Kiyozawa awakened in an unfamiliar room. As his eyes adjusted to his surroundings, he noticed he was not alone.
The Goat Cult Leader: "Oh good, you're awake."
The cult leader said casually, as if Kiyozawa hadn't caught him red-handed murdering his father. Kiyozawa's frown was immediate and deep, his body tensing at the sight of the man who had destroyed his only loved family member.
Kiyozawa: "Go away!"
He spat, his voice trembling with anger and grief. As he spoke, his long black wings unfurled from behind him, a testament to his growing power and fury. He growled menacingly at the cult leader, baring his teeth like an animal protecting its den.
The Goat Cult Leader: "Remember, Kiyozawa."
The cult leader said, his voice cold and calculating.
The Goat Cult Leader: "You allowed me to kill him. Your father tried to kill you first."
The cult leader spoke the truth, but he knew that Kiyozawa would not listen to reason.
Kiyozawa: "I said YOU COULD INJURE HIM, NOT KILL HIM!"
He yelled, his wings flapping angrily behind him as tears of rage streamed down his face. He couldn't believe he had given the cult leader permission to harm his father at all.
The Goat Cult Leader: "It doesn't matter."
The cult leader spoke calmly, unperturbed by Kiyozawa's outburst.
The Goat Cult Leader: "The book is connected to you. You are one of the links."
He stepped closer to Kiyozawa, his eyes filled with a chilling possessiveness.
The Goat Cult Leader: "At this moment, I'll be taking care of you until the day comes."
Kiyozawa: "I WANT NO PART OF THIS!"
He shouted, his anger palpable as he glared at the cult leader. His wings were spread wide now, a clear warning sign that he might attack if pushed further.
Kiyozawa: "I never wanted any part of your stupid book or your cult!"
The Goat Cult Leader: "It's already part of you."
The cult leader repeated, his tone ominous.
The Goat Cult Leader: "Whether you like it or not, the power of the book flows through your veins. You're one of the key players in this prophecy, Kiyozawa."
He reached out to touch Kiyozawa's wing.
Kiyozawa broke down sobbing uncontrollably, unable to comprehend the magnitude of his loss. He had lost his father, the man he loved and admired most in the world, and now he was being told he was nothing more than a puppet for a cult. His grief was overwhelming, consuming him whole.
Kiyozawa: "No, I REFUSE!"
He screamed, his wings suddenly spreading wide as he prepared to fight. He lashed out at the cult leader, his wings moving like dangerous weapons since they're sharp as blades. He was grieving, angry, and determined not to become a puppet for the cult.
Kiyozawa: "I won't let you control me!"
The Goat Cult Leader: "They always fight back."
The cult leader murmured calmly, his hand resting on the ancient book. With a mere whisper of power, he activated a barrier around himself using just one percent of the book's immense power. The barrier shimmered like a glass wall, blocking Kiyozawa's wing attacks effortlessly.
Kiyozawa: "FUCKING HELL!"
He screeched at the top of his lungs, sending powerful sound waves crashing towards the cult leader. The noise was deafening, like a thousand alarms blaring simultaneously. But the cult leader stood firm, unfazed by the ear-piercing attack.
His eyes widened in realization. The cult leader wasn't fazed by his sound attack. Without hesitation, Kiyozawa summoned a sword from the darkness, its blade glinting menacingly. He launched himself at the cult leader, swinging the sword multiple times with deadly precision.
The cult leader effortlessly dodged Kiyozawa's sword swings with swift, calculated movements. He suddenly lunged forward, his punch connecting solidly with Kiyozawa's stomach. The blow was powerful enough to knock the wind out of him and send him stumbling backwards, his sword falling from nerveless fingers.
Kiyozawa doubled over, coughing up saliva as he struggled to breathe. The punch had been incredibly powerful, far more than he had anticipated. He stared at the cult leader in disbelief, shock coursing through his veins.
Goat Cult Leader: "You fought me before and still lost."
The cult leader taunted, his voice dangerously soft.
Goat Cult Leader: "So, what's the point of fighting again?"
He cracked his knuckles, his eyes watchful.
Goat Cult Leader: "You're strong, Kiyozawa. But you're no match for me."
He spread his hands, inviting another attack.
Kiyozawa snatched his sword back up, determination burning in his eyes. He charged at the cult leader again, slashing wildly at the barrier trying to find its weakness. Unbeknownst to him, the ancient book's power had activated to 10%, enhancing every swing of his sword since he is the second link.
The cult leader swiftly drew his own sword, the clash of steel echoing through the air as their blades met. Despite the goat mask obscuring his face, Kiyozawa could feel the intense gaze boring into him through the mask's eyeholes. Their swords locked together, each man testing the other's strength.
Kiyozawa: "Don't mess with the Angels of Slaughter Yakuza!"
He growled through gritted teeth as their swords clashed again and again. The force of their blows was so great that the very walls of the room began to crack and crumble under their might.
Their swords clashed over and over, each man refusing to back down. The energy building between them was palpable, shaking the foundations of the room. Kiyozawa fought with every ounce of strength he had, fueled by rage and desperation to defeat the cult leader.
(In his mind).
"This is bad... He's not even phased by my attacks,"
He thought desperately as their swords continued to clash. The cult leader seemed to be reveling in their fight, almost enjoying the battle against the enraged yakuza. Kiyozawa's concern deepened; what kind of monstrous strength was he facing?
(Out of his mind).
He immediately let out a piercing screech, sending powerful sound waves crashing towards the cult leader in an attempt to distract and disorient him. As the ear-shattering noise filled the air, Kiyozawa swiftly drew back his sword, aiming to strike the cult leader down while his senses were temporarily overwhelmed.
Goat Cult Leader: "You already did that move before... Did you really believe it would work on me?"
The cult leader spoke calmly despite the deafening screech, showing no sign of being affected by Kiyozawa's attack. His goat mask remained expressionless as he parried Kiyozawa's sword strike effortlessly.
In a flash of movement too quick for the eye to follow, the cult leader slashed Kiyozawa's arm with brutal precision. Kiyozawa instantly grabbed his wounded arm, blood seeping through his fingers as he stared at the cult leader in shock.
(In his mind).
"How did he move so fast?"
(Out of his mind).
Goat Cult Leader: "That's enough. You are strong, but not strong enough against me."
The cult leader spoke calmly, his voice echoing through the now silent room. He sheathed his sword slowly, showing no signs of exertion despite the intense battle.
Goat Cult Leader: "I can't kill a link."
Without another word, the cult leader vanished into thin air before Kiyozawa's very eyes. One moment he was standing there, the next, he was simply gone. Kiyozawa stared at the empty space, his arm still throbbing with pain, realizing too late that he had been toyed with.
Kiyozawa: "Damn it..."
He cursed under his breath, clutching his wounded arm as he turned towards the door. He intended to leave immediately, but as he approached the exit, an invisible barrier suddenly appeared, blocking his path. The air shimmered slightly where the barrier was located. He was trapped.
(At the dark tunnels).
Mochizuki: "So, got any ideas how to get out of here?"
He said, his voice low and urgent. He looked at Takumi and Kaien.
Mochizuki: "We can't just stand here."
Takumi studies each dark path carefully, his brows furrowed in concentration. He points to the one on the left, then the one in the center, and finally the one on the right.
Takumi: "Left path seems too obvious... Center path feels... off. Right path has that mysterious aura about it."
Mochizuki: "Right."
He agrees calmly, taking a step onto the right path.
Mochizuki: "That mysterious aura could be our way out. Let's proceed with caution."
He motions for Takumi and Kaien to follow, his movements were quiet.
Kaien hesitates, looking back over his shoulder warily.
Takumi: "I'm assuming the goat cult leader split us up on purpose."
He says quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. He glances at Mochizuki and Kaien, ensuring they understand the implication.
Takumi: "He wants us to fight his members individually."
Mochizuki: "It makes sense strategically."
He murmurs, his jaw clenched in anger.
Mochizuki: "But personally, I want that cult leader's head on a spike. He marked Kaien."
His hand instinctively reaches for the hilt of his knife.
Mochizuki: "We need to prioritize taking him down."
Takumi: "We'll do that once we find everyone."
He says, though he knows full well that he was nearly killed by the cult leader in their one encounter without Mochizuki he wouldn't even be here. He saw firsthand how powerful the man was. He glances at Mochizuki, who has fought the cult leader twice and still hasn't emerged victorious. Judging by the time lines.
The three of them walked down the right path, their footsteps silent. After a few minutes, they stopped abruptly, eyes widening as they saw a cult member dressed in a goat mask standing motionless ahead, blocking their path. His body was tense, ready for action.
Takumi: "He's just one."
He whispers, his voice low.
Envidiar: "Shall we begin?"
The goat cult member says calmly, his voice echoing through the dark path. He slowly raises his hands, allowing a faint, ominous glow of dark energy to emanate from his palms, revealing just one percent of his true power.
As the cult member reveals his power, Mochizuki's eyes immediately change from their usual gold to a intense blue, indicating his preparation to use the Blue Flame.
Mochizuki: "Let's fucking do this!"
He immediately activates his blue flames, aiming them directly at the goat cult member. However, the cultist swiftly dodges the attack and pulls out a sword in response. The sudden appearance of the sword catches Mochizuki off guard.
(In his mind).
"It's just a sword."
(Out of his mind).
He quickly surrounds himself with blue flames, intensifying their heat using his energy. The flames reach an extreme temperature, causing the cultist's sword to melt instantly upon contact. The melted metal drips harmlessly onto the ground as the cultist stares in shock at the sudden turn of events.
The goat cult member freezes in place as Takumi activates his time freeze energy attack. Mochizuki, seizing the opportunity, engulfs the immobilized cultist in intense blue flames, burning him alive.
Envidiar: "You think this would get rid of me?"
The goat cult member snarls, dark energy swirling around him. His form begins to transform, taking on the appearance of a demon that closely resembles the seven deadly sin - Envy. The transformation is complete, and now stands before them as Envy itself.
Mochizuki: "Fucking hell!"
He exclaims, his eyes shifting to a dark black as his blue flames transform into ominous black flames. He immediately unleashes the black flames at the demon, aiming to incinerate it.
The demon disappears and reappear behind Takumi, swinging its sickles to slash him from behind. However, Takumi quickly reacts, channeling his energy into the sickles and freezing them in mid-air using his time manipulation ability. The sharp blades hang suspended mere inches from his back.
Mochizuki: "Where's your boss?!
He roars angrily, his entire body engulfed in black flames. He launches a massive blast of his black flames directly at the demon, determined to either destroy it or force it to reveal its master's location. His voice echoes with fury.
The frozen sickles suddenly reappear behind Mochizuki, swinging towards his unprotected back. However, the intense heat from Mochizuki's black flames proves too much for the weapon. The sickles begin to melt even before they reach his skin, dripping onto the ground as harmless pools of liquid metal.
The demon opens its massive maw, releasing a thick, purple smoke into the air. Mochizuki and Takumi both quickly channel their energy, creating protective barriers around themselves to block the noxious fumes. The purple smoke hits their energy shields, swirling around them before dissipating harmlessly.
Without hesitation, Mochizuki reaches out and grabs Kaien, pulling him behind his protective barrier. He positions himself as a shield, taking all of the purple smoke head-on. His black flames intensify, creating an even stronger barrier around both him and Kaien.
Mochizuki: "Kaien... Me and Takumi got this."
He says with a reassuring smile, even as he continues to hold the barrier strong against the purple smoke. His voice is calm and confident, letting Kaien know that he's safe and that they've got this under control.
Kaien: "I want to be useful in your fight..."
He says softly, his voice tinged with a mix of determination and vulnerability. He looks at Mochizuki and Takumi, hoping they understand his desire to contribute rather than just being a liability.
Takumi: "What type of orb is he?"
He asks curiously.
Mochizuki: "Medical Corruption."
He replies. His expression remains calm and focused, even as they continue to face the demon's attacks. The purple smoke begins to dissipate, revealing the demon's form once again.
Takumi: "Stay with him!"
He shouts as he suddenly charges towards the demon, engaging in close combat hand-to-hand. His fists move with supernatural speed and precision, landing powerful blows against the demon's solid form. Mochizuki nods, positioning himself protectively in front of Kaien.
Kaien: "I could help you..."
He whispers softly to Mochizuki, his voice barely audible over the sounds of Takumi's battle with the demon. He looks up at Mochizuki with pleading eyes, hoping that he'll be allowed to contribute in some way despite his Medical Corruption orb status.
Mochizuki: "Alright fine..."
He responds softly but firmly, turning his attention back to Kaien while keeping an eye on Takumi's fight. He knows that Kaien's presence might be more of a hindrance than help due to his orb type but decides to give him a chance anyway.
Mochizuki suddenly switches his black flames to purple, his eyes shifting from their black to a striking purple color. The change is instantaneous and dramatic, the purple flames dancing wildly around him. Kaien stares in awe and slight fear at the sudden transformation. Meanwhile,... Takumi notices the change mid-combat. The demon unleashes a deafening screech, sending powerful sound waves crashing towards Takumi and Mochizuki. The duo braces themselves, trying to withstand the intense pressure. Meanwhile, Kaien takes the opportunity to release one of the corrupted sicknesses stored within him, hurling it directly at the demon.
Kaien's eyes shift from gold to a light green depending on what sickness he's giving, indicating that he's activated his Medical Corruption power. The demon freezes suddenly, dropping to its knees as if suddenly paralyzed. Its screeches lower to pitiful groans.
Kaien: "Medical Corruption Style: Sickness Transfer."
He said softly, his green eyes still fixed on the now weakened demon. The creature looks miserable, barely able to stay upright as one of Kaien's corrupted illnesses wracks its body.
Mochizuki looks impressed, a small smile playing on his lips. He nods at Takumi, signaling for them to work together to deliver the final blow. The two of them move in sync, their attacks coordinated perfectly as they close in on the weakened demon.
Takumi concentrates, using half of his energy to activate Time Freeze. Freezing the demon mid-movement. Mochizuki seizes the opportunity, his purple flames surging forward like a tidal wave. He engulfs the paralyzed demon completely, the creature becoming nothing more than a purple, writhing inferno.
Takumi: "Did we win?"
He asks, panting slightly from the energy expenditure.
Mochizuki: "I don't know."
He said.
The purple flames begin to dissipate slowly, revealing nothing but ash where the demon once stood. Suddenly, the ground beneath their feet starts to shake violently.
In an instant, the demon reappears right in front of Takumi and Mochizuki, its form regenerating with a sickening speed. Its eyes glow menacingly as it opens its mouth to release another ear-piercing screech. Before they can react, the demon lunges forward suddenly.
Kaien reacts quickly, sprinting in front of Mochizuki and pushing him out of the way just as the demon lunges. The creature's claws swipe through the air where Mochizuki's stomach was moments before, hitting Kaien instead. Mochizuki's eyes widen in shock and surprise.
Mochizuki: "..."
He remains silent, his face pale with shock and concern as he sees blood pouring from Kaien's stomach wound. Without hesitation, he catches Kaien gently, holding him close to prevent further injury. Takumi quickly moves to engage the demon again, giving Mochizuki space to focus on Kaien.
Kaien: "I'm fine... I'm a King, I'll heal."
He assures Mochizuki weakly, trying to sit up despite the blood loss. He notices the silent rage etched onto Mochizuki's face—a rare expression that sends shivers down his spine even amidst the battle chaos.
(Black Flames Version Two).
Mochizuki: "Llamas negras versión dos."
He growls, his voice dropping an octave as his eyes shift from a vibrant purple to an intense, menacing black. The flames surrounding him intensify, growing hotter and more powerful than ever before.
The Black Figure As The Narrator: "Every Orb can upgrade their powers like this. That's why training is key. The more versions of the power they can unlock but it depends on the energy limit. Kings and Queens can upgrade their styles to any number depending the limit. While normal Orbs have a limit of three."
Without a moment's hesitation, Mochizuki picks up Kaien carefully, cradling him in his arms like precious cargo. He immediately charges towards the demon, his enhanced black flames licking the air hungrily. The demon, though swift, cannot outpace Mochizuki's second version of black flames.
Takumi Concentrates, using Time Freeze. Again to freeze the demon mid-dodge. Mochizuki's second version of black flames surges forward, swallowing the demon whole. The creature screeches one last time before turning to ashes. The cult member transform into a human and got out of the flames.
The cult member frantically attempt to extinguish the flames, but his efforts are futile. He turn to face Mochizuki, only to see him standing there, completely engulfed in his intense black flames, still holding Kaien protectively.
As Mochizuki prepares to deliver the final blow, a sudden black figure swoops down from above, swallowing the cult member whole in an instant. The unexpected sight snaps Mochizuki out of his rage-induced state. He quickly extinguishes his flames and looks around warily, protective of Kaien in his arms.
The Black Figure: "It seems you've unlocked the second version of your black flames."
The mysterious black figure declares, its voice echoing ominously. Mochizuki's eyes widen slightly, realization dawning on him. He had indeed unlocked a new power without even realizing it, consumed by his rage and desire for vengeance.
Mochizuki: "Yeah, I did."
He confirms, his eyes shifting from the intense black back to their golden hue. However, instead of stopping at golden, they continue to change, ultimately turning a radiant white. Mochizuki focuses his white flames on Kaien, enveloping him in gentle white flames to begin the healing process.
Takumi: "How did I get here?"
He asked
The Black Figure: "That's not important right now."
The black figure responds cryptically.
The Black Figure: "Kings energies are easy to sense."
It says it calmly.
The Black Figure: "Anyway, let's get going."
The mysterious figure says, turning and leading the group away from the destroyed dark tunnels. Mochizuki follows closely behind, carefully carrying Kaien, who is slowly regaining consciousness thanks to Mochizuki's healing white flames.
(Meanwhile at the dark room).
Kiyozawa kicked the door with all his might, expecting it to swing open. Instead, he was met with a solid resistance—the same barrier that had blocked his path earlier. The force of his kick reverberated back through his leg, confirming that he was indeed trapped within this room.
Kiyozawa: "Damnit!"
He shouted in frustration, pounding his fist against the barrier-covered door. The barrier didn't budge, remaining firmly in place and mocking his attempts to escape. He was well and truly trapped, with no visible way out and no sign of the cult leader who had vanished so suddenly.
Kaito: "You know shouting 'damnit' isn't helping you."
A calm voice remarked from behind Kiyozawa. He spun around to find Kaito standing there, his arms crossed and a small, knowing smile on his face. Kiyozawa hadn't even heard the door open or close, nor had he sensed Kaito's approach.
Kiyozawa's eyes widened in surprise as he turned to face Kaito. Without hesitation, he lunged forward, attempting to attack his enemy. The sudden movement was fueled by adrenaline and frustration, but Kaito remained unfazed.
Kaito: "Looks like we're together."
He said with a twisted smile as he pinned Kiyozawa against the wall. Kiyozawa struggled against his superior strength, his glare burning with hatred and resentment. Kaito's smile only widened as he relished the opportunity to be alone with his longtime enemy.
Kiyozawa: "I'll get revenge for Amaya!"
He roared loudly, trying to break free from Kaito's hold. His muscles tensed as he put all his strength into his struggle, veins bulging on his forehead and neck. His shout echoed through the room, rattling the invisible barrier that trapped them.
Kaito: "Still on that?"
He laughed, his twisted smile growing wider at Kiyozawa's outburst.
Kaito: "Hahaha! You're still obsessed with revenge for Amaya? Pathetic."
He pressed Kiyozawa harder against the wall, their faces inches apart.
Kiyozawa used his powerful black wings to attack Kaito, hoping to catch him off guard. But Kaito was too quick, effortlessly dodging the assault with a smirk.
Kaito: "Nice try."
He said mockingly.
Kiyozawa: "What are you doing here?"
He demanded.
Kaito: "What am I doing here?"
He repeated mockingly.
Kaito: "Shouldn't I be asking you the same thing? Trapped in this room with your worst enemy. How ironic."
He paused, his smile turning cold and calculating.
Kaito: "But to answer your question..."
Kaito: "I'm the original link."
He explained coldly as he pinned Kiyozawa against the wall, his strong arms holding the other man in place.
Kaito: "And that means I have to take care of you, since you're the second link. You're basically my responsibility."
Kiyozawa: "I told that cult leader before I don't want to be apart of this!"
He yelled angrily, trying to break free from Kaito's grip. His black wings fluttered violently behind him, casting dark shadows on the walls.
Kiyozawa: "I never asked to be a link! I never wanted this power!"
Kaito: "It's too late."
He sang mockingly, his voice echoing eerily in the room as he held Kiyozawa firmly in place.
Kaito: "You became one with the book and there's no turning back now. The book took over your soul."
Kaito: "You are now a part of the links."
He continued to sing, his voice taking on a haunting quality as he recited the fateful words.
Kaito: "And there's no turning back. No matter how much you yell or struggle, you're stuck with us now."
Kiyozawa glared at Kaito with pure hatred, his red eyes glowing like embers as he seethed with anger. The intensity of his stare was almost palpable, as if trying to burn a hole through Kaito's smug expression.
(At the other side of the unknown world).
Ashton: "The orbilence is indeed strong here."
He remarks calmly, gazing at the energy emanating before him.
Glotonería: "You seem lost."
He murmurs, emerging from the shadows. His voice carries a hint of amusement.
Ashton: "Disease Style: Slaughter Target."
He declares calmly, his eyes shifting from their usual color to a menacing dark green as he activates his power. Without hesitation, he releases a barrage of deadly diseases towards Glotonería. The cult member quickly reacts, conjuring a barrier to protect himself from the onslaught.
Glotonería: "Already trying to kill me?"
He retorts with a smirk, his barrier shimmering as it deflects Ashton's disease assault.
This will continue in the next chapter..