Raijin, The Rank 0 of Asterisk
Chapter 6
Void:The End
“I think I know your motives now. You’re not trying to attack Asterisk. No, Asterisk was never the target.
It was simply a means to your true objective. It’s me, isn’t it? I’m the one you’re really after.”
It was simply a means to your true objective. It’s me, isn’t it? I’m the one you’re really after.”
“Hoh? And why would you think that?”
“Because I know who you are. And you know me.” Hikaru answered before suddenly firing a bolt of
electricity at his face.
electricity at his face.
The sudden attack couldn’t be dodged or blocked and a cracking sound echoed in the silence.
The mask which he wore broke while his hood fell off from the force of the attack.
Black hair and piercing blue eyes. A face with some similarities to the teen opposite him.
“How are you doing, Hikaru?” He asked in a warm voice.
“I am doing good but these past few days haven’t been very pleasant for me, all thanks to you. You
know me but you tried to hurt me and even succeeded. I was almost broken and I changed. But I still
can’t bring myself to fully hate you, Jin oji-san.”
know me but you tried to hurt me and even succeeded. I was almost broken and I changed. But I still
can’t bring myself to fully hate you, Jin oji-san.”
His voice was cold and filled with venom, his eyes burning with hatred as he glared at the older man
before him.
before him.
“Now now… why are you looking at me so angrily?” The Phoenix runner-up said while stepping up to
the teen, almost caringly.
the teen, almost caringly.
Just as Jin placed a hand on his nephew’s shoulder, it was stopped before a strong and sudden kick to
his ribs made him widen his eyes in shock and pain. A few of his ribs cracked from the blow while a
small crater formed below the two fighters.
his ribs made him widen his eyes in shock and pain. A few of his ribs cracked from the blow while a
small crater formed below the two fighters.
“Don’t touch me, you scum!” Hikaru roared angrily and rushed forward as Jin summoned his weapon,
making the sole conscious teacher narrow her eyes angrily as a wall of flames formed around him.
making the sole conscious teacher narrow her eyes angrily as a wall of flames formed around him.
“That spear is...!” Kyouko growled through gritted teeth as Hikaru slashed with his katana, cutting
straight through the flames.
straight through the flames.
The blade of the katana was glowing slightly as sparks ran through it occasionally.
Just as his blade neared the man who made him suffer, he was thrown back by an invisible force
towards a wall.
towards a wall.
“Will you listen to me, nephew?”
“Listen to you?!”
“I came here to talk to you.”
“Shut up!”
“I have a reason for everyth-”
“SHUT UP!”
Dragons of lightning started to appear out of nowhere as they attacked the figure surrounded by flames,
as their creator slowly stood up, recovering from his collision with the wall.
as their creator slowly stood up, recovering from his collision with the wall.
“Talk? Reason?! Do I look like I care?!” He shouted, the lightning surrounding him starting to change
slowly to white.
slowly to white.
“You killed my parents! You made me suffer! Forced me to kill! What good reason did you have for that?!
Huh?! You think I need a reason for what you did?!”
Huh?! You think I need a reason for what you did?!”
He ran at the man again, losing himself to his anger.
With a burst of speed and strength not seen before, he appeared before Jin, sword already in motion.
The sword clashed against the shaft of the spear in a shower of sparks as the flames around them
intensified.
intensified.
The blue-haired teen was engulfed by the flames and a sharp scream of pain made a few voices cry
out in fear.
out in fear.
“Hikaru-kun!”
“Hikaru!”
The flames started to flicker away as Hikaru was thrown back again by Jin’s ability.
His clothes were partially burnt, but the most worrying things were the numerous swords stabbed into
his arms and legs and the long sword piercing through his stomach and back.
his arms and legs and the long sword piercing through his stomach and back.
All the blades seemed to be red hot as the teen held back his pained scream as the swords seemed to
be pushing themselves deeper into his body.
be pushing themselves deeper into his body.
Jin’s eyes became cold and expressionless as a heavy pressure started to push them to the ground.
The walls started to crack from the monstrous strength emitted by the final terrorist left on campus. The
ones suffering the worst of the pressure were Hikaru, Arashi, and Sylvia, who were the nearest people
to the black-haired man.
ones suffering the worst of the pressure were Hikaru, Arashi, and Sylvia, who were the nearest people
to the black-haired man.
“You haven’t learnt your lesson even after all these years, nephew.”
Hikaru could do nothing but listen as he was forced to the ground by the former student as the
Gravitas Autem Magi continued his speech, never letting up on his power and continuing to push
them down with his ability.
Gravitas Autem Magi continued his speech, never letting up on his power and continuing to push
them down with his ability.
“I taught you to fear opponents on a higher level than you. Recognise that fear and use logic to beat
them. Beat them with logic, beat them with strategy and tactics, beat them with ability. Never try to
beat them with power. Have you forgotten these teachings of mine, nephew?”
them. Beat them with logic, beat them with strategy and tactics, beat them with ability. Never try to
beat them with power. Have you forgotten these teachings of mine, nephew?”
Hikaru’s only response was a snarl as he struggled to move.
“Logic? Fear? Why should I fear you, bastard?!” Hikaru bit out angrily as Jin looked down on him,
literally.
literally.
“You are weak, nephew. What can you do to stop me? Even if I hurt you, you can’t stop me. Even if I
hurt those you want to protect, you are powerless to stop me.”
hurt those you want to protect, you are powerless to stop me.”
As if to prove his point, he took slow steps towards the frozen diva after stabbing Hikaru with the spear
in his hand, straight through his body and pinning him to the floor. The blade glowed a fiery red,
making Hikaru scream in pain while the spear-wielder continued to walk towards the girl, his boots
making ominous clatters against the floor.
in his hand, straight through his body and pinning him to the floor. The blade glowed a fiery red,
making Hikaru scream in pain while the spear-wielder continued to walk towards the girl, his boots
making ominous clatters against the floor.
As Sylvia started to shake from the killing intent directed at her, images of her own horrific death filling
her mind, she started to fade into unconsciousness, Arashi’s and Hikaru’s voices a distant echo.
her mind, she started to fade into unconsciousness, Arashi’s and Hikaru’s voices a distant echo.
“Leave Sylvie alone!”
“Don’t you dare touch her!”
The second voice was filled with anger and desperation.
As the black-haired man continued his stride with a mocking smile on his face, his blue eyes filled with
sadistic glee, a sudden rise in power from behind him made him move immediately, an action which
had probably saved his life.
sadistic glee, a sudden rise in power from behind him made him move immediately, an action which
had probably saved his life.
His nephew was now standing in his previous spot in a new crater, white lightning sparking off his body.
He stood protectively over Sylvia, his katana held in his right hand while his left held a chokuto. Both of
the blades were coated in lightning and the scent of ozone rapidly filled the air as the swords in Hikaru’s
limbs were still stuck in his body, the lightning coursing through his body fighting against the fiery aura
flowing through the swords. His uniform started to slowly burn away, his shirt already a crisp and
tattered mess.
He stood protectively over Sylvia, his katana held in his right hand while his left held a chokuto. Both of
the blades were coated in lightning and the scent of ozone rapidly filled the air as the swords in Hikaru’s
limbs were still stuck in his body, the lightning coursing through his body fighting against the fiery aura
flowing through the swords. His uniform started to slowly burn away, his shirt already a crisp and
tattered mess.
His blue-white hair was spiked and the teen’s eyes were now pools of crimson, as if reflecting the
blood he had spilled.
blood he had spilled.
“You think I will let you do as you want any longer?! You think I will let you hurt those I love any
longer?” His voice was switching between demonic and human as he spoke but his intentions were
clear.
longer?” His voice was switching between demonic and human as he spoke but his intentions were
clear.
Protect those he loves, by any means possible.
“Foolish boy, you think that you can stop me?” He held out his hand and the mana in the air swirled
around his outstretched hand, gathering in a vortex in his open palm. Suddenly… “Come, Ifrit.” … at
his command, in a sickening spectacle of blood, violence and heartlessness, Jin called the spear to
him. The spear pierced through the teen’s body, blade and shaft, making the teen fall to his knees as a
hole appeared in his body, right in the centre of his stomach.
around his outstretched hand, gathering in a vortex in his open palm. Suddenly… “Come, Ifrit.” … at
his command, in a sickening spectacle of blood, violence and heartlessness, Jin called the spear to
him. The spear pierced through the teen’s body, blade and shaft, making the teen fall to his knees as a
hole appeared in his body, right in the centre of his stomach.
“ARGHHH!” The teen let out an uncontrolled scream as the pain rushed through his hyper-sensitive
body and he fell to all fours, struggling to stand, while he violently coughed up blood, his own blood
now pooling around him. His eyes flashed between red and blue as he felt the wound healing slowly.
body and he fell to all fours, struggling to stand, while he violently coughed up blood, his own blood
now pooling around him. His eyes flashed between red and blue as he felt the wound healing slowly.
Damn it!
The lightning surrounding his body started to disappear, making the teen curse as he tried to summon
his power again.
his power again.
The gaping hole in his stomach disappeared, leaving a scar as the only trace.
Hikaru stood up again on shaking knees and then said, “I can’t let them get hurt! Narukami, give me
power! Take my emotions if you want!”
power! Take my emotions if you want!”
The black Urm Manadyte of the sword glowed ominously while power erupted from the sword,
surrounding the teen in white lightning.
surrounding the teen in white lightning.
His hair was covered with a sheen of white while his eyes became pools of blood-red as he stood up.
The swords lodged in his body started to slowly move and vibrate violently as the lightning clashed
against the fiery aura surrounding them.
against the fiery aura surrounding them.
The gravity acting on the teen intensified, a circle of cracks spreading out around the teen as the floor
cracked.
cracked.
“Convert all the rage I have into power and give me strength! Strength to kill all those who
threaten my existence! Kill those who hurt the ones I love! Kill all who dare to hurt those I
PROTECT! NARUKAMI!!!”
threaten my existence! Kill those who hurt the ones I love! Kill all who dare to hurt those I
PROTECT! NARUKAMI!!!”
Hikaru’s voice was now demonic as his aura started to take form, giving it the appearance of a dragon
which started to glare at the black-haired man. The spear in Jin’s hand started to vibrate violently.
which started to glare at the black-haired man. The spear in Jin’s hand started to vibrate violently.
Flames surrounded the man and started to recede into the red Manadyte in the shaft of the spear while
the swords lodged in Hikaru’s body finally exited his body, clattering to the floor, leaving wounds which
started to heal slowly.
the swords lodged in Hikaru’s body finally exited his body, clattering to the floor, leaving wounds which
started to heal slowly.
The regeneration seemed to take longer but the wounds closed eventually.
Suddenly, Hikaru disappeared and the fiery aura surrounding Jin flickered out. A puzzled look found its
way to Jin’s face before pain and surprise overtook as he was punched in the gut by an arm covered in
pure white lightning. The man bent over the fist lodged in his stomach and met a pair of demonic red
eyes.
way to Jin’s face before pain and surprise overtook as he was punched in the gut by an arm covered in
pure white lightning. The man bent over the fist lodged in his stomach and met a pair of demonic red
eyes.
“You think you have the power to stop me, foolish boy?”
Jin was still as calm as before, though unease was slowly beginning to creep into his voice. Hikaru was
blown away once again by Jin's ability before he blitzed away, leaving a white blur in his wake. The
Gravitas Autem Magi stared at the Raijin with amusement as he flicked his wrist and his spear blocked
the black katana, the blade stabbing into Hikaru's shoulder as the teen moved past him.
blown away once again by Jin's ability before he blitzed away, leaving a white blur in his wake. The
Gravitas Autem Magi stared at the Raijin with amusement as he flicked his wrist and his spear blocked
the black katana, the blade stabbing into Hikaru's shoulder as the teen moved past him.
With a grimace, Hikaru slashed with the chokuto in his left hand, while Jin slid back, a sword appearing
in his left hand to meet the chokuto. Rapier clashed against chokuto in a shower of sparks. Jin’s eyes
widened only a fraction of a second at the sudden increase in power and rise in killing intent.
in his left hand to meet the chokuto. Rapier clashed against chokuto in a shower of sparks. Jin’s eyes
widened only a fraction of a second at the sudden increase in power and rise in killing intent.
A savage and feral grin found its way to his face as Hikaru lashed out with his right leg, catching Jin in
his ribs. The rapier suddenly met no resistance as the chokuto disappeared and a fist shattered the
rapier into small fragments, as droplets of blood flew into the air. What?! What is he doing?!
his ribs. The rapier suddenly met no resistance as the chokuto disappeared and a fist shattered the
rapier into small fragments, as droplets of blood flew into the air. What?! What is he doing?!
The feral grin grew wider, threatening to split his face as he continued to attack without any restraint
and a shred of hesitation.
and a shred of hesitation.
“More! More! Come on! GIVE ME MORE POWER! DIE! DIEEEE!!!”
The terrorist was slowly being pushed back as the Raijin attacked and attacked without any care for
himself. The teen’s injuries started to progressively get worse as his hands and limbs were stabbed by
the spear in Jin’s hands. His uniform was badly burnt and his arms were in a similar situation. Still he
attacked without any hint of stopping.
himself. The teen’s injuries started to progressively get worse as his hands and limbs were stabbed by
the spear in Jin’s hands. His uniform was badly burnt and his arms were in a similar situation. Still he
attacked without any hint of stopping.
Suddenly, his power started to dwindle then sputtered to nothingness.
A pair of reddish blue eyes widened in shock as the pain suddenly affected him while a red-hot spear
was stabbed into his shoulder.
was stabbed into his shoulder.
“ARGHH!” The scream ripped itself out of his mouth before he could stop himself and Jin seemed to
falter for a bit before ripping the spear out of the teen’s shoulder.
falter for a bit before ripping the spear out of the teen’s shoulder.
“Weak… you are weak, Hikaru. Too weak to stop me.”
As if to prove his point, Jin exerted his power a little and pushed the Raijin away before a part of the
ceiling fell on the teen.
ceiling fell on the teen.
“HIKARU-KUN!!!” The Diva cried out in fear and worry as her friend was crushed under the rubble.
More pieces of rubble joined them, adding to the weight under which the teen was crushed and
creating a crater from the force of the impact.
More pieces of rubble joined them, adding to the weight under which the teen was crushed and
creating a crater from the force of the impact.
A few tense moments of silence later, Jin turned around, disappointment in his eyes.
Suddenly, a blast of lightning erupted from the rubble before suddenly changing course. The bolt of
lightning performed a series of complicated patterns before going through Jin’s defense, shooting
straight through his stomach and yet, he stood fast on his feet. At the same instant, from the rubble
emerged Hikaru, looking battered, beaten and just about to pass out. Only sheer willpower and his
hatred kept him going but even that would not sustain him forever. Jin realizing that confronting his
nephew while in such a state would only lead to a devastating defeat for him directly or indirectly,
decided to try to appeal to the teen’s logical aspect.
lightning performed a series of complicated patterns before going through Jin’s defense, shooting
straight through his stomach and yet, he stood fast on his feet. At the same instant, from the rubble
emerged Hikaru, looking battered, beaten and just about to pass out. Only sheer willpower and his
hatred kept him going but even that would not sustain him forever. Jin realizing that confronting his
nephew while in such a state would only lead to a devastating defeat for him directly or indirectly,
decided to try to appeal to the teen’s logical aspect.
“Let’s call it a day, shall we? As it stands, neither of us are able to continue fighting without… both of
us inevitably dying so what say we take a… three day break before we settle this… once and for all?”,
he managed to sputter out.
us inevitably dying so what say we take a… three day break before we settle this… once and for all?”,
he managed to sputter out.
In response, Hikaru glared at him with unbridled fury but otherwise did not respond, thinking over his
options.
options.
Damnit! I can’t take him on like this. He’s right, if we continue our battle as is, we’d both end up dying
regardless of who wins. If he leaves, then at the very least, I can recover from my wounds given my
status as a Regenerative. But I can’t do that while locked in combat. I’ll have to take him up on his
offer.
regardless of who wins. If he leaves, then at the very least, I can recover from my wounds given my
status as a Regenerative. But I can’t do that while locked in combat. I’ll have to take him up on his
offer.
His mind made up, he deactivated his Orga Lux, still glaring at Jin all the while. Jin, understanding his
answer, turned around.
answer, turned around.
“A good choice, Hikaru. It seems that your anger has not clouded your mind at the very least. If nothing
else, that is worthy of praise.”
else, that is worthy of praise.”
He turned around, his black cloak swishing in accordance with his movements.
As Hikaru stared at his retreating form, he felt the cold embrace of sleep before darkness took hold of
him.
him.
“Hikaru-kun!”
“Hikaru!”
The voices of everyone calling out to him were a hazy mix as he fell unconscious, falling to the ground.
XXXXXXXXX
Reddish-blue eyes opened, greeted by a familiar ceiling of white and blue staring back at him.
His eyes spotted a hint of purple and he struggled to speak.
“S-Sylvie…”
Purple hair filled his vision as he slowly sat up, accidentally headbutting Sylvia in the process.
“Ouch!”
“Sorry, Sylvie.”
He was about to get up before a blue shirt was thrown at his head.
“Huh?”
He removed the shirt from his head to look at Sylvia, only to find her blushing brightly, looking away
from him.
from him.
Looking down, he found the cause. His torso was bare, save for a few bandages wrapped around his
stomach where a hole had been blown through his body.
stomach where a hole had been blown through his body.
“O-onii-chan dressed your wounds and went back to the auditorium about an hour ago.” She said
timidly, still looking away.
timidly, still looking away.
He stood up slowly and carefully, gritting his teeth at the pain that jolted through his nerves at the
movements of his left arm and both legs.
movements of his left arm and both legs.
I need to check how bad these injuries are.
“Sylvie, I’m going to take a shower. Can you wait in the living room? If you’re thirsty, there’s juice in the
kitchen.”
kitchen.”
With a nod, the purple-haired girl exited the room, leaving the teen alone.
He entered the shower and let the water run down his body while deep in thought.
I wasn’t strong enough. What did I train for all these years?! He could have killed Sylvie! I used the
Narukami too! Even then…!
Narukami too! Even then…!
After what felt like a long time, he stepped out of the shower and dressed himself in a pair of jeans and
a short-sleeved shirt. He stared at his reflection in the mirror before slowly directing his Prana to tend to his wounds.
a short-sleeved shirt. He stared at his reflection in the mirror before slowly directing his Prana to tend to his wounds.
After a few seconds, his eyes widened in shock as the scars on his arms and legs still remained, and
the pain in his limbs had lessened only by a bit.
the pain in his limbs had lessened only by a bit.
My wounds aren’t healing?!
Still in shock, he conjured a small blade of lightning before pricking his own finger with it while sending
his Prana to the wound. His eyes narrowed as the wound closed without any trace.
his Prana to the wound. His eyes narrowed as the wound closed without any trace.
What’s going on here?! Why the hell are my powers not working properly?! I should have recovered
from the injuries that that bastard dealt to me already!
from the injuries that that bastard dealt to me already!
His Prana started acting up, his control slowly slipping due to his anger.
“DAMNIT!”
He punched the mirror again, this time instantly shattering it as he vented his anger on it. The small
shards of broken glass cut into his hands but he didn’t stop.
shards of broken glass cut into his hands but he didn’t stop.
At the same time, Sylvia was sitting on the couch, tense and worried. She looked at the clock with a
worried expression on her face.
worried expression on her face.
Hikaru-kun is taking too long. Maybe I should check on him.
She opened the door and peeked her head in. “Hikaru-kun? Are you alright?” She called.
The sound of shattering glass reached her ears along with a shout of anger and pain.
“DAMNIT!!!”
She immediately bolted towards the open door of the shower.
“Hikaru-kun!”
The aforementioned teen was currently punching the mirror, which was almost shattered. His fist was
cut by the shards of glass but he continued to vent his anger, uncaring of the wounds he sustained.
Each hit was reinforced with Prana and fury, damaging even the wall behind the mirror.
cut by the shards of glass but he continued to vent his anger, uncaring of the wounds he sustained.
Each hit was reinforced with Prana and fury, damaging even the wall behind the mirror.
“Hikaru-kun, stop it! What are you doing?!” Sylvia ran up to him in an attempt to stop him from harming
himself any further.
himself any further.
She wrapped her arms around his now bloodied arm, trying to pull him away from the mirror. She
initially struggled to restrain him before no longer having to as the teen had ceased his self-destructive
venting altogether, allowing himself to be dragged towards the bed by the purple-haired idol.
initially struggled to restrain him before no longer having to as the teen had ceased his self-destructive
venting altogether, allowing himself to be dragged towards the bed by the purple-haired idol.
She sat him on the bed before running back inside the bathroom and returning with a first-aid kit.
She got to work removing the shards of glass still stuck in his hand, paying no heed to the small wince
the teen gave as each shard was removed. As she took a swab of cotton to clean and disinfect the
wound, her eyes widened in shock and wonder as the numerous cuts started to close slowly on their
own.
the teen gave as each shard was removed. As she took a swab of cotton to clean and disinfect the
wound, her eyes widened in shock and wonder as the numerous cuts started to close slowly on their
own.
She glanced momentarily at the teen, finding him shaking, in fear or anger or a mix of both, she would never know.
What happened to Hikaru-kun? What made him act like… She almost flinched as she recalled the
sight of Hikaru venting his anger on the mirror, his bloodied fist and the unhealed wounds on his
arms. … act like that?
sight of Hikaru venting his anger on the mirror, his bloodied fist and the unhealed wounds on his
arms. … act like that?
“Ne, Hikaru-kun, what happened?” She asked slowly. “Are you alright?”
His shaking didn’t stop as he slowly raised his head to look at her with a forced smile.
“Y-yeah, Sylvie. Just lost my temper a bit… don’t worry.”
She frowned as she saw past the fake smile but continued to treat his wounds. After a few minutes of
silence, she said, “I bandaged most of the open wounds. The glass didn’t cut very deep thankfully.
Those wounds are already healed.”
silence, she said, “I bandaged most of the open wounds. The glass didn’t cut very deep thankfully.
Those wounds are already healed.”
What?!
Indeed, the wounds on his arms were fully healed without any scar.
His hands shook slightly before he brought his shaking under control.
“Sylvie, how long was I out?”
“2 days.”
He widened his eyes immediately. “2 days?! Damnit!”
He tried to walk out of the door immediately but was stopped by the Diva.
“Where do you think you are going?”
“I need to train.”
“You need to rest. You are still injured.”
“I'm fine now.” He answered dismissively but was stopped again.
Sylvia stood before him, blocking the door.
“Move, Sylvie. I need to train.”
“Hikaru-kun, you're still hurt. You need to rest now.”
“You don't understand, Sylvie! I need to get stronger, even by a little bit!”
“Why?! Why do you want to do everything by yourself, Hikaru-kun?! I don't under-”
BOOM!
Her words were interrupted as a loud explosion shook the room they were in, causing both of them to
fall to the floor.
fall to the floor.
The entrance… No way!
Hikaru immediately ran towards the door, his Prana augmenting his movements.
Sylvia followed him, struggling slightly to keep up with him.
“Please don't… even they aren't that foolish… and Arashi should be there too.” Hikaru muttered under
his breath. “Just don't let that happen.”
his breath. “Just don't let that happen.”
He accelerated to the limits of his body, disappearing in a burst of lightning. The Diva could no longer
keep up and watched as he disappeared.
keep up and watched as he disappeared.
XXXXXXXXXX
She had just passed Hikaru. She was worried. His eyes were filled with resignation, and he looked as
if he was carrying a great burden.
if he was carrying a great burden.
She ran past him, too concerned with the explosion. As she neared the explosion site, a hand stopped
her.
her.
“Sylvie, don’t look.”
Arashi’s voice stopped her, making her look up to him.
“Onii-chan, what happened?!”
“Don’t look, Sylvie.”
He held her close, shielding her from the death and devastation behind him.
Yet, he couldn’t hold her back forever. She pushed past him, eyes landing on what he tried to block her
from seeing.
from seeing.
She screamed.
5 minutes earlier
Arashi watched, shocked, as the courtyard went up in a devastating explosion, taking many students
along with it.
along with it.
“NOOO!”
I failed. Even though I said that I’ll protect the students, I failed.
“DAMNIT!”
He felt a surge of power as Hikaru stopped beside him, the lightning surrounding the younger teen
fading away.
fading away.
“No… this can’t happen.” He whispered, voice filled with disbelief.
Arashi gestured towards the injured students. “Hikaru, can you…?” He trailed off. He knew that he was
asking the impossible. The young boy had no obligation to help those who shunned him.
asking the impossible. The young boy had no obligation to help those who shunned him.
Yet, he moved forward, hands swirling with Prana, the mana around him moving to his command.
The small wounds littering their bodies disappeared before his eyes. The blue-eyed teen watched as
the younger student stopped before another student. He glanced at the injuries before sighing and then
stood up, walking away to another student. Arashi narrowed his eyes and said, “Hikaru, won’t you heal
her?”
the younger student stopped before another student. He glanced at the injuries before sighing and then
stood up, walking away to another student. Arashi narrowed his eyes and said, “Hikaru, won’t you heal
her?”
“It’s useless.” He replied coldly.
“What?!”
“She’s too injured. I can’t heal her injuries fully. She’ll get injured again and die.” He gave a short pause
and then said, “Healing her is just a waste of time and ener-”
and then said, “Healing her is just a waste of time and ener-”
He was interrupted as Arashi grabbed him by his shirt, growling. “What did you just say?!”
“I said that healing these fools would be a waste.” His voice was cold and contained just a bit of rage in
it.
it.
“You!”
“What, Arashi?”
“Fools? They were your fellow students, damn it! They died and you-”
“They tried to escape, even after I told them not to. And those foolish actions led to their deaths. Their
deaths didn’t achieve anything. They didn’t produce any good results. This will result in only panic and
fear among the others. What would you call them? They are fools.”
deaths didn’t achieve anything. They didn’t produce any good results. This will result in only panic and
fear among the others. What would you call them? They are fools.”
Arashi gazed at the teen before him in disappointment and let go.
“You’ve changed. The Narukami Hikaru I know wouldn’t dismiss the deaths of innocents and call them
fools.”
fools.”
Hikaru let out a hollow laugh as he said, “That Hikaru is dead. He died long ago.”
After all, that Hikaru died the day my parents were killed.
“I wonder what Setsura or Sylvie would say about you. Or even your parents.”
He didn’t receive any answer as the lightning-user walked away. After a few steps, the younger teen
stopped, looking over his shoulder.
stopped, looking over his shoulder.
His eyes were filled with resignation and regret.
“They would reject me and call me a monster too, I guess.” That is what I am, after all. “A monster
whose hands have been stained with blood. A monster who doesn’t deserve to live.”
whose hands have been stained with blood. A monster who doesn’t deserve to live.”
XXXXXXXXXX
Jin punched the wall in frustration, cratering it.
“This wasn’t supposed to happen… who planted those bombs?”
He then remembered Warlock disappearing for a few hours after they had occupied the school.
“WARLOCK! YOU FOOL!” He shouted in anger. That fanatic! He planted mines all around the
entrance points.
entrance points.
He then gazed at the barrier that stood between the gate and the academy.
That barrier as well… it will collapse tomorrow. I need to finish this fight with Hikaru by then and make
sure that he kills me, preferably in the sight of Helga Lindwall. That would help him in his trial as he
killed the perpetrators and saved the hostages. That’s all I can hope right now. And one of his friends
can ask for his release after winning a Festa.
sure that he kills me, preferably in the sight of Helga Lindwall. That would help him in his trial as he
killed the perpetrators and saved the hostages. That’s all I can hope right now. And one of his friends
can ask for his release after winning a Festa.
Suddenly, he narrowed his eyes, turning towards a wall.
“Come out.”
The wall distorted and out of the distortion, stepped out two figures. Both of them wore cloaks which
hid their features.
hid their features.
“What do you want, Illusion?”
“Nothing, Gravity. Master has ordered us to check up on you.” The voice that spoke was the figure on
the right, the voice coming out of a synthesiser.
the right, the voice coming out of a synthesiser.
“The plan is proceeding as planned. The target’s skill and power level have exceeded expectations.”
“What of the other 12?”
“All of them are dead. They were killed by the target.”
“Even Warlock?!”
“Yes.”
“You aren’t hiding anything from us, are you, Gravity?” The other figure asked.
A heavy pressure started to settle over them as he questioned in a threatening voice, “You aren’t
doubting me, are you?”
doubting me, are you?”
“N-no, nothing of the sort.”
“The boy was simply too powerful.”
Internally, he breathed a sigh of relief. These two came here when the students started to escape.
That’s good. They don’t know about Warlock.
That’s good. They don’t know about Warlock.
“Next time you doubt me, there won’t be any corpse of you for the Master to find.” The threat was made
clear as the pressure started to crush them before it lifted.
clear as the pressure started to crush them before it lifted.
“When will this be finished?”
“Tell the Master that tomorrow, the target will be subjugated and brought to him.”
“Understood.”
As the two left through the same distortion, he sagged into an empty chair. As he looked over at the
items on the desk, he spotted the old portable student terminal.
items on the desk, he spotted the old portable student terminal.
“Ah, this… this thing…”
His eyes softened as he looked at it. Memories of days long gone, of carefree, happy times, a young
woman who had a single dream, a girl who cared more than anyone else, and a young man with a
single purpose.
woman who had a single dream, a girl who cared more than anyone else, and a young man with a
single purpose.
No. He shook his head. I can’t return to that life. I put everything past me when I chose to walk the path
of blood.
of blood.
He then sighed as he caught sight of the various photos stored on the terminal.
Two brothers… he flinched as he remembered the look of shock on his brother’s face, his life being
ripped away from him as he stabbed him with his cursed spear.
ripped away from him as he stabbed him with his cursed spear.
Shinichi… you were the only one who cared for me in that den of vipers. And yet I…
He looked at his hands, half-expecting to see them drenched in blood.
He shook his head, turning to another picture.
There were four people, one young man and three young women. All of them wore the uniform of
Seidoukan academy, their respective weapons held in their hands. Rin, Setsuna, Yuka…
Seidoukan academy, their respective weapons held in their hands. Rin, Setsuna, Yuka…
He still remembered it as clearly as day. The sound of clashing blades, the cold ice surrounding them, four fighters fighting for their dreams… the sound of the badge breaking as a mechanical voice announced the victory of his opponents.
He smiled at the photo before sighing.
He turned to another photo, this one of two children, a boy with blue hair and a girl with black hair. They
couldn’t be older than 3. Hikaru, Ayame…
couldn’t be older than 3. Hikaru, Ayame…
With a heavy sigh, he stood up. He remembered his wife’s-Yuka’s- last words.
“Yuka, I have to protect Ayame. But what about all the lives I have to take?” With a hollow laugh, he
stood up.
stood up.
The Gravitas Autem Magi narrowed his eyes as he heard the beeping of a terminal.
He looked at the contact and growled. Why is that man calling me now?! He answered the call, making
it ‘Sound Only’.
it ‘Sound Only’.
“Father, what can I do for you?” He said, venom in his voice.
A raspy chuckle echoed in the room as the man on the other side talked. “Jin, how goes the mission?”
“There are no problems.” He replied coldly.
“Good. I received your report. The deaths of the 12 are a minor inconvenience, but an inconvenience
nonetheless. We will talk about this afterwards.”
nonetheless. We will talk about this afterwards.”
“Yes, father.” He replied rigidly.
He then hung up, before taking his old terminal. He scrolled through the various contacts on the list.
They were all the people he had left behind in his quest.
They were all the people he had left behind in his quest.
He stopped on one contact and his finger reached out for the ‘Call’ button, before stopping suddenly.
“I can’t. I can’t endanger her.”
He then walked out the door, the cursed black spear resting against the table, humming ominously,
yearning for blood.
yearning for blood.
The spear called out to him, trying to entice him into using it.
He ignored the bloodthirsty spear as best as he could.
XXXXXXXXXX
He swung the sword again, piercing the chest of one of the puppets that were surrounding
him. He ripped the sword out of the puppet’s chest violently and swung it in an arc, bisecting 5 of his
foes in a flash.
foes in a flash.
He growled.
Faster.
Another swing.
Faster.
A stab to the heart.
Faster!
The lightning around him increased in intensity, his senses going on overload. He could see each and
every weakness that the puppets had, hear each and every movement being made, could smell and
taste the blood that had spilled from his body due to his overexertion, and could feel the very air
touching his skin.
every weakness that the puppets had, hear each and every movement being made, could smell and
taste the blood that had spilled from his body due to his overexertion, and could feel the very air
touching his skin.
Yet, this wasn’t enough. He was faster.
Stronger.
Deadlier.
The white-haired boy snarled at the puppets, instinctively shooting off lightning bolts at the few that
came at him from behind. He then fired off his Raikoho, the cannonball of lightning taking out a large
group of the holographic puppets.
came at him from behind. He then fired off his Raikoho, the cannonball of lightning taking out a large
group of the holographic puppets.
It still wasn’t enough.
XXXXXXXXXX
The scythe spun as it took out a dozen puppets at once. Yet, the scythe wasn’t satisfied. It demanded
blood.
blood.
The black-haired teen wielding the double-bladed scythe stopped momentarily, panting for breath. He
was burning through his Prana quickly. Yet, that was a minor inconvenience. He recovered quickly
anyway.
was burning through his Prana quickly. Yet, that was a minor inconvenience. He recovered quickly
anyway.
I failed. Each and every student that died… I failed. I couldn’t protect a single one of them.
He spun the scythe expertly, cutting straight through 6 puppets. The darkness covering him moved to
his will, turning into blades and cutting through everything that was around him. He was fighting
continuously for hours.
his will, turning into blades and cutting through everything that was around him. He was fighting
continuously for hours.
Sylvie must be scared.
But he couldn’t stop, for everyone’s sake. He couldn’t let someone else bear his burden.
The burden of protecting everyone should be mine.
“I should have stopped them. As the Student Council President, I should have stopped them.”
He flinched as he remembered the series of events that led to today’s disaster.
Flashback
“Stop. Where are you going?” Arashi asked a student, who was leading a group of about 70 or so other
students out of the auditorium.
students out of the auditorium.
Munakata Kariya, younger brother of Munakata Sen, the previous Student Council President, the one I
got thrown into jail. His mind provided him the information on the one before him. I can see why he
doesn’t like me.
got thrown into jail. His mind provided him the information on the one before him. I can see why he
doesn’t like me.
“Are you an idiot?! We run, obviously. Now that the two monsters are not here, running is the only
option.”
option.”
He clenched his fist at the remark of ‘monster’. He is only bearing all that burden for your goddamned
lives.
lives.
“Where will you run? Do you think that the Stjarnagarm are fools? There must be a barrier around the
premises. Or we would already be rescued…” I guess. He added as an afterthought. That guy is too
strong. And he is Hikaru’s uncle. He’s gonna know each and every little detail about Hikaru’s fighting
style, since he taught him. That’s what Sylvie told me anyway. If Helga Lindwall can’t defeat him, then…
He shuddered inwardly at that thought.
premises. Or we would already be rescued…” I guess. He added as an afterthought. That guy is too
strong. And he is Hikaru’s uncle. He’s gonna know each and every little detail about Hikaru’s fighting
style, since he taught him. That’s what Sylvie told me anyway. If Helga Lindwall can’t defeat him, then…
He shuddered inwardly at that thought.
“Get out of my way, Kaito.” Kariya growled.
“You’ll get hurt.” He tried to reason. “I don’t care. I’m going out of this hellhole.”
The Student Council President could do nothing but watch resignedly as many students ran out of the
auditorium, heading straight for the entrance.
auditorium, heading straight for the entrance.
Then everything went to hell.
Flashback End
He shook those memories away, continuing to train.
Tomorrow, we fight.
His movements were a blur as he continued to slash at his enemies.
There is only one enemy. So the logical conclusion is that he is maintaining the barrier through some
unknown method.
unknown method.
He performed a horizontal slash, a blade of darkness shooting out towards a group of approaching
puppets.
puppets.
So if we take him out, or at the very least, tire him down, then we can buy some time for the
Stjarnagarm to enter. But if we fail to do that… “...we die.”
Stjarnagarm to enter. But if we fail to do that… “...we die.”
His thoughts went to the burdened white-haired teen. “What is he doing right now? Is he… he is
suffering and I…” He remembered their last conversation and the eyes filled with regret.
suffering and I…” He remembered their last conversation and the eyes filled with regret.
“*Sigh* I need to apologise for everything after this.”
XXXXXXXXXX
“Onii-chan… Hikaru-kun…” Sylvia whispered to herself, thinking about two of the most important
people in her life.
people in her life.
“Why did you have that look in your eyes, Hikaru-kun?” She had seen the resignation in his eyes. She
was worried. What was he going to do?
was worried. What was he going to do?
Her eyes widened as he remembered the talk she had with him 3 days ago.
“It’s alright, Sylvie. I will protect you, no matter what. No matter what sacrifices I have to make, you
will be safe. That’s a promise of a lifetime.”
will be safe. That’s a promise of a lifetime.”
“No matter what…” Dread filled her as she tried to understand the meaning of his words. “No,
Hikaru-kun, you will live, right? You will come back to us, right?”
Hikaru-kun, you will live, right? You will come back to us, right?”
XXXXXXXXXX
The darkness threatened to overtake his mind. His rationality was slowly being lost. He stared at the
Orga Lux in his hand, the scythe pulsing madly for blood.
Orga Lux in his hand, the scythe pulsing madly for blood.
“I can’t let this go on. I need to defeat this Orga Lux and that man before I lose control of myself.”
He propped himself against the wall, the blade of the Crescent Moon touching his hand, and closed
his eyes, concentrating on the shadows in his mind.
his eyes, concentrating on the shadows in his mind.
When he opened his eyes again, he was in a land of shadows. Before him stood a figure who looked
the same as him, down to the face and eyes. Yet, Arashi knew different. He held out a hand and ripped
the illusion apart. As the illusion was ripped apart, stood before him another figure. It was similar to him,
but there was malice rolling off him in waves. There were black tribal markings on his skin, madness in
his eyes and a visible lust for blood. He felt the taint of the Crescent Moon wash over him, trying to twist
his mind.
the same as him, down to the face and eyes. Yet, Arashi knew different. He held out a hand and ripped
the illusion apart. As the illusion was ripped apart, stood before him another figure. It was similar to him,
but there was malice rolling off him in waves. There were black tribal markings on his skin, madness in
his eyes and a visible lust for blood. He felt the taint of the Crescent Moon wash over him, trying to twist
his mind.
He flared his Prana, fighting the taint and the shadows.
“Crescent Moon, I’m here to make a contract with you.” He spoke with an edge of steel in his voice.
I’m sorry, Setsura, Sylvie, Hikaru, Ursula-san.
I’m sorry, Setsura, Sylvie, Hikaru, Ursula-san.
XXXXXXXXXX
It was raining. The clouds had blocked out the stars and the moon, a rain which never seemed to end
pouring down on him, drenching him.
pouring down on him, drenching him.
Under the dark sky, Jin walked through Seidoukan, reliving the life of a young boy, for whom not even
the sky itself was a limit. That boy had dreams. Reaper had nothing of the sort. He had no dreams. He
had only a single purpose- to protect the only light in his life, even if everyone else had to be dragged
into the darkness with him.
the sky itself was a limit. That boy had dreams. Reaper had nothing of the sort. He had no dreams. He
had only a single purpose- to protect the only light in his life, even if everyone else had to be dragged
into the darkness with him.
The Reaper walked towards the entrance where the explosion occurred, surveying the site of
destruction with a gaze filled with rage.
destruction with a gaze filled with rage.
“Shinichi, Rin… your son is suffering because of me. You sacrificed yourselves to save him from me.
And now, I am making him suffer so that I can protect my daughter. To protect one while killing another…”
Even with all of my power, I am still weak.
And now, I am making him suffer so that I can protect my daughter. To protect one while killing another…”
Even with all of my power, I am still weak.
He laughed hollowly as he stared at the ominous spear in his hand.
“And you, Ifrit, through all of my battles, you were by my side. Today will be the last day I use you to
kill. You will now serve him, be his blade that slaughters. I will liberate you, yet condemn you to
enslavement. I will be condemning you to enslavement under someone who will save this world and
everyone in it. You won’t be used for that thing’s purposes anymore.”
kill. You will now serve him, be his blade that slaughters. I will liberate you, yet condemn you to
enslavement. I will be condemning you to enslavement under someone who will save this world and
everyone in it. You won’t be used for that thing’s purposes anymore.”
He looked at the sky. “The sun will rise in some time. As the sun rises, I will fall. And Hikaru, like the
sun, you will rise.
sun, you will rise.
XXXXXXXXXX
He walked towards the mansion, his control over his powers slowly slipping and the ground around
him slowly forming craters with each step. As he reached the mansion, he walked straight towards the
training room, from where he could sense Hikaru’s Prana.
him slowly forming craters with each step. As he reached the mansion, he walked straight towards the
training room, from where he could sense Hikaru’s Prana.
The door was blasted apart as he touched it. He walked in with heavy steps, the pressure radiating off
him intensifying as he slipped into his battle mindset.
him intensifying as he slipped into his battle mindset.
“Jin.” Hikaru said, voice hollow and empty.
“Hikaru.” Jin responded with the same blank tone he always used. What happened to him?
The teen stood still as his killing intent rose, a heavy pressure settling in the room. He ran towards the
older man, sword swinging as it met the spear. Suddenly, he was pushed back by the force of gravity.
The force of gravity between the boy and man was reversed, launching the boy back. The boy
attacked again, arcs of lightning being launched towards the black-haired man, only to be repelled.
older man, sword swinging as it met the spear. Suddenly, he was pushed back by the force of gravity.
The force of gravity between the boy and man was reversed, launching the boy back. The boy
attacked again, arcs of lightning being launched towards the black-haired man, only to be repelled.
The white-haired boy grew increasingly frustrated as he continued to launch attack after attack, never
giving in.
giving in.
Suddenly, the older man disappeared. A slash, a spurt of blood through the air.
The teen jumped forward, turning around, as his foe appeared behind where he previously stood. The
blade of the spear dripped with blood.
blade of the spear dripped with blood.
The man gazed with disappointment at the boy across him. “What did you learn in the 3 days,
nephew? Nothing. You disappoi-”
nephew? Nothing. You disappoi-”
He was interrupted by another flurry of attacks, each faster than the last. The teen continued his
swings with his blade, Kanmuru active, amplifying his strength with his Prana.
swings with his blade, Kanmuru active, amplifying his strength with his Prana.
“DIE!”
A sudden overhead strike. The blade passed the spear and struck at the man’s neck. As it touched the
man’s neck, a small fire of hope was lit in the boy’s eyes.
man’s neck, a small fire of hope was lit in the boy’s eyes.
As he flew back, the fire was put out. Hikaru felt himself crash through walls, stopping as he hit a large
tree.
tree.
Damn it. He had observed it clearly. The moment the blade touched Jin’s neck, he had been repelled.
The gravitational force between us was reversed and amplified. But still, I have a chance.
The gravitational force between us was reversed and amplified. But still, I have a chance.
If he was able to strike him faster than Jin could manipulate gravity, then he would win. I can do it. I will
do it. He glared as Jin approached him. I will protect her, no matter what.
do it. He glared as Jin approached him. I will protect her, no matter what.
“Is this it? Is that the limit of your power? If this is how you plan to face me, you will die.”
Die? It doesn’t matter if I die here. As long as you are dead, I don’t care what happens to me. The
sword in his hand hummed violently. I don’t care what I need to sacrifice anymore. My emotions, my
body, hell, my soul itself!
sword in his hand hummed violently. I don’t care what I need to sacrifice anymore. My emotions, my
body, hell, my soul itself!
“Take it all! I just want to kill this man before me, even if I die!” The sword hummed as he felt his
hesitation fade away. He felt the shackle holding him back disappear and the blade in his hands
sparked with black lightning, the chaotic lightning shooting towards Jin, the lightning taking the form of
a beast.
hesitation fade away. He felt the shackle holding him back disappear and the blade in his hands
sparked with black lightning, the chaotic lightning shooting towards Jin, the lightning taking the form of
a beast.
The lightning dissipated as the force around Jin acted again, taking the form of a spiralling shield. The
lightning assaulted him, trying to break through the shield, for a total of 10 minutes. There were times
where the shield came close to breaking through, only for the hole to be closed up. The white-haired
teen grew increasingly frustrated with each failed attempt of breaking through and dashed forward,
sword swinging as soon as he reached the shield. The blade cut through the shield, drawing blood for
the first time.
lightning assaulted him, trying to break through the shield, for a total of 10 minutes. There were times
where the shield came close to breaking through, only for the hole to be closed up. The white-haired
teen grew increasingly frustrated with each failed attempt of breaking through and dashed forward,
sword swinging as soon as he reached the shield. The blade cut through the shield, drawing blood for
the first time.
The Raijin flew back again, crashing through a few trees before coming to a stop. He grunted as he
plopped himself back up, staggering slightly before running towards Jin. The sword in his hands
disappeared and the lightning around him intensified. Just as he reached Jin, he disappeared from
view. The distinctive crackling of lightning behind him made him raise of shield of Prana, stopping the
blade in its tracks.
plopped himself back up, staggering slightly before running towards Jin. The sword in his hands
disappeared and the lightning around him intensified. Just as he reached Jin, he disappeared from
view. The distinctive crackling of lightning behind him made him raise of shield of Prana, stopping the
blade in its tracks.
The teen disappeared again, striking from the left. At the same time, arcs of lightning shot out at Jin
AQQQQQQQQQQQQAAAAAAfrom the front.
AQQQQQQQQQQQQAAAAAAfrom the front.
“You underestimate me, Hikaru.”
Suddenly, a force far greater than the one he had previously experienced hit him. Pain wracked his
body as he momentarily lost consciousness. As he opened his eyes, he gasped.
body as he momentarily lost consciousness. As he opened his eyes, he gasped.
“What the…” He trailed off in shock. He was thrown back all the way to the college building. As he
watched, his house crumbled and crashed on itself. The buildings he had crashed through all crumbled,
while Jin walked towards him slowly. The pressure he was feeling grew slowly. He could feel it
increasing, increasing till it started to crush him.
watched, his house crumbled and crashed on itself. The buildings he had crashed through all crumbled,
while Jin walked towards him slowly. The pressure he was feeling grew slowly. He could feel it
increasing, increasing till it started to crush him.
His bones rattled and eventually, he fell to his knees, unable to stand up against that force. “Is that it,
Hikaru? If this is your strength, you can’t kill me.” I need to push him. Even if he loses a part of himself,
he can regain it. If I destroy the Narukami while he deals the last blow, he will win. His eyes narrowed
as he took in the state of the surroundings. The whole place is getting torn down. But… that’s just
collateral damage. If I make him strong enough to defeat him, then I can leave it to Taka. Until Hikaru
finds her, Taka will take care of her.
Hikaru? If this is your strength, you can’t kill me.” I need to push him. Even if he loses a part of himself,
he can regain it. If I destroy the Narukami while he deals the last blow, he will win. His eyes narrowed
as he took in the state of the surroundings. The whole place is getting torn down. But… that’s just
collateral damage. If I make him strong enough to defeat him, then I can leave it to Taka. Until Hikaru
finds her, Taka will take care of her.
Suddenly, he held up his right arm, palm pointed outwards. Feathers of darkness all stopped a few feet
before him, dissipating a few moments after. He clicked his tongue as Arashi came into view.
before him, dissipating a few moments after. He clicked his tongue as Arashi came into view.
“Another interloper…” Damn! Why the hell did the wielder of Crescent Moon have to come now?! I
need to take him out of the fight! Crescent Moon is too dangerous for my plan! I need to destroy the
Crescent Moon after the Narukami.
need to take him out of the fight! Crescent Moon is too dangerous for my plan! I need to destroy the
Crescent Moon after the Narukami.
With that thought, he moved to attack. The black-haired student was pulled forward and he threw his
spear. The spear disappeared from view as Jin’s ability acted on it, propelling it forward at a speed
none were able to follow. The spear pierced Arashi’s gut, making him cough up blood… is what should
have happened.
spear. The spear disappeared from view as Jin’s ability acted on it, propelling it forward at a speed
none were able to follow. The spear pierced Arashi’s gut, making him cough up blood… is what should
have happened.
Shadows. Darkness. The whole path between Jin and Arashi was covered in darkness. The Ifrit was
held in place by shadows. The shadowy threads struggled to hold the spear in place as Ifrit tried to
reach its prey. Standing at the origin of these threads, Arashi glanced at Hikaru before swinging his
scythe. The shadows moved with the blade, cloaking the older teen in darkness as he disappeared. At
the same time, blades of shadows attacked Jin from all directions. He felt a sudden slash at his back,
drawing a small amount of blood, before he pushed his attacker back with his ability.
held in place by shadows. The shadowy threads struggled to hold the spear in place as Ifrit tried to
reach its prey. Standing at the origin of these threads, Arashi glanced at Hikaru before swinging his
scythe. The shadows moved with the blade, cloaking the older teen in darkness as he disappeared. At
the same time, blades of shadows attacked Jin from all directions. He felt a sudden slash at his back,
drawing a small amount of blood, before he pushed his attacker back with his ability.
Arashi landed next to Hikaru, his shadows moving with him. “Hikaru, get up.”
“Run.” Hikaru’s voice was low, almost a whisper, but he heard it nonetheless.
“What?”
“Run, Arashi. I’ll hold him off. Take the others and escape. All the bombs should be destroyed by now.”
“What the hell are you saying?! We ca-”
“Just to be safe though, ask Nestor to create a platform to walk.”
The hell? He’s not listening to me.
“Look, Hikaru. We can fight. We can win.”
“No! We can’t! He’s too strong! Run, Arashi! I’ll stop him somehow!”
Hikaru fired off another bolt of lightning at Jin, who simply stood there, not making any move. A shield
sprung up before him, blocking the lightning.
sprung up before him, blocking the lightning.
“We can.” Arashi said calmly as he helped Hikaru up and said, “Concentrate your attack. Make it as
strong as you can. I’ll make an opening for you.”
strong as you can. I’ll make an opening for you.”
Without waiting for a response, Arashi disappeared from view, appearing behind Jin, already going
through the motions of swinging his scythe. Jin turned around, bringing his spear up to block the attack.
The terrorist observed the shadows on the blades of the Crescent Moon, or rather, the weapon that
was once known as the Crescent Moon, increasing the scythe’s reach and making it deadlier.
through the motions of swinging his scythe. Jin turned around, bringing his spear up to block the attack.
The terrorist observed the shadows on the blades of the Crescent Moon, or rather, the weapon that
was once known as the Crescent Moon, increasing the scythe’s reach and making it deadlier.
Suddenly, blades of pure darkness struck Jin from the back. However, as soon as they touched him,
they were burned by a blue fire. The same fire reached out to devour Arashi. As the Datenshi jumped
back, he disappeared into a shadow. He appeared behind Jin, slashing at his back, before
disappearing again. The next strike came from his right. As the scythe closed in, it was stopped a few
inches short of his skin. Arashi tried to move, only for Jin’s ability to hold him in place. Countless
shadows appeared around Arashi, wrapping around him and trying to pull him back, only to fail.
they were burned by a blue fire. The same fire reached out to devour Arashi. As the Datenshi jumped
back, he disappeared into a shadow. He appeared behind Jin, slashing at his back, before
disappearing again. The next strike came from his right. As the scythe closed in, it was stopped a few
inches short of his skin. Arashi tried to move, only for Jin’s ability to hold him in place. Countless
shadows appeared around Arashi, wrapping around him and trying to pull him back, only to fail.
A lightning spear hit the spiralling shield surrounding Jin, grinding against it. The force holding Arashi
in place weakened, allowing the shadows to pull him back to safety, as the shield’s power decreased.
Both the students observed as a small sphere formed where the spear was piercing the shield. The
sphere increased in size before touching the spear. The sphere suddenly collapsed onto itself, the
lightning spear disappearing an instant later.
in place weakened, allowing the shadows to pull him back to safety, as the shield’s power decreased.
Both the students observed as a small sphere formed where the spear was piercing the shield. The
sphere increased in size before touching the spear. The sphere suddenly collapsed onto itself, the
lightning spear disappearing an instant later.
“W-what happened?” Hikaru muttered, shock clear on his face.
“A simple application of my abilities, a ‘bomb’ made of gravitons with the property of increasing gravity
to collapse it on itself. Still, it seems your attack served its purpose.”
to collapse it on itself. Still, it seems your attack served its purpose.”
Hikaru stood up, sword gripped tightly. The lightning surrounding his body intensified as his Kanmuru
increased in output, making his perception increase, while his reflexes were quickened to inhuman levels.
His eyes took in the structure of the shield as he fired off another spear of lightning. As he concentrated
on that single spot, he frowned. His eyes widened as he found what he was looking for.
increased in output, making his perception increase, while his reflexes were quickened to inhuman levels.
His eyes took in the structure of the shield as he fired off another spear of lightning. As he concentrated
on that single spot, he frowned. His eyes widened as he found what he was looking for.
There!
Forming behind the shield, safe and untouched, was a slowly growing sphere. To be accurate, he
couldn’t see it, but the sphere-shaped distortion in the air. The distortion grew in size before slowly
gaining color as it absorbed the light and reflected a part of it.
couldn’t see it, but the sphere-shaped distortion in the air. The distortion grew in size before slowly
gaining color as it absorbed the light and reflected a part of it.
He waited as the sphere expanded, touching the shield’s walls. The shield disappeared at that point,
when the sphere touched the point of the lightning spear. It was almost too fast. He saw as the spear
collapsed on itself at the tip, at the point where the sphere had touched his attack.
when the sphere touched the point of the lightning spear. It was almost too fast. He saw as the spear
collapsed on itself at the tip, at the point where the sphere had touched his attack.
The gravity at the point where it touches the spear increases. This leads to the object collapsing in on
itself. The sphere serves a secondary purpose of containing the energy that’s released from the process.
itself. The sphere serves a secondary purpose of containing the energy that’s released from the process.
He saw Arashi jump back a few feet, creating some distance between himself and Jin, hoping it would
give him some time. He observed Arashi as the black-haired student started to control the shadows in
the area, bringing them together. The shadows congregated and started to take form. They grew to a
figure of 2 meters, holding a huge blade. The figure walked forward, swinging its blade at Jin. The leader
of Void Order stood there, his shield up, spinning rapidly.
give him some time. He observed Arashi as the black-haired student started to control the shadows in
the area, bringing them together. The shadows congregated and started to take form. They grew to a
figure of 2 meters, holding a huge blade. The figure walked forward, swinging its blade at Jin. The leader
of Void Order stood there, his shield up, spinning rapidly.
The Spear of Cursed Flames flew to his hand and he swung, blocking the blade. He then thrust the
spear into the figure, flames dancing on the tip of the blade. The flames burned away the shadows.
spear into the figure, flames dancing on the tip of the blade. The flames burned away the shadows.
“The Cursed Spear, Ifrit, summons cursed flames that can burn away everything they touch. Even
shadows cannot escape from these flames.”
shadows cannot escape from these flames.”
The shadows started to recede away from the fire, the mystical blue fire illuminating the area and
burning away the shadows.
burning away the shadows.
“Tch. Esoteric fire which can burn something like shadows, is that it? Should have known that an Orga
Lux can’t be something as simple as a flaming spear.” Arashi muttered as he created wings on his back.
He flew into the air, disappearing from view. Both of the fighters on the ground could feel the shadows
gathering in the air, the large amount of Prana being gathered into the air.
Lux can’t be something as simple as a flaming spear.” Arashi muttered as he created wings on his back.
He flew into the air, disappearing from view. Both of the fighters on the ground could feel the shadows
gathering in the air, the large amount of Prana being gathered into the air.
The light coming from the stars and the artificial lights started to disappear. No, it was being blocked by
the darkness that Arashi was creating, blanketing the whole area in darkness. Hikaru closed his eyes,
enhancing his sense of hearing and touch. He could feel the heat Jin’s spear exuded, the pressure
pressing down on him. He also felt the cold nothingness that the artificial darkness exuded. He felt the
darkness above him compressing to a tight ball, before being launched at Jin.
the darkness that Arashi was creating, blanketing the whole area in darkness. Hikaru closed his eyes,
enhancing his sense of hearing and touch. He could feel the heat Jin’s spear exuded, the pressure
pressing down on him. He also felt the cold nothingness that the artificial darkness exuded. He felt the
darkness above him compressing to a tight ball, before being launched at Jin.
“Kurayami no Judan!” Arashi’s voice echoed in his ears. He felt a wave of coldness wash over him as
the darkness from Arashi’s attack exploded against the wave of flames that erupted between Jin and
Arashi. At the same time, the shadows around him started to disappear as they were slowly absorbed by
the Datenshi flying above.
the darkness from Arashi’s attack exploded against the wave of flames that erupted between Jin and
Arashi. At the same time, the shadows around him started to disappear as they were slowly absorbed by
the Datenshi flying above.
The darkness invaded his mind, clouding it, creating doubt in his mind.
Similarly, Jin felt the darkness reach into the corners of his mind, consuming the darkness that inhabited
his mind. He felt everything start to disappear, yet he held on. He ground himself to a single purpose,
using his ability on his own soul.
his mind. He felt everything start to disappear, yet he held on. He ground himself to a single purpose,
using his ability on his own soul.
No matter what, I’ll have to defeat that man. Even if I die now, if I can make Hikaru grow stronger, then it
serves my purpose. And for that, I can’t lose now!
serves my purpose. And for that, I can’t lose now!
Suddenly, the gravity around him intensified, pushing everything around him back. The ground, the lights,
the shadows, the buildings, everything around him was crushed. The two students fighting him were
flung far away from the force.
the shadows, the buildings, everything around him was crushed. The two students fighting him were
flung far away from the force.
XXXXXXXXXX
The auditorium shook. Most of the students quivered in fear as the auditorium shook. Only the high
school students, rather, the senior Page One students were the only ones who were able to keep their
fear in check, remaining calm.
school students, rather, the senior Page One students were the only ones who were able to keep their
fear in check, remaining calm.
“You, check the barrier.” Nestor ordered calmly, pointing towards a seemingly random student, who, in
reality, was a member of the Kageboshi.
reality, was a member of the Kageboshi.
“Understood.” The student disappeared, heading towards the entrance.
“Feardorcha, you understand what Arashi ordered, right?”
“Yeah.” The chestnut-haired student replied. “Once the barrier is down, evacuate the students while
the Stjarnagarm enters the school. Find the person with the most authority and report the enemy’s
abilities.”
the Stjarnagarm enters the school. Find the person with the most authority and report the enemy’s
abilities.”
“To remove the possibilities of any other hidden traps, I will create a platform of ice for everyone to
walk on. Once the platform is fully created, we will have to lead the students out. And then…” He
looked towards where he could feel the power radiating, where the battle of death was going on.
walk on. Once the platform is fully created, we will have to lead the students out. And then…” He
looked towards where he could feel the power radiating, where the battle of death was going on.
“We can all go back.”
XXXXXXXXXX
“Such monstrous power… just how strong is Hikaru’s uncle anyway?” Arashi wondered out loud,
getting up with a grunt.
getting up with a grunt.
He looked around, eyes widening as he took in his surroundings.
“The port area? That bastard flung me this far… just how strong is he?”
“19 years ago, I won the 15th Lindwurm.”
The voice was cold and emotionless, yet it contained a hint of nostalgia. Jin walked towards him,
dragging the spear against the ground, creating sparks as he walked. The ground under him cracked
with each step he took from his power.
dragging the spear against the ground, creating sparks as he walked. The ground under him cracked
with each step he took from his power.
“The 15th Lindwurm?” His eyes widened as he remembered that person. “Wait. You… you are the
student known as the-”
student known as the-”
“Tatsuya Jin, the Gravitas Autem Magi, also known as ‘The Strongest Dante’.” Jin completed for him,
the cursed spear in his right hand. “And you, foolish boy. Making a contract with Crescent Moon of all
things… do you have a death wish or something, boy?”
the cursed spear in his right hand. “And you, foolish boy. Making a contract with Crescent Moon of all
things… do you have a death wish or something, boy?”
“You… were you really going to kill us if Hikaru didn’t want to fight?”
“There was no question of not fighting. He had no choice.”
“You… you bastard! He suffered because of you!”
Jin aimed his spear at Arashi, a his eyes cold and rigid. Arashi gulped as he prepared to throw his
scythe.
scythe.
Shit, shit, shit… this guy… now I can understand why Hikaru was thrown around like that… this guy is
said to be equal to that second Banyuu Tenra herself!
said to be equal to that second Banyuu Tenra herself!
Arashi immediately threw his scythe, aiming at a far away wall. At the same time, Jin threw his spear;
time seemed to slow down as the spear neared him. At the same time, the scythe struck the wall,
creating a shadow on the wall.
time seemed to slow down as the spear neared him. At the same time, the scythe struck the wall,
creating a shadow on the wall.
Arashi disappeared in an instant, travelling through the shadows. He reappeared below the scythe,
appearing from the shadow it cast on the wall. He grabbed the scythe and disappeared immediately,
sprouting wings and flying away.
appearing from the shadow it cast on the wall. He grabbed the scythe and disappeared immediately,
sprouting wings and flying away.
XXXXXXXXXX
“Hikaru! Hikaru, wake up!”
Arashi?
“Hikaru, wake up, dammit!”
His eyes shot open immediately as he tried to sit up.
“Hikaru, stop.” Arashi’s voice reached his ears as he helped him up. The two students stood at the
edge of a deep and wide crater.
edge of a deep and wide crater.
“*cough*What happened?” Hikaru asked, coughing blood. “Are you alright, Hikaru?” Arashi asked,
concerned at the blood.
concerned at the blood.
“That doesn’t matter. What happened?”
“He pushed us away, far away. I was flung to the port area. You are where your house is supposed to
be. Everything between the college building and your house was crushed completely.” Hikaru looked
around at the destruction with wide eyes before glancing behind. The house he lived in was partially
destroyed, the area where the living room and the kitchen were situated being the only thing
undamaged, including the garden behind. “H-he, he did all this?”
be. Everything between the college building and your house was crushed completely.” Hikaru looked
around at the destruction with wide eyes before glancing behind. The house he lived in was partially
destroyed, the area where the living room and the kitchen were situated being the only thing
undamaged, including the garden behind. “H-he, he did all this?”
“Yeah. I was flung to the port area. I found where they came from. There were a few submarines.
Large. As far as I know, there weren’t any reports of any submarines.”
Large. As far as I know, there weren’t any reports of any submarines.”
“Doesn’t matter.” Hikaru said as he walked towards the direction of the port area. His mind was clear
again, traces of doubt and hesitation long gone. As he continued to walk, strength welled up inside
him, yet he felt his soul being ripped apart piece-by-piece. Lightning started to run wild as he let his
power run wild, control over both his emotions and power long gone.
again, traces of doubt and hesitation long gone. As he continued to walk, strength welled up inside
him, yet he felt his soul being ripped apart piece-by-piece. Lightning started to run wild as he let his
power run wild, control over both his emotions and power long gone.
He disappeared in a blitz, appearing at the entrance to the port area.
“So you came back, Hikaru.”
“I will kill you, Jin. No matter what, you will die.”
“You really think you can fight me and come out alive, come out victorious?”
His only answer was a clash of blades as the spear met the sword.
Come out alive? Come out victorious? I don’t care about any of that. I promised her that I will protect
her. Even if I die, I’ll protect her.
her. Even if I die, I’ll protect her.
The lightning coating his blade started to cut into the spear’s blade, bringing determination to his eyes.
“Ifrit was inferior compared to the Narukami.” Jin said coolly, the sword cutting through the blade of the
spear. “And your skill with this sword is better than my skill with the spear.”
spear. “And your skill with this sword is better than my skill with the spear.”
The sword was halfway through the haft, the lightning around the sword’s blade cutting through the
Orga Lux.
Orga Lux.
As the blade reached Jin’s hand, however, it met opposition. A force was repelling the blade. Hikaru
tried to cut through the field itself, but he simply didn’t have enough power.
tried to cut through the field itself, but he simply didn’t have enough power.
“You underestimate me, Hikaru.” He said calmly as he threw the spear away and gripped Hikaru’s
throat tightly, suffocating him.
throat tightly, suffocating him.
The boy tried to loosen the older man’s grip on his neck, clawing at his wrist, before giving up. He tried
to launch another bolt of lightning from his hand, but the attack was repelled. Suddenly, he felt
darkness start to cloud his mind and the same darkness was nearing the two of them.
to launch another bolt of lightning from his hand, but the attack was repelled. Suddenly, he felt
darkness start to cloud his mind and the same darkness was nearing the two of them.
Arashi.
As the darkness reached him, he felt it get repelled again. He’s shielding me? He looked at Jin before
closing his eyes, Jin’s grip loosening slightly, and sent a pulse of Prana outward. He felt the protective
field around the both of them.
closing his eyes, Jin’s grip loosening slightly, and sent a pulse of Prana outward. He felt the protective
field around the both of them.
About 3 meters in diameter with him as the center. I need to attack such that the technique is inside I
need to skewer his heart so Lanza is the only attack that can be sure to hit. And to hit his heart, I need
to pierce my… He glanced down subtly while Jin was occupied with fending off Arashi’s continuous
stream of attacks. I need to pierce my right lung.
need to skewer his heart so Lanza is the only attack that can be sure to hit. And to hit his heart, I need
to pierce my… He glanced down subtly while Jin was occupied with fending off Arashi’s continuous
stream of attacks. I need to pierce my right lung.
With that thought, he started to concentrate his Prana behind his back, right where his lung was. He
did it as discreetly as possible, making sure that Jin wasn’t tipped off. As a small magic circle
appeared over his body, visible only to Arashi, his eyes gained a gleam of something in it. It was
neither hope nor determination.
did it as discreetly as possible, making sure that Jin wasn’t tipped off. As a small magic circle
appeared over his body, visible only to Arashi, his eyes gained a gleam of something in it. It was
neither hope nor determination.
Arashi’s POV
I arrived at the battlefield in a rush, arriving to find the sight of my junior being held by his throat, being
suffocated slowly.
suffocated slowly.
A low growl rose from my throat as streams of darkness assaulted the man on my command.
Damn it! I growled as the damned force-field repelled my attacks again. Just how the hell am I
supposed to cut through that? Maybe… He started to charge his scythe with energy, making the
blades sharper. Darkness coated the blades, spinning wildly. I’ll take a leaf out of your book, Hikaru.
supposed to cut through that? Maybe… He started to charge his scythe with energy, making the
blades sharper. Darkness coated the blades, spinning wildly. I’ll take a leaf out of your book, Hikaru.
//
“High frequency oscillating blades have high cutting power. That’s what I do. I cloak the blade in
lightning, which oscillates with a high frequency. It’s basically a chainsaw.”
lightning, which oscillates with a high frequency. It’s basically a chainsaw.”
//
Collect the energy on the blade. Sharpen it as much as possible. Oscillate the particles with a high
frequency. I mentally went over the steps, trying to replicate Hikaru’s technique as fast as possible.
frequency. I mentally went over the steps, trying to replicate Hikaru’s technique as fast as possible.
A small yellow glow was the only thing that made me hesitate momentarily before dismissing it. Hikaru
needs my help right now. If I distract that bastard enough, Hikaru can escape.
needs my help right now. If I distract that bastard enough, Hikaru can escape.
As he started to run towards the two of them, his eyes widened. Forming out of the small magic circle
was a lance. A spear of lightning, poised to pierce through the white-haired teen’s body.
was a lance. A spear of lightning, poised to pierce through the white-haired teen’s body.
No. He won’t impale himself on his own technique, right? He’ll just use it as a distraction.
As he continued to run, he caught sight of Jin’s face, more specifically, his eyes. His blue eyes were
filled with regret and despair.
filled with regret and despair.
Suddenly, the lance of lightning shot forward.
It pierced through the body of its creator, straight through the right lung, and pierced the body of the
gravity user. It pierced through his left lung, piercing through a few ribs. As it reached the heart, it was
suddenly repelled.
gravity user. It pierced through his left lung, piercing through a few ribs. As it reached the heart, it was
suddenly repelled.
“NO!” I screamed as I ran forward, pushing my body to my limits as the gravity user dropped the boy in
his grip to the ground.
his grip to the ground.
Hikaru glared at the man before him, trying to get up. He was coughing blood continuously, the wound
in his lung not being healed easily.
in his lung not being healed easily.
Normal POV
Hikaru coughed blood as he glared at the man before him. Dammit! DAMMIT! He dodged. I didn’t even
expect him to have a protective field around his own heart! His body shouldn’t even function like that!
expect him to have a protective field around his own heart! His body shouldn’t even function like that!
He could feel his Orga Lux try to stitch the wound closed. He felt the dragon in the back of his mind,
screaming, as it tried to take over his mind. He could hear Arashi’s scream as his own attack pierced
his body. I don’t care what injuries I sustain. I don’t deserve to live anyway. He tried to stand up, gritting
his teeth through the pain. The gravity around him intensified. He couldn’t stand up, forced to kneel
from the pressure on him.
screaming, as it tried to take over his mind. He could hear Arashi’s scream as his own attack pierced
his body. I don’t care what injuries I sustain. I don’t deserve to live anyway. He tried to stand up, gritting
his teeth through the pain. The gravity around him intensified. He couldn’t stand up, forced to kneel
from the pressure on him.
Meanwhile, Jin himself was facing a few problems. He struggled to breathe, the air mixing with his
bloodstream. He could also guess that he was bleeding horribly. The pierced rib would have also led to
bone marrow entering his bloodstream. A piercing technique of such power… he has surpassed you,
Rin. But this suicidal tendency…
bloodstream. He could also guess that he was bleeding horribly. The pierced rib would have also led to
bone marrow entering his bloodstream. A piercing technique of such power… he has surpassed you,
Rin. But this suicidal tendency…
He growled as he blocked another stream of darkness, flinging Arashi back. Damn, I don’t have much
longer. He held his hand out towards Arashi. With a pull on his Prana reserves, he felt the mana
around them move. Arashi was suddenly dragged towards him, the black-haired student’s eyes
widening in surprise. Soon, determination and rage overtook the surprise as he swung the
double-bladed scythe as soon as he was in range. The scythe was repelled, like all the times before it.
longer. He held his hand out towards Arashi. With a pull on his Prana reserves, he felt the mana
around them move. Arashi was suddenly dragged towards him, the black-haired student’s eyes
widening in surprise. Soon, determination and rage overtook the surprise as he swung the
double-bladed scythe as soon as he was in range. The scythe was repelled, like all the times before it.
I may have to use Kurohitsugi to destroy those Orga Luxs. I certainly have the reserves, but can my
body hold?
body hold?
He felt a rise in Prana behind him, the mana around him rapidly moving, turning into lightning. Soon,
he became trapped in a tornado of lightning. Darkness mixed in soon enough, turning the lightning
pitch-black. He could feel his body being shocked by the high-voltage lightning. And with his body fully
drenched, it became a very good conductor. He could feel the electricity trying to travel to his heart,
only to be repelled by his shield. Looks like I have to use Kurohitsugi after all. His Prana rose around
him, the mana around him starting to change. The gravity around him intensified. Boxes of
blackish-purple energy started to form around the area, slowly descending, covering the whole area in
a box. The gravity inside the box was extreme. The tornado surrounding him dissipated from the
immense gravity acting on it. The people inside the box were feeling the full effects of his strongest
technique.
he became trapped in a tornado of lightning. Darkness mixed in soon enough, turning the lightning
pitch-black. He could feel his body being shocked by the high-voltage lightning. And with his body fully
drenched, it became a very good conductor. He could feel the electricity trying to travel to his heart,
only to be repelled by his shield. Looks like I have to use Kurohitsugi after all. His Prana rose around
him, the mana around him starting to change. The gravity around him intensified. Boxes of
blackish-purple energy started to form around the area, slowly descending, covering the whole area in
a box. The gravity inside the box was extreme. The tornado surrounding him dissipated from the
immense gravity acting on it. The people inside the box were feeling the full effects of his strongest
technique.
Arashi and Hikaru were flat on the ground, and were getting pressed into the ground, the gravity
increasing with each passing second. Arashi screamed in pain as the gravity pressed down on him. He
could feel the pain increasing with each second, growing unbearable as time passed.
increasing with each passing second. Arashi screamed in pain as the gravity pressed down on him. He
could feel the pain increasing with each second, growing unbearable as time passed.
He saw Hikaru, right beside Jin. His eyes widened at the visible distortion around Jin. The gravity was
the highest around Jin. The black-haired man was immune to his own technique, and watched, apathy
in his gaze, as his nephew suffered in pain right next to him. The white-haired boy couldn’t even let out
a scream. It was impossible to move and trying to move hurt, it hurt too much. Even the very ground
was being crushed from the gravity that Jin’s technique created.
the highest around Jin. The black-haired man was immune to his own technique, and watched, apathy
in his gaze, as his nephew suffered in pain right next to him. The white-haired boy couldn’t even let out
a scream. It was impossible to move and trying to move hurt, it hurt too much. Even the very ground
was being crushed from the gravity that Jin’s technique created.
I can’t keep this up for long. Hikaru, how long will it take for you to surpass me? How long will it take for
you to surpass yourself? Destroy your shackles!
you to surpass yourself? Destroy your shackles!
He felt a rise in power, but not from where he wanted. Arashi stood up again. Damn you, Datenshi!
Crescent Moon! How far will you manipulate your wielder?!
Crescent Moon! How far will you manipulate your wielder?!
Arashi’s POV
I felt power run through my body, my Prana rising again. I remembered the contract I made with
Crescent Moon, the contract that bound our souls together, bound our fates together.
Crescent Moon, the contract that bound our souls together, bound our fates together.
//
“Crescent Moon, I’m here to make a contract with you.”
“Boy, what can you offer me? I have no interest in a contract where I get nothing.”
“The man who is currently threatening the safety of everyone. I’ll kill him with your power. You will get a
good fight against a strong opponent, which is what you want.”
good fight against a strong opponent, which is what you want.”
“HAHAHAHA… you will die as well, foolish wielder. But still, so intriguing. The fact that you
would sacrifice your life for such weaklings is… amusing.”
would sacrifice your life for such weaklings is… amusing.”
“You wouldn’t understand.”
//
The conversation had ended at that point, the Crescent Moon’s manifestation stabbing me with a blade
of darkness. I could still feel the dull throbbing in my heart. The price that I paid for power, my own life.
This power is something I need to use before my body gives up. I need to save Hikaru before I die.
of darkness. I could still feel the dull throbbing in my heart. The price that I paid for power, my own life.
This power is something I need to use before my body gives up. I need to save Hikaru before I die.
I forced my body to move, the darkness helping my movements and negating the gravity acting on me.
I stood up, the darkness forming into the familiar shape of the Crescent Moon. The man Hikaru called
Jin looked over at me, before walking towards me. I felt the resistance the darkness had against the
gravity decrease as the man walked towards me.
I stood up, the darkness forming into the familiar shape of the Crescent Moon. The man Hikaru called
Jin looked over at me, before walking towards me. I felt the resistance the darkness had against the
gravity decrease as the man walked towards me.
So the closer he is, the more devastating the effect gravity has on the area. I could feel the cracks in
the ground I stood on, growing as the man walked.
the ground I stood on, growing as the man walked.
A spear started to form in his hands. I couldn’t see the sphere, but rather the distortion in the space that
was caused by the spear. A technique powerful enough to create distortions in space. He had used a
lot of power for that technique and more than enough time if I could stand up and use my darkness to
bring myself up.
was caused by the spear. A technique powerful enough to create distortions in space. He had used a
lot of power for that technique and more than enough time if I could stand up and use my darkness to
bring myself up.
That thing is what stopped all of Hikaru’s attacks. If I remember correctly, anything that touches it will
collapse on itself. Need to stay away from that.
collapse on itself. Need to stay away from that.
As Jin neared, my wings formed again, barely keeping me off the ground. Such was the effect of the
intense gravity on me. Previously, I could have flown as high as I wanted, as long as I had Prana to
fuel this technique. But now, I couldn’t even fly a few inches off the ground. Damn. My mobility’s shot
to hell. And I can’t touch that spear. Fuck! This is bad! Can Helga Lindwall even hurt this damned
monster?!
intense gravity on me. Previously, I could have flown as high as I wanted, as long as I had Prana to
fuel this technique. But now, I couldn’t even fly a few inches off the ground. Damn. My mobility’s shot
to hell. And I can’t touch that spear. Fuck! This is bad! Can Helga Lindwall even hurt this damned
monster?!
I felt the ground beneath me again. The effect of the gravity on me had intensified. Fuck! I took a leaf
out of Hikaru’s book again, creating a spear of darkness.
out of Hikaru’s book again, creating a spear of darkness.
//
“Usually, a spear made of lightning won’t be effective. That’s why you need to change it.”
“Change how?” “I use rotations. Multiple discrete counter rotations.”
A small laugh from the side. “What, Kaichou? Trying to figure out otouto’s techniques?”
“Arashi is stupid, onee-chan. He won’t understand anyway.” Hikaru answered in a teasing tone to
Setsura’s question, dodging a light punch from Arashi by ducking.
Setsura’s question, dodging a light punch from Arashi by ducking.
“Anyway, I use multiple elements, or multiple variables if you will. Each variable corresponds to a
rotation. By using multiple variables with multiple discrete counter rotations, I can increase the piercing
and explosive power.”
rotation. By using multiple variables with multiple discrete counter rotations, I can increase the piercing
and explosive power.”
“Though otouto doesn’t use the explosive part much though.” Setsura remarked from the side, working
on her pile of paperwork at the comfortable couch.
on her pile of paperwork at the comfortable couch.
“I don’t use it much because there’s no reason to. I don’t use that technique unless absolutely
necessary. And it takes lots of concentration and quite a bit of my Prana. Obviously I won’t use it much.
And you remember the last time I used it, you were unc-”
necessary. And it takes lots of concentration and quite a bit of my Prana. Obviously I won’t use it much.
And you remember the last time I used it, you were unc-”
“Geez, one injury and I turn into a helpless girl?”
“You were unconscious for the better part of a week! And you couldn’t walk properly without help for
another week. I’m justified in feeling that way.”
another week. I’m justified in feeling that way.”
“Stop.” Arashi said, putting a hand between them. “You were saying?”
“Right. By using multiple variables, I can use multiple discrete counter rotations, which increase the
piercing power. And by using a bit more of my Prana to stabilise the spear properly, I can contain the
power and increase the piercing power by a factor of half at the minimum.”
piercing power. And by using a bit more of my Prana to stabilise the spear properly, I can contain the
power and increase the piercing power by a factor of half at the minimum.”
“Uh huh. And what’s the best way to go about this?”
“My variant is 4 rotations. But that’s only possible right now because I know the exact process and
replicate it with Kanmuru. Or else the processing of information is hard. I’d recommend 2 rotations to
begin with. And that’s when you have more than half of your Prana, 75% to be safe.”
replicate it with Kanmuru. Or else the processing of information is hard. I’d recommend 2 rotations to
begin with. And that’s when you have more than half of your Prana, 75% to be safe.”
“ARGHHH! Otouto, get over here and help me with this pile.” Setsura shouted in frustration.
“Coming.” Hikaru said with a sigh, getting up and walking over to the couch. “If you ever want to
experiment and need help, I’ll help whenever I can.”
experiment and need help, I’ll help whenever I can.”
//
I started to concentrate my Prana, the mana in the air moving to my will. Damn. I never actually
practised with this even though I said I would. What have I been doing all this time?
practised with this even though I said I would. What have I been doing all this time?
I put his my forward, the darkness coalescing in my hand. The shadows meanwhile continuously
attacked Jin, trying to keep him back.
attacked Jin, trying to keep him back.
Use multiple counter rotations. And use Prana to stabilise it so that it won’t explode in my face. I tried
to manipulate the darkness in the spear to rotate in different directions. It was hard, very hard. The
hell?! And he does this as if it’s nothing! I knew that it was hard, but this… this was too complicated.
And that man was walking, ever so slowly, as if our efforts amounted to nothing.
to manipulate the darkness in the spear to rotate in different directions. It was hard, very hard. The
hell?! And he does this as if it’s nothing! I knew that it was hard, but this… this was too complicated.
And that man was walking, ever so slowly, as if our efforts amounted to nothing.
“You know, it’s true. Only Narukami’s vessel managed to wound this man before you. And this
man is not even using Ifrit. Your efforts didn’t amount to much.”
man is not even using Ifrit. Your efforts didn’t amount to much.”
Crescent Moon’s voice was mocking, yet there was apprehension in its words.
“You shut up!”
Wait. The words of my Orga Lux rung in my head. This guy isn’t using his Orga Lux, Ifrit or whatever.
That meant… “You are holding back.” Trying to speak hurt, but I managed to get out those words out
of my mouth.
That meant… “You are holding back.” Trying to speak hurt, but I managed to get out those words out
of my mouth.
“Crescent Moon… one of the most powerful Orga Luxs, only when the wielder is able to understand its
abilities and use it properly.” He spoke coldly. “Truly an infuriating opponent. Yet, before my ability, it
will be crushed like everything else.”
abilities and use it properly.” He spoke coldly. “Truly an infuriating opponent. Yet, before my ability, it
will be crushed like everything else.”
Yeah, yeah, keep talking, bastard.
I managed to stabilise the spear, somewhat. “Interesting. A technique similar to Hikaru’s own. Yet I
sense greater power in it.”
sense greater power in it.”
I threw it, adding whatever Prana I could to my arm to reinforce my strength and throw it with every
ounce of my strength.
ounce of my strength.
The man didn’t bother to bring up his shield, instead bringing his left arm forward. The spear met his
open palm. There was some resistance. Something was in his hand.
open palm. There was some resistance. Something was in his hand.
Wait. He said something about gravitons. He might be using these gravitons to create a shield, much
like that spear in his hand. Now that I observed closely, there was a slight distortion in the air before
that man’s hand. That distortion. He is using that distortion as a shield. A fucking distortion in space!
Just what the hell is this monster!
like that spear in his hand. Now that I observed closely, there was a slight distortion in the air before
that man’s hand. That distortion. He is using that distortion as a shield. A fucking distortion in space!
Just what the hell is this monster!
All my hopes were dashed as the spear was stopped, before it turned. It was sent upwards, where it
dispersed.
dispersed.
I gasped. No. My last technique.
I stared at the impending doom as it approached, the monster in human skin. That was what it could
be. A monster in human skin. There was no way that a Genestellar, no matter how powerful, could be
powerful enough to create distortions in space anytime he wanted. This man before be was a monster.
be. A monster in human skin. There was no way that a Genestellar, no matter how powerful, could be
powerful enough to create distortions in space anytime he wanted. This man before be was a monster.
“I am a monster, Student Council President. I can no longer be human. When I received this ability, I
had already set foot on the path of the demon. Now, this power… this power is the pinnacle of strength
that a monster can achieve. You cannot hope to beat this power.”
had already set foot on the path of the demon. Now, this power… this power is the pinnacle of strength
that a monster can achieve. You cannot hope to beat this power.”
As he talked, the spear, rather the distortion around his spear started to disappear. The particles
coalesced into something. It was a spear, but yet it couldn’t be.
coalesced into something. It was a spear, but yet it couldn’t be.
“This, boy, is the true pinnacle of gravity manipulation. Control of the fundamental force of gravity itself.
It would take me nothing but a simple thought to separate every part of your body from each other.”
It would take me nothing but a simple thought to separate every part of your body from each other.”
Yet he didn’t. Why is he waiting?
His ability revolved around gravity. That was Hikaru’s theory. He should be able to manipulate gravity.
That is all.
That is all.
“I reached the pinnacle and then surpassed that pinnacle itself. Not even the sky will be the limit for me.”
Jin walked forward calmly. The gravity intensified with each passing second.
Jin walked forward calmly. The gravity intensified with each passing second.
Pinnacle of gravity manipulation? He manipulated the basic properties of these gravitons and
compressed them into a spear. He also removed that distortion, so this spear is different from the
previous one.
compressed them into a spear. He also removed that distortion, so this spear is different from the
previous one.
I fell to my knees. There was nothing I could do. Even with my life as the price, even with this power I
received, I couldn’t kill this monster before me, couldn’t protect anyone.
received, I couldn’t kill this monster before me, couldn’t protect anyone.
I didn’t have anything left anymore. My potentially strongest technique I could use was stopped easily.
Each and every single technique that I used, honed over the years, was useless. Even Crescent Moon
had fallen silent, knowing of its imminent demise. There was nothing left. The Crescent Moon couldn’t
give me any more power, the mana in its Urm Manadyte exhausted. And my Prana levels were at a
record low, only enough to manipulate the darkness which was already present, though that was
useless right now. I decided to make a move on a whim. Destroy this box. I’ll try to destroy this box
with what I have left. I can’t do much anyway.
Each and every single technique that I used, honed over the years, was useless. Even Crescent Moon
had fallen silent, knowing of its imminent demise. There was nothing left. The Crescent Moon couldn’t
give me any more power, the mana in its Urm Manadyte exhausted. And my Prana levels were at a
record low, only enough to manipulate the darkness which was already present, though that was
useless right now. I decided to make a move on a whim. Destroy this box. I’ll try to destroy this box
with what I have left. I can’t do much anyway.
As I focused on the mass of darkness above us, it shot towards the top of the box. I could feel it break
through and a small smile came to my face as death approached.
through and a small smile came to my face as death approached.
1 minute. Exactly 60 seconds had passed between the manifestation of this box and my approaching
death.
death.
The man thrust his spear right through my heart.
Normal POV
1 minute earlier
Hikaru could feel it, the pain. The pain, as his body was ripped apart by Jin’s technique, meanwhile,
his soul was being ripped apart by the Narukami.
his soul was being ripped apart by the Narukami.
He could feel the Narukami heal him again, stitching his wounds together. His lung and ribs started to
heal, slowly.
heal, slowly.
He couldn’t move, and could only gaze at the source of the sudden power he felt.
Arashi. The Datenshi stood up, with great effort.
He watched with growing despair as all of Arashi’s attacks were stopped. Even Arashi’s improvised
version of his own technique was deflected.
version of his own technique was deflected.
He could move now. The gravity pushing him down had lessened. His lung had almost healed. Yet, he
would be too slow.
would be too slow.
He struggled, struggled against the force that pushed him down. His eyes were trained on the two
black-haired men before him, one his friend, the other the man he had sworn to kill.
black-haired men before him, one his friend, the other the man he had sworn to kill.
Arashi managed to form a spear and threw it at Jin. Yet, the white-haired student knew that it was
futile. The distortion that formed before Jin’s hand stopped the spear in its tracks before it was
deflected upwards, where it dispersed into darkness.
futile. The distortion that formed before Jin’s hand stopped the spear in its tracks before it was
deflected upwards, where it dispersed into darkness.
He knew that he had to move now.
Move.
The spear forming in Jin’s hand was visible to him. He had to move, had to stop him.
Move.
The spear was moving forward. At the same time, he felt himself stand, and his body move faster than
it ever had. He felt the effect of gravity on him practically disappear, as if it had never existed. He
stopped before Arashi, standing in the way of the spear. He partially faced Jin, and forced a smile onto
his face, as his heart was pierced by Jin. He looked as Jin’s face changed from its cold facade to
surprise then to shock and finally settled on horror. He smirked weakly, forcing his body to spin on one
leg, the other outstretched to kick the black-haired terrorist. His kick connected, his vast amounts of
Prana enhancing it, sending the man flying, the man not able to block the kick due to his shock and
horror.
it ever had. He felt the effect of gravity on him practically disappear, as if it had never existed. He
stopped before Arashi, standing in the way of the spear. He partially faced Jin, and forced a smile onto
his face, as his heart was pierced by Jin. He looked as Jin’s face changed from its cold facade to
surprise then to shock and finally settled on horror. He smirked weakly, forcing his body to spin on one
leg, the other outstretched to kick the black-haired terrorist. His kick connected, his vast amounts of
Prana enhancing it, sending the man flying, the man not able to block the kick due to his shock and
horror.
Hikaru fell to his knees, where he was caught by Arashi, who had snapped out of his shock.
“Hikaru! Hikaru!” Arashi exclaimed in worry, as the spear dissipated, leaving a gaping hole in his chest.
Damn it! Why the hell did you have to take the attack?! I am just dead weight anyway. I can no longer
do anything anyway.
Damn it! Why the hell did you have to take the attack?! I am just dead weight anyway. I can no longer
do anything anyway.
He looked down at the white-haired student who was at the verge of death, yet, he knew that the
younger student’s Orga Lux could heal him and was doing it. But it was slow, too slow.
younger student’s Orga Lux could heal him and was doing it. But it was slow, too slow.
His eyes widened as he looked at his own hands and then at the electricity was slowly dissipating
across Hikaru’s body. Prana… he doesn’t have enough Prana to fully heal all of his wounds. What the
hell can be done to- He interrupted that train of thought as he saw the boy gasp with pain, his heart
healed enough that he wouldn’t die.
across Hikaru’s body. Prana… he doesn’t have enough Prana to fully heal all of his wounds. What the
hell can be done to- He interrupted that train of thought as he saw the boy gasp with pain, his heart
healed enough that he wouldn’t die.
//
“Say, Narukami, what’s the price of your Orga Lux?”
“Hai?”
“Your Orga Lux. The price for using it. Rin didn’t tell me what it is.”
“That’s the thing, Kyouko-sensei. The price of Narukami is different for each wielder.”
“Different? That’s the first time I’ve heard of an Orga Lux like that.” Arashi wondered.
“Mine is, in exchange for a temporary power boost-”
“Like that lightning beast armor?!”
“Yes. For a temporary power boost… kill something I hold dear.”
//
As he looked at the sword in Hikaru’s hands, he recalled that particular conversation. I didn’t even ask
him if he was alright after that. I was so insensitive, huh? Even though I tried to protect everyone, I
didn’t do anything for the one who was protecting all of us.
him if he was alright after that. I was so insensitive, huh? Even though I tried to protect everyone, I
didn’t do anything for the one who was protecting all of us.
“Kill something you hold dear?”
He started to get up, seeing Jin walking towards them again. Now I understand. You, even if you are
his uncle, you must die. And he is willing to die if it means he can kill you. If I am going to die, then…
Hikaru had opened his eyes by now, struggling to stand up, suffering from the outage of his Prana. His
heart had healed fully, and most of his injuries were healed. He would live for now, until help came. He
looked up as he felt his right hand, which was holding the Narukami, being lifted up, only to see Arashi
position the blade, pointing it towards his stomach. “A-A-Arashi?” Hikaru asked in between coughs of
blood.
his uncle, you must die. And he is willing to die if it means he can kill you. If I am going to die, then…
Hikaru had opened his eyes by now, struggling to stand up, suffering from the outage of his Prana. His
heart had healed fully, and most of his injuries were healed. He would live for now, until help came. He
looked up as he felt his right hand, which was holding the Narukami, being lifted up, only to see Arashi
position the blade, pointing it towards his stomach. “A-A-Arashi?” Hikaru asked in between coughs of
blood.
“Sorry, Hikaru. You were suffering so much. I thought that I could see it. I thought that you were dealing
with your suffering, that you were alright. And all this time, I couldn’t see it. No one could see it. And
you suffered through it, for our sakes, all alone. Sacrificing a part of you with each fight, ripping
yourself apart as you fought to protect us.”
with your suffering, that you were alright. And all this time, I couldn’t see it. No one could see it. And
you suffered through it, for our sakes, all alone. Sacrificing a part of you with each fight, ripping
yourself apart as you fought to protect us.”
He paused, taking in a breath, before stabbing himself.
The sword went straight through his stomach, sticking out of the other side. He felt pain. His nerves felt
like they were on fire. He gasped in pain as he fell to the floor.
like they were on fire. He gasped in pain as he fell to the floor.
“Fuck… *cough* Hikaru, you always felt this pain and you just brushed it off. You withstood this pain,
right? You withstood pain greater than this, and you bore that burden all alone… you are strong,
stronger than me.”
right? You withstood pain greater than this, and you bore that burden all alone… you are strong,
stronger than me.”
Hikaru gasped, trying to kneel over him, so that he could try and heal Arashi’s wounds.
“Don’t. I am dying anyway. Crescent Moon, I made a contract with it for power. I will die now anyway.
Your Orga Lux, its price is *cough* sacrifice, right?”
Your Orga Lux, its price is *cough* sacrifice, right?”
“Arashi, what are you saying?”
“I’m choosing this. I’m going to become a sacrifice instead of you. You were planning to kill yourself,
right? I should have known it. When they died, your voice was different. You… you were planning to die
fighting, right? Kill that bastard and then kill yourself. I *cough* should have stopped you. But I didn’t.
Once this is over, I hope you can forgive me for my stupidity.”
right? I should have known it. When they died, your voice was different. You… you were planning to die
fighting, right? Kill that bastard and then kill yourself. I *cough* should have stopped you. But I didn’t.
Once this is over, I hope you can forgive me for my stupidity.”
“What are you saying, Arashi?! What about Sylvie?! What about Setsura-nee?! Nestor, Feardorcha,
everyone?! What about them?!”
everyone?! What about them?!”
“I… I should apologise to you. I am burdening you again. I have a few last selfish requests. First,
please protect Sylvie in my place. Find Ursula-san and bring her back to Sylvie. Second, win the
Phoenix and prove your innocence, prove everyone wrong. Third, could you tell Setsura that I love her?
And also tell her that I’m sorry for going off and dying like this. Fourth, I want to entrust my dream to
you. A world where Genestellar and humans are equal, a world where Genestella are accepted, a
world where no one has to suffer because of how they were born, I wanted to see that world. You were
the same right? You can do that. Please, for everyone's sake. And finally, be happy. Don’t blame
yourself for my death, this is my choice.”
please protect Sylvie in my place. Find Ursula-san and bring her back to Sylvie. Second, win the
Phoenix and prove your innocence, prove everyone wrong. Third, could you tell Setsura that I love her?
And also tell her that I’m sorry for going off and dying like this. Fourth, I want to entrust my dream to
you. A world where Genestellar and humans are equal, a world where Genestella are accepted, a
world where no one has to suffer because of how they were born, I wanted to see that world. You were
the same right? You can do that. Please, for everyone's sake. And finally, be happy. Don’t blame
yourself for my death, this is my choice.”
“No. What are you talking about?! Create that world yourself! Confess to her yourself, dammit! And
protect your sister yourself! She’s your sister, not mine! You are supposed to protect her!”
protect your sister yourself! She’s your sister, not mine! You are supposed to protect her!”
“Hah, I really messed up. Now you are supposed to protect her. And you are supposed to be strong.
You are the Rank 1. No, that isn’t right. You are the one who will surpass everyone, Hikaru. Being
anything less than that is forbidden.”
You are the Rank 1. No, that isn’t right. You are the one who will surpass everyone, Hikaru. Being
anything less than that is forbidden.”
“I’m too weak, dammit! I can’t protect anyone!”
“Being anything less than that is forbidden. I am placing a burden on you. But I know that you will bear
this. You will surpass all your limits and become stronger. Because you are Narukami Hikaru, the Raijin,
the Rank#0 of Seidoukan Academy. And you are the strongest person I know.”
this. You will surpass all your limits and become stronger. Because you are Narukami Hikaru, the Raijin,
the Rank#0 of Seidoukan Academy. And you are the strongest person I know.”
Arashi then looked weakly at Hikaru. “I’m sorry…” He trailed off, his eyes losing the light.
As the sun rose, as the new day began, a life ended.
Hikaru looked at Arashi as he closed his eyes, staring blankly at his body.
His mind finally came to terms with the reality as Jin’s voice floated into his ears. “So, he died.”
A lone tear escaped his eye as he looked at Arashi.
Arashi is dead. He is dead. Dead. Dead. Dead! Dead! DEAD! DEAD!
Pain.
Rage.
As he turned around, Arashi’s body was soon surrounded by a cage of lightning, protecting him from
the destruction that took place.
the destruction that took place.
XXXXXXXXXX
He was slowly sinking, sinking in the darkness of his own mind.
Arashi is dead.
He sunk further down, chains holding him down.
I killed Arashi.
The chains started to tighten around him, strangling him
The chains started to tighten around him, strangling him
Because of my own weakness, Arashi had to die.
He closed his eyes as he sank, trapping himself in his own darkness.
Protect this place? Protect everyone? Protect the world?
These questions echoed in his mind until they were silenced by a cold voice.
As he opened his eyes, one of them was beginning to turn a bloody crimson.
This world can destroy itself. I don’t care anymore.
XXXXXXXXXX
He looked at Jin, one of his eyes turning partially red.
Jin took an involuntary step back in fear as those fearsome eyes gazed at him.
Suddenly, a lance pierced through his body. What?
The lance was savagely ripped out before he was punched in the chest, throwing him a large distance
away. He felt his chest cavity collapse, his ribs getting shattered.
away. He felt his chest cavity collapse, his ribs getting shattered.
He coughed blood, flooding his body with Prana to reinforce it. In a second, he stopped, floating above
the crater.
the crater.
He… how did he become so strong? His eyes widened as he recalled the single red eye of the
white-haired teen. Narukami… he used that Orga Lux! That boy… that foolish boy!
white-haired teen. Narukami… he used that Orga Lux! That boy… that foolish boy!
He saw as an uncountable number of lightning spears rained down on him. He swept his arm forward
and a spiralling shield appeared before him, blocking a few spears. His eyes widened as a few spears
pierced the shield. He pushed himself back, flying to the edge of the crater.
and a spiralling shield appeared before him, blocking a few spears. His eyes widened as a few spears
pierced the shield. He pushed himself back, flying to the edge of the crater.
A crash before him alerted Jin to the fact that his nephew had landed before him.
Power. He felt power rolling of his nephew in waves. The scent of ozone overwhelmed him, the killing
intent crushed him.
intent crushed him.
To think that he could release this much power and killing intent if someone close to him was hurt…
Hikaru, what will happen should you lose everyone you care about?
Hikaru, what will happen should you lose everyone you care about?
Jin blocked a punch from Hikaru, his arms crossed. He winced in pain at the hit. He had felt it to his
bones. His bones had fractured. He pushed through the pain to grab his nephew, only to be shocked.
The lightning shooting off the student traveled through him, thoroughly shocking him.
bones. His bones had fractured. He pushed through the pain to grab his nephew, only to be shocked.
The lightning shooting off the student traveled through him, thoroughly shocking him.
“Die!”
His voice as more of an animalistic growl than human. “DIE!”
Lightning continued to attack him in various forms. Lightning bolts from above, spears of lightning from
the sides and back, and continuous lightning-enhanced punches from the front. He put up his shield on
all sides, yet the shield was slowly being damaged by the endless attacks.
the sides and back, and continuous lightning-enhanced punches from the front. He put up his shield on
all sides, yet the shield was slowly being damaged by the endless attacks.
“DIEEEEE!”
A single punch broke through the shield, lightning crackling around the arm as it destroyed the shield
from within.
from within.
“ARGH!” Jin screamed as many spears pierced his body, the current passing through him.
He pushed them out of his body before pointing his palm at Hikaru. The white-haired student was flung
back. He roared in anger. There was nothing human in it. It was an animalistic roar, a sound which
struck fear inside his heart.
back. He roared in anger. There was nothing human in it. It was an animalistic roar, a sound which
struck fear inside his heart.
“▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅! ▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅!”
He howled in rage as he was flung many meters away, before wings of lightning sprouted from his back.
Jin growled at the shout of rage, raising his arm to meet the lightning bolts heading straight towards
him. The bolts were repelled as he exerted all of his power.
him. The bolts were repelled as he exerted all of his power.
Hikaru has been taken over by the Narukami. That would be the only explanation.
He felt the barrier. The connection between him and the barrier was weakening. He couldn’t send any
Prana to the barrier to reinforce it any longer. The already weak link he had with the barrier was
already deteriorating.
Prana to the barrier to reinforce it any longer. The already weak link he had with the barrier was
already deteriorating.
Tch, looks like I don’t have much time left. A few more minutes I guess. I think that technique should
be enough to tire him out enough for me to destroy that Orga Lux.
be enough to tire him out enough for me to destroy that Orga Lux.
He brought his hands together, releasing all of his Prana. His nephews body turned towards his
direction, the beast controlling it sensing the rise in power. A black mist surrounded his body, his Prana
tainted by his sins.
direction, the beast controlling it sensing the rise in power. A black mist surrounded his body, his Prana
tainted by his sins.
He closed his eyes, images flashing past him. Yuka, Ayame. As he separated his hands, a black orb
appeared between them. The orb floated up as he fell down. He felt the barrier drop. His senses felt
Hikaru appear above him, hand poised to stab. Lightning coated the hand, sharpening it till it was a
blade.
appeared between them. The orb floated up as he fell down. He felt the barrier drop. His senses felt
Hikaru appear above him, hand poised to stab. Lightning coated the hand, sharpening it till it was a
blade.
Jin felt the pain before he saw the hand stab him. It went straight through his chest and out of the back.
With a pull, his hand was free and Jin fell to the ground. “Looks like I have no choice.”
He felt an immense amount of Prana, heading towards their location from the entrance. Helga Lindwall
is here as well. And heading towards us. Along with a squad of Stjarnagarm members. Another student
is coming here as well. And it looks like… He stretched out his senses more. That boy, Nestor
Fandorin. Fool, why does he have to come here? He knows that he can’t do anything against my
power.
is here as well. And heading towards us. Along with a squad of Stjarnagarm members. Another student
is coming here as well. And it looks like… He stretched out his senses more. That boy, Nestor
Fandorin. Fool, why does he have to come here? He knows that he can’t do anything against my
power.
An axe kick to his abdomen sent him falling faster into the ground.
He looked up, past his nephew, to the black orb that was floating in the sky. Rubble around them was
floating up, being attracted to the orb.
floating up, being attracted to the orb.
Soon.
He could see it beginning to form. One of his most devastating techniques. Catastrophic destruction. I
didn’t want to use that technique. Helga Lindwall, she recognizes that technique, though the scale is
different. I can’t let Hikaru himself be suspected of helping us since I am his uncle. Yet… He looked at
Hikaru, who was being controlled by the Narukami. The white-haired boy was surrounded by lightning,
and animalistic roars escaped the sphere of lightning. With this, I should be able to trap him. Trap him
and destroy that Orga Lux. If I do that, with my current state, he can kill me.
didn’t want to use that technique. Helga Lindwall, she recognizes that technique, though the scale is
different. I can’t let Hikaru himself be suspected of helping us since I am his uncle. Yet… He looked at
Hikaru, who was being controlled by the Narukami. The white-haired boy was surrounded by lightning,
and animalistic roars escaped the sphere of lightning. With this, I should be able to trap him. Trap him
and destroy that Orga Lux. If I do that, with my current state, he can kill me.
The source of power was getting nearer and nearer every second. At the same time, the object he had
created was growing in size as well. He pointed his palm at the sphere of lightning, and channeled his
Prana through his arm. A black mist formed at his palm, his corrupted Prana started to act on the mana
around him. Just a bit more power… Suddenly, the sphere of lightning was repelled, and flung straight
towards the growing object in the air.
created was growing in size as well. He pointed his palm at the sphere of lightning, and channeled his
Prana through his arm. A black mist formed at his palm, his corrupted Prana started to act on the mana
around him. Just a bit more power… Suddenly, the sphere of lightning was repelled, and flung straight
towards the growing object in the air.
Rubble floated up, trapping the sphere of lightning inside the giant orb of the debris from his destructive
attacks.
attacks.
I damaged the terrain enough that it would grow to about a size of 100. If I drop this… that thing is here
in Asterisk. If I drop this over Ginga’s branch here, the resulting destruction would obliterate everything
in Asterisk. I could finish this. But…
in Asterisk. If I drop this over Ginga’s branch here, the resulting destruction would obliterate everything
in Asterisk. I could finish this. But…
He remembered his daughter and grit his teeth. Killing Hikaru here will leave her all alone. I can’t
condemn her to that fate, even if that thing will live for a few more days.
condemn her to that fate, even if that thing will live for a few more days.
Jin then manipulated a few more pieces of rubble to the sphere, the sphere of lightning disappearing
from view, and fed the technique more power.
from view, and fed the technique more power.
Parts of the rock started to be attracted to the sphere. Even the buildings outside the crater also
started to move, slowly but surely getting attracted by the gravitational power of the sphere.
started to move, slowly but surely getting attracted by the gravitational power of the sphere.
A few more moments…
XXXXXXXXXX
Nestor ran towards the crater, jumping on platforms of ice which vanished as soon as he jumped,
crossing the rubble and destruction.
crossing the rubble and destruction.
“You, boy, slow down!”
Like hell I can slow down, you idiots! He sped up. Arashi, Hikaru, hold on a few more minutes. Help is
coming.
coming.
He stopped, or rather, he was forced to stop, as the pressure bearing down on them increased
exponentially.
exponentially.
What the-
The ground started to shake, the rubble around them slowly rising. Damn it! He increased his pace
again, flooding his legs with Prana. The ground froze wherever his feet touched.
again, flooding his legs with Prana. The ground froze wherever his feet touched.
Suddenly, he felt a pull on his body. He felt himself float in the air, in the same direction the rubble was
floating.
floating.
That sphere!
He looked down, seeing a sphere of lightning. Hikaru?
He managed to flip himself so that he was facing down. As he concentrated, a platform of ice started
to form at his feet.
to form at his feet.
He flooded his legs with Prana and pushed off. The platform shattered from the force while he was
rocketed towards the sphere of lightning.
rocketed towards the sphere of lightning.
He collided with the sphere, which dissipated, and he collided against something warm, which was
rapidly going cold.
rapidly going cold.
As he looked at what he collided with, his eyes widened.
“Arashi!” He shook the black-haired President’s shoulder, but it was in vain. “ARASHI!”
His mind went blank as it tried to register the fact that Arashi had died. His best friend had died, and
he had been too weak to help him. He couldn’t save him.
he had been too weak to help him. He couldn’t save him.
I couldn’t help my friend. I couldn’t save my first friend.
He glared at the sphere of rubble, eyes filled with fury.
He glared at the sphere of rubble, eyes filled with fury.
It’s due to him. That monster… he tore everything apart. Our lives, because of him, everything was
torn away from us.
A cold rage filled his mind, his thoughts turning darker.
torn away from us.
A cold rage filled his mind, his thoughts turning darker.
Suddenly, the orb floating in the sky exploded.
“▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅!”
A roar which struck fear in his heart, as he gazed up at the orb which was falling apart, as he spotted a
white-haired boy, enshrouded in lightning, an inhuman roar escaping the boy’s lips.
white-haired boy, enshrouded in lightning, an inhuman roar escaping the boy’s lips.
“H-Hi-Hikaru?”
XXXXXXXXXX
The enemy is still there.
The enemy is still alive.
Your enemy still lives. Will you let him live?
He stole everything from me.
That’s right. He stole everything from you.
Unforgivable.
That’s right. Unforgivable.
Unforgivable!
Will you let him do as he wants?
He won’t escape. I will kill him.
That’s correct. Kill. Murder! SLAUGHTER!!!
I will slaughter him!
Tear him to pieces! Rip him apart!
Tear him to pieces! Rip him apart!
Show him despair! Crush him!
Destroy him! Obliterate him!
I will make sure that not a trace of him remains on this earth.
Not even ashes of him will remain.
…
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
DESTROY HIM!!
XXXXXXXXXX
A howl. An animalistic roar.
“▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅!”
The surface of the floating orb began to rumble. The rumbling thunder drowned out the sound of the
roars, lightning crackled as it began to emerge from inside the giant orb of rocks.
roars, lightning crackled as it began to emerge from inside the giant orb of rocks.
In a second, a part of the orb was destroyed, lightning emerging from the opening.
“▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅!”
A beast of lightning emerged from the orb. At the centre of that beast, clouded in lightning, was Hikaru.
He roared as he raised his arm up towards the sky. The sky lit up in a bright flash as the lightning in
the sky descended to his arm, forming a big dragon. The dragon dwarfed everything in the vicinity. The
orb of rubble was consumed by the dragon, being vaporized by the immense heat and power. The
dragon descended, straight towards the centre of the crater.
He roared as he raised his arm up towards the sky. The sky lit up in a bright flash as the lightning in
the sky descended to his arm, forming a big dragon. The dragon dwarfed everything in the vicinity. The
orb of rubble was consumed by the dragon, being vaporized by the immense heat and power. The
dragon descended, straight towards the centre of the crater.
As the dragon of lightning neared the ground, a man with black hair smiled. Even as death approached
him, he smiled and closed his eyes. The lightning dragon consumed him. Even as the lightning traveled
through his body, electrocuting every part of it, his mind was filled with relief.
him, he smiled and closed his eyes. The lightning dragon consumed him. Even as the lightning traveled
through his body, electrocuting every part of it, his mind was filled with relief.
Now, you can be safe. You can be happy.
As his soul left his body, his body itself was destroyed. It turned to a charred black and then to ash. The
dragon exploded, the lightning being set free. The world lit up as it exploded, leaving a big crater inside
the one that Jin had created.
dragon exploded, the lightning being set free. The world lit up as it exploded, leaving a big crater inside
the one that Jin had created.
Nothing was left of the Strongest Dante. Not even ashes remained of him. Hikaru fell down, the lightning
still acting as his shroud.
still acting as his shroud.
He roared again, a sound that couldn’t be human.
As several people started to surround him, he roared.
Lightning bolts started to hit the ground, masking him, as he disappeared.
XXXXXXXXXX
She ran towards the destruction, towards the crater where the rubble lay.
He should have returned. Both of them should have returned by now.
Onii-chan, Hikaru-kun… please be safe.
As she stopped at the edge of the crater, she slid down the side to where she could see a group of
people. She let a small sigh of relief pass through her lips as she recognized their clothing. The white
uniform of the Stjarnagarm. She also noticed another thing that made her sink to her knees in relief.
The heavy pressure that bore down on them for the last few days had disappeared. She felt lighter
than ever. As she slowly stood up, making her way towards the crater, she spotted Nestor. He was
kneeling next to someone, only their hair visible. But she recognized it anyway, the hair of her reliable
older brother.
people. She let a small sigh of relief pass through her lips as she recognized their clothing. The white
uniform of the Stjarnagarm. She also noticed another thing that made her sink to her knees in relief.
The heavy pressure that bore down on them for the last few days had disappeared. She felt lighter
than ever. As she slowly stood up, making her way towards the crater, she spotted Nestor. He was
kneeling next to someone, only their hair visible. But she recognized it anyway, the hair of her reliable
older brother.
Yet her heart began to fill with dread. She couldn’t see the form of her first friend, the form of the boy
who had sacrificed everything for them.
who had sacrificed everything for them.
As she stepped towards Arashi and Nestor, he stood up. As he turned around, still blocking her view
of Arashi, he said, “I’m sorry.” Those words confused her. As she saw Arashi however, everything
became clear. A hole in his stomach, the blood staining his clothes. His chest wasn’t moving. As reality
came crashing down, her knees buckled.
of Arashi, he said, “I’m sorry.” Those words confused her. As she saw Arashi however, everything
became clear. A hole in his stomach, the blood staining his clothes. His chest wasn’t moving. As reality
came crashing down, her knees buckled.
She screamed in pain, a wound carved in deep inside her heart.
“ONII-CHAN!”
XXXXXXXXXX
He ran. He ran till he couldn’t run anymore. He didn’t know where he was. His lungs burned. No, his
whole body burned. His muscles ached, his bones had broken. And yet, he continued to run.
whole body burned. His muscles ached, his bones had broken. And yet, he continued to run.
Run away from that place.
Run away from reality.
Run away from that hell.
Run away from them.
Run away from her.
As he fell to the ground, unable to move, he heard a vaguely familiar voice. Yet, he tried to tune it out;
hearing that voice caused him unspeakable pain.
hearing that voice caused him unspeakable pain.
As he blacked out, he felt a momentary sense of relief. The pain had finally stopped, as he succumbed
to unconsciousness, carrying wounds carved deep into his heart.
to unconsciousness, carrying wounds carved deep into his heart.
XXXXXXXXXX
He was floating. Floating inside the void between death and life.
He looked around, at the nothingness that surrounded him.
Maybe in death, I will find Yuka at last.
He could rest in peace now. His life of endless conflict, of death, had finally ended, taken by the very
boy he had betrayed.
boy he had betrayed.
Everything is up to you now, Hikaru. You will have to protect Ayame and kill that monster; you have to
end it.
end it.
That monster which had ripped apart the lives of everyone dear to him. That monster which had forced
him to live this life of death and conflict. The monster which had forced him to betray the family who
had trusted him. His father, the abomination that had taken him in and molded him into a weapon.
him to live this life of death and conflict. The monster which had forced him to betray the family who
had trusted him. His father, the abomination that had taken him in and molded him into a weapon.
Ryuga… you will die someday. My only regret is that you will not die by my hand.
He closed his eyes, longing for the peace that was denied of him.
Yet, he couldn’t rest. That monster wouldn’t allow him that mercy.
He felt himself being ripped apart.
No!
Dread filled him as his vision began to be filled with light.
NO!
A dark chuckle followed by a cold voice.
“Welcome back, Jin.”
His heart was filled with dread. Then rage.
No! No! NO! NOOO!
Everything he had worked for, everything he had ever sacrificed, all of it, everything, ruined by the
whims of one man.
whims of one man.
Damn you, Ryuga! DAMN YOU, RYUGA!
He screamed, rage filling his heart.
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