Tenjo Hikari lightly jumped down from the car and looked back at Serena.
For the sake of speed, Tierra directly threw the car onto a steep slope, which was fine since it didn't land. After getting out, Tenjo Hikari almost lost his balance, but Serena wasn't a fool. Upon seeing Tenjo Hikari's actions, she carefully got out of the car without falling or bumping into anything.
Tenjo Hikari stretched vigorously, saying, "Not bad, the situation over there isn't as serious, much lighter compared to here."
After sending Kagurazaka and the others to the original station, Tenjo Hikari learned from Kaiba Company and Lightsworn that the Dark World's attacks on other parts had decreased significantly, focusing more on one point. Tenjo Hikari realized that they must be concentrating their forces.
Although he had agreed to meet up with Judai at a certain time, Tenjo Hikari, seeing the situation, felt that Judai couldn't possibly sit still. Thus, he immediately started heading in Judai's direction.
It turned out as Tenjo Hikari expected.
Judai certainly couldn't sit still; he wouldn't watch weaklings suffer before his eyes without taking action.
Even though it was late, Tierra informed Tenjo Hikari that the high-level demons of the Dark World all seemed dead. Including the Martial God in his hand, the Divine Soldier who died somewhere unknown, and demons like ghost gods, all seemed to have fallen to Judai. Today, both the Demon God and Dragon Lord were completely annihilated.
The "top combat power" of the Dark World was nearly wiped out in an instant. If they had conflicts with other forces, they'd undoubtedly be beaten.
However, he didn't seem too late.
At least, he appeared quite pivotal.
He glanced at Shou and Kenzan. Both seemed a bit exhausted, with Shou looking particularly weak.
He knew about some of Marufuji Shou's changes during this time; Judai had told him about it, making him feel emotional.
At least, tricking Marufuji Shou into the Integration Department justified Caesar.
"There were some incidents on the way, so I'm a bit late. But I didn't expect it to be quite lively here too." Tenjo Hikari glanced at Jim and O'Brien.
Even though he had guessed their identities based on their appearance and attire, he still greeted them and asked Judai to introduce them.
Judai laughed twice and said to Tenjo Hikari, "This is Jim, and this is Kallen. Don't be fooled; it's a crocodile, but it's Jim's family; and this is O'Brien, very reliable and skilled."
"That's Serena, a first-year student. Next to her is her mentor. Her mentor is Hikari, Tenjo Hikari—" Judai introduced the two, coughing slightly, putting on an official look, "The apex of the Academy, Tenjo Hikari, the answer to Polymerization, Tenjo Hikari!"
Next to him, Serena nodded continuously, responding "Mm-hmm-hmm." Tenjo Hikari shook his head helplessly, explaining to the two that he wasn't that exaggerated.
Jim and O'Brien exchanged glances.
Tenjo Hikari, they had heard of the name vaguely too.
But they never expected that after Tenjo Hikari appeared in front of them, Judai would feel relieved as if he had been set free.
It wasn't just Judai.
Shou and Kenzan, who had been struggling these past few days, also relaxed suddenly, nearly falling over due to being too relaxed.
And even further—
Those Spirits of Lightsworn over there visibly relaxed when they saw Tenjo Hikari, letting go of much of their previous wariness. They seemed not to fear "The Supreme King" anymore.
However, compared to the relaxed Judai, they still held suspicions and cautiousness, being very careful around Judai.
"Tenjo Hikari, didn't expect you to come too." Lightsworn Angel opened its mouth, "Don't get closer to this human; this person is [The Supreme King]."
"The Supreme King?" Tenjo Hikari casually responded, approaching Judai without delving deeper. He directly put his arm around Judai's shoulder, laughing heartily, "We'll talk about those things later. Come on, Judai, everyone, come on! It's been tiring, my treat, let's eat fried shrimp today!"
"I'll eat two servings!" Judai laughed with Tenjo Hikari, arm in arm.
"Tenjo Hikari!" A Lightsworn Angel disregarded the atmosphere, blocking Tenjo Hikari's path.
Seeing this, Tenjo Hikari reluctantly let go, looked at the opposite, and sighed, "Ah... Can't we talk about this later?"
"Tenjo Hikari, this is not something that can wait!"
"...Actually, I heard what you said earlier."
?
Could that also be heard?
Of course, Tenjo Hikari hadn't actually heard them. No matter how good his hearing was, he couldn't hear them clearly in the air. But Tenjo Hikari had Tierra assist him with collecting sounds here long before, thus having a general idea of what they had argued about earlier.
"Since you heard it already, then don't stop us!" Lightsworn blocked Tenjo Hikari, "Even if you are recognized, you can't stop us from eradicating evil!"
Tenjo Hikari sighed again, feeling puzzled and helpless, as if questioning the other's words.
"Then, let me repeat—just like when I first met you.
You have your justice, and we have ours!"
Tenjo Hikari slowly clenched his fist in front of him, looking directly opposite, "How many ordinary people has Judai protected? How many Spirits has he saved? Is he evil?"
"He is [The Supreme King]! He shields those Dark World demons!"
"He is—Yuki Judai!" Tenjo Hikari snorted coldly, not backing down an inch, speaking clearly and powerfully, "No matter what it is, whether it's a world-destroying evil force or a power of darkness that can control demons.
No matter the power, as long as Judai is doing righteous deeds, you have no reason to stop him!"
He extended his fist towards the Angel: "No matter who Judai was in his past life, his present life is determined by him!"
The Angel was overwhelmed by Tenjo Hikari's aura. This aura, like a tangible force, startled it.
Is this the human that General Jane faced at the time?
However, it soon composed itself and continued, "But the power of The Supreme King is enough to change a person's mind. One day, he will turn into a dark Demon King and rule the Spirit Dimension again.
We cannot allow such a thing to develop naturally."
Tenjo Hikari shook his head, "Fine. In that case—let's use the usual method then."
"A duel." Tenjo Hikari pulled his hand back, crossed his arms, and said calmly, "You and Judai duel, then decide [justice]."
"Impossible! He is not you; he is enveloped in evil energy! We cannot accept such a duel!"
"If you're afraid of even a duel, how can you [handle] Judai?"
!!!
The Angel finally realized it had made a serious mistake.
If it wanted to apprehend The Supreme King, it must duel with The Supreme King.
Not to mention if it can even defeat The Supreme King.
To duel, there must be stakes.
Then, the stakes for both sides will be one and only one—a stake that the present Supreme King would accept.
And that is [justice].
Use the duel to decide who is [justice]!
The victor shall be justice!
If they win, they'll dispose of the Dark World demons and capture The Supreme King; if they lose, The Supreme King commands those Dark World demons to remain on standby, earning the name of justice.
But how could justice be decided by simple wins and losses?
Justice is a fact! Even if losing to evil after giving one's all, a righteous person does not become evil!
Even if like moths to a flame, charging ahead, justice is justice, and it will never become evil.
"The world's life all have their own judgment, justice is a fact, not a dueling stake. If justice is used as a stake, it ceases to be." It whispered.
"Since you know that all lives have their judgments, let me remind you—currently, Judai is a just [hero]."
He spoke unhurriedly, "Irrespective of lineage, soul, past life, and all of that. He is a hero who saved countless people and Spirits. Surely, everyone at this station, both human and Spirit, can testify."
The Angel fell silent.
It didn't know how to respond. It started reflecting on its actions.
Tenjo Hikari shrugged.
"As expected of Senior Hikari..." Kenzan was stupefied, "He's so eloquent..."
Shou nodded repeatedly on the side, "Yes, yes, yes, well, big brother is too good-natured and not good at debating. The moment it's Tenjo-san, whatever is evil or not, justice or not, The Supreme King or not, stopping him from fusing is wrong. It must be Tenjo-san talking."
"Alright, alright, let's talk about worries later. Finally, it's quiet here. Let's relax, get acquainted, and have some food." Tenjo Hikari invited his classmates.
He actually knew very little about this place and had many things to clarify.
He knew this was just the beginning.