Taking refuge in a cave where a shrine resided, where Sheldon first set his feet on the azure-leaf forest, Ophiuchus tended to Tenisha's major injuries. After a few seconds, using his Celestial power, he left Teni's body in the best shape it has ever been since her birth.
The 13th's wings sprouted before leaving the small cave.
Tenisha tentatively asked:
"What happened to you, Sheldon?"
Ophiuchus spoke, his deep voice echoing through the cave.
"Me?... Well... I am just using his body as of this moment. He inquired it to me through a contract. Though, I will inform you of my identity."
Teni sighed.
"Oh... right. The young boy could never perform a Speed Blitz -- not of this mastery."
Ophiuchus said abruptly:
"He will perform it... one day."
Teni ignored his statement and continued.
"Tell me who you are."
The 13th answered:
"Lord of the Stars is the official title bestowed upon me by the Elder Ones. The rest you'll have to figure out yourself."
Tenisha was undoubtedly starstruck.
"Lord of the Stars!? The... th-the 13th Zodiac!? Ophiuchus!"
Ignoring her shock, Ophiuchus said:
"I want you to do me a favor. If Sheldon ever asks you if you can teach him the art of swordsmanship, make sure you find a way for him to learn."
Teni nodded.
"I... Y-yes! I will!"
Ophiuchus looked back, realizing an anomaly on Tenisha's face.
"Why are you red?"
Tenisha blushed even more, completely embarrassed.
"Uh... I-I... I-"
Interrupting her, Ophiuchus said:
"You should not blush for me, for I, the inhabitant of this boy's body as of this moment, am Sheldon."
Tenisha's jaw dropped, in complete disbelief.
"Wha... No! How?!"
Not desiring to answer her question, Ophiuchus flapped his wings, approaching the ruined Town Hall with deadly speed.
***
Crossing his legs, the harsh demon waited patiently for the his opponent, the 13th Zodiac.
He didn't have to wait a long time, for Ophiuchus lunged at him shortly after his previous Speed Blitz. Pulling the trigger of the brass shotgun, the 13th inflicted a great deal of damage to the demon, but it was to no avail.
Sprouting his wings, Ophiuchus hovered a few meters off the ground.
The harsh demon then exclaimed:
"Ah! There you reside! Ophiuchus, Lord of the Stars, the 13th Zodiac, Strongest of the Orion! I've heard of you before, multiple times really! Yet, the thought of your existence as a human being never crossed my mind!"
Ophiuchus stayed silent for a few moments his gaze fixated on his prideful opponent.
His opponent, despite being a demon-type Time Dweller, closely resembled the body of a human. His face was that of a handsome man. He had three eyes, his third eye being on his forehead. Beside his third eye were large, dark horns. The daemon had luxurious, raven-black hair flow down his neck.
The daemon bear not a shirt, portraying his muscular physique. On his torso was a contrast between pale and black skin, making it appear as if a shadow was cast on him. He had three pairs of arms clad with sharp claws. He wore nothing but white pants.
Immediately, a strong gust of wind pushed away all the rubble from the destroyed Town Hall at Ophiuchus' command, revealing a battlefield. In the next millisecond, Ophiuchus blitzed to the dusty battleground, maintaining an offensive stance.
The daemon, with a relatively low reaction speed, exclaimed:
"Galebreath? Such a melody can't be utilized properly in a grounded battle! I expected more of you."
Ophiuchus, revealing Sheldon's face, dismissed his helmet and gasped.
"Ah! I can finally breathe!"
The daemon then said:
"Oh my! Pardon my insolence. I am Lei."
Ophiuchus had no reaction.
Lei, without wasting any time, lunged at the 13th Zodiac.
A pained gasped escaped his mouth. His blood splattered all over the battlefield as multiple bullets escaped his body. His pride was crushed.
"You bi-"
Silencing Lei, a clean cut appeared on his pale neck. With that done, the battle was over.
Ophiuchus knelt down on one knee, looking forward at Lei's chest. He plunged his arm in it and swiftly retracted his arm from his chest. His bloodied gauntlet brought out a black Core that had a large aura. Without hesitation, he crushed it.
Immediately, the Song resounded in Ophiuchus' ears:
Action:[Cleanly decapitating Elite Grade, Lei Impromptu]
Appraisal:[Daemon's Shadow]
[+9000 Core Essence]
[+290 Tempo]
[Tempo Limit Increased(2)]
[Tempo Ability Obtained: Speed Blitz]
[Tempo Ability Speed Blitz Evolved(2)]
[+CELESTIAL INDIFFERENCE: Ellycit]