"Is everyone in position?" I asked, standing atop the rooftop. The rain poured heavily, drenching us in its relentless downpour. The dark night sky added an air of tension to the atmosphere.
My teammates, scattered strategically around the area, responded with a resounding "Yes." Each of them had taken their position, ready to engage in battle against Ryujin.
An hour before the battle, we gathered around a table in a safe location, preparing for the upcoming encounter with Ryujin. The rain poured heavily outside, setting a somber tone for our discussion.
I unfolded the system map, tracing my fingers along the streets and buildings. "Our main objective is to neutralize Ryujin quickly, but we must be cautious as it is a formidable samurai demon."
Saori, her katana gleaming in the dim light, listened attentively. "I will take the lead in engaging Ryujin directly. With my speed and precision, I can deliver swift and powerful strikes."
"Negative, Saori," I interjected, concern evident in my voice. "Engaging Ryujin head-on may be too risky. We need a different approach."
I turned my attention to the twins. "Sora and Yuki, I want you to take on the offensive. Your incredible speed will give you an advantage against Ryujin. Focus on keeping the demon on the defensive and pushing it back."
The twins nodded in unison, their determination evident. "Understood."
I pointed to a specific area on the map. "This middle area should provide enough space for your initial attacks. Once Ryujin is pushed back, hold your ground and wait for further instructions. Saori and Alice, you will then take over the assault."
Saori and Alice exchanged determined glances, ready to execute their roles. "We won't let you down," Saori affirmed.
I turned to Atsuko and Shin, who were armed and prepared. "Your task is to provide cover fire and support from a distance. Silence your weapons to maintain stealth and avoid drawing unnecessary attention."
Atsuko and Shin nodded in agreement. "Consider it done," Atsuko replied.
As the plan unfolded, Hoshiko's expression soured. "Why do I get such a boring role?" she pouted, feeling left out.
I looked at her, a hint of a smile forming. "Hoshiko, your role is far from boring. With your incredible speed and high critical rate, you will be responsible for clearing out any additional demons in the area, ensuring the safety of the team."
I looked at each of them, "Remember, communication and coordination are crucial. Stay in constant contact, call out any threats or vulnerabilities, and watch each other's backs."
"Meanwhile, I will provide support," I announced, swiping the system map to reveal the details of my Quantum Shackles skill to everyone in the room. "The cooldown for Quantum Shackles is 10 seconds per chain. Remember, as we damage Ryujin, it will multiply, so let's unleash our full power."
I looked down, tapping my chin in thought. "If the twins fail to push back Ryujin, Sao, ri, and Alice, I need you both to swiftly engage in a focused assault."
They nodded in understanding.
"Now, for phase 3, it's time for an all-out attack."
Hoshiko's gaze fixed on me, a glint of anticipation in her eyes. "Arihara, do you mind granting me permission to activate...?"
I hesitated, knowing the risks involved. "You mean that form...?"
She smiled mischievously, nodding in affirmation.
"I can't," I replied firmly. "It's not about trust, Hoshiko. Activating that form comes with uncontrollable consequences unless I forcibly feed you my blood."
She let out a playful laugh. "You can just do that~"
I shook my head, sighing. "Enough, Hoshiko. We've discussed this before. It's too dangerous. We can't risk losing control."
She pouted but ultimately relented. "Fine..."
"Are there any other questions?" I asked, redirecting the conversation.
The team fell silent, their expressions focused and determined. The plan was set, and we were prepared to face Ryujin head-on. I addressed them one final time, emphasizing the importance of our strategy. "The signal to initiate the attack will be my Quantum Shackles."
Returning to the present, I maneuvered my drone stealthily above Ryujin, ready to execute my part in the plan.
"Quantum Shackles!" I commanded, activating the skill.
Ryujin reacted with surprise, swiftly reaching for his katana and attempting to destroy the drone. However, it was too late for him. The power of the Quantum Shackles overwhelmed him, completely binding his movements.
The twins, displaying their remarkable synchronicity, dashed towards Ryujin with incredible speed, launching a coordinated assault. Their movements were a blur as they executed their attacks in perfect harmony.
I observed the twins' remarkable display, impressed by their speed and precision. They moved with such grace and agility that it was a testament to their training and skill. Each strike was timed to perfection, exploiting any opening in Ryujin's defenses.
Their relentless assault seemed to catch Ryujin off guard, as he struggled to counter their lightning-fast strikes. The twins' combined efforts were proving to be a formidable force, gradually pushing Ryujin back, inch by inch.
As I observed Ryujin's movements, I noticed a change in his demeanor. His katana began to emit an ominous glow, indicating the initiation of a skill. Sensing the danger, I quickly transmitted a warning to the twins through the radio.
"Twins, fall back momentarily! Ryujin is about to use a skill!"
"Roger!" The twins responded, swiftly retreating back.
Ryujin's katana began to emanate a menacing glow as he chanted, "Kaze... No... Tsume..." The air around him distorted, and a crimson-red projectile materialized, visibly charging toward the twins.
"They should be able to—"
"Sora!" I gasped in shock as I saw Sora being struck by the projectile, leaving a deep slice on her chest. Confusion filled the air as we all believed the twins had successfully dodged the attack simultaneously.
"What just happened...!?" Shin exclaimed, his voice filled with concern.
I quickly analyzed the situation, my eyes widening in realization. "There's something wrong... The red projectile is coming back!"
"Yuki! Dodge!" I urgently shouted through the radio, but my warning came too late. Yuki, unable to react in time, was struck by a slicing attack on her back.