Chapter 9
Outside Ronda
On the rooftop of a tall building, Coach Surichi stood still, his sharp eyes fixed on the magical barrier surrounding the Ronda area. The barrier pulsed with an enigmatic energy, isolating the inside from the outside and adding to the mystery of what was unfolding within.
He took a deep breath, and a firm voice echoed in his mind:
"My technique doesn’t reveal what’s happening inside... but..."
A contemplative look overtook his face as if he was rearranging distant memories:
"I trust Sbyam... Since his birth, the balance of power in the world has shifted like never before."
Silence enveloped the moment for several minutes as his face reflected a mix of confidence and caution. Then, he spoke aloud, his voice filled with resolute thought:
"Even if the armed forces and the world government unite... I doubt they could match him! Sbyam has become the definition of power, and power has become Sbyam."
Surichi sank deeper into his thoughts, his gaze never leaving the barrier—a veil separating two worlds. The barrier reflected the flashes of cameras gathering around it, as journalists documented the scene. The background was filled with the noise of photographers and their live commentary, while the barrier glimmered intermittently under the camera lights.
Despite the commotion below, Surichi remained silent, standing atop the building like an unyielding statue amidst the storm of events. He murmured quietly, as if speaking to himself or sending a message to someone beyond the barrier:
"All this calm... it’s hiding something monumental. Oh, Sbyam, will the world continue to know you as a symbol of power, or is there more beyond that?"
He glanced back at the journalists from above, their presence seeming like mere background noise in a world brewing with disaster.
---
Inside Ronda
A sudden explosion shattered the silence, launching Campeis out of a building with tremendous force like a lifeless doll. His body crashed into the ground. From the building's wreckage emerged Spailo, his maniacal laughter echoing like terror itself. He walked out confidently, his eyes blazing with obsession, fixed on Campeis, who lay helpless.
Campeis groaned, raising his trembling hand toward his opponent. Air began swirling around his palm in a small vortex, the energy intensifying with each second. Suddenly, a glowing spark burst forth like a laser beam, shooting directly at Spailo.
Spailo smiled wickedly, watching the beam illuminate the area before fading. But the spark didn’t stop. It pierced the building behind him, setting ablaze the people inside. Their screams filled the air as flames consumed everything.
Before Campeis could catch his breath, Spailo appeared before him like a ghost, gripping his hand with overpowering strength. Campeis tried to unleash another spark, but the surprise came quicker—his hand was severed abruptly, dropping lifelessly onto the ground of Ronda.
Spailo smirked, kicking Campeis's face with immense force. Campeis's body soared into the air before Spailo vanished, reappearing above him to deliver another brutal kick. Campeis's body hurtled down like a meteor, crashing through the earth and landing in the underground metro station, specifically at station B1.
Amid the wreckage, Campeis lay unconscious, surrounded by debris. A sharp pain throbbed in his head as a memory of an old conversation with Raizo surfaced:
"Raizo... How strong am I against Spailo?"
Raizo’s response was simple, yet enough to plant seeds of doubt:
"I don’t know, but I believe you’re like a drop in the ocean."
As Campeis regained consciousness, bitterness consumed his thoughts:
"I knew he was strong... but not like this!"
Without warning, Spailo appeared like a phantom once again, standing beside Campeis in the station with a crazed grin. One hand rested in his pocket while the other grabbed Campeis by his shirt. Spailo spoke mockingly:
"I’ll play with you over and over... until I grow bored!"
Campeis looked at him in terror as Spailo continued with a sly smile:
"Come on, show me more of your effort. I crave more entertainment!"
Suddenly, with lightning speed, Spailo hurled Campeis back into the sky. His body flew helplessly as Spailo pursued him, his terrifying smile widening, laughter resonating through the air.
Just before delivering a fatal punch, Campeis vanished, reappearing on the ground. His body was bleeding, and both his arms were severed. He glared at his broken form with rage, muttering through clenched teeth:
"I’ll turn Ronda upside down!"
Volcanic sparks began gathering around his body, glowing with fury. Intense heat filled the area as he roared:
"The Great Volcano!"
In an instant, a volcanic wave erupted beneath his feet, surging like a flood and engulfing northern Ronda. The ground melted under the searing flames, buildings collapsed, and people burned. Their screams drowned in the fiery inferno.
Above, Spailo floated in the sky, gazing at the blazing catastrophe below. His face illuminated by the volcano’s glow, he smirked in awe, exclaiming:
"Magnificent! This is a sight worthy of eternal memory!"
---
On the Ground
Veb and Baysal stood, watching as Ronda was slowly swallowed by a sea of molten lava. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and the intense heat crept closer. Baysal glanced downward, where the lava was nearing her feet, and said with a mix of worry and irritation:
"We have to run!"
Without hesitation, Veb turned and began running away from the city. Baysal quickly overtook him, shouting in distress:
"What in ronda is happening here?!"
But she couldn’t continue. Turning back to find Veb, she froze at the sight that stopped her heart.
Veb stood still, engulfed in flames, his body burning as if it were part of the lava itself. Her eyes widened in shock, and she whispered in a trembling, barely audible voice:
"What...?"
Veb could resist no longer. His body extinguished and collapsed like a charred doll, sinking into the molten sea. Only ashes remained, disappearing beneath the lava’s glowing surface.
Baysal stood frozen, unable to move. Her voice quivered, barely a whisper:
"Veb...?"
---
Facing the Volcano
Campeis stood amid the blazing ground like a burning ember, smiling faintly as he looked at the city’s destruction. He spoke loudly to himself:
Find this and other great novels on the author's preferred platform. Support original creators!
"Even Spailo won’t escape this hell!"
But a cold voice pierced the silence from behind him:
"That's if he touches me."
Campeis’s expression froze as he slowly turned to see Spailo sitting casually on the scorching ground, his indifference and mockery only amplifying the fear.
Spailo smirked and said tauntingly:
"Why don’t you use your realm?"
Campeis sighed, his voice quietly angry:
"You and I both know I can’t win in techniques."
Spailo chuckled lightly, replying mockingly:
"As if you’ve won physically?"
Rising slowly, Spailo slid his hand into his pocket, his eyes never leaving Campeis. His tone was calm but dripping with menace as he asked:
"What are your last words?"
Campeis hesitated, holding onto his silence. Then, he began raising his hand toward Spailo, a glowing spark forming in his palm. At the same time, Spailo lifted a finger, creating a fiery, blazing arrow. His wicked smile widened as he said:
"Before you die, let me tell you about your child!"
Campeis froze, his eyes widening in silent shock. Spailo’s words pierced his mind like a dagger, as memories flooded his thoughts, clouding his resolve.
—
Flashback (23 Years Ago)
Under the shimmering moonlight, Campeis and his wife Sena sat quietly on the seashore. The gentle waves seemed to console them, while the cool breeze softly played with their hair. Sena rested her head on Campeis's shoulder, enveloped in a profound serenity. No words were exchanged; their silence was the most eloquent conversation. The ocean stretched endlessly before them, but their small world felt complete in that moment.
---
On another day, inside a house lit with red candlelight, Sena laughed softly as Campeis gazed at her with deep love in his eyes. The small dining table bore witness to their harmony. Words were unnecessary; smiles and tender laughter were enough to capture their happiness.
At dawn, Campeis awoke to see Sena peacefully asleep beside him. He paused for a moment, watching her, then rose gently. After planting a tender kiss on her forehead, he donned his sorcerer’s robe and left the house, leaving behind traces of love in every corner.
---
Two Years Later
In a hospital room, a baby’s cries filled the air. Sena lay on the bed, cradling her newborn daughter as if shielding her from the world. Beside her stood Campeis, gazing at his wife and child with a smile laced with nervousness.
“So, what will her name be?” Sena asked warmly.
Campeis stammered, unprepared: “Honestly... I don’t know!”
Sena chuckled softly and suggested, “I have a name… What do you think of Itasha?”
Silence lingered briefly before Campeis closed his eyes and replied with a serene smile, “What a beautiful name…”
As the baby’s cries echoed through the room, Sena and Campeis exchanged warm glances. That moment marked the beginning of their shared dream.
---
One Year Later
Under a smoke-filled sky, the city burned. Buildings lay in ruins, and the beast that attacked them lay lifeless before Campeis, who stood exhausted, bloodied, and covered in dust.
On the ground, Sena knelt, her body pierced, with their daughter Itasha in her arms. Campeis ran toward her, stumbling, and dropped to his knees beside her.
“Take her…” Sena whispered, placing the child in his arms.
Tears streamed from his eyes as he stared at her in disbelief. Her voice was barely audible: “Campeis… I love you both… Take care of Itasha… This world is cruel.”
As her eyes dimmed and her body went limp against his chest, silence engulfed the area, broken only by the crackling flames consuming the city.
Clutching his child tightly, Campeis tried to breathe but couldn’t. Finally, a guttural scream tore through the night: “Nooooo!”
---
Six Years Later
In a 20th-floor apartment, Itasha slept peacefully on the bed. Beside her sat Campeis, his eyes weary from sleepless nights. Standing before him was Raizo, with a cryptic smile on his face.
“Who are you?” Campeis asked coldly.
Raizo chuckled lightly, replying, “Don’t worry about the details.”
“And what do you want?” Campeis continued, his tone indifferent.
Raizo smirked slyly. “Your wife was from the Silano clan, wasn’t she? There’s a high chance your child inherited the hereditary technique.”
Campeis’s eyes sharpened, and red sparks began to flicker around his body. “What are you getting at?”
Raizo laughed and said, “What do you think about leaving the Mana organization and joining me?”
Campeis responded icily, “I’m not interested.”
Taking a step toward the door, Raizo sneered, “Think about it… Your wife’s death was because of you. If you hadn’t been in that area and decided, as a sorcerer, to protect it, she wouldn’t have died.”
As Raizo left with a malicious grin, thinking to himself, "The child must possess the Unlimited technique!", Campeis remained motionless, his thoughts spiraling as his gaze rested on his sleeping daughter.
—
Events of the Arc (Clash of Sorcery)
The girl laughed innocently, her laughter contagious enough to make Brylo chuckle softly, though Sbyam remained grumpy.
Eventually, Brylo interrupted the laughter with a warm tone:
"So, what’s your name?"
The girl replied cheerfully:
"My name is Itasha Campeis!"
Brylo chuckled lightly:
"What a wonderful name!"
Itasha’s enthusiasm didn’t waver as she continued:
"My father was a sorcerer working with the Sorcerers’ Organization!"
Brylo’s curiosity was piqued, and he asked:
"He worked in the Sorcerers’ Organization?"
Itasha nodded eagerly:
"Yes! That’s why I love sorcerers!”
- Another Moment : Brylo looked down at her, his eyes filled with tenderness, and asked softly:
"Are you happy now?"
With a resolute voice that defied her small stature, she answered:
"Yes! I’m very happy!"
The group fell silent for a moment, as if the night itself wished to honor that small, precious moment. Suddenly, Itasha broke the silence, her voice quiet and shy:
"My family..."
Sbyam froze mid-step, turning his head toward her in surprise. He whispered to himself, as if trying to process the word:
"My family?"
She hesitated briefly before continuing in a low voice:
"Since my mother’s death and my father’s departure… I haven’t had a time like this."
Her words struck like an unexpected blow. Sbyam stared at her, his face betraying his shock. Brylo, however, leaned down and scooped her up into his arms, speaking with deep warmth:
"Don’t think about that anymore. We’re here, and we’re not going anywhere."
Her eyes widened in childish surprise before a small smile crept onto her face. She declared with determination:
"Then I’ll live to stay with you both forever!"
Sbyam chuckled mockingly:
"You’re such a spoiled little kid!"
Itasha puffed her cheeks in mock anger, shouting:
"What do you mean, you arrogant jerk?!"
Brylo chuckled softly, looking at the two of them as though they were his real family. The three of them continued walking through the quiet streets, under the city lights illuminating their path. The night enveloped them in its silent care, as if the entire world had decided to grant them a brief moment of peace.
- Another Moment : The two arrived at an enclosed space at the end of the corridor. In the center was a metal chair surrounded by devices that pulsed with a faint light, like a heart beating in the dark. Itasha stopped and stared at the chair in astonishment, then asked in a trembling voice: "What is this?"
Brylo approached her, bending slightly to her level, and said quietly: "This is where the Unlimited Technique will be transferred. But..." He paused for a moment, then added in a deeper voice: "Only if you want it."
Itasha's eyes widened, and she asked in a low voice filled with confusion: "What do you mean?"
Brylo took a step back, then pointed to the chair and said: "Itasha, before we came here, I spoke with Sbyam. We decided that you will choose. If you want to live the rest of your life without transferring the technique, Sbyam and I will bear the consequences... whatever they may be."
Itasha froze in place, her breaths quickening. Tears began to gather in her eyes, and she asked in a choked voice: "But... why?"
Brylo stepped closer, placing his hand on her shoulder, and said gently: "Because we are your family now. The decision is yours alone."
Tears burst from Itasha's eyes, and she began to speak with a trembling voice: "I've always wanted to live... I always wished to be part of a family! Since I lost my father and mother... I’ve been searching for a place where I could feel safe."
Brylo stared at her, his face filled with love and compassion. Then he smiled softly and said: "You won't be alone anymore. We’re here for you, always."
Before she could respond, and while Brylo's words tried to comfort her, the sound of a gunshot shattered the air. The sound was enough to freeze time for a moment.
The bullet pierced the air, striking Itasha's head directly. Blood sprayed into the air like a red fountain, and her small body fell to the ground motionless, like a broken doll.
Brylo froze in place, staring at the girl's body on the ground, shock overwhelming his features. He slowly approached her, then knelt beside her, whispering with a trembling voice: "Itasha?... "
From the darkness, Smart emerged, clapping slowly, a mocking smile on his face. He held a gun in his hand, and his sarcastic voice broke the silence: "How touching... but unfortunately, her role is over."
Brylo stood up quickly, his eyes burning with anger, and demanded in a sharp voice: "Why?! Why did you kill her?!"
Smart chuckled lightly, then said coldly: "Oh, don’t take it personally. I was just doing what needed to be done."
He then added with sarcasm: "By the way... I took care of Sbyam too. You have no one left to rely on."
Brylo’s eyes burned like embers, his fist clenching tightly. His face changed, filled with both rage and sorrow. He said in a voice full of hatred: "So that's it?... You will pay the price now!"
As the scene sank into darkness, Brylo's scream echoed through the space: "I’ll kill you!”
—
In the Present...
Campeis' body was ablaze, the flames consuming him mercilessly. His face, twisted with pain, gazed at Spailo, who stood a short distance away, his expression cold and devoid of emotion. Spailo’s faint voice barely rose above the crackling of the fire, as though he was whispering to himself:
"As I told you... I’ve taken your daughter’s technique... I’ve taken the Unlimited! And now, I’m finishing what I started since my fall from the hill."
Turning his back to Campeis, Spailo placed his hands in his pockets and walked away with confident, measured steps. Each footfall left an unsettling silence in its wake, as though the universe itself was struggling to breathe under his presence. His eyes roamed over the scene around him—a desolate wasteland of utter destruction. The ground burned like a blazing ember, and human blood mixed with the ashes. He muttered to himself in a barely audible voice:
"I can’t stop now... I must move forward."
But before he could continue his thoughts, he suddenly froze.
A familiar figure materialized before him—Smart stood still, like a ghost. His features were as cold as ice, and his piercing gaze shattered the oppressive silence surrounding them.
Spailo didn’t show any surprise, but his thoughts raced like an arrow:
"What? Smart?!"
It didn’t make sense, especially at this moment. After a brief stare, a faint smile crossed his face, his teeth glinting as he muttered to himself mockingly:
"No, it’s not him. It’s... a Shikigami!"
Smart broke the silence abruptly with his deep voice, as though staring into the depths of Spailo’s soul:
"I want to kill... Clearly, you are strong."
Another smile crept across Spailo’s face, this time laced with deeper sarcasm and disdain. Speaking softly to himself, he murmured:
"Smart’s body? Could the Shikigami have taken his technique? No matter... It’s clear he’s thirsty to kill me. Seeking out the strongest in Ronda."
Then, addressing Smart directly, his tone dripping with mockery:
"Yes, I’m strong. But..."
Suddenly, Spailo erupted into a hysterical laugh, a sound so intense that it seemed to shake the earth itself:
"Do you want to try it?"
Smart remained silent. His expression didn’t shift; it remained as cold as ice, heightening the tension in the scene. Spailo stood before him, his smirk unwavering, his sarcasm palpable.
The silence stretched, but it wasn’t a comforting one. It felt like the calm before a storm. Everything in the environment seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the inevitable explosion that would change everything.
End of Chapter.