"Your... Your Highness," Shinso's voice trembles as he speaks, his eyes never wavering from the screen that holds the haunting image of the ghouls, "I believe those ghouls were once part of our ranks..." He spells out, finger-pointing at the screen before them.
The words hang in the air, heavy with the weight of disbelief and sorrow. Kokoa swiftly turns her head to Shinso, her eyes searching for confirmation, before returning her gaze to the magical screen that displays the unfolding tragedy, "You do realize the gravity of what you just said, right?"
"Yes..." Shinso nods, his body shaking with the magnitude of his revelation, "Yes... It's true. Not only the scouts whose corpses we couldn't retrieve but also the soldiers we lost during the war against the three kingdoms. They have become twisted, tormented creatures."
"Unbelievable..." Ashide gasps, her heart aching with a profound sense of helplessness. As the Queen, she bears the responsibility of protecting her people, but in the face of such an insidious enemy, she feels her power slip through her fingers. With a steely resolve, she fixes her gaze upon the screen, her voice resonating with determination, "For now, let us focus our attention on Soldier Kaeya. Let us hope and pray that he returns to us unharmed."
With a resolute determination, Kaeya makes a choice, prioritizing his survival over the haunting sorrow of his fallen comrades. Implanting his katana firmly into the trembling ground, he places both hands on its hilt, summoning a surge of potent magical energy. The very floor beneath him quakes violently, causing the ghouls to lose their tenuous balance.
As the chasm widens, a deep cliff emerges, separating Kaeya from the tormented creatures. He stands at the precipice, gazing upon their anguished forms as they helplessly stumble and plummet into the abyss. Though their hollowed eyes and agonized cries tug at his guilt-ridden heart, Kaeya clenches his fist in a gesture of profound remorse.
"I'm so sorry," he whispers, his voice tinged with sorrow and regret. "I couldn't free you from your torment, I'm deeply sorry."
Yet, as he pushes forward, Kaeya feels a surge of formidable magical energy, signaling his approach to the heart of the darkness. With newfound resolve coursing through his veins, he resumes his sprint, ready to confront whoever awaits him on the other side. Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, he steels his resolve, the fire of vengeance burning in his eyes.
"However," Kaeya declares with unwavering determination, his voice echoing with purpose, "I will do everything in my power to bring justice to those who have caused your suffering."
"Who is he looking for, anyway?" Nobu whispers, his voice laced with a mix of intrigue and anticipation. He can't help but wonder about the identity of the individual behind this sinister web of events.
Shinso, his voice tinged with a sense of uncertainty, replies, "We don't know. This time, we find ourselves in uncharted territory," His words carry a weight of realization, emphasizing the gravity of the situation they find themselves in.
Nobu, Satomi, Reina, and the others lean closer to the magical screen, their attention fixated on the unfolding scene. The suspense hangs in the air as Kaeya approaches the end of the treacherous road, his eye narrowed with a mix of caution and curiosity. Three enigmatic figures stand before him as he reaches his destination, their presence radiating an aura of mystery and foreboding. Each one bears a distinct appearance, their features shrouded in darkness as if intentionally veiled from prying eyes.
All eyes are drawn to the figure positioned in the center, captivating the attention of those present. Initially seated on the floor, he rises to his feet with an imposing stature that reaches a towering height of three meters. While his scarred face and sinister smile hint at a malevolent nature, it is his chest that holds the most mesmerizing allure. Embedded within it are five shards, each holding its own significance.
Among the shards, two emanate an ominous pitch gray, embodying a sense of emptiness and void. However, the remaining three shards exude a powerful presence that demands attention. One of them gleams with a vibrant yellow hue, pulsating with an intense vitality, while the other burns with a deep crimson radiance. Between them, a third shard captures the eye, especially Kokoa's, her spirit becoming insanely shaken as her eyes identify the shard, and her fists can't help but clench in defiance of what she's witnessing. The shard is a lustrous blend of silver and white, hinting at an enigmatic quality.
Raising his head with an air of authority, the colossal figure turns his attention to the cloaked figure standing at his right side. Strands of his thickly braided purple hair sway with his movement, adding an aura of intensity to his presence. His gaze shifts back to Kaeya, and his grin widens, revealing a macabre delight.
"A new feast has arrived, I see..." he speaks, his voice resonating with an unsettling resonance. With a hand placed upon the artifact embedded within his chest, his anticipation is palpable. The sheer malevolence radiating from him sends shivers down the spines of those around, "Can I dig in?"
Beside him, the cloaked figure remains silent, their identity concealed within the darkness of their attire. A slight turn of their head acknowledges the giant's words, their response veiled in mystery. On the left side, the other individual offers a reassuring pat on the giant's lower back, "Dig in, big guy!" He chimes in, encouraging his sinister desires.
"So... Who are you?" The air crackles with tension as the colossal figure closes in on Kaeya, the sound of his footsteps resonating with danger. With unwavering resolve, Kaeya grips his katana tightly with both hands, positioning it in front of him in preparation for the impending challenge.
In response to the giant's question, Kaeya's voice remains steady as he replies, "You don't need to know." His words seem to ignite a spark of amusement within the towering figure, who lets out a deep, rumbling laugh while scratching his stomach. "I don't need to know?" the man muses, his sinister smile widening, "You seem stronger than the others!"
A moment of anticipation hangs in the air as the giant finally reveals his identity, his fighting stance matching Kaeya's determination. Their eyes lock, two formidable forces poised for a clash of epic proportions. "Feel free to call me Project5," he declares, a challenging glint in his eye, "Don't make it boring, little Sacred Soldier!"
"I'll do my best to meet your expectations..." With a burst of determination, Kaeya launches himself toward Project5, his right fist surging with the power of All for One. However, Project5 swiftly counters, conjuring a sphere of blood right before Kaeya's fist makes contact. The collision of forces causes the power of All for One to disperse into gusts of wind that whip around them.
Undeterred, Kaeya calls upon his magical abilities, focusing his energy on his eye with the incantation, "Focus Magic: Weak Spot." Despite Project5's attempts to hinder him, Kaeya's eye hones in on the monster's vulnerable point. But the formidable giant isn't to be underestimated. With lightning speed, he catches Kaeya's leg with his hand, his other fist charged with blood magic hurtling toward him.
With a swift and decisive enchantment, Kaeya invokes his magical prowess once again, channeling the power of "Focus Magic: Thousand Cuts" into his katana. As Project5's fist closes in, the blade makes contact with the blood-infused attack, triggering a cascade of innumerable white slices that rain down upon the giant's hand. The onslaught of cuts causes the blood magic to dissipate, releasing Kaeya from his grip and granting him the opportunity to swiftly retreat and regain his footing.
Project5's reaction is one of admiration and intrigue. "Oho," he marvels, inspecting his injured hand with small scratches formed by Kaeya's relentless assault, "You're quite something, to be honest..."
"It didn't injure him, I see... What kind of thick skin does he actually have?" Within the depths of Kaeya's mind, thoughts race as he observes Project5 more closely. The familiarity in the face of his adversary sparks a glimmer of disbelief in his eye. His thoughts echo with a mix of confusion and realization, "That... That face... Tenji? Is that... Tenji?"
The revelation sends shockwaves through Kaeya's being. The possibility that Project5 can be none other than Tenji Enchantica, another soldier thought lost to the tragic events of the past, weigh heavily upon him. A rush of emotions threatens to overtake his resolve as he grapples with the implications of this encounter.
"Huh? I hate that look on your face," Project5 interrupts the silence, his hand conjuring a formidable blood bolt. "Everyone that wears it keeps saying that he knows me or whatever."
Unwilling to entertain further contemplation, Project5 unleashes a ferocious throw, hurtling the gigantic blood bolt toward Kaeya, aiming to deliver a devastating blow. Despite being taken aback by the possibility of facing a long-lost comrade, Kaeya's resolve remains unyielding. He refuses to hesitate in the face of this challenge.
"Focus Magic: Counter," Kaeya declares, assuming his defensive stance once more, his katana glowing with a white-grey radiance. As the blood bolt makes contact with the tip of his blade, it remains suspended, defying its own trajectory. With a calculated motion, Kaeya pivots his entire body, gradually lowering the sword along with the captive blood bolt. Then, he unleashes a swift swing, redirecting the blood attack toward Project5 himself, striking his adversary effortlessly.
Frustration etches across Project5's face, surprising Kaeya even further as the giant unleashes the sudden onslaught of Thunder magic. Infusing his right hand with luminous yellow thunder and his other hand with Blood magic, he relentlessly pursues Kaeya, attempting futile punches.
"Two elements? Tenji didn't have two elements..." Kaeya ponders, deftly evading the onslaught, his gaze fixated on the artifact embedded in Project5's chest. "Oh... I get it now..."
However, despite Kaeya's agile evasion, Project5 manages to land a powerful blow on his abdomen with his blood-infused hand, catching Kaeya off-guard and sending him flying several meters away, his knee touching the floor. The impact of the strike leaves Kaeya reeling, realizing the immense strength possessed by his formidable opponent.
"Now I like that look on your face," Project5 taunts, his hands still aglow with blood and thunder. "That surprised look etched on your face... I can't get enough of it."
"Show me more of it!" With a powerful leap, Project5 lunges toward the kneeling Kaeya, intent on delivering another devastating blow. But just as the situation seems dire for Kaeya, a glimmer of hope emerges. He finally pinpoints Project5's weak point—the left side of his lower back.
Reacting swiftly, Kaeya propels himself backward, causing Project5's punch to crash into the ground, shattering it and leaving behind a sizable crater. Gracefully landing on the wall, Kaeya channels the power of all for one into his legs, launching himself toward Project5 with incredible speed. This time, he focuses the energy of all for one at the tip of his katana.
In a desperate attempt to defend himself, Project5 crosses his arms, bracing for the incoming attack. However, Kaeya has other plans, defying the expectations of his adversary. With a sudden shift, Kaeya plants both feet firmly on the ground, gradually slowing his speed until he reaches Project5, his katana poised for a strike, held back by his right arm and shoulder.
Believing he has gained the upper hand, Project5 can't contain his laughter, his hands clasp together as he channels thunder magic, intending to unleash it upon the vulnerable Kaeya from his left side.
With impeccable agility, Kaeya dodges the yellow lightning-infused assault, causing the floor to rupture yet again. With Project5's body momentarily vulnerable, his left side fully exposed, Kaeya seizes the opportunity. Unleashing a powerful all-for-one attack, he directs it toward Project5's weak spot.
Although Kaeya's sword doesn't physically connect with Project5, the condensed and intense magical force sends the giant hurtling backward, clutching his left side in agony. A pained scream erupts from Project5's lips as the overwhelming pain consumes him.
"If I landed the attack a little earlier and actually touched that thing's weak spot... I would've been able to threaten his life pretty well..." Thinks Kaeya, posing once more, still remaining silent and composed in this dire situation.
As Project5's screams subside, he fixates a menacing glare upon Kaeya. "Damn it! You're pissing me off!" he bellows, his own ragged breaths audible to all present. With purposeful strides, he approaches the comrade who had earlier patted his back, a sinister smile etching across his face.
Displaying a horrific grin, Project5 places his colossal hand on his companion's head as he raises the man's body from the floor, taunting him with a low, menacing voice. "Come here," he jeers, his friend unable to resist as his hands instinctively move to rest atop Project5's.
"What the... Project5, don't you dare! What are you doing?" his stammers fall upon deaf ears, as Project5 has no interest in hearing his friend's pleas. "What are you..."
The hapless man's screams reverberate through the air, while Project5's grin widens. Kaeya and those observing behind the screen are consumed by a palpable sense of horror. They bear witness to the man's body gradually turning gray, strange cracks spreading across his form, as all his magical energy flows towards Project5's hand from every point of his body.
Soon enough, the stammering ceases, and unwanted silence engulfs the man as his hands fall, his body motionless in the air. Without hesitation, Project5 flangs the cracked and lifeless body aside, disregarding the fact that the discarded figure had once been his comrade.
He lowers his gaze to his own chest, where one of the previously gray shards has transformed into a lustrous bronze hue. His grin widens further, exposing more of his teeth, as he casts a sidelong glance at the still-surprised Kaeya.
"He... He stole his friend's magical energy..." Nobu's voice trembles as he utters the revelation, casting a heavy, unwanted atmosphere upon the entire group. "I felt it. It definitely felt like it. It felt like his presence merged with that creature's until it completely dissipated..."
"No..." Satomi whispers, her hands covering her mouth, shaking her head in disbelief. "This is so wrong..."
Each member of the group shares similar reactions, shocked and disturbed by Nobu's words. Their collective horror is palpable, except for Kokoa, who stands frozen, her mouth agape and her eyes wide open, as if she has stumbled upon her most horrific nightmare.
Nobu, who has been seated on the armrest of Ashide's chair, rises to his feet in silence. His eyes swirl with a dark and purple intensity, as he moves toward the bureau's exit. Every step he takes heightens the gravity of the situation, filling the air with an unyielding seriousness.
"Soldier Nobu! Stop right there!" Ashide commands, causing Nobu to halt just inches from leaving the room. "Where do you think you're going?"
"To help him!" Nobu replies immediately, refusing to turn back and face them. "To help my old man."
"But you don't even..."
"Know the location?" Nobu cuts off the Queen without hesitation, his resolve unwavering. "I know the way to the Sacred Forest, and once I am close enough, I'll be able to sense my old man's presence... it's not a problem."
"No, you won't!" Ashide interjects, rising to her feet in protest. "You've seen what that creature is capable of, and it's not something that..."
"Did I ask for your opinion, Ashide?" Nobu finally turns his gaze toward them, his eyes radiating an unsettling void. They swirl between nothingness and an intensified purple hue, his expression unwavering as he continues, "No, I didn't ask... I don't recall doing so! Stay out of it!" With those words, he turns away and departs the bureau, leaving a sense of foreboding in his wake.
"Reina, Sayuri, and Osamu!" Ashide's commanding voice pierces through the air, instantly capturing the undivided attention of the trio. The weight of urgency hangs in her words, and they know that decisive action is required. With resolute determination, she continues, her words echoing with a sense of purpose.
"Go with Nobu right now. Keep an unwavering eye on him. And, if fate allows, deliver Soldier Kaeya from the clutches of imminent danger."
The gravity of the situation settles upon them like a heavy cloak, fueling their adrenaline and sharpening their focus. Their hearts race, synchronized beats pulsating in unison with the task at hand. In that fleeting moment, the weight of a comrade's life rests upon their shoulders, and they are ready to bear the burden.
"Now go! Swiftly!" Ashide's voice carries a sense of urgency, propelling them into action. Her words hang in the air, resonating with a profound sense of purpose. The seconds thin as the silence breaks, and Sayuri's voice emerges as a prayer whispered into the wind.
"Roger," she replies, her voice laced with unwavering determination. Without hesitation, the trio surges forward, their feet pounding against the ground in syncopated harmony, their very beings propelled by a shared objective.
Returning to Kaeya, his gaze remains fixed upon Project5, his eyes piercing into the depths of the malevolent entity before him. As Project5 revels in his newfound acquisition, a fresh shard is illuminated in his chest, an unsettling satisfaction paints across his features, and Kaeya's apprehension grows exponentially. at that moment, he finally comprehends the true magnitude of the imminent danger he's facing.
After that, the cloaked figure proceeds toward the exit, their purposeful stride causes Project5 and Kaeya to hesitate, curiosity etched upon their faces. Project5, his gaze unwavering, poses the question that lingers in the air, "Where are you going?"
With an air of confidence, the figure replies, their voice resonating within the chamber, "It's only a matter of time before my baby brother joins the scene." Their words hold a hint of anticipation, hinting at an impending confrontation.
Project5's eyes continue to track the cloaked figure, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. Sensing the tension between the two, Kaeya observes their exchange, silently contemplating the unfolding situation.
"But what if he refuses to face you?" Project5's voice carries a mocking undertone as he probs the figure's resolve, his amusement evident in his expression.
The figure pauses for a moment, their hidden face betraying no hint of uncertainty. "No," they reply firmly, their voice laced with conviction. "I'm sure he'll come to me."
As they raise their hand in a gesture of finality, ready to depart, the figure's enigmatic presence fills the room. "You can keep having fun on your own," they declare, their tone resonating with detachment. "I'm done watching."
The swiftness of Project5's movements defies human comprehension, his form a blur that eludes Kaeya's sight. In an instant, a thunder-infused fist collides with Kaeya's abdomen, the sheer force shocking him to his core. Agonizing cries of pain escape his lips as he's propelled backward, his body shattering a pillar before crashing mercilessly onto the cold floor. Witnessing Project5's sudden surge in power, fueled by the absorption of another's abilities, Kaeya's realization crystallizes, magnifying the perilous situation that envelops him.
Summoning every ounce of resilience, Kaeya rises slowly, his katana plunged firmly into the ground, as he chants with unyielding determination. "Focus Magic: Quake!" His voice resonates with unwavering resolve, a command that harnesses the very essence of his magical prowess. A seismic upheaval, far greater than any previous display, erupts beneath Project5, shattering the ground beneath him and robbing him of his stability.
Exploiting the fractured terrain, Kaeya wields his magic with precision. Massive rocks, imbued with his formidable power, levitate with otherworldly grace, their trajectory aimed directly at Project5. However, the abomination, encased in a protective shield of unyielding bronze, shatters each projectile with alarming ease. The formidable defense renders Kaeya's assault futile, intensifying the urgency of the battle.
With lightning speed, Project5 lunges at Kaeya once again, striking him with a devastating blow from his metallic form. Bronze collides with flesh, and a sickening crack reverberates through the air. Blood spills from Kaeya's mouth, staining his lips crimson, as he's violently propelled backward, the force of the impact coursing through his entire being. Yet, even amid his pain and turmoil, Kaeya's indomitable spirit refuses to waver.
As Kaeya hurtles through the unforgiving air, Project5 seizes the opportune moment, clenching Kaeya's leg with a relentless grip that crushes bone until it is unmistakably broken. With seamless fluidity, he draws the sacred soldier towards him, an ominous smile etching its way across his countenance. A surge of power, fueled by the malevolent essence of blood magic, courses through his veins as he prepares to unleash a devastating blow upon Kaeya's left side, sealing his victim's inevitable descent into defeat, leaving him with a broken arm and shattered hopes.
Kaeya lies prostrate on the ground, his once-proud stature now diminished. His katana, a symbol of his resolve and strength, lies abandoned and out of reach. Pain courses through his body like a venomous current, with his broken left arm and broken right leg, immobilizing him in a cruel display of brutality. His remaining eye, a window to his unwavering determination, strains to open as he gazes upon the approaching figure of Project5. A tremor of disbelief shakes his battered form, for within that fleeting moment, he catches a glimpse of the unfolding nightmare that lies before him.
"I... I don't want to die..."