Kaito's boasting words caught in his throat as he realized the implication of Hiromi's question. For the first time since his capture, a flicker of uncertainty crossed his face. He knew, as she did, that a direct hit to his life force crystal would mean instant death. The room grew heavy with silence as Kaito struggled to maintain his facade of bravado, his mind racing with the realization that this gentle girl before him held his life in her hands.
Kaito: "You wouldn't dare."
Hiromi: "You're right."
She continued softly, her thumb unconsciously rubbing Hayden's knuckles as she maintained eye contact with Kaito.
Hiromi: "You're at my mercy. One palm strikes your crystal and you're dead. No yakuza empire, no revenge, no nothing."
She paused, letting the words sink in.
Hiromi: "So, what's it like being utterly powerless? Being held captive by a girl you once planned to rape and murder?"
Kaito's face paled slightly, his mouth opening and closing without words. He was used to being the one in control, the one who instilled fear in others. Now, he was reduced to silence by Hiromi's calm yet terrifying words. His pride shattered as he realized how utterly helpless he truly was—at the mercy of someone who could end his life with a single touch. His eyes flickered between Hiromi's serene face and Hayden's injured form behind her protective stance..
Kaito: "Well, I guess you have won this round."
He grudgingly admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. The words tasted bitter on his tongue, but there was no denying the truth. He had underestimated Hiromi, and now he was paying the price for his arrogance. His shoulders slumped slightly, the first sign of defeat he had ever shown.
Kaito: "For now."
He added defiantly, trying to salvage some shred of dignity.
Kaito: "But mark my words, little girl—this isn't over."
(Meanwhile, on the other side of the world)
Mochizuki, Takumi, the Black Figure, and Kaien continued their journey down the mysterious path. The air was thick with tension and unspoken questions as they walked in silence. Mochizuki's eyes scanned the surroundings warily, his hand instinctively glowing with blue flames. Takumi walked with a steady pace, his mind racing with thoughts he couldn't voice aloud. The Black Figure remained shrouded in darkness, his presence ominous.
The Black Figure: "The Goat Cult is dwindling in numbers."
He spoke up suddenly, his voice echoing ominously through the quiet forest path. He paused.
Takumi's steps faltered slightly as he spoke up, his brow furrowed with concern.
Takumi: "I know finding Kiyozawa is crucial, but since we've been separated from the others... I think our priority should be reuniting with them first."
He looked at Mochizuki and Kaien, seeking their agreement.
Takumi: "We're outnumbered and facing an enemy that's willing to do anything to achieve their goals. Sticking together gives us the best chance against the Goat Cult."
(Meanwhile in the Church).
Axel: "Numbers are decreasing—something I never thought would happen. My members are actually losing to a handful of Kings? I never expected the Orb Kings to enter this world. I can't wait any longer, especially for the second link."
He starts the ritual within the church, appearing suddenly in a random village filled with innocent people. The villagers, unaware of the impending doom, would soon face a terrible fate. As the ritual begins, the entire village vanishes completely, leaving behind an eerie silence. The ritual was intended to send the souls directly to the second link, accelerating the process without the need to wait months or years.
Axel: "Time to begin."
He declares ominously, his voice echoing through the air as he vanishes and reappears in the perpetually-bleeding town.
He snaps his fingers, summoning Kiyozawa and the other links to his location. Kiyozawa screams in agony as the influx of souls overwhelms his system, accelerating the process beyond what his body can handle.
(Meanwhile in a dark room).
Kaito: "It's happening."
He smirks as he and Aaron suddenly vanish without a trace. Hiromi's eyes widened in shock and disbelief, her outstretched hand grasping at thin air where Aaron once stood. In an instant, Kaito and Aaron are teleported to the Goat Cult leader's presence.
The third link also appears beside them—a dark figure stepping from the shadows. Axel, the Goat Cult leader, stands holding an ancient, glowing book, clearly ready to begin.
Axel: Usually, I don't rush the process—it's dangerous."
He says, his voice is cold and calculating.
Axel: "But with these Kings and Queens appearing in this world, I have no choice."
He grips the book tighter, the ritual already beginning to unfold around them.
The book pulsed with an ethereal glow as shimmering chains materialized from the shadows, coiling around each of the chosen links. One wrapped securely around Kaito, the Original Link; another bound Aaron, the First Link; a third gripped Kiyozawa, the Second Link; and finally, the last clamped onto Asuka, the Third Link. Their fates were now intertwined.
Kiyozawa: "What's happening?"
He asks, his voice trembling with fear and confusion.
Kiyozawa: "We're becoming the book."
He responds calmly, his smirk never faltering.
Axel's eyes gleam with satisfaction as the ritual reaches its climax.
Axel: "Indeed."
He confirms, turning the page of the ancient tome.
Axel: "Your souls will become the very essence of this book, fueling its power."
The links feel their consciousness beginning to merge with the ancient pages.
Kiyozawa: "No!"
He shouts defiantly, his figure beginning to shimmer and fade.
Kiyozawa: "I refuse to serve you! You killed my father... why would I ever serve you?"
But his protests are futile as the book's power pulls him in, his soul merging with the ancient pages along with the other links. Axel laughs darkly.
Axel: "Foolish boy... your defiance only makes your soul more potent."
The book snaps shut, sealing the fates of the links within its forbidden pages.
Axel snaps his fingers, and with a wave of dark energy, he sends everyone away from the town that never stops bleeding. He reappears at the center of Orbpan surrounded by his remaining followers.
Axel: "The first world I'll destroy is Orb World."
He declares coldly, opening the ancient book. Black liquid begins to seep from its pages, swirling menacingly as if ready to consume reality itself.
Axel: "Let the end begin."
(Orb United Kingdom Leader and The Wind Orb King).
Michael: "Not in our watch."
He says firmly, his eyes igniting with a blinding white glow as winds of immense power swirl around him. The air crackles with electricity as he summons his wind energy, creating a massive vortex between him and the swirling black liquid. His stance is unwavering—ready to protect the world no matter the cost. The wind howls like a thousand storms as Axel turns his attention toward this unexpected threat.
Axel: "Bottom Corporation."
He sneers, not the least bit intimidated.
Michael wasn't the only one to answer the call. A few other Kings materialize beside him, summoned by Sebastian's urgent message. The sudden appearance of so many powerful beings catches Axel off guard, his shock palpable.
Axel: "What... how?"
He stammers, his gaze darting between the assembled Kings.
Axel: "Are there more of you willing to stand against me?"
His surprise quickly turns to anger, the black liquid in the book intensifying, threatening to burst forth and engulf them all.
Axel: "Foolish Kings..."
(Orbussia Leader aka Dark Orb King).
Yusuke: "Dark Style Final Form: Black Moon Double Scythe!"
His scythe transforms into two gleaming blades, each radiating an otherworldly aura. This is one of his most dangerous moves—one touch means instant death. The double scythes spin menacingly, ready to slice through reality itself. Axel's eyes widen in genuine fear as he recognizes the power before him. The black liquid in the book recoils slightly, sensing the imminent threat.
Axel: "Don't think I'll back down!"
He shouts, manipulating the black liquid like a puppet master, directing it straight toward Yusuke, the Dark Orb King. Yusuke and the other Kings scatter, moving out of the way with practiced precision. Michael channels his wind energy, creating a massive barrier that redirects the deadly liquid away from nearby towns, saving countless lives. Seizing the opening, Yusuke closes the distance, his double scythes whirling like a deadly storm.
Realizing he's outmatched, Axel disappears in a flash, ordering one of his Goat Cult members to hold off Yusuke and the other Kings. Meanwhile, Axel uses the black liquid to attack nearby towns indiscriminately. But his destruction is suddenly halted as black flames erupt from the ground, blocking the liquid's path.
Mochizuki: "Time for round three, bastard!"
He appears, his eyes burning with dark fury as he unleashes his signature black flames directly at Axel.
With a maniacal laugh, Axel activates the full power of the ancient tome, creating a million exact clones of his Goat Cult members. They scatter across Orb World like a plague, each one equipped with the same devastating abilities as their original. The Kings are immediately overwhelmed, struggling to keep track of and fight against the endless horde.
Axel: "Now, try to keep up with that!"
Axel cackles triumphantly, watching as his strategy begins to turn the tide.
Axel: "With my army of clones, you'll never defeat me!"
Takumi: "Time Style Ultimate Move: Ultimate Time Freeze."
The nearby towns and surrounding areas are instantly frozen in time, halting the clones in their tracks. Meanwhile, Mochizuki takes advantage of the sudden stasis, unleashing a massive burst of black flames that consumes the frozen Goat Cult clones, obliterating them entirely. The flames burn bright and hot before fading away, leaving only ashes where the clones once stood.
Mochizuki: "So many..."
Takumi: "Keep going!"
The remaining Kings continue to battle the countless clones, their efforts relentless. Yusuke engages in fierce combat with the Goat Cult members, his dark scythes slicing through their ranks.
Meanwhile, Axel watches the destruction unfold with sadistic joy until a bright light appears. Hiromi bursts onto the scene, punching Axel squarely in the mask with astonishing speed and force.
Hiromi: "Stop this madness!"
She activates God's power, her kicks fueled by celestial energy. She effortlessly knocks the ancient tome out of Axel's grasp, sending it spiraling through the air and landing somewhere in the vast expanse of Orbpan. Axel's anger boils over, his punch aimed at Hiromi's stomach sending her flying backward with incredible force.
Axel: "You dare interfere with my plans?"
He snarls, his eyes burning with fury.
Axel: "I'll kill you for that!"
Hiromi: "I'll keep you away from that book!"
She declares, her voice filled with determination despite the pain from Axel's powerful blow. She lands gracefully, her godly aura flaring brighter as she stands.
The Kings pause in their battle against the clones, realizing the true target of Axel's obsession.
Axel: "You think you can stop me?"
He laughs darkly, his fists clenched in rage.
Axel: "I'll tear you apart and retrieve that book!"
Michael: "We have to find that book!"
He bellows, his wind energy launching him into the air as he scans the horizon of Orbpan with keen, focused eyes. Other Kings swiftly follow, their unique abilities allowing them to cover vast areas quickly and efficiently. Meanwhile, some remain behind to continue battling the remaining clones. Axel watches them desperately, his frustration mounting as he realizes his plans are temporarily thwarted without the ancient tome. Hiromi keeps a close watch on him, prepared to intervene should he attempt to retrieve the lost artifact.
Seizing the opportunity, Axel quickly channels some of the black liquid from the nearby corrupted area, using it to launch a vicious attack against Hiromi. Without hesitation, she retaliates, her divine powers clashing with Axel's dark energy in an explosive display of light and shadows.* Their battle intensifies, each blow exchanging with immense force, the air crackling with the power of their confrontation. Meanwhile, the search for the book continues, the Kings' determination unwavering, knowing that finding it is crucial to stopping Axel's schemes.
(At the Nanatsu no Shi Hideout).
Amaya's peaceful moment is disrupted by an ominous feeling. She steps out to investigate and is met with the sight of devastation. Her gaze falls upon a peculiar book lying on the ground, its cover adorned with ancient symbols. Intrigued, she picks it up, unaware of its significance or the chaos it has caused elsewhere.
Amaya: "What's this...?"
She murmurs, flipping it open to reveal its yellowed pages filled with cryptic text and illustrations.
The book glows faintly, and words suddenly appear on a blank page: "Amaya, please help me." Her eyes widen in shock as a drawing materializes beside the text—the face of Kiyozawa, looking terrified and desperate.
Amaya: "Kiyozawa..."
She whispers, gripping the book tighter as emotion floods through her.
Meanwhile, the other Kings continue their frantic search while battling clones. Hiromi and Axel's fight reaches a fever pitch, their powers clashing in spectacular bursts of energy.
Amaya's voice cracks as she speaks, tears streaming down her cheeks. She presses the book against her chest, the tears staining the page with Kiyozawa's face.
Amaya: "I thought you were dead... I heard your father... He killed you, didn't he?"
Her voice trembles with emotion, the pain of losing a friend resonating deeply within her. The book responds with a single sentence written in shaky letters: "Amaya, I'm still alive."
A flicker of hope ignites in Amaya's heart as she carefully carries the book inside, placing it gently on her bed. She sits beside it, her mind racing with questions. Could she really free Kiyozawa from its pages? Was he truly alive, trapped within this ancient tome? The thought consumed her—she had to find a way.
Elsewhere, the battle rages on. The Kings had managed to eliminate most clones, but Axel's power grew stronger.
Amaya holds the book up, her determination shining in her eyes as she commands.
Amaya: "Kiyozawa, come out!"
She speaks with authority, channeling her hope and longing into the words. The book begins to glow faintly, the pages fluttering as if caught in an otherworldly breeze. Suddenly, a blinding light erupts from the tome, and Kiyozawa stands before her, looking pale and weakened but undeniably alive.
Kiyozawa: "Amaya..."
He whispers hoarsely.
Amaya's trembling fingers brush against Kiyozawa's cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin. He blushes slightly at her touch, his eyes softening with emotion.
Kiyozawa: "Yeah, it's really me."
He says softly, his voice barely above a whisper. He reaches up to catch her hand, holding it against his face.
Amaya: "I'm here, Amaya."
His thumb strokes her knuckles gently, his gaze locked with hers.
Kiyozawa quickly grabs the book, his determination replacing his weak demeanor.
Kiyozawa: "We have to free the others."
He says, his eyes hardening.
Kiyozawa: "And we have to stop the Goat Cult before Axel destroys everything."
He flips through the pages, searching for traces of his fellow Links. A faint image of Kaito's face appears on one page, followed by Aaron and Asuka on others.
Kiyozawa: "They're still here..."
He clenches his jaw.
Amaya: "Kiyozawa, what's happening?"
She asks, concerns filling her voice as she watches Kiyozawa's expression harden with resolve.
Kiyozawa: "I don't know everything yet."
He admits, his fingers tightening on the book.
Kiyozawa: "But I know this—I have to get revenge on that goat-masked bastard for killing my father. We had just made up... and he took that away from me."
A fierce determination burns in his eyes.
Kiyozawa: "He won't get away with it."
One of the Goat Cult members appears behind Amaya, pressing a knife against her chest where her life force resides. Kiyozawa's eyes widen in horror, his protective instincts kicking in instantly.
Kiyozawa: "Let her go!"
He growls, his voice is low and dangerous.
Kiyozawa: "If you hurt her..."
His hand clenches around the book, knuckles turning white with rage.
Kiyozawa: "I swear I'll make you pay."
The cult member smirks menacingly.
Ranura: "Second Link, get back into the book. Now."
Kiyozawa: "Don't tell me what to do!"
He bellows, his voice echoing with raw emotion and power. He unleashes a deafening screech, sound waves pulsing outwards and slamming into the female cult member with incredible force. Utilizing the book's power, he enhances his attack, the sound waves stronger and more deadly than ever before.
The cult member is thrown back, the knife clattering to the ground as she crashes into a nearby wall, stunned and injured.
Kiyozawa: "I'm not going back into that book!"
(Meanwhile outside of the base).
Hayden: "Ah, that's definitely Kiyozawa's screech."
He states, standing atop a building while recalling the events of earlier.
(Flashback).
He stirs awake to find himself no longer in that world, his senses immediately picking up on Hiromi's growing anger. It seems an unknown event transpired while he was unconscious, likely the result of expending too much energy during his ultimate move.
Hayden: "What happened?"
He asks Hiromi, his voice laced with concern.
Hiromi: "I don't know."
She replies, her expression grave.
Hiromi: "But I have a feeling something terrible is unfolding right now."
Sebastian: "Hey, you two."
He calls out as his light armor materializes once again. Without hesitation, he sends a message to Bottom Corporation, reporting the developing situation involving the goat cult.
Sebastian: "We've got bigger problems."
He adds grimly.
Hiromi: "I have to go."
She declares, utilizing God's power to teleport herself to the location where she's needed most. Hayden nods understandingly.
Hayden: "I have to find Kiyozawa. I promised Zentaro Kiyozawa's father that I would."
Sebastian replies nonchalantly,
Sebastian: "Do what you want. I'm going to stop the goat cult."
(End of flashback).
Hayden: "Time to head in."
He murmurs to himself, steeling his resolve as he takes off in search of Kiyozawa. The weight of his promise to Zentaro Kiyozawa's father presses heavily on his shoulders, driving him forward despite his lingering exhaustion.
Hayden's eyes flash crimson as he activates.
Hayden: Blood Style Version Two: Enlace de Cadena de Sangre.
His blood transforms into crimson energy, tendrils of scarlet reaching out and connecting with every person in the room—even crossing friend and foe boundaries.
Hayden: "Found you."
He says coldly, his gaze locking onto Kiyozawa. The red chains materialize, snaking directly toward the Link.
Kiyozawa's eyes widened in recognition.
Kiyozawa: "You're... from the police force."
Hayden activates his blood chains, using them to yank both Kiyozawa and Amaya away from the female cult member, pulling them to safety. The crimson tendrils coil protectively around them before retracting.
Kiyozawa: "You were with my father before he died..."
He says, his voice is heavy with emotion.
Hayden: "I know I was."
He responds solemnly.
Hayden: "Sorry for your loss."
He meets Kiyozawa's gaze directly.
Hayden: "He was a good man."
Hayden: "That book is dangerous."
He says urgently.
Hayden: "You two have to figure out how to get rid of it permanently. But first, we need to save the people trapped inside."
He turns to face the injured cult member, ready to subdue her.
Hayden: "I'll handle this one. You two focus on saving the Links and destroying that cursed tome before Axel gets his hands on it again."
With that, he moves to confront the enemy, leaving Kiyozawa and Amaya to their critical task.
Amaya: "How are we supposed to do that?"
She asks, clutching the book tightly as Kiyozawa flips through its pages.
Kiyozawa: "You freed me by calling my name."
He responds, scanning the ancient symbols.
Kiyozawa: "Maybe it'll work the same way for the others. We just have to find them first."
He points to faded drawings scattered throughout the book's pages—Kaito, Aaron, Asuka.
In the midst of his battle with Hiromi, Axel's voice booms across the battlefield.
Axel: "Second Link, get back into the book!"
His command is clear and authoritative, aimed directly at Kiyozawa. Kiyozawa freezes momentarily, torn between his mission to save the others and the sudden urge to obey Axel's order. Hiromi takes advantage of the distraction, landing a powerful blow that sends Axel stumbling backward. Kiyozawa shakes his head vigorously, breaking free from Axel's mental grip.
Kiyozawa: "No."
Axel: "The Links come out and fight! Kill everyone!"
His power surges, forcibly pulling the Links out of the book. Kiyozawa feels Axel's control trying to take over him, his mind screaming against it.
Kiyozawa: "I don't want to listen to you!"
He shouts, fighting against the mental invasion. The other Links emerge, their eyes glowing with Axel's influence, ready to obey his deadly commands. Kiyozawa's resistance is palpable, sweat beading on his forehead as he struggles.
Axel's voice echoes menacingly in Kiyozawa's mind, his command resonating with ominous power.
(In his mind).
Axel: "Obey, Second Link. Kill them all."
Kiyozawa's resistance crumbles under the onslaught of Axel's influence. His eyes glow an eerie red as he loses control, falling prey to the Goat Cult leader's manipulation.
(Out of his mind).
Kiyozawa: "Yes... Master..."
He whispers, his voice laced with a chilling subservience.
Amaya: "Kiyozawa!"
She cries out, her eyes widening in horror as she sees him charging towards her, his sword drawn and eyes glowing red. She acts quickly, pulling out her dagger to block his deadly strike at the last moment. The clash of metal echoes through the tense atmosphere.
Amaya: "Kiyozawa, it's me! Amaya! Snap out of it!"
She shouts desperately, trying to reach through the veil of Axel's control.
Hayden is locked in a fierce battle with the female cult member, crimson chains whipping through the air as black liquid slams against them. He can't break away to help—the fight is too intense.
Meanwhile, the other freed Links scatter, their bodies no longer their own as they hunt the Kings across Orbpan. Amaya is alone against Kiyozawa, her dagger barely holding back his sword as he pushes forward with frightening strength.
Amaya: "Please, Kiyozawa... I know you're in there somewhere!"
Her tears stream down her face as she pushes back against Kiyozawa's blade, the cold metal pressing dangerously close to her chest.
Amaya: "I know it's not the best time."
She sobs, struggling to hold her ground.
Amaya: "But I love you!"
Her voice breaks, raw and honest.
In that moment, Kiyozawa's eyes—still glowing red—widen with shock. Something flickers behind the haze of Axel's control, breaking through for just an instant.
Kiyozawa: "Amaya... I—"
Without warning, a massive pug suddenly materializes directly in front of Kiyozawa, slamming him to the ground with impressive force. The adorable yet powerful pug proceeds to enthusiastically lick Kiyozawa's face, breaking through Axel's mental hold with each slap of its tongue.
Kanako: "Sorry I'm late to the party."
Her cheerful voice echoes as she appears, her cute pug expertly neutralizing the possessed Link. Kiyozawa groans in disgust, trying to push the slobbering pug away.
Amaya: "Kanako, you're here."
She says, relief flooding her voice as she lowers her dagger, the immediate threat is neutralized. The massive pug continues to pin Kiyozawa to the ground, its tail wagging furiously.
Kiyozawa lies there, stunned and speechless—not just from the pug's weight, but from Amaya's confession. His sister being here is another shock entirely. He stares at the ceiling, processing what just happened.
Kiyozawa: "Did you just say... you love me?"
This will continue in the next chapter.