A few days after the Edinnica battle concluded.
Somewhere in the kingdom of Layos.
A secret underground facility hosted a grisly scene. The dimly lit hall reeked of blood and death, with fresh corpses of mortals and rankers scattered about.
Some bodies suffered unspeakable torture, while others appeared to have had an easier death. Demonic runes slithered over some corpses, suspending them mid-air, and blood droplets fell from their wounds like leaky taps.
The atmosphere was heavy with misery and suffering.
"Aaaaaaargh!"
An Ace-ranked young man cried out in agony. His ranking powers were sealed by a special array. His body was suspended in mid-air in a cross position, with numerous cuts and bruises on his bare torso.
