- Yaru City, Tuesday, 8:05 pm -
After a few days, there had been no success in obtaining information concerning Kylin's likely position. But that's how it started.
The night was pitch black, and a swarm of people gathered in front of a standing man dressed in a black suit who, in the opinion of women, was pretty attractive.
He sounded as if he was talking about something awful. "I've come with determination and hope, as we're aware of our responsibility to piece together the timeline and eradicate the threat posed by the 'Blackstorm.' As a result of the chaos that swept through our lives, we found ourselves at the pinnacle of the most unsatisfactory periods, therefore I'd like to express my arrival and awakening."
The men and ladies kept their backs to him.
"In order to eliminate the potential of a future calamity, we'll need as many soldiers as possible to deal with such an aggressive zone of terror and death. I'd want to invite you all to accept my challenge and join me in making the world a better place. I guess the details are essential, so allow me to introduce them. I'm known as the 'Ferocious Maestro,' and I've had a large number of subordinates that have helped me develop the future's life. My title may appear ominous, but rest assured, I am not coming to scare you; rather, I wish to face you and gain your unwavering support."
"Man, Genpaku is doing a fantastic job as Grand Master of the Abyssal Clan... Despite the fact that we are all aware of his true motivation, I don't believe he will receive much support along with those creepy statements." A woman claimed to be listening while standing next to a masculine figure.
"Genpaku doesn't require much assistance at this time, but additional one would be beneficial, above average."
"However, instead of intriguing or comprehending looks, he tends to get timid looks."
"You call them, Timid? People won't just give in unless he finds the proper words or utilizes his Ability, so unless he finds the perfect words or uses his Ability, those people may never accept or support him."
"An explanation for why he appears determined and desirable."
("I guess these folks are dead set on stepping down and not helping our financial situation. The world is in shambles, and people are too apathetic to help. Perhaps there are some additional words that will persuade them to give in? Let's have a look... Yes, without a doubt! These words must be the end product, since if I mention them, I'm sure I'll get a small swarm of people.")
"Let's try this. Come on, you hardworking men and women, let's make a deal! Give me your support, and I'll give you a fantastic gift! I'll keep this world free of unwanted visitors! You'll be well compensated and rewarded! All you have to do is put in some effort for our clan. If we succeed, I will make certain that those statements are noted and that awards are provided!"
That sparked strange communism among the swarm, and soon, the people dedicated their human labor to supporting the man's needs.
"We'll accept your offer, dear sir! As long as we obtain your promise, we'll back you! All you have to do is utter your words, and we'll take care of the rest!"
Finally, the man let out a chuckle. ("People are so greedy; of course, those awards will not be provided! They will soon realize what it is like to suffer under true hard work while also risking their lives.")
Genpaku appeared insane, giggling inside his head, yet it was obvious that he was up to no good.
- Mount. Kakuya, Wednesday 3:10 pm -
"Tim, do you truly believe this is the greatest option we have? You want to progress even though you haven't fully mastered Wind control?"
Tim's obstinacy had irritated Codey, but he would listen to any response he received.
"I'm going to be alright. Plus, if we waste our time assisting me all the time, we'll never find the antidote, and I've got you by my side. With your assistance, the wind should be manageable. Erisa's attention had already been piqued, and she accepted."
"Are you sure you're going to leave it at that? You were able to increase your capacity to manipulate Wind by at least 40%. Do you still want to go?"
"Don't be concerned. I have a feeling we won't have an easy time receiving or creating that antidote. As a result, I'll have to rely on Elemental Masteries other than my primary one. So, depending on how much time I spend fighting crooks or dealing with horrific craziness, I should be able to adapt various Elements."
"Well, you appear to have a point, so I guess there's no need to worry... Let's call Ayuka and find her."
Tim reached for his phone and dialed Ayuka's number after selecting those words.
- Hawai'i, Wednesday 3:10 pm -
Ayuka was stranded in the middle of a street.
"Was that guy actually looking in this direction when he saw Kylin? It's a complete dead end."
Ayuka was talking to herself and shining the phone's flashlight on the wall when she heard a step behind her back, and her phone rang at the same time.
Her first thought, though, was to check who was standing behind her.
A sinister and ominous apparition confronted her, hidden by the alleyway's darkness.
The man was the one who spoke first. "Please don't get too worked up. I'm only here get answers to some questions; there's no threat until you specifically request it. So instead of putting my hand on a girl, I want to confront her with patience and a great sense of communication."
"You know, I'd say you look quite worrisome to me. However, it is contingent on what you wish to learn from me. If it's something that necessitates the 'Blackstorm,' I'm not the type of girl you're searching for."
"Let's start with a sensitive level of security. It's great to be informed. But let's get down to business. You appear to be friends with Azumi Hotaru Kylin, the 'Masked Fiend's' female. I demand an explanation for what has happened to her."
"And you expect me to tell you? Creeps are usually so interesting to read. I'm not going to tell you anything unless you want to introduce yourself first."
"Okay, then I'll go ahead and do it. I'm the girl's older brother, and she pledged to keep her 'Masked Fiend's' ritual a secret. 'Masked Fiends,' however, it appears she overestimated my patience and decided to reveal every last detail about us."
"Fiends in Masks? Do you mean the 'Akusei' technique, which one of my pals coined? If that's the case, why don't you prove it to me before I say anything and ignore you?"
"This is exactly what I expected to happen. As a result, I came prepared. Although I recognize you as a strong Duelist, I challenge you to a Duel and Deal. You will disclose every information you were informed of and assist me in finding her if I win the battle."
"Will you give me a choice if I win?"
"Correct. Of course, I didn't want to get into a fight so fast, but it appears you won't say anything. Keeping secrets from her own brother must be a lot of fun. I won't force you into an explanation if you honestly believe my sister's relationship with you was submitted to be correct. But believe me when I say that I am not a person to mess with - I am not."
"I won't say anything until I've earned your trust. Only if you win, as we predicted, will I do so. However, first things foremost."
"What?"
"I'm sorry, but I have to accept this call," Ayuka swung around and swiftly raised her phone near her ear with a brave smile. "Hello, how are you? Tim! It's great to hear from you. Oh? You've come to find us? We're in Hawai'i, so no problem. We'll talk again shortly. Bye-bye." Then she grew serious, turning around and placing her phone in her pocket.
"All right, we're good to go."
However, when she turned around, the man in front of her appeared uneasy and perplexed.
"What? Isn't it possible for a girl to have some time to talk to a friend?" She inquired but was soon interrupted by another inquiry.
"Are you finished chatting with your boyfriend now?"
"I am, now let's get back to where we were."
- Mount. Kakuya, Wednesday 3:13 pm -
"So? What is the path that we will take?" Codey was perplexed when he noticed Tim's displeasure and dropped his phone.
"Hawai'i... I had no idea she was so dependent on beach calm and a rapid ocean."
"Seriously? I would never say that - if I had to guess where she was."
"Let's just call Raira and ask her to transport us there, and let's do it quickly."
- Hawai'i, Wednesday 3:13 pm -
It began when Ayuka stretched one of her arms forward and pushed the other over her wrist.
A powerful force began to zap around at an astonishing rate as a white and luminous aura began to dramatically flash outwards.
"Let's see how this sword compares to my old one - 'Shimo Yari, Seiryoku!" Ayuka's garments began to change radically almost immediately, and she hoped for the best.
Her white sweatshirt was transformed into the most unexpected look as she activated 'Seiryoku,' the sleeves were reduced to her shoulders, displaying her well-cared-for skin. Fishnet garments draped on her collarbone, extending up her neck to a choker, where white silk clothes began to cover her chest in crosswise golden ribbons.
She was then given a white sweater that wrapped around her hips and leggings that extended to the very bottom of her leg to protect her from the future's needed cold.
The dust dissipated as she shifted her attire, and a white sword with a long black and golden thread began to rest in her hold, waving, and her earrings gleamed brightly for a brief second, ready her for combat.
She stopped on the place, her cheeks scorching and her sweat trickling down at a slower rate.
The man, on the other hand, shifted his gaze to the side, uneasy. "Every time I acquire something new, the blade or the clothes want to disclose every single part of my body! And what the hell is this? Some kind of black ribbons linked to my right dang leg?! Come on, folks! Why do I have to cope with such horrible moments?"
She raised her leg, attempting to untangle the black ribbons that were entangling her right leg, but realizing that she would be forced to strip, she kept silent and dropped her sole, hearing the guy chuckle.
"Hey! What's so funny, smartass?! You're completely mistaken if you think you'll get lucky and see me dressed like this for more than five minutes! I'm going to finish this duel before then!"
She noticed the man giggle as she complained. "You creep, stop laughing!"
"S-Sorry! It's just hilarious! Your reaction to seeing your own attire struck a chord with me and tickled my funny bone!"
Ayuka's face continued to sweat while the man laughed, and she felt much more tormented. "Oh, please, shut up! Let's just get to the point before I appear even more embarrassed than I already am!" She leaned forward and swooped the blade behind her back.
"I suppose these outfits are standard for the 'Holy Light' aesthetic... It's quite frustrating."
Ayuka slammed her right sole forward, speeding at her opponent and immediately turning his attention to the Duel.
To start the combat, he summoned his blade and went forward, cutting through Ayuka's own, and on impact, Ayuka's underused technique looked to be holding her back, so she was knocked back and deprived of her strength.
And, to keep up with the theme of learning how to fight in a different way, she did a backflip and landed in a handstand on the floor, before drifting back into another leap and landing in the distance.
When she appeared just in front of the man, she twisted the new blade and blitzed forward. She stiffened her sole in the ground, turned in a big circle, and hastily sliced at the man's chest to put more effort into her slash's force.
But, without much effort, he crossed the blade in front of his chest and blocked it, scattering Ayuka's movement behind his back, where she immediately appeared behind his back and released a bright blue aura from the blade, spinning and cutting as she appeared to be quickly surrounded by the released light.
And, as it encircled and formed a ring around her body. When it collided with the man's metal, a violent zap erupted, sending our Heroine back to a safe landing.
"Perhaps I won't be able to finish this in under five minutes... Being trapped in this ridiculous clothing is completely needless; I should've just stayed as I was."
To be continued...