Kiyozawa: "What are you talking about?"
He asked the goat cult leader, stopping his attack immediately. He was deeply confused by the Cult Leader's words.
Axel: "In this world full of darkness and sadness, there are a few others who don't belong here."
He said calmly as he looked at Kiyozawa. He continued.
Axel: "This world is supposed to be where the links meet once they gain full power. You need time to gain that power."
As he spoke calmly to Kiyozawa, his thoughts drifted to the former second link – a young man of eighteen years, just like Kiyozawa. This former link had endured a terrible past, but ultimately succumbed to a devastating mental breakdown that led to his demise.
Axel: "You were chosen for greatness - a tool to help me achieve my plans, Kiyozawa."
He stated, his eyes gleaming with ambition.
Axel: "Though I crave destruction, the book requires your power. I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes."
Kiyozawa: "The book chose me?"
He echoed, his brow furrowed in confusion. He turned his gaze to the goat cult leader, genuine curiosity and a hint of wariness in his eyes.
Kiyozawa: "But why me, out of all people? What makes me so special that the book picked me?"
Axel: "The book chooses those who have suffered a terrible past."
He explained calmly, his eyes never leaving Kiyozawa's face.
Axel: "Individuals who have lost everything, whose lives have been shattered by unimaginable hardship. It is to these broken souls that the book extends its power."
Kiyozawa: "I haven't lost everything."
He began, his voice barely above a whisper. He paused, his mind drifting back to the memory of his father's attempted murder – an event that had forever changed his perspective on life. The words caught in his throat, and he found himself unable to continue speaking.
Kiyozawa: "..."
Realization dawned on Kiyozawa's face, and his voice caught in his throat, preventing further words from escaping. Tears began to well up in his eyes as he finally acknowledged the depth of his pain – the devastating truth about what he had truly lost. His silence spoke volumes.
Axel: "You have a choice in the matter."
He said calmly, his eyes never leaving Kiyozawa's tear-streaked face.
Axel: "I know your comrades don't belong here in this town. They are not part of my plans, and they will not be harmed if you choose to stay."
Kiyozawa: "I guess so..."
He whispered softly, his voice breaking as he began to cry tears of blood. The goat cult leader remained unfazed by the gruesome sight, having expected this symptom from those chosen by the book. He simply nodded solemnly, acknowledging Kiyozawa's acceptance of his fate.
Axel: "Well then..."
In a snap of his fingers, he sent both Ashton and Mochizuki away, returning them both. He glanced over at the other side of the town, his gaze lingering on the dark tunnels before turning away and leaving everything in the hands of the three cult members.
(In his mind).
"I don't need these people in this world."
He declared, snapping his fingers. In an instant, he teleported everyone out of the town except for Hiromi, Hayden, Kai, and Zentarō, who remained behind.
(Out of his mind).
(At the tunnels).
In the blink of an eye, dozens of people were teleported out of the tunnels, leaving only a few behind. As the dust settled, the remaining individuals realized that someone else was present in the tunnels with them.
Ira: "You're the remaining ones who shall be killed by me."
He announced coldly, his voice echoing through the tunnels. The few people left standing froze in fear, their hearts pounding as they realized the grim fate that awaited them. Hiromi, Hayden, Kai, and Zentarō exchanged anxious glances.
Hayden: "I'm terrified, but that's to be expected,"
He admitted, his voice steady despite the fear that gripped his heart. With a calm precision, he withdrew his sword from its sheath and, in a swift motion, drew it across his palm, letting the blood flow freely. The blood began to form into bullets and immediately shot straight towards the cult member. The cult member swiftly blocked the attack with an iron shield. Hayden and the cult member locked eyes, each assessing the other's resolve.
Zentarō: "I shall help you."
He declared calmly, though fear lurked beneath his composed exterior. He knew he couldn't just sit by and watch Hayden fight alone. With determination, he drew his sword and charged towards the cult member.
Hayden and Zentarō immediately engaged the cult member in a fierce duel. The cult member wielded his double swords with deadly precision, parrying their attacks and countering with swift slashes. The sound of clashing steel filled the tunnels as the three fighters moved with lightning speed, their blades a blur.
Hayden's blood control suddenly seized the cult member, freezing him in place, Zentarō noticed the opportunity and swiftly moved in for the killing blow. But even in his frozen state, the cult member managed to block Zentarō's sword at the last moment, the blades locking with a harsh metallic ring.
Hayden: "Damn he's good."
He smirks confidently, activating his ultimate move, Blood Loss. He concentrates his blood control, attempting to rapidly drain the cult member's life force. A torrent of blood flows out from the cult member, but surprisingly, he remains standing, the bleeding slowing to a trickle.
Ira: "Is that the best you've got?"
The cult member taunts, effortlessly replenishing his lost blood. Just as Hayden is about to respond, Zentarō lets out a powerful sonic screech. The cult member's face contorts in pain as the sound waves hit, momentarily disorienting him.
Both Hayden and Zentarō seize the moment of vulnerability, their swords flashing through the air. With synchronized strikes, they slash through the cult member's defenses. The cult member's body falls to the ground with a heavy thud.
Ira: "Soltado."
The fallen cult member's body convulses violently before transforming into a monstrous demon embodying wrath. Its eyes burn with infernal fury, and cracks of dark energy radiate from its form. The tunnel shakes intensely as the demon stands upright, towering over Hayden and Zentarō.
Hayden: "Oh shit."
He mutters, his face paling as he witnesses the terrifying transformation. He channels fifty percent of his energy, causing blood to flow rapidly from his body as he forms powerful blood bullets. Meanwhile, Zentarō's angelic black wings unfold dramatically, enhancing his abilities to support Hayden.
Both Hayden and Zentarō launch themselves at the demon wrath with unmatched speed. Hayden fires a barrage of blood bullets, each one aimed precisely at the demon's weak points while Zentarō swoops down with his black wings extended like deadly blades slicing through the air towards the demon's massive form.
In the shadows of the tunnel, another cult member emerges from hiding. She watches the fierce battle between Hayden, Zentarō and the demon wrath with a cold smirk. Seeing her chance to strike, she slips away quietly towards Hiromi and Kai.
Lujuria: "Such innocent faces... how rare."
She purrs, her eyes gleaming with sinister intent as she appears suddenly in front of Kai and Hiromi. Without hesitation, she activates her teleportation ability, enveloping the two children in a swirling vortex of energy.
Hayden glances back, realizing that someone has taken them, but he is too engrossed in his battle against the demon wrath to act immediately.
(At the other side of the town).
Lujuria: "Your courage... it's almost cute. But alas, today really is your last day among the living."
She hisses, lowering herself to Hiromi's eye level. A twisted smile plays across her face as she gazes at Hiromi's defiant eyes.
Hiromi, without a moment's hesitation, channels ten percent of her energy into a powerful punch, aiming directly at the cult member. However, the cult member's reflexes are swift and precise; she dodges the blow with ease, leaving Hiromi's fist to swing through empty air.
Kai, seeing Hiromi miss punch, lunges fearlessly towards the female cult member, aiming to touch her. But she reacts faster than he can process. In a blink, she withdraws a hidden dagger and plunges it deep into Kai's stomach, stealing his breath away.
Lujuria: "Too slow."
Hiromi: "Kai!"
She screams, her voice echoing with desperation as she sees Kai bleeding out. She channels her strength once more, but this time a vibrant rainbow energy envelops her fist. Hiromi charges at the cult member, her rainbow energy-fused fist aimed straight at her face. The punch lands with a deafening crack, shattering the cult member's mask and sending her reeling backwards. Blood sprays from her broken nose as she stumbles, momentarily dazed by the impact.
Lujuria: "She activated God's power... it's glorious,"
She murmurs, a twisted smile spreading across her face.
Lujuria: "I'll be the first to experience this divine might."
She closes her eyes briefly, and her nose heals instantly, the blood vanishing as if it never existed.
But before she can fully savor the moment, she senses Hiromi's sudden movement. In a blur of speed, Hiromi disappears and reappears instantly, driving her rainbow-energy infused fist into the cult member's chest with brutal force. She coughs up blood, her eyes widening in shock as she feels Hiromi's fist pierce through her chest. The cult member looks up at Hiromi, her gaze locking onto the glowing eyes that radiate with an intense rainbow aura—seven vibrant colors swirling like divine energy.
Hiromi: "..."
She trembles, her heart heavy with guilt and shock as she realizes she's taken a life in the heat of anger. Tears stream down her cheeks, her eyes filled with remorse. Meanwhile, the cult member's expression remains eerily calm, her obsession with destruction consuming all rational thought.
Lujuria: "Unleashed Lust."
She hisses, her body contorting and twisting as she embraces her dark transformation. Dark energy swirls around her, and in an instant, a monstrous demon takes form—Lust, a creature of insatiable desire and destruction.
Hiromi: "..."
Realizing that these cult members are not easily killed, Hiromi focuses on finding a non-lethal way to defeat her opponent. She watches intently as the female cult member completes her transformation into the demon of Lust.
Hiromi: "I won't kill you."
She declares, her voice steady.
The female cult member, now transformed into the demonic entity of Lust, stands tall, her form pulsing with dark energy.
Lujuria: "You think you can defeat me without taking a life? How naive."
She notices Hiromi's hesitation, a cruel smile spreading across her face.
Hiromi: "I know I can!"
She declares firmly, maintaining eye contact with the demonic form of the cult member. Her voice carries both certainty and calm determination, revealing her resolve not to take another life. She tightens her grip on her fists, rainbow energy still pulsating around them
(At the Underground Facility).
Mochizuki awakens abruptly as he finds himself in the medical room. He breathes heavily, having finally snapped out of the memory. He looks over to see Klaudia and Ashton sitting nearby.
Mochizuki: "What happened?"
He asks groggily, glancing first at Ashton, then at Klaudia, noting Kiyozawa's absence.
Mochizuki: "Where's Kiyozawa?"
He asks, his voice is still thick with sleep. His eyes dart around the room, confused but becoming more alert.
Ashton: "I have no idea..."
(In his mind).
"It probably has to do with the links."
(Out of his mind).
Klaudia: "Honestly, I don't know."
She replies calmly, making eye contact with both Mochizuki and Ashton.
Klaudia: "He didn't return with you two, but we need to get back."
Ashton: "Yeah, let's go."
He nods in agreement, his expression is serious.
Mochizuki: "How the hell are we going to get him back if that godforsaken town can mess with our minds?! Dammit!"
His voice cracks with pain and frustration. A surge of dark flames erupts from his body, fueled by his anger and the agony of relived memories.
Mochizuki: "I keep reliving those memories... The rape by that bastard Heaven Orb King, over and over..."
His voice trails off, haunted by the traumatic recollections. He clutches his head in his hands, dark flames flickering dangerously across his skin.
Mochizuki: "The sounds of his voice, the pain..."
He remembers being chosen as Heaven Orb King's sex slave instead of his sister, because she was too perfect. The thought makes his blood boil with anger towards both Heaven Orb King and his sister, Fire Orb Queen.
Mochizuki: "Why did it have to be me?!"
He screams internally, dark flames consuming his body.
Klaudia: "Mochizuki, CALM DOWN!"
She shouts, rushing towards him. She uses her blood control abilities to try and stop his dark flames from consuming him completely. Mochizuki bursts into tears, his black flames growing even stronger as the memories overwhelm him.
Mochizuki: "Don't waste your time trying to stop me."
He snaps, dark flames whipping around him like a storm.
Mochizuki: "Go find Kiyozawa without me. I need to see my sister..."
His voice drops to almost a whisper.
Mochizuki: "This pain... It won't go away. I need revenge."
Ashton: "Let him go, Klaudia."
He says calmly but firmly, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding of Mochizuki's pain.
Ashton: "He needs to confront this. We can't stop him from seeking his sister."
He turns to Klaudia.
Ashton: "Focus on finding Kiyozawa."
Klaudia hesitates, seeing the raw pain and determination in Mochizuki's eyes. She knows he won't listen to reason right now. With a heavy sigh, she nods to Ashton.
Takumi: "I'm coming with you both."
He states calmly as he enters the room, his eyes filled with determination.
Takumi: "Kai is there as well, and I can't leave him alone with those bastards any longer."
He stands by Ashton's side, showing his support for their shared goal.
Kaito: "I suppose I'll be generous and help you three return to that hellhole."
He says with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and malice.
Kaito: "I've got my own reasons for wanting to be there, after all."
He stretches lazily, his smirk widening.
(At Holy Corporation in the meeting room).
Rin: "Damn."
She remembers being abruptly teleported away from the town, along with a few others. She recalls going with Zentarō initially to search for Kiyozawa. Her brows furrow as she realizes that whatever force sent them back has brought them right back to where they started.
(In her mind).
"Why was it only Zentarō who was allowed to stay and not me?"
She wonders, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of frustration.
"Was it Kiyozawa himself who wanted this, or is there someone else manipulating the situation behind the scenes?"
(Out of her mind).
(At the Town That Never Stops Bleeding on top of a roof in an abandoned building).
Kiyozawa: "Why has my father stayed behind?"
He asks the cult leader directly, his voice carrying an unsettlingly calm undertone.
Kiyozawa: "What purpose does he serve here?"
His usually gentle eyes narrow slightly, studying the cult leader's face for any tells but it's covered by a goat mask to even tell.
Axel: "I'm going to take your father's power,"
He states calmly, his gaze fixed intensely on Kiyozawa.
Axel: "And you're going to help me do it."
His voice is devoid of emotion, cold and commanding. He reaches out a hand towards Kiyozawa expectantly.
Kiyozawa: "W-What do you mean, you're going to take my father's power?"
He stutters, his eyes widening in shock and disbelief.
Kiyozawa: "Why would you want such a thing?"
He takes a step back, his heart racing as he tries to process the cult leader's words.
Axel: "The power of a Death Angel is incredibly valuable."
He explains calmly, his expression unchanging.
Axel: "It would be foolish not to acquire it. Especially when the king of Death Angels is right here."
He pauses, tilting his head slightly as he observes Kiyozawa's shocked and horrified reaction.
Axel: "He did try to kill you."
He reminds Kiyozawa coldly.
Axel: "But that's beside the point. Power is power, and I intend to take what is most precious."
He takes a step closer to Kiyozawa, his hand still outstretched expectantly.
Axel: "You will help me."
He snaps his fingers, instantly replaying the traumatic memory of Kiyozawa's adopted father mercilessly slashing his life force again and again. As the agonizing scene unfolds before Kiyozawa's eyes.
Kiyozawa: "Okay, I'll help you."
He tears up, his eyes filled with unshed tears as he watches the memory unfold before him, feeling overwhelmed and heartbroken all over again. He can't help but break down.
Axel: "I'm assuming that's a yes from you, correct?"
The calm tone of the goat cult leader's voice was almost unnerving as he turned to Kiyozawa, his piercing gaze never wavering. He stated, his words carefully measured, each one dripping with an unsettling confidence.
Kiyozawa: "I'll make the first move."
He murmured softly, spreading his large, onyx-black wings wide. With a sudden burst of energy, he launched himself downwards, his senses heightened as he scanned the tunnel for his father, locked in battle with a menacing demon along with someone else.
The cult leader's eyes narrowed as he observed Kiyozawa's sudden flight towards the tunnel. His wings disappeared as abruptly as they had appeared when Kiyozawa entered the dimly lit passageway and halted abruptly. Tears welled up in his eyes as he stood frozen, merely watching the brutal battle unfold before him.
Kiyozawa: "Father..."
His voice was barely above a whisper, filled with a mix of emotion and urgency. Suddenly, he let out a piercing screech, the sound waves cutting through the air like a knife, directly targeting Zentarō's location amidst the chaos of the demon battle.
Upon hearing the heart-wrenching screech, Zentarō paused his fierce battle with the demon, allowing Hayden to continue alone. He turned slowly, his eyes locking onto Kiyozawa, his beloved adopted son whom he had once attempted to take from this world.
Zentarō: "Kiyozawa..."
He stood his ground, his expression a complex mix of regret and longing as he gazed at Kiyozawa, the son he had once tried to extinguish. His voice was steady, laced with an underlying current of emotion.
Zentarō: "Kiyozawa... I've been searching for you."
Kiyozawa: "Father..."
His voice trembled slightly despite his calm demeanor as he met Zentarō's gaze.
Kiyozawa: "...I've been searching for you too."
His wings fluttered gently behind him, betraying the turmoil within.
Zentarō's expression darkens at the word 'Father'. He hadn't earned that title from Kiyozawa, not after what he did. His hands clenched into fists at his sides.
Zentarō: "Don't call me that. You lost the right to call me Father."
His voice was cold and distant.
Kiyozawa: "That's right..."
His voice cracked, a single tear rolling down his cheek.
Kiyozawa: "...You tried to end my life. The life of the son you were supposed to protect and love."
His wings drooped, the weight of his father's betrayal heavy upon them.
Zentarō's eyes flickered away from Kiyozawa's gaze, guilt and regret swirling in their depths. He knew he couldn't escape the truth of what he had done. When he looked back at Kiyozawa, his expression was one of grim determination.
Zentarō: "I did."
Kiyozawa unsheathed his sword smoothly, his voice echoing sharply through the tunnel.
Kiyozawa: "No hard feelings, but..."
He paused, steeling himself.
Kiyozawa: "...I'm taking your power."
His eyes hardened, mirroring the cold blade in his hand.
Kiyozawa: "It's not like you need it anymore."
Zentarō: "..."
His eyes narrowed dangerously as he saw the sword being drawn. He knew Kiyozawa's skills, and knew how deadly he could be.
Zentarō: "Your technique's improved... I expected nothing less."
He readies his own weapon, but something in his tone changed.
Zentarō: "You don't have to do this..."
Kiyozawa: "I must."
He replied calmly, his grip tightening around the hilt of his sword.
Kiyozawa: "For what you did to me... For the pain and the betrayal. Your power is the only thing I want from you now."
His voice was steady, betraying none of the turmoil inside him.
Zentarō's heart clenched at the accusation. He had hurt his son deeply, and now he was reaping the consequences.
Zentarō: "I know what I did..."
He stepped forward, sword in hand.
Zentarō: "But I won't let you take my power without a fight."
Without hesitation, Kiyozawa unleashed his screech, a deafening sound wave that ripped through the air towards Zentarō. The force was palpable, carrying all the pain and anger pent up within him.
Zentarō's eyes widened as he felt the sound waves hit him, his ears ringing painfully. He staggered back, temporarily disoriented. His sword arm dropped slightly, giving Kiyozawa an opening.
Zentarō: "Fuck..."
He growled, trying to shake off the disorientation and defend himself.
As the sound wave hit, Zentarō stumbled back, temporarily disoriented. Seizing the opportunity, Kiyozawa darted forward, his sword singing through the air. He swung it with all his might, aiming for a clean decapitation, his face set in a grim expression.
Zentarō barely managed to block the sword swing with his own blade, feeling the force behind it. His son's strength had grown significantly. They clashed swords several times in rapid succession, each impact sending vibrations through their arms.
Zentarō: "Kiyozawa... stop!"
The clash of steel echoed loudly in the tunnel as Kiyozawa relentlessly attacked, his movements fueled by suppressed anger and hurt. Each swing of his sword was precise and powerful, driven by the desire to end Zentarō's life and take his power.
Kiyozawa: "Die!"
Zentarō's breath came in harsh gasps as they fought. He was holding his own but could feel himself being pushed back. He knew he couldn't let Kiyozawa win - not like this. With a sudden burst of strength, he pushed forward, knocking their swords aside.
Zentarō: "Enough!"
The force of Zentarō's repel sends Kiyozawa stumbling backward, his foot catching on a loose stone. As he struggles to maintain his balance, his eyes lock onto his father's face - the face he'd once loved unconditionally.
Kiyozawa: "You..."
Zentarō grabbed Kiyozawa by the collar with his free hand, pulling him close. Their faces were inches apart, breaths mingling.
Zentarō: "I said STOP."
His voice was a low, dangerous growl. Behind them, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed.
Zentarō: "Listen to me..."
Kiyozawa: "Why should I listen to you?"
He cried out, tears streaming down his face.
Kiyozawa: "After everything you've done to me, how can you expect me to just... just forget it all? You tried to kill me, Father!"
Zentarō's heart shattered at the sight of his son crying. He pulled Kiyozawa into a tight embrace, ignoring the pain in his ribs from the earlier clash of swords.
Zentarō: "I know I hurt you... I know I was wrong."
He whispered brokenly, holding his son close.
Kiyozawa's arms reached out to embrace his father, tears blurring his vision. But suddenly, a dark figure appeared behind Zentarō - the goat cult leader, his eyes glowing with malevolence. Before Kiyozawa could react, the leader began absorbing Zentarō's power.
Zentarō's eyes widened in shock as he felt his power being drained. Weak and vulnerable, he turned to look at Kiyozawa with horrified eyes. He saw the heartbreak etched on his son's face - the same face he had once cherished and loved above all else.
Kiyozawa: "Father..."
He choked out, tears pouring down his face as he watched the cracks spreading across his father's face like a spider web. It was as if Zentarō was slowly disappearing, his very existence fading away.
Kiyozawa: "No, please... Father, no..."
He sobbed, reaching out desperately.
With a final stab through the chest using Kiyozawa's own sword, Zentarō life force shattered into countless pieces, his form disintegrating completely. The goat cult leader laughed manically, holding Kiyozawa's sword stained with his father's essence. Kiyozawa froze, his tears freezing mid-fall.
The goat cult leader turned to Kiyozawa with a cold smile, dropping the blood-stained sword at his feet.
Axel: "Looks like you have your revenge now, boy."
His voice was calm and mocking. Behind him, Hayden suddenly noticed the scene and tried to rush forward, but it was too late.
Kiyozawa's voice trembled as he confronted the goat cult leader, his face contorted with grief and confusion.
Kiyozawa: "Why did you kill him?!"
He screamed, his hands shaking violently.
Kiyozawa: "My father... my own father is dead because of YOU!"
Axel: "Why did I kill him?"
He chuckled darkly, stepping closer to Kiyozawa.
Axel: "That power was too pure, too immense. It would have been a waste if it stayed with one man. Now, it belongs to a greater cause."
Kiyozawa broke down completely, falling to his knees as sobs racked his entire body.
Kiyozawa: "Father... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."
His tears fell onto the now-empty ground where Zentarō had stood moments before.
As the goat cult leader vanished into thin air, leaving no trace behind, Kiyozawa was left alone to grapple with his overwhelming emotions. The world around him seemed to fade away as he knelt there, consumed by grief and regret.
(At South Orbrea in the border).
The black flames intensified, fueled by the pent-up rage he harbored against both his sister and the Heaven Orb King. Despite knowing he couldn't possibly defeat the Heaven Orb King, one desire burned even brighter—he desperately wanted to kill his sister.
Mochizuki: "Sister, come out and play!"
He channeled his black flames into the wall, creating a large, gaping hole through the border.
He continuously let the black flames consume his body, literally burning himself alive.
Mochizuki: ''Show yourself!!!"
His voice boomed like thunder across the border.
Aiko: "Of course it would be you, Mochizuki."
She said mockingly, her eyes filled with derision as she looked at him.
Aiko: "I suppose you've come for revenge, since I've always been the 'perfect' child, haven't I?"
Aiko: "Honestly."
She continued with a smirk.
Aiko: "It was nice when Heaven Orb King chose you Mochizuki to be his personal toy instead of me when we were kids. It's been quite enjoyable watching you suffer while I got all the attention."
Her words dripped with venomous satisfaction.
Mochizuki: "Makes sense, you damn bitch."
He growled angrily. He instantly unleashed his black flames, hurtling straight towards Aiko like a deadly comet. His expression was murderous.
Mochizuki: "You're such a—"
He cut himself off, too enraged to speak coherently.
Aiko: "Oh, you want to know why you were chosen as Heaven Orb King's little plaything, Mochi?"
She taunted, her smirk widening as she looked at her brother.
Aiko: "It's because you couldn't control your stupid flames. Unlike me, who can wield them with perfect precision."
Aiko: "Let me show you the difference between a true fire master and a pathetic flame-throwing brute."
She whispered seductively, appearing directly in front of Mochizuki. Her blue flames erupted, burning him severely before she kicked him strongly, sending him tumbling backwards with a scream.
Mochizuki extinguished his black flames, his body charred and smoking. He opened his eyes, fixing Aiko with a gaze filled with pure hatred.
Aiko: "I think I should end your miserable existence once and for all."
She declared coldly, channeling her flames to their absolute maximum power. The intensity was blinding, the temperature scorching enough to melt metal instantly. She raised her hands, aiming the concentrated blast directly at Mochizuki.
In that moment, Mochizuki closed his eyes, accepting his fate with grim resignation. But just as the searing heat began to envelop him, a memory of Kaien flashed through his mind like a beacon of hope.
Mochizuki: "That's right. I promised him I would come back."
He whispered silently to himself, remembering his promise.
In that moment, the blue flames abruptly ceased. Aiko collapsed to the floor, coughing up blood from an unseen attack. She looked up, her eyes wide with shock and pain, to see a teenage boy—no more than sixteen years old—standing protectively in front of Mochizuki.
Aiko: "Who the hell are you?"
She demanded, her voice hoarse from the blood in her throat as she struggled to move, her body wracked with pain.
Mochizuki: "..."
He stared in shock, his eyes wide with disbelief as he beheld the familiar face of Kaien standing protectively before him.*
Mochizuki: "Kaien..."
He whispered softly, his voice filled with emotion and shock. The name fell from his lips like a prayer, a desperate plea for reality to make sense. Aiko's eyes narrowed, her gaze flicking between Mochizuki's stunned face and Kaien's stance.
Kaien: "I followed you... I noticed how angry you were, so I had to come with you,"
He stammered out, his voice breaking with emotion. Tears streamed down his face as he finally spoke the words he'd been holding back for so long.
Kaien: "I know I was awkward around you..."
His voice choked with emotion, used his power to heal the burns on Mochizuki, transferring the pain and injury onto himself. As he did so, tears streamed down his face uncontrollably, his body trembling with the effort and the weight of his feelings.
Mochizuki: "Kaien, you don't have to do that!"
He shouted, reaching out to grab Kaien's arm desperately. But Kaien shook his head firmly, his eyes filled with determination. He used his power once more, this time transferring the burns onto Aiko.
Aiko was too injured to pursue them, her body wracked with pain and shock. She couldn't believe that someone so young could possess such a strong ability. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she watched Kaien's selfless act, her mind struggling to comprehend the extent of his power.
Mochizuki's hatred for his sister had completely faded in that moment, replaced by a profound gratitude and affection towards Kaien. He swiftly grabbed Kaien's hand, pulling him away from the scene before Aiko's guards could arrive. His grip was firm yet gentle as he led Kaien away.
(In his mind).
"He came just for me..."
His crystal on his chest flashing once more, a subtle sign that his heart was racing. He felt his face heating up as he blushed deeply, realizing the truth of his feelings.
"I think I'm falling for him,"
(Out of his mind).
(At the Town That Never Stops Bleeding).
Hiromi charges forward towards the female cult member, her fist cutting through the air as she unleashes a powerful punch. A gust of wind follows the trajectory of her blow, sending a forceful wave straight towards the demonic form of Lust.
Lujuria: "You can't win without killing me!"
She taunts, narrowly dodging Hiromi's first attack. She quickly backpedals, only for Hiromi to reappear right in front of her, landing a powerful uppercut that sends the cult member's body several feet into the air.
(In her mind).
"How can this be? Even with Lust's power, I can't win! She managed to hit me. No, I'm not losing to her. I have to kill her for my Leader's plan!"
She begins to form razor-sharp blades from thin air, her eyes filled with manic determination.
(Out of her mind).
Hiromi immediately channels fifty percent of God's power, but the moment a thought of murderous intent crosses her mind, the energy dissipates completely. Her eyes widen in shock as she feels the razor-sharp blades slice through her flesh.
(In her mind).
"What just happened? I guess when I thought about actually killing her, it stopped the power from working."
She stumbles backwards, blood dripping from multiple wounds.
The female cult member advances, her blades gleaming menacingly in the light.
Lujuria: "You're not even half as strong as I thought,"
"I'm sorry for thinking that way, Lord. I promise I won't let my thoughts wander to such dark places again."
Hiromi focuses her mind, erasing any trace of murderous intent. She slowly regains access to God's power, feeling its energy coursing through her veins once more.
(Out of her mind).
Hiromi channels fifty percent of God's power, the seven colors swirling around her fist like a miniature galaxy. She charges towards the female cult member with blinding speed. Lujuria responds by focusing her own energy, creating a barrier of dark energy to block Hiromi's attack.
The clash of Hiromi's God's power and Lujuria's dark power results in a catastrophic explosion that shakes the entire town. Buildings crumble, windows shatter, and the ground trembles violently. A massive crater forms where the two energies collided, smoke and debris filling the air.
Lujuria: "..."
She staggers back, her arm badly injured from the explosion. She glares at Hiromi with pure hatred and disbelief.
Lujuria: "Impossible... You should be dead!"
She clutches her wounded arm, dark energy flickering unstable around her.
Lujuria: "Lust..."
She growls angrily.
(In her mind).
Axel: "You're not strong enough. That's disappointing."
Axel's voice echoes in Lujuria's mind, calm and commanding. She feels a sudden, overwhelming sense of weakness and despair wash over her as Axel's presence infiltrates her thoughts. Her powers begin to fade, her dark energy dissipating like mist in sunlight.
(Out of her mind).
Lujuria: "Silence, fool!"
She hisses, her eyes burning with malice. She turns her gaze to the tunnel, spotting a sobbing figure - the second link, vulnerable and alone. A wicked grin spreads across her face as she channels the remnants of Lust's power.
Lujuria: "The second link must be so important to you, huh Axel!"
She screams, her voice dripping with venom. She shapes the last of Lust's power into a gleaming sword of dark energy. Her eyes dart between Hiromi and the tunnel where Kiyozawa who's in despair.
Hiromi: "Is that... Kiyozawa?"
She whispers to herself, her heart pounding. She watches in horror as Lujuria hurls the dark energy sword towards the tunnel entrance. Without hesitation, Hiromi unleashes seventy-five percent of God's power, darting forward to intercept the weapon.
With lightning speed, Hiromi reaches Kiyozawa just in time, pulling him aside moments before Lujuria's sword strikes true.The dark energy blade misses its intended target but pierces another demon who had been battling Hayden nearby.
Hiromi: "..."
Her gaze meets Kiyozawa's, and memories of their first encounter flood her mind. She remembers his bitter words about the police only caring for God Orbs and disregarding Demonic Orbs. Today, she has proven him wrong by saving him.
Lujuria: "AXEL, YOU BASTARD!"
She screams at the top of her lungs. Slowly, she begins to collapse, her body losing its sensual curves as Lust's power leaves her completely. Axel has taken away her most dangerous weapon, leaving her weaker than before.
Lujuria: "Damn him..."
This will continue in the next chapter.