Kazui stood atop a rock, the wind brushing against him. His eyes narrowed as he realized something crucial—he couldn't touch the ground. If he did, the explosives planted all over would detonate.
Nearby, Baraka glanced at Kinto.
"So… what's next?" he asked, tightening the stone around his arm.
Kinto smirked. "We've cornered him. Now it's just a matter of tightening that space even more. He can easily fire at long range,but with your earth abilities, you can protect both of us at the same time."
Without hesitation, Baraka hardened his arm using his earth abilities, while Kazui summoned his vibrant green flames, forging them into sharp arrows. In one smooth motion, he unleashed a rapid barrage of fiery projectiles toward Kinto and Baraka.
Kinto quickly countered by throwing explosives to intercept the arrows, each contact resulted in a burst of fire and smoke. Seizing the distraction, Kazui launched himself into the air, firing arrows from above with fierce intensity.
Baraka reacted instantly, enlarging his rocky hands to swat away the flaming bolts. He leapt into the air, meeting Kazui mid-sky, and the two began exchanging fierce blows. Punches clashed, flame met stone. Eventually, Kazui landed a solid hit, slamming Baraka into the ground below. Without pause, he fired several flame arrows at him.
Landing back on a different rock, Kazui smirked.
"You'll need to be more tactical than that if you want to bring me down."
But his smirk faded quickly. Without warning, he realized—his entire body was lined with hidden explosives.
Kinto's voice echoed.
"From the beginning, the plan was to limit your movement. While you were focused on your offense, Baraka kept you busy… and I did the rest."
Kazui chuckled and exhaled sharply. "Heh… You got me good. I'll admit defeat."
Watching from a distance, Mori and Deo stood in shock, jaws dropped.
"I don't know why you're that surprised," Deo muttered.
—
Elsewhere, in another training area...
Alex, Kazuki, and Tobi had finished sparring. Diablo sat nearby, observing calmly.
"That was entertaining," Diablo said with his usual straight face. "Actually impressive."
Kazuki narrowed his eyes. "Why do you always say stuff like that with such a serious look?"
Diablo turned to Alex. "Your physical strength, energy reserves, and your flash step speed have increased significantly. Using over plus 50 energy fists isn't something just anyone can do. Most people can barely reach 20."
Alex scratched his head and sighed. "Doesn't change the fact that I got beat by a 14-year-old."
Tobi burst out laughing. "Don't be too upset about it."
Diablo shifted his gaze to Kazuki. "Your skills were always high, but I didn't expect your sword technique to be this refined. Mastering those movements in just three years, that's neat"
Kazuki let out a disappointed sigh. "Three years… all that effort, just to get countered by a kid who climbed to C-rank at 8 years old."
Tobi smirked, teasing, "I knew something like this would happen. You shouldn't be so mad—you're strong and you knew that."
Kazuki shot him a glare. "Brat."
Alex grinned at Tobi. "You're only 14, and you're already this strong. That's honestly really cool."
Tobi smiled. "Thanks."
Diablo, still composed, added, "Let me teach you both something."
He stood up, looking at them seriously.
"Back when you were 12 or 13, you already had skills beyond expectations. Now, at your current level, those skills have grown significantly… but that brings danger. More dangerous missions. More eyes on you."
Kazuki narrowed his eyes. "Where are you going with this?"
"The higher-ups," Diablo said. "The Superiors who are nothing but old geezers. They fear power. If someone gets too strong, they'll try to eliminate them—either by sending them on a death mission disguised as a C-rank job… or worse, a direct hit."
Alex's eyes widened. "Why would they want me dead?"
"Because of your strength," Diablo answered bluntly. "And the power inside you. They fear what you could become."
He turned to Kazuki. "You too. Be careful."
Alex asked, "How do you know all this?"
Diablo's eyes darkened. "Because I've seen it. I've lived it. People who worked hard to break their limits and bend the rules of power, people who were born with power and execute it well, people who have potential. They've all been wasted by the fear of these higher up bastards."
Tobi leaned over and whispered to Alex. "You think Diablo's okay?"
Kazuki sighed. "Well it doesn't matter. I'm leaving the city in two days. I only came back to see how strong Alex and I have gotten after the past three years. That and the fact that i wanted a little peace."
"I figured," Diablo said. "Just be cautious."
He turned back to Alex. "Also, your Blade of Death—its speed levels are almost faster than you are. Keep that in mind. Okay?"
Alex's eyes lit up. "Seriously? That's awesome!"
—
Later that evening...
Tobi was in Alex's room, surprised by what he saw.
"Wait… you're into manga and anime too?"
Alex rolled his eyes. "Don't get too excited. I'm just about to make us something to eat."
After preparing burgers and sandwiches, Alex asked, "So… how did you end up in the Black Fire group?"
Tobi paused, then began with a mild smirk.
"Veronica found me when I was just a kid. I came from a city where kids were trained to wield weapons from a young age. We were tought basic stuff by the adults and our parents. One day, wild beasts attacked from the nearby forest. A lot of people died… including my parents."
Alex's expression softened.
"My sister and I ran. She was six years older than me. But we got surrounded by monsters. She… she fought them off so I could escape."
He clenched his fists.
"I ran with tears in my eyes. Felt guilty. I survived using everything I had learned. Months later, Veronica found me after i was just laying lifeless after having a death battle with a literall killer beast"
Alex looked down. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."
Tobi chuckled softly. "It's fine. I'm over it now. Still… sometimes I wonder if my sister's still out there."
—
Meanwhile, on a rooftop in an abandoned city…
Kirihai stood alone, eyes hollow.
"This was my home…" she whispered. "I grew up here. So many memories…"
Behind her, Sorata appeared with a crooked grin, lounging casually.
"Didn't expect someone as bloodthirsty as you to have emotions."
Kirihai turned sharply. "That's rude. Apologize."
He shrugged. "There's nothing you can do about the past. Might as well suck it up. Literally, the hole it left on you is still there, it won't go away no matter how much time passes."
She looked back up at the dark sky. "I wonder… is my little brother still alive?"
Sorata raised a brow. "Didn't expect you to have a brother. Or a past, for that matter. I always thought that you were a maniacal killer who just loved seeing things all red."
"Shut up," she muttered.
Sorata smirked. "Your city may be gone. But you can either live in pain… or use that pain to keep fighting. Fight along side the allies you have now, be it good or evil. And stay true to yourself. Because in this world.....", Destructive energy lit up on his palm "Weathere good or evil, survival is all that matters."
END OF CHAPTER.