"Where... Where am I?" Sora spoke. Trying to make heads and tails as to where he was. Pure darkness surrounded him. A hand patted his shoulder. Glancing at Falco with his black hair, grinning at him. Wearing a tuxedo.

"What's got you so dazed, Stervy? It's Aquila's wedding. Come on man. Get it together. You look more nervous than anything else!" Stervy glanced in front of him, seeing Aquila and Dolores readying their vows. The priest was there along with a white haired boy who was holding the rings for the soon to be wed.

"Who is... T-" In that moment Stervy heard a scream, glancing at his hands. He was younger. Seeing Aquila and Falco holding their ground against monsters.

"Get it together, Stervy! Get Raven to safety!" Glancing at the toddler by his side, Stervy ran away with Raven by his side.

"I'm scared." Those words resonated into Stervy's mind. Then seeing everything vanish. Mirrors all around him, showing different things. A baby whom Stervy was babysitting. Stervy picking up a kid from a school but who's memories are these?

"Who is... Stervy?" The mirrors shattered as Stervy could see himself as Sora and Imperial Princess Iho.

"I love you, Stervy... Won't you come with me?" In that moment Stervy realized what had happened. The charm effect from the skill had penetrated deep into his mind and it erased every other memory of the past. Everything he knew about himself. The memories of Sora Kitsurugi that stole Stervy Ashenworth's place was slowly unravelling.

"Who am I? Am I Stervy Ashenworth or am I Sora Kitsurugi?!" A punch to the face had Stervy on the ground, seeing Raven lift him up by the collar.

"I promised Aquila. I'd get you and Falco back. Let me fix all the blurriness in your mind." Raven said as the mirrors that had shattered. Slowly began to rip themselves into smaller pieces, forming portraits that had the details. The family. Aquila and Dolores's wedding. Falling onto his knees as he began to scream while the memories overflowed into his mind.

Meanwhile in the real world.

Ciara had stained her white lion's uniform with the blood of the Hunters, Glinter just swung the blood off his greatsword. Arcian and Sichilde were just standing beside Raven whereas Jack came out with the Valors, Jersey and Fang.

"How goes the ritual?" Fang asked as he kicked a dead Hunter's body aside.

"Did you kill the Imperial Family?"

"No. We were told to leave them alone. But do you think this will work?"

"It will be. The One Who Rips is someone who has freed many with his own volition. That was how he freed the Claws from being nothing more than maniacs who kill. When we were freed. My faith had wavered but my faith in him can never falter." Fang spoke as they see Raven lift his hand, then pulling Sora off the javelins. Popping off potions that healed Sora's wounds instantly. Removing the Persona of The One Who Rips.

"Stervy." Sora's hair changed from blue to black.

"Raven... Thanks." Stervy hugged Raven tightly. Tears in his eyes.

"Stop crying, you big baby. Come on. Let's go talk to the Emperor." The Imperial Family stepped out with their Hunters at the ready.

"Good timing."

"I'm leaving the Cherry Blossom Empire and I do not serve the Emperor anymore." To which then they heard a dragon roaring from the sky. It was Inzaka.

"Inzaka?" In that moment Aquila dropped to the ground, landing on his feet.

"Stervy?"

"I'm sorry, Aquila. I..." Aquila hugged Stervy, tightly.

"You cannot leave the Empire! Don't you know the conditions for such a thing!? That you will have to prepare yourself for a war?! You cannot bring any allies you have made within the Empire and that you do not have anyone by your side! I will send every Hunter after you! No matter where you go! You are the Empire's property!" Emperor Tsugahara raised his voice.

Raven's cigar got cut and he felt a wire over his neck. Then seeing a Hunter appear behind the Emperor.

"Hahah! Now it's time for you to die!" The wire was tugged, they see blood over Raven's neck. The wire was going in but Jersey passed him another cigarette.

"How... These wires they were blessed to kill anyone!" Another Hunter went after Raven, using an odd blade that had a katana's shape but its length was beyond of that what a katana is known for. Standing 5 steps away, just mere movements of the arm was enough to get the blade chasing after Raven. Seeing Raven use his fingers, coating it with a thick layer of aura as he flicked it away.

Another one came after Raven with a naginata, only to watch Raven take a step back. Then kicking the Hunter into the castle, seeing it crumble.

"Father, I'm sorry. I should have protected you." Ciara spoke, her fists clenched as Raven patted her head.

"This is nothing, Ciara. Greet your uncles." Raven went forward as another Hunter went after Raven with her gauntlets. Sure this Hunter had strength, but lacking a lot in the finesse department. These were just swings. Like an amateur throwing their fists, no technique. No discipline. No chance of opportunity. Just hoping that Raven would be tired out from it.

"Hello Uncle Stervy, Uncle Aquila. My name is Ciara Leonis. I'm Raven's daughter." Ciara gave a curtsy to her uncles.

"Eh?"

"Eh?"

"Ah. It must be due to my age. I am 21 years old and father in this world is... 18. Please do not ask too many questions yet."

"R-Right." Stervy turned to Aquila who just shrugged his shoulders.

"That's a failure. If you mastered the right technique, these gauntlets can do more. What a shame." Raven planted his foot forward, opening his palm as he struck the Hunter's stomach. Sending them flying into a nearby skyscraper. Seeing the thick cloud of dust and debris as a result. Raven pulled the Hunter who used the wires, then a singular downward strike that caused the entire ground to crack. Followed by a shockwave that doused his cigarette. Whereby Jersey lit it again with a lighter.

"Thanks, Jersey." Raven took a whiff as he glanced at Aquila and Stervy's cigars that had doused. Seeing Ciara lighting it up for them.

"Thanks." Ciara beamed a smile at her uncles, then turning to Raven who just let out a sigh.

"So Emperor Tsugahara? Do you still want to go with this war? If you want to, sure. I'll even give you a week to prepare your forces. Stervy can go rest up with Aquila back at Euphemia. I'll stay as collateral." The Emperor had to make a decision, if he said yes to this. It may mean worse things can happen. Just the realization that four S-Rank Hunters were being beaten like they were chumps. None of them were dead but Raven was still waiting for an answer.

"Either option you take is going to be bad. I mean you attempted to kill me from my arrival. Then your daughter used charm on me. Which failed and somehow I'm responsible? Go to war, you lose your Hunters and still will have to pay compensation and. Bear with me here, you will need to pay a lot of money for the families who will be traumatized by the losses because of your choice. Compensation for the attempt on my life, the years of having my brother live a false lie as Sora Kitsurugi. I'd say maybe 10 million?"

"They would just pay it off with my account since I've got a few hundred million in it." Stervy said as Raven grinned to the Emperor.

"Then let's go with 5 billion. 5 billion in compensation. Be it cash, dungeons or any sort of way you wish to settle this with. But, this is the way the world works. Money can cover up the rug. And you wouldn't want a diplomatic issue now would it? As of right now Regal, Fenris and Warcrest have recorded all of this. It's currently being broadcasted to Commander Shaw, Association President Black. And they have given me the authority to handle how I see fit. So choose. War and more death. Or 5 billion and I just forget this ever happened. Convenient right?"

"The Imperial Family... Will pay the compensation."

"Good choice. Now, Stervy. Get back home, go meet Ivona. Spend some time with her before you come back and sort out this mess. Aquila. If you want details, ask your constellations. They'll help make it make sense for you. Bit by bit." Aquila and Stervy got on Inzaka's back, then flying away as Raven remained behind. Glancing at his allies who lowered their weapons.

"With this. I'll forget this incident. Now, I'll officially begin my work as Hunter dispatched by the RF. And about your daughter's charm. The recoil should stop in a few days. Until then she'll suffer constant seizures and nightmares. It's the price she has to pay because she failed to charm me. If you want to make sure she's relieved, have a miko who can handle it."

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"But... Why a miko?" Saki, one of the Imperial Princesses asked.

"Because this is Cherry Blossom Empire. You have a proud tradition don't you? Only reason why you took Hunters from other lands with charm ability and hypnotisms is because you felt your powers are lacking. Now, if you'll excuse me. I got better things to do." Raven said as he stepped out of the Imperial Castle, seeing Hunters who were preparing for a fight.

"What shall we do, Father?"

"Don't be bothered. Come on. Let's go find a restaurant." Raven said as he led them through, but lo and behold. Even that would be troublesome. The argument was that serving someone who has just killed their own people would be considered a betrayal. Even the lodgings Raven originally had? That's also gone. Walking through where Raven found himself in front of an izakaya.

"What's an Izakaya?"

"It's an interesting place." Stepping in where beer had been splashed to Raven's face.

"Leave! You murderer!" A girl shouted before running out the back door. Raven took a glance at the old man who was behind the counter.

"You willing to serve us?"

"A customer is a customer." Raven made the orders for everyone as they were given glasses of beers. The smell of succulent meats being grilled as the old man kept his mouth shut. Not wanting to say anything further.

"He believed that you were an evil being. That's why he attacked you. Did... He die with diginity?" Raven turned to Fenris.

"He did. Not a shred of fear, he just accepted his death with pride. I cannot help but be amazed. Even when his partner felt fear, he just grit his teeth with pride."

"If there's a chance he could come back to life. Would you be alright with that?"

"I can't call it. It's not my place. It's up to him if he wishes it so." Raven thought about it.

"What's his name?"

"Renya Tsurugi." Raven raised his glass as the others did.

"To Renya Tsurugi. A Hunter who fought for what he believed in." A toast for a brave Hunter. Even if he wasn't someone Raven had an eye on, that sort of belief. It was enough for him to hear something.

System has analyzed the life of Renya Tsurugi.

A Hunter belonging to Wolfsbane.

A small guild.

We have given him a chance to become your ally.

Doing this. You must sacrifice, the shards you have for Lieutenant of Cloudbreaker as he was a D-Ranked Hunter.

You will be required to earn 5 times the Persona Shards for Cloudbreaker and even when you receive it.

It will be in a state of weakness until you collect the same amount of shards to restore it to its full power.

We have given him the same abilities as you would have for Cloudbreaker.

He has gone through the trial.

"As long as he says yes."

Renya Tsurugi has consented.

The door appeared behind Raven, where Renya stepped out. A black haired youth who wore a coat over his shoulders, a katana to his left hip and tying his hair.

"Father?"

"Renya?" Renya turned to Raven.

"How... How is this possible... Wasn't my head sent flying?"

"It was. Take this as your second chance at life. Being my ally just means you don't attack me. I had to sacrifice something important to me for that. But your father allowed my allies and myself to dine here. That's a debt. This is your decision. You can follow me, or you can go about your life. I won't force you to." Raven said as the old man served the dishes with a smile, though glancing at how Renya now had an eyepatch.

"Lieutenant of Cloudbreaker is a special class. Known for the self-taught katana skills. Your specialty is the 'Sharp Edge' which leaves bleeding on your foes. The more they attack you, the worse it gets. Then there's the 'Finishing Up' skill which you handle the killing blow. The last skill in your possession is referred to as 'Cloud Steps' it's a skill that works well with your agility. Focusing more on positioning yourself to enemy weakspots. Cloudbreaker's world is different. In the one I used it for, it was a world where people had to live in a dog eat dog world. But from what I see, you became a heroic figure instead of a criminal." Renya thought about it.

"I see that as my class... I have to apologize for my actions."

"It's water under the bridge. So come and have a seat." Renya took the seat beside Raven as the meals arrived. Ciara trying her best to use chopsticks while Fenris was hounding the skewered meats with joy. The old man smiled at Raven.

"Thank you."

"Just let me pay for my meals, sir. If someone tries to mess with you. Just let her know." Jersey was picking her teeth with a toothpick, giving a nod.

"Jersey. Stay here and guard the shop. If some locals try to start things. Don't kill them, just throw them around a bit. Don't damage the buildings either."

"Got it, boss." Raven turned to Renya who seemed nervous.

"Don't be nervous, Renya. The Emperor and I reached a conclusion. No guild war. But 5 billion because he attempted to kill me and his daughter's charm failed."

"Charm?"

"It's why you had Sora Kitsurugi in your country. He's originally my brother. I came here to see if he was happy, but all I could see was that he had been charmed. So that's the gist of it. The Imperial Princess Iho tried to charm me, it failed. So they tried to kill me instead." Renya kept quiet, perhaps trying to digest what was being told.

"Oh by the way Renya. Do you pray at a nearby shrine?"

"We do. It's a Shrine that houses the deity of blades."

"Show it to me tomorrow. I need to confirm something." Raven said as he slurped on his noodles.

"Alright."

"Thank you sir, this food is wondrous." Arcian said as he took a slurp of his noodles while Sichilde tried out the sashimi that was served. Savoring the fresh flavors of the sea in her mouth. Ciara was trying out the dishes that Raven had recommended to her.

"Father. This dish is wonderful." Jack was just sipping glasses of beer like no tomorrow, perhaps he was enjoying himself.

"An ice cold beer works wonders on the body, chief."

"Hey don't hold back on my account. I'm paying. So eat up. As long as the owner isn't too troubled." The owner smiled at them, shaking his head as he let out a sigh.

"Happy to oblige." Glinter and Jack were bonding over their meals as they enjoyed the beers together. Fenris, Valor and Warcrest were enjoying the taste of their meals. The mix of fried dishes, fermented tofu, beer and green tea. That helped ease through their palette. Fang was taking his time to savor every dish carefully, being the slowest eater in the group.

When it was done, Jersey stayed behind in the shop with Raven heading outside with the others. Making their way to the metropolis capital, seeing people moving about. Noticing Raven and his entourage, most of them made their way to let them pass. A child running carelessly bumped into Fang. Bruising his cheek, Raven just used magic to heal the child's injury.

"Yoshio!" The mother held her child closely, her hands were shaking. Not that Raven could blame her considering Fang's appearance would scare even the most behaved children. Or it had something to do with Raven killing a few Hunters on his arrival. Whatever it is, he just had to ask himself the question. Does it really fucking matter? Answer is no.

"Mom. I'm not hurt..."

"I'm sorry mister." The child apologized to Fang who merely patted the child's head.

"Stay close to your mother, child." the child gave a nod as Raven continued moving with his entourage. Looking for a place to stay, plenty of hotels were hesitant to accept them. Things were supposed to be peaceful but then. A loud roar was heard.

"Monsters!"

"Let's go handle it." Raven said as they ran through the crowd, seeing the various types of ghouls making their appearance. Hunters and Association agents trying to stop the ghouls from breaking through their defensive line. Fenris leaped ahead drawing the Three Wolves as he slashed the entire horde, the stronger ghouls had recoiled to the back.

"Evacuate the civilians, we'll keep them occupied."

"But you can't just do this!" Regal fired off his grenade launcher that burst into sparkling powder. A second later a great flame was produced that burned the ghouls to ash.

"The civilians need their Hunters. You are their heroes! They need a beacon of light!" The Hunters despite their reluctance understood what Regal meant.

"We'll leave it to you!" A ghoul leaped into the air, going after where Yoshio and his mother were. But before the ghoul could land it met its end by Fang's blade. Impaling the blade down as he crushed the ghoul's head beneath his boot. A glance to Yoshio before he pulled out his blade and headed onward. Glinter leaped into the air and swung his great sword. Easily tearing through them, smoke coming out of his lips.

"Ah, I hate ghouls." Glinter grumbled as Ciara went fighting on the frontline with Glinter and Fenris. Each of them complementing how they fought, Jack on the other hand was just standing behind as the serpent blades would slither around to strike any ghouls that slipped past the frontliners. Sichilde and Arcian would handle the ones that slipped past Jack. Regal and Warcrest were using rifles to help gun down any other ghouls while the evacuation was underway.

Where was Raven? He was just sitting at the back with Scorpio, using a battle rifle to fire shots into the ghouls. Providing cover for the other allies. Taking his sweet time, pulling the trigger for headshots and center mass. Recoil traveling onto his shoulders. This seemed relaxing compared to the heavy day to day work in Rosenfelt. Whenever a ghoul's body was within his sights, a simple pull of the trigger would sort it out.

They were going to hold the line. The horde seemed endless. Yet when the civilians had cleared the defensive line soon shrank with Jack standing with Regal and Warcrest who were laying down ranged fire. Forgoing his longswords in favor for a gatling gun. Sichilde and Arcian headed to the frontlines joining Fenris, Glinter and Ciara for close range combat. Regal, Warcrest and Jack would fire in a certain angle to force the horde within the reach of the ones holding the frontlines.

The goal of this particular strategy was simple. Keep the zombies away from the frontline. An endless horde as Raven took off the Scorpio persona. Getting some time in with the combat knife and trench knife. The Hunters and Association Agents came to provide support, but by the end of it. Dawn had shined upon them. All they could see was Raven lighting a cigarette, his hair glistened with ghoul blood and guts. Photographers and live camera feeds were shown to the people of Cherry Blossom.

A birth of a new story as they see Raven and his team walk away from the treasures that had been left behind.

"Don't you want the rewards from the boss chest?"

"No. That'll be up to you guys. I already got my rewards. Think you can recommend a hotel for us? We're quite tired from the fighting." Those words alone had association agents going over to check for hotels that had vacancies with plenty of hotels opening up their doors. A contrast to their actions from earlier. Perhaps it was due to the fact, that for all of them. Raven must've seemed like an enigma.

No sane Hunter would walk away from dungeon rewards, yet Raven? He just did that.

Proficiency Rate.

Scorpio : 30%.

The One Who Rips : 15%

5 summon tickets.

10 persona shard tickets.

Whatever it was, Raven and his allies needed their rest.

"Father, did I perform well?"

"Yes, you did. If you can keep up with Fenris. Then that means you're able to pick up some of his combat sense." Raven patted Ciara's head, content with the compliment.

"We should have a day where it's a father and daughter outing. I hope I can summon your mother soon. Then it's a family outing."

"Yes!" Just like that, they got their stay at a fancy 5-Star hotel. The staff were bowing to them when they entered, despite the manager wanting to ensure their stay was comfy with complimentary gifts.

"This can be done later, mister manager. We need to sleep." Raven said as they got to their rooms. Sending a text to Renya, informing him that the team's exhausted for the day of full on combat. So their plan to visit the shrine would be post poned.