image [https://i.imgur.com/um1oL2J.gif]

Takeda hesitated after hearing my vow to rescue Belle. A flicker of concern crossing his eyes. "Our deadline with the Guild is looming. If they gain too much distance, we won't meet Daiki's timeline," he said, his voice betraying uncertainty. "But I can't risk losing Belle. Having a Valkyrie by my side is crucial for the events following the blood moon. Still, we can't miss the—"

"I can't just stand here," I interrupted, my voice tinged with urgency. "You know how much she means to me. Belle might be invincible, but there are fates worse than death. They've taken her soul. Their intentions likely spell trouble for both Belle and us."

Takeda's jaw clenched. "I know."

"I understand the danger in opposing Daiki," I pressed on, "but I need your help. This is crucial for me to support you in becoming the leader of the Guild. We must find them before they get too far."

Without another word, Takeda discarded his jacket onto the ground and pulled his shirt over his head, revealing the sinewy muscles of his back. "I'll transform into a lycan and track them. Rolf knows what's happening and will ensure the fire doesn't spread further. The demon snatched her swiftly, likely sensing our plan, so it won’t be easy. Rolf’s scout was confident she hadn't been detected, but demons are cunning."

"Are you planning to leave me behind?" I asked, my voice tense as our eyes locked. "I know I might slow you down, but…"

As Takeda unbuckled his belt and let his pants drop to the ground, his scarred, nude form stood resolute before me. "You have the option to mount my back and hold on to my neck for stability. However, be cautious. Sudden movements could startle me. Given that my lycan form is particularly attuned to demonic presences, an unexpected jolt could trigger an aggressive response from me. As you know, my self-control is compromised in that state.”

“Understood—”

"You're under no obligation to accompany me, and there's no need to feel guilty if you choose to stay behind. However, I won't deny you the chance to help," Takeda advised, white fur beginning to sprout along his arms and chest, his irises glowing a bright yellow.

I nodded quickly, meeting his gaze. "I'll be careful."

Takeda knelt, and the sound of bones realigning and muscles shifting echoed from his back as if some inner force was expanding within him. With a guttural growl reverberating through the air, he slammed his fist into the ground, causing a faint tremor underfoot. His arm expanded with the impact, fur spreading rapidly over it.

Instinctively, I stepped back, giving him the space he seemed to need for the transformation.

Takeda's form twisted and swelled, and within moments, he was replaced by a massive bipedal wolf. The transition to lycan seemed painful, evident in Takeda's dazed expression after. He glanced at me sporadically, his growls hinting at confusion but not overt aggression as he grounded himself.

Crouched low, Takeda's massive, clawed hand curled into a fist, anchoring his forward posture. Each breath he exhaled emerged as a soft, rumbling growl. Understanding his intention for me to mount him, I approached cautiously. With gentle hesitation, I climbed onto his back, securing my arms around the sinews of his expansive neck. Once I affirmed my hold, he propelled forward with blurring speed, startling a few people exploring the commotion as we passed by. We weaved through houses and effortlessly crossed the town's perimeter, plunging into the heart of the forest. The rhythmic pounding of his paws against the soil and the wind whipping through my hair underscored the incredible speed at which he was travelling.

Lost in thought, I pondered the strength of the lycan form compared to an equally levelled human. My musings were abruptly interrupted as Takeda made a swift, precise turn, accelerating even more. We emerged from the dense forest canopy into an open field of abandoned farmland, where the tall grasses would likely reach to my waist.

Before us, Javous and the mysterious woman stood surrounded by at least a dozen demons, their eyes glowing green and purple in the dim light. Why were they just standing in the middle of the field? I swiftly dismounted Takeda, leaping off and transitioning into a roll before springing gracefully back to my feet. Planting my back foot firmly, I focused on the first demon poised to meet my blade.

With no time to waste, I launched forward, dirt kicking up around me, my blade emanating a white glow that hummed with power. The moon strike collided with a demon's neck, cleaving effortlessly through flesh and bone as if they were mere air.

In one fluid motion, I pivoted, driving my katana through the chest of another demon. As I ducked, a second blade whistled through the air, beheading the man I'd just impaled. The demon who had accidentally killed her comrade recoiled in shock and, without a second thought, retreated towards the woods.

image [https://i.imgur.com/KSgl0Gn.gif]

I yanked my katana free from the lifeless body before it dropped to the ground, turning my attention toward Javous' companion. She held an enigmatic object shaped like a die, crafted from white metal and pulsing with a celestial blue light that seemed to mimic the gates of heaven. The object was almost too large for her single hand, but she gripped it firmly.

"You're late, but I'll give you credit for the effort. Thanks for the Valkyrie," she said, her smile turning sinister as Takeda's clawed hand slashed towards her.

In an instant, Javous and the woman stepped backward, disappearing into a perfectly oval portal, starkly different from the chaotic tears created by the Rifts. Takeda's claws swiped through the empty air as the portal sealed with a swift whoosh, vanishing as if it had never existed.

Takeda loomed in his lycan form, shoulders hunched, each exhales a ragged pant. His yellow eyes flicked back to the demons left behind. It didn’t even take him a full minute to turn them into shredded piles of flesh. His white, fur, now soaked with crimson, was a chilling sight. Lifting his head towards the sky, he let out a deep howl that rippled through my core, startling the sleeping birds into frantic flight.

My fist tightened, white-knuckled, as I fixated on the spot where the portal had once been. "You all will regret this," I hissed through clenched teeth, my face contorting into a feral snarl.

Takeda approached, kneeling beside me while I was deep in violent thoughts. He huffed impatiently when I hesitated. Struggling slightly due to the slickness of his bloodied fur, I still managed to climb onto his back. On the way back, I noticed Takeda's breathing was off. The fight hadn't appeared to challenge him, but something felt wrong. I hadn't seen other lycans fight besides him, but there was something I couldn't quite put my finger on.

Was he okay?

We soon returned to our earlier location in town, where Rolf and the soldiers were waiting. The once-burning house was now extinguished, casting only wisps of smoke into the air. I slid off Takeda's back, his bloodied fur smearing over my front.

As Takeda converted back into his human form, the sound of cracking bones echoed around us. His human hand emerged from the fur pile, and I promptly handed him his clothes, which I had picked up while he transformed. Rolf approached, stopping in front of Takeda as he pulled up his trousers.

"I had Belle’s body moved to the longhouse," Rolf began, his tone heavy. "It's bizarre. She seems dead. Her skin is growing colder—so cold it feels like it could burn you. Yet, her body is still limber, as if she were alive."

Takeda wrapped his coat around himself. “Her soul is missing,” he murmured, adjusting the collar. “Seems they don't need her physical form for their scheme.”

Rolf's face flashed with an unreadable expression. “How does this affect your claim as the Guild leader?”

Takeda sighed. “Without Belle, it’s a challenge. She was my peaceful resolution to this, even if she wasn't originally in the plans.”

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A new voice chimed in. “They're going to craft another Twisted Fate.” We all turned to Celeste. Her attire, a unique reflective white jacket and trousers, shimmered with luminescent blue numbers as she moved.

These clothes had to be powerful. I need to find out how to acquire something similar. It would no doubt help my stats. I wonder if this was what Chronos meant by rare artefacts that could align with my level.

I took a step closer. “How are you so sure?”

Celeste raised her palms up with a shrug. “Why else would the Ikari want a Valkyrie soul?”

Takeda moved beside me, his brow furrowed. “Can the Ikari even forge such a weapon? They are strong, but that's a bit of a reach.”

Celeste let her hands fall. “I once believed they couldn't, but now—”

I interjected. “Why the change?”

Her blue eyes pierced into mine as she recited, “The heart of a Valkyrie, the steel of heaven, the forge of hell, and the hand of sin. They now possess the most elusive ingredient."

"And the 'hand of sin' would be?" I pressed.

“Likely, Envy," she responded, glancing at the charred remains of the house I burned. “Beware of serpent.”

“Does it have to be an Original?” I probed further. “Or could any envy Fallen do it?”

Celeste confirmed, “A mortal-born Fallen wouldn’t suffice. They must possess a system shard.”

System shard? The term echoed in my mind, unfamiliar yet sending a sensation through my body that was all too familiar—it had significance in my past resets.

Rolf voiced his concern. “I didn’t anticipate becoming involved in such a mess.”

Takeda's gaze at Rolf was piercing. “All I seek is your alliance against Daiki. Don't waver because of matters unrelated to you."

Rolf's expression darkened. "One Twisted Fate is troubling enough. But two? It heralds a divine conflict, leaving mortals like us trapped amidst the chaos.”

I sighed, but determination coloured my tone. "Our priority should be saving Belle,” I said, folding my arms and closing my eyes briefly. “If we manage that, these problems become moot." Opening my eyes, I locked onto Rolf. “Don’t tell me the great warrior everyone talks about is scared.”

Rolf gave me a subtle smirk.

"I'll assist, but only if I get the Twisted Fate," Celeste interjected, shaking her head. "I'm not partnering with someone of such a low level to just hand—" She paused, looking me over. "You've progressed quickly. Noteworthy."

I kept my expression neutral. "So, if we refuse, you'd stand by and watch them turn Belle into a weapon? You’ll watch a fellow Valkyrie be tormented?"

Drawing closer, Celeste met my eyes. "I would, in the pursuit of restoring order. I don’t hold the same loyalty to my sisters as the others."

I met her stare evenly. "Then our discussion is at an end. I only hope you won't regret your choice."

She hesitated, digesting my words. "Is that a threat?"

I shook my head dismissively. "Not a threat, but a caution. Go unaided, and Lucifer might trap you. From what I've heard, her grasp is far more tormenting than death itself. And death isn't an option for you.”

Celeste leaned in, whispering sharply in my ear. “Everyone's singing your praises, but trust me, no one believes you'll obtain that sword. Not even Takeda.” With that, she disappeared.

Ugh. Everything seems to grow more complicated by the minute.

Rolf, after a contemplative pause, gave my back a reassuring pat. “Impressive. You faced her without flinching.” He shot Takeda a teasing smile. “I think I'm growing fonder of Kade here than of you.”

Takeda smirked. “Feeling's mutual.” The playful jab seemed to slightly irk Rolf, which amused me.

“So, we return to the Guild,” I proposed, glancing toward Takeda, “and then we track down Belle.”

Takeda nodded. “If things escalate there, it's all the more reason to retrieve her. If we make it out alive,” he mumbled the last part under his breath.

A petite woman clad in a shadowy cloak approached us, dropping her hood. “Should I contact my brother and have Kylee come now?”

Rolf eyed me for a moment. “I think Kade has had enough excitement for one day. Wouldn't you agree, Takeda?”

“Tomorrow afternoon,” Takeda said, adjusting his katana on his hip.

The cloaked woman nodded and departed.

“Rest up,” Rolf advised, placing a firm hand on my shoulder. “She’s in your room. If you prefer to leave her here while at the guild, I guarantee her safety.”

After Rolf departed, I stared helplessly at the muddied street. My attempt to lead had resulted in this chaos. Wallowing wouldn’t help, but… all I wanted was to safeguard my family and friends, yet even that seemed to slip through my fingers. Confidence was something I was learning, but it sometimes felt like I was taking two steps back for every step forward.

Takeda hand gently landed on my head. “You're overwhelmed, I know. But you need to understand how proud I am. Your growth has been nothing short of astonishing. Believe me when I say, in all my years, you stand out as perhaps the most gifted swordsman I've encountered. The strides you've made in such little time… it's truly remarkable.”

“You're just trying—”

Takeda removed his palm from my head and pressed it to my chest, halting my words. “We are more than comrades; we're friends. I regard you as my peer. That means I'll always be forthright with you. When I promise something, my word is as unyielding as my honour.”

I met his gaze, searching for sincerity. “You truly believe I can obtain that sword?”

Takeda leaned in, emphasising every word. “I am certain you'll grasp that sword, and when you do, it'll be a reckoning for those who think they're invulnerable.” His focus intensified. “When you are resolute on what you want, there is nothing in this world that can stop Kade Sterling.”

"It feels like nothing is improving. Any minor triumphs are overshadowed by setbacks like these," I lamented, sighing deeply. "It seems like the system is against me."

Takeda responded with a gentle smile. "I may have never met Abble, but from what I've heard, she's as fierce as her mother. You're surrounded by incredibly strong and competent people. If you constantly doubt yourself, you're only undermining the faith of those who believe in you."

I chuckled, recalling a past comment. “You once mentioned that Abble didn't instruct me properly.”

Takeda's lips curled into a wry smile. “She imparted sufficient knowledge. But rest assured, in a few decades, I intend to ensure she refines her Renjutsu.”

Raising an eyebrow, I teased, “She's not going to take kindly to that. Watching the two of you will be entertaining.”

Takeda draped an arm around my shoulders, guiding me toward the longhouse. “I handle interactions with her mother effectively.”

I hesitated, searching for the right words. “Fiona is… somewhat more accommodating? No, that's not the right word—”

Takeda's eyes narrowed. “What's 'accommodating' about Fiona?”

"She has a certain deference toward you, displaying less assertiveness?” I ventured carefully. “As for Abble, even if she respects you, she won't necessarily show it in a conventional manner. Her intensity is always turned up."

Takeda let out a deep sigh. "She sounds like a handful."

My face must have shown something, prompting a look from Takeda that silently asked what was wrong.

Before the words came out my throat tightened. "I miss her, but… Belle. She's complicated things. I feel some guilt now."

Takeda looked at me thoughtfully. "Belle is, to say the least, captivating. If you were to reveal that the two of you have become… close, it wouldn't exactly be a surprise. Everyone already suspects it here."

Stumbling over my words, I protested. "We haven't… I mean, there hasn't been any—" Realising I had cornered myself, I hesitated. “That line hasn't been crossed.”

Takeda raised an eyebrow. "But, there's been something?"

I reflexively pushed him away. "No, there hasn't. But that doesn't mean I haven't… Look, this just feels strange discussing with you. As Belle puts it, you give off strong 'dad vibes'."

Takeda chuckled. "Well, I am a father. But our conversation doesn't have to fit into that dynamic."

I stared at him, curiosity sparking. "Wait, who's your daughter? Where is she? I don’t think you’ve ever said anything about her."

Takeda met my gaze with a hint of amusement. "She's at the palace. And you've already met her."

I blinked in confusion. "Hold on, what?"

“Misaki,” Takeda said flatly. “Did you really not know?”

I paused, taking a moment. "This conversation… you made it worse, you know that, right?”

Takeda fixed me with a stern gaze. "Should I now worry about my daughter's safety? I was aware lust demons had certain tendencies, but not to this extent—"

I narrowed my eyes at him, my voice rising with irritation. "You better be joking. Because I'm about to get mad."

Takeda's hearty laugh filled the air, catching me off guard as if for a brief moment, his burdens had lightened.

"A laugh is a hopeful sound," he said, his smile lingering. "It implies that, somewhere within us, we trust that everything will eventually be alright. We'll find Belle and get your sword, even if we sometimes hesitate to declare our optimism openly."

I nodded, my eyes glancing at the scene as villagers cautiously stepped out of their homes to survey the aftermath. I was surprised they'd remained indoors for so long. Perhaps raids on this town were a frequent occurrence, and the residents had learned the wisdom of waiting for the dust to settle.

Takeda exhaled deeply. "We should rest up. The upcoming months promise to be difficult."

“Promise to be?” I mumbled. “They already are.”