Yuzuki stood up, refusing to back down against the monstrous figure before her.
Beast 1: You look tired. You shouldn't even bother defending yourself. I promise your death won't be painful, but…
Yuzuki: I'm going to kick your ass.
Beast 1: …But if you don't give up, your death will be really painful.
Without hesitation, Yuzuki lunged at him with her sword, aiming to land a decisive blow. But he was fast—too fast. Dodging effortlessly, he countered with a brutal swing of his own sword, slicing through her leg. Blood sprayed across the training ground as Yuzuki collapsed, gasping in pain.
Yuzuki: Bastard…
She gritted her teeth, gripping the dirt beneath her as agony shot through her body. But then something unexpected happened. Even the Beast took a step back in surprise as her severed leg began to regenerate at an alarming rate. Within moments, it was fully restored. Yuzuki stared at herself, just as shocked as her opponent.
Yuzuki: I… I can regenerate?
Beast 1: It seems you're new to the afterlife. Everyone can regenerate their body parts here, but there are limits. If key areas like the eyes, heart, or brain are completely destroyed, death is permanent. Just cutting off a head won't work. You have to obliterate it beyond repair.
Yuzuki: Huh. Good to know.
Beast 1: But you… your regeneration is faster than most. You must be special. I was planning to kill you, but now… I think I'll capture you and bring you to my master.
Yuzuki: Master? Who the hell is that?
Beast 1: You don't need to know.
Meanwhile, Mike arrived at the training ground. His eyes scanned the area, searching for Yuzuki, but she was nowhere to be found. Instead, bloodstains littered the ground. His jaw tightened. It didn't take much for him to piece together what had happened. Now, he just needed to find her.
Before he could act, something massive swung toward him from behind. Instinct kicked in—Mike turned and caught a huge hammer mid-air with his bare hand, stopping the attack effortlessly.
Mike: So you're the one who killed the guy in the alley… and took Yuzuki.
A second beast stood before him, just as large as the first.
Beast 2: That wasn't me. That was my brother.
Mike: Then tell me where he took Yuzuki. Otherwise, you die right here.
Beast 2: Who the hell are you to tell me what to do?
Mike exhaled, shaking his head.
Mike: You just made the worst mistake of your afterlife.