Chapter 26 – The Path of Chaos
Takezawa's POV
The boy who barged into my office wasn't just any reckless brat. His presence carried weight, pressure that even the air inside the room seemed to kneel under. His crimson eyes reflected the same madness I'd seen only once before… in Yamiyo himself.
Takezawa: "Yasha, huh? So Yamiyo sent one of his dogs to my den."
Yasha smirked, cracking his knuckles casually as if this was just a stroll through the park.
Yasha: "Dog? No, no. You got it wrong, old man. I'm more like a wolf. A wolf hungry for blood."
Takezawa: Tch… this brat.
I slowly pressed a hidden button under my desk. Alarms began to howl throughout the facility, red lights flashing.
Takezawa: "You came here to kill me? Then come… but don't underestimate me. This facility is mine, and I won't let Yamiyo take it so easily."
Yasha tilted his head, his grin widening.
Yasha: "Kill you? Nah, I'm just here to deliver a message. Yamiyo says… the city will burn, and this facility will be its kindling."
The walls shook violently as another explosion thundered from outside. Smoke seeped in through the cracks in the ceiling.
Takezawa: "What…?! Already—"
Yasha stepped forward, lifting his hand. A shadow-like aura wrapped around his arm, pulsating with unnatural life.
Yasha: "Yamiyo doesn't want you dead… not yet. He wants you to watch."
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Suzuya's POV
Following Shadow was like walking into a void. His movements were fluid, silent—almost like he wasn't even touching the ground. My instincts screamed not to trust him, but with Mom and Akari in Yamiyo's hands… I had no choice.
Suzuya: "Where are we going?"
Shadow: "To the center of chaos. Yamiyo waits there… or maybe he's already moving. Hard to say. He's always ten steps ahead of everyone."
Suzuya: "Then I'll cut ten steps in half."
Shadow chuckled.
Shadow: "That's what I like about you. Reckless. Burning with fire. But remember this, Suzuya… the closer you get to Yamiyo, the more you'll realize—he's not just your enemy. He's something bigger."
Suzuya: "Bigger or not, I'll tear him apart."
We reached the upper floors of the ruined facility. Flames licked the walls, and freed test subjects ran wild. Some fought against the guards, others simply fled. The chaos was spreading like wildfire.
But then—
"SUZUYA!"
I turned. Kojiro emerged from the smoke, dragging injured survivors on his shoulders.
Kojiro: "Don't run off alone! We're in this together!"
Suzuya: "Kojiro… you—"
Shadow interrupted, stepping between us.
Shadow: "No. He stays. Where we're going isn't for just anyone."
Kojiro clenched his fists, glaring at Shadow.
Kojiro: "And who the hell are you supposed to be?"
Shadow: "Someone who'll lead Suzuya to his destiny."
The tension snapped like a drawn bowstring. Both men's auras flared, a clash imminent. I stood frozen, torn between them.
Then, another explosion ripped through the building, louder than any before. The ceiling cracked, debris falling around us.
Shadow: "Time's running out. Choose, Suzuya. Follow me… or waste time here."
Kojiro: "Suzuya! Don't trust him!"
I clutched the phone strap hanging from my pocket—the one Akane picked out with me. My hands trembled, but my heart burned hotter.
Suzuya: Akari, Mom… Akane… I'll come back. But first… Yamiyo.
I made my decision.
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Yamiyo's POV
The city burned beautifully from atop the governor's skyscraper. Flames devoured streets, and screams painted the night with music sweeter than any symphony.
Ahmya: "Yamiyo-sama… Suzuya will come."
Yamiyo smirked, his katana resting casually on his shoulder.
Yamiyo: "Good. That's exactly what I want. Let the moth come to the flame… and watch him burn."