Akiko crouched low, her many eyes scanning the clearing. The scent of treasure hung in the air, thick and irresistible. The gold was so close that her fingers twitched involuntarily, eager to grasp it. After all, the chase, the hoard, and the gold were the essence of their existence.
“She’s near,” Akiko whispered, voice barely audible, her gaze shifting toward her sister.
Leida, standing tall and commanding, gave a sharp nod. Her cold and calculating eyes flicked toward the bodies of their fallen kin. “Good,” she said, her tone harsh. Prepare the others.”
Akiko hesitated, sensing something dark in the air. “Leida, maybe we should—”
“Akiko.” Leida’s voice cut through the tension, unyielding. “Obey.”
Akiko bit her lip, feeling the tension thrumming through her. She reluctantly nodded, aware that orders were orders, no matter how daunting the task ahead. The Dodomeki glided forward, their movements as fluid and silent as shadows slipping through the night. Their insatiable hunger for gold consumed them, closing their eyes to the dangers that lay in wait along their path. Each step was measured and deliberate, driven by greed that overshadowed any sense of caution.
Suddenly, in the flickering shadows cast by their lanterns, they caught sight of a small pile of gold coins shimmering enticingly on the damp, stone floor. The coins, their surfaces polished and bright, reflected the faint glow like tiny beacons of wealth. Ten of the group members, overcome by a surge of greed, dashed forward with reckless abandon, their hearts racing and eyes wide with desire. Reason abandoned them as they lunged for the glittering treasure, each one desperate to grasp the riches that lay before them.
The clearing ignited into a frenzy of activity, a whirlwind of movement and noise that shattered the stillness. A single shot rang out, silent yet deafening in its impact. The bullet that followed left a trail of black and crimson energy in its wake, an omen of destruction. It struck the ground, unleashing a localized explosion that consumed the Dodomeki instantly. The force was absolute, disintegrating everything it touched and bypassing any defense they might have had.
The remaining Dodomeki froze in terror. Leida’s face twisted in fury. “Stay away from the gold!” she barked, her voice trembling with rage.
Akiko's heart raced in her chest, each beat echoing the urgency of her situation. She glanced anxiously around the dimly lit room, the air thick with tension. Deep down, she understood the futility of her efforts. Dodomeki, creatures known for their insatiable hunger for gold, were as relentless as the tides. They were drawn to the shimmering metal as if it were a magnet, compelled by an instinct embedded in their very essence. No matter how much she wished to resist their call, their nature would always prevail, luring them in with an irresistible allure that she feared would soon consume her as well.
Another pulse of annihilative energy ripped through the air, scattering debris and cutting down more of their kind. A dark figure moved through the chaos, shadows clinging to him like a second skin. He struck with brutal efficiency. His weapon, no, his Wrathful Blade, shifted in color, radiating hues of gold, crimson, and black. Every strike left devastation in its wake, the blade cutting through both bodies and what felt to Akiko the souls as well.
The earth trembled again as a shockwave of force erupted, sending the Dodomeki flying. Akiko watched in horror as her sisters fell, one after another, their bodies lifeless before they hit the ground.
When the dust settled, only she and Leida remained. Through the haze, the figure emerged. Akiko’s breath hitched. He was no mere mortal. A red halo floated above his head, pulsing like a heartbeat. Six ethereal wings, shaped like crimson ribbons, unfurled behind him, casting an eerie glow.
Akiko felt her legs weaken as the crimson-winged figure stepped forward, his gaze falling upon her. Instinct took over. Without a second thought, she turned and bolted, feet pounding against the earth as she sought refuge in the ruins around her. She ducked behind a crumbled pillar, her heart hammering in her chest. She pressed her back against the cold stone, holding her breath, desperate to disappear.
“Coward!” Leida’s voice rang out, filled with fury. “Face him!”
Akiko clenched her teeth, guilt twisting in her gut. But no amount of loyalty could overcome the overwhelming terror that gripped her now.
Leida charged, her hands crackling with electricity. She unleashed a torrent of lightning bolts, each strike lighting up the battlefield in brilliant flashes. The energy slammed into him, but he didn’t flinch. He walked through it all, unbothered and unstoppable.
Leida let out a piercing scream of frustration, her emotions boiling over as she unleashed a flurry of attacks with increasing desperation. Each strike sent arcs of energy crackling through the air, bright sparks illuminating the space around them, mingling with the heavy, acrid scent of ozone that hung thick in the atmosphere. Despite the intensity of her efforts, the figure before her stood completely unfazed, his expression a mask of calm that only heightened her unease. The contrast of her frantic energy against his serene demeanor sent a chill down her spine, making her feel as though she was battling not just him but the very essence of her turmoil. Her energy faltered, and her breathing ragged. The figure raised his blade. The strike was swift and merciless, and Leida collapsed, lifeless.
Akiko’s heart pounded violently in her chest, each beat echoing in her ears like a distant drum. She huddled deeper into the enveloping shadows, her numerous eyes shimmering with a mix of fear and anticipation as they darted around, searching for any sign of danger. The air felt heavy with tension, and a chilling awareness crept over her. He was there, just a breath away, lurking in the dim light, forming an unsettling presence beside her.
“Akiko.”
Her name, spoken with quiet authority, sent a chill down her spine. She fell to her knees, trembling. “Please… Lord Celestial,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “Forgive me. I-I didn’t mean to…”
His gaze bore into her, unyielding. “You took Yuki’s mother’s life,” he said, each word a blade of its own. “Why should I forgive you?”
Akiko’s hands clasped together in desperation. “I’ll do anything,” she choked out, tears streaming down from the eyes of her arms. “Anything you ask. Just… spare me.”
An oppressive silence enveloped the room, stretching out like an unfathomable fog. His towering presence loomed over Akiko, an intangible weight that seemed to close in around her chest, making it difficult to breathe. Each passing moment felt like an eternity as the air thickened, pinning her in place under the intensity of his gaze. She could feel the heaviness of the atmosphere, as if the very walls were closing in, amplifying her sense of vulnerability and unease.
“Anything?” His voice was calm, but it carried a weight that made her shiver.
Akiko nodded frantically. “Yes… anything.”
He leaned in his voice a whisper that cut deeper than any blade. He told Akiko what he wanted.
Akiko’s eyes widened in horror. Her body went cold as the weight of his demand settled over her. She shook her head, disbelief and terror written across her face. “No… you can’t mean…”
“I do.” His tone was final. “You asked for mercy, and this is the price of the mercy you seek.”
Akiko’s heart raced uncontrollably within her chest, a primal drumbeat echoing in her ears. She felt the cold grip of despair tighten around her, squeezing the breath from her lungs. There was no way out, no glimmer of hope in the shadows that loomed ahead. Each step she contemplated was a reminder of the hopelessness that surrounded her. The choices that lay before her were stark, devoid of negotiations or compromises, all leading to the suffocating darkness of the path he had mercilessly carved for her. The weight of her reality settled heavily on her shoulders as a chill crept down her spine, filling her with a sense of impending doom.
***
Azriel stood at the entrance of the cave, watching Akiko vanish into the shadows, her footsteps fading as she carried his message to the rest of her kind. He mulled over everything he’d learned from her. The Dodomeki’s true objective wasn’t just to kill him but to kidnap Yuki. Even Akiko hadn’t known why. More perplexing was Yuki’s heritage: a Kaiju’s child.
Is her father a giant monster? Azriel shook his head, dismissing the thought. There were more pressing matters to deal with.
Turning back inside the cave, he approached the small figure curled up on the ground. Yuki was still fast asleep, undisturbed by the chaos that had unfolded. Azriel’s eyes softened as he noticed the faint glow of the Dream Sheep Bedroll cocooning her, the enchantment likely keeping her deep in restful slumber.
“Small miracles,” he muttered, grateful for the item’s efficacy.
Carefully, Azriel lifted Yuki, bedroll and all, cradling her against him. With a deep breath, he summoned his power, feeling the familiar pull of gravity bend to his will. He rose into the air, the ground shrinking beneath him as he flew, the strain of maintaining flight barely noticeable thanks to his newly enhanced reserves of mana.
Hours passed as he soared through the night sky, the distant horizon gradually giving way to dawn’s faint light. The safe location Eve had mentioned finally came into view: a stunning Chinese-styled inn nestled in a secluded mountain pass. Its curved roofs and ornate wooden carvings reminded him of the martial arts movies and comics he used to enjoy with his dad.
As he descended, Azriel felt the tingle of a barrier parting around him, confirming the inn’s protective wards. He landed softly in front of the entrance, the air around him still and peaceful. Stepping inside, he marveled at how pristine the interior was, capable of accommodating at least thirty guests with ease. The faint scent of incense lingered, calming and inviting.
Fatigue began to weigh on him as he found a room for Yuki. Gently, he placed her down, still wrapped in the Dream Sheep bedroll. She didn’t stir. Satisfied that she was safe, Azriel quietly exited the room, closing the door behind him.
Finding a room of his own, he barely registered the soft bedding before sleep overtook him. He would deal with his system notifications and everything else in the morning.
***
Lady Kuroha awoke to the sharp sound of raised voices outside her tent, her irritation simmering just beneath the surface. Leida and the others' audacity in disobeying her direct orders still fueled her anger. She rose gracefully, adjusting the silk drapes of her midnight-black robes before stepping outside.
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The sight awaiting her was grim. The Dodomeki had gathered in a tense, silent circle. At the center knelt Akiko, drenched in blood, her eyes wide with shock and her breaths shallow and erratic.
Kuroha’s crimson gaze narrowed. She strode forward, her presence demanding silence as she approached the trembling figure. “Akiko,” she said, her voice cold but curious. “What happened to you? And the others?”
Akiko’s lips quivered as she struggled to form words. Finally, in a voice barely above a whisper, she uttered, “Angel of vengeance.”
Kuroha tilted her head, confused. “What did you say?”
Akiko’s expression twisted into one of raw terror. Her voice broke as she screamed, “The girl is protected by a celestial!”
The gathered Dodomeki recoiled, murmurs spreading like wildfire. The weight of Akiko’s words sunk deep, a palpable fear gripping them. Celestials were forces none of them wanted to contend with.
Kuroha’s gaze darkened. “Where are the others?”
Akiko’s trembling hand rose, pointing to a trail smeared with blood behind her. Kuroha’s lips pressed into a thin line. Without a word, she signaled a handful of her most trusted Dodomeki and began following the grim path Akiko had left.
The forest was silent, unnervingly so, as they made their way deeper into the woods. The scent of blood thickened, hanging in the air like a warning. When they reached the clearing, Kuroha’s eyes widened.
Their fallen sisters lay scattered, their bodies arranged to spell out a message in precise kanji, written in the blood of the dead:
"Follow if you dare."
Kuroha’s fingers trembled as she adjusted the sleeves of her ornate black robes. The sight of her fallen sisters, their lifeless bodies scattered around the blood-painted kanji, sent a chill through her. Her carefully crafted plans were unraveling faster than she could mend them.
She stepped closer to Akiko, her voice low but sharp. “You’re certain?”
Akiko’s bloodshot eyes flickered up. “He’s a celestial, Lady Kuroha. An angel of vengeance. I saw the wings, the halo... I felt the wrath. There’s no doubt.” Her voice cracked, and she gripped her sides, rocking slightly. “We don’t stand a chance.”
Kuroha’s eyes darkened. She clenched her fists, her long nails biting into her palms. “Fools,” she muttered, thinking of Leida and the others. “Defying my orders for what? Glory? Greed? Now look at us.”
She turned sharply, addressing the surrounding Dodomeki. “Enough of this.” Her tone brooked no argument. “We are done pursuing that girl and her protector. Gather what remains of our forces.”
The lieutenant took a cautious step forward, her voice trembling slightly. “Lady Kuroha, what shall we do about our pact with Yamato?”
Kuroha’s jaw tightened in frustration, her muscles coiling like a spring as doubt nibbled at the edges of her determination. For as long as she could remember, she had leaned heavily on Yamato, drawing strength from his unwavering support and the promises he had made. His words had painted a vivid picture of power waiting just within her reach, and the resources he had offered seemed boundless, a treasure trove for her ambitions. But now, as uncertainty crept into her mind, she felt the weight of her dependence pressing down on her like a heavy fog, threatening to suffocate her resolve. Doubts swirled within her, casting shadows over the confidence she once held. Would she ever be able to stand on her own?
“Forget the pact.” Her voice was steely. “I will not send any more of my sisters to their deaths. Yamato can deal with this celestial if he wishes.”
She gestured to another Dodomeki. “Contact him. Notify him that the deal is off. Whatever price we pay for breaking it is preferable to extinction.”
There was silence among the group, broken only by the rustling of the forest around them. Kuroha’s eyes drifted back to the ominous kanji on the ground, her lips pressing into a thin line.
“I will not face him,” she said softly, more to herself than anyone else. “Not now, not ever.”
***
Yuki’s eyes fluttered open, the soft light filtering into the room surprising her. The scent of clean linen and incense filled the air, a stark contrast to the damp, earthy smell of the cave she had fallen asleep in. Confused, she sat up, glancing around the pristine room. The walls were adorned with simple but elegant wooden panels, and a small vase of flowers sat on a table near the window.
"Where...?" she muttered, rubbing her eyes.
A sudden sense of panic gripped her. She felt around frantically but found nothing—no sword, no essence, not even the small urn holding her mother’s ashes. Her heart raced as she darted around the room, checking under the bed, behind furniture, anywhere they might be.
"Gone?!" she gasped. Her mind raced with possibilities. Had Azriel left her somewhere safe and taken everything with him?
Before she could spiral further, a warm, savory scent wafted up from downstairs. Her nose twitched, and her stomach growled. "What is that?" she whispered, curiosity momentarily overriding panic.
She padded lightly down the long, polished hallway, the enticing aroma guiding her steps. As she turned the corner, she found herself in a spacious and sunlit kitchen that boasted gleaming countertops and rustic wooden cabinets. The warmth from the oven bathed the room in a comforting glow.
At the stovetop, Azriel stood effortlessly, his focus on the sizzling griddle before him. He was flipping pancakes, their golden-brown surfaces puffing up ever so slightly as he worked. A soft melody escaped his lips, weaving through the air along with the mouthwatering scent of warm batter and syrup.
Upon noticing her presence, he turned, his face lighting up with a lopsided grin that transformed his striking features. His eyes sparkled with mischief and warmth, making the space feel even cozier. The familiarity of the moment wrapped around her like a soft blanket, inviting her to step closer and share in the warmth of the kitchen.
“Morning, tiny tiger,” he greeted. “Hope you’re hungry.”
Yuki blinked. “Where are we? And... what are you cooking?”
Azriel chuckled, gesturing to the food. “Waffles, eggs, bacon. Found some supplies in a storage room. Had to get creative after a run-in with a weird monster made of waffle batter.” He winked, clearly joking.
Still feeling a bit disoriented, Yuki settled into the chair at the cozy dining table, the wood warm beneath her touch. Azriel moved gracefully around the kitchen, a smile playing on his lips as he served her a generous plate brimming with golden-brown waffles, their surfaces glistening with a hint of syrup. The crispy bacon, perfectly caramelized, lay beside the waffles, while fluffy scrambled eggs, light and airy, completed the feast. The rich, inviting aroma of the breakfast wafted through the air, wrapping around her like a comforting embrace.
As she stared at the food, Azriel casually reached out. From seemingly thin air, he pulled out the essence and sword, setting them gently beside her plate. Yuki’s eyes widened in shock.
“How did you—?”
Azriel sat down across from her. “I’ve got some tricks.” He leaned back in his chair. “Those items were how the Dodomeki tracked you and your mom. Anything valuable can lead them straight to you.”
Yuki’s hands tightened around the fork. “Are they still following us?”
Azriel shook his head. “Handled it. We’re hours away from the cave, and they won’t be bothering us again anytime soon.” He smiled reassuringly. “Eat. You need your strength.”
Yuki hesitated, then slowly began eating. The food was surprisingly good, and for the first time in days, a sense of calm settled over her. Azriel watched her with a quiet, protective gaze, his expression soft but relentless.
Azriel leaned back in his chair, watching Yuki eat in silence. After a moment, he asked, "Yuki, where did you and your mother come from? How did you end up here?"
Yuki set her fork down, taking a deep breath as memories flooded back. She explained that she and her mother had lived in the Yokai realm, where her mother raised her alone after her father’s death. Her father’s actions before Yuki’s birth led to their exile. Her mother had been cast out from her clan while pregnant with Yuki, forcing them to live in hiding.
For years, things were quiet. They managed to stay hidden until one fateful day when a group of people in red robes attacked their home. Yuki’s mother grabbed a sword, a strange essence, and Yuki herself before escaping through a realm gate. Since that moment, the Dodomeki had been hunting them relentlessly. Yuki didn’t know why; they had been running ever since.
Azriel listened carefully, his expression thoughtful. After a moment of silence, he asked, "What do you want to do now?"
Yuki didn’t hesitate. “I want to become strong. By any means necessary. I never want to run again.”
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Azriel’s lips. He reached into what seemed like thin air, pulling out a neatly folded set of combat robes. The fabric shimmered faintly, a blend of black and deep crimson, with intricate patterns that looked like storm clouds and fire.
He placed the robes on the table. “Put these on. Meet me outside when you’re ready.”
Yuki’s eyes widened as she reached out, running her fingers over the smooth fabric. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.
Azriel nodded, standing up and heading toward the door. As he left, Yuki clutched the robes to her chest, feeling a surge of hope and resolve. She hurried to her room and changed into the new outfit. The robes fit perfectly, were light yet durable, and gave her a sense of newfound confidence as she looked at herself in the mirror.
Stepping outside, she found Azriel waiting, arms crossed and a calm expression on his face. The morning air was crisp, filled with the scent of pine and distant rain. Yuki squared her shoulders, ready for whatever came next.
***
Kazuto Yamato sat before the communication orb; his brow furrowed in confusion as Lady Kuroha’s words echoed in his mind. The information she had just shared left him stunned. He had expected more from the Dodomeki, especially after everything that had been invested in their mission.
Kuroha’s voice, now laced with frustration, broke through his thoughts. "I've lost too many. The pact ends now. The sisters I sent with the expedition team will be pulled out."
Kazuto, caught off guard by her decision, tried to argue, “Lady Kuroha, please reconsider. We can still salvage this. The mission isn’t over yet.”
But Kuroha’s tone remained firm, unwavering in its resolve. “No, the decision is final. I’ve lost too many to this cause. You’ve seen the results for yourself.” Her voice softened briefly but then hardened again. “The pact ends now.”
Before Kazuto could say another word, the communication orb flickered and went dark. The line was cut, leaving him staring at the blackened crystal in his hands. His frustration grew, and with a swift motion, he smashed the orb onto the ground, shards scattering across the floor. The room was heavy with tension, the remnants of his anger lingering in the air.
Kazuto clenched his fists, his body trembling slightly with rage. He had spent years working to position the Dodomeki in this world. To have it all unravel so easily, not because of poor planning or lack of strength but because the gods were seemingly turning against him, was infuriating. His mind drifted back to the Astral Dragon’s words and the celestial forces conspiring against him. It was as if the very gods themselves were deliberately working to undermine him, to keep him from achieving his goals. The Celestial, with their overwhelming power, stood as a reminder of the forces that sought to make his mission impossible. His frustration swelled into a boiling rage, one that had been brewing for far too long.
Kazuto turned toward Yuta, who had been waiting patiently in the corner of the room. “How far is the Citadel from here?” Kazuto asked, his voice sharp, barely masking the anger beneath it.
Yuta, unfazed by Kazuto’s outburst, replied with calm precision. “It will take us three weeks if nothing goes wrong during the journey.”
Kazuto’s gaze hardened, his mind already racing through plans. "Get a force together. Three Silver Ranks, five Bronze Ranks. Depart immediately. Secure the Citadel at all costs."
Yuta gave a short nod, understanding the gravity of Kazuto’s order. “Understood. I’ll see to it.” He quickly left, already organizing the force for the journey ahead.
Once Yuta had departed, a sudden presence filled the room. A crackling, almost tangible energy surged, the air thick with power. Crimson lightning danced across the walls, taking the form of an elemental being. Kazuto did not flinch, instead meeting the gaze of the elemental with a cold determination.
Kazuto remained calm, his resolve unwavering. However, as he gazed into the glowing crimson eyes of the elemental, he felt the weight of the god he worshipped pressing down on him. This sensation was familiar now: a constant oppression from beings far more powerful than he could ever be, always lurking in the background and pushing him back. He had experienced this feeling ever since encountering the Astral Dragon energy, and now, a Celestial stood in his way. It was these energies that made him feel as if the gods viewed him as a pawn to be played with. Kazuto’s defiance ignited the fire within him.
“Do not worry,” Kazuto replied, his voice steady but cold, “I shall find the girl.”
Kazuto’s mind churned his body tight with a renewed sense of determination. He was done playing by the rules of the Celestial beings, the Astral Dragon, or anyone who thought they could control his fate. He would find the Kaiju girl, and when he did, everything would change. Not only his family but even the gods would learn that he was not to be underestimated.