Previously On Unknown: Battles unfold between Hisashi and Shiden, and Matsumoto dominates Tsukikage. Akishima heads to the throne room where Yuji awaits. Yuji observes the events on the third floor. Hisashi educates Shiden on magic, launching a powerful attack that Shiden dodges. A menacing figure throws Hisashi into a wall.
(Continuing)
*Transitioning To The Skirmish Between Matsumoto and Tsukikage…*
The latter was shocked at what Matsumoto said, it was so surprising to him he wondered if he heard him right. "W-What did you just ask?"
Matsumoto asserted his words as he repeated, "I asked you before if you were an assassin from birth or if it was someone who taught you the ways of an assassin even though you weren't one from heritage?"
Tsukikage instantly became cautious, he asserted, "I neither have no intention nor any reasons to answer that question."
Matsumoto's expression turned into disappointment. "I see, well, not that I really expected you to answer."
Tsukikage mused, "I don't understand how he figured out my background so easily. Even though I didn't give him a clear answer, I'm positive he knows the truth. He must be eliminated at all cost."
Tsukikage then switched to another topic, trying to steer the conversation away. It was at this moment that Hisashi was flung into a wall and as Tsukikage saw the unfolding scene, he chuckled. Matsumoto, too, witnessed Hisashi's abrupt setback.
Tsukikage called out to Matsumoto, "Hey, old man."
Intrigued, Matsumoto responded, "What's the matter?"
Tsukikage, still amused, chuckled again before revealing, "It appears your young 'fellow' is in quite the predicament."
Continuing his smirk, Tsukikage added, "There's a lot you should know."
Intrigued by the cryptic statement, Matsumoto inquired further, "Indeed? Please, enlighten me."
Tsukikage then proceeded to elucidate the hierarchy within Yuji's ranks, highlighting the roles of individuals responsible for different aspects of his operation.
Shiden, known as "The Rain," held the prestigious position of the First Rank within Yuji's hierarchy. Yuji's inner circle consisted of three formidable individuals, each entrusted with the leadership of a specific faction. When these three united their strengths, their combined might hold the potential to wreak havoc on an entire island.
- Commander Daiki was at the helm of the Faction Army, responsible for military affairs and armed forces within Yuji's domain.
- Tsukikage, also known as "The Reaper," presided over Faction Information, overseeing intelligence, espionage, and vital data collection.
- Shiden, or "The Rain," had authority over Faction Loyalty. His primary duty was to ensure unwavering allegiance and security, especially given Yuji's pivotal role as the King of Garton.
As he concluded his explanation, Matsumoto digested the significance of these revelations, particularly regarding Yuji's protection.
Tsukikage wrapped up his account, stating, "That's the gist of it, old man, at least all you need to know."
Matsumoto then inquired, "Hmm… So, what exactly happened between Shiden and Yuji?"
Tsukikage replied to Matsumoto by stating, "That's not something you need to know, old man. It wouldn't change anything if I told you since you and that brat are going to die eventually."
Matsumoto grasped what Tsukikage said, "Oh… I see."
Matsumoto, then veered the conversation in a different direction, asking Tsukikage about "The Devil" and the notorious assassin's infamous reputation.
Perplexed by the unexpected question, Tsukikage sought clarification. In response, Matsumoto elucidated, "The Most Heinous Criminal... The Deadliest Assassin and Ninja... A Person That Man Has Tried To Catch Or Kill For A Lifetime Now... The One Who They Call... Devil."
Now comprehending the allusion, Tsukikage asked, "And what does that have to do with anything?"
To provide an answer, Matsumoto gestured in the direction from which Hisashi was launched.
*Meanwhile, Amid Hisashi's Clash With Shiden…*
The former struggled to rise from the impact, his body coated in a thin layer of dust. His visage hung downward, evoking an impression of fatigue and inebriation.
Yet, with a sudden spark of determination, Hisashi's lips curled into a grin, and he chuckled faintly.
Amidst his laughter, he proclaimed, "You know, I wasn't expecting that... I never thought... That I'd be so lucky." As he says this, the figure who knocked him in the wall earlier, suddenly appears with the same purple electricity, following and captivating his body.
It is then revealed that this figure was Shiden, now looking like a predator who found its prey.
Hisashi then chuckles, followed by a maniac laugh. "As I thought, it's true, but I just still can't believe it." He starts, "You're a Quinta Elemental whose fifth element is the rare purple lightning. You're a Quinta Elemental: Lightning Type: Purple. " He declares, still in shock at the revelation.
*Matsumoto And Tsukikage Were Watching All That Unfolded…*
Tsukikage then said, "Wait? Hold on, why isn't he scared out of his mind? He knows the power of Shiden, yet instead of being scared he's happy."
Matsumoto, who was also watching, said, "Hmm… This is getting interesting."
*Back To The Exciting Battle Between Hisashi And Shiden…*
Still taking in this huge revelation, Hisashi proceeds to say, "Well, since I know 'what you have' let's not waste any more time."
Shiden was thinking the same thing. However, what Hisashi said towards the end kinda confused him, he shrugs it off thinking Hisashi is just trying to intimidate him and he's just falling into that trap.
Their battle begins with lightning-fast speeds, with a mixture of martial arts and magic, their battle is not only the exchange of blows but also colorful, controlled, conjured mana. With both of them possessing the four elements and having a little mastery over them, it makes them very versatile and almost unstoppable.
*Matsumoto And Tsukikage Are Still Watching The Battle…*
As if they've forgotten their enemies, themselves. Suddenly, Tsukikage backsteps a couple of meters away from Matsumoto.
"Uh? What's this?" Matsumoto was startled and confused at Tsukikage's sudden movements. At the same moment, he looked down, seeing some kind of Demon Summoning/Ritual Seal circle with a pentagram in the middle, along with ancient, unreadable writings on the edges. This circle starts glowing a deep red color looking almost the same as blood. It's moving in a constant slow, circular motion.
Tsukikage looks at the old man with a devious grin, "I told you, old man. Didn't I?" Tsukikage chuckled maniacally, inquiring the old man about a previous conversation.
Tsukikage continues, "I told you that I'd kill you and I meant it." Revealing what he told Matsumoto, and the fact that he was serious about what he said.
Matsumoto, grasping the sudden situation, perks up by saying, "Uhh… I see… So this is a Magic Circle, one that seems to be linked with the Assassins, and it also seems to be… a Forbidden Technique."
Tsukikage confirmed all that Matsumoto had said, "Yeah, you're right. I shouldn't be surprised. Since, who've lived before this world was created, so of course you'd know a lot."
He then continues by saying, "But, there is something that you've always told everyone. Something that you keep on reminding us." As he dwells more into this 'something', the magic circle starts to glow more brightly and blood starts to replace the line that made the circle, along with blood flowing from the circle and arising from the ground.
Matsumoto was just listening silently to what the assassin was saying. Then he perks up, uttering, "Ah… This really is getting interesting." chuckling as he declares his excitement with a determined and slightly commanding stare at the assassin.
(To Be Continued)