The massive Infernal stood before them, its body engulfed in roaring flames, towering over the street like a burning giant. Civilians were screaming, desperately retreating as the fire brigade formed a line of defense. The intense heat radiating from the creature was overwhelming, distorting the air and causing the ground beneath it to crack. This was no ordinary Infernal. Its presence alone was a threat beyond anything Kazuki had encountered since arriving in this world.
Captain Obi wasted no time. "Hinawa, Maki, suppress the fire! Shinra, Arthur flank it! Kazuki, you're with me!"
Kazuki nodded silently, already drawing his Asauchi as Obi charged forward. The rest of Company 8 sprang into action with precision, following Obi's commands as they surrounded the beast. Maki summoned her fire-suppressing bubbles to keep the flames from spreading, while Shinra took to the air, using his Third Generation ignition ability to launch himself with his fire-powered feet. Arthur, as usual, was spouting nonsense about being a "knight," but his plasma sword was glowing brightly as he dashed toward the Infernal's side.
Kazuki remained focused, moving in sync with Obi as they approached the creature's front. The heat was intense, even for someone like him, who had grown accustomed to fire since gaining his new powers. His mind was clear, and his body moved naturally, each step purposeful. His thoughts weren't consumed by doubt or the immensity of his abilities. He just needed to act.
Obi shouted over the roar of the flames. "We've never seen one this big! We need to take it down before it spreads further!"
Kazuki's eyes narrowed, studying the Infernal's movements. Its attacks were wild and heavy, but they lacked precision. The flames it released were strong but unfocused. If they could coordinate, they had a chance of taking it down without too much damage to the surrounding area.
Suddenly, the Infernal's arm swung down in a massive arc, aiming directly at Obi and Kazuki. Obi rolled out of the way with the agility of a seasoned fighter, while Kazuki stood his ground, bringing his Asauchi up to block the incoming blow. The force of the strike sent a shockwave through his body, but the sword held firm, absorbing the brunt of the attack. Kazuki's grip tightened as he pushed back, forcing the Infernal's arm away from him.
"Now!" Obi shouted, signaling for Kazuki to follow up.
Kazuki lunged forward, his sword flashing as he delivered a precise strike to the creature's leg. The blade cut through its fiery exterior, leaving a deep gash in its molten skin. The Infernal roared in pain, its flames flaring violently in response. Kazuki's Asauchi hummed with energy as he felt the connection between him and the weapon deepen. He was learning to wield it with greater finesse, his synchronization with the template increasing steadily.
But this Infernal wasn't going down easily. It slammed its fists into the ground, causing a massive shockwave that knocked Kazuki back. He managed to land on his feet, his sword still at the ready, but the Infernal wasn't letting up. It turned its attention to Shinra, who was darting in and out of range, trying to create an opening for the team to exploit.
Kazuki watched Shinra's movements, observing how he used his flames to maneuver in mid-air, avoiding the Infernal's attacks with ease. His synchronization with the template had given him new skills and heightened reflexes, but there was still much Kazuki had to learn if he wanted to keep up with someone as experienced as Shinra.
As the battle raged on, Kazuki's system flashed in his mind. The synchronization rate with the template had jumped again—now reaching 16%. The increase was small but noticeable. With it came another slight improvement in his abilities. His Zanjutsu felt more refined, and his body moved with even greater precision.
He didn't dwell on it. This wasn't the time for introspection. The system provided him with the tools, and all Kazuki had to do was use them.
Obi's voice cut through the chaos. "Kazuki, we need to hit it with everything we've got!"
Kazuki nodded, stepping forward to join the others. He could see the Infernal weakening, its movements becoming slower as the damage took its toll. But it was still dangerous, and they needed to finish this before it could cause more destruction.
Without hesitation, Kazuki raised his hand, channeling the power of the system to summon the Hado spell *Kongōbaku*. His palm glowed with fiery energy, a ball of destructive force forming in the center of his hand. It felt natural now, the process of summoning the spell, and he unleashed it with a sharp motion, sending the explosive fireball directly at the Infernal's chest.
The blast connected with a deafening explosion, sending the Infernal staggering backward. The flames around its body flared wildly before flickering and dimming. Kazuki's attack had done significant damage, but the creature wasn't finished yet.
"Shinra! Arthur! Now!" Obi commanded, capitalizing on the momentary opening Kazuki had created.
With a burst of speed, Shinra propelled himself forward, landing a powerful kick to the Infernal's head, while Arthur slashed at its side with his plasma sword. The combined force of their attacks was enough to tip the creature over. It fell to the ground with a thunderous crash, its flames sputtering out as its body began to disintegrate.
The fight was over.
Kazuki stood still, watching as the remains of the Infernal faded into ash. His breathing was steady, his body calm. There was no sense of relief or overwhelming emotion. It was just another battle, another victory. He had done what needed to be done.
Captain Obi clapped him on the back as the rest of Company 8 gathered around. "Good work, Kazuki. That spell of yours made the difference."
Kazuki nodded. "Just doing my part."
The others were already talking about the fight, congratulating each other and assessing the damage, but Kazuki remained quiet. His mind was already moving forward, thinking about the next battle, the next challenge.
His synchronization with the template had increased by another percent, but Kazuki didn't fixate on it. The system would continue to provide him with what he needed, and he would continue to improve, honing his abilities with each fight.
There was no need to worry about control. He had it.