Chapter 7.5:

Curled over, in the arms of a black winged angel, Kinzo’s image disappeared behind a blinding light; which was followed by a large shockwave that sent all spectators backwards. Akari looked down into her now empty arms confused. She had been moved several hundred meters from the stage; left kneeling on the dirty cobble road. When she looked up and realized what had happened; her instincts turned her gaze immediately to the ground. Bowing in worship, she couldn’t help but shake in fear.

Kinzo, the corporate slave, knew betrayal very well. There were those who had attempted even more sinister schemes when trying to ruin his career. It would always surprise him, to what lengths they would attempt to harm his future. However... No matter what they threw at him; Kinzo the workaholic, was always 10 steps ahead. He even became the youngest board-member of his company, in a short 4 years.

A slim, black suit with white dress-shirt, two buttons down the front; and a black tie around his neck. His skin, became a hue that could only be described as “true white”; emitting light that obscured his physical features. Even though the rest of his appearance was hazy; his eyes, mouth and hair, all adopted the unmistakable color and depth of the abyss outside his apartment. Unforgettable crimson; lined the side of his face and hair like a layer of paint. His once buckled knees, held strong; his arms down on either side, and his head held high.

A small collar rests in the liquid beside his ankle; it reads: property of the city of Hythe. The arrows launched from the rooftops, only proving to penetrate the light-hearted fescade that he had been keeping thus far. They slowly push out from within his body and drop into the crater. His injuries closed themselves up within seconds, without any trace left on his outfit. Lifting his feet out of the pool, reveals perfectly shined dress shoes; his ankles untouched by the mixture. Placing his foot down once more, it collides with the top of the liquid surface, supporting him.

{{I come in peace, and this is how they welcome me...? This went far worse than what I had imagined.}}(Kinzo)

Kinzo, who was there initially just to scope out the world, had not expected such a large incident. Previously he looked upon the inhabitants of Ielara like citizens that needed to be respected and cared for. But staring into the many rows of eyes fixated on his person; he was reminded of a difficult time. To be precise; it was exactly like the first time Kinzo became a manager for his colleagues.

“Unforgivable… what reckless employees.”(Kinzo mutters.)

“Seems like I’ll need to make some cutbacks this year.”(Kinzo said in reflex.)

Scanning around the plaza, Kinzo spotted the unfortunate troupe of six archers. One on each roof surrounding the stage, they were either frozen with fear or in a state of confusion. Seeing their reactions to his new appearance, Kinzo’s rage subsided slightly.

{{Sheep?}}(Kinzo chuckled to himself.)

“You six. Here now.”(Kinzo stated.)

The six archers without moving a muscle were picked up and pulled towards Kinzo; Lined up in front of him, hovering several inches above the pool of blood. He gave each an appraising look as he paced back and forth atop the surface of the liquid. Walking over to the first in line, he began his interrogation.

{{This is strange, although I’ve just pulled them over here. I feel like I know each of them personally. Royuk, Tenmei, Gordon, Luke, Tina, and little Rose… }}(Kinzo)

“Now then, Do you six want to tell me what you think you were doing?”(Kinzo repremends the team.)

Silence. A common response to someone’s boss lecturing them. The six of them would rather stare downwards at the disgusting mess than dare look up at certain death. Even so, the prolonged silence hit a nerve with one of them.

“One of you speak up.”(Kinzo)

“Sh.. shu.. Shut up you monster! Like we’d ever recognize a wingless creature like you!”(Luke)

*Sighs*(Kinzo)

“What a shame. What a shame… It’s not good to be bigoted, Luke.”(Kinzo said to the outburst.)

Having heard his name being called, the archer could only bite his own lip in surprise. Walking past each of the angels, Kinzo addresses them personally.

“Royuk. Tenmei. Gordon. Tina. Rose. Do you all agree with that sentiment?”(Kinzo)

The faces of the five, had changed from struggle to horror. Ripples atop the surface of the blood and the glossy black shoes that caused them; Certain death, walking mere inches away. They couldn’t help but remain silent at all costs. While Kinzo was evaluating the other five. Luke had pulled another arrow from his quiver and launched it; the arrow struck true, and lodged itself into Kinzo’s left temple.

“I got it!”(Luke enthused.)

A few remaining archers look at Luke, faces filled with dread; Shaking their heads slowly back and forth while giving him eye contact. Luke, having lived a life of over 260 years, taking on many jobs; was proud to always complete his mission. However, this time; He had done something… Irredeemable.

“Guys! I got..!?”(Luke)

{{First you kill a little girl, and now you won’t even recognize your mistake?}}(Kinzo)

“What a waste.”(Kinzo)

Luke’s perspective began to spin around several times, before he found himself in the pool of blood below. Looking up from his position, he witnesses the arrow dematerialize from within Kinzo’s head and the headless remains of his own body fall over. The crowds that were awestruck, began to flee the area, stepping and clawing over each other in order to escape. Akari who was able to hear the *splash*, dared not to move from her current pose.(Dogeza)

“Should I take this as your answer?”(Kinzo asks the remaining five.)

Tina and Rose, the two girls of the group had already wet themselves, quietly shivering midair, fixed in place. Royuk in tears and Tenmei had fainted from witnessing Luke’s inexplicable beheading. Gordon, the only one left semi-sane, was repeating verses from the teachings of the divine tree, in hopes of salvation. Although to his detriment he was praying for assistance from the “Real winged Kinzo-sama”, which just proved counterproductive. That's when a rather malevolent idea came to be. Kinzo would leave their futures up to their collective actions. To be a respectable team, means to be treated as one entity, something Kinzo knew well.

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“Gordon, I understand that you are actually expecting a child soon. Congratulations.”(Kinzo whispers to him with an eerie smile.)

Gordon who was chanting to himself immediately stopped and looked up at the divine. Offering a confused face in return.

“hhho. How.. do you...? My wife and I haven’t told anyone.”(Gordon)

“Well… About that. I take it you understand; whom you are dealing with now, correct?”(Kinzo asks.)

*ah*(Gordon’s muscles relaxed all at once. His limbs hanging limp.)

“I don’t particularly enjoy decommissioning employees with family that depend on them, especially ones that show no real hostility after realizing their mistake. Because of that, I wish to offer you another option.”(Kinzo whispers.)

{{Employees?}}(Gordon)

Gordon nods slowly, although the rest of the archers remained clueless. Tina, who was hanging quietly up until now, was growing more anxious as time went on. Having to stare at a pool of young girl innards will do that to you. Helpless to her current situation she attempts to reach for an arrow on her horizontal quiver; but unable to judge her center of gravity, they all fall into the pool as she extended her arm backwards.

{{This is the end… Forgive me, Naomi.}}(Tina thought; closing her eyes.)

Looking over at Tina; Kinzo disregards her attempted violence and continues with his conversation. But that did not spare her from the horrified gazes of Rose and Royuk.

“Do you agree, Gordon?”(Kinzo asks the imobile angel.)

Pausing for a moment to consider, Gordon accepts Kinzo’s offer. Lowering his head in a submissive posture. Giving a large grin, Kinzo backs off from Gordon, hovering him over onto one of the three remaining thrones. No longer above a pool of offal, he released a sigh of relief.

“Now then. Tina-chan.”(Kinzo said walking up to the befuddled archer.)

Reaching out and placing his glowing hand atop her shoulder, she drops her bow out of reflex. *Plop* falling into the liquid it splashes onto her feet.

“You have a younger sister is that right? Naomi? And you support her on your own? Very commendable.”(Kinzo said to Tina in a genuinely impressed tone.)

Kinzo in his past life also supported his younger sister, reflecting for a moment; He wondered if she was alright. Leaning in closer to her ear, he repeated the same offer he had given Gordon. Although her face was scared at first, she accepted the terms with gratitude.

“I’m glad things have turned out this way.”(Kinzo responded.)

Lifting Tina from her position and placing her on another empty throne; Kinzo walks toward Rose at the end of the line up. Royuk who had been watching the scene unfold, was questioning what kind of offer the other two members could have agreed upon; was it something to do with them? Looking at the glossy black shoes walk past him only increased his paranoia.

{{Huh; I guess I really am their God… I feel like I know everything about them right now.}}(Kinzo)

“Rose, Rose, little Rose… What are you even doing here? You know you shouldn’t be doing this. Didn’t your father just tell you off this morning?”(Kinzo scolded her.)

{{She’s still young, why did she have to show up}}(Kinzo thought rubbing his face)

Uncovering her from a large hood, Kinzo saw a tiny winged girl’s face light up, bright red. It seems that he hit a soft spot. Although she looked small, she was already over 70 years old. (around 16y/o angel’s terms). Pressing onwards, Kinzo teases the young archer while extending his arm outward to the edge of the crater.

“GATE: Titus Condor”(Kinzo recited)

A mirror like portal opened up with the image of a small blacksmithing shop. Extending his hand out, Kinzo pulls an elder angel through. Brown and silver hair tied back out of the way; the winged man awkwardly tries to orient himself upwards after being pulled into the plaza.

“ROSE!? What are you doing here!”(Titus screams)

Placed down onto the perimeter of the crater, Titus could see a figure, three angels hovering in midair and one beheaded in the pool below. Immediately swayed by the situation he yells out:

“You! What the hell… are… you.. doing... Kami-sama..?”(Titus stutters as he reflects on what he sees.)

Adopting a posture on the ground, his face turns pale. It only took him a few seconds to realize why he was summoned here.

“Raise your head Titus-dono, I’ve called you here for good reason.”(Kinzo points at Rose and her bow.)

“Oh lord.. Don’t tell me..”(Titus curses.)

{{Dealing with rebeliant children is too much for me, I’ll leave this to her father.}}(Kinzo)

Nodding to his inquiry, Kinzo hovers the young archer to her diligent father. Once she was released from Kinzo’s hold, she found herself in an even worse grip; that of her disapproving dad. Kinzo didn’t seem to have a taste for killing children. Although she was 70, she still looked like a teen; It was quite off putting. Dismissing the two of them with a wave of his hand, they were both thrown back through the portal.

“Now then, Royuk, and Tenmei. Or should I say, Captain and vice captain.”(Kinzo)

*gulp*(Royuk)

Poking Tenmei in the chest, Kinzo looks over the ragdoll like angel. It’s quite troublesome having employees fall asleep during their evaluation.

“Wake.”(Kinzo said.)

Immediately, the hanging angel became conscious; although it seemed like a rather rude awakening. Screaming with his eyes closed for a few seconds, as if he was falling in his nightmare. However, no matter how scary falling is, it could not prepare him for what he saw when he woke up. Kinzo’s eyes, as deep as the abyss staring directly back into his.

{{Ah good looks like he’s awake}}(Kinzo thought)

“You need not worry, I don’t plan on harming anyone who’s...”(Kinzo)

Perhaps it was reflex, or survival instinct; but Tenmei immediately performed a wide angle slash using a shortsword still on his waist. His strike was truly impressive, coated with magic, It cleaved Kinzo right in two. A diagonal slash appeared between his lower and upper half; the upper portion falling backwards into the pool of blood.

“Serves you right you monster.”(Tenmei cheered)

The fixation that overpowered both angels immediately faltered. However after being released it was clear a mistake was made. Looking at his captain to his left, Royuk was also split horizontally, floating in the pool below. A detached arm, and torso barely still attached to the waist; the sight of which made Tenmei throw up in his mouth. Retreating to the perimeter using his wings he kneeled facing away from the pool.

“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?!”(Gordon shouts out to Tenmei)

“What? I’ve killed the beast.”(Tenmei)

Looking in front of him, both Tina and Gordon’s faces glared at him in disappointment. Confused at their response he assumes they are displeased with Royuk.

“It was the only way! I’m sorry he was...”(Tenmei)

Even after hearing his cries they gave him a very cold gaze, one that could only be read as “You idiot”.

“He was going to forgive us you dumbass!”(Tina told Tenmei off)

When hearing this news, Tenmei’s heart dropped. Feeling a large chill down his spine, he sensed intense bloodlust from behind.

*Ahahahahahaha!*(Kinzo)

Laying on his back still floating in the pool, the torso of Kinzo let out a large booming laugh, audible for several hundred meters. Slowly raising up out of the pool, untouched by the liquid, his body vanished into a thick vapour. Both upper and lower half now absent; but the laughing continued.

{{Mist-Form}}(Kinzo)

A veil of red and black vapour spreads across the stage. It obscured the light, only allowing for a few feet of visibility. Gordon and Tina just outside the range of the cloud, stared inwards into the mysterious mass.

{{Telepathy: Tenmei}}(Kinzo)

[{What the hell is this!? I can’t move… my legs won’t stop shaking. Move god dammit, I even slashed down the captain for that reward. I need to get back to Dulan-sama}](Tenmei -> Kinzo)

[{Ah fuck! If I get back, he better make me a Baron or something.}](Tenmei -> Kinzo)

{{Does this guy think of nothing but his own rank? He just killed his captain… He’s just like one of my ex-coworkers.}}(Kinzo)

“I really expected more from intelligent angels; And here I was trying to give you a fair offer. Fool me once, shame on you… Fool me twice… Now that’s... a problem.”(Kinzo whispers into the ears of Tenmei)

Intense pain spread throughout Tenmei’s body. His once lush and strong wings, began to disintegrate from tip to base. His limbs bent inwards and backwards, and his head was stretched a near half turn around. Only his screams escaped the veil, driving fear into the hearts of any who heard it. Trained warriors with long lifespans hardly ever witness such gore, let alone have it echo throughout their capital city; an incident like this would not be easily forgotten.

“You fool…”(Gordon mutters to himself)

Akari, whom was witness to the entire affair, refused to move; both out of duty, and fear for everyone’s lives. The one shred of hope left for Dalhurst, no the world, rested on the quality of her short relationship with him; something she was not willing to “test”.

{{This is kind of fun.}}(Kinzo thought.)

 ~~ ~~ ~~

[12:00pm]

Sneaking amongst the castle interior; Kaito stood peeking around the corner into a hallway/garden. Riza, and her three step-siblings were all present, enjoying a high class tea on their lawn. The maids served the family with great consideration; Also taking their own appearances into account when working at their sides. Riza stood up from her seat at the small parasol shaded table; returning to her own room. Kaito would not miss a chance like this, leaving his spot he followed Riza to her chambers, undetected. Placing his ear on her door he listened to the princess speak to herself; A prayer for her now unconscious friend, Elise.

*hpm hpm* *Heavy Breathing*

{{Damn, Riza and a bunch of the maids are pretty cute. I wonder what I can do to unlock all their flags at once.}}(Kaito)

Chapter END