Silence envelope the table after Mayumi spoke her prophecy. This lasted a long time before Bloom broke the silence.
“D-Die?”
She spoke with a tone filled with shock.
Kaido remained expressionless and looked at Miko.
He had a really ugly expression on his face. It was obvious that the prophecy sent his mind in a turmoil.
‘I guess that's the appropriate expression one should make after hearing they had such a future.”
He thought to himself.
Miko on the other hand was thinking at least a thousand things at once.
‘Death? Me? I mean I've always walked on the thin line of life and death, but me dying doesn't feel real.’
He thought to himself.
Out of everything Miko heard from Mayumi, he ranked his death as the least important.
Remember, Miko had died already. Hence he has experience what it means to die. So if you ask him if he feared death, the answer would be no.
To him death is something that he must face again eventually. He sees it as nothing more than a chore he keeps putting off.
What Miko really feared wasn't his death, it was the part about losing the person he loves the most.
This part truly confused Miko.
The reason?
It was actually quite simple; Miko didn't know who he loved the most.
Don't get it wrong, he has obvious candidates but he couldn't say with 100% certainty who was his most beloved person.
There were only two that came to mind; Tiamat and Sasha.
Sasha was Miko's mother, and his first real mother figure in his multiple lives. She was a very important person to his existence.
In fact, it was killing Sasha in the illusion created by the Illusionary Beast Valley that shattered his mind.
This alone proved that Sasha was an irreplaceable existence to him. If he were to lose her, he would lose himself.
As Tiamat, even though their relationship was rocky at first, Miko truly loved her the most out of all of his love interests.
Miko didn't know when he started developing feelings for her, but he just knew that he couldn't bare to be without her.
Tiamat may haven't done as much as she was supposed to as a Patent God, but she was always there to give Miko advice and emotional support.
All in all, life was fun with her by his side.
Just like Sasha, losing her would cause his mind crumble.
If a day ever came when Miko lost either or both of them, he was certain that Deus Malum wouldn't only go out of control, it would be impossible for him to regain his humanity again.
If that that were to happen, Miko would become a threat to the world.
That wasn't an exaggeration.
Deus Malum was a highly dangerous technique that had the potential to destroy the world.
Augustus didn't take 10,000 years to create it for nothing.
‘I can't afford to lose Sasha or Tia. No matter what.’
Miko thought to himself.
Another part of the prophecy was the betrayal that ultimately will lead to his death.
It said that those who would betray him would be his “oldest friends”.
For that part of the prophecy, Miko didn't even need to think to know who it was referring to.
“Looks like Hina and the others really will betray me when Klick comes back.”
Miko mumbled to himself.
This wasn't a surprise to him, since he always had a feeling that his relationship with them would change when Klick comes back.
However, that doesn't mean that it didn't pain him to hear from someone else's mouth.
Ace, Sora and Hina were Miko's closest friends and allies. If possible he had hoped that they wouldn't become his enemies in the future.
He even planned to hunt Klick down on the down low and quietly eliminate him.
“Looks like that won't be possible now.”
Miko leaned back in his seat with a solemn expression.
“Now then, how should I handle this?”
He said.
Even though the prophecy shook his very core, Miko was determined o change it.
“You don't look as panic as before.”
Said Kaido.
“Of course, I'm panicking. That's one dangerous oracle you know.”
“But…”
“But I won't let it happen. I won't allow anyone take anything away from me again.”
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He said seriously.
“I made a vow with myself a few years ago. I vowed that I would obtain everything I want; no exceptions.”
He clenched his fist.
“I'll lose my most beloved person? Dream on! Even if I die I won't let such a thing happen. I'll destroy this world and remake it in my own image if I must.”
He said solemnly.
“Hina and others will betray me? So what? I knew that along time ago. I'll just make it that even if they betray me, they'll still belong me and no one else.”
“You sound like a dictator.”
Said Bloom.
“Then I'll become one. I'll become the greatest dictator of all time and build my dreamland on the world's ashes if I have to.”
Miko spoke such tyrannical words with an evil grin.
No matter what the prophecy said Miko will continue marching down the path he paved for himself.
As for what he’ll encounter on that path, he doesn't know; however he will use every ounce of his being to destroy anything that even attempts to block his path to his ideal world.
Whether it be mortals or immortals, gods or buddhas, Devils or angels, Miko plans to slaughter them all if he has to.
Even if he has to swim down his path in a sea of blood, he will triumphantly stand at the end of his path soaked in blood.
This was Miko's will; his final goal in life.
No matter the price, he will accomplish it.
Bloom saw the determined look in Miko's eyes and couldn't stop her heart from skipping a beat.
It was then she remembered her own prophecy about her future relationship with Miko.
She couldn't hide the embarrassment on her flushed face.
Her mood then darken when she remembered that Miko was predicted to die.
What made her mood even gloomier was the fact Mayumi spoke with absolute confidence. She didn't even mention which of the five futures did Miko die in.
This meant only one thing.
Miko died in all five futures.
This thought made Bloom very depressed and anxious. She knew just how accurate Mayumi’s ability was, and that made it even scarier.
She couldn't help but to look at Mayumi and ask a question.
“Just when wil the events you saw take place?”
Hearing Bloom's question, Mayumi started to think.
“I don't know the exact date, but consider how quick I got all five futures……I'll say about a year or two.”
“An year?! That's too soon!”
Bloom shouted.
“I-Its not up to me. I'm just telling you what I saw.”
Mayumi backed up because she was being overwhelmed by Bloom.”
“An year, huh?”
Miko suddenly commented.
“I suppose I can create my empire during that time.”
He said nonchalantly.
“You're supposed death is in a year or two and you're worried about building an empire?”
Said Bloom.
“Of course. In fact this just made me even more motivated.”
“Hey, you can't die before you free me you know.”
Said Ishma.
“Of course, I remember our agreement.”
She nodded and went back to ordering desserts.
Bloom found it hard to believe how she could have so much faith in Miko that a simple sentence blew away all her worries.
‘If it was Jin who had said that to me, would I also believe him that quickly?’
Bloom thought to herself.
She shook her head shortly after.
If the situation was reverse, there's no way she could remain calm and have so much faith in Miko.
This caused her to question if her feelings towards Jin was inferior to Ishma’s trust in Miko.
She unintentionally entered deep thought.
“Let's forget the oracles aside for now.”
Miko spoke as if the prophecy was no longer a big deal.
“When is the next Ranking Tournament?”
He asked.
“I'm surprised you can even think about that anymore.”
Bloom said with a sigh.
“The next tournament is in two months time.”
“Two months? Wasn't it supposed to be monthly?”
“That's true, however the academy postpone it because of some internal issues they're facing.”
“Internal issues? Do you know what they are?”
Bloom nodded after some hesitation.
“Rumor has it that the four pillars are gearing up for a huge battle against the Twin Headed Dragon Syndicate.”
“?!”
Bloom's words shocked Mayumi.
“How true is that rumor?”
Miko calmly asked.
“That I don't know. However, I believe there's some truth to every rumor.”
“So you're saying that a battle between the rulers of the city and the #1 crime organization could really happen in the near future?"
Bloom nodded.
“That's pretty interesting news.”
Miko said with a smile.
A battle of this magnitude could be what he needs to create a strong footing in the citizens minds.
Depending on how he enters the fray he could become famous over night as a hero or demon.
Either way was fine for Miko really.
Even though he wanted to win the hearts of the people, he didn't have to do it right away. For now what was important was to get recognition. Recognition on the level of the kings of the city would be great.
“Don't get involved, Miko.”
Kaido suddenly said.
Even though he was still expressionless, his voice had some anxiousness present in it.
“Why?”
“That's because this won't be something you’ll be able survive that easily.”
“Oh? And why is that?”
“Because they'll be too many dangerous people and elements involved.....Then again you weren't destined to die for the next few years. So I guess you could do as you please.”
“I'm not really one to depend on something like destiny to survive.”
Miko replied.
“But Kaido you worked in the underworld before, could the reason you didn't want me to involved was because you would be involved?”
Kaido didn't reply right away and kept a deadpan expression.
“That, I don't know. But it's a possibility.”
He looked at Bloom.
“But I'm sure Silver Crow will be involved.”
“Of course. A battle like that could destroy the city. We would like to avoid that if possible.”
“Then I guess there's a chance we might fight as enemies again.”
“I have no problem. But if that's the case I'll make sure to get rid of you myself.”
“Is that so? Then do your best.”
Bloom's threat didn't effect Kaido in the least. He knew that it was nothing more than a bluff.
Bloom was strong, incredibly strong for her age. However, Kaido was far stronger.
The only one in Silver Crow that could block Kaido or even beat him, was their leader Jin.
In terms of strength, Kaido and Jin were in the top ten in the city. They were number one in their [Class].
So Bloom defeating either of them was very unlikely.
“You two do realize that the city could be destroyed at any moment right?”
Asked Mayumi.
“Do you think it's the time to be at each other throats? I prefer to not die here you know.”
“With your ability, you should escape death.”
“Knowing the future doesn't mean that you can always prevent it. Also since I'm not directly involved in this battle I can't see how it will turn out. There's countless other future that I discarded because of their low probability, but doesn't mean that they 100% won't come true.”
When she discard a possible future, Mayumi will forever forget it.
However, this hasn't really troubled her in anyway. That's because most of the times it's five futures that came true.
But since her life was on the line, she couldn't discard the slightest chance that all five futures won't be wrong.
“A grand scale battle sounds fun to me. It's been a while since I last had one.”
Miko said with a savage smile.
“Thousands of enemies surrounding you from all directions, all competing to take your head. And there's you facing that massive wave a bloodlust, one can't help but to get excited. It's do or die. It's either you or them. What's better than that?”
Ishma added. She even licked her lips.
“Well said. I remember the rebellion four years ago. I slaughtered thousands of enemies with every swing of my sword. My fist caused hundreds of bodies to burst like balloons. Did you know? Blood it's most beautiful when reflecting the sun.”
“….What's wrong with you people?”
Said Mayumi.
“Anyway, I can't wait for this battle to start so that I can enjoy myself.”
Miko said with an excited tone.
That same night, the 23rd District.
On the roof top of a very high building, there was a figure dressed in a hooded trench coat that was as black as the night.
Because of the darkness, their physical features couldn't be seen.
The figure sat on the ledge looking down at the building below him.
“So this is were the syndicate is storing their equipments they prepared for war.”
Said the person.
They stood up and drew a silver and black sword from out of nowhere.
“Unfortunately, a war between the syndicate and the four pillars can't happen right now.”
They twirled the sword as they spoke.
The sword had the word “Kusangi X3” on it.
“While I really hate it, I guess I'll do a little work tonight.
Saying so, they jumped off the building and disappeared like they became one with the night.
That night most of the Twin Headed Dragon Syndicate’s warehouses and other storage facilities were destroyed by an unknown assailant.