As Scarlett seized Volt by the collar, her command echoed through the bustling corridors of the Death-Hold. With a firm grip, she directed him to show Akashi to his room, her authoritative tone leaving no room for argument. Volt, taken aback by Scarlett's assertiveness, attempted to assert his authority as vice-captain, questioning the assignment. However, Scarlett's piercing gaze bore into him, sending shivers down his spine and compelling him to comply.
"I'm your vice-captain, you know. Shouldn't this task be given to some lackey?" Volt challenged, his voice tinged with defiance.
"You are my lackey," Scarlett retorted, her voice cold and unwavering, as she stared him down.
Feeling the weight of Scarlett's gaze, Volt swiftly departed, leaving Scarlett to lead Akashi through the Death-Hold. As they entered the sprawling complex, the atmosphere shifted from bustling activity to a controlled chaos. The Death-Hold buzzed with energy, each corridor and chamber teeming with life and purpose.
Members of the Fifth Division moved with purpose, their footsteps echoing against the metal floors as they went about their duties. Banners and insignias adorned the walls, serving as reminders of the division's values and ideals. The air hummed with the sounds of training and strategy, a testament to the division's dedication to excellence
As Volt and Akashi approached a nondescript wooden door, Volt halted and turned to Akashi, his hand resting on the black metal doorknob.
"Here's your room, kid," Volt announced, his tone tinged with a hint of uncertainty.
With a firm twist, Volt opened the door, revealing an empty space beyond. The room was devoid of any furnishings or decorations, its bare walls echoing with emptiness. Akashi stepped inside, unperturbed by the stark simplicity of his new quarters.
"Well, we didn't really know 'bout a newcomer till last minute, and to be honest, we forgot to remodel anyways," Volt explained, his voice trailing off with a shrug.
Akashi nodded in understanding, recalling the long hours spent waiting with Scarlett for transportation, only to find themselves greeted by an empty reception upon their arrival at the Death-Hold. The lack of preparation for his arrival came as no surprise, considering the chaotic nature of their introduction to the division.
.In the simplicity of the room, Akashi took in his surroundings without complaint. The medium-sized space boasted glass windows that allowed slivers of light to filter in, illuminating the otherwise plain interior. A utilitarian toilet stood in one corner, offering the basic amenities necessary for daily life.
"Well, I'll let you admire your own room, kid. Not that there's much to look at anyways," Volt remarked before abruptly disappearing with a crackle of electricity, leaving Akashi alone in the room.
Akashi's expression remained unchanged, his demeanor as stoic as ever. He glanced at the spot where Volt had vanished, his thoughts already moving on.
"So, that's his quirk, huh?" Akashi mused aloud, his tone neutral.
"Indeed, his quirk is rather fascinating. Amongst the elementals, electricity is rather rare to come across, wouldn't you say so, Akashi?" came a voice from behind.
Turning calmly, Akashi faced Lucien, who had appeared silently beside him. Their eyes locked in a tense stare-down, each one probing the other's intentions with unyielding intensity.
Lucien broke the silence with a calculated tone, "I conducted a thorough background check on you."
Akashi, maintaining his composure, responded evenly, "You're in charge of recruitment. I'd expect nothing less."
Lucien continued, his voice tinged with intrigue, "It is quite peculiar. I couldn't find anything from when you were younger than the age of 10. It's as if you had just spawned into this world through miraculous means."
Akashi interjected, his voice firm, "Do you see me as a threat?"
Lucien's reply was measured, "A young man with the inability to conjure his own supernatural feats, encountering a ghoul unscathed and with his past seemingly eradicated from history... I do not see you as a threat, Akashi. To me, you are a gift bestowed upon me by fate."
"A gift?" Akashi questioned, his curiosity piqued.
"Yes," Lucien affirmed, his gaze unwavering, "From the past 80 years, everything has remained stagnant. Humans confined, humans expanded, humans gained knowledge without purpose. However, you are the first human to encounter a monster and yet be ignored by it."
Lucien's words carried weight as he added, "You are the first anomaly in 80 years, Akashi. A deviation from the expected course of events."
Lucien's demeanor took a chilling turn as he pressed Akashi against the wall, his hands firmly restraining him. A sinister smile twisted his features, his eyes narrowing in an unsettling display. "You amuse me," he spoke with an eerie cheerfulness, "fate has delivered you to me for my entertainment, and I won't allow anyone to snatch away that gift."
Akashi's expression turned to one of disdain as he retorted, "So that's it? I'm merely your plaything, and here I thought you might actually be of interest to me."
Lucien's facade faltered for a moment at Akashi's words, his expression briefly betraying confusion before he regained his composure. "I beg your pardon?" he replied, his tone cold and composed, masking any hint of emotion.
Akashi ignored Lucien's question and instead inquired, "Does Scarlett know of this side of yours?"
"And what of it?" he countered, his tone cool and indifferent. "Must I remind you that I see you not as a threat."
But Akashi's facade began to crack, his expressionless mask giving way to an intense gaze filled with a terrifying aura.
Lucien froze, his composure shattered by Akashi's unexpected inquiry. He didn't even blink as Akashi continued,
Akashi's voice remained calm, but his words dripped with a chilling certainty as he continued, "If you want to know, we happened to play chess together not too long ago. It's a shame what's going to happen to him."
Lucien's eyes widened in disbelief as he locked gazes with Akashi, his usual cool demeanor faltering in the face of Akashi's ominous presence.
Still maintaining his expressionless facade, Akashi pressed on, his tone carrying an eerie weight, "You say that fate has brought me as a gift to you; on the contrary, I'd say fate is rather punishing you right now. After all, it was fate that led me to your brother, Lucien Agar."
Akashi's voice sliced through the air like a blade of ice, his words laced with a chilling resolve. "The only reason you were of interest to me is because fate had brought us together, yet it would seem to be pointless."
"And I, not a threat?" Akashi's tone turned disdainful, dripping with venomous confidence. "You couldn't be any more wrong."
Akashi's features remained stoic, devoid of any emotion as he watched Lucien's staggering form. "Perhaps you underestimated me," Akashi remarked coolly as Lucien's dizzy form crumpled to the ground. "Another."