© 2025 AKSHAT TRIPATHI
Almost a day later,
Takashi slowly opened his eyes, the dim light of the room casting long shadows on the walls. A sharp ache coursed through his upper body as he stirred, the tightness of the bandages a stark reminder of the battle he'd endured.
He shifted slightly, his gaze falling on his arms and chest, swathed in white cloth stained faintly with dried blood. The memories of the encounter flashed before his eyes—the raw power, the overwhelming force, and the moments when he thought it might be his end.
An officer entered the room, his face tense and his posture rigid. His sharp gaze met Takashi’s as he spoke in a low, serious tone.“The battle at the temple revealed the true strength of the enemy,” he began. “Seventy-five percent of our military forces are now deployed here in the south, searching tirelessly. We believe their stronghold must be close—there have been too many attacks in this region to dismiss the possibility.”
He paused briefly, his voice tinged with grief as he continued, “I also need to inform you... Captain Roger, who fought alongside you at the temple, didn’t make it. He was killed on the spot.”
Takashi’s eyes widened, the weight of the officer’s words sinking in. A surge of grief and anger coursed through him as he gripped the edge of the bedsheet tightly, his knuckles turning white.“It’s my fault,” he muttered, his voice trembling with guilt.
The officer hesitated but pressed on. “I thought you were going to die too,” he admitted. “Your injuries were severe—less grave than the captain’s, but still fatal.”
His tone softened, a hint of wonder creeping in. “But that lady... She appeared out of nowhere, applied some kind of bandages, and gave you something. I don’t know what it was, but it worked. You slept for nearly a day, and now, you’re... completely fine.”
Takashi’s shock turned to fury, his voice rising as he yelled, “Where is she? Why did you let her touch me?” His eyes blazed with a mix of anger and confusion, his fists clenching at his sides.
The officer hesitated, his brow furrowed in bewilderment. Before he could formulate a response, the sound of soft footsteps echoed through the room.
A calm yet authoritative voice cut through the tension. “I would like to talk to him alone, officer.”
The two men turned to see a figure standing in the doorway—a woman with an air of quiet strength. The officer’s confusion deepened, but he gave a reluctant nod and exited the room, glancing back one last time before closing the door behind him.
Takashi’s eyes narrowed, his anger undiminished as he stared at the woman before him. His voice trembled, a mixture of frustration and disbelief.“Why...” he began, his grip on the bedsheet tightening again. “After all this time, why are you here, Rin?”
Rin stood silent for a moment, her calm demeanor unshaken, though her eyes carried a depth of emotions that words could not convey.
Rin’s voice was soft, trembling with unspoken emotions. “When I saw you before, I thought it was a dream,” she said, her watery eyes glistening, on the verge of tears. “Yet here you are.”
Takashi’s expression hardened, his voice rising with anger. “How dare you touch me? Why didn’t you leave me to die?”
The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air.
Tears began streaming down Rin’s face as she took a trembling step forward. “How can I?” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I love you, Ten...”
“TAKASHI!” Takashi interrupted sharply, his voice thunderous and his expression a storm of emotion. Takashi’s anger flared as he shouted, “My name is Takashi, and I don’t care what you feel. Where was your love for the past three years?”
Rin's face crumpled as the tears flowed freely, but her voice remained steady, though tinged with sorrow. “You don’t know the truth,” she whispered. “Once this is all over, I will tell you.”
She turned and left, her footsteps echoing in the silence of the room. Before she walked out, she gently placed Takashi’s locket on the table.
Takashi stood frozen for a moment, his heart racing as he reached for the locket. He gripped it tightly and, without hesitation, fastened it around his neck.
“I see you’re fine now, sir,” a familiar voice came from behind. Takashi turned to see John standing there, a faint smile on his face. Snapping out of his thoughts, Takashi replied, “You’re looking well too.”
John stepped closer, his tone becoming more formal. “Orders are to secure the entire southern region first and then gradually move north.”
Takashi paused, his gaze distant, as though weighing the situation. After a moment, he said calmly, “You should go, then.”
John nodded, but there was a knowing look in his eyes. “I figured you’d say that. Still, I know you have something else in mind. Good luck, sir.” With a respectful nod, John turned and left, leaving Takashi standing there, a faint smile lingering on his face.
Takashi rushed home, his heart pounding as his urgency took over. Bursting into his room, he headed straight to the cupboard and flung it open. His hands moved quickly, pulling out a small, weathered box from the back of a shelf.
He pried the lid open with force, the faint crack of the hinge breaking the silence. As he stared inside, his expression turned grim, his eyes narrowing with an unpleasant mix of emotions. For a long moment, he stood still, his gaze fixed on the unseen object within, the air around him heavy with tension.
As Takashi stepped out of his room, his expression resolute and his steps steady, he stopped abruptly. Standing before him was John, holding an extra sword in his hand.
“I heard you broke your sword,” John said with a calm yet determined tone. “Here’s another one. So, what’s the plan?”
Takashi hesitated, his eyes narrowing slightly in shock. Slowly, he reached out and took the sword from John’s hand. “We?” he asked, his voice tinged with confusion. “Why are you coming with me? Don’t you have orders to follow?”
John smiled faintly, his demeanor unwavering. “I can’t answer that right now. Just think of it this way: wherever you go, I go. So… where to?”
Takashi regarded him for a moment, then let out a brief, almost reluctant smile. “They’ve drawn most of the army here to the south. It’s a distraction—they’re planning to capture the castle in the north. Once the king falls, most of the soldiers will lose their will to fight.”
John’s smile faded as he nodded solemnly.
Takashi continued, his voice firm. “We’ll stop them. We have to. Now, let’s hurry to the castle.”
Meanwhile, at the front of the castle, Luke, Tomen, and Kuzaku stood side by side, their confidence unshaken as they surveyed the imposing structure. From its gates, soldiers began to pour out, rushing toward them with weapons drawn and determination in their eyes.
Luke smirked, his gaze cold and calculating. “Don’t let a single soldier leave this area,” he commanded, his voice sharp and authoritative. “They’re physically weaker than us, so conserve your Mystical Energy. We’ll need it later.”
Tomen and Kuzaku nodded in silent agreement, their expressions resolute. Without another word, the three moved forward, stepping into the fray with calm precision, ready to face the oncoming wave of soldiers.
Some time later, Takashi and John arrived at the castle gates, only to be struck silent by the horrific scene before them. The courtyard was a battlefield, littered with the bodies of fallen soldiers. Blood stained the cobblestones, and the air reeked of death and desperation. Among the carnage, the few remaining soldiers fought for their lives against three mysterious attackers.
Takashi’s eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. The attackers moved with inhuman speed and precision, their strength far beyond that of ordinary men. It was clear that a direct confrontation would be suicide.
“Get down,” Takashi hissed, pulling John behind the cover of a crumbling wall. His voice was calm but filled with urgency. “We must first ensure the safety of the king. If they get to him, it’s over.”
John nodded, his expression a mix of fear and determination. “What do we do, sir?”
“There’s a secret door at the back of the castle,” Takashi replied in a hushed tone. “We’ll enter through there. Stay low, stay quiet, and follow me.”
Without another word, the two moved stealthily, sticking to the shadows as they skirted the edge of the battlefield. They avoided the attackers’ line of sight, each step measured and silent. The sounds of the battle—clashing steel, pained cries, and the brutal thuds of bodies hitting the ground—faded as they slipped toward the hidden entrance at the rear of the castle.
As the battle outside raged on, only a handful of soldiers remained, most of them desperately trying to flee for their lives. The attackers, though slightly out of breath, were far from finished. Their relentless energy and sheer power had left no real opposition in their path.
But suddenly, a loud, echoing noise came from deep inside the castle, halting their movements.
Tomen glanced toward the castle entrance, his brows furrowed. “Someone’s inside,” he said, his voice low and wary.
Luke’s expression twisted with anger. “Can’t you tell? It’s the assassin,” he spat.
Kuzaku, who had been scanning their surroundings, stiffened at Luke’s words. His fist clenched, and his mind raced. The assassin… I’ll kill him for sure this time. But then a flicker of doubt crept in as he realized something. Something’s different... I couldn’t sense anything from him before. Why now?
Luke’s sharp voice snapped Kuzaku out of his thoughts. “Stop standing around! Leave these weaklings. We have to move—kill the king and Tenchi, both.”
Kuzaku gritted his teeth and nodded. Tomen, smirking slightly, was already moving toward the castle. The three attackers stepped over the broken bodies of soldiers, their footsteps echoing ominously as they advanced into the castle, their mission clear and their bloodlust undiminished.
As the three intruders stormed through the castle, their footsteps echoed ominously in the silent halls. The guards they had encountered lay unconscious behind them, their precision and power leaving no room for resistance. Approaching the King’s chamber, their movements became deliberate, their resolve clear.
With a mighty kick, the door burst open, the sound reverberating like thunder through the room. Inside, standing steadfast before the King’s ornate throne, were only two figures—Takashi and John.
Takashi’s sharp gaze met theirs, a silent challenge gleaming in his eyes. John, gripping his sword tightly, shifted his weight, ready for whatever came next. The tension in the room was palpable, the air almost crackling with the weight of unspoken words and the impending clash.
Luke first scanned the room, his eyes narrowing as they took in every detail. A cold smirk spread across his face. “I see you’ve hidden the king, but not for long,” he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. “You both are going to die here and now.”
With that, he stepped back, his confidence unwavering. His gaze flicked to Kuzaku and Tomen, giving them a silent command. “You both go ahead and kill them.”
Without hesitation, Tomen and Kuzaku moved forward, their eyes locked onto Takashi and John. Luke casually leaned back, settling into a chair beside the door as though watching an execution, his arms crossed and an air of smug superiority surrounding him.
Takashi’s muscles tensed in anticipation, and John shifted his stance, ready to defend. The atmosphere in the room grew charged as the two sides prepared for the imminent clash.
Kuzaku's eyes burned with fury as he lunged toward Takashi, his voice echoing through the room. "I will kill you for sure this time, Tenchi!"
With a roar, Kuzaku swung a massive punch aimed straight at Takashi’s head. But Takashi was faster. With effortless precision, he raised his arm to block the blow. The force of the punch reverberated through the room, but Takashi stood firm, his gaze unwavering.
In the same fluid motion, Takashi countered, landing a swift blow to Kuzaku’s gut. The impact left Kuzaku gasping for air, stumbling backward. Takashi’s voice cut through the tension. “It will not be that easy.”
The room erupted into chaos as the two warriors clashed, a storm of punches and kicks filling the air. Each strike from Kuzaku was met with a counter from Takashi, their movements so fast they seemed almost in sync, their power seemingly equal. The force of their blows shook the ground beneath them, neither willing to give an inch.
Meanwhile, Tomen remained still, his cold eyes fixed on John. With a smirk, he allowed the young officer to close the distance. John came charging, his sword raised high, ready to strike.
But Tomen was prepared. As John swung the blade, Tomen moved with fluid grace, effortlessly catching the sword with his bare hands. The metal screeched against Tomen’s palms, but his grip remained unyielding. In a flash, he pushed John back with a powerful kick to his chest, sending the officer sprawling to the ground.
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Tomen’s thoughts raced as he observed John’s rapid recovery. I was the one who used most of my mystical energy outside, he thought, a brief flicker of concern crossing his mind. It’s fortunate I don’t have to fight Tenchi... this boy will be easy to finish off.
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As if on cue, John sprang back to his feet, his expression now determined. Without hesitation, he charged at Tomen once more, his movements sharper than before. His training had kicked in, and now he was able to read Tomen’s every move. The shift didn’t go unnoticed by Tomen, whose eyes widened slightly in surprise.
Tsk... he’s faster than I expected. Yet, even with John’s newfound speed, Tomen’s raw strength remained the deciding factor. Each of Tomen’s strikes landed with a force that sent shockwaves through John’s body, and no matter how John moved, the physical disparity between them was clear. John was able to dodge some blows, but the ones that connected left him reeling, bruises forming beneath his uniform.
Across the room, Takashi’s fight with Kuzaku was no less fierce. With a swift kick to Kuzaku’s chin, Takashi hoped to end the fight in one decisive strike. But in a blink, Kuzaku’s hand shot up and caught Takashi’s leg, his grip iron-tight. The impact of Takashi’s kick hadn’t damaged Kuzaku as much as he had hoped.
In an instant, Kuzaku threw Takashi’s body with brutal force, sending him crashing into the wall. The stone shuddered under the impact, a loud crack echoing through the chamber. Takashi grunted in pain, but there was no hesitation in his movements as he quickly pushed himself up, his gaze hardening as he met Kuzaku’s eyes.
Before Takashi could even regain his balance, a sharp pain suddenly pulsed through his head. He grabbed his skull, a surge of confusion flooding his mind. What is this...? he thought, disoriented.
Kuzaku let out a mocking laugh, his voice dripping with arrogance. “What happened? Did I hit you a little harder?”
Takashi’s breaths came in slow, controlled exhales as he fought to shake off the dizziness. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, centering himself. Focus... he reminded himself, the storm inside his mind gradually settling. With a steady breath, he opened his eyes. The air around him seemed to shift, heavy with a newfound intensity. There was a subtle, but undeniable change. It felt as though the tide of the battle was about to turn.
Without warning, Takashi surged forward, his body propelled by a surge of adrenaline. He aimed a powerful punch straight at Kuzaku’s face, determined to gain the upper hand.
Kuzaku, equally as fierce, readied his own fist to meet Takashi’s. The two punches collided with the force of a thunderclap. But just as their fists were about to meet, Takashi’s instincts kicked in. He ducked low, narrowly avoiding Kuzaku’s punch, his movements fluid and precise. In the same motion, he drove his own fist upward, slamming it into Kuzaku’s abdomen.
The impact was brutal. Kuzaku’s eyes bulged as the air was forced out of his lungs, and he staggered back, his body recoiling from the sheer power of the blow. Takashi stood tall, his eyes locked onto Kuzaku, a new resolve burning within him.
Tomen, his expression filled with grim satisfaction, landed a brutal kick into John’s abdomen. The force of the blow left John winded, struggling to recover as he collapsed to his knees. Before he could regain his footing, Tomen seized him by the throat, his grip tightening with a cruel ease.
But just as Tomen prepared to deliver the final blow, the air in the room shifted once again. A blur of movement streaked past, and suddenly, Takashi was there. He launched himself with explosive force, his leg extended for a devastating kick.
The kick landed with a resounding crack, smashing straight into Tomen’s face. The force of the impact sent Tomen flying backward, his body crashing into the stone wall with such power that the wall cracked beneath him. Dust and debris scattered across the room as Tomen crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
John’s eyes widened as he struggled to his feet, dazed but still aware. His gaze darted to the other side of the wall, where Kuzaku now lay, just as unconscious as Tomen. Both warriors had been taken down in a single, powerful moment.
Luke, who had been watching the scene unfold with arrogant confidence, suddenly stiffened in his chair. The shift in the battle was undeniable. His once-casual posture became more guarded as he leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. The tide of the fight had turned, and now he knew he had to be more cautious.
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John stood frozen in shock, unable to comprehend the sheer strength Takashi had just displayed. The aftermath of the blow still echoed in his mind—the ground trembling, debris scattered everywhere, and smoke billowing into the air. Takashi, standing amidst the chaos, exuded a presence that felt almost otherworldly.
But the moment of stillness was short-lived. Through the smoke, two silhouettes emerged from opposite ends of the room. From one side, Kuzaku’s heavy boots glowed faintly with an ominous energy, each step echoing like a harbinger of doom. From the other, Tomen approached, his ring-clad thumb radiating a pulsing glow that seemed alive.
Takashi’s expression shifted, his eyes darting between the two opponents now closing in from opposite directions. He could feel the weight of their power, the air around them charged with energy.
John, still reeling from the display of strength and the emergence of these fearsome adversaries, could only nod, stepping back reluctantly. His gaze darted between Takashi and the two men approaching, dread creeping into his chest.
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Kuzaku sneered, his voice dripping with exhilaration. “Now you are talking, Tenchi. This is the real you. Now it’s much more exciting to beat you.”
Without hesitation, both Kuzaku and Tomen leaped toward Takashi with a speed far greater than before, their movements blurring with raw energy. Takashi braced himself, his eyes darting between the two as they closed in from opposite sides.
He barely managed to counter their first blow—a combined assault that tested his reflexes to the limit. Kuzaku’s glowing boots struck with a force that rattled the ground, while Tomen’s glowing ring radiated an ominous power with each swing.
Before Takashi could regain his footing, Tomen’s fist connected with his chest, the energy from the glowing ring surging on impact. The blow sent Takashi hurtling backward, his body crashing into the wall with a thunderous impact. Dust and debris filled the air as cracks spread across the stone, the sheer force of the punch reverberating through the room.
John, still frozen in place, suddenly remembered something. Just before they had left for the castle, he had asked Takashi about the unusual pink-colored band he wore on his wrist.
“What is that pink-colored band you are wearing in your hand? You’ve never worn it before,” John had asked curiously.
Takashi had replied calmly but with a hint of mystery, “There are many things you will not understand. Just know that it will come in handy in landing a decisive blow, but it has limited use.”
The memory snapped John back to the present. He glanced at Takashi, who was already pushing himself up from the rubble, his breathing heavy but his eyes fierce.
John’s heart pounded as a thought gripped him. I have to help Takashi sir create an opening—one that he can use to strike them with the help of that band.
Resolving himself, John clenched his fists and scanned the battlefield, searching for the right moment to act.
Takashi locked fists with Kuzaku, the impact sending tremors through the ground. Sparks of effort flew between them, their clash radiating raw power. Kuzaku's smirk deepened as he pressed forward, his strength undeniable. But Takashi held firm, his mind racing with strategies.
On the other side of the room, Tomen was about to join the fray, his eyes locked onto Takashi. Before he could move, John intercepted him, blocking his path. John’s stance was defensive, his grip on his blade trembling slightly. He knew full well that taking a single hit from Tomen would be the end of him. But despite the fear creeping into his mind, he stood his ground, his resolve unshaken.
Tomen, however, was becoming increasingly aggressive. His movements grew faster and more forceful as he glanced down at his ring, the light flickering ominously—a clear sign that his energy reserve was nearly depleted. With gritted teeth, he launched a relentless series of attacks, his strikes shattering furniture and tearing through walls as John narrowly evaded each one, focusing solely on defense.
Takashi, locked in battle with Kuzaku, glanced over and quickly assessed the situation. John's endurance wouldn’t hold much longer against Tomen’s ferocity. A plan began to form in Takashi’s mind as he dodged Kuzaku’s crushing blows, narrowly avoiding each attack.
Then, with a sudden burst of agility, Takashi disengaged. He stepped back, sheathing his fist and drawing his sword in a single, fluid motion. The sharp blade gleamed in the faint light, and without hesitation, Takashi leaped into the air. His movement was swift and precise, bypassing Kuzaku entirely as he soared over him, landing gracefully just outside the room.
Turning back, he locked eyes with Kuzaku and Tomen, a smirk playing on his lips. "Let’s see how fast you are," he taunted, his voice echoing through the hallway. The challenge was clear.
Kuzaku snarled, his boots glowing faintly with energy as he crouched slightly, ready to give chase. Tomen hesitated for a split second, his flickering ring forcing him to weigh his options.
Kuzaku bolted after Takashi, his boots glowing brighter with every step, propelling him forward with inhuman speed. The chase was over almost as soon as it began. “It’s over, Tenchi,” Kuzaku growled, his voice cold and confident as he reached out, ready to grab Takashi from behind.
But Takashi was prepared. In a split-second move, he leaped sideways, his momentum carrying him to a nearby wall. Planting his foot firmly against the vertical surface, he pushed off, launching himself into the air once more.
As he twisted midair, a vivid pink glow erupted from the band on his wrist. The sudden burst of energy illuminated the corridor, casting sharp, otherworldly shadows. In a single, fluid motion, Takashi swirled his sword, the blade gleaming with the same radiant light.
The strike was precise and devastating. Kuzaku barely had time to react before the blade sliced cleanly through, severing his head. The room was momentarily bathed in an intense pink glow as Takashi landed gracefully behind his fallen foe.
For a brief moment, there was silence. Then, with a faint crackling sound, Takashi’s sword shattered under the strain of the attack, fragments scattering across the floor. He stared at the broken hilt in his hand, breathing heavily as the pink glow from his band began to fade. The air was thick with tension and the metallic scent of blood.
Luke stood up abruptly, his shock evident as the events unfolded too quickly for him to react. Beside him, Tomen's eyes widened with fear, his usually composed demeanor shattered. In a faint, almost trembling voice, he muttered, “This... this is the ASSASSIN OF VAELORIA.”
Before Tomen could fully process what was happening, a blade pierced him from behind. His body jerked forward, and a sharp voice rang out from behind him. “You were wide open!” shouted John, gripping the hilt of the sword with both hands, his face a mixture of determination and desperation.
Tomen froze for a moment, his shock turning into seething rage. He slowly turned his head to face his attacker. Blood seeped from the wound, staining his clothes, but his anger burned brighter than his pain. Takashi, standing nearby, cast a proud, almost approving glance at John. His lips curled into a faint smile, but his gaze remained sharp, watching Tomen's every move.
Tomen's vision began to blur, and he could feel the strength leaving his body as the sword had struck a vital point. But he wasn’t ready to fall—not yet. With a guttural roar, fueled by fury and desperation, he grabbed John with his uninjured hand, lifting him effortlessly off the ground.
In his other hand, the ring on his thumb began to glow ominously, sparks of raw energy crackling around it. The faint hum of Mystical Energy grew louder, an ominous prelude to the devastating force he was about to unleash. “You’ll regret this!” he bellowed, his voice a mix of pain and vengeance.
With a surge of his remaining strength, Tomen drove his fist into John’s chest, the glowing ring amplifying the impact. The blow sent John hurtling across the room like a ragdoll, his body crashing to the floor at Takashi’s feet.
Takashi’s smile faded, replaced by a steely resolve. His eyes darted from Tomen’s weakening figure to John, who lay motionless but breathing heavily. The room was thick with tension, the air heavy with the lingering energy of Tomen’s attack.
Tomen collapsed to the floor, his strength finally giving out as blood pooled beneath him. Takashi wasted no time; he dropped to his knees and gently cradled John’s head in his lap. Panic and desperation filled his voice as he shouted, “Hey, John! You can’t die here—stand up! Come on, stay with me!”
The room was eerily silent for a moment, the only sounds being John’s strained, shallow breaths. His face was pale, and his body trembled in severe pain, teetering on the edge of consciousness.
The silence was broken by Luke’s cold, mocking voice. “You’ll join him soon, Tenchi.” His words were laced with menace, his tone calm but brimming with confidence.
Takashi, still shaken by John’s condition, clenched his fists tightly. His heart was heavy, knowing John was slipping away, but the warrior in him knew there was no time to grieve—not yet. Gritting his teeth, he gently lowered John’s head to the ground and stood up, his gaze locking onto Luke.
Luke smirked as he removed his long outer coat, letting it drop to the ground. Beneath, his sleeves glowed with a vibrant, shimmering violet light—Mystical Energy pulsating through him. “You’re going to regret crossing us,” he said, his voice low but charged with intent.
Without warning, Luke charged toward Takashi, his movements a blur. He drew back his fist, energy surging around it, and unleashed a devastating punch aimed directly at his opponent.
Takashi reacted instinctively, raising his arm to block. The moment Luke’s punch connected with Takashi’s arm, an immense force exploded outward. The impact reverberated through the room, sending a powerful shockwave that cracked the stone floor beneath their feet.
The force was overwhelming. Takashi’s attempt to block failed as the sheer strength of the attack struck him with unrelenting power. He was thrown backward, crashing into the ground with a thud. Pain shot through his body, and for a brief moment, he lay there, stunned, trying to process the strength behind Luke’s blow.
Luke stood tall, his aura glowing brighter, a cruel smile playing on his lips. “You’re not as strong as the legends say, Assassin of Vaeloria. Let’s see if you live up to the name.”
Takashi’s eyes landed on Kuzaku’s headless body lying nearby. His gaze shifted to the boots still on Kuzaku’s feet—gleaming faintly with traces of residual Mystical Energy. An idea formed in his mind.
Luke, consumed by fury, let out a feral roar and charged toward Takashi again, his glowing violet aura flaring wildly. Each step shook the ground beneath him, his strength and speed a terrifying combination.
Takashi remained motionless, his expression calm but his mind focused. He waited, his timing precise, until the very last moment. Just as Luke’s fist was about to connect, Takashi sidestepped with a swift, fluid motion, evading the attack entirely.
Luke stumbled forward, momentarily off balance, and Takashi seized his opportunity. He quickly reached down and yanked Kuzaku’s boots off his lifeless body. As his hands gripped them, he felt the faint hum of Mystical Energy coursing through the artifacts—an untapped reservoir of power.
Luke spun around, regaining his footing, his anger blazing as he charged again. But before he could close the distance, Takashi swung one of the boots with all his might. The Mystical Object crackled with energy as it connected with Luke’s face.
The effect was instant and devastating. A pulse of energy erupted on impact, amplifying the force of the blow. Luke was sent hurtling across the room, his body slamming into the far wall with an earth-shaking crash. The wall fractured under the immense force, debris scattering across the floor as dust filled the air.
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The boots, now completely drained of Mystical Energy, stopped glowing and fell silent in Takashi’s hands. He dropped them to the floor, his focus now entirely on Luke.
Luke, seething with rage, stood up, his eyes burning with fury. Without a second thought, he grabbed a large rock from the rubble and hurled it toward Takashi. The stone moved with blinding speed, propelled by Luke’s own Mystical Energy. Takashi, too slow to react, was struck hard by the rock, sending him crashing to the floor. Pain shot through him as he struggled to regain his bearings.
Luke wasted no time. He approached John’s lifeless body and, in a cruel, mocking gesture, placed his boot on John’s face. Takashi’s heart clenched in anguish. “NO!” he screamed.
Luke pressed down with his foot, grinding John’s face into the ground, the life extinguished with a final, brutal kick.
Takashi dropped to his knees, his mind reeling. His vision blurred as he looked down, unable to tear his gaze away from John’s body.
Luke chuckled darkly, savoring the moment. “Too bad he had to die. You could have avoided it,” he taunted. “Now the rest of the soldiers will be arriving soon. I have to end you here.”
Takashi winced, feeling the sharp pain from the earlier blow. His thoughts were chaotic, but he knew this wasn’t over. Luke continued, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. “It’s not your fault. I’m a second-grade officer. There’s no way you could have fought me. Now, let me end it for you. Any last words?”
Takashi, barely able to speak, found the strength to whisper, “You are doomed.”
Luke leaned in, his ear too close. “What was that? Speak louder.”
Takashi’s voice, quiet but defiant, broke through the tension. “You are doomed.”
In an instant, Takashi sprang to his feet, moving with surprising agility. He leapt onto Luke, using his momentum to land behind him. As Luke whipped around, Takashi drew a knife from his side with a swift, practiced motion.
Without hesitation, he hurled it toward Luke. The blade flew through the air, striking the center of Luke’s forehead with deadly precision.
Luke’s eyes widened in shock as the knife sank deep, and his body crumpled to the ground. The last vestiges of life drained from him as his blood mixed with the dust on the floor.
Takashi stood over Luke’s lifeless body, his expression completely transformed. Where once there was pain and anger, now there was only stoic resolve. He looked down at the fallen officer, his eyes cold and calculating. “This is how low the second grades have fallen,” he muttered, his voice devoid of any emotion.
As the sound of approaching soldiers reached his ears, Takashi quickly turned, his mind focused and his movements sharp. He grabbed the Mystical Objects from the three men—Luke, Kuzaku, and Tomen—each one still radiating a faint residual energy. With these in hand, he knew he had to move fast.
Without a second glance at the chaos he’d left behind, Takashi swiftly exited the area, disappearing into the shadows before the soldiers could arrive.
However, unbeknownst to him, a strange figure stood outside the castle, observing everything that had transpired. Hidden in the distance, their silhouette barely visible against the dimming light of the evening, the figure watched Takashi’s every move with silent interest.
TO BE CONTINUED