Jumkou sat down on a bench with a new friend. Both were indulging into the warm meal in their hands and looked satisfied. "Mm... This thing tastes like heaven! I never expected such great tasting food!" They both smiled at each other through chewed up mouthfuls. It really made their hearts happy, even after just meeting for such a brief period.

She didn't forget her mission, for sure. But even someone like her deserved some moments of peace here and there before carrying on with it. Jumkou looked up at the sky which was partially obstructed with lit up skyscrapers. Every skyscraper was filled with billboards of all kinds of stuff, with orange and blue lighting all around. A bit strange when you consider what time of day it is, but it adds to the beauty of the city itself.

Testharians, while being as democratic as they could be, were also patriotic as all can be. It showed through flags posted up nearly every street corner she had come across so far. Some of the flags represented specific companies whereas others represented government officials and politicians themselves. It made Jumkou confused for obvious reasons. Democracy and Patriotism was a weird combo by itself.

"That's right..." Jumkou said.

"Testharia is one of many so it would for sure have it's own system of ruling. But the galaxy is so big that you'd forget that there are hundreds of wars going on beyond this planet."

She grabbed her neck. It started to feel cold... very cold. Something bad was about to happen, but she didn't know that. Tristate City was known for it's sudden drop in temperatures due to the artificial weather system. It wasn't a big drop but enough to notice and bother certain sensitive people.

But it wasn't the snow or the wind.

"Am I feeling a sense of intrusion or... is it just cold?" She looked around her surroundings, all pedestrians walking about.

And then, a siren blasted around the busiest streets of Tristate City, indicating an incoming urgent announcement. People immediately stood still near any speakers they could find that may announce the reason for it. All sorts of shops were also closed at once without hesitation nor any reason behind it. The only things left on the street were parked cars from the morning drive in traffic and stray dogs looking curiously.

A hologram of the most well known Testharian news channel would be projected onto the Eria Tower, revealing a huge sheet of a projected screen for everyone to see.

Jumkou watched, along with the stranger she met minutes earlier, standing nearby but trying not to get too close to the folk alien she didn't know very well.

It was about the news of a strong, condensed storm destroying the Yucares Town, with half of the town population killed. There was also a bystander who was killed by a perpetrator. However, there were no concrete details about it's appearance, only that he had white hair and red clothing.

It wasn't clear if it was a Testharian or an outsider.

"A... terrorist...?" Jumkou stumbled a little and then sat down. She held her head. It started getting vehemently cold, and it was eating away at her mind. This power... this feeling...

I feel bad. I feel very bad. What is happening, why does it hurt! It hurts! My brain trembles! It feels as if everything and everything was going through my body! I feel... Agh!

Stopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthisstopthis!!!!!!

Stop violating my head! Stop putting thoughts inside my head! Stop filling my thoughts up like a broken machine!

The woman approached her, worried for her condition. "M-miss? Are you okay?" She asked while gently shaking Jumkou's shoulder.

She didn't respond, only breathing heavily and staring into the ground beneath her feet. The snow covered up a part of her shoes which began to melt and drip water. Her face turned pale, her heart rate increasing at a steady rate.

Little Jumy nudged her arm with his head, whining for his friend to get better. He wanted to help her, but it seemed like she was lost in thought.

The Soul-Wielder had deployed a message that connected to all Soul-Wielders across Tristate City. The message simply read 'Jumkou'.

The very same message would feel a sharp, unbearable pain in their head.

My name, why my name? Why do I see my own name?

It felt like needles being pressed into their brain.

Everyone who was affected by it clutched their heads tightly and let out an agonizing scream.

Those who did not have a Soul felt nothing. They were only confused as to what was going on, and why their friends suddenly started screaming and holding their heads in pain.

There were only a select few people that stopped walking, dropping to their knees and holding their heads. Most would mouth off, uttering 'Jumkou' in their own accent while others shook it off and continued walking with increased confusion.

The stronger your Soul was, and the more connected you were with it, the stronger the pain was.

Jumkou looked around at everyone falling down and screaming. She had no idea why they were doing this, or what was happening. All she knew was that it wasn't her fault.

Why is everyone so hurt? Did I do this somehow... No! Impossible, I couldn't possibly be so powerful as to hurt people without even touching them! I didn't even mean to send anything out to them! It just happened, I don't know how but I can't stop it-

It wasn't me.

It was someone else.

A bright flash occurred just at the border of the city - before catastrophically emitting a massive shockwave across Tristate.

Everybody felt the tremor, most getting pushed off from their feet and only some standing their ground. The few that were largely unaffected were Soul-Wielders who could protect themselves and those around them using their own Soul.

Buildings would not sway however, as the architecture allows them to stand through all kinds of natural disasters.

"..."

People were running around in fear while a select few Soul-Wielders manifested their Signature Weapons. They were ready to fight and die for the sake of keeping their loved ones safe.

And then, several storm clouds from above vigorously dispersed powerful waves of lightning everywhere around the city.

The lightning strikes were powerful enough to take down buildings with lesser reinforcement, typically the more run-down buildings and low-rise commercial districts.

Most people immediately ran to the biggest underground shelter in Tristate City, which was located 50 floors beneath the surface. But, if a person was stuck outside the shelter during an emergency, they would need to find a way to survive on their own until the threat had been removed.

The citizens of Tristate City have been warned beforehand to keep an emergency pack under their desks or beds. It was also recommended that one family member always carried one around with them.

These emergency packs contained food and water that could last them for several days. In case of a natural disaster, they were advised to stay indoors and wait it out until help arrived.

This wasn't the first time that such a thing happened, and Testharians knew better than to panic.

20 years ago, a huge Civil War brought Testharia down to its knees. The same people who went through the civil war knew exactly what to do when faced with the threat of natural disaster. And even now, they knew what to do.

However, many panicked, thinking that the war returned after so much time has passed. First the attack on the military base in Dankasho, their satellite moon and now an attack directly at Tristate City? It must be something serious.

"Hmph!" Jumkou created small jumping pads by condensing Soul-Blasts to such a point to eliminate all it's momentum, giving her enough speed to escape from the falling debris and dust.

Jumkou held Little Jumy close to her chest as she ran, jumping up onto rooftops. The streets were already filled with people trying to escape the chaos, but there wasn't much room to move.

People were crushed underneath their own weight as they pushed against one another in hopes of getting out of there alive.

Even though the damage was minimal since Testharian architecture was marvellous, the people were panicking way too much to understand how to avoid death.

Jumkou, on the other hand, understood what was happening around her. She was able to move with ease through the crowds of people that swarmed everywhere around her like bees around their queen.

The select few Soul-Wielders would make their way to the Tristate City City Centre Outpost to get their gear while some took emergency Hypertrains to the Eria Tower. The majority of the population simply went towards the underground shelter located in the center of the city.

"I'm sensing something a little more than a conventional Soul-Wielder. I got my share in peace, I'm in good condition once again. Time to get back into it."

She wrapped herself with Soul Energy to equip her battle clothes.

It was clear that Jumkou was the target, as if the message wasn't obvious enough. All of the lightning across the city formed into one and struck the center of the city, completely obliterating anything in there, even the best standing buildings.

Everyone in the center, including the friend Jumkou made, would die.

There was no doubt about it.

Jumkou heard a faint high-pitched sound in her right ear before sensing parts of Soul Residue entering her. It was Sachiel who was attempting telepathic contact with her.

"I hear ya, Sachiel!"

"Have you foreseen this event too? This person may be the one that followed you."

Jumkou gritted her teeth, the damages getting significant. “I’m not that certain about it but... one thing is for sure... I take them on, minimal damages will occur!”

“Be wary of the situation regardless, Jumkou! Your protection is top priority, my Royal Forces are en-route to your location right now.”

“Thanks, Sachiel.” She would utilize her full speed to hop building to building – marking her path towards the terrorist.

Jumping 50 meters above the building, she noticed the terrorist just outside of the city center where most people were going to. White hair and red clothing – just like what she had seen from the hologram screen.

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She landed - finally putting herself back in combat after some time. Before her, stood the terrorist that dared to attack Tristate City for one person.

"Jumkou Katatoria. Finding you was a hassle. I'll give you credit where it's due, the Soul of Time really is hard to find."

Jumkou simply stared at the guy. "It isn't very fun to bring innocent people in this, you know? You want me, here I am." Jumkou gently placed Little Jumy down on the floor, who looked up at his friend with worried eyes. He knew that she was about to face off against someone who wanted to hurt her.

"I'm simply here to complete my mission, Katatoria. Your Soul is too dangerous to be left in your own hands, and shall be confiscated. I will proceed peacefully or by force, I don't care which way you prefer. It is what he wants, anyways."

The terrorist had lifeless eyes and a stance that meant serious business. But something about his voice, he sounded calm and collected despite everything he said. But is calm and collected really the appropriate word to be used here?

If this person truly is evil, then why did he not use his full power from the start? Is he holding himself back, or is he just trying to intimidate Jumkou?

Jumkou was surrounded by four people from the Testharian Royal Forces.

"The Royal Forces...? What are you doing here?" Jumkou looked back at them. .:. These guys aren't strong enough to compete... .:.

"You guys have to leave! It's too dangerous." She said to all of them, waving her hand in front of her to shoo them away.

"No can do, Miss! The Great Kamisword's orders!" Samuell simply said.

"Tch- I don't know who you are but I think you've done enough!" She looked back at the terrorist. She was ready to punt this guy to the ground and completely obliterate him if needed. This terrorist didn't care about lives being lost.

He didn't seem to even feel sorry for it. But if Jumkou attacked him now, innocent people could get caught up in the fight.

"Let me introduce myself." He bowed.

"The name is Kaioshun-Rymela."

"And I am here to confiscate..."

"The Soul of Time."

Jumkou furrowed her eyebrows, realizing that such words wouldn’t be spoken if the person wasn’t as strong, if not, stronger than Jumkou. She relived the past multiple times, yes, but this was the first time she had to deal with something like this. In addition, she still hadn’t recovered from her last time jump, so she can’t tap into her reserves yet. She was as strong as a normal Testharian warrior now, significantly weaker than this guy, and possibly even more in comparison with Sachiel Eria.

However, where evil lurks, shall be slain, and Jumkou Katatoria knew that better than anyone.

.:. ... He is a Power-Type, just like me... I might have a chance, but at this very moment... Not at all. .:.

If it resulted in her sacrifice, it would be a failure, if it resulted in her incompetence, it’s a failure. For her, there is only one way to win this, and it’s to kill him.

Everything else is a failure.

Taking one step forward to try and beat this guy to the ground, a frequency paralysed her brain for a split second before giving her consciousness again. Someone strong was approaching.

.:. Fear not, Jumkou. I will help you. .:.

Sachiel’s voice was heard. Again, he formed Soul-Telepathy with Jumkou. An out of nowhere smirk formed on Jumkou’s face and made Kaioshun suspicious.

.:. What a relief! I was bluffing my way into this! .:.

Kaioshun smiled and simply rested his hands on his back, looking up.

“And now the Great Kamisword arrives.”

Sachiel Eria’s arrival was elegant. He landed a meter in front of Jumkou to the right and formed a small crater beneath his knee. His suit was unharmed as some kind of force field was active around his body.

Was it a subconscious Soul-Barrier or was it just his strong will that influences his Soul? The Soul can do everything.

“There are consequences... for every action, terrorist. In that regard, do not think you are safe at this very moment.”

“None of us are safe, Eria.” Kaioshun crossed his arms. “Not with Flynnigan Shotaro roaming freely.”

“H-“

Jumkou was surprised to hear that from Kaioshun. The perpetrator knew who Flynnigan Shotaro was. Nobody should know, except for her. Nobody knows that he is the key to saving the galaxy. But Kaioshun was another person that knew. Could it be...

“Flynnigan Shotaro will remain unharmed. I shall make sure of that for as long as I am around.” Sachiel assumed an elegant Testharian battle stance.

Sachiel was a Weapon-Type and Kaioshun was a Power-Type. Normally this would be a bad matchup for Weapon-Types as they rely on their Signature Weapons to deal damage and rarely use Soul-Techniques to back their power.

However, Sachiel wasn't one to rely on Signature Weapons.

He was the galaxy's best martial artist. He was strong enough for his mere hands to be acknowledged as a Signature Weapon. But in retrospect, this should be nothing to a Power-Type such as Kaioshun.

"It is an honour to fight you, Great Kamisword. Your power is magnificent. I have studied your power and researched every nook and cranny. Which is why I prepared a special something, specifically to counteract you."

Kaioshun raised his arm, releasing his aura. He emitted a gold sparkling aura with a corrupted pure-black outlining. While Sachiel's emitted an orange and blue aura that was glitching like Asheera's.

Their Aura's amounted up to a size of a building. Although Soul-Aura's are only visible by Soul-Wielders, it can be felt by everyone else.

People around them could feel the intensity of it. Some feel penetrating and some feel smooth, but the feeling is always different. It's never the same.

But there were people who had no idea what was happening.

The citizens of Testharia were still running around in fear, thinking that this was another civil war or attack. Some had already left Tristate City on emergency Hypertrains.

Kaioshun quickly launched himself towards Jumkou - fixated on eliminating his only target. The speed he had achieved was so fast that it took Jumkou's brain several seconds to catch up to reality.

This guy was fast, very fast.

But just before Kaioshun made contact, Sachiel turned his foot by a smooth 90 degrees and manifested a small Soul-Barrier around his arm, protecting Jumkou from his attack.

Kaioshun staggered a bit. "Do not get in my way, Eri-"

Jumkou vanish-stepped behind Kaioshun and kicked him from behind, allowing Sachiel to use his arm to slash Kaioshun's torso deeply. However, Kaioshun flung Soul-Barriers towards Sachiel to create distance, annulling his attack.

He landed gracefully back on the ground as if nothing happened. But he had to admit that those two were a threat. They had potential and they worked together seamlessly.

"Tsk..."

Jumkou landed on her feet while Sachiel landed on his knee with one hand resting on the floor. Jumkou launched herself back into action with a speed faster than that of an average car on the highway.

Kaioshun would simply dodge her punches and kicks by side-stepping while staring at her with empty eyes. Her attacks were too slow to even touch him. He was able to foresee every move she made. "Where has your power gone? I thought you'd be better than this."

But then he suddenly vanished – appearing right beside her head and lifted his knee to kick her chin.

Sachiel reacted quickly, appearing in between Jumkou and Kaioshun and gently moved his foot to the side, his hands smooth as silk. This allowed Kaioshun to miss Jumkou's chin and was vulnerable for another attack.

Sachiel imbued Soul-Energy into his fist and went for a penetrating strike against Kaioshun's body. But instead of hitting him, Sachiel's fist hit Kaioshun's blade.

Kaioshun held his sword in front of him to parry Sachiel's powerful punch, making him smirk. "A weapon, hm? You are interesting."

"Wh-" Jumkou hopped back, realizing that a Power-Type just summoned a blade out of thin air. "A Power-Type can't do that!"

Sachiel stepped back, air-swinging his hand to form a current of wind towards him, pushing him back and temporarily breaking his balance.

Kaioshun simply let himself suspended in the air; his arms crossed while being upside down. Sachiel used his Soul-Energy to accelerate towards him for another slash, but little did he know that it would be the death of him.

"!"

Jumkou foresaw this and vanish-stepped to tackle Sachiel out of the way. Kaioshun had extended his blade that would have impaled Sachiel had he not been tackled out of the way.

"Eria. I took you for a person who would've at the very least, had a decent understanding on ancient lost techniques such as the blade I created." He said, still suspended in the air.

"Have you not researched the Soul? Surely you are not a fool like most people, are you?"

Sachiel was suspended in the air next to him and opened up his hand, ready to blast him out of existence. "It is irrefutable proof that lost techniques are capable of many things in present times, but lost techniques are lost. Their importance is naught."

"Hm. Only a fool would promote erasures of important techniques." Kaioshun said, before he was engulfed in Sachiel's Soul-Beam. "However,"

Kaioshun appeared behind Sachiel and swung his sword upward. "It's significantly important for attacks such as this!"

Kaioshun's blade suddenly supercharged itself, slashing at the air between them and Sachiel and releasing a horizontal wave of clustered beams.

"Tch!" Sachiel was visibly frustrated, kicking off Kaioshun and freefalling to the ground while the beams followed him. He dodged the majority of them by side-stepping out of their way and counterattacking some with Soul-Barriers.

He was elegantly moving in the air while the remaining two beams continued following him.

He then stopped, closing his eyes and extending his arms. The two remaining beams pierced through both of his palms and was absorbed by an imbued Soul-Energy barrier, before discharging it towards Kaioshun.

Kaioshun simply watched as Sachiel did so and manifested a small Soul-Barrier around himself. The beam disintegrated upon coming in contact with Kaioshun's Soul-Barrier and simply disappeared.

Kaioshun was smiling the whole time. On one side, it was truly a honour to fight the Great Kamisword, who was one of the strongest Soul-Wielders in present times.

But on the other side, he needed to kill him to confiscate Jumkou's Soul, the Soul of Time.

Which made this 'honourable' battle a bitter one.

Jumkou watched Sachiel and Kaioshun go at it in amazement. Hearing all about Sachiel from her own time made her think that he would've been amazing in battle, and he was indeed amazing.

Even though it seemed like he was losing, he managed to come up with ways to counterattack or at least get a good hit in.

.:. The best I can do is sit back and be a support for Sachiel. .:. She said, clearly admitting that she is not on their level at all. This will be a struggle for both her and Sachiel.

She saw Kaioshun and Sachiel trade blows in a fast pace. It wasn't even visible to a normal eye but they were fighting hard and fast.

The only thing that set them apart was their own uniqueness of style. Sachiel was the best martial artist in the entire galaxy, but Kaioshun had knowledge of lost, ancient techniques. Which ultimately makes him stronger than Sachiel.

However, Sachiel still hasn't utilized his Soul directly. Why is he holding back even at such a crucial time? Using his Soul would ultimately mean a victory over Kaioshun. Jumkou couldn't help but think about that.

.:. Sachiel's only using Soul-Techniques and his own physical prowess... but his Soul? He isn't even trying to use it. Why is he not using it...? .:.

"You've acquired so much power overtime, Eria. Testharians prove to be impressive." Kaioshun said as he traded blows with Sachiel. "This makes it all the more fun to fight you! I will relish every moment!"

Kaioshun tried to squeeze a punch to his liver, but Sachiel counteracted with a body turn, which he could then intercept it with an elbow dodge, reverse punching Kaioshun in the left cheek and kicking him away.

"A feeble attack on my city will prove nothing, Kaioshun!"

"Don't misconstrue me. I am here to confiscate the Soul of Time. After all... this is not her place in time."

Kaioshun was sent flying back from a powerful kick to the torso by Sachiel. However, he stopped himself mid-air.

"You will hand her over, either peacefully or by force. Either way, she shall come with me."

Both Sachiel and Kaioshun landed on the ground. They weren't exhausted at all. What fierce fighters. This is what it was to see a spectacle, a fight between fundamental-graded Souls. But both were not utilizing their Souls at all.

All that they traded were blows from their own hands and feet and Soul-Techniques solely derived from Soul-Energy. Anyone can utilize Soul-Energy, but to use abilities, you would need a Soul.

That is what sets Soul-Wielders and Non-Soul-Wielders apart.

"Protecting her is my top priority, terrorist. And so is Flynnigan Shotaro. I have sworn to be her guardian."

"Huh? She brings nothing but misfortune. Have you really lost it? The Soul of Time is dangerous beyond anything we know. That is why she needs to be eliminated, permanently. And the Soul of Time will be in my hands. I have no quarrels with you, Eria. If you get out of my way, you'll be safe."

"..."

"I decline."

Kaioshun became increasingly frustrated. "Right... Right... Maybe I am the fool... I should've known that Testharians were petty little freaks. You would do anything you set your mind to."

Sachiel got into a defensive stance, expecting an incoming attack from Kaioshun. However...

Sachiel felt a penetrating feeling, as if his own Soul was telling him to back away. Some abilities could be so powerful that the Soul automatically takes control of a Soul-Wielder's body, to back away from danger.

"It is time you learn that you know little about the Soul!" A rapid surge of Soul Energy would pile uparound Kaioshun, before discharging it towards Sachiel to finish him off for good.

This was way too much Soul-Energy condensed into one move. No matter how powerful Sachiel was, he couldn't possibly take this all in.

Not even the strongest Soul-Wielder would survive that. It would literally kill them if it came in contact with their body.

"Fuck!"

Jumkou time-stepped towards him this time. Time-Step was Jumkou's own style of Vanish-Stepping which allowed her to stop time for a split moment to seem as if she teleported.

While Time-Step was active, she looked at Kaioshun. There were millions of glowing particles around him, which was the visualization of his Soul-Energy residue.

"That's enough to wipe him out!" She ran over to Sachiel.

And as soon as she grabbed him, the Time-Step deactivated.

"Sachiel!"

Without a second thought, she used Time-Step on Sachiel, teleporting him away from the area. Because she already used up her Time-Step on Sachiel, Kaioshun's attack hit Jumkou directly, completely obliterating the area.

The explosion was so powerful that the resulting shockwave sent a destructive wave throughout Tristate City, knocking down buildings and shattering windows.

It was a sight to behold as the entire city shook like an earthquake. People still not inside shelters were blown away by the force of the explosion. The unfortunate died instantly, while others sustained severe injuries from flying debris.

But this was nothing compared to the aftermath.

The explosion caused a massive crater where Jumkou stood. The heat from the explosion melted the snow around it and turned the ground into molten lava. The impact of the explosion was so strong that the surrounding buildings were reduced to rubble and dust.

There was no trace of life left. Nothing. Not even Soul-Energy residue. Was Jumkou dead? Or did she somehow escape the blast unscathed?

There would be no way to escape that blast. The Time-Stepping ability has a long interval between its usage and therefore cannot be used when the attack was incoming. But she somehow bypassed the interval by using Time-Step on someone else.

Because she used it on Sachiel, she couldn’t use it on herself anymore.

It was either taking it head on or... taking it head on.

“...”

Sachiel was in the middle of nowhere. A few kilometers from Tristate City. He got up and stared at the scene of the explosion, trying to see if Jumkou was still alive.

“Jumkou?”

“Jumkou?”

“Where are you?”

“Jumkou!”

Jumkou!