- Enrokonai City, Wednesday 10:05 pm -
Just a few minutes ago, a little mystery erupted in Enrokonai City, with residents and two guys assaulting each other.
"Seems like somebody's off the case, Reizo," the man, who was still unknown to the public, chuckled. "You should already know that I'm not under the authority of the Police Greave, right?" the two guys appeared to be aware of each other.
"Oh, yes. You gave up on being a detective and became a one-on-one Duelist. I'll admit, I underestimated your lack of teamwork back in the day, but I guess I was right all along. Right, Reizo?"
"Would you mind explaining the current situation and your efforts? Why are you assembling a group of people to follow your lead? I'm hoping they're aware that they're being used and won't get anything in return for their help."
"Now we both know that's not the situation here, Reizo. After we finish the tracing that we're striving for, my dear people here are as well-informed as they can be about their present."
Reizo, the man, appeared to be wearing a trench coat similar to the one Tim was wearing when he first became a 'Spiritual Duelist.'
"I'm sure you're just duping them into believing that, aren't you?" But just then, the man in front of him giggled again. "You're not paying attention to yourself. Anyway, I'm guessing you came to confront me and try to dissuade me? Or are there any additional factors that are obstructing my progress?"
Someone had been leaning against the bus station's glass, wearing a hood and holding a phone that continued to light into their face, typing down some critical notes while both of them continued to talk.
"To keep you from going any farther with your plan, whatever it is." Reizo stretched both arms and summoned two of the white handguns, both of which appeared to be encrusted with gold.
Reizo spoke as he swung one of his weapons in front of his chin. "Make an effort not to flee. After all, that is typically how you 'win.'" When the cloaked man had both arms placed against his hips, beaming, Reizo's look sent chills down the people's spines.
"I'd say the atmosphere became fairly heated. Let's get this party started." The man in the cloak swung his arm forward, calling three cards that continued to float in front of his arm. However, after swinging and catching them, a red circle symbol emerged on the ground, trapping both Reizo and the man.
"No one will be able to escape this way."
The people led by the cloaked guy began to form a line in the short seconds that plunged two Duelists into conflict.
"Look at them, they're all dressed up like soldiers. For them, that is the only freedom they will ever have." Reizo shifted his weight to the side and aimed the gun forward, squeezing the trigger and firing a powerful bullet that whirled through the air.
The man took one of his cards and swung it forward, allowing the bullet to pass through. Instead of harming him, the bullet landed in a new portal immediately behind Reizo, who returned the stare with one of his eyes.
As a result, he quickly flipped to the side to dodge the bullet, which exploded into a shower of sparks, catching Reizo off guard. Not only did it explode and redirect itself, but it also began firing numerous clones of the same bullet at Reizo at the same time, prompting him to begin moving away and evading.
Reizo avoided all of the bullets by ducking beneath several and mid-air side rolling. The bullets then detonated in a chain, creating a tremendous whirlwind that pushed the young gun wielder back.
Just then, the man slowly moved an arm to the front and created a row of flying cards, which he chuckled at and then hurled like steel bullets at Reizo, who squatted and jumped over them, but shot one of the first with his won bullets, and bounced both plates of steel to the side, before landing and spinning both of his guns and aiming them forward, targeting the thief.
Reizo continued to pelt the man with bullets, who chuckled, slid one arm back, while the other leaned behind his bottom back, and they slowly opened a portal, through which he entered and vanished, allowing the bullets to miss.
Due to Reizo's abrupt departure, he came to a halt and began scouting the area, and before long, the man appeared behind him and kicked him in the back, knocking him further and, as a result, focusing his palm forward and conjuring bright red energy around it.
"My dear friends, I would advise you to get out of this zone." His followers heard and swiftly backed away after a brief warning.
"How about I demonstrate the true reality in which you live?" When the cloaked figure grinned, Reizo acted quickly and ran forward, reloading his pistols while waving his trench coat.
A black, atmospheric shockwave pulsated through the air in the blink of an eye, compelling the Police Force to drop their weapons and even breach their armored shields as they were pounded back and dispersed across the ground.
Fortunately, Reizo was able to maintain his balance and avoid being knocked back or knocked to the ground, which he then recognized. "The shockwave isn't the only thing!?"
When the ground began to shift into a completely different dimension, the cloaked guy brightened the brightness of his jewel. The earth's expanding pillars, the unexpected hurricane, the thunderstorm that shattered multiple claps of thunder, and even the physics behind the gravity of the floor, causing it to wave-like water.
Reizo moved aside, trying to avoid being hit, but his luck ran out when both he and the hooded person with the phone began to lose their footing.
However, no matter how hard they tried, they both failed spectacularly and were knocked up and down, smashed into the walls and pillars, and almost struck by lightning when the hooded person flipped back and landed on the floor, but just as they did, thunderstruck the held phone and forcibly exploded it into smoke.
And it just so happened that crucial information was stored on that phone, and the owner had already cursed out. "Damn it!" A female. She jumped back and landed on one of the pillars, watching Reizo fighting, she spoke in a feminine voice.
The cloaked man then unleashed a strong ring of crimson energy with a slow swing of his arm. When the cloaked man continued to laugh and gently float up while standing on a piece of floating ground, it smacked against Reizo and completely pierced his block, throwing him forward and destroying the ground beneath him.
Staring down at Reizo, he seemed to have the upper hand on the girl no matter what he did. "Do you see what I mean? The powers I now wield are those of an immortal like myself! My clan and I, the Reality's Trickster, shall gather all six Elemental Masteries; after all, it is what we need to unlock Reality's full potential!"
Reizo and the girl stood there, staring up, trying to figure out what the words meant. "What the hell are you going to do with that new power?" Reizo questioned aiming one of his pistols and shooting a bullet with rage and disappointment, but as he did so, a black whip swung from the side and swallowed the bullet, consuming it and causing the Reality Jewel to grow stronger.
"What is it about that ability? Do you have the audacity to ask me such a morbid question? That's the biggest joke I've ever heard from you. But fear not, the solution shall not be delivered, after all..."
When the cloaked figure removed his hood, his red eyes gleamed brightly in the open, revealing a grin.
"... I, Hirashima Genpaku, the Spiritual Hoaxers' leader, shall reveal the world the truth! It's something to be afraid of! I'll just demonstrate how revolting this world is, what with all of the liars and betrayals! I'll show them that they should stand up for themselves, and what better way to do it than with the support of my followers." As Genpaku spoke out.
"..."
"This "World" we live in is nothing more than a criminal organization! And, while I may appear to be one of them, I'm doing this for the sake of the future; I'll pursue your Soul as soon as I find all six Elemental Masteries."
He continued to look down at Reizo with his arms crossed over his lower back. "Damn it, Genpaku! Get back down here you coward!" But, with a final laugh, he vanished under the mask, revealing a translucent and eerie visage.
When bursting forth a large shockwave, the area screeched and laughed, forcing the area to rearrange itself, with his followers disappearing.
"... He's not attempting to help the liars; he's reshaping reality, and if that's the cause, we must act swiftly." The girl bolted, leaving Reizo alone and visibly enraged.
- Enrokonai City (Consortium), Wednesday 10:05 pm -
"That's a one heck of an ability! How are we going to combat... THAT?" Elliot's flinching eyes were startled, and the rest of them began to think quietly.
"I never imagined I'd see this day when I first heard of Reality's Elemental Mastery... It's frightening, but it's also fascinating. Imagine if we could overcome him and accept the Ability for ourselves, we might even be able to restore the World to its previous state."
"Can you tell me what you're talking about?" Tim pondered, his arms crossed across his chest. "Well, this is just a guess, but what if you encountered that Ability and charged it? People with other Elemental Masteries use it, too."
"So you're attempting to take advantage of my powers. I mean, if that's the only option, I'd be willing to go along with it." Tim's hand was grabbed by Ayuka's as he behaved calmly and lifted his hand, catching him in a draft.
"I'm sorry, but I won't be able to allow this to happen. Reality is a skill that necessitates a strong Mentality as well as a high level of Spiritual Symbolism. Sure, you might have everything you need, but one wrong move and you're on your way to meeting your destiny. You've already faced three different Elemental Masteries, which is a lot for a single person to deal with."
"But, Ayuka. Look, we're all trapped in this alternate universe, we've lost our memories, and we've lost something we really care about. I realize that's a big risk, but if we can pull it off-" Codey's conversation was cut short.
"No, I said! Stop being so oblivious and consider the situation! Even if he obtains the ability, there is a significant danger of death, and even if he does not, what if the plan fails?"
"You're right, Codey. She does have a reasonable point." Kylin, who was standing by the fence, spoke up.
"I suppose you're correct. So, Ayuka, maybe another suggestion?" Codey interrogated and sighed. "So, you're supposed to wear a body filled with Demon Blood, right? We can take advantage of it and have you control that ability. Demon Blood is significantly superior to Holy or Human Blood, and I'm sure you'll be able to control it. Plus, other than your Element, you don't have complete control over everything else."
"Isn't it true, Ayuka, that you're not serious? How do you intend to accomplish this? None of us can accept Elements as easily as Tim, who can do so simply by touching them."
"That Jewel of Reality. It will maximize its potential and examine your Spirituality if you come into contact with it. It will activate itself and begin the process of 'trading' Element if it is strong enough."
"Is that even possible? Sure, if you think so, I can do it in Tim's place. But are you certain there aren't any other threats that could derail us?"
"There isn't any, except than 'it' not picking you. But it's the best we could do. There are no dangers, and I'm confident that the man who has it fastened to his garment hasn't touched it yet."
As soon as that was uttered, everyone fell silent and listened intently.
"Okay, I understand. But don't rush in; we have no idea where they are or if we're prepared to battle them."
The night came to an end for them after everyone's confirmations.
To be continued...