Contest

## "MORALS ARE THE HIGHEST STANDARDS"

### Synopsis

Erwin lives the life of a slum in the prosperous city of Leipzig. Unexpected circumstances drag him into a civil war and is forced to fight for his life.

## Information

### Informal names

Nuremberg Arc, Introduction arc, Chapter one, Battle of Nuremberg

## Details

### Antagonist(s)

Johan Konig // Friederich Flintlock, Novak Betelguese

### Location

Nuremberg, Socialist Confederacy of Bavaria

**Contest** is the first chapter or arc of **Descendants of Calamity.** It is divided into three parts, ***Pilot, Contest and Chemical Reactions.*** This chapter formally introduces Erwin Hollenfeuer and Nikolas Klinge, protagonist and tritagonist.

## **Story**

### **Chapter 1:1 - Pilot**

In the streets of Leipzig, Erwin is currently running away and tripping from a pickpocketing victim. He is seen running away with a wallet that houses 100 euros. The thief runs in the alleyways, and desperately makes an escape, dodging vehicles and other people. Erwin eventually makes it home with the money, hiding it from his cousin, Nikolas. We can easily see that Erwin is secretly stealing from other people to provide for his family, out of guilt of being a burden to them. He is also visibly inferior to Nikolas as he is a college graduate, in comparison to Erwin, a dropout. Despite all this, he still shows a good spirit and a kind heart to them. We see this be proved as Erwin voluntarily does chores, assists Nikolas and do other beneficial chores.

Erwin then explores some of Nikolas' lab equipment and accidentally breaks a container of phosphorous and sets the lab on fire before Nikolas quickly intervenes with Aerokinesis. Erwin displays a reaction of shock and guilt as he repeatedly apologizes but Nikolas replies with a blank face and an *"okay".* This quickly shows the emotionless and stoic state of Nikolas compared to Erwin's energetic and emotional transparent state. We then now know that both are comparable and different.

The next day, Erwin again pickpockets another man and runs away. This time he is caught by a local hero and Erwin is detained. Erwin sees the hero receive praise as he looks down in guilt, envy and anger thus revealing his worst character traits of moral challenge and envy. Afterwards Erwin is then detained and kept in a local police station. We then switch back to Nikolas as his front door is knocked by police agents with a warrant present, signed by Ezekiel Hollenfeuer for a search. Nikolas simply replies with an affirmative *"okay".* The police then find illegal chemicals like **ricin, hydrofluoric acid** and a gram of **99.1% pure methamphetamine**. Nikolas reasons that he was researching deadly chemicals but is then shortly detained and arrested. Both are then processed in their local police station and are arrested. But then they are offered to choose between **military service** or **jailtime .** Erwin, who is at this point eager to end his unstable life wishes to choose military service while the subconscious Nikolas seconds his decision.

### **Chapter 1:2 - Contest**

Erwin and Nikolas are then seen in a truck, Erwin being happy and energetic while Nikolas is stoic. The truck houses 7 of their other comrades, one being the leader, **Lothar Zimmerman** and the rest being unnamed comrades with varying age gaps. Lothar instructs Erwin to take it seriously and to expect death every time. Erwin replies with a simple *"whatever"* and continues looking outside of the truck as they approach the ruined town of **Nuremberg.** The truck then stops and everyone unboards the truck, fully equipped and ready. Meanwhile, Erwin is seen having messier, some missing and disorganized equipment and also with an unstrapped helmet.

> "Listen, kid. I know you may think this war is just a big game, but it's a game with death. You'll never know who you'll lose or what you'll lose. If you're physically underprepared, you're not prepared at all. Not the guy for this."
>
> -Lothar Zimmerman's advice to Erwin

Erwin is then shortly assisted by another comrade who helps him fix himself. Lothar then announces that his new mission is to **protect and prevent the death of Erwin and Nikolas**. The other men solemnly swore and took that oath. Nikolas who has no idea what's going on slowly wanders around, eventually wandering off soon enough. Erwin's ego is then damaged, thinking that he is looked down upon by his men. The prideful Erwin then puts up a stern face and pretends to be powerful. They then wander into the darker parts of Nuremberg. However, the group gets lost in the alleyways and ravaged roads. The boastful Erwin volunteers to become the pointman and lead the group to their desired designation, to which Lothar accepts. Erwin then leads them for about 12 minutes, until they come across the village square of the **St. Nicolas Parish.** Unbeknownst to the group, this is the deadliest point of Nuremberg. Erwin then continues to lead the group, but then we zoom out and eventually see him and his group through the lens of a sniper scope atop the parish bell tower with an unknown figure operating the rifle.

The figure then purposefully produces a loud noise as Erwin puts up a hand sign to get down and stay, everyone does so. The figure then aims toward Lothar, shooting the man down and killing him. A burst of machine gun fire then emerges from the Parish window as everyone takes cover and scatters. Erwin and Nikolas are separated and Erwin is alone with another rifleman. Erwin is then commanded by his companion to stay down. Eventually 7 enemies come rushing out of the parish, the two groups clash in the form of shooting each other. Erwin then runs out, slinging his rifle to act as a distraction. He throws rocks towards the enemies in front of him as his companion shoots them down.

Erwin then shortly takes cover again and waits for another enemy. His group eventually kills most of the enemies but the machine gun fires again, forcing everyone to take cover. At this point, 4 of Erwin's teammates died, including Lothar. Determined, Nikolas decides to launch himself into the air and launch **fulminated mercury** towards the machine gunner's position, causing a large explosion. Nikolas eventually lands back only for another burst of fire to come against them. Their newly assigned leader orders organize a retreating-flank as Erwin launches an explosive fireball in front of them to act as an obstruction. They then flank the right of the church and attack the side as Erwin's companion gets a glance on the Sniper, whom he recognizes.

#### **Chapter 1:2:1 - The notorious Friederich Flintlock**

The group splits up into 2 subgroups, a group of 3 including Erwin, his companion and Nikolas and a group of 2 unnamed riflemen. The 2-man group is then shredded by an unsuspecting grenade thrown from the top, leaving only 3 remain. The 3 split up and decide to throw all of their grenades toward the windows of the church. Erwin then asks his companion as to what's his name is, to which he replies with **Howard.** Despite that simple information, Erwin and Howard develop a bond of acquaintance and an imminent friendship. Erwin then shows off to Howard as he heats up his bullet, and shoots an **incendiary gunshot** into the parish, causing an explosion, ending the fight.

As the fight comes to a halt, the three shortly take a breather and sit down. Howard then mentions that he knows who the sniper earlier was, it was **Friederich Flintlock**, a notorious figure and he is in disbelief that they allegedly caused his death. The sniper, overlooking the three continues to observe, feeling pity although he must do what must be done. The three talk about their family, mainly Howard, whom was allegedly a molestation victim under the influence of his father. The sympathetic Erwin apologizes and continues to show affection and care, hugging Howard as Nikolas does the same and tries to cheer him up. They then share life stories and befriend each other. The three then stand up and wish to explore Nuremberg, as they walk away, the sniper shoots and kills Howard as Erwin watches him fall to the ground in agony. The sniper cocks his rifle as Erwin shoves Nikolas into cover as he follows. Erwin then hesitates as he knows he's the one in command now, feeling guilty about being responsible for the fate of Howard. Erwin gets epiphany and is now affected by anger.

Erwin then eventually decides to throw a barrage of fulminated mercury in front of him as he shoots incendiary bullets to create fire and smoke to obstruct his rush. He then runs into the parish and breaks in, making an entrance. Nikolas shortly follows but enters through the rear. Erwin and Nikolas unsling their rifles and climb to the second floor. They make it into a preparation room and breach it, to which they see a dying enemy who's shot. Much to Erwin's surprise and sympathy, the soldier begs for him to be killed. Nikolas then shoots and kills him, as Erwin asks him *"Why? We could have saved him!"* Nikolas then blames the sniper and believes he is the cause of that, and they have one goal now, **to avenge Howard.**

As Erwin and Nikolas reach the top of the bell tower, they are met with the notorious Friederich Flintlock. Both shortly exchange gunfire to no avail, no one is shot nor hurt. As the fight turns into a ceasefire, Erwin stands out and challenges Friederich to a final hand-to-hand clash. To which, Friederich scoffs and firstly enlightens the fact that Erwin is still young and he can die here, also signifying the fact that he's still not at his peak strength. Erwin boasts about himself and tells him that both will get out alive.

Erwin lobs himself toward Friederich, starting a fist fight as Nikolas watches. Erwin is the one who gets beaten up as Friederich fights with ease. Until Erwin gains the upper hand by blinding Friederich with wooden fragments, eventually cheating and using a small amount of pyrokinesis to inflict heavier damage on Friederich. Friederich eventually arms himself with a wooden plank and desperately swings at Erwin, only hitting him 2 times, however, in an effective manner. Erwin eventually gets a good concussion, yet chooses to persist. Friederich eventually says; **"You've had a good one on you kid, however, not good enough."** before he grabs his sniper rifle and aims toward Erwin. Nikolas eventually shoots the hand of Friederich which makes him drop the gun. Erwin rushes toward Friederich and tends his wounds, getting him in a resting position as he disarms him. Eventually, turning into a short ceasefire as Erwin keeps a cracked piece of memento (crystal shard) which belongs to Friederich's girlfriend. The room Friederich is left to rest in is eerie and nothing in there will help him escape.

Nikolas and Erwin talk outside discussing the upcoming fate of Friederich. **Erwin tells Nikolas that he will be spared and taken as prisoner, nothing else** as this was probably what Howard would do . The naive Erwin walks back into the room Friederich and talks to him one last time about their lives and experiences, here it is shortly revealed as to what Friederich's past is. He would also reveal his name to be **Johan Konig**

#### **Chapter 1:2:2 - Origin of Friederich Flintlock**

Johan originates from Imperial Germany, living under unbearable conditions such as from poverty and feudalism. His dad would eventually find introduce him to marksmanship, and give him the hobby of hunting, which he would cultivate forever. Johan would enter romance at 15, eventually getting a love interest and almost, a girlfriend. However, in their school, Johan was frowned upon for being exponentially smarter than everyone, which led to resentment from his classmates. Eventually the chemistry between him and his supposed girlfriend would be revealed by a school bully. He seems to not mind it and simply ignores it, he would feel bad if he intervened, he thinks he would look bad if he did. He ignored these circumstances, which would be a grave mistake. Eventually, those bullies will target his interest, which would eventually lead to her depression, and later suicide.

After the death of his loved one, Johan is shortly consumed by vengeance and rage. The feelings of sadness and anger fuel Johan's motivations which leads to his first ever human assassination. Using a trap, as Johan is hidden in the distance, he baits 4 of the bullies whom were responsible for the death of his interest and shoots all of them down within one shot after a good line up. Since it's after-school hours and Johan didn't directly set up their location, he managed to get away with the crime as he disposes the body under a river bed. The fact that Johan got away further fueled his ego, ignoring his morals. His strong belief in his skill made him stop attending school, and later, drop out, unquestioned by his parents. He manages to make immense amounts of money working as a mercenary who works for **Benigno Erronzein** when he was still a local mayor, delivering information, performing sabotage and assassinations. This satiated and satisfied the egotistical nature of Johan, eventually making him an immoral person. Johan was eventually uncovered by the authorities and placed as a highly wanted person, making Johan change his identity to Friederich Flintlock.

This identity change gave Friederich a time of epiphany, eventually snapping out of his ego and realizing his wrongdoings. However, Friederich is threatened to be turned in and his family to be killed by **Omphious Erronzein .** This had given Friederich a chokehold, his own ego killed him, leaving Friederich to be trapped in his own actions in regret, sadness and loneliness.

After hearing his origin and feeling bad, Erwin would then tell him his upcoming fate of being a prisoner of war, much to Johan's pleasure. Johan then asks Erwin for the crystal he took. Erwin then reaches into his pocket, and admires the crystal, long before noticing Johan getting into an obscurely obvious readying position as Erwin realizes what's happening. Erwin then asks: ***"Before I let you go, will you stab me with this broken piece of shard?"***

Johan then quickly stands up as Erwin quickly draws his bayonet, throwing the crystal shard toward Johan's eye to poke it as **Erwin stabs Johan's chest, impaling his heart, then stabbing it for the second time, puncturing his ribs and lungs.** Johan slowly dies and gags in Erwin's arms as Erwin repeatedly stutters **"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry."**

### **Chapter 1:3 - Chemical Reactions**

#### **Chapter 1:3:1 - Post-death clarity**

Hours after the death of Johan, his commander, Novak Betelguese is shortly informed about it. As a result, he departs out of vengeance and sends his forces into Nuremberg to reinforce the defense forces. A platoon, alongside Novak marches toward the ravaged town of Nuremberg, aiming to find and capture Erwin and Nikolas. We are back to the point of view of Erwin and Nikolas, they are currently housed up in the parish during the dead of night. We see that Johan's body is placed in a casket, his hat on the casket as a sign of respect. Nikolas is comforting Erwin as he drowns in guilt. He reassures him that it was the right move to dispose Johan as it can prevent deaths of more soldiers, shorten the war and also because he was more evil than them in comparison. Erwin is then hit with another moral challenge.

The next day, Erwin and Nikolas set out on another journey, aiming to find comrades to join with. Erwin is seen holding Johan's crystal shard as a keepsake and promised to keep it safe from danger to honor Johan and his girlfriend. The two eventually find themselves lost again in the eerie town of Nuremberg. They walk past survivors as Erwin can do nothing but look at them and keep walking. Eventually, sudden distant explosions hit random parts of Nuremberg which tenses Erwin and Nikolas, however they continue.

They walk past another survivor whom is trapped in the rubble of a house, this time Erwin suggests to help them but Nikolas insists that they do not as enemies are nearby. Despite the dispute, Erwin still decides to help the survivor as Nikolas keeps watch of their surroundings. Erwin shortly assists the survivor, treating their wounds until the explosions gradually grow nearer. Nikolas then raises his awareness, kneels and listens to the vibrations of the ground, foreseeing an intense fight. He eventually hears a lot of footsteps in the street corner as Nikolas prepares another barrage of Mercury Fulminate toward the corner.

A group of 5 enemy soldiers appear in the opposing corner as Nikolas launches the barrage toward them, causing an explosion that incapacitates the group. Erwin then unslings his rifle and decides to assist Nikolas, expecting another attacking group and defends Nikolas' rear flank. Eventually, the survivor's position explodes which kills the survivor as Erwin looks in despair and empathy. A group of 7 enemies present themselves alongside **Novak Betelguese** whom steadily aims his smoking Arm Cannons toward Erwin and Nikolas.

#### **Chapter 1:3:2 Threat of the Holistic Star, Star of Orion's Arm**

> "We have you **surrounded** at least from this side!"
>
> -Novak Betelguese's entrance quote

Erwin, defiantly and bravely charges up 3 incendiary shots which will guarantee the collapse of his firearm. He shoots the shots toward the opposing group without hesitation and causes a fiery explosion. Novak resists and launches an explosion while Nikolas turns around and unleashes a gale that deflects the explosion toward Novak and his group. The shrapnel kills most of Novak's group as Novak resists the deflection. Nikolas shows defiance again and quickly throws 5 daggers toward the enemy group and accelerates it with air force, before dashing forward and retrieving his daggers, using **Nock Ten's Flurry**. Novak turns around and swings toward Nikolas but misses as Nikolas dodges and flanks. However, Novak launches an explosion from his rear which launches Nikolas into the air.

Novak leaps into the air and chases Nikolas flying in the air. However Erwin intervenes and launches a fiery beam toward Novak, announcing **Nerve Burning Discharge.** Novak's armor is then burnt and pierced but still viable. Nikolas attacks again with **Compression Blast** and launches Novak toward a house. Erwin runs in unarmed and with each fist on fire, challenging Novak to a clash.

Novak accepts the challenge, but they belittle one-another in a short conversation. Where Erwin calls Novak a pineapple, enraging him and starting the clash. Novak launches cannon fire toward Erwin to try and launch hum away but Erwin quickly counters with a deflecting shot. Erwin quickly rushes toward Novak and lands a devastatingly powerful punch toward Novak's face which disrupts his focus and giving Erwin the advantage.

Erwin manages to land a devastating combination of his techniques, **Crossfire Volley and Heat seeking Fusillade** to launch a devastating barrage rush to injure Novak completely. After a barrage of fiery fists, Novak's face is cracked and broken revealing that he is not a living human but instead, something undead. Nikolas then reawakens himself and compresses the air around Novak to damage his internal organs and break the armor. Erwin finishes his attack by launching a blow toward Novak's chest, launching him away.

Nikolas reenters the battle and uses **Chains of Anemoi** to drag Novak toward him, however Novak is enraged at this point and starts using his techniques. Novak launches an explosive **Cannon Volley** toward Nikolas but is easily dodged as Nikolas then rushes Novak and attacks to confuse Novak by charging multiple times and hitting him at random intervals.

Erwin then intervenes yet again by leaping upwards and throwing a hard-right hook toward Novak's face, followed by a fiery roundhouse kick which launches Novak away. Erwin follows again and initiates another long and intense clash with Novak which ends in a draw.

Novak launches himself up in the air and launches several rockets in his technique of **Rain of Fire** as Erwin exchanges salvos using **Crossfire volley** and launching fireballs toward Novak to resist. Erwin is shortly overpowered and thrown away, incapacitated on the ground. Nikolas then reenters and intervenes the fight and repeatedly uses his legs to attack in forms of kicks and barrages. Another clash starts but this time, Nikolas is relying on his legs to fight by using **Explosive Intensification.** Sudden attacks of **Compression** is also used on Novak's arms and cannons to restrain and implode his muscles. It eventually works as one of Novak's Arm Cannons implode and damage itself.

Novak then launches Nikolas away and attacks with **Mortar Shock** which traps Nikolas in rubble. Erwin regains consciousness and subconsciously, defiantly fights Novak in a final clash. **The two yell and scream, yell and scream, gradually getting louder out of rage and desperation to win.** The known town of Nuremberg is now reminiscent of hell, it turned from a ravaged and dark countryside to a fiery pit of what's known as the remains of a populous city. Nikolas then continuously compresses Novak's systems from a distance. The fight intensifies and climaxes.

> "My death will not be in vain. fulfilled my wishes and have become the very best version of myself. isn't that what life is about?"
>
> -Novak Betelguese to Erwin and Nikolas before using Final Shelling

As Novak Betelguese and Erwin clash, yelling, screaming and clamoring, Nikolas manages to find a fault in Novak's system and breaks it fully. As Novak realizes this major disadvantage, he recognizes his fate and finally gives in. However, he will not die dishonorably. Novak charges up his final attack called **Final Shelling.** and manages to break away from Erwin's rage. He points the cannon upwards and repeatedly fires artillery shells in a dispersed manner, which should impact in his position. Novak's cannons overheat and his machinery fully malfunctions, which finally ends his fury as the houses around him crumble and explode. Nikolas and Erwin are separated and Novak is launched inside a house, ending the fight supposedly.

#### **Chapter 1:3:3 Origin of the Holistic Star**

As the battle comes to a supposed end, we then cut to a younger Novak Betelguese as a soldier during the first world war.

Novak Betelguese was a domesticated father who works as a chemistry teacher despite having unfathomable potential as an engineer. He lived in fear of authority and rejection and never really placed any effort or hope for the best, which led to Novak's failure to become a highly successful and fully actualized person. Because of this, it caused him to waste his potential, eventually being pulled into the Army during the First World War. He would be assigned alongside Otto Hollenfeuer as an NCO. However, he would later fall victim to **Mustard Gas** during **the second battle of Ypres.**

During this event, Novak would be zombified after his fighting spirit kept fighting death and submission, his first ever breakaway from authority and submission. During this Zombification process, Novak would be a completely different looking, ugly, wrinkly and cracked mutant. During his life as an undead person, he would find ways to try and kill himself, however he would end up consuming gunpowder, which chemically reacted with his zombified mustard gas body, giving him **Fragokinesis** . Crazed and amazed, Novak decides to use this power to continue pursuing his objective and cause a small victory for his platoon, anonymously, however he sees Otto be thanked. He firstly did this good thing to make himself look good, however he envied Otto, which hurt his ego.

With his newfound power, Novak uses it to assume control and power over enemies, abusing it to continue living and to unlawfully feed himself, benefit himself and get fortune. He's eventually captured by men of Socialist People's Army, when it was still striving. He is admired by Omphious Erronzein for his chaotic nature and calls him as a *German God of War.* He eventually gives Novak power and control, which further satiates his ego. From now on, because of his power and influence, Novak would forget about his humanity and love his power as a powerful man. He would slowly forget his family, but in the end, remember them, which will soon cause his downfall.

#### **Chapter 1:3:4 - End of the Holistic Star**

During an eerie silence, Novak manages to get on his feet. Has the tyrant won? Will he die from the amount of damage he has upheld? Novak explores the abandoned house, looking at the pictures, admiring the furniture. A family picture makes him reminisce of his family, making Novak slightly emotional. Novak continues to explore the house, as it creaks and cracks. Until, a figure behind him rises up, holding a short firearm, revealed to be Erwin, flicking off the safety and shooting Novak in the head, demolishing his brain and shooting his eye out. Novak slowly falls to the ground with a lifeless face of disbelief, and dies. After the recent events, Erwin could do nothing but faint out of completion and satisfaction of what he did, feeling so powerful and heroic for the first time after a while.

### **Chapter 1:3:5 Conclusion**

Friendly forces alongside medics discover the bodies of Nikolas, Erwin and Novak. They inspect the area as we see the ruined environment of Nuremberg. Despite the glorious victory of Erwin, Nuremberg had fallen and cannot be used as a forwards operating city by the Federalists, thus resulting in a retreat and the failure of the mission as announced by an unnamed military officer. The officer, whom is later revealed to be a colonel salutes the unconscious Erwin and Nikolas, thus earning Erwin completion, valor, honor and actualization. Erwin is shortly escorted away to a nearby FOB by members of the Descendants of Calamity (Battalion).

## **Minor Characters**

### **Howard**

Howard is a minor character appearing in **Contest.** He is a young German soldier whom was falsely accused of murder and convicted and chose to do military service instead of jail time. In his past, he comes from a plagued abusive family and he has been a victim of abuse. Despite this, he chose to persist in life and be the good man that he is, as explained by him during his conversation with Erwin and Nikolas. He appeared firstly as a supposed Deuteragonist that would be Erwin's disciple, but would later be killed by Friederich Flintlock. He is one of the sources of Erwin's emotional spirit and gradual growth of trauma.

### **Lothar Zimmerman**

Lothar Zimmerman was the leader of Erwin and Nikolas. He is a frail, damaged, defiant and wise soldier of WWI who dedicated his life to protecting his disciple's lives. Not much is known about him other than his service and veteran heroic spirit.

## **Author's final notes**

> "Contest is probably Erwin's stepping stones into the horrors of the world. More traumatic events are on the horizon. In the end, we see Erwin's satisfaction and pleasure because of killing Novak. This plays part in his ego that will be used soon. His ego will fuel his envy, which will then lead to his moral ambiguity as a character. This is the first chapter of many to come. Stay tuned and I hope it was entertaining!"
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