Chapter 62 - 61: Storm Lord Rising
"Director Voss, what’s the status on the Iron-fang units?"
Chairman Ethella’s voice cut through the chaos as emergency reports flooded the Association’s crisis center. Static crackled from damaged communication interface while tactical displays showed red markers spreading across the city like an infection.
The rooftop of the Association headquarters offered Ethella a commanding view of his burning domain. Midnight robes billowed around his tall frame as storm clouds gathered overhead, responding to power he hadn’t unleashed in decades. Lightning danced between his fingers while he identified priority targets through the smoke and chaos below.
Three decades of political leadership had dulled the edge of his combat instincts. But watching trolls crush fleeing civilians awakened something primal in his S-rank soul. The storm magic that made him Chairman stirred like a sleeping dragon recognizing prey.
"Sir, Iron-fang reports seventy percent casualties in the middle district," Director Voss replied through a crackling communicator. "Multiple squad leaders down. Commander Falken is holding position but requesting immediate support."
Ethella’s enhanced senses catalogued the tactical situation with mechanical precision. Five A-rank trolls converged on the Association building, their footsteps shaking the foundation stones. Each creature stood fifteen feet tall, stone-hard skin deflecting conventional weapons while their massive clubs crushed defensive barriers like paper.
Behind them, crystalline golems advanced through residential districts with methodical destruction. Aerial demons circled overhead, poisoning the air with their breath while hunting fleeing families. The coordination suggested intelligence beyond random dungeon breaks.
"All units, this is Chairman Ethella," he spoke into his emergency communicator. "Fall back to secondary positions. Prepare for S-rank intervention."
Static answered him. The communication network was failing under magical interference. His hunters fought blind while creatures that should never escape containment roamed freely through populated areas.
Time for direct action.
Ethella descended from the rooftop like divine judgment. Storm magic crackled around his form as thirty years of accumulated power sought release. The air itself bent to his will, creating pressure waves that cracked windows in nearby buildings.