In a vast landscape riddled with towering volcanoes and molten rivers, Bara and Garou moved cautiously along jagged rock formations and cliff walls, carefully avoiding the bubbling lava below. The air shimmered with heat as they navigated the treacherous terrain inside one of the active volcanoes.
Bara, his eyes scanning the volcanic interior, said, "The Millennia Stone of the Divine Beast of Fire should be around this specific volcano."
Garou groaned. "I wish Ukina didn't send us on such a crazy mission. This place is a wasteland located in another country entirely, and we just got teleported here like dump."
"Stop complaining," Bara replied with a smirk. "We're close. I can feel it."
He pointed ahead toward a glowing red stone, sealed between two blackened obsidian pillars. Its light pulsed ominously. "That's it—the Millennia Stone."
Garou looked at the wide sea of lava separating them from the stone. He raised an eyebrow. "You've got to be kidding."
"There might be guardians protecting it," Bara warned, his tone suddenly serious.
Garou scoffed. "Then figure out how we're getting it."
"We both can fly, remember?" Bara teased.
Before the argument could continue, the ground rumbled beneath them. The volcano began to quake violently as ten colossal serpents of pure flame erupted from the lava. Their eyes glowed like molten gold, and their hissing filled the cavern.
"What the hell are those?!" Garou shouted in disbelief.
"No clue," Bara said, his robotic arm shifting into a blaster. "But I'd bet my circuits they're guarding the stone. Get ready!"
The flaming snakes surged toward them.
[Time Skip – Hours Later]
Exhausted and battered, Bara and Garou walked through the scorched land outside the volcano.
"I haven't had a battle that brutal in my entire life," Garou muttered, wiping blood and burn marks from his face.
Bara chuckled. "If it weren't for me, you'd have been toast."
"Shut the hell up," Garou growled. "I had it under control."
Bara held up the red Millennia Stone, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "Now that we've got it... I'm going to invade the city."
Garou blinked. "You want to get your ass beat, or are you just asking for a death wish?"
Bara smirked and explained, "I'll absorb some of the stone's power—just a little. It'll upgrade me."
Garou sighed. "Damn it all, your plans are always too risky. Fine, i'm coming with you."
Bara raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
Garou cracked his knuckles. "I want to fight that Baraka kid again. That fight… it was the most fun I've had in ages."
Bara laughed. "You're insane."
He looked up at the sky and muttered, "If we die… at least it'll be worth it."
Meanwhile – In the Wastelands
Luck was in a heated sparring match with the rest of the girls. Explosions echoed across the battlefield as Runo unleashed a barrage of summoned weapons. Giant railguns and cannons obliterated the field with each blast.
Luck hovered above Runo, preparing a devastating kick, but Luck responded by launching a salvo of missiles from a summoned launcher.
"I'm impressed," Luck shouted through the chaos. "I didn't think ordinary guns could be this destructive!"
Runo, now dual-wielding pistols, replied as she fired shot after shot, "Depends on my energy levels. I can summon weapons that cause mass destruction no matter how small they are. It all depends on my level of energy "
Luck dashed forward, dodging the destructive bullets, and pulled out a dagger. Runo did the same, and the two clashed in a flurry of sharp steel.
Watching from the sidelines, Serena turned to Sukuna. "Luck's casually keeping up with her... it's amazing."
Sukuna nodded. "Honestly, Runo's almost as skilled as Luck. That weapon-summoning ability is something else. If we both had to fight her in the assassination exams back then, I'm willing to bet that she would have won."
Back in the City
Alex, Kinto, and Tobi stood before Kojin, who spoke with a serious expression.
"I've got an important mission. Reports say members of the Dark Sign have been collecting Millennia Stones for days now. Two of them were just spotted in the forest outside the city."
Alex cracked his knuckles. "Huh? Is that all? We'll handle it."
Kinto raised an eyebrow. "What about me?"
Kojin turned to him. "You're heading to the City of Steel in the Iron Country. One of their top assassins was badly injured. Lord Yamamoto personally asked for a replacement. We're sending our best—someone with unmatched skill and intelligence."
Kinto blinked. "What's that got to do with me?"
"You're the city's most skilled assassin, especially with weapons" Kojin said flatly. "And the smartest."
Alex rolled his eyes. "Lucky. I get the hard job."
"Levi will lead your team out," Kojin added. "Diablo has a special assignment and won't be joining."
Alex sighed. "Why do I always get dumped with so much work?". Kinto replied him bluntly "No you don't."
Later – By the River
Diablo lay beside the flowing water, gazing up at the sky in peaceful silence. Alex approached.
"Hey," he said softly.
Diablo turned, smiling. "How's it going, Alex?"
"Just wanted to see you before I left for the mission," Alex said.
Diablo chuckled. "Hm, that's cool. I appreciate you checking on me. Don't push yourself too hard, okay?"
"I won't," Alex replied with a grin.
Diablo gave him a thumbs up and a bright smile.
End of Chapter.