Thoughts whirl through Project5's mind as he analyzes the situation. "That blond kid," he ponders, his gaze fixated on Reina, "He possesses immense magical energy... It's overwhelming. He must be the arcane boy that Warhammer boasts about."
"As for the other one..." Turning his attention to Nobu, Project5 continues his mental evaluation. "He seems to possess demon powers, yet I sense no trace of magical energy emanating from his being. How is that possible?"
"Regardless, it matters not. I will put an end to all of them now!"
A bone-chilling silence descends upon the battlefield, none daring to interrupt the eerie calm. Raising his hand, Project5 channels a thunderbolt, mercilessly hurling it toward Nobu. Yet, in the blink of an eye, Nobu vanishes from sight, leaving Project5 bewildered. "Huh?" Project5 mutters, an awkward giggle escaping his lips. "I didn't see that coming..."
"You never will," Nobu's voice reverberates, his sudden reappearance behind his foe catching Project5 off guard. With an intense all-for-one punch, Nobu strikes the giant man's back, sending him hurtling toward Reina with a look of shock etched on his face. Imagine the sight of Project5, his colossal frame propelled through the air by a single blow.
"Arcane Magic: Arcane Barrage!" Reina's voice thunders through the chaos. He raises his hands, conjuring an onslaught of arcane energy that races ferociously toward Project5. The barrage glows with pure and light pink hues, pulsating with an intensity that makes Project5 acutely aware of the impending danger closing in on him.
In a desperate attempt to counter the relentless assault, Project5 encases his entire body in a sheen of solid bronze. He believes this formidable armor will serve as an impenetrable defense against Reina's overwhelming arcane barrage. However, the raw power of his onslaught proves too much for his defensive measures. Project5 finds himself ruthlessly targeted by the majority of Reina's intense attacks, causing him considerable harm.
With a frustrated click of his tongue, Project5 descends to the ground, his landing cracking the earth beneath him. Anger surges through his veins, fueling his determination. Without a moment's hesitation, the two boys grab their swords and charge headlong toward their formidable adversary. For Project5's maniacal grin returns, and he envelops both of his hands in crackling thunder, preparing himself for the upcoming clash.
As the trio engages in a furious exchange of blows, the room becomes saturated with an extraordinary battle aura, captivating all who bore witness. Onlookers stand in awe, unable to tear their eyes away from the spectacle unfolding before them. The sheer epicness of the battle leaves them breathless, as each strike resonates with undeniable power and skill.
Amid his relentless pummeling at the hands of Nobu and Reina, Project5's frustration reaches a boiling point. A thunderous roar escapes his lips, causing both adversaries to instinctively step back as he unleashes a powerful explosion of blood magic. The force of the blast reverberates through the air, leaving an eerie silence in its wake.
Seizing the moment, Project5 slams his left hand into the ground with an earth-shaking impact. A surge of potent bronze magic erupts beneath Nobu's unsuspecting leg, sending him hurtling through the air with a pained gulp. His body sails across the room, propelled by the unexpected force.
"Arcane Magic: Arcane Wall!" Reina, ever resourceful, conjures an invisible wall behind the airborne Nobu, providing him a much-needed anchor. With astonishing speed and precision, Nobu lands both feet on the invisible barrier, his piercing gaze fixed upon Project5.
Exploiting the monster's momentary bewilderment, Nobu swiftly switches to Project5's right side, catching him off guard yet again. Raising his left palm, Nobu employs his void push ability, exerting merciless pressure on Project5 and sending the towering figure hurtling through the air once more.
But Nobu's assault doesn't end there. With remarkable finesse, he materializes several meters away from the falling Project5, precisely timing his appearance as the colossal man's head is about to strike the ground. Gathering the immense power of All-For-One within his right leg, Nobu delivers a bone-shattering kick to Project5's stomach, launching him with such force that Project5 becomes impaled upon the opposing wall at the far end of the room.
"Nobu!" Reina's voice reverberates with urgency, his Perfect Vision finally unraveling Project5's weakness. "It seems he's unable to wield focus magic, even though he stole it. Perhaps he hasn't mastered its usage!"
"Less talk, more action!" Nobu retorts, swiftly arriving by Reina's side as they both sprint at remarkable speed. "I highly doubt my earlier kick finished him off!"
"I'm certain it didn't," Reina confirms with a determined nod, a rivalrous grin etched upon his face as he raises the tip of his katana, assuming the stance of a seasoned samurai.
Finally breaking free from the clutches of the encroaching wall, Project5 rises to his feet while clutching his throbbing head. As he lowers his hand and gazes at his blood-stained palm, he becomes consumed by anger and frustration. The sight of his own blood, long unseen, fuels his ire. "You..." he sneers, his very being radiating an inexplicable surge of raw magical energy. "Damn you!"
Drawing upon an immense reserve of magical power, Project5 gathers it within himself, causing the entire floor to fracture and crumble. Intensely pressurized blood erupts from every fissure, creating a scene of ominous destruction. Anticipating the danger, Nobu and Reina spring upward, defying gravity to avoid the imminent harm, albeit at the cost of their precarious foothold.
Seizing the opportunity presented, Project5 swiftly propels himself toward Reina, unleashing a barrage of thunderbolts aimed directly at the boy. However, to his surprise, every bolt is inexplicably drawn toward Nobu instead. Fearlessly, Nobu absorbs the entirety of the assault, shielding Reina from harm and creating an opening for a counterattack.
Descending gracefully toward the ground, the arcane prodigy dematerializes his weapon, his movements exuding an air of elegance and control. With unwavering focus fixed upon Project5, Reina forms a triangular shape with his hands, his eyes brimming with determination. A formidable spell begins to take shape, guided by Reina's commanding presence.
"Arcane magic: Arcane prison!" Reina chants, his voice resonating with power. In response to his incantation, an invisible pyramid with three faces materializes around Project5, ensnaring his unsuspecting adversary in a sudden and shocking confinement.
Project5 finds himself trapped within the constricting walls of the arcane prison, unable to move as the room within the pyramid proves too small for his towering frame. To make matters worse, with each progressive motion of Reina's hands drawing closer together, the pyramid steadily diminishes in size, causing Project5's physical form to condense further and amplifying his torment.
Pain courses through Project5's body as the relentless pressure of the shrinking prison bears down upon him. His muscles strain against the confining walls, but he remains trapped, his movements stifled by the suffocating space. The once-daunting figure now finds himself at the mercy of Reina's precise control over the arcane forces, his suffering intensifying with each passing moment.
"I... I can't help but be amazed," Kira ponders to himself, his awe evident as he watches Reina with unwavering focus. "His magical energy surpasses even that of Project5, and his mastery over his weapon and power is flawless."
"But Nobu," Kira continues his internal musings, his gaze fixed on Nobu as the boy gracefully lands on the floor, bending his knees in preparation for the next move. "Nobu... without a single trace of magical energy, fights on equal footing with Reina, if not surpassing him. He has truly turned his weakness into his greatest strength."
Meanwhile, a teasing smile graces Sayuri's lips as she turns her attention to Raiden. Her voice laced with pride, she playfully imparts her knowledge. "Raiden, there's something you need to understand," she says, gently rubbing her wounded cheek. "Your dream of becoming the strongest and defeating Zariel is going to be an arduous one, you know!"
"With these two still alive," she continues, her tone filled with admiration for her friends, "you're in for a challenging journey."
A mischievous glint appears in Raiden's eyes as he places both hands behind his head, a wide smile spreading across his face. "Well..." he muses, his excitement evident. "That just makes it all the more fun!"
"Now, Nobu!" Reina's voice echoes with determination, his Arcane Prison nearing its crescendo. "I will shatter the spell!"
True to his words, Reina brings his hand slightly closer, and in a sudden explosion, the invisible cage erupts, releasing Project5 from its confines. Emerging from the freshly born white smoke, Project5's entire body screams with agony, every inch wracked with pain. Sensing the opportunity, Nobu launches himself toward his wounded foe, his sword raised and clenched tightly in his left hand. He locks a deathly gaze upon his enemy, while Project5 wears an expression of fear and helplessness in his eyes.
"What in the world is wrong with these two?" Project5 mutters to himself, his thoughts filled with bewilderment, moments before Nobu's blade slices through his abdomen. The impact is devastating, sending Project5 hurtling through the air. His body crashes heavily upon the ground, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. With vacant eyes, a wide-open mouth, and clearly unconscious, Project5 lies motionless. Though he still clings to life, the battle has undoubtedly reached its conclusion.
Lowering himself gracefully to the ground, Nobu's demonic power dissipates, and his sword returns to its bracer form, "You see..." he begins, his voice laced with quiet intensity as Kamaitachi's eye slowly seals. "Reina wasn't merely speaking empty words when he said we are fully committed to ending you!"
"Guys! Guys!" Sayuri's voice rings out, filled with excitement, as she jumps alongside her friends, momentarily forgetting her own pain. "That was absolutely amazing!" She continues, fidgeting like an adorable child caught between Nobu and Reina. "You truly nailed it. Project5 can't even budge an inch now!"
Suddenly ceasing her adorable childish demeanor, Sayuri resolutely allows her heart to swell with empathy for the fallen adversary. Her attention pivots toward Project5, his unconscious form scrutinized through eyes now tinged with concern. With deliberate determination, she kneels beside him, her dainty hand gently alighting upon his pale throat. An air of nervous anticipation plays upon her features as she seeks any vestige of vitality lingering within the prone figure. Time seems to hang suspended as her senses reach out, attuned to the delicate thrum of life's essence.
In a moment that carries eternity within its confines, a sigh of profound relief escapes her lips, the tension in her countenance dissipating into a softness that befits the dawning realization. The tableau reveals itself in the gentle ebb and flow of blood and breath within Project5's form, testaments to the resilience of life still claiming dominion over the injured vessel.
With a grace befitting her newfound gravity, Sayuri rises from her kneeling posture, her gaze a fusion of reverence and camaraderie as she regains her place at Nobu's side. In her disclosure, a revelation of both compassion and unity, "He's still alive, guys!" she imparts.
After scanning Project5 with his eyes as well, Raiden interjects, joining the group with an awestruck expression. "So, you're the ones that Her Majesty is interested in," he remarks, carefully studying the features of both Reina and Nobu. Clearly, he is captivated by their impressive performance.
Reina, with his Perfect Vision technique still active, gazes at Raiden curiously. "And who are you?" he inquires, noting the lightning-based magic emanating from Raiden's being. "Your magic revolves around infusing your body rather than materializing the element. Quite intriguing..." He places a hand on his chin, the pink hue in his right eye gradually fading back to its emerald color, "But I'm pretty sure you can materialize your element as well, right?"
"H... How did you know?" Raiden asks, taken aback by Reina's accurate perception of his unique magical abilities.
"I used Perfect Vision," Reina shrugs, his gaze following Sayuri, who has finally returned her restless movements. "But this isn't the time to explain it."
"More importantly," Reina continues, now focusing his attention on Kira, "who is this guy? Nobu?"
Nobu calmly replies, his voice barely audible as his eyes take on an unwelcome dark shade. "He is Kira."
"He's What?" Reina and Sayuri exclaim simultaneously, their voices filled with disbelief, while Sayuri comes to a halt.
"Hi," Kira greets them, feeling a wave of awkwardness wash over him. He scratches the back of his head, trying to ease the tension with his gentle tone. "As he said, I'm Kira, his older brother. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Reina's words catch in his throat as he gestures with his hands, unable to form a complete sentence. His attention shifts to the sorrowful Nobu. "But... you told us that he..." His voice trails off, leaving the unspoken question hanging in the air, "He's not a zombie or anything, is he?"
As Nobu's downcast gaze meets Reina's, the latter is struck by the sight of his dear friend in such a state of anguish and vulnerability. A heavy sigh escapes Reina's lips, carrying with it the weight of the world that seems to rest upon his chest. The room falls into an enveloping silence as the others bear witness to the tremors in Nobu's legs, a subtle reflection of the emotional turmoil he endures.
With slow, measured steps, Nobu walks toward the fallen figure of his beloved teacher, each movement accompanied by a profound sense of reverence. The room holds its breath as Nobu takes a seat on the floor, his legs crossed, his darkened eyes fixated on Kaeya's bruised and battered body. His trembling lips betray the struggle within him as he reaches out to gently cradle Kaeya's lifeless form, drawing it closer to his own.
"Old Man, it's still too early, you know..." Nobu's voice quivers with raw emotions, tears threatening to spill from his eyes yet held at bay for the moment. "You didn't witness us soaring to unimaginable heights..."
"Come on, stand up. Everyone is waiting for your arrival you know..." His voice breaks, choked with grief, as he continues to plead with his fallen mentor. Tears stream down Sayuri's eyes, her head bowed in silent anguish. Kira turns his head away, pain etched across his furrowed brow, his sorrow too great to put into words, while Osamu bows his head respectfully, one knee kissing the floor with his eyes shut in reverence for his fallen comrade. And Reina, frozen in his place, clenches his fists tightly, his teeth grinding in anguish.
"You didn't see me safeguarding others' dreams," Nobu's words carry a weight of affection as he clings to Kaeya's lifeless body, his voice filled with both love and pain. "I have yet to prove you wrong by venturing into the realm beyond..."
The dam finally breaks, and Nobu succumbs to his overwhelming sorrow, tears streaming down his face as he brings his head closer to Kaeya's still chest. His cries echo through the room, reverberating with the agony of a lost child. "We still need you," he pleads through trembling sobs, his voice carrying a desperate longing as he keeps wishing for the impossible, wishing to hear his heart pound with life, "We are not finished being your students yet! So please, Father... please!"
"I can't do this without you!" Nobu wails, his voice cracking with emotion. "I'm not ready to say goodbye! I'm not ready to let you go!"
Nobu's anguished cries reverberate through the room, the sound echoing with the weight of his shattered heart. He clings tightly to Kaeya's lifeless body, his tears mingling with the fabric of his mentor's clothing. Time seems to stand still as he remains immersed in his grief, unaware of how long he will sit there, weeping for his lost guide and father figure.
Then, as if he didn't even cry or plead a moment ago, Nobu slowly lifts his gaze, and a collective hush befalls his comrades. The transformation that has overtaken him leaves them utterly astonished and taken aback. His once-familiar eyes are now a haunting and intense shade of dark purple, radiating an air of mystery and power.
His comrades exchange bewildered glances, unable to fathom the significance of this sudden change. The deep purple of his eyes seems to hold a story untold, a reflection of experiences and emotions unknown to them.
Yet, it's not just his eyes that captivate their attention. Nobu's focus is locked unwaveringly onto a specific point in the room, a focal point invisible to all others. It's as if he's peering into another realm, or as if he's awaiting the prey's arrival so he could hunt it.
Suddenly, the eye on his bracer, previously thought to be merely sleeping, springs to life. Its lidless gaze opens, almost like a portal to another dimension, and with it comes the overwhelming surge of a demonic aura. The air grows heavy with the weight of this newfound power, sending shivers down the spines of his comrades.
Amidst this surreal and almost chilling atmosphere, Nobu's actions provide a stark contrast. He pulls the lifeless body close to him, cradling it protectively. And with a low, dangerous growl reminiscent of a prowling lion, he maintains his unyielding gaze upon that spot.
Surprisingly for the others yet expectedly for Nobu, a portal from dark and unsettling matter materializes, pouring forth an ominous presence that fills the room with fear and discomfort. The sudden manifestation leaves everyone stunned, their hearts gripped by unease, while Kira takes a step back, trembling in terror.
"Warhammer..." Nobu's voice reverberates with a mix of dread and determination, as he rises to his full height. People begin to emerge from the twisted portal, as Nobu had anticipated, with the soul form of Warhammer leading the way. His eyes pierce through the room, his gaze all-encompassing, while the portal seals shut beneath their feet.
Fixing his attention on the still-roaring Nobu, Warhammer returns the intense stare, his narrowed eyes haunting the others with a malevolence that sends shivers down their spines. With a trickle of sweat beads on their foreheads, the room darkens, for the very light dissipates along with the gentle warmth, leaving only coldness in the air as they listen to Warhammer's chilling voice. "At last..." Warhammer begins, his tone resonating with centuries of darkness. "After 3000 years, we finally meet again, following the great demon war!"
"It's been a while, Kamaitachi!"