Two days later, the rain pattered softly against Aoi's window. She had just finished dinner—simple rice and miso soup—and was folding laundry in the living room. The television murmured in the background, playing the evening news. Normally, it was nothing but weather forecasts and stories about local events.
But tonight, the anchor's voice grew sharp, urgent.
"Breaking news. In the neighboring town, more details have emerged about the mysterious incident involving what eyewitnesses described as a 'monster attack.' For the first time, video footage has surfaced."
Aoi froze, her hands clutching the fabric of her hoodie. She turned to the screen.
The video was shaky, filmed on someone's phone. The image jumped and blurred as people screamed and fled in the background. And then, through the chaos, he appeared.
A figure in gleaming armor stepped into view—dark green plates layered like scales, with crimson highlights catching the light. His helmet was sharp, serpentine, with eyes that glowed like burning embers. Across his chest, an emblem of a coiled snake pulsed faintly.
The reporter's voice spoke over the footage:
"This armored warrior identified himself as Kamen Rider Cobra. Witnesses say he confronted the monster alone."
On the screen, Aoi watched as the monster lunged—a hulking, grotesque creature with claws that tore through concrete. The warrior moved with speed and precision, blocking with his armored gauntlets, countering with powerful strikes. Sparks flew as steel clashed against inhuman strength.
The video cut briefly, then returned to show the final moment: Cobra delivering a devastating finishing blow, his armor gleaming as the monster dissolved into smoke.
And then—just as quickly as he appeared—he was gone.
The footage ended, returning to the anchor.
"The authorities have yet to comment on the identity of this so-called 'Kamen Rider Cobra.' Whether he is friend, foe, or something else entirely remains unclear. Citizens are advised to remain cautious as investigations continue."
Aoi sat in silence, her breath caught in her throat. Her mind replayed the images—the glowing eyes, the fearless stance, the way he moved against something no ordinary human could ever face.
It was real. Sayaka's story hadn't been just a rumor. Monsters existed, and so did the warrior who fought them.
She hugged her knees to her chest, the flickering light of the TV painting shadows across the walls. For the first time since her parents had passed away, her quiet world felt shaken—like a door to something vast and terrifying had been cracked open.
And she couldn't stop wondering:
Who is Kamen Rider Cobra?