The tension in the air was palpable. Hakai had to avenge Seiya, seeing his unconscious form lying face first triggered him. This person had hurt his friend and it was something he couldn't address. He had to pay this person back for what she's done and he wouldn't stop until he felt it was sufficient a beating.
'' You honestly think you can beat me? You're just some kid and I've cultivated for far too long that the strength I wield far outclasses you children. ''
Nyoko couldn't help but try to demoralize Hakai with a statement that was predominantly true in most cases but there were some exceptions to this particular rule. Hakai's affinity with the Aspect of Underworld had boosted his strength, speed, reflexes and energy output to extremities and he had shown her that her words fell on deaf ears.
The black haired male proceeded to strike her several times with his blade while she was forced to be on the defensive, she could see that his strength was the real deal but it was insulting. She had spent all these years accumulating strength and to see this young male just overwhelm her was an insult.
'' How many more kids must I take into my wing to make up for this gap in power… ''
She saw how ruthless his strikes were and she had no proper chances to get in an attack properly if she continued on like this. At the edge of the stairs, an opportunity arrived.
Children persuaded by Nyoko's words from earlier had started walking down to the base of the stairs in an attempt to return to captivity out of fear. With their presence, Nyoko's strength rose to greater heights sufficient enough to respond to the black haired assailant. She grabbed Hakai by the blade he had swung at her, throwing him far down the hallway with enough force that broke apart the ground as he crashed into it.
'' Your power feels familiar but I can't put a pin on it. As much as I'd like to get to the bottom of what you remind me of, I'm more focused on ridding you and that boy there from this base although.. Now that I think about it, you both might be a more delicious treat than the mortal children. I might be able to cultivate at a far faster rate if I take from your spirit essences.''
The female started theorizing of the benefits of siphoning their essences, she grew wanting and practically salivated thinking about it. Hakai was getting up from the floor after feeling the pain in his back make it difficult for him to get up.
'' Damn it, she's gotten stronger. What should I do? Should I try to dissuade these children or lead her away from here? ''
Hakai had looked at the children and then at the Dark Hand Commander, every second he wasted thinking was a second he could've spent acting and he weighed his choices heavily.
'' Hey kids! Living here is no way to spend the rest of your lives! She clearly means to use you as fodder! You amount to nothing more than a stepping stone in her eyes, please think about your situation! Anything else is better than this! ''
The male screamed at the children, hoping that they'll listen. They looked at one another and then at Hakai. They nodded and returned to climbing the stairs, weakening the bond that Nyoko had placed on them. The Commander sighed.
'' Since you wish to tear me from my children, I'll have to use my back up. Those who are weak are prone to being limited to just one Fear, an ability we are able to achieve once we reach a particular point in our growth but there is a moment where we are able to generate a second Fear. Allow me to show you the power of one that is a Stage 3 Cultivator : Practitioner. ''