In the wake of the somber reunion, the group of weary and wounded individuals is led toward the treatment room, where Yagami and a cadre of skilled healers attend to their injuries with care and expertise.
Meanwhile, Osamu and the rest of the group find themselves within the bureau, his face still etched with traces of the intense journey he's undergone. With a sense of duty and urgency, Osamu steps forward to give a thorough report of their arduous experiences to Ashide.
"Your majesty," Osamu begins, his voice steady as he retrieves the green stone from his pocket, "When Kira met his fate, he left this behind—a power rune." His hand extends, and the stone is placed gently into Ashide's outstretched palm. She examines the stone closely, her keen eyes locking onto its mysterious energy.
"It is undoubtedly a power rune," Ashide confirms with a composed nod, her gaze never leaving the pulsating rune. She studies its intricate patterns, her fingers tracing the edges as if deciphering the very essence contained within, "So, it becomes clear that Kira was modified by Warhammer. He was a demon."
The term "power rune" piques Ash's curiosity, and he approaches Ashide, his own gaze fixated on the stone in her hand. He can't help but be drawn to the enigmatic symbol and its implications. "Power rune?" Ash queries, his voice laced with wonder, "What's a power rune?"
Kokoa steps in to provide insight, her demeanor poised and knowledgeable. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear before launching into an explanation, "Each one of us possesses a power rune integrated within us. These runes serve as the wellspring of our magical abilities and resources. Demons, upon their demise, leave behind a power rune that reflects their unique magical attributes. However, this phenomenon doesn't extend to the other races or even demon hosts."
Ash's interest only intensifies as he absorbs the information, and he playfully nudges Katsu with his elbow, a hint of jest in his voice, "Looks like you won't be leaving behind a power rune, unlike me. Tough break."
Katsu, anticipating Ash's teasing, counters with a calm retort, "Not leaving a power rune behind isn't exactly something that would evoke envy, Ash."
"As I was saying earlier," Kokoa steers the conversation back to its course, her explanation resuming, "there are instances where individuals are forcibly separated from their power runes, like what Project5 did to his ally and Soldier Kaeya. Tragically, this often results in their demise since the power that sustained them dissipates."
The group hangs onto Kokoa's words, their attention unwavering as she continues her elucidation, "Should a power rune be shattered, the contained energy will select a recipient and bestow its might upon them. Conversely, if the rune remains inactive for prolonged periods, it will eventually fade away, only to reawaken within the body of a newborn."
"And unquestionably, there exist specific prerequisites for an individual to be bestowed with the gift of a power rune," Kokoa expounds, her willingness to share her extensive knowledge with the group evident. Her voice conveys a sense of authority, underscoring the importance of the information she imparts, "Pure Power possessors and those who are vessels for Magic Spirits are ineligible to acquire another elemental affinity through power runes. Among demons and demon hosts, the likelihood of being chosen by a power rune remains modest. In contrast, wielders of Mana boast a remarkably elevated probability of assimilating the essence of a power rune."
Katsu's concern for Kaeya is palpable, and he raises a pressing question, his voice tinged with worry, "And what if the power rune is severed from its rightful bearer despite their continued survival?"
Kokoa offers reassurance, seeking to soothe their apprehensions, "Rest assured, if the rightful owner still lives, the power rune will break within their grasp. Therefore..."
Satomi, quick-witted as ever, completes Kokoa's thought with an elated smile, "Therefore, there's hope to restore Master Kaeya's powers!" Ash's enthusiasm reignites, and his hands clap against Katsu's in an exuberant display of joy. "Brilliant!" Ash exclaims, his excitement palpable.
"Hold on a bit longer, Master Kaeya! We're going to reclaim your magic, no doubt about it!"
In the wake of those hopeful words, a surge of warmth floods their souls, infusing them with renewed energy and determination. Reina, Sayuri, and Raiden, wearied from their recent trials, enter the bureau with a mix of exhaustion and determination etched across their faces. "Hello, everybody," Sayuri greets with a tired wave, stifling a yawn that follows her words, her weariness evident.
"Hey, guys, don't you think you need some more rest?" Satomi rushes to them, her eyes still harboring concern, "Even though you've been healed, a good sleep is essential."
Raiden chimes in, his eyes barely open as he reaches to pat the still-yawning Sayuri, "I could really use some sleep too. And I'm sure she feels the same way. But your boyfriend here was quite adamant about reporting right away."
"Boyfriend?" Reina and Satomi echo simultaneously, their words overlapping in surprise. Satomi's cheeks light up with a blush that seems to paint her features adorably. Meanwhile, Reina nonchalantly crosses his arms, a satisfied grin playing on his lips as he casually lets his shoulder brush against Satomi's, "Well, it wouldn't be entirely inaccurate, would it?"
"In your wildest dreams," Satomi exclaims, her voice a mix of flustered embarrassment and playful protest, her push against Reina tinged with both affection and embarrassment. Her blush lingers, casting a rosy hue upon her cheeks as she can't help but give a triumphant fist pump in Raiden and Sayuri's direction.
Confused and startled, Sayuri lets out a bewildered cry, and both she and Raiden react instinctively by crouching down and covering their heads, as if bracing for impact, "What... what was that for?" Sayuri's voice quivers with a mix of surprise and mild panic, while Raiden's expression mirrors her sentiment.
"I... I might just have to tell Nono about this..." Sayuri pleads, her more childlike self taking charge momentarily, seemingly seeking an ally to navigate this sudden wave of teasing and revelation.
"It's been a while since we've seen them in a flirting match," Ash adds, his voice chiming in as he stands beside Katsu, the two of them analyzing the unfolding scene with mild amusement.
"Yeah, I can't deny that," Katsu confirms with a nod, his expression echoing the sentiment, "Honestly, I thought Reina had given up on pursuing her. Thank goodness that's not the case. They do seem to have a certain... chemistry. They look good together."
"Speak for yourselves!" Satomi's exclamation cuts through the air, her embarrassment laid bare for all to hear. Meanwhile, amidst the banter and blushing, Shinso observes the interactions with a mix of tolerance and exasperation, seemingly caught between amusement and annoyance. "Newbies," his voice rumbles forth, carrying an authority that sends a subtle shiver down the spines of those present, "You do realize... you're not exactly showing the utmost respect for our queen here, are you?"
With those simple yet sternly delivered words, a hushed seriousness descends upon the group of recruits. Their playful antics come to a halt as the weight of Shinso's presence and authority settles in. Each individual quickly composes themselves, a mixture of respect and apprehension coloring their expressions. It's Sayuri who bravely breaks the silence, her voice both cautious and earnest, "We're all ears, ma'am," she pipes up, her words carrying a sincere willingness to heed his counsel and learn from the experience.
"Oh my," Ashide sighs softly, her regal bearing as she takes her seat in stark contrast to the light-hearted scene that unfolded moments ago. Her hands find their place on the armrests with a composed air of authority, her presence commanding respect. Shinso, a steadfast guardian, stands at her side, a symbol of strength and vigilance. "Soldier Reina," she addresses with a voice that resonates like the weight of a queen's decree, "We're all ears now. Is there something of importance that you wish to report?"
Reina's expression shifts from an awkward chuckle to a grave seriousness, his thumb rising to his chest as he commences his briefing, "To begin with, it's not a single matter." His tone becomes resolute as he lays out the complex situation, "Firstly, Warhammer intends to utilize the arcane energy he pilfered from me to accelerate his journey towards regaining his physical form and restoring his powers. Kira revealed that the seal he seeks to break is the very barrier that divides our realm from the one harboring his corporeal existence."
"Secondly," Reina raises two fingers, his report continuing without hesitation, "There is a looming assault on our kingdom, orchestrated by Warhammer through the manipulation of the Projects. My understanding is mostly limited to Project5's combat style. Thus, it's prudent to await Nobu's recovery so that he can shed light on the other Projects' abilities."
"Third," Reina's fingers stretch out to form the number, and his demeanor shifts into a profound seriousness as he divulges further insights gleaned from their arduous journey, "Should you be pondering the reason for Warhammer's unrelenting fixation on our kingdom, it's rooted in the fact that we possess the very key required to unlock the seal that binds his corporeal form. Moreover, this seal can exclusively be shattered within our realm." As he utters this revelation, a ripple of realization courses through the room, and the intensity of the revelation weighs heavily on the air.
In the wake of this disclosure, Kokoa's eyes suddenly widen, an expression of shock and alarm flitting across her features. Her hands involuntarily clench into tight fists, the force of her grip so intense that it seems as though blood might soon seep through her palms, a testament to the inner turmoil and concern she's grappling with.
"Now, last and certainly not least," Reina's expression shifts to one of concern, his four fingers raised now conveying the gravity of his words, "Warhammer and Nobu—specifically, Warhammer and Kamaitachi—are entangled in a bitter vendetta. Warhammer's intent is to exact retribution, with Nobu as his target. And, I overheard mention of curses being within Nobu's capabilities."
"I understand that my report might not be entirely clear," Reina concludes, his voice a blend of somber acknowledgment and determination, "But this is the sum of what I have to offer. It is as it is, I suppose."
As Reina's report concludes, a palpable weight hangs in the air, the gravity of the situation settling heavily upon the listeners. Their eyes widen, mirroring the extent to which the unfolding events have taken a more serious turn than anticipated. "Nobu... can use curses?" Katsu exclaims, his disbelief palpable, his form taking a step back as he grapples with the implications.
Ashide's voice cuts through the collective thoughts, her words a murmur carrying the weight of the information she's just received. She places a hand on her forehead, her eyes momentarily closed as she processes the newfound knowledge. Soon, she reopens her eyes, fixing her gaze on Reina with a mixture of concern and curiosity. Her voice resounds with the regality of a ruler as she inquires, "Do you possess any information about the specific curse that Soldier Nobu employed? And against whom was this curse directed?"
Reina's posture shifts slightly, his hand under his chin while the other rests confidently on his waist as he delves into his recollections, his eyes narrowing. "I believe it was directed at Alex, one of the Projects," he reveals, his words measured and thoughtful. As for the nature of the curse..." Reina's brows furrow slightly, his memory retracing the scene, "I'm unable to provide a precise identification. However, what I do know is that Alex's behavior underwent a sudden transformation. He began to babble incoherently, lost his composure entirely, fixated his gaze upon Nobu, and even struggled to remain standing. It was as though..."
"He was afraid!" Reina and Shinso's voices converge in unison, their realizations resonating across the room like a bolt of lightning. Ashide, her demeanor composed as she crosses one leg over the other, revisits the possibility in her mind before confirming it aloud, "Without a doubt, that aligns with the characteristics of the fear curse."
"Please bear with me for a moment," Ash interjects, his head heavy with the weight of the revelations, "Could someone clarify what exactly a curse is?"
"It's akin to a unique technique, Ash," Satomi explains, her voice carrying an air of understanding as she imparts the information, "Curses are spells that don't require magical energy for activation. What distinguishes them from unique techniques is that the user doesn't need to exert much effort to employ them. Often, maintaining direct eye contact is the most critical requirement."
"They can serve as potent surprise attacks, catching opponents off guard. Moreover, due to the unpredictability of the curse a user might choose in a given situation, opponents find it challenging to anticipate their next move," Kokoa continues, and Ash's excitement grows palpable, a smile gracing his face, "Curses, without a doubt, serve as the ultimate trump card in one's deck."
"The fear curse, in particular, is quite uncommon," Kokoa carries on, her gaze shifting to Reina, "When wielded, anyone who gazes upon the curse's user becomes instantly consumed by a wave of horror. Their most haunting nightmares materialize before their eyes, rendering them utterly defenseless. As Reina mentioned, they become transfixed, unable to tear their eyes away, potentially succumbing to the fear itself."
"There's something intriguing about your account, Reina," Kokoa's words draw Reina's attention as she continues, her brow furrowing as she ponders, "According to your report, you weren't affected by Nobu's curse, despite maintaining direct eye contact with his form. That's unusual," her eyes narrow thoughtfully, searching for an explanation, "I wonder what might have caused that discrepancy..."
"That's not unexpected, but rather quite anticipated," Ashide interjects, her words drawing the attention of everyone in the room. All eyes turn to her as she elaborates, "As you're aware, Reina's connection to Arcane magic makes him an entirely unique entity, much like Nobu. And this distinctiveness extends to his passive abilities. One such ability is his immunity to curses."
"What?" The collective exclamation of disbelief fills the air, each person's face reflecting their astonishment. Ash, in his characteristic fashion, takes it to the extreme, blurting out a nonsensical question, "Dancing moon frogs serve pancakes on Sundays?" The absurdity of his question prompts Reina's expression to twist in mild confusion, his lips forming a quizzical "Huh?"
"What's with both you and Nobu?" Ash adds, his annoyance evident as he speaks, "You guys seem to be hogging all the unique traits. Seriously..."
"I'm in the same boat as all of you," Reina responds, his shoulders lifting in a casual shrug, "Maybe it's just a part of the plot? I can't really explain it." His words carry an air of nonchalance, a reflection of the ambiguity that shrouds the origin of these distinctive abilities.
A contemplative silence envelops them, each individual absorbed in their own thoughts, processing the weight of the newfound revelations. Meanwhile, Ashide's gaze remains fixed on Reina's figure, her attention seems to be drawn to him. Then, abruptly, she rises from her opulent seat, a movement that startles them all. With measured steps, she begins to approach Reina.
"You bear a striking resemblance," she murmurs, her words carrying a sense of introspection as her multicolored eyes remain locked onto the boy. Her hand lifts, fingers extending to gently ruffle and feel the strands of his golden hair, "Even the texture of your hair feels reminiscent."
In a graceful motion, she tilts her head slightly to the right, a radiant smile spreading across her features, her eyes brimming with happiness, "It's almost as if I'm not entirely deprived of them! That's a solace to my heart," she adds, her closed eyes reflecting the serene joy she's finding in this simple connection.
With a soft sigh of contentment, Ashide opens her eyes once more, her white teeth visible through her parted lips as she replenishes her spirit with this seemingly straightforward interaction.
"You're dismissed, soldiers," Ashide commands, her tone firm yet gracious, avoiding an explanation for her spontaneous actions as she gracefully returns to her seat. "And I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your unwavering dedication, even amidst the challenges posed by our dwindling numbers. Thank you!" Her words ring out with sincerity, a token of appreciation for their efforts and sacrifices.
Meanwhile, a considerable distance from the imposing capital city, as the horizon meets the vast expanse of the ocean, Tobio Irie stands upon the sandy shores of Sea Shell Island. His gaze fixates on the boundless sea, his expression resolute, and in his left hand, he cradles the spherical vessel containing Reina's arcane energy.
"Should be the right place," Tobio mutters, his eyes narrowing with determination as they fall upon a solitary relic nestled amidst the waters. Despite his certainty, he still feels compelled to investigate further. He lowers his body, the tips of his fingers making contact with the sand, and with a flourish of magic, an enchanting shade of grey suffuses the area around him. His white hair dances in the wind, imbuing him with an air of mystique as he commences his incantation. "Summoning: Hydra," the words resonate with power, a surge of energy surging through the sand and sea, disturbing the tranquil night with its raw intensity.
The waters before him stir, ripples giving way to turbulent waves as Tobio's spell takes effect. From the depths of oblivion, an awe-inspiring and colossal creature emerges—the Hydra. With mighty heads crowned by gleaming eyes, its serpentine forms intertwine with an almost hypnotic grace. The roar that emanates from its multiple maws shatters the stillness, its resonating might a testament to its otherworldly existence.
"Hello there, old friend," Tobio's voice rings out, a touch of camaraderie laced into his greeting. One of the Hydra's mighty heads dips, allowing Tobio to pat it affectionately. With a practiced ease, Tobio positions himself atop the creature's back, his hand resting upon the sinuous muscle of his summoned companion. "How about we venture further into the depths, shall we?"
His voice resonates with confidence, the trust between summoner and summoned palpable. A sense of purpose unites them, for they are on the cusp of fulfilling a significant task—one that aligns with the desires of Warhammer himself. As the Hydra carries them deeper into the ocean's embrace, Tobio's thoughts are focused, his resolve unshaken, " After all, we are about to grant Warhammer the very thing he craves most."