Chapter 198: The Hand: "Two Beasts"

In a dark and mysterious Hand stronghold, Erica, the notorious leader of the Hand, is holding an ancient and evil ritual. Candles and various strange symbols are placed around, and the air is filled with a chilling atmosphere.

Erica stood in front of an altar carved with complex runes and totems, her face serious, her eyes flashing with ambition and fanaticism. Around her, members of the Hand chanted ancient spells in a low voice, their voices gathered into an ominous force that echoed in the air.

In the center of the altar, there is a huge pattern depicting a terrifying creature. This creature has a hideous face and a strong body, giving people a sense of oppression and fear. Erica is holding an ancient book in her hand and is slowly reading its contents.

"The original demon - the beast, is the embodiment of chaos and violence. It has existed in the world since ancient times and is the source of dark forces." Erica's voice was steady and powerful, as if conveying the horror and power of this ancient creature to everyone present.

"The beast's power is boundless. It can manipulate minds and distort reality. Legend has it that it once caused disasters and destruction in countless worlds." Erica continued to read aloud, with a deep light flashing in her eyes, as if she was thinking about some far-reaching plan.

The Hand members around her listened to Erica's words, and their faces showed a mixture of fear and admiration. They knew that Erica's ambition was not limited to the current power struggle, and her eyes were already on a deeper and darker realm.

"We will awaken the power of the beast and use it to achieve our goals." Erica's voice became more determined, "The Hand will no longer be just a secret organization, we will become the force that dominates the world. The beast will become our most powerful weapon."

As Erica finished her words, the symbols on the altar began to glow, and the entire space seemed to be responding to her voice. A strong energy fluctuation filled the air, as if some ancient power was awakening.

During the mysterious and disturbing ceremony, Erica's voice became colder and more commanding. Her eyes swept over every member of the Hand present, their eyes were full of infinite loyalty and faith.

"For our goal, for the glory of the Hand, I command you to sacrifice your lives." Erica's voice was firm and ruthless, as if she was issuing an irreversible order.

The Hand members present obeyed Erica's orders, their movements were almost synchronized, calm and decisive. The swords in each person's hands cut across their throats without hesitation, and blood gushed out like a fountain, staining the ground around the altar red.

This act of suicide was swift and silent, and soon, dozens of lifeless bodies fell around the altar, forming a sea of ​​blood on the ground. The air was filled with the smell of blood and death.

Erica stood in the middle of the sea of ​​blood, her face without any sadness or hesitation, only desire and ecstasy for the upcoming power. She began to chant more evil and ancient spells, her voice full of power and majesty.

As the spell progressed, the symbols on the altar began to emit a more dazzling light, and the blood seemed to be attracted by some force and began to flow towards the center of the altar. The entire space seemed to be trembling, and an invisible force was slowly awakening.

"Original demon - Beast, I awaken your power! Grant your power to the twelve warriors of my choice, and let them become the Hand's strongest weapons - the Twelve Beast Ninja Killers!" Erica's voice reached its peak at the climax of the ceremony.

Suddenly, the altar let out a deafening roar. The blood formed a huge vortex on the altar, which seemed to gather all the energy and power. Then, twelve rays of light shot up from the sea of ​​blood and projected onto the twelve fallen bodies.

Under the illumination of these twelve rays of light, these corpses began to change. Their bodies gradually expanded, becoming stronger and more terrifying. Their faces also distorted and became as ferocious as beasts. Each ninja killer showed a unique beast feature, and they were like twelve different incarnations of demon beasts.

The twelve beast ninja killers were given new life and power in Erica's evil ritual. These chosen warriors were now even more powerful and terrifying, and each of them possessed a unique beast characteristic. They stood up and bowed deeply to Erica, with a low and majestic voice: "Mother."

Each of the twelve beasts has its own characteristics and powers. They are:

Lion Beast: It has the might and strength of a lion, a strong body, and a pair of fists like hammers that can easily crush the enemy.

Wolf Beast: As agile as a wolf, with sharp claws and swift speed, it can approach its target silently in the dark.

Snake beast: It has a flexible body, and can move freely in narrow spaces like a snake. It also has deadly venom.

Eagle Beast: Possessing the vision and flying ability of an eagle, it can look down on its prey from high above and launch swift and deadly attacks.

Tiger Beast: It has the ferocity and strength of a tiger, is agile and attacks fiercely.

Dragon Beast: It has a powerful body, possesses the majesty and strength of a dragon, and can breathe flames.

Bear Beast: Extremely powerful, as strong as a bear, able to tear through the enemy's defenses easily.

Leopard Beast: Extremely fast, as agile as a leopard, able to move quickly on the battlefield and launch surprise attacks.

Shark Beast: Possessing the cunning and killing instincts of a shark, with a sturdy body and sharp teeth.

Scorpion Beast: It has a scorpion-like stinger behind it that can fire poisonous needles, and its body has extremely high defensive capabilities.

Spidermon: Able to manipulate spider silk in mid-air, creating traps and attack webs, while possessing the flexibility of multiple limbs.

Bull Beast: Amazing strength and endurance, tireless like a bull, and possesses powerful charging ability.

These twelve beast ninja killers stood in front of Erica, their eyes flashing with wildness and loyalty. Erica stared at them expressionlessly, knowing that she had successfully created a powerful force.

"You are the new force of the Hand, the undefeated warriors under my command." Erica said coldly, "Go, fight for the glory of the Hand, and crush those enemies who dare to stand in our way."

The twelve beast ninja killers saluted at the same time, then quickly disappeared into the darkness to carry out their first mission. And Erica, standing in the blood-red light, her eyes were full of anticipation and enthusiasm for the upcoming victory. The power of the Hand has now been greatly enhanced, and Erica's ambition will be further expanded.

"Zhe, I must obtain your origins and your power."

Erica recalled the first time she gathered intel on Zed.

Erica stood in her private study, in front of a large transparent screen showing a blurry video clip that she had collected and researched for a long time, and it recorded a shocking battle scene - Zed was engaged in a fierce battle with Hydra soldiers.

In the picture, Zed's movements are swift and deadly, and every swing of his sword and every roll is full of elegant killing intent. Even when facing well-equipped and well-trained Hydra soldiers, Zed is not afraid. He is like a shadow dancing on the battlefield, and every move is a fatal blow.

In the battle with Hydra soldiers, Zed showed his extraordinary fighting skills and mysterious powers. He was able to disappear and reappear in an instant, making it impossible for his opponents to grasp his position. Even more shocking, Zed seemed to be able to manipulate a dark energy. An ominous black mist entangled his blade, and every time he hit the enemy, it would produce explosive damage.

Erica watched the video intently, her eyes flickering with a strong interest in the mysterious character Zed. "Zed, who are you? Where does your power come from?" She muttered to herself, her voice full of curiosity and persistence.

Jie's performance exceeded Erica's expectations. He was not only an outstanding warrior, but also seemed to possess some ancient and forbidden power. This power was incomparably attractive to Erica, who was eager to gain more power.

“If we can incorporate this power into the Hand, we will be unstoppable.” Erica’s eyes sparkled with ambition, and she had already begun planning how to approach Jie and transform his power into the power of the Hand.

At the end of the video, Zed successfully defeated all the Hydra soldiers and stood in the center of the battlefield, his figure lonely and mysterious. Then, he disappeared into the darkness like a ghost, leaving behind a back full of mystery.

Erica turned off the video, a look of determination on her face. "Zed, no matter who you are, no matter where your power comes from, I will find you and turn your power into the Hand's." She said coldly, then turned and left the laboratory to prepare her next plan. In her heart, a new goal has been planted: to find Zed and uncover his secrets.

In a hidden underground facility, Jie is undergoing a secret training. This facility is full of high-tech equipment and various training machines. It is obviously a training place designed for advanced fighters. Various weapons and tactical equipment are hung on the walls, showing that the owner here attaches great importance to combat skills and strategies.

Zed's training is rigorous. He practices in high-intensity attack simulators, and every move is precise and deadly. He is agile and moves smoothly, and every roll and jump is like a carefully choreographed dance. But behind this graceful movement, there is deadly power and speed.

After the training, Zed stood quietly in the middle of the training ground, closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Suddenly, a hidden screen on the wall lit up, showing a string of encrypted information. Zed slowly opened his eyes and walked towards the screen, his eyes flashing with intelligence and alertness.

The screen displayed a message from an unknown source about the latest developments of the Hand. Zed's brows furrowed slightly, and he seemed to be thinking about something. The Hand's movements were not unfamiliar to him, but this message seemed to hint at a greater conspiracy.

At this moment, an "easter egg" appeared on the screen - a video shot from a high altitude, showing a mysterious figure performing some kind of mysterious ritual. This figure is Erica, and the ritual she is performing has some mysterious connection with the power of Zed.

Zed stared at the screen, a hint of doubt and alertness flashing in his eyes. Erica's ritual in the video seemed to be related to an ancient and powerful force, which had some inexplicable connection with Zed's dark energy.

"The Hand… Erica…" Zed whispered to himself, his voice calm and firm.

After the video ended, Zed took a deep breath, a look of determination on his face. It was clear that he had decided to investigate this mysterious ritual and its potential connection to his own powers.

Zed closed the screen and left the training ground. His figure gradually disappeared in the dim light, leaving only a whisper: "Erica, your ritual... I will reveal its secrets."

At the same time, he called the person who sent the Easter egg and said to the other party: "Thanks, Andre."