Page 113 of Scorching the Alien Empire
Princesa sucks in a sharp breath. “Holy fuck.”
Razgor and the others turn too slowly.
The clone barrels into them like a fiery meteorite, sending warriors flying. Armor scrapes against metal, bodies crash against vats and walls. Groans of pain echo in unison.
The murderous clone roars with unbridled rage, leaping atop Razgor in a blur of motion, raking razor-sharp claws against his chest plate, tearing at the armor, frantic—desperate—to rip him apart. Sparks fly, illuminating a snarling, bloodstained face.
My face.
Razgor screams in terror and desperation, flailing pathetically, his meager strength no match against one such as I.
I leap forward, delivering a boulder-breaking kick, aimed for the clone’s midriff. His burning, Rush-fueled eyes snap to mine. His arms rise—too fast.
My speed.My instincts.
Any ordinary warrior’s bones would snap like kindling under such a strike. But not him. Not me. We are titans of war. Far surpassing even my blessed kin.
The force of my kick only staggers him, forcing him back a step, but not breaking him.
Razgor sprawls on the floor, armor gouged and shredded, chest heaving with panicked breaths. I waste no time, grabbing the wide-eyed, panting scientist and sliding him away from the fray.
But my gaze remains locked on the clone, searching, praying for any shred of understanding or reason.
His broad shoulders rise and fall in slow, measured heaves. Crimson mist coils from his burning eyes, fangs bared, muscles rippling and taut, ready to erupt with murderous rage. His claws twitch—eager, restless. He steps forward. A predator scenting blood.
“Stop brother!” The words rip from my throat before I can think, surprising even myself. It’s not just a plea for him. It’s a plea for me.
He doesn’t stop, doesn’t even slow.
He prowls forward, breathing ragged, misting the frigid air like a warrior lost to bloodroot’s intoxicating fury.
“For void’s sake!” Drexios groans, springing to his feet. Twin blades flash in his hands, sparking to life. “I’ll do it.” He spits a glob of blood onto the floor, a wicked smirking twisting his expression.
“He’s mine.” His gaze sweeps the warband, most still struggling to their feet. “I’m going to enjoy carving out the eye you stole from me, you big bastard.” He taps the flat of his blade against his eyepatch.
“Oh, that’s awonderfulidea,” Princesa squeals, clapping her hands with unhinged glee. “No one interfere in our little doggie pissing contest.” Her tone is sweet. Her expression is poison—venom directed solely at Drexios.
Drexios snorts. “Maybe I’ll cut his cock off for you,Pinkie,” He twirls his blades in a lazy crisscross blur, leaving streaking blue afterimages in the dim light. “You can use it to occupy that yapping tongue of yours.”
“Shove it up your ass!” Princesa snaps.
The clone lunges.
Drexios smirks, setting his stance, plasma blades layered defensively, preparing for the oncoming attack. But at the last moment, the clone suddenly halts just beyond his opponent’s range, feigning a clawed slash. My Second overreacts, pivoting to block an attack that doesn’t come. Instead, a massive leg lashes out, hooking behind his calf—nearly toppling him.
The hulking clone surges forward, seizing the opening with terrifying speed, arms spread wide making his opponent appear tiny in comparison. Drexios barely keeps his footing, armor absorbing the impact, but he’s forced to stagger back. His blades hiss through the air in frantic, blinding azure slashes—hittingnothing.
The clone is fast. Too fast.
Clever. Despite his fury, he fights with cunning and skill.
“Oh, he nearly got you, Drex-iot!” Princesa croons, leaning so far forward in my arm she nearly tumbles off.
“You’re smarter than you look, aren’t you, clone?” Drexios spits, dropping into a crouched stance, inching closer. “Yeah. Just. Like. The. Young War Chief!”
With a sudden burst of speed, he lunges—a flurry of slashes and cuts, hoping to overwhelm and surprise.
The clone dodges, leaping back with fluid grace, weaving through the air-distorting slices. His gaze flicks between the blades, analyzing them,understandingtheir danger.
