CHAPTER 111: Hell in Berlin - Part 4

CHAPTER 111: Hell in Berlin - Part 4

Atop one of the few buildings still standing amidst the chaos, Darem stood motionless, like a shadow stalking the night. His silhouette was outlined against the backdrop of a burning Berlin, while orange lights and black smoke climbed towards the sky, turning the city into a suffocating hell.

Around him were some lab-grown vampires, created with the intention of retaining some consciousness for specific tasks, though their humanity was now a distorted shadow. These vampires looked at their leader in silence, awaiting orders, their eyes empty but hungry. They were something more than beasts, but not by much.

Darem watched with a dangerous calm, leaning on the building's ledge. In the distance, on the winding streets, something caught his attention: the unmistakable metallic gleam of the Enid Corp car. The machine slid quickly through the ruins, leaving behind the remains of collapsed buildings and hordes of frenzied vampires.

A crooked smile formed on Darem's lips.
"Look at them... trying to escape like rats," he murmured, his red eyes fixed on the vehicle.

One of the vampires beside him hissed, its head tilting unnaturally as it tried to understand why that car was so important. Darem didn't look at it, but the smile on his face widened even further.

"You see?" Darem said in a soft tone. "That car belongs to Enid Corp. And inside it... is what Antigen hates the most."

The vampires emitted a low growl, anticipating an order that would unleash them upon that target. But Darem raised his hand in a slow gesture, holding back their impulse.

"Not yet," he murmured. "Let them run a little more. Let them think they're going to get out of this alive."

The wind whipped the city's remains, scattering ashes and dust. Darem remained silent for a moment, enjoying the sight of the car racing towards what seemed like a clear route.

"There's no way out of Berlin, not anymore." Darem slowly turned towards his companions, the light from the fires reflecting in his cruel gaze. "I want you to follow them. If they manage to get out of the streets, we'll intercept them on the outskirts. And if not... well, they'll crash before they get very far."

The vampires moved with silent obedience, preparing to follow the car's trail. Darem stayed a second longer, observing the horizon blackened by smoke, enjoying the chaos he himself had helped unleash. The city was doomed, and the hunt had only just begun.

"Tonight will be long," he murmured to himself, turning away.

The Enid Corp car sped towards what was supposed to be Berlin's last escape route. The vehicle's headlights pierced the darkness, illuminating the remains of a huge collapse: overturned trucks, piled rubble, and partially collapsed buildings, completely blocking the path.

"Shit!" exclaimed Lucian, hitting the steering wheel in frustration.
Vanessa, sitting in the passenger seat, pressed her lips into a thin line as she looked at the barrier of concrete and metal preventing their advance.

"There's no way out here," said Vanessa, extinguishing any remaining hope they had.

The car's engine shut off as everyone got out of the vehicle, each carrying a latent tension in their demeanor. Lucian observed the surroundings nervously, trying to assess their options. Vanessa gripped her pistol, ready for whatever might come.

"Quick," murmured Lucian. "We have to decide what to do before..."

Before he could finish the sentence, shadows emerged from the darkest corners. Dozens of vampires began to emerge like specters, silently surrounding the team. Their eyes glowed in the gloom, reflecting hunger and killer instinct. But, surprisingly, they didn't attack. They just stood there, like a pack of wolves waiting for their alpha's signal.

"This isn't good..." murmured Lucian, carefully raising his weapon. Vanessa did the same, but no shots were fired yet. The air grew thicker with the expectation of violence.

Then, from among the vampires, a figure emerged from the shadows: Darem.
Dressed in his usual air of superiority, his crooked smile was the embodiment of malice. He walked towards them as if he had all the time in the world, his gaze wandering with disdain among the Enid Corp members.

"Really?" said Darem with sarcasm, his eyes gleaming mockingly. "You got out of the car."

He paused, as if trying to hold back a laugh.

"You, the geniuses of Enid Corp, truly surprise me. You left the only advantage you had to stand here, at the mercy of my creatures. Brilliant."

"Finished your monologue, Darem?" asked Enid in her sarcastic and icy tone, as if the situation were merely a passing annoyance.

Darem smiled even wider, amused by her lack of fear.
"Always so cold, Enid. That's what I like most about you. But, you know? This time..." Darem took a step closer. "...your attitude won't save any of you."

Enid shrugged, as if what he said was irrelevant. "You always say the same thing, and yet, here I am."

Darem let out a low chuckle, a mix of frustration and admiration.
"And so it will be until someone kills you. Although, who knows? Maybe that's my task today."

The circle of vampires tightened a bit more, preparing for what was to come. But Enid, unfazed, took a step forward, moving dangerously close to Darem.

"Go on. Try it. Let's see if you have better luck this time than before."

Darem bared his fangs with an almost affectionate smile, as if he truly enjoyed the challenge.
"Oh, believe me... this time, I'll make sure no one gets out alive."

Darem tilted his head slightly, observing Enid with a mix of curiosity and mischief. Something clicked in his mind at that moment, as if he had just discovered the missing piece of a puzzle. A malicious smile crossed his face, and in a casual tone, he let drop:

"Now I see why Fénix wants to plant a seed here."