"No. Get out of here."
"OK."
I told her to leave, but to my surprise, communication seemed to escape words. She inadvertently ignored my plea and, without due awareness, entered my personal sanctuary, my own room.
"You did not understand what I said? Get out of my room."
"Yes, I understand, but I know you're just talking for the sake of talking. Besides, I have no other place to stay."
"I'm not bothered! There is a lot of bush around where you can sleep."
"Are you really going to let me sleep on the street?" She looked at me with a helpless face.
"Clear."
Silence hung in the air for precious moments. She began to approach me with cautious steps, and suddenly, as if moved by an uncontrollable impetus, she ran towards me, intending perhaps to envelop me in a warm embrace.
However, my sharp reflexes kicked in instantly, and I deftly dodged her lunge, avoiding the contact that seemed imminent.
"Stay still!"
I remained agile, deftly avoiding each of his passionate thrusts. Aware that once she reached me it would be difficult to escape her embrace, I kept my guard up. I am not foolish enough to succumb to this game, aware that once captured in her arms, I would be a reluctant prey, unable to escape the seductive web she weaves.
"I see you won't understand. You asked for it."
With determination, I grabbed her backpack, mercilessly throwing it towards the open door. My eyes fixed on her surprised expression, as the backpack threatened to slide dangerously out of my reach.
In a rush, she threw herself towards her backpack, her eyes widened with urgency, as if she were about to lose something priceless, and her agile hands managed to reach the object about to fall, saving it from impact with the ground. for a fraction of a second.
"Ufa! It was almost."
With one last look through the door, I walked out and, with a decisive movement, closed it behind me.
"I hope I don't see you again when I get back."
"Izumi. Wait!"
With the blink of an eye, I activated my special ability, Speed Iz, and disappeared before her eyes. I started running quickly through the city streets, a daily practice that gave me an indescribable feeling.
It was almost ecstasy to feel the negativity-filled gazes pass through my body, as if that dark energy invigorated me. That's how I found the strength to nourish my hatred for them all.
Today was no exception. As I ran, I could see curious and malicious looks, some looking at me sideways, others running away and watching me from hiding. It was an ordinary spectacle, but something was different. More people seemed to evaporate as I passed, as if they hadn't expected me to return.
It increased my resolve. The feeling of superiority that came with being able to disappear in their sight was a constant source of satisfaction. And as I ran, I fueled my burning desire for revenge against all those who dared to judge and underestimate me.
"It's the devil," Someone whispered, fear trembling in his voice.
"He returned," Murmured another, the anxiety and uncertainty evident in his words.
"And now. What do we do?" A third voice expressed the question everyone had in mind.
"What is he going to do with us?" another asked, his voice shaking with apprehension.
"I am afraid," someone confessed, vulnerability showing in their voice.
"He won't eat us?" Concern about their fate echoed in another voice.
"Someone, kill him," cried one of those present.
These were everyday situations, these constant murmurs that filled the environment. However, they had no idea that my hearing had improved since my last journey. Every whisper and whisper now echoed in my ears with eerie clarity, as if a veil had been lifted and revealed all the secrets they were trying to hide.
I continued my run, approaching the Zura clan's territory. It was the only place where I felt momentary relief from the negative energy that haunted me. There, things were different.
I approached the place where I used to train, a place that, over time, had become notoriously deserted, thanks to my constant presence. It was an open space, able to easily accommodate twenty people to train simultaneously, but it was close to the imposing wall of Mangoland.
When I got there, I came across some people exercising, led by a soldier who was instructing about a dozen of them. I started walking, hoping that they would notice my presence and leave, as usual. However, the soldier turned his surprised eyes towards me.
Interestingly, I didn't detect any negative energy coming from him, but there was something in his gaze that indicated he had some interest in me, something that was about to unravel.
"Professor, that sinister being, with burning eyes and an aura of darkness, couldn't be a demon, could it?"
"Oh, you mean that being whose enigmatic figure seems to have emerged from the depths of the unknown?"
"Precisely! I can't help but think he's back."
"The situation is darker than I ever imagined. What should we do? We are venturing into your territory."
"The consequences could be dire. He has the power to take our lives with a simple thought."
And gradually, they began to realize who the real owner of that space was. It was evident in their nervous looks and the fearful expressions that formed on their faces, as if my presence was an imminent threat that terrified them.
It was a feeling of triumph welling up inside me, a dark satisfaction that I had eagerly anticipated.
A subtle smile formed on my lips as I watched the fear and insecurity spread between them. Haha ha! This was exactly what I'd been waiting for, the reaction that fueled me, confirmation that my hold on this place would remain unchallenged.
"Please remain silent. We shouldn't risk leaving here," said the soldier, anxiety marking his voice.
"I understand, but we cannot ignore reality. He is unquestionably the most powerful being present in this place," said one of the group members, his expression tense as he pondered the options.
"Teacher, please think about it! We cannot challenge his strength. We must leave immediately to save our lives," insisted another member of the group, his face pale with fear.
A wave of voices rose as everyone began to express their opinions, joining together in a symphony of mutual agreement. It was as if, suddenly, everyone had found the same perspective, a unified vision of the situation.
Murmurs of approval spread throughout the group, creating an environment charged with mutual consent. The voices overlapping each other, echoing in harmony, as if they were solidarity in their shared perception.
It was intriguing to watch how quickly they aligned, like pieces of a puzzle falling into place perfectly, consolidating a collective opinion that seemed unshakable.
"You will all remain here, honing your skills through training. I will take the initiative to approach and establish a dialogue with him."
To talk? With me? A surprise settled in my mind. It was hard to believe that this soldier didn't show fear in my presence.
It could be that everyone was behaving like this because I had been away for a few weeks, but I had plans to remind them of my dominance soon, bringing the terror that was about to unleash.
The soldier approached, stopping just a meter away from me. I was genuinely impressed by his boldness. His steady gaze and decisive stance indicated that he was not a mere passive observer, but rather someone who had something to say and was not willing to back down.
"I'm Miguel. We are currently utilizing this training ground. Is there any problem sharing it with us?"
"No, but I'm unsure if you'll be able to bear the consequences."
"Endure what?"
"This."
The instant I opened my mouth to speak, I released my killing intent across the entire training ground. It was as if a wave of overwhelming darkness had spread, engulfing everyone around me. My eyes flashed with grim determination as I did this, and the reaction of those present was immediate.
Some fell to the ground, overcome by the fear that had settled in their hearts. Others tried desperately to flee, but their legs seemed to betray them, weakened by the intensity of the terror emanating from me.
No one dared to challenge my presence, and the training ground instantly turned into a suffocating space where every individual was imprisoned by my relentless rule.
"I understand your perspective."
"If you understand, then go away!"
"Mr. Izumi, if you allow me, would you like to humbly request a demonstration of your incredible strength? It would be an honor to witness your power in action."
I was stunned for two reasons. Firstly, he mentioned my name. It was a rare occurrence, as only two people in that village dared to say it, and I rarely heard anyone call me "Sir". The uniqueness of this man made him truly peculiar.
Secondly, he expressed a desire to witness a demonstration of my strength. That intrigued me deeply. Would he be brave or foolish enough to wish for such a thing? Perhaps he was not seeking his own death, but his intentions remained an enigma. I couldn't discern what was going on in this man's mind, but I was willing to find out what he had to offer.
"Aren't you afraid of death?"
"Mr. Izumi, my only wish is to participate in a friendly confrontation with you, without any intention of causing harm."
"I don't participate in friendly fights. If you wish to fight, it will be a battle to the death."
"So be it."
The man got into a fighting stance, determined and declaring his acceptance for the imminent duel. I, in turn, assumed a combat stance, preparing myself for the confrontation that was unfolding before us. A sinister smile spread across my lips, revealing my dark confidence, and I said with an icy tone:
"Prepare to die!"