus's assault, now faced a second threat: the demon cult's followers. Twisted creatures with burning eyes and unnatural strength terrorized the streets, their allegiance sworn to darkness.
Daiki gripped his sword, the wind swirling fiercely as he prepared to lead the defense.
"We protect this city. No matter the cost."
Haru fired twin blasts, lighting the dark alleys ablaze.
Ren's visions guided their moves, predicting ambushes before they came.
Icarus crushed demon skulls with earth-shattering punches, the ground trembling beneath his fury.
During a brief respite, the Four sat atop the ruined walls, gazing over the burning city. The weight of their responsibilities pressed down, but so did their growing camaraderie.
Daiki broke the silence.
"We fight demons. We fight corrupt men. But most of all, we fight to protect each other."
Haru smirked, lighting a cigarette.
"Guess that makes us a pretty messed-up family."
Ren laughed softly, the tension easing.
"Messed-up... but unbreakable."
Icarus nodded, voice gruff but sincere.
"Together, we're the last line. The hope in this madness."
The Abyss Calls
But far beneath the earth, in forgotten caverns lit by eerie green flames, something stirred.
The Abyss itself — a swirling maelstrom of dark energy — pulsed with hunger. The barriers weakened, the ancient seals cracked.
And in the shadows, the demon lords whispered.
"The time is near. The world will burn. And only those who embrace the darkness will survive."