After her battle with Hakushi, Kiminage sheathed her sword and removed her mask. Xers and Hanken, together with the army, had completely annihilated the enemy forces inside the castle. The total number of losses was twenty-seven.
"Did you see how I completely crushed Hakushi?!"
"You're truly strong, Kiminage. Red Crescent will be a massive threat to anyone who stands against us."
"Thanks, Xers."
"Hanken, Kiminage, listen to me," Xers continued. "In our recent operations, we've inflicted severe damage on Kurogiri. At this point, our army—our followers—need official recognition. Tonight, we will establish a new clan."
"A-a clan?"
"A c-clan? That's a great idea!"
"Alright then. Everyone finish your duties and meet me at the main base tonight."
While Xers, Hanken, and Kiminage were preparing to found a new clan, Nystral showed no signs of slowing down and continued his massacres across Shadowia. In Northern Shadowia, a group of Kurotsume sorcerers was stationed under the command of Narzeft Yuro.
"Hey, Nystral. Look at this—Xers and his group are causing trouble for us."
"Tsurogami, you really don't seem to understand. Xers and his group are extremely strong right now. If I had managed to steal Yuon's power back then, I might have reached a level where I could face Hanken directly—but we're still at the beginning. If I can take this man called Yuro's wind manipulation, I'll gain the power to challenge Hanken and others like him. And once I take Hanken's power as well, everything will become easy, Tsurogami."
"My lord, it's not that I don't understand. There's something else. Someone new has joined Xers' side."
"Who?"
"Piros Kiminage. The woman you fought when you tried to obtain the key."
"T-that woman? Wasn't she dead?"
"It doesn't seem so. And she's far stronger than before. If we don't stop them, things will only get worse with each passing day."
"Calm yourself, Tsurogami. I've planned everything."
Nystral, Tsurogami, and their army moved toward Yuro and his forces. Nystral intended to manipulate him first.
"So, you must be Nystral."
"What? Did I scare you?"
"It's rare for me to fear anything."
"Then why don't you join me?"
"Don't lump me together with the other traitors, Nystral. I'm itching to end your life right here. How about a one-on-one?"
"You'll regret it. Very well. Come."
Nystral drew his sword and put on his mask. Yuro did the same.
Name: Narzeft Yuro, Age: 22, Nation: Shadowia, Skills: G-Technic Stage 3, Wind Breaker
Yuro made the first move, charging at Nystral with his sword.
"Don't underestimate me!"
Nystral leapt behind Yuro and struck. Yuro quickly turned around, blocking the attack as their blades collided. As Nystral pressed against Yuro's sword, he spoke calmly.
"Join me…"
"NEVER!"
Yuro pushed Nystral back and unleashed five consecutive sword strikes. Nystral deflected every single one with a cold expression, as if mocking him.
"That look of arrogance on your face will soon turn into fear! Wind!"
A violent gust erupted from Yuro's blade, slamming Nystral into the castle walls. The impact didn't stop him immediately—he rolled across the open field outside before finally coming to a halt. Blood began to trickle from his head, though the wound wasn't severe.
"H-hahaha… this bastard really is strong. I'LL DEVOUR YOUR POWER!"
Nystral sprang to his feet and rushed toward Yuro. Midway, he vanished.
"Ghost Step!"
Nystral reappeared behind Yuro and struck. Yuro blocked again and immediately activated his technique.
"Wind!"
Another blast of wind surged forward, but this time Nystral responded instantly.
"Steel Shield!"
The barrier absorbed the attack, and Nystral countered with an unexpected slash.
"H-he didn't get blown away?!"
"HIIIAH!"
Even though Yuro managed to block, the sheer force sent him crashing into a table inside the inn. Glass cups and plates shattered, scattering everywhere. Deep cuts formed across Yuro's body.
"Y-you blocked my technique… My abdomen is torn open. I can't feel my legs. A large piece must've pierced my spine. So… I've lost…"
"I told you to join me, Yuro. Those you call traitors are living in luxury right now."
"A-at least I'm dying with honor, you bastard."
"You talk too much."
Nystral plunged his sword into Yuro, killing him on the spot. Now came the true objective—stealing his power. Nystral brought his hands toward Yuro's mask. The Comp Evolved activated, forcibly drawing the power out. The color of Yuro's mask faded.
"Yes… I have your power now, Yuro. And I'll use it to kill others…"
Night fell.
Xers and his group gathered at the main base, where Xers stepped forward to speak.
"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight is important for us! Over the past two weeks, we've achieved countless victories. Our group is now an official threat—and it needs a unifying identity. That's why we've decided to form a clan."
Everyone shouted together, "What? A clan? That's awesome!"
"T-then what will our clan be called?"
"Our clan's name is Tshusenkai! It means 'Those Who See the Grave.' Tonight, I want to celebrate with all of you—you're all on leave!"
At last, the clan had been founded. Born from the ashes of Kurotsume, Tshusenkai would illuminate Shadowia.
"Captain Xers!"
"Yes?"
"We've finally managed to gather all the Kurotsume sorcerers scattered across Shadowia. A total of 7,800."
"Well done! Now go—you're on leave tonight. Let's party a little."
"R-really?"
"Yes!"
"Understood, Captain!"