The sun hung low in the sky, its rays weak against the creeping gray of evening. The old man shifted his weight, his knees groaning with every step. Ahead stood his target—a crumbling relic of neglect. Its walls were cracked, its windows dirt-caked, and ivy coiled tightly around its frame.
He stopped in his tracks, squinting at the dismal sight. His lips curled into a scowl.
Old Man: What a dump.
The front door creaked open reluctantly, a sound like a groan of protest from the structure itself. Inside, the air was stale, thick with dust that danced in the dim light filtering through grimy windows. The old man sneezed and waved his free hand dismissively at the nearest web.
Old Man: Ugh, nothing’s worse than a lazy caretaker.
A young man behind the desk near the entrance jerked to attention at the noise. He was barely past his twenties, his expression a mix of surprise and concern as he rushed toward the old man.
Young Man: Sir, are you alright? Let me help—
Old Man: Kakakaka!
He swatted the young man’s hand away with surprising strength.
Old Man: Help? What’re you doing, boy? Trying to smother me with kindness? Coddling the elderly is why we all die young.
The young man stepped back, blinking in confusion.
Young Man: …I—uh—sorry?
Old Man: Sorry for what? Being foolish and unhelpful? Don’t apologize for things outside of your control, it puts an ugly look on your face.
The assistant frowned, clearly torn between offense and concern.
Young Man: Sir, if I may ask… what brings you to the Haven’s Light Foundation?
The old man stopped, turning slowly. His grin softened into something unreadable, and for a moment, the weight of his gaze seemed far heavier than his frail body suggested.
Old Man: I’m here because of your problem upstairs. Take me to the one they call Grace.
The young man swallowed hard, his confusion replaced by unease, before retreating back to his desk. The old man watched him go, his grin fading into something closer to a smirk.
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The assistant shuffled awkwardly as he guided the old man through the remains of the haven. The old man grumbled under his breath, his cane clacking sharply against the uneven wooden steps.
Old Man: You’d think a place like this could afford basic repairs right? Where’s all that money going huh?
Young Man: It’s, uh… It’s not usually like this.
Old Man: Kakaka! A liar and a fool. Get moving, boy. I haven’t got time to die in this rickety coffin.
The assistant didn’t dare respond, pressing on with an awkward stumble as they reached the top of the stairs. The hallway stretched out before them like the maw of some decaying beast. The walls were warped with rot, black mold clawing its way up the corners. Bugs skittered along the cracked floorboards, vanishing into the shadows as the two passed by.
At the very end of the hallway stood a single door. Unlike the others, which sagged with age and neglect, this door was polished and new. The stark contrast made it feel out of place. There was no nameplate, no number—just the door, standing alone in silent defiance of the decay around it.
The assistant hesitated, his hand hovering near the knob. He opened his mouth to speak but he never got the chance.
The old man didn’t wait for permission. His hand shot forward, turning the knob with surprising force for his wiry frame.
The assistant let out a startled cry of protest, but it was too late. The door swung open with a loud creak, revealing the room beyond.
Before the old man could take another step, a heavy wooden staff hurtled toward his face. His reflexes kicked in instantly. He caught the staff mid-swing, the force of the impact sending a jolt up his arm. His eyes flicked down to the other end of the weapon.
There, clutching the staff with both hands, was a little girl.
She was tiny and slight, her frame almost drowning in the oversized hoodie she wore. Her pale skin was fair, and her eyes shot up, a beautiful deep shade of green.
The old man tightened his grip on the staff, easily wrenching it from her grasp.
Old Man: What a greeting!
He leaned forward to loom over her.
Old Man: Swinging before introductions. Rude guts, but guts all the same.
He straightened, examining the staff in his hand with a raised brow before tossing it aside with a careless flick of his wrist. The weapon clattered to the floor, rolling to a stop by the wall.
He turned his sharp gaze back to the girl, his expression unreadable as the assistant finally stumbled into the room behind him.
Young Man: S-Sir, you can’t just—
Old Man: Shut it.
Silencing the assistant with a glare he fixed his attention back on the girl.
Old Man: You’re the one they call Grace, aren’t you?
The girl didn’t respond immediately, her eyes darting to the assistant and back to the old man. Her jaw tightened, and for a moment, it seemed like she might lash out again. But then she sighed, crossing her arms as she leaned against the far wall.
Old Man: Kakaka! Then I’d say it’s time you and I had a little chat.
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The old man leaned back against the soft embrace of Grace’s bed, letting out a satisfied sigh as if he’d just found the world’s best-kept secret. His hands stretched above his head, his legs sprawled carelessly, and a look of childlike wonder danced across his wrinkled face.
The mattress was far too comfortable for a place like this. It should’ve been stiff, lumpy, barely fit for someone to sleep on—but no, it was springy, cozy, downright luxurious. It clashed with everything he’d seen of the dilapidated building. His gaze lazily scanned the room. Polished walls, a neat array of colorful decorations, and toys scattered across the bed and floor as if it belonged to a pampered child in a loving household, not some forgotten corner of a crumbling foundation.
Old Man: What a life you’ve got here.
He shifted his weight, bouncing on the bed like an overgrown child testing its springs. His antics were so absurdly out of place that Grace, standing rigid near the door, couldn’t help but stare at him in disbelief.
Old Man: Something wrong?
Grace didn’t answer, her lips pursed into a tight line.
Seeing her frozen silence, the old man sprang up suddenly—his movements unnaturally swift for someone his age. He landed in a sitting position, hands gripping the edge of the bed. Grace flinched, her shoulders stiffening under the weight of his scrutiny. His eyes weren’t just looking at her; they were peering into her.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Finally, Grace broke the stalemate, her gaze dropping to the floor.
Old Man: Kakaka! I knew it. You really are guilty, huh?
Grace’s head snapped up, her expression defiant despite the pink flush creeping into her cheeks.
Grace: You should leave. Now.
Old Man: Oh, not yet.
The old man strode leisurely across the room, examining the decorations on the wall as if he hadn’t just been dismissed. He laughed again, before turning to face her with a grin that stretched unnervingly wide.
Old Man: You haven’t even asked who I’m supposed to be yet.
Grace’s brow furrowed.
Grace: You’re here to punish me, aren’t you?
Old Man: Punish you? Not quite.
His grin softened into something almost fond as he gestured around the room.
Old Man: You’ve made the most of your situation here. I can’t really fault you for that, even if your methods were quite poor. After all, a hated child thrives in this world, don’t they?
The phrase caught Grace off guard, her expression faltering.
Grace: Hated child…?
The old man crossed his arms, leaning casually against the wall.
Old Man: My name is Kazuki. I was waiting for you to ask but it seems you’re not going to. Even if you’re young, you still need to learn the basics of manners you know.
Without giving her a chance to even respond, he continued.
Kazuki: I’ve traveled like hell to get here because it’s about time I took you out of this place.
Grace: Why would you—wait. You know what I’ve done, don’t you?
Kazuki’s grin widened, sharp and knowing.
Kazuki: Of course, I know. You’ve been using that nasty little ability of yours to take and take. Coercing the other kids in this foundation into cleaning your room, handing over their toys, making them your little servants. A clever setup for someone your age. But with that ability of yours, it’s easy, isn’t it?
Grace stiffened, her breath hitching.
Grace: Ability?
Kazuki waved a hand dismissively.
Kazuki: Oh, don’t bother lying, girl. You’re just starting to grow on me the way things are going. I can see it—the very thing in your soul that makes you special. You’ve been using it like a damn yōkai.
Grace’s fists clenched at her sides.
Grace: What are you going to do with me then? I won’t let you take it away… no I won’t let you.
Kazuki: Take it away?
He stepped closer, his grin fading into something more serious.
Kazuki: Why would I go and do something like that? I told you already—I’m taking you out of here.
Kazuki: And I’ve decided, I’m gonna give you a taste of the real world.
Grace blinked, completely at a loss.
Grace: The real world…? …Why? You’re going to reward me for all the things I’ve done? You don’t even know the half of what…
Kazuki crouched down in front of her, his face now level with hers. His grin returned, more mischievous than ever.
Kazuki: Reward you?
He poked her forehead with a bony finger. She stumbled back a step, her eyes wide.
Kazuki: Don’t misunderstand, little miss. I never said a word about rewards. In fact, you’re going to wish you were back here, taking it easy, getting everything you wanted handed to you.
He rose to his feet, towering over her small frame.
Kazuki: No, I’m going to work you to the bone and use you’re ability until you’ve got lines on your face as deep as mine. Kakakaka! What do you say to that, little miss.
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A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
???: Gonna keep daydreaming, or ya actually gonna fight me?
Kazuki’s vision swam as he forced himself upright, his old bones groaning in protest. Dust and smoke clung to the air, mixing with the acrid stench of scorched metal and crumbled concrete.
He spat blood onto the cracked pavement, the vivid red staining the gray like a defiant statement.
Kazuki’s gaze sharpened, locking onto the massive figure a few feet away. The armored man stood with his dark katana humming faintly at his side.
???: If your old age is slowing you down, ya should’ve just died back then. That’s what I think anyway.
The taunt stung, but Kazuki clenched his teeth and ignored it. His body protested as he dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the man’s blade as it crashed down with devastating force. The asphalt split beneath the impact, sending shockwaves rippling outward. Cars screeched as they were thrown aside like toys, debris raining down from nearby buildings.
Kazuki rolled to his feet, his shoulder aching from the rough landing. He turned just in time to see the armored man pulling his blade from the wreckage with an almost lazy ease.
???: Still nimble, huh?
His voice was filled with amusement, the tilt of his head almost mocking.
???: But I can feel it. You’re softer than before.
Kazuki pressed a hand to his ribs, wincing.
Kazuki: Soft? Kakaka! Maybe my heart just isn’t in this one.
The armored man’s laughter roared back.
???: Your heart, huh? Guess you’ve finally started to feel the weight of it.
The titan swung his blade again, sending a gust of energy slicing through the air. Kazuki dove back, his feet skidding on the broken pavement as he narrowly avoided the blow.
Kazuki: Kuma!
The name escaped his lips like a command, and immediately bounced through the air, using his increased strength to propel himself forward.
The armored man met Kazuki’s attack head-on, his katana arcing upward to intercept with unrelenting force. Sparks erupted as their blades collided, the sheer impact sending shockwaves rippling through the air.
Kazuki’s chant infused his strikes with an overwhelming, bear-like strength. For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though Kazuki’s raw power might overpower his opponent. But even with the strength coursing through him, it wasn’t enough.
The armored man twisted his katana, deflecting Kazuki’s blade and using the momentum to shove him back.
The armored man rested his katana on his shoulder, his grin audible.
???: I’ll be disappointed if this is how ya go out.
Before Kazuki could react, the armored man blitzed forward, a dark blur of motion. Instinct took over—Kazuki ducked low, the blade missing him by a hair.
But the follow-up came just as fast.
The armored man swung the katana downward, the sheer force of the strike creating a shockwave that tore through the air like a thunderclap. The energy slammed into Kazuki, sending him stumbling backward as the ground beneath his feet cracked and crumbled.
The shockwave’s impact rippled outward, slamming into a nearby building and reducing its facade to rubble. Dust and debris rained down, filling the air with choking clouds of gray.
Kazuki’s eyes darted to the collapsing structure. Through the haze, he spotted two figures—bystanders frozen in fear near the base of the building.
Kazuki: Damn it!
Without a second thought, he moved.
Kazuki: Chīta!
A surge of speed coursed through him, his body blurring as he raced toward the bystanders. The world seemed to slow around him, the collapsing debris appearing almost frozen in mid-air.
He reached the pair in seconds, grabbing one under each arm and propelling them away from the danger just as a massive chunk of concrete slammed into the ground where they’d stood moments before.
Kazuki skidded to a stop several yards away, gently setting the bystanders down.
They hesitated for a moment, their eyes flicking between Kazuki and the carnage behind him, but a single glance at the armored man striding toward them was enough to spur them into motion. They bolted down the street, disappearing into the distance.
Kazuki exhaled, relief washing over him—
But it was short-lived.
Kazuki barely had time to turn before an armored boot slammed into his chest. The force of the kick sent him flying backward, his body skidding across the cracked pavement before coming to a stop in a heap. He coughed violently, blood spattering the ground as he struggled to push himself upright. His ribs screamed in protest.
???: You’re a fool.
The armored man strode toward him, his katana resting casually on his shoulder.
???: Why are ya so confident you can save others and protect yourself at the same time? Ya should be worried ‘bout yer own life in a situation like this.
Kazuki forced himself onto one knee, his breath ragged but his gaze unwavering. He wiped the blood from his mouth.
Kazuki: That’s the problem with you youth.
He pushed himself to his feet.
Kazuki: You don’t care about anyone besides your own damn selves. Always thinking about what you can take, never about what you can give. This old man could still teach you a thing or two ya’know, Orion.
Orion’s laughter boomed across the desolate battlefield, his armored shoulders shaking with mirth. He swung his katana lazily, the blade’s energy humming through the air as though it shared in his amusement.
Orion: Learn a thing or two? From ya? To me you’re practically a damn teenager?
Kazuki straightened, wiping a smear of blood from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. His chest heaved, but his grin was unyielding.
Kazuki: A teenager, huh? Guess that makes me a spry one after all.
He spat blood onto the cracked pavement, the vivid red stark against the gray. Rolling his shoulders, Kazuki’s fingers flexed as he readied himself. The lingering pain in his ribs, the burn in his muscles, the taste of iron in his mouth—none of it mattered now. He had one job left to do.
Kazuki narrowed his eyes, focusing on Orion’s stance. The armored man had stopped his relentless barrage, his sword held loosely in one hand.
But Kazuki’s instincts screamed at him that something was off.
Before Kazuki could react, Orion stomped down hard with one massive boot. The impact sent tremors rippling through the ground, and in an instant, debris and rubble from the destroyed street shot upward, a chaotic storm of jagged stone and twisted metal hurtling straight at Kazuki.
Kazuki twisted his body, narrowly dodging the first chunk of rubble. He pivoted sharply, avoiding a large shard of steel, then ducked low as a chunk of concrete whizzed past his head.
He managed to clear the immediate onslaught, but as he straightened, his instincts flared too late.
A shadow loomed above him.
Orion descended like a thunderbolt, his katana raised high, the blade cutting through the air with a hum. He had no time to raise his weapon, no time to defend himself.
Damn it. This is it—
But then, it wasn’t.
Kazuki’s body jerked abruptly, his surroundings shifting in an instant. The cracked pavement that had been beneath his feet a moment ago was gone, replaced by the position he’d occupied just seconds earlier. His boots hit solid ground again, his breathing sharp as he scanned the battlefield, disoriented.
What just—?
Grace: Hey, sir, don’t tell me you’re getting slow!
Kazuki whipped his head around, his gaze landing on a girl sprinting toward him. She was slight, barely more than a teenager, but her presence was anything but ordinary. Adorned in casual streetwear and dripping with mismatched jewelry, her vibrant green eyes practically glowed with an unrelenting fire.
Kazuki’s heart skipped a beat.
Kazuki: Grace?
The girl skidded to a stop, her sneakers kicking up dust. She smirked at him.
Grace: You look like you’re getting the shit knocked out of you, y’know. This sort of thing always seems to happen when I’m left out.
Kazuki’s mind reeled. She’s here. Of course, she’s here. And that means—
Orion: Yo!
Orion’s growl cut through his thoughts, venom dripping from the single word. His gaze shifted to Grace, his expression hardening.
Orion: Why’d ya think bringing the brat in changes anything? What was that about teaching me about being noble and whatnot. Ya just ordered this lovely little lady to die along with ya. That kinda thing’s despicable isnit?
Kazuki barked out a laugh, the sound raspy but filled with renewed energy.
Kazuki: Underestimate the youth, will you? Damn fool. That goes for me and this little miss.
He adjusted his stance, his grip on his weapon tightening as he glanced at Grace. The girl gave him a confident nod. Kazuki felt it—the connection between them reestablishing itself, pulsing with the energy of their shared contract.
Kazuki: Don’t you dare look down on the strength of this new generation.
Without waiting for a response, he charged forward. Orion didn’t hesitate, swinging his katana with brutal force. The blade sliced through the air, releasing another devastating shockwave that barreled toward Kazuki.
The old man’s instincts flared, but just as the shockwave neared him, his body shifted again, reverting back to the position he’d occupied seconds earlier. The shockwave passed harmlessly through empty space.
Orion’s eyes narrowed.
Kazuki laughed, circling to Orion’s side and closing the distance.
Orion swung his blade again, each arc generating shockwaves that tore through the street and surrounding buildings. But every time the energy neared Kazuki, his position shifted, placing him just out of harm’s way.
Grace stood at a distance, her fingers moving deftly as she manipulated her Astral ability. Her reversion glimmered faintly around Kazuki, an invisible shield that kept him one step ahead of Orion’s relentless attacks.
Orion’s movements became erratic, his frustration mounting.
Orion: Tch. Annoying little brat.
Kazuki took the opening, darting behind Orion and delivering a strike to his armor. The enhanced strength from his Kuma invocation amplified the blow, causing Orion to stumble forward.
Grace smirked, her green eyes gleaming with determination as she focused on keeping the old man in motion.
Grace: Keep up, sir. You’re making me work harder than I should.
Kazuki’s grin widened as he launched another attack.
The contract between Kazuki and Grace was risky of course. Allowing Grace to have complete control of Kazuki’s body, to reverse any action that he would make, it was something that required the utmost trust. But still, with this contract the two were—
Together the two were—
Kazuki: Untouchable! That’s what we are, kakaka!
Orion’s smirk faltered, his narrowed eyes locking onto Kazuki’s face. The armored man’s frustration, evident in every twitch of his muscles.
Orion: Untouchable, huh? Is that what ya think?
His voice was low, venomous. Orion took a deliberate step back, his katana lowering to his side. For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though he might retreat.
But Kazuki knew better.
Before he could utter a word of warning to Grace, Orion’s body surged with energy. His movements blurred, propelling him forward with a speed that defied reason. The sheer force of his acceleration caused the air to crackle and ripple in his wake.
Grace’s green eyes widened, her fingers frantically weaving reversion. Her Astral ability flared to life, pulling Kazuki out of Orion’s path in the nick of time. But the strain was evident—her breaths came in sharp gasps, her movements slowing as she struggled to keep up.
Kazuki landed safely, his boots scraping against the cracked pavement. Relief flickered across his face, but it was short-lived.
Orion didn’t stop.
The armored juggernaut shifted his trajectory seamlessly, barreling toward Grace with unrelenting momentum. The air around him seemed to warp, his katana gleaming withas he closed the distance.
Grace froze, her body trembling. She knew she wouldn’t be able to reverse herself in time.
Kazuki’s eyes darted to her, and his decision was instantaneous.
Kazuki: Damn it all!
Kazuki: Seiryū!
With a burst of raw desperation, Kazuki launched himself back into Orion’s path, his body propelled purely by instinct. He reached Grace just as Orion’s katana descended, shoving her out of the way with all his might.
Grace stumbled, falling to the ground with a startled cry. She barely had time to process what had happened before a sickening sound tore through the air—a sharp, wet slash.
She turned, her heart plummeting into her stomach.
Kazuki staggered, dropping to one knee. His left arm was gone, severed cleanly at the shoulder. Blood poured freely from the wound, staining the ground in vivid red. His free hand clamped over the injury, attempting to staunch the flow, but the damage was done.
Grace: Sir!
Her voice cracked, the horror in her tone cutting through the chaos. She scrambled toward him, her trembling hands reaching out.
Kazuki’s glare snapped to her, sharp and unwavering.
Kazuki: Focus, damn it! Don’t fall apart now little miss.
His words were biting, but the strain in his voice betrayed the pain coursing through him. Grace froze, her outstretched hands hovering in the air.
She shook her head violently, guilt washing over her in waves. Reversion couldn’t undo this. Her Astral ability was powerless against wounds inflicted by an external force. She’d failed him.
Kazuki’s lips curled as he read the anguish on her face. He opened his mouth to say more, but a slow, deliberate laugh interrupted him.
Orion.
The armored man strode forward, his katana resting on his shoulder as he surveyed the scene. His gaze flickered to Kazuki’s severed arm before settling on Grace, his smile widening.
Orion: Untouchable huh.
He paused, his posture relaxed, almost mocking. The glow of his dark katana intensified, shadows twisting around the blade like living entities.
Kazuki’s body tensed as an oppressive weight settled over him. His knees buckled slightly under the sudden increase in gravity, the ground beneath him cracking from the pressure.
He glared at Orion, his teeth bared.
Kazuki: How in the world have you gotten this technique Orion? What the hell did you—
Orion’s laughter rang out again, cold and unfeeling.
Orion: Relax, relax, jeez. I didn’t do anything crazy like ya think. I’m just borrowing Liu’s katana for a little while’s all.
Kazuki’s jaw tightened, his growl rumbling low in his throat. The name Liu was enough to send a chill down his spine. The effects of the weapon were unmistakable—Orion had managed to weigh down both Kazuki and Grace.
Kazuki: You bastard…
Orion tilted his head, his grin widening as he watched Kazuki struggle to remain upright.
Grace looked up at Kazuki, watching her master tremble slightly, fighting back the pain in his severed arm.
Grace: Sir?
Kazuki: Listen to me. It’s not… It’s not your fault. Clear your mind. Now! That’s an order. Do not think about anything except for victory. That’s what I want you to do. Focus only on succeeding, nothing more.
But even as Kazuki spoke these words he knew it was impossible.
The young girl could not absolve her guilt. She knew it was her fault Kazuki had gotten caught in Orion’s attack. He was now missing an arm because she had been too slow to move out of his way. No matter what Kazuki could say it was hopeless, and as such, this crushing weight would swallow both of them.
Kazuki’s body trembled, his lone hand clutching the bloodied stump where his arm had once been. His breathing was shallow, his vision blurring.
Orion took a step forward, his armored boots crunching against the debris-strewn street. He moved with leisure.
Kazuki: Tch...
He had survived worse odds, had fought monsters more fearsome than this arrogant bastard before him.
But no.
His mind raced as his body betrayed him. The strain of Seiryū had drained him dry, and his energy flickered faintly. There was nothing left. No tricks, no reserves, no divine interventions.
It was over.
Kazuki’s lips twitched, a bitter smile forming despite himself. There was still something he needed to do but he’d have to let fate handle the rest. He’d reached the end of his path.
But then.
A faint sound—so subtle it almost went unnoticed amidst the constant destruction.
A sharp whistling.
Orion’s body stiffened.
His expression shifted—not to worry, but to confusion—as he felt a strange pressure behind him. Slowly, almost reluctantly, he looked down at his chest.
And there it was.
The tip of a blade protruded cleanly through his armor.
For a moment, everything seemed to stop. The shadows around Orion’s katana dissipated, and the crushing weight pressing down on Kazuki and Grace eased.
Orion’s brow furrowed, his confusion morphing into disbelief as he took in the sight of the small security guard who had impaled him from behind.
Thomas: Sorry for taking so long. The traffic was terrible as usual. Seriously, talk about an unwalkable city, right?