Today was the day Sai would step into the world of exorcists, a moment he had been gearing up for with a mix of nerves and excitement. Sitting across from Yasuko, his outward calmness did little to hide the storm of anticipation brewing within.
"Today marks the beginning of your journey as an exorcist," Yasuko beamed, her enthusiasm lighting up the room. "You'll be joining Sato and Yume on a low B Class assignment—perfect for dipping your toes into exorcist duties."
Sai's brow furrowed in confusion. "What exactly is a B Class?"
Yasuko's smile faltered, realizing her oversight. "Oh, I should have explained," she said, her cheeks coloring slightly. "Threat levels are ranked from 1 to 5, with 5 being the most critical. The higher the level, the more experienced the exorcist needed."
She swiftly broke down the threat levels:
Threat Level-5: Critical situations that could endanger humanity itself. Immediate intervention required.
Threat Level-4: Major threats to large cities or critical infrastructure, demanding a team of the most skilled exorcists.
Threat Level-3: Serious threats to local communities requiring a coordinated response from skilled professionals.
Threat Level-2: Significant risks in cursed areas or threats to many lives, manageable by seasoned exorcists.
Threat Level-1: Minor threats in low-risk areas, mainly needing monitoring and preventive action.
With a nod and a confident smile, Yasuko encouraged, "Good luck on your mission!"
Sai nodded, processing the rundown. Despite his calm demeanor, a flicker of uncertainty passed through his eyes.
("That's it?")
His mind was filled with doubts and determination, and Sai couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement and fear. Though generally reserved, he was prepared to prove himself and make a real impact alongside his team. He understood that this mission marked only the start of his journey as an exorcist, and he was resolved to confront any challenges that lay ahead.
Part 2: The Cursed Hotel
The dilapidated hotel loomed ominously under the pale glow of streetlights, its cracked facade casting eerie shadows on the ground. The air was heavy with the scent of mildew and decay, and the sound of distant sirens added to the sense of unease. Saitama stood resolute at its entrance, the flicker of his cigarette momentarily illuminating his stern features.
"Alright, listen up," Saitama's voice cut sharply through the night, echoing slightly off the surrounding buildings. "This place is marked as Threat Level 2+. We're expecting substantial supernatural activity. Your task is to cleanse this place of any Nightmares and purify the area. Understood?"
Sai and Yume nodded, their faces a tapestry of resolve and apprehension.
("This is my chance to prove I have what it takes!") Sai's inner voice was firm and hopeful.
Saitama's voice resonated with solemnity as he invoked his power.
"Innate Domain," he intoned, his voice resonating with power. Divine energy, shimmering with soft, pure light, surged through the air and the ground, enveloping the building in an invisible protective barrier unbeknownst to anyone except the team.
"I'll be here waiting," Saitama added gruffly, his voice betraying a hint of concern for their safety.
"Alright, let's go!" Sato declared, stepping forward with a confidence that bolstered the team's morale.
~ Creek ~
The team entered the hotel, the creak of the old floorboards under their feet echoing ominously through the lobby. The air was thick with a foreboding silence, only broken by their footsteps. They moved cautiously, their senses heightened, ready to face whatever horrors awaited them.
"The concentration of cursed energy here..." Sato murmured, his voice low and wary, as they proceeded further into the shadowy interior.
Suddenly, the last flicker of light sputtered out, plunging them into darkness. In an instant, Sai and Yume found themselves separated from Sato, enveloped by the pressing shadows.
"So much for this being easy," Sato grumbled, his disappointment laced with concern as he tried to pierce the darkness with his eyes, searching for any sign of Sai and Yume.
Sai felt a surge of panic as the darkness seemed to swallow Sato and Yume whole.
"Sato... Yume...!?" His voice echoed off the walls, his call for his comrades laden with urgency.
Simultaneously, now isolated, Yume fumbled for her flashlight, her breath quickening. The beam sliced through the darkness as she clutched her phone tightly, her heart pounding fiercely.
"Can this get any worse?" she whispered to herself, a tremor in her voice.
Just then, a bug dropped from the ceiling onto her hand, its sudden contact making her skin crawl.
"Ew, ew, ew, it's on me, it's on me!" Yume shrieked, flinging the insect away with a frantic motion, her scream reverberating through the silent corridors.
The darkness of the hotel seemed to close in around them, each member of the team now facing their own slice of torment, separated by shadows and silence. They needed to regroup quickly—whatever lurked in the depths of this cursed place was just beginning to stir.
Sato's determination burned like a beacon as he ascended the stairs of the decrepit hotel.
"Sai, Yume!" he called out, his voice bouncing off the crumbling walls. Only the oppressive silence answered back, swallowing his calls in the ghostly atmosphere.
Navigating the labyrinthine corridors, a Nightmare revealed itself—a massive, bony hand reaching out from the shadows with talon-like nails. Its rough skin, weathered by time, hinted at the creature's ancient origins.
Dodging its grasp with lightning reflexes, Sato's lips curved into a smirk.
"Finally, some action!" His voice, tinged with excitement, echoed through the empty halls as he charged towards the looming threat, his spirit unbroken by the impending battle.
Meanwhile, Sai cautiously entered a darkened room, the door groaning ominously on its hinges.
"Yume? Sato?" His hopeful yet wary voice faded into the quiet. Suddenly, the sound of sobbing pierced the silence, chilling him to the core.
"Hello? Anyone in here—" Sai's words trailed off as he moved toward the source of the crying. Turning towards him was the Nightmare known as Onryoku, a monstrous entity resembling a massive, detached head with a wild, unkempt beard and sorrowful, glowing eyes that burned with malice.
("A Nightmare!?") The shock was evident in his thoughtful exclamation.
Without hesitation, Onryoku attacked, its gaping mouth aimed directly at Sai. With swift action, Sai parried with his Dancing Dragon staff, the weapon lodging firmly between the creature's monstrous jaws. Despite his efforts, Onryoku's strength was formidable, dragging Sai across the room.
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The struggle sent him crashing through a door into another chamber, his heart hammering with adrenaline.
("Think. How can I get out of this?") he pondered, desperately seeking an escape.
Just as Onryoku seemed poised to overpower him, it became stuck in the narrow door frame, its enraged howls echoing menacingly. Sai seized this brief respite to brace himself, gathering his strength for the confrontation ahead.
With a terrifying burst, Onryoku broke free, its immense form casting a dark shadow over Sai. Dodging just in time, Sai narrowly escaped its clutches, stumbling backward.
Fate, however, had other plans. His foot slipped, and suddenly, Sai was enveloped by shadows, plunging into an abyss that seemed to swallow him whole. He fell through floor after floor, the sensation disorienting and terrifying.
Landing hard on the basement floor, Sai lay there for a moment, dazed and confused. As he regained his bearings, he noticed the lingering mist of shadows dissipating from his hands.
"How did I..." he wondered aloud, his mind racing to piece together the harrowing events.
Unbeknownst to Sai, his survival was no mere chance. As he stood, the shadows retreated like tidewater, revealing his resilience and hinting at an unknown aspect of his abilities that even he hadn't fully understood yet.
As Sato confronted a Nightmare and Sai's whereabouts remained unknown, Yume's determination solidified as she ventured deeper into the ominous depths of the haunted hotel. Each step showcased her courage, driven by a mix of fear and unyielding resolve. The overwhelming darkness seemed to conceal lurking threats. Still, Yume pressed on, motivated by a burning desire to reunite with her companions and rid this accursed place of its curse.
Out of the darkness emerged a chilling sight—a gigantic hand, its bony fingers reaching out malevolently as it moved swiftly from wall to wall. This haunting Nightmare, appearing everywhere at once, was determined to trap Yume within its clutches.
Yume, as always, was quick on her feet and never easily caught off guard. Her agility makes her a formidable exorcist as she gracefully evades the Nightmare's attack. Her movements were seamless, each step carrying her just out of reach of the encroaching fingers.
Her heart raced in her chest, the surge of adrenaline sharpening her focus. With the glow of her divine powers in her eyes, she fixed her gaze on the dark figure before her. This was her moment to shine—literally. Channeling just a fraction of her abilities, Yume's hands became surrounded by brilliant arcs of lightning-like claws. Her Thunder Cat ability was not only a form of defense but also a weapon of fierce precision.
She unleashed her power with a cry that echoed through the hollow corridors. Lightning claws flashed through the darkness, each strike precise and deadly. The air crackled with energy as her attacks landed, tearing through the Nightmare with the force of a tempest.
As the creature dissolved into a misty shadow under her relentless barrage, Yume stood panting, her breaths echoing in the now silent hallway. Her victory was a stark reminder of her power, and as the adrenaline faded, a swell of pride filled her chest.
She allowed herself a moment to revel in her triumph, her thoughts turning inward.
("No matter how dark the path, my light will pierce through the shadows") Yume reflected, her voice steady and confident.
As Yume paused, her heightened senses attuned to every sound in the eerie stillness of the haunted hotel, the distinct shuffle of footsteps grew louder, drawing nearer with each passing second.
("Somethings coming")
Her body tensed, ready for action, her eyes scanning the darkness for the source of the noise.
With the swift grace of a panther, Yume lunged towards the approaching figure, propelled by her lightning-fast reflexes. But instead of confronting another threat, she collided unexpectedly with Sai, who had just stumbled out of the shadows. The sudden impact knocked them both off their feet, sending them tumbling to the ground in a tangled heap.
As they landed, Yume's electrified claws halted inches next to Sai's head, a moment of danger frozen in time.
"Sai?" Recognition flashed across her face, and relief washed over her as she realized it was Sai and not another Nightmare. Sai, however, found himself embarrassingly close to Yume, his cheeks flushing with heat.
("Hold it in, don't think about it, and you'll be fine... but they're so soft.")
Trapped beneath Yume, who was now hovering concernedly over him, Sai's internal panic only heightened. The closeness of the moment was too much for him.
("It's not working, it's not working, they're in my face... Oh no...")
Sai's heart raced, his excitement peaking—too much for him to handle. Unexpectedly, a nosebleed erupted, the pressure too great, leading him to black out.
Yume gasped, her initial worry morphing into amused concern as she observed Sai's comical reaction. She gently shook him, calling out his name, hoping he was alright despite the unusual circumstances.
Just then, Sato appeared, his arrival timed perfectly to catch the awkward tableau before him. A mischievous smile played on his lips as he took in the scene.
"I see what's going on here," he chuckled, the amusement evident in his voice. "Looks like you two were getting a little too cozy on the job, huh?"
Flustered, Yume quickly scrambled to her feet, her face a bright shade of red as she tried to explain. "Huuhh? It's not what it looks like!" she stammered, her embarrassment deepening. "We were... Sai was... he's just... he's not waking up!"
Sato, ever the prankster, leaned down and playfully slapped Sai's cheek, followed by a light chop to the forehead. This abrupt action jolted Sai awake, his hands shooting up in a defensive karate pose.
Confusion etched his features as he tried to grasp the situation, his gaze shifting between Yume's blushing face and Sato's teasing grin. The memory of the moment before he passed out flooded back.
("Soft, like pillows from heaven")
The thought triggered another nosebleed, overwhelming him once more as he collapsed again.
"Huh!?" Sato and Yume exclaimed in unison, their concern mixed with bafflement at Sai's repeated fainting spells.
Once the momentary shock subsided, despite the comical mishaps, the trio regrouped, their bond strengthened by the unexpected humor amidst the darkness.
With Yume's nimble evasion and Sato's unwavering leadership guiding them, the team refocused their energies on the crucial mission at hand. A slight easing of tension filled the air as they discussed their next moves, buoyed by the darkness that seemed to recede with each passing moment.
"The curse energy is weakening; it's becoming less oppressive inside," Yume observed, her voice tinged with relief as she sought to steer the conversation away from their earlier mishaps.
Sato, ever the strategist, nodded thoughtfully. "It appears there are still some Nightmares fueling the curse here. We need to clear them out completely," he stated, setting the tone for their final push.
Sai chimed in, his voice grave but determined. "There's at least one more on the top floor. I'm sure of it," he declared, remembering his earlier encounter igniting a fire within him.
("That Nightmare has my weapon, and I'm determined to get it back.") Sai made a silent vow, his resolve crystalizing with each step they took upward.
The staircase echoed with purposeful strides as they ascended to their final challenge. Together, they prepared to face whatever awaited them behind the last door, their spirits united.
("Let's do this, team.")
The air immediately crackled with a palpable tension as they breached the room. Onryoku, more formidable than before, surged forward with terrifying speed. Its massive form bore down on Sai and Sato, threatening to overwhelm them.
Reacting with instinctive precision, Sato employed his secret technique, Perfect Counter, skillfully reversing the Nightmare's vicious assault and sparing his teammates from potential harm.
("There is... my Sacred Tool") Sai spotted his weapon behind the looming threat.
"Sai!" Sato's voice rang out, clear and commanding.
"Right with you!" Sai responded, slipping past the distracted Nightmare to reclaim his Dancing Dragon. Gripping the staff firmly, he rejoined Sato, ready to take down the monstrous foe together.
While Onryoku focused on Sai and Sato, Yume took the opportunity to implement a crucial part of their strategy. She placed a paper sigil on the floor and quickly drew a chalk circle around it, setting the stage for a purifying ritual that was essential in their battle against the persistent Nightmare.
Sato unleashed a flurry of powerful strikes, each one driven by a deep-seated need to protect and succeed. Matching his intensity, Sai wielded his Dancing Dragon with expert precision, targeting Onryoku with strategic hits designed to weaken it further.
The battle raged fiercely, each team member pouring their heart and soul into the fight. Onryoku lashed out with deadly force, but the trio stood resolute against its fury.
As the climax of their confrontation neared, Yume invoked the power of the Divine Force with a commanding voice, "By the Divine Force, I bring peace and nullify negative effects in this space!"
Simultaneously, Sato, tapping into his secret technique, Divine Concentration, channeled a sphere of divine energy and hurled at Onryoku with unerring accuracy. The impact was devastating, tearing through the Nightmare's form and creating a visible hole in the building.
Onryoku's final roar echoed as it dissipated into a shadowy mist, its presence eradicated from the world. The oppressive weight of cursed energy lifted instantly, leaving the team victorious but exhausted.
Sai watched in awe as Sato's powerful blow finalized their victory. ("He eliminated it with a blow that strong. Is that the true extent of your power, Sato?") He pondered the sheer force Sato had concealed, recalling a distant memory of their earlier days at the train station.
("...Yeah, that was a different me.") Sai acknowledged the growth in his own strength since that time.
With the Nightmare defeated and their mission accomplished, the team emerged from the shrouds of the cursed hotel, battered but triumphant. Sai felt a profound sense of accomplishment washing over him—his first real test as an exorcist had been daunting. Still, he had risen to the challenge and grown stronger.
Exiting the Innate Domain, they found Saitama waiting by the black sedan, his expression unreadable yet calm. Yume approached him with a jubilant wave. "Mission accomplished," she announced proudly.
"Well done," Saitama responded in his typically understated manner, his calm demeanor grounding the team's exhilaration.
Sato's eyes, gleaming with pride, gathered his teammates for a celebratory embrace. "We did it! And I couldn't have asked for a better team," he exclaimed, his voice rich with genuine admiration.
As the Innate Domain dissolved, revealing the hotel restored to its benign state, Sai marveled at the transformation.
("The hole in the wall... it's gone,")
Sai noted, amazed at how the traces of their fierce battle had vanished, leaving behind only peace. The team prepared to return to base with their successful mission behind them.