The Nightmare’s Return…

Ten years have passed since the defeat of the seemingly unbeatable fungus. Humans had accurately titled that monstrosity as "Lucifer's Hand.” All had been relatively peaceful. There was still some friction between humans and experiments, even now. However, agreements were made, and the humans were able to gain some land on the other continents. But, with such dwindled numbers, the experiments still controlled the vast majority of land. Moreover, the experiments split themselves into more independent empires.

Nearly every one was named after its leader. The Kiya Empire of North America, the Lobooru Empire of South America, the Fenrir Empire of Asia, the Freki Empire of Africa, and the Amber Empire of Australia.

Only Europe and Antarctica did not name their civilizations. Europe was ruled by the humans who did not think such a thing was necessary, and Antarctica was nothing more than a desolate frozen wasteland. Each empire was ruled by its own self-interests, no longer being joined by the goal of eradicating all of humanity. Thus, some conflicts would arise between the empires. The Kiya Empire of North America and Fenrir of Asia still held hardened grudges toward the humans, often going into arguments with the Lobooru Empire of South America, which wanted to have peace with the humans. The Freki Empire of Africa only wished to continue to build up its civilization, creating a utopia where all were welcome.

The Amber Empire of Australia, however, wanted nothing to do with any of the other empires or the humans. They blocked themselves away from the rest of the world, keeping hidden amongst the vast and dense jungles. This placed a large target on the Amber Empire of Australia's back. Other empires grew suspicious that the Amber Empire of Australia was secretly building up its military forces, patiently waiting for the day it would take over all other empires. Paranoia hung over the heads of all other leaders.

With that being said, they were all blind to the dangerous secret that would soon emerge, hidden far from the lands. In the heart of the abandoned Central City, the last remaining Lucifer Hand grew to an enormous size, snuffing out all life that inhabited the island, turning it into food to fuel its growth. The fungus began to curl inward, its blood red color draining into a shriveled brown. The large throbbing pod that was attached to the Lucifer Hand began to split open. A large light gray mass squirmed out from the pod, until falling to the ground. The mass took the form of an adult human male. His hair was blood red, the same color as the Lucifer Hand, and he slowly opened his eyes, revealing that they were pitch black with crimson irises and white pupils.

The man stood up, examining his reborn body. The sides of his lips curled upward, forming into a sinister smile. He opened his mouth, the sides of the man’s jaw splitting open, revealing the rows of serrated teeth. He chuckled with glee. A demon once thought to be long gone, now returned. Its goal?

To end all life.