Chereads / He Who Carries Death / Chapter 49 - Strain and Recovery

Chapter 49 - Strain and Recovery

The campfire from the night before dwindled to embers, giving off a faint, comforting warmth as the next day began. The Horsemen were first at the Carebay, with Abbas granting them entry with a loud sigh and mutterings. They all sat at Pierson's side, looking on intently as Abbas used his ability on him. Pierson's eyes fluttered open in the next moments, and he smirked weakly.

"Y'er all missed me,right?"

Kenji snickered whiles Asahi and Leo sighed, relieved. "Welcome back, Pierson" "Did....did I make it?", He said,trying to lift himself up. "Lay back, Pierson. You are not fully recovered, and...well...yeah...You did make it.." Leo added. "If I did....I can't spend my time cooped up in a bed." He sprang up, grunting slightly."I have to get...much...stronger.." Asahi folded his arms over and turned to Abbas, "Heal him quickly, not to his perfect health....but..just enough for him to practice without too much strain" Abbas sighed once more and nodded.

At afternoon time, Pierson was back in his feet, his arm in a cast. "You guys ready?",Asahi asked as he stood aside. "Huh...what is it, Asahi?" Leo asked, tilting his head. Kenji and Pierson only smirked and rose up, Kenji standing by Asahi whiles Pierson stood facing them both. "D-don't tell me their already going to-"

The swift breeze blew through their hair as they stood.Asahi's katana gleamed as he took a low stance, his eyes narrowing in concentration. Pierson, his right arm encased in a short cast, flexed his fingers, the air around him shimmering as he turned a nearby stick into a sleek, dangerous-looking spear. Kenji, his muscles taut and ready, took a deep breath.

□□"DEATH STANCE 18; Thanatos"□□

◇◇◇◇"CHARIOTS "◇◇◇◇

♤♤♤♤♤"GEAR FORCE "♤♤♤♤♤

Instantly, Asahi exploded into motion, his sprint technique turning him into a blur. He darted towards Pierson. Pierson responded by swinging his spear in a wide arc, aiming to intercept Asahi's advance. But Asahi's WAS faster, he veered sharply to the side, narrowly avoiding the spear's deadly tip.Kenji took advantage of the opening. The golden gears forming around his legs, spinning against each other and creating small sparks. He closed the distance between himself and Pierson in an instant, launching a flurry of kicks. Pierson barely managed to parry with his spear, his movements hampered by the cast on his arm.Asahi, now behind Pierson, lunged forward with a powerful slash.

"DEATH STANCE 7; Dividing"

Pierson, sensing the danger, transformed a nearby rock into a sturdy shield just in time to block the katana's strike. The impact of the strike caused a booming sound and its vibrations reverberated through Pierson's arm,but he held firm, spinning around to counterattack. Kenji, undeterred, continued his relentless assault, his strikes growing faster and more precise. He aimed a spinning kick at Pierson's side, but Pierson deflected it with his shield, then thrust his spear towards Kenji. Kenji dodged, the spear grazing his arm as he slipped past it and delivered a swift jab to Pierson's midsection.

" Faster...Pierson."

Pierson staggered back, but Asahi was already on him again, sword slicing through the air. Pierson dropped his shield, tore up blades of grass,turning them into a set of throwing knives mid-fall, and flung them towards Asahi. Asahi's twisted his body, the knives whizzing past him harmlessly. Kenji, seeing an opening, accelerated once more, his kicks a blur as he targeted Pierson's vulnerable spots. Pierson gritted his teeth, transforming the spear into a chain whip, which he swung in a wide arc to keep his opponents at bay. The whip lashed out, forcing Asahi and Kenji to leap back to avoid its reach.Breathing heavily, the three paused for a moment, eyeing each other warily, until they all suddenly burst out laughing. "So you did get better", Kenji folded his arms over whiles Pierson shrugged and staggered.

Leo stood, confused. "Why did they....did they plan this?" He continued to watch them as they snickered and embraced. "All of you....how do you do it? How are you all....so strong?" Just then, Leo noticed Asahi calling out to him. "What is it, Asahi?" "We've been reunited...and I believe everything is going according to plan?" "R-right!" Asahi grinned before saying, "Let's rest for now then, everyone.." Kenji and Asahi walked off, talking, however Leo stood before Pierson, staring at him expectantly.

"What is it, White hair? You're eyes 're irritating" Pierson pouted and sat on the ground. Leo's eyes narrowed and his fist clenched before he asked...

"What.....are you fighting for, Pierson?"