Jairen, Lani, and Kael stand frozen, their eyes fixed on False, who's grinning menacingly. The air is electric with tension, and the purple glow in False's eyes seems to be pulsing with an otherworldly energy.
"Let's end this," Jairen growls, his fists clenched.
False chuckles, the sound sending shivers down Lani's spine. "Oh, I think we're just getting started," he says, his voice dripping with malice.
And then, without warning, False vanishes.
Jairen takes a step forward, his eyes scanning the area. "Where did he go?" he mutters.
Lani's eyes narrow. "He's just trying to distract us. We need to stay focused."
Kael's gaze darts around the area, his hand on his own weapon. "I've got a bad feeling about this..."
Jairen grunts in pain as False's punch connects with his spine, but he quickly recovers and spins around to face his attacker. With a swift kick, he aims for False's chest, but his leg phases through the air, as if False is made of particles. Jairen's eyes widen in surprise.
False seizes the opportunity, grabbing Jairen's head and delivering a vicious knee strike to his nose. Jairen's head snaps back, blood spraying from his nostrils.
Just as False prepares to deliver another blow, Kael intervenes, summoning powerful wind gusts that buffet False and make him stumble. The air is filled with the sound of rushing wind as Kael's resonance disrupts False's balance.
False snarls, his eyes flashing with anger, and charges at Kael. But Jairen, despite his injury, refuses to back down. With a fierce determination, he joins the fray, his fists flying in a flurry of punches.
Lani watches in awe, her eyes darting between the three combatants. She knows she needs to act fast, but what can she do to turn the tide of this intense battle?
Lani's ghost eye glows bright blue as she unleashes a fierce battle cry, launching herself into the fray. The air is electric with tension as all three heroes - Jairen, Kael, and Lani - clash with False in a spectacular display of strength, magic, and determination.
Jairen's fists fly in a flurry of punches, each one aimed at False's face, while Kael's wind gusts buffet the enemy, making it hard for him to stand firm. Lani, with her ghost eye aglow, unleashes a series of swift kicks, her movements almost ethereal as she seems to dance around False.
False, however, refuses to back down, his purple glow intensifying as he summons dark energy blasts to counter the trio's attacks. The air is filled with the sound of crashing blows, the smell of ozone, and the sight of flashing lights as the four combatants exchange blows.
The battle rages on, each side refusing to yield. Jairen's nose bleeds profusely, Kael's wind resonance begins to tire, and Lani's ghost eye starts to strain from the exertion. False, too, shows signs of fatigue, his dark energy blasts weakening.
In this intense standoff, who will emerge victorious? Will the trio's combined strength be enough to take down the monstrous False, or will he find a way to overcome their onslaught?
False's eyes widen in surprise as Jairen's kick connects with his stomach, momentarily halting the arm dissipation. The team seizes the opportunity, and Lani's call to the spirit lions, Calico and Caspian, brings a surge of energy to the trio. The lions' mighty roars echo through the air, revitalizing Jairen, Kael, and Lani.
As the team's energy is boosted, False's annoyance grows. "These damn lions! Wow, you just can't give up!" He snarls, his voice laced with frustration.
Jairen, now fully reinvigorated, charges at False with renewed vigor. Kael's wind magic intensifies, and Lani's ghost eye glows brighter, ready to unleash another flurry of attacks.
False, however, refuses to back down. With a dark grin, he raises his hand, and a swirling vortex of shadows erupts from his palm. "Let's see how you handle this!" he taunts.
Jairen's bold move backfires!
Jairen's fist connects with False's hand, but instead of neutralizing the attack, he's unexpectedly pulled into the dark swirling shadow. The vortex's grip is relentless, and Jairen feels himself being dragged into a realm beyond his control.
As he's sucked in, he hears False's faint voice, "Kotoeine..." The word echoes in his mind, and Jairen realizes too late that he's fallen into False's trap. The realm's darkness envelops him, and everything goes black.
Meanwhile, outside the vortex, Kael and Lani exchange worried glances. "Jairen!" Lani calls out, but her voice is muffled by the swirling shadows.
False takes advantage of the momentary distraction to focus on Kael and Lani. "Now, let's take care of you two," he says, his eyes gleaming with malevolence.
Kael readies his wind magic, while Lani's ghost eye flashes brighter, preparing for a fierce defense. But they know they need to act fast - they have to rescue Jairen from False's realm before it's too late!
Lani's teleportation ability allows her to instantly close the distance between herself and False. Her emotional scream echoes through the air as she unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, fueled by her concern for Jairen and her determination to take down False.
However, False proves to be a formidable opponent, dodging and weaving around Lani's attacks with ease. He uses his agility and quick reflexes to evade her strikes, his movements almost dance-like as he avoids her blows.
Lani's fists and legs fly through the air, but False is always one step ahead, redirecting her attacks with a mere flick of his wrist or a subtle shift in his stance. His eyes seem to gleam with excitement, as if he's enjoying the challenge of countering Lani's fierce assault.
Despite her valiant efforts, Lani starts to tire, her breathing growing heavier as False continues to evade her attacks. She knows she needs to come up with a new strategy to take him down, but for now, she's stuck in this intense, high-speed exchange.
Meanwhile, Kael observes the battle from a distance, his wind magic at the ready. He's waiting for an opening to strike, but False's speed and agility make it difficult to find an opportunity.
Jairen, still trapped in the Kotoeine realm, is unaware of the intense battle unfolding outside. His fate hangs in the balance, and time is running out.
Lani's punch connects with False's body, but this time, something unexpected happens. Ripples appear on his skin, like the surface of water disturbed by a stone. False's eyes widen in surprise as he backs away, and Lani seizes the opportunity to shout "NYLON!"
The ripples on False's body explode, releasing a burst of energy that sends him flying backward. However, False's reflexes are incredibly quick, and he manages to stop himself from flying away by digging his foot into the ground.
As he stabilizes himself, False's gaze locks onto Lani, his expression a mix of shock, curiosity, and annoyance. "What was that?" he demands, his voice laced with a hint of frustration.
Lani stands tall, her chest heaving with exertion, her ghost eye glowing brightly. "Nylon is my trump card," she declares, a hint of triumph in her voice. "A technique that can disrupt your shadowy powers!"
False snarls, his eyes narrowing. "You think a little trick like that can take me down?"
With a sudden burst of speed, False closes the distance between himself and Lani, his fists flying in a flurry of punches. Lani readies herself for the impact, but False's attacks are faster and more intense than ever before.
Calico and Caspian roar in unison as Lani screams "Let Jairen go!" False laughs, but the laughter is short-lived as he sees Lani's other eye flash blue for a second. He thinks to himself, "She's awakening?"
Lani starts crying out of rage as she teleports to False and begins punching him, but her punches feel different. False is blocking, but the punches have more impact. He throws up a dark shield, but it is broken with a single punch. She looks False dead in the eye, her gaze full of rage, and False starts to worry a bit.
Lani's anger and determination surge to new heights as she continues her assault. False attempts to defend himself, but Lani's blows land with precision and force, each one striking True with increasing intensity.
False's eyes widen in surprise as he struggles to keep up with Lani's relentless attack. He starts to stumble backward, his eyes locked onto Lani's with a growing sense of unease.
Lani's gaze burns with fury, her eyes flashing blue as she unleashes a barrage of punches, each one fueled by her rage and determination. False attempts to defend himself, but Lani's attacks are too powerful, too fast. He starts to worry, his confidence wavering for the first time in the battle.
"Impossible..." False mutters, his voice laced with disbelief. "You can't be awakening...not now..."
Lani's response is a fierce cry, her voice echoing through the air as she continues her assault. "I WON’T! GIVE HIM BACK NOW! I WON'T LET YOU HURT HIM!"
The battle rages on, Lani's powers growing with each passing moment. False is on the back foot, his defenses weakening. What's his next move?
IT FINALLY HAPPENED!
Lani's eyes fully awaken, radiating a brilliant blue glow. False's shock is palpable as he stares at her in disbelief. "WHAT?!" he exclaims, his voice trembling with astonishment.
False attempts to launch a counterattack, but his Kotoeine realm unexpectedly opens, leaving him bewildered. He laughs nervously, but before he can react, Lani unleashes a devastating blow. Her fists and legs are enveloped in blue spirals, and the ground cracks beneath her feet as she strikes False with incredible force.
False is blown back, his body crashing into the distance. Lani's relentless assault continues, her movements a blur as she pursues False with unwavering determination.
The battle reaches its climax as Lani's powers surge out of control. False struggles to defend himself, but Lani's attacks are too intense, too overwhelming. With a final, mighty blow, Lani strikes False down, ending the battle in a spectacular display of her awakened abilities.
As the dust settles, Lani stands victorious, her blue-glowing eyes shining brightly. She's saved Jairen and defeated False, but at what cost? Her powers are still raging, and she's lost control.
Jairen steps out of the Kotoeine realm, expecting to see Lani victorious, but instead, he's met with a horrific sight. Lani stands tall, her eyes still glowing blue, but her body...her body is impaled by False's hand. Jairen's eyes widen in disbelief as he takes in the scene, his mind struggling to comprehend the severity of the situation.
Kael's scream echoes through the air, but Jairen remains silent, frozen in shock. False's words cut through the chaos, "Don't worry...you can heal her, right?" The question hangs in the air, taunting Jairen, as he stands there, unable to respond.
Lani's gaze meets Jairen's, her eyes pleading for help, but Jairen's expression remains blank, his mind reeling from the trauma of the scene. The silence is deafening, punctuated only by Kael's anguished cries.
A glimpse into Jairen's POV in the kotoeine realm!
Jairen's perspective snaps into focus, revealing his experience inside the Kotoeine realm. He recalls falling and hitting his back on a hard floor, but to his surprise, he feels no pain or injury. As he stands up, he's enveloped in darkness, and his mind races with questions. Why is it so dark? How does he know this place?
Memories begin to resurface, and Jairen's eyes widen as he realizes he's been here before. The familiarity is unsettling, and he struggles to comprehend the connection. Was it a dream? A past life? The uncertainty gnaws at him, making his skin crawl.
Suddenly, whispers echo through the darkness, their soft murmurs weaving together in an unsettling melody. Jairen's heart races as he tries to make sense of the whispers, but they seem to be in a language he can't quite understand.
The air grows colder, and Jairen's breath becomes visible in the darkness. He senses a presence closing in around him, making his skin prickle with unease.
Jairen's journey through the Kotoeine realm leads him to a soft, childlike voice, and he follows the sound until he comes across a strange girl. She greets him with a cheerful "Hello!" and asks for his name. Jairen introduces himself, and the girl excitingly jumps up and down, her enthusiasm infectious.
When Jairen asks for her name, the girl replies with a giggles, "I forgot, but you can call me Boop!" Her laughter is adorable, and Jairen can't help but smile at her playful nature.
Boop's carefree demeanor is a stark contrast to the eerie atmosphere of the realm, and Jairen finds himself drawn to her warmth. As they interact, he begins to feel a sense of ease, and his curiosity about this mysterious girl grows.
Boop's curiosity leads her to ask Jairen about his presence in the realm, and Jairen explains how False pulled him in. Boop's response is priceless, "What a meanie!" Her childish demeanor and language make Jairen smile, and he appreciates her innocence.
Jairen asks Boop if she knows a way out of the realm, but she shrugs, her expression unsure. Jairen's heart sinks slightly, realizing that escaping might not be easy. But Boop's company has made the experience more enjoyable, and he's grateful for her friendship.
As they stand there, Jairen notices Boop's eyes sparkling with curiosity, and he wonders what she's thinking.
Boop's curiosity gets the better of her, and she asks Jairen about his purple eye. Jairen explains that it's his ghost eye, which sparks Boop's interest. She starts dancing excitedly, her movements adorable and carefree. Jairen can't help but laugh at her enthusiasm, and Boop exclaims "Da boom!" as she busts out her dance moves.
When Jairen asks why she's dancing, Boop stops and explains that she's never heard of a ghost eye before, but purple is her favorite color. Her eyes light up with excitement, and Jairen smiles at her joy.
The conversation between Jairen and Boop is endearing, and their interactions are filled with a sense of wonder. Boop's innocence and playfulness have brought a smile to Jairen's face, and he's grateful for her company in this mysterious realm.
Boop's enthusiasm is infectious as she asks Jairen to stay, but Jairen's expression turns somber as he delivers the bad news. "I can't stay, unfortunately. False has to go..." Boop's face falls, and she looks down, her sadness evident.
Jairen kneels down and gently head-pats Boop, offering a comforting smile. "I promise, if I find a way out of here, I'll bring you with me, okay?" Boop's eyes light up, and she jumps up in excitement, her silly thinking face a testament to her determination to help Jairen escape.
Boop's antics bring a smile to Jairen's face, and he's heartened by her willingness to help. Together, they might just find a way out of this mysterious realm. The bond between Jairen and Boop grows stronger, and their friendship becomes a beacon of hope in this strange world.
Boop and Jairen search the area, determined to find a weakness in the realm, but their efforts yield nothing. Boop's enthusiasm starts to wane, and she begins to lose hope. Jairen notices her disappointment and asks her a gentle question, "How long have you been here, by the way?"
Boop's expression turns contemplative, and she replies, "I can't remember...but it almost feels like I've been here forever." Her words are laced with a tinge of sadness, and Jairen senses a deep longing in her voice.
Jairen's question has sparked a realization in Boop, and she begins to ponder her existence in the realm. Her eyes seem to gaze into the distance, as if trying to recall a memory long forgotten.
Boop's curiosity about False leads her to ask Jairen a flurry of questions. Jairen describes False perfectly, and Boop's eyes widen as she pieces together the description. "Wait...short haircut?" she asks, her voice filled with a hint of recognition. Jairen nods, and Boop continues, "2 above his eyebrow?" Jairen's eyes light up as he realizes that Boop knows exactly who False is!
Boop's memories start to resurface, and Jairen's excitement grows. He stops walking and turns to Boop, his voice serious. "Tell me everything you know..." Boop senses the gravity in his tone and giggles adorably, "Why so serious? Hahahaha!"
But then, her expression turns somber, and she reveals that she can't remember everything. However, she does recall a man who used to walk in and out of the realm, yelling at her. Jairen's eyes narrow, his mind racing with connections.
Boop's question about Jairen's strength to defeat False sparks a wave of self-doubt in Jairen. He shakes his head, feeling defeated, and his eyes flicker purple as his emotions surge. Boop watches in amazement as Jairen's eyes glow bright purple for a few moments, a testament to his inner turmoil.
But then, Boop's innocence and adorableness snap Jairen back to reality. He doesn't want to worry her, so he tries to brush off his concerns by telling her he’s fine. However, Boop sees right through him, her eyes sparkling with intuition. "I know that!" she exclaimed excitedly, followed by a somber tone, "But you're lying to me..."
Boop's words strike a chord in Jairen, and he's taken aback by her perceptiveness. She reassures him with a gentle smile, "Everything is gonna be okay." Her optimism is infectious, and Jairen feels a sense of hope rising within him.
Boop's hug and words of encouragement spark a newfound determination in Jairen. He snaps back to reality, his eyes shining with a sense of purpose. "Yeah, you're right! Everything's gonna be okay!" Boop's excitement is contagious, and she jumps up, echoing Jairen's conviction with a enthusiastic "Yeah!"
As they continue their search, Jairen's resolve grows stronger. "I'm coming for you guys, don't worry, I'll stop False... I swear it!" His voice is filled with a sense of determination, and Boop's presence has ignited a fire within him.
Unbeknownst to Jairen, his eyes have turned a vibrant purple, a manifestation of his awakened dual ghost eyes. However, this transformation is overshadowed by the extraordinary feeling of hope that has taken hold of him. Jairen is unaware of the change, but it's a testament to the power of Boop's positivity and their growing bond.
Boop notices the change in Jairen's eyes but decides to keep it to herself, choosing instead to focus on the positive energy surrounding them. She bounces around, still holding Jairen's hand, and thinks to herself, "My hero!" Her heart is filled with admiration and gratitude for Jairen's determination and bravery.
As they continue their journey together, Boop's innocence and joy are a perfect counterbalance to the challenges they face. Jairen, still unaware of the change in his eyes, is fueled by his desire to protect Boop and stop False. The contrast between their perspectives creates a beautiful harmony, with Boop's optimism inspiring Jairen to tap into his inner strength.
Jairen's eyes locked onto the swirling exit in front of him, his heart racing with excitement. "I told you I'd get you out of here, right?" he asked Boop, a smile spreading across his face.
Boop nodded enthusiastically, her eyes shining with tears. "Let's go, then!"
But as they approached the exit, Boop's expression faltered. "Jairen, I've never left this place before. I'm scared of what's outside."
Jairen's face softened, and he knelt down beside her. "You'll be safe, Boop. I promise. As long as I'm by your side, nothing will hurt you."
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Boop's tears spilled over, and she nodded bravely. But before they could step through the exit, she stopped Jairen and held out her hands. "Wait!"
In her palms, a sword materialized, its sheath glowing light purple with intricate star patterns. "This is yours," Boop said, her voice trembling.
Jairen's eyes widened as he took the sword, feeling an inexplicable connection to it. "What is it?" he asked, his voice full of wonder.
"Dream Blade," Boop replied, a soft smile on her face. "It fits you perfectly."
Jairen's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "What do you mean 'fits me perfectly'?"
Boop's smile faltered, and she looked up at Jairen with a hint of fear. "That's what Mr. Yaragashi said..."
Jairen's eyes snapped back to Boop, his heart racing. "My dad? You know my dad?"
Boop nodded, and Jairen's excitement turned to shock. "Where is he? I have to see him!"
Boop's eyes sparkled with tears. "A little more of my memory came back. I know where he is. Follow me!"
They ran through the realm, the scenery blurring together until they reached a wall. The entire realm turned white, and Jairen's memories came flooding back. He remembered the place where he first talked to his dad, and his heart leapt with joy.
"Dad!" Jairen yelled, spotting a figure in the distance. "I found an exit! Come on!"
As he ran towards his father, Jairen saw that he was chained up, shackles on his wrists and ankles. His heart sank, and he quickened his pace.
"Dad!" Jairen exclaimed, reaching his father's side. "What's going on? Why are you chained up?"
His father's eyes locked onto Jairen's, a mix of relief and worry etched on his face. "Jairen, my son. I'm so glad you're here. But you have to get out of here, now."
Jairen's determination intensified. "I won't leave without you, Dad. We'll figure this out together."
Jairen's eyes widened as Yoon warned him to leave immediately. "What's going on, Dad? Why do I have to leave now?" Jairen asked, confusion etched on his face.
Yoon's expression turned grave. "The room realm switched to white, Jairen. There's a Void Watcher actively here. This is no longer the realm you were inside."
Jairen's eyes narrowed. "How do you know all this dad?"
Yoon's gaze seemed to bore into Jairen's soul. "Well, I guessed you got pulled in here by that Number 2 guy, and the fact that you met the little one...Boop."
Jairen chuckled. "Yeah, that's true. But I'm losing, and the exit is right there. I can get you out, don't worry."
Yoon shook his head emphatically. "No, Jairen. You need to go now. One of your friends is in danger."
Jairen's expression turned concerned. "What? Which friend?"
But before Yoon could answer, Boop intervened, tapping on Jairen's arm with a fast pace, signaling they needed to go. Jairen nodded, determination in his eyes. "I'll return, Father...and I will kill whatever is keeping you here!"
As Jairen turned to leave, Boop jumped on his back, turning herself into tight holding straps around his waist and securing herself to him. "Let's go, Jairen!" she exclaimed, her voice full of excitement.
With Boop on his waist, Jairen walked through the exit, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Jairen's eyes widened in horror as he stumbled backward, his mind struggling to comprehend the gruesome scene before him. False's hand was thrust through Lani's chest, her eyes frozen in a permanent scream. Jairen's vision blurred, his thoughts racing with disbelief.
"No...no, no, no...this can't be!" Jairen exclaimed, his voice shaking with anguish. He felt as though he'd been punched in the gut, his breath knocked out of him.
False's maniacal laughter echoed in Jairen's mind, haunting him. "You'll never save them, Jairen...you'll never save anyone!"
Jairen's eyes snapped back to Lani's lifeless body, his heart heavy with grief. He felt responsible, as though he'd failed her. The weight of his failure crushed him, threatening to consume him whole.
With a strangled cry, Jairen fell to his knees, his world shattered. He was consumed by darkness, his mind reeling with the unbearable truth: Lani was gone, and False had taken her from him.
As Jairen's scream echoes through the air, the skies darken, and the sun is obscured, as if the very light itself is being extinguished. The atmosphere grows heavy, and an unsettling energy settles over the scene. False, still holding Lani's lifeless body, drops her to the ground and takes a few steps back, observing Jairen with an air of curiosity.
The sudden darkness seems to amplify Jairen's anguish, his scream lingering in the air like a haunting specter. False's gaze is fixed on Jairen, his expression unreadable, yet seemingly fascinated by Jairen's raw emotion.
The silence that follows is oppressive, punctuated only by Jairen's ragged breathing. The darkness appears to be closing in, as if it's alive, and it's suffocating the very life out of Jairen.
In this moment, it seems as though False is savoring Jairen's pain, feeding off his despair. The air is thick with tension, and the weight of Lani's loss hangs heavy over the scene, threatening to crush Jairen beneath its oppressive force.
Lady Ioanna's expression turns grave as she hears Jairen's scream and feels the world tremble from her palace. She swiftly grabs her sword and heads out of her palace, her face set in a determined expression. Eine, sensing her urgency, follows closely behind, his grip on his own sword tightening.
As they exit the palace, Lady Ioanna uses her communication ability to broadcast a message to all corners of the land.
"CRITICAL EMERGENCY, I repeat, CRITICAL EMERGENCY. Call upon NORTH, WEST, SOUTH, and EAST rulers."
Eine's eyes widen in alarm as he realizes the severity of the situation. "What could possibly make the strongest ruler herself, Lady Ioanna, call a critical emergency?" he thinks to himself. "This must be something catastrophic."
Lady Ioanna's swift action and grave expression only add to Eine's growing concern. He quickens his pace to keep up with her, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. As they approach the scene, the air grows thick with an eerie energy, and the darkness seems to deepen, as if it's alive and watching them.
Lady Ioanna's eyes narrow as she takes in the scene before her. She sees Jairen on his knees, screaming in agony, and her gaze instinctively goes to Lani's lifeless body. Her hand reflexively goes to her sword, and she starts to rush towards the scene, ready to defend Jairen and Lani.
However, Eine quickly grabs her arm, holding her back. "Wait, my queen," he whispers urgently. "My ghost eye... it isn't activating."
Lady Ioanna's gaze snaps to Eine, confusion and concern etched on her face. She looks at him questioningly, trying to understand what he means. Why isn't his ghost eye, which normally allows him to sense and track spiritual energy, working?
Meanwhile, False continues to taunt Jairen, his voice dripping with malice. "You'll never save them, Jairen. You'll never save anyone!"
Jairen's screams grow louder, his body shaking with rage and grief. Lady Ioanna's grip on her sword tightens, her mind racing with the implications of Eine's words. What could be causing his ghost eye to malfunction? And what does it mean for their ability to intervene in this critical situation?
False takes a step closer to Jairen, "You're so weak, Jairen. You're broken."
Lady Ioanna's eyes flash with anger, and she tries to push forward, but Eine holds her back. "Wait, my queen. We need to understand what's going on before we act."
Lady Ioanna's eyes are fixed on Jairen, her expression a mix of concern and fear. "He's about to explode..." she whispers, her voice trembling. "False does one more thing... and well, that's the end."
Eine's eyes widen in panic as he realizes the gravity of the situation. "Wait, you mean... everything? Goes kaboom?" he asks, his voice shaking.
Lady Ioanna's grip on her sword tightens, her hand bleeding as she nods silently. She knows that if Jairen loses control, the consequences will be catastrophic.
False, still taunting Jairen, takes a step closer, his eyes gleaming with malice. "You weren’t cut out for this, Jairen."
The world around them continues to shake, the earthquakes intensifying. The sky grows darker, and the air is electric with anticipation.
Jairen's silence is deafening, his body trembling with restrained power. Lady Ioanna and Eine know that they are running out of time. If they don't act soon, everything will indeed "go kaboom".
In this moment, Lady Ioanna makes a split-second decision. She raises her sword, pointing it at False. "We have to stop him," she says, her voice firm. "Before it's too late."
False's laughter echoes through the air, but it's quickly replaced by confusion and frustration. "What the hell?" he mutters, trying to activate his ghost eyes again. But nothing works. His ghost eyes remain dormant, refusing to activate.
Jairen's silence is still there, his body trembling. Lady Ioanna and Eine watch with bated breath, knowing that False's inability to activate his ghost eyes could be the key to stopping him.
False's face twists in anger, his eyes flashing with malevolence. "This can't be happening!" he snarls, trying again and again to activate his ghost eyes. But it's no use. His powers are mysteriously blocked.
Lady Ioanna takes a step forward, her sword still raised. "It's over, False," she says, her voice firm. "Your reign of terror ends now."
False's gaze snaps to Lady Ioanna, his eyes blazing with fury. "You think you can stop me?" he sneers. "I'll show you my true power!"
But as he raises his hand to unleash his attack, he realizes that his powers are still blocked. His ghost eyes remain dormant, and his abilities are useless.
False's eyes widen in shock as Lady Ioanna's sword slices through the air, cutting him across the face. He stumbles backward, clutching his cheek in disbelief.
Meanwhile, Kael rushes to Lani's side, his hands shaking as he tries to stem the blood flow. "Lani, don't die! Please... Jairen is gonna lose his mind if you die! GET UP, LANI, PLEASE!" he begs, his voice cracking with desperation.
But Lani's body remains still, her eyes closed as if in eternal sleep. Kael's efforts to save her seem futile, and he's left covering the wound in a desperate attempt to stop the blood loss.
Lady Ioanna stands tall, her sword still raised, ready to strike again. False's eyes narrow, his gaze fixed on Jairen with a malevolent glare.
The air is heavy with tension, the outcome hanging precariously in the balance.
Lady Ioanna's kick sends False crashing to the ground, his eyes widening in shock as he struggles to catch his breath. "Trouble breathing?" she asks, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
False's face twists in anger as he glares at Lady Ioanna. "Shut up!" he yells, launching himself at her once again. But Lady Ioanna is ready for him, her sword flashing in the dim light as she blocks his attack.
"Oh, fist fight? How quaint," she says, a sly smile spreading across her face. "I'll be chivalrous, of course." She puts her sword away, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I'm going to enjoy this."
With a swift motion, she assumes a fighting stance, her hands up and ready to strike. False, still panting, charges at her with a snarl, his fists flying in a flurry of punches. Lady Ioanna dodges and weaves, her movements graceful and precise, as she counters False's attacks with her own.
The air is electric with tension as the two engage in a fierce hand-to-hand combat, their movements lightning-fast and deadly. Kael continues to tend to Lani, his eyes darting anxiously between the fight and Lani's still form.
The outcome hangs in the balance, the winner uncertain, as Lady Ioanna and False clash in a spectacular display of martial prowess.
Lady Ioanna's eyes widen as False grabs her wrist and punches her in the stomach. She doubles over, gasping for breath, but quickly recovers and delivers a swift uppercut that sends False flying into the air. As he struggles to get back to his feet, Lady Ioanna whispers "Ka Chase-" but is cut off by Jairen's deafening scream.
Lani's lifeless body, still bleeding profusely, has finally reached Jairen, and his eyes widen in horror as he takes in the sight. Lady Ioanna swiftly grabs Lani's body and Kael, carrying them miles away from Jairen as she teleports every student away from the impending blast.
She zooms through the kingdom, her speed incredible as she teleports student after student to her own kingdom, the center district. Finally, she stands and watches as the massive explosion engulfs the area, Jairen's screams echoing through the air as his body is torn to shreds.
False's body is turned to bits, disintegrated to absolute atoms, and the area is completely destroyed. The explosion travels far and wide, covering almost the entirety of the east kingdom and completely destroying the north kingdom, the second largest kingdom after the central kingdom.
Lady Ioanna's eyes are fixed on the destruction, her expression grim. She knows that this is only the beginning, that the consequences of Jairen's powers will be far-reaching and devastating. She can only hope that she has saved enough students to rebuild and start anew.
Lady Ioanna stood in stunned silence, her eyes fixed on the devastation before her. The once thriving kingdoms of East and North were now nothing more than smoldering ruins, their existence erased from the face of the earth. The blast had reached space, annihilating stars and cracking the void beyond. The sheer scale of the destruction was unfathomable, and Lady Ioanna's mind struggled to comprehend it.
As the dust settled, a heavy stillness fell over the landscape. The students, who had been teleported to safety, looked on in horror, their faces etched with shock and disbelief. Ito's question, "What the heck is going on?" hung in the air, but Lady Ioanna remained silent, her expression frozen in a mixture of grief and dread.
The wind whispered through the desolate landscape, carrying the faint scent of smoke and ash. Lady Ioanna's gaze drifted to Jairen's last known location, her heart heavy with foreboding. She knew that he was the key to understanding the catastrophe that had unfolded. But as she looked, she realized that Jairen was nowhere to be seen. He had vanished, leaving behind only questions and a trail of destruction.
The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the soft rustling of the wind. Lady Ioanna's eyes scanned the horizon, searching for any sign of Jairen or answers to the devastation. But there was nothing. Only the endless expanse of destruction, a grim reminder of the power that had been unleashed.
As the reality of the situation sank in, Lady Ioanna's expression hardened. She knew that she had to act, to find a way to stop Jairen and prevent further destruction. But as she turned to the students, her eyes met only confusion and fear. They were looking to her for answers, for guidance, but Lady Ioanna was unsure if she had any to give.
The weight of responsibility settled heavy on her shoulders, Lady Ioanna knew that she had to find a way to restore order, to rebuild and start over. But as she gazed out at the desolate landscape, she couldn't help but wonder if it was already too late.
Lady Ioanna's face contorted in a mixture of grief and sorrow as she turned to face Kael and Jairen's other classmates. Her eyes, once shining with determination, now seemed dull and lifeless, as if the weight of the news she was about to deliver was crushing her.
"Kael, dear students," she began, her voice trembling. "I... I have some difficult news to share with you all."
The students exchanged worried glances, sensing the gravity of the situation.
"The enemy, False, has been defeated," Lady Ioanna continued, her words laced with a hint of sorrow. "But... but at a great cost."
Kael's eyes widened, his face pale with anticipation.
"Jairen Yaragashi, our dear friend and classmate, has made the ultimate sacrifice," Lady Ioanna said, her voice cracking. "He gave his life to save us all."
The students gasped, their faces shocked and disbelieving. Kael's eyes welled up with tears, and he stumbled backward, as if the news had physically struck him.
"No... no, it can't be!" Kael exclaimed, his voice shaking. "Jairen, he... he can't be gone!"
Lady Ioanna's face mirrored Kael's anguish, her eyes overflowing with tears. She reached out a trembling hand, as if to comfort Kael, but seemed to hesitate, unsure of how to ease the pain.
The other students began to murmur among themselves, their faces etched with shock, grief, and disbelief. Lady Ioanna's announcement had left them reeling, struggling to come to terms with the loss of their friend and classmate.
As the news sank in, the group fell silent, their eyes fixed on Lady Ioanna, hoping for some glimmer of hope, some way to undo the tragedy that had occurred. But Lady Ioanna's expression offered no comfort, only a deep sorrow that seemed to echo their own.
Kael's anguished scream echoes through the air, his words piercing the hearts of those around him. "I LOSE BOTH MY FRIENDS! I LOST JAIREN AND LANI!!!!" He repeats, his voice cracking with rage and grief.
Ito rushes to Kael's side, trying to calm him down, but Kael's fury is uncontainable. He shakes off Ito's attempts, his eyes blazing with anger.
Marco's comment sparks a wave of gossip among the other students, their whispers and murmurs filling the air. "That's what he deserves for letting Lani die!" Marco spits on the ground, his words venomous.
Kael's head slowly turns towards Marco, his eyes narrowing into slits. Ito senses the escalating tension and tries to intervene, but Kael's gaze is fixed on Marco, his expression a mixture of anger and hurt.
Ito puts his head down and sighs, knowing that the situation is spiraling out of control. The students' reactions range from shock and grief to anger and resentment, each one struggling to process the loss of their friends.
The air is heavy with emotion, the weight of Jairen and Lani's sacrifices settling upon them like a shroud. Kael's anguish is palpable, his scream a raw expression of the pain and loss that threatens to consume them all.
Kael's eyes glow red with anger, his voice low and menacing. "You said what...?"
Marco takes a step back, his eyes widening in fear. "Woah there, tough guy... you gonna explode like your friend?"
Lady Ioanna intervenes, her voice firm. "Enough, Marco!"
But Kael is beyond reason. He walks towards Marco, his double ghost eyes blazing red. "Take it back," he whispers, his voice dripping with fury.
Marco refuses, his ghost eye flashing with defiance. "No, he shouldn't have let Lani get killed. Where was he?"
Kael's anger erupts, and he yells at Marco. "You don't know what happened!!"
The two boys charge at each other, their fists flying in a fierce battle. But Lady Ioanna quickly intervenes, pushing them apart with her superior strength.
"Stop it, both of you!" she commands, her voice echoing through the air. "This is not the time for fighting. We need to focus on processing our grief and finding a way forward."
Kael and Marco glare at each other, their chests heaving with anger and exertion. But slowly, they back down, their anger simmering just below the surface. The tension between them is palpable, a spark waiting to ignite into another fiery explosion.
As the students continue to argue and grieve, a mysterious figure emerges from the shadows, unnoticed by the group. He walks behind them, his presence silent and ominous.
Then, in a low, raspy voice, he says one word: "Ha...nishi..."
The students' eyes widen in terror as Hanishi's voice rings out, sending chills down their spines. They fall to their knees, overcome with fear and dread.
Lady Ioanna's hand instinctively reaches for her sword, but it's not there. She grips nothing but air, her fingers closing on an invisible hilt. Her eyes widen in confusion and panic as she realizes her sword is gone.
Eine tries to move, but his body refuses to respond. He's paralyzed, unable to even twitch a muscle. He's forced to sit and stare at Hanishi, his eyes fixed on the menacing smile spreading across his face.
The other students are similarly entranced, their eyes glued to Hanishi's mask as it seems to crack and crumble, revealing glimpses of his sinister grin. They're frozen in place, unable to move or speak, as Hanishi's presence seems to dominate the room.
Hanishi's smile grows wider, his eyes glinting with malevolence as he begins to speak in a low, raspy voice. "Ah, Lady Ioanna... Eine... dear students. I've been waiting for this moment for so long."
His words are dripping with malice, and the students can feel a dark energy emanating from him, making their skin crawl. They're trapped, helpless, and at Hanishi's mercy.
Hanishi's voice drips with malice as he speaks, his words dripping with an otherworldly energy. "Soon enough... I'll reveal myself when the rest of your world has turned to bits... but for now, keep doing everything I expect you to do. My plan is going well."
Lady Ioanna's eyes flash with defiance, her voice ringing out across the room. "What plan?!" she demands, her hand instinctively reaching for her sword.
But Hanishi is too quick. With a simple movement of his hand, he silences her, his power closing around her throat like a vice. "I did not give you permission to speak," he hisses, his eyes glinting with malevolence.
Lady Ioanna's face contorts in pain as she tries to speak, but her voice is trapped in her throat. She tries to move, but her body is frozen in place.
Then, in an instant, a hole is blown through her kneecap, and she groans in agony. Hanishi's smile grows wider as he speaks, his voice dripping with sadistic pleasure. "I've said too much," he says, his eyes glinting with menace.
And with that, he vanishes, leaving Lady Ioanna to collapse to the ground, her knee a twisted mess of blood and bone. Eine rushes to her side, his face etched with worry, and helps her up, supporting her weight as she winces in pain.
As they try to leave, they realize that Hanishi's attack has trapped them. The room is sealed off, and the doors are stuck. Eine tries to force them open, but they won't budge. "We're stuck," he says, his voice laced with panic.
Lady Ioanna's eyes narrow, her face set in determination. "We need to find another way out. Now." She scans the room, her gaze darting from one wall to the next. "There has to be a hidden exit or something."
Eine nods, and together they begin to search the room, their hearts racing with every passing moment. Hanishi's voice echoes in their minds, "You'll never escape me. My plan is already in motion."
As the doors open, Lady Ioanna and Eine are met with a feeling that makes their blood run cold.Hanishi’s abilities are unknown, and they realize that he is a major threat, possibly even unbeatable. Lady Ioanna quickly heals herself, then turns her attention to Lani, who is still lying on the ground, a hole in her chest.
"Damn, I forgot!" Lady Ioanna exclaims, throwing out her hand and casting a healing spell. The hole in Lani's chest is repaired, but her shirt is ripped, exposing her chest. Lani starts gasping for air, confused and disoriented.
"Where...where am I?" Lani stammers, looking around at the students. "Why are you all here?"
As Lani's eyes fluttered open, Kael explained the situation. "Lani, you won the battle against False, but it was a short-lived victory. False killed you, and then Jairen...he lost control and blew everything up. The kingdom is gone, Lani. It's been destroyed."
Lani's eyes widened in shock. "What? No...that can't be!"
Kael's expression was grim. "I'm afraid it's true. And to make matters worse...Jairen mayyyyyy or may not be gone like forever."
Lani's face fell, and she looked like she'd been punched in the gut. "No...Jairen! Oh no!"
The students gathered around her, offering words of comfort and support. Lani looked like she was in shock, trying to process the enormity of what happened.
Hanishi's realm, a dark and foreboding place, was shrouded in an eerie silence. The group of members, each with their own unique abilities and strengths, sat in a circle, their eyes fixed on Hanishi. The air was thick with tension, and the only sound was the soft crackling of the torches that lit the space.
Luusha, her voice like a razor, cut through the silence. "Hey, where's False? He's supposed to be here!" She glared at the others, her eyes narrowing as she searched for answers.
Arabel, a gothic-looking woman with a 4 on her cheek, spoke up, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Yeah, I think False died or something." She blew a gum bubble, her eyes glinting with mischief.
Luusha's face twisted in anger. "Shut up, Arabel!" she spat, her voice venomous. "You don't know what you're talking about!"
The group fell silent, their eyes fixed on the exchange between Luusha and Arabel. Hanishi's mask gleamed in the dim light, his expression unreadable.
Gunba, the 7th member, a chubby man with an eerie aura, sat in the circle, his eyes gleaming with amusement. He took a big bite of his sandwich, his cheeks bulging as he chewed. "False dead? Does that mean he's weaker than you?" He laughed, his belly shaking like a bowl full of jelly.
But his laughter was cut short as he choked on his sandwich. His face turned bright red, and he started coughing, his eyes watering.
Luusha, still angry from her exchange with Arabel, burst out laughing. "Shut your trap, fatty!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with disdain. "You can't even eat a sandwich without choking!"
The group erupted into laughter, their tension momentarily forgotten. Even Hanishi's mask seemed to gleam with amusement.
Arabel, still blowing gum bubbles, spoke up. "Yeah, Gunba, maybe you should stick to eating salads."
Gunba's face turned even redder as he continued to cough, his eyes fixed on Luusha with a mixture of anger and embarrassment.
Ichinobe, the 3rd member, a slender man with a number 3 on his neck, spoke up in a voice that was both intellectual and detached. "Well, if False is dead, do I get to move up in the ranks, Lord Hanishi?" He adjusted his glasses, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
But Hanishi didn't respond. Instead, he lifted his hands, his fingers poised like a pistol. Ichinobe's eyes widened as he realized what was happening.
"Uh oh, looks like someone else is being put on the task to go kill that rodent," Ichinobe said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He took a step back, his eyes fixed on Hanishi's pointing finger.
The group fell silent, their eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before them. Arabel's gum bubbles stopped mid-air, and even Gunba's coughing fit seemed to pause.
Luusha's eyes narrowed, her voice low and menacing. "You think you're getting out of this that easily, Ichinobe? You're going to take False's place?"
Ichinobe shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "Someone has to do it. And I'm the next logical choice."
Hanishi's finger continued to point, his mask glinting in the dim light. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as the group waited for his next move.
False's finger points past the table, and Ichinobe's confusion deepens. "Huh? What's going on?"
Luusha's eyes widen as she looks behind her. "Wait...that's him..."
Gunba's curiosity gets the better of him. "Oh, that's the boy?"
In the distance, passed out and chained to a wall in Hanishi's realm, Jairen hangs limply. Luusha's face twists in rage as she gets up from her seat, laughing maniacally. "This is the little SCUM that killed False!"
But as she tries to run towards Jairen, she realizes she's not moving. Her legs are pumping, but she's going nowhere. Suddenly, she snaps back to reality, still seated in her chair. "What the...?"
Hanishi's hand remains pointed, his mask glinting with an otherworldly energy. "The meeting isn't over, and the boss hasn't let us go yet," Ichinobe says, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Luusha's face twists in anger, realizing she's been restrained by Hanishi's power. "You think you can control me, Hanishi? I'll show you what happens to those who cross me!"
The group's tension escalates, their emotions raw and volatile. Hanishi's realm seems to darken, as if the shadows themselves are responding to the group's malevolent energy.
Arabel's laughter echoes through the realm, "You remember what happened last time?" she taunts, her gum bubbles mocking Luusha's frustration.
Luusha's face twists in anger, her eyes blazing with fury. "Shut up, Arabel!" she growls, still seated and unable to move towards Jairen's chained form.
Ichinobe's voice drips with sarcasm, "Awwww, the little baby is mad."
But before he can continue, Hanishi's hand silences him once more. The tension is palpable, the group's emotions simmering just below the surface.
Just then, the number 1 member, Hanvol, walks in, his long hair flowing behind him like a dark river. He's fully cloaked, his presence commanding attention.
"Lord Hanishi," he says, his voice low and gravelly, as he kneels and takes his seat closest to Hanishi.
The other members nod in respect, except for Luusha, who erupts in anger. "Hanvol! Where have you been?! You're late!! Boss, kill him!"
Hanvol turns to Hanishi, a hint of amusement on his face. "Who does she think she is?" he asks, his voice dripping with disdain.
But then, his expression turns serious, and he silences himself, his gaze fixed on Luusha.
Ichinobe tries to break the tension, "Hanvol, it's so great to have you here! What were you doing?"
Hanvol materializes a cup of tea and takes a sip before responding, "Things..." His voice trails off, leaving the group wondering what he's hiding.
Hanvol's eyes narrow as he asks Hanishi, "So, the body? That's False's killer?"
Hanishi's mask gleams in the dim light as he nods, his expression unreadable.
Without hesitation, Hanvol closes the distance between himself and Jairen's chained form. His hand flashes in the dim light, and with a swift, deadly motion, he slashes Jairen's chest, leaving a huge scar.
The group gasps, shocked by Hanvol's sudden violence.
Luusha's face twists in outrage. "That's unfair!" she exclaims, her voice rising. "You can't just-"
Ichinobe interrupts, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I mean, he is number 1. He can do whatever he wants."
Luusha's anger boils over. "That's so unfair! We should all be equal!" she yells, her fists clenched.
But Hanvol and Hanishi remain silent, their faces impassive. The tension in the room becomes oppressive, heavy with unspoken threats and simmering resentment.
Arabel blows a gum bubble, her eyes fixed on Jairen's scarred chest. "Well, that's one way to mark your territory," she says, her voice dripping with malice.
Gunba shifts uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes darting between Hanvol and Luusha. "Uh, I think we should focus on the meeting?"
But his words are lost in the sea of tension, as the group's dynamics continue to deteriorate.
Arabel's eyes gleam with a twisted excitement. "You can cut me up like that," she says, her voice husky rubbing her hands against her chest.
But Hanvol remains silent, his gaze fixed on Hanishi. "What do we do now, Lord Hanishi?" he asks, his voice low and gravelly.
Hanishi's response is curt. "Sit..."
Ichinobe's eyes widened in surprise. "He said something other than his name for once!" he exclaims, his voice full of wonder.
Gunba takes another bite of his sandwich, chuckling. "Yeah, but now we have the plan, and we have False's killer. We clearly won," he says, his mouth full.
Hanvol's eyes gleam with intensity. "Can I wreak havoc, Lord Hanishi?" he asks, his voice dripping with anticipation.
But Hanishi remains silent, his mask gleaming in the dim light. Jairen's body hangs limply from the chains, a stark reminder of the group's ruthless nature.
Hanishi's finger taps the table, and the realm transforms into a transparent view of outer space, showcasing the vast expanse of the universe. The group gazes in awe as the perspective zooms in on the Earth, focusing on Lady Ioanna and the students.
Luusha's eyes widened in amazement. "Woah... I've never seen you do this before," she says, her voice filled with wonder.
Gunba's grin turns cruel as he gazes at the students. "Look at all the weaklings grieving over a body. We have here," he says, his laughter echoing through the realm.
Hanishi's finger taps the table again, and the realm shifts back to its original state, bathed in the soft, eerie light.
The group's dynamics are palpable, with tensions simmering just below the surface. Hanvol's request to wreak havoc still hangs in the air, and Luusha's astonishment at Hanishi's abilities lingers. Gunba's cruelty and Ichinobe's sarcasm add to the volatile mix.
Luusha's boredom gets the better of her, and she starts kicking her feet back, her eyes fixed on some distant point. Gunba, meanwhile, is engrossed in eating another sandwich, his hunger seemingly insatiable.
Arabel's gaze drifts to Hanvol, her eyes filled with admiration. "Damn, that man is sexy..." she whispers, her voice barely audible.
Ichinobe notices Arabel's gaze and raises an eyebrow. "Stop staring, Arabel. I guarantee Hanvol is not worried about you," he says, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Arabel scoffs at Ichinobe's remark, rolling her eyes. "Always ruining my chances!" she exclaims, her voice laced with frustration.
Just then, Hanishi stands, his presence commanding attention. The group falls silent, their eyes fixed on him.
Without a word, Hanishi walks out of the realm, closing it behind him and ending the meeting. The group is left in stunned silence, the tension palpable.
As the scene fades to black, the sound of Arabel's frustrated sigh and Gunba's contented burp linger in the air, a stark contrast to the ominous tone that has settled over the group.
Lady Ioanna's eyes scan the sky, her intuition tingling. "We'll save you, Jairen," she whispers, her voice filled with determination.
Kael and Lani exchange a resolute glance. "Yeah! We'll get Jairen back, no matter what it takes!" they exclaim in unison.
The rest of the class looks at Kael and Lani, their faces set with resolve. Jewel pats Lani on the back. "I want to help you guys get him back."
Ito nods enthusiastically. "Yeah, me too!"
Jack emerges from the other side, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Count me in, too!"
Lady Ioanna's gaze sweeps across the group, her expression serious. "In order to bring Jairen back, we need to get stronger. Everyone needs an upgrade!"
The group nods, their faces set with determination. They know the journey ahead won't be easy, but they're ready to face the challenge.
"Let's do this!" Kael exclaims, his fist pumping the air.
"Time to level up!" Lani adds, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
The group begins to discuss their plan, their voices filled with determination and purpose. They know that with teamwork and perseverance, they can overcome any obstacle and rescue Jairen.
Lady Ioanna leads the group to her palace's library, a vast repository of ancient tomes and scrolls. "This is my library of training techniques," she says, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You'll find everything from basic combat maneuvers to advanced magic spells."
The group's eyes widen as they scan the shelves, their faces lit with wonder. Kael can't wait to dive in and start learning new skills. Lani, meanwhile, is drawn to a section on advanced healing techniques.
Next, Lady Ioanna takes them to her training room, a sprawling space that's at least 10 times bigger than the academy's training room. The room is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including punching bags, sword training dummies, and a massive magic training circle.
"Wow, this is incredible!" Jack exclaims, his eyes scanning the room in awe.
"Get comfortable, because you'll be spending a lot of time here," Lady Ioanna says with a smile. "I want you all to train hard and get stronger. We have a lot of work to do if we're going to rescue Jairen."
The group nods, their faces set with determination. They know they have a long journey ahead, but with Lady Ioanna's guidance and resources, they're ready to face whatever challenges come their way.
Lady Ioanna's eyes gleam with determination as she addresses the group. "You'll be here until the North and East Kingdoms are repaired and in full condition. So, you'll be here for a very long time. Train up, and get better. Become better than what you used to be!"
The group nods, their faces set with resolve. They’re ready!