Moments Before The Dark Implosion
Lagos City, Victoria Island
In an office overlooking the city, a young woman in red with a light-dark complexion flipped through papers. Rose Ikemba, second daughter of the Ikemba Family and Chief Operating Officer of the nation's largest conglomerate—
IKEMBA CORPORATION.
Suddenly, she paused. A sensation—deep and primal—washed over her. She dropped the paperwork.
[Did you feel that?]
"Yes."
"What was it?"
[...] He's back.
"You mean the other one?"
Yes.
"Hmm... finally. It's been a while. Now, I get to see the full potential of the Heart of Flames."
[You talk like you're planning to discard me. Not that you could. I chose you as my host, remember?]
"Narcissist, as always."
[Arrogant, as ever.]
"..."
[...]
Hahahaha!
They both burst into laughter after a beat of silence.
[But seriously, a little respect would be nice. I once wielded this power myself, back when I was alive. I was—]
"The Sun Guardian of the Nok Empire, over a thousand years ago. I know, Arunma. You remind me every chance you get."
Rose cut off the living consciousness and sighed.
[...]
Arunma was momentarily silent—perhaps stunned.
[Anyway, you'd better be prepared. He will come. He'll want to settle old scores.]
"Then let him come. Him and his new Successor."
"I'm not afraid. I have the Heart of Flames with me."
"Besides, my family isn't exactly normal either. It's time we claim our place among the other supernatural factions in this world."
Rose's words rang with confidence—and something more. Destiny.
---
Now.
Elsewhere...
GASP!
Lisa's eyes shot open as she sucked in a breath. Her chest rose and fell rapidly. It felt like a dream—but the voice in her head said otherwise.
[Hello there.]
"Eek! Damn it! Stop that!"
[For an assassin, you startle too easily. Not a great trait.]
Lisa nearly fell off the skyscraper edge.
"You! Ugh! Leave me alone!"
[Calm down. Your body needs time to adjust to my powers.]
"I told you—I don't want it!"
[Well, I chose you anyway. And don't pretend you don't crave it. You felt my might.]
"I'll admit, it's impressive. But I'm not naive. I know I'm not the strongest out there. I don't know how it was in your time, but this world is full of monsters now."
"Besides, Malcolm's killer is already dead. I saw her turn to ash."
[Perhaps. But don't you think there will be more who try to kill you?]
"...Yes."
[Then it's settled. You need my power. You barely survived last time.]
"Fine. But first, let's get off this building. I don't even know how I teleported here."
[You weren't in your right mind. You gave in to your inner darkness—your thirst for vengeance. That's when you lost consciousness. And your memory.]
"Ugh... I remember now." Lisa groaned, then doubled over, vomiting.
"So... what now?"
[Training. Your rage served as a trigger—but it's not sustainable. If you're going to wield the Dark Mantle, we do this right.]
"Fine... I guess I'm not that vengeful anymore."
"...Maybe just a little."