In the heart of St. Petersburg, a streak of light seared across the midday sky. Citizens below, a mix of the terrified and the curious, stared up, pointing and recording the unnatural phenomenon on their phones. Perhaps the streak of light was a beacon of hope in a world plunged into darkness. It was a sign from a higher power. It was Kaito.
He landed in front of the grandiose Kazan Cathedral, his boots silent on the cobblestone square. The crowd of onlookers, already on edge from the unfolding chaos, marveled at his appearance. His wing and the halo above his head gave him the look of an angel. Many fell to their knees in prayer. Kaito, however, ignored them, his focus unwavering as he walked into the cathedral.
Inside, the cathedral was more of a museum than a place of worship, but it was still crowded with people. In the wake of the undead rising, faith had become a common coping mechanism. As Kaito entered, followed by a small crowd of devout onlookers, a sudden hush fell over the congregation. Murmurs turned to silence as they witnessed him. A path cleared for him, and no one dared to ask why he was there.
Kaito walked until he stood before a figure who was admiring a mural. Grigori, his back to Kaito, spoke without turning. "So you decided to chase after me. Not only that, but you also fused with the divine sword. You would choose to forsake your humanity just to defeat me?" He turned, a flicker of genuine curiosity in his eyes. "It was an inevitability that my actions would eventually be stopped by the Order and other forces, give or take after many years of struggle. Why would you go so far, especially after I let you live?"
"It's my responsibility," Kaito stated, his voice a calm monotone.
Grigori laughed, a hollow, bitter sound. "Responsibility, huh? I suppose I wouldn't understand. As the No Life King, my subordinates and supposedly loyal followers betrayed me. As Grigori, I lied and cheated my way toward power and comfort, only to die in that frigid river. However, it was in those icy waters that I awakened by memories and identity as the No Life King."
Grigori turned back to the mural, his gaze distant. "In truth, I'm conflicted. My burning hatred for all life still remains, yet my devotion to God has provided me the answer of giving all life a second chance... as undead under my dominion."
"The nature of life and death is rather interesting, isn't it? You're either alive or you're dead, yet the soul exists, and with it, so does the possibility of resurrection. Yet, aside from true miracles, there is no true resurrection. There is and forever will be a catch. You've faced death before, haven't you? I can see it in you. The world will try to correct itself, and you along with it."
"I've always sought to escape death and be unbounded. Yet..." Grigori shook his head. "It would spoil the secret if I were to tell you. But tell me, do you know why we seek Durandal?"
Kaito remained silent.
"No, I'm guessing not. This is a secret few would know. However, the world isn't always like this. So peaceful... Although this side of the world is thin in terms of spiritual energy, magic was a rare, if common enough, phenomenon that it was impossible to remain ignorant of its existence. Academies were built for the sake of its education and research. Rulers would hold their thrones using the might of it. Wars would be fought with it. Yet, where did it all go? I've seen that sudden shift with my very own eyes. If you manage to survive against me, in time, you will know the tragic extent of the Church's failings."
He finally turned back to Kaito. "I've bored you enough with my little monologue. Now then, allow me to introduce myself to you yet again. I am Grigori Rasputin, the No Life King, and the Chalk Requiem of the Veiled Circle."
As he spoke, the chilling, skeletal form of the No Life King manifested behind him. An anti-life aura radiated from the skeletal figure, rendering all those nearby to fall into an unconscious stupor. The murmurs of the crowd turned into a collective thud as they all fell to the floor. Kaito stood still, unaffected by the overwhelming aura.
Grigori smiled again. "Before we fight, let's head a bit farther away. I wouldn't want to ruin the city that would be my new citadel."