Chapter CCCLXXXV: First Wave: Metal, Lightning and Darkness ~Multehx

The storm outside raged on. Now doubly what it was, as there was a slight competition of whose spell was greater going on. But there soon was to be no match for the original, and for why it really was.

In a room far below, in the large residence, behind numerous doors, down numerous hallways, lay the room. The three stood present around a table in the midst of the room. On the floor was etched an intricate circle, filled with geometric patterns from edge to edge of the circle just inside the first. Numerous arcane sigils and symbols filled the space between circles. The table sat in the exact center of it all, drawing attention as it was as black as black wood could get.

Clockwise, starting at the back of the table, standing over it, was the deviously smirking Alfred Nsvem. His hands were resting on the table. To his left stood the hulking robot, Malfector. His expression was deadly serious as he regarded the table, his arms at his sides, his fingers clenched. Across from him, arms folded, frowning, favoring the left leg, was Vaurix Delezzah. His hands rested on either arm, and his katana sheath hung off his metal belt.

Clearing his throat, Alfred began to speak, loudly, quite audibly. "We do speak, against all odds, beyond the confines of life and death, existence and non-existence. We do call out to thee, oh savior, our guiding hand, our master."

The wind outside began to howl more lowly, more sinisterly, and the sky grew darker still.

"Sir, we have befallen dark days without you. Our way is obscured by your foes, and all seeming lost. I, your loyal servant, do beseech you..."

He thought for a moment, took a breath, and continued.

"Grant us your noble guard, so that this, the abode which doth hold thine gateway to us, does remain safely in our hands. I also ask that you grant me the power...give me...give me realization to my own devices. Bless me in your darkness, allow me to lend my aid how I do desire to! I guarantee you, milord, this shall be one of our greater doings; please, lend me my requests, with your grace and your blessings."

Black bolts of lightning streaked through the sky, the storm grew more violent, and several even struck the dwelling. Oddly, they left no burns upon the house, nor indicated which house they struck to anyone. Those within the room leapt back as several of the said bolts struck Alfred. He convulsed, the black electricity surging through his veins, leaping in bolts from his erratic hairs. Eventually, he fell into a kneel, hand bracing himself as he panted. Vaurix slowly approached him, Malfector standing where he had leapt, unmoving.

Vaurix spoke. "Are...you...quite alright…?"

Alfred snickered, which turned into a loud laugh, and then into a maniacal, roaring cackle that echoed throughout. Vaurix felt cold all over, and even the non-responsive Malfector felt a chill run down his spine. Alfred sneered. "I feel quite empowered." He laughed evilly, raising his right hand above his head. "For the glory of his lordship!!"

With that cry he smashed his raised hand to the tabletop. Black bolts of the strange electricity coursed from his hand and began to surge along the wooden table, leaping about it chaotically, as if it were made of conductive steel. The surface began to slowly take on a radiantly pulsing glow.

Smirking, Alfred and the others stepped back. A low droning filled the room and, almost instantly, a shaft of black light tore through the glow and shot up to the roof. A moment later, a figure appeared, kneeling upon the table top. It deftly leapt off, landing silently on the floor, though every step thereafter loudly thudded against the floor with a clank of its metallic boots. It took up its place, standing against the wall, the light causing a glare on its armored form. A similar figure appeared from the light, leapt off the table, and walked over, taking its stance next to the first.

This continued until about twenty such beings stood against one wall. They stood tall, hands on the hilts of their broadswords, tip of the blade against the floor. There they stood, twenty knights…or rather, twenty splendid suits of armor, for their helmets were quite vacant. Alfred smirked. "Now, for a few of my own experimental minions..."

The light resumed, and a new being formed, kneeling upon the table top. It stepped off, walking to the opposite side of the room and standing at attention. It looked humanoid in shape, but appeared to be made of pure energy, crackling with bolts of electricity every now and then. As well, it had no face or facial features.

Alfred grinned. "I call it an 'Electrophorm'."

The other two nodded, watching as this process continued over and over, again till twenty stood in formation against the wall opposite the knights.

Alfred chuckled. There was only one more thing to do. The coup de gras. He placed a gloved hand upon the table again, and the black electricity began to course onto the table again. The glow started once more, this time, more sinister and black than before. He grinned evilly.

This time, not one type of being, but various ones of all shapes and variations. These were not unique creatures, but ones that had been spoken of in many texts indeed. Monstrosities, winged, or with claws, some with tentacles and more. Devils, demons (many lesser species, the real feared ones of stories), monsters of the darkest depths. There were many, taking up half the room. Unlike the others standing at attention, they seemed restless, communicating in their various languages and manners the idle talk of a group gathered, restlessly awaiting their purpose to be made known.

Their summoner weakly fell back against the wall, shirt heaving around the chest as the last traces of the black energy surged from his body into the closing light on the tabletop. He stood there, Vaurix and Malfector holding him up gently but securely, as he slowly recovered his bearings. Catching enough of his breath and recovering enough energy to stand on his own accord, he walked back to the table and surveyed those standing before him.

"Fellows," he began, glancing about, "I assume you are all gentlemen, I do apologize to the ladies who probably are in are midst, I am quite woozy, so I am not seeing exactly perfectly."

There was a murmur among the crowd and several heads nodded in understanding.

"I have called you all here, as we are all the servants of the same master. He is presently indisposed and requires us to fortify and sanctify this area, this town, for his return." Slowly circling the table and walking through their midst, Alfred opened the door to the hallway. "You must all disperse through the town, conquer it by your might; destroy any who oppose you." He smirked, brushing aside a lock of hair. "The townsfolk are yours to decide the fate of; they concern us none. Now, there is a slight resistance to us all; they may prove a challenge, but I am certain our superior numbers shall hold them off at very least until our next move is made and guaranteedly puts them down."

The assembled group nodded, then began to process out the door, down multiple hallways, and outside. They made their way into the cobbled street, splitting up into assorted groups, knights in the lead, the darker minions taking to the shadows, and the Electrophorms lighting up the area around them, energy surging and crackling over every inch of them. Out and about the town they began to spread, silently patrolling the streets, breaking up the town into their quadrants. Any innocent townsfolk, women, children, men, seniors...

Dissappeared into the night...

Discarded into alleys...

Or simply buried under the rubble of stalls and the buildings they were standing by at the time.