Sarah, growing increasingly worried about Kenta's absence, had been searching for him throughout the day. As dusk gave way to night, she finally arrived at the riverbank and caught sight of Kenta lying motionless on the ground.
Her heart skipped a beat as she rushed towards him, concern etched on her face. "Kenta!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of worry and relief. She knelt beside him, checking for signs of life and trying to ascertain the extent of his condition.
System Alert: Based on the assessment, Sarah was notified through the system that Kenta seemed to be injured. In response, the system suggested that she could utilize her Heal Magic: Mid-Grade ability to tend to his wounds.
With a determined expression, Sarah focused her energy and channeled the Heal Magic: Mid-Grade spell towards Kenta's unconscious form. Her eyes narrowed in concentration as a soft glow surrounded her hands, indicating the activation of her healing magic.
Kenta stirred, regaining consciousness as the healing magic worked its way through his battered body. He opened his eyes, blinking in confusion as he tried to orient himself in the dim surroundings. The once-powerful presence of the dark aura that had taken hold of him had vanished, leaving him back in his normal state.
"What... happened?" he muttered, his voice gravelly as he pushed himself up into a sitting position. He winced in pain as the events of the fight came back to him, the memories of the encounter with Kanji slowly resurfacing in his mind.
He touched his jaw, feeling the lingering soreness where Kanji's punch had landed. "Damn," he muttered, the realization of the intensity of the battle finally sinking in.
As he looked around, his eyes landed on Sarah, who had been knelt beside him, concern etched on her face. "Sarah..." he said, recognizing her presence. "You found me."
Sarah, her worry transforming into relief, hurriedly spoke. "Kenta, thank goodness you're awake. I was so worried about you." She looked him up and down, assessing his condition. "How do you feel?"
Sarah's worry quickly turned into frustration as she vented her pent-up emotions. Without giving Kenta a chance to respond, she exclaimed, "Kenta! Do you even realize how worried I've been? I've been searching for you all day!"
Her voice laced with a mix of concern and irritation, she continued, "I couldn't find you anywhere! I had no idea what had happened to you. You just disappeared without a trace."
She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "Why did you disappear like that? You scared me half to death!"
Kenta, his smile growing as he took in Sarah's concern, replied, "...Yeah, I'm sorry."
His tone held a touch of guilt for having caused her worry, but there was also a hint of warmth and gratitude in his voice. He realized that he wasn't completely alone anymore, and Sarah's presence meant more to him than he had ever acknowledged before.
"I didn't mean to worry you," he continued, looking at her with genuine regret. "I just had something I needed to take care of on my own. But I promise I won't disappear like that again."
Sarah, seeing the sincerity in his eyes, softened her expression. Her initial frustration began to wane, replaced by a mix of relief and understanding. She knew Kenta well enough to know that he had his own reasons for disappearing, even if it frustrated her to no end.
"Just... don't do it again," she said, her voice gentler now. "I care about you, you idiot. At least let me know next time you're going off to face trouble alone, okay?"
Kenta chuckled softly, touched by her concern. "I will, I promise," he assured her. "Next time, I'll make sure to let you know before I go off on some stupid solo mission."
Sarah shook her head, a reluctant smile forming on her lips. "You better. Or I'll seriously kick your butt next time, you hear me?"
Kenta chuckled again, his mood visibly lifting. "Consider me warned," he replied, his tone light and playful. "I wouldn't want to incur your wrath by disappearing unannounced again."
The tension between them eased, and a comfortable silence fell over them. Sarah looked at Kenta, relieved that he was okay despite the evident signs of his fight. She couldn't help but ask, "So, what happened to you? You look like you got into quite a brawl."
Kenta grimaced as he touched his jaw again before responding. "Yeah, you can say that again. I got into a bit of a scrap with Kanji," he admitted.
Sarah frowned as she heard the name "Kanji." The mention of him seemed to trigger feelings of irritation and protectiveness within her. She firmly asserted, "You should stay away from that guy. He gives me bad vibes."
Sarah paused for a moment, considering the previous events. Although she remained skeptical, she admitted, "Well, yeah, he did help us during the war with Altaria Kingdom and the undead horde incident... But that doesn't change the fact that he still feels untrustworthy."
She looked at Kenta seriously. "Just... be careful around him, okay? Something about him doesn't sit right with me, and I don't want you getting caught up in anything dangerous because of him."
Kenta, listening to her concerns, nodded in agreement. "I hear you. I'll be cautious. But you know I can handle myself, right?"
Sarah rolled her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Oh, I know you can handle yourself, Mr. Tough Guy. Just... don't be too reckless, please? For my sake?"
Kenta chuckled softly, appreciating her concern. "All right, all right. I'll try not to be too reckless. Mainly for your sake," he teased, a charming smile on his face.
As Sarah extended a helping hand, Kenta gratefully accepted it and slowly pushed himself to his feet. The exhaustion and pain coursing through his body were evident, but he managed to stand more or less steadily.
She held onto his arm, supporting him as he steadied himself. "You sure you're okay to walk?" she asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
Kenta nodded, determined to show he was fine. "Yeah, I'm good. Just a bit sore, but I'll manage," he replied, trying to downplay his condition.
Kanji, who was seated in his temple and observing Kenta and Sarah from a distance, was accompanied by his elite follower named Zero. They silently observed the scene unfolding around them, their attention focused on Kenta and Sarah as they assisted each other.
Zero, his gaze fixed on Kenta and Sarah, posed a question to Kanji. "Lord Kanji, do you know those two?" the elite follower inquired, sensing Kanji's silent scrutiny of the pair.
Kanji, a sly smirk playing on his lips, responded to Zero's question. "Ah, them," he mused. "They're both quite talented, despite their defeat at my hand. They have untapped potential, especially the male."
He continued, his gaze fixed on Kenta and Sarah. "The male, in particular, has a strong potential. He possesses the unique ability to switch personalities when wielding Yami and Hikari, and his skill increases substantially when in that form. It's quite fascinating to observe."
Zero, curious about the female companion accompanying Kenta, shifted his attention and inquired about her. "What about the girl with him? What can you tell me about her?"
Kanji assessed Sarah's abilities, sharing his observations with Zero. "Ah, the girl," he began. "She's quite adept in close-quarter combat, but it's not based on traditional martial arts. Instead, she has an innate sense and instinct that guides her movements in the right situations. Her ability to adapt and react, while not trained, is quite impressive."
He continued, his tone thoughtful. "There's untapped potential within her as well. However, her lack of formal training may limit her growth in the long run. She relies more on her instincts and quick thinking, which is a strength but also a weakness when facing more disciplined opponents."
"Overall, I'd say they both have promise," Kanji concluded, his gaze returning to the pair before him. "I'll keep an eye on them. They could be interesting to observe further."
Himeko, the elegant and authoritative ruler of the Vampire Kingdom, was sitting in the opulent castle, engaged in a discussion with her devoted servant Caelus. He approached her, looking somewhat troubled, and delivered a report.
Caelus, standing before Himeko, knelt slightly due to his shorter stature compared to her 5'4 height. He spoke with a mixture of respect and unease. "Lady Himeko," he began, his voice steady but betraying a hint of concern.
Himeko, noticing his hesitation, gestured for him to continue. "What news do you bring, Caelus?" she inquired, her tone inquisitive.
Caelus proceeded to inform Himeko about a distressing situation on Xuê Island, her favorite retreat. "My lady," he said, his voice filled with a mix of despair and hesitation, "Xuê Island... it's been partially destroyed. The damage is extensive, and it has caused quite a bit of destruction."
Upon hearing this news, Himeko's expression instantly darkened. Her bloodlust immediately manifested, exuding an intense aura that sent a chill through the air. Windows in the vicinity shattered as a result of the force of her anger.
Himeko, seething with anger, questioned Caelus, her voice dripping with restrained fury. "You mean to tell me the island has been damaged? Wasn't my brother, Kanji, supposed to have made an agreement with me to ensure the island's safety?"
Caelus continued his explanation, revealing the source of the devastation. "My lady, it wasn't Lord Kanji who damaged the island," he clarified. "It was caused by the sealed God of Strength, Rai, and one of Lord Kanji's disciples, Kiana. Though Rai is now gone, Lord Kanji intervened to resolve the conflict."
Himeko listened intently, her anger slowly subsiding as she absorbed the new information. She clenched her fists, trying to maintain her composure. "So it was that wretched ridiculous god and one of my brother's followers," she said, her voice taut with restrained fury. "Where is Kanji now? And what about that foolish disciple who dared to defile my island?"
Caelus, clearly intimidated by Himeko's anger, responded diligently. "Lord Kanji is currently in his temple, in deep contemplation, and as for his disciple, Kiana, she is in our City" he answered, his voice tinged with the slightest hint of caution.
Himeko closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to calm herself. "Very well," she said, her voice regaining a measure of composure. "I shall pay a visit to my brother's temple and have a word with him. And as for his disciple..." Her eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint in them. "Make sure you bring her before me. I have a few words to share with her as well."
Caelus, hesitating for a moment as Himeko's words lingered in the air, felt a bit uneasy. He wondered if she meant that he should bring Kiana forcibly or merely in a gentle manner. He chose his words carefully before replying. "My lady, do you wish for me to bring her by force...?" he asked cautiously, not sure about her intentions.
Himeko looked at Caelus, a chilling smile on her face. "Oh, no, my dear Caelus," she replied, her tone deceptively courteous. "You know me better than that. I'm a reasonable ruler, after all. Bring her to me, but not by force. Convince her, persuade her, or whatever it takes. Just ensure that she stands before me within the hour."
Caelus swallowed, his unease increasing slightly at Himeko's words. But knowing better than to question her further, he bowed and replied, "As you command, my lady. I'll bring her before you as soon as possible."
Himeko, her mind set on her decision, channeled her power to create a shimmering portal. In a display of her authority and supernatural abilities, a portal materialized before her, ready to transport her to Kanji's temple.
Himeko stepped through the portal, leaving her castle behind. The portal took her to the foot of Zhīshān Mountain and Kanji's temple. With her regal presence and determined stride, she emerged at the temple's entrance.
Himeko's gaze fixated on the temple before her. With an air of authority, she walked towards its entrance, her mind focused on confronting her brother and having a word with his disciple, Kiana.
Himeko, proceeding deeper into the temple, navigated through its interior. She arrived at the lower part of the temple where she knew Kanji would be engrossed in reading ancient books or scrolls. Without hesitation, she called out to him, her voice cutting through the air. "Kanji," she said, her tone commanding his attention.
Kanji, caught off guard by Himeko's unexpected visit, paused his reading to acknowledge her presence. He looked up from the ancient book he was studying, his expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Himeko," he said somewhat calmly, "Why have you come here?"
Himeko's expression remained stern, her irritation evident in her tone. "I think you know why I'm here, brother," she replied, her eyes narrowing as she addressed him. "My favorite island, Xuê Island, has been destroyed, half of it gone due to some conflict involving you and your followers. Care to explain?"
Kanji, upon hearing Himeko's words, sighed deeply. He knew this conversation wouldn't be easy. He placed the ancient book on the table and addressed her with a mixture of resignation and mild irritation. "Himeko," he began, his voice measured, "the situation on Xuê Island wasn't exactly what you think. Yes, there was a conflict, but the destruction was not my intention. Let me explain."
He paused briefly, choosing his words carefully. "An ancient god, Rai, escaped his sealing and wreaked havoc on the island. One of my disciples, Kiana, got involved, and, unfortunately, the chaos led to the destruction you're referring to."
Himeko's expression remained firm, her anger not abating. "So you're telling me it was that god and your disciple who caused this mess? Why did you even allow such a conflict to happen on my island in the first place? You knew how important that place was to me."
Kanji continued, his tone serious. "I understand your anger, Himeko, and I take responsibility for allowing the situation to happen. But you must also know that sometimes, things are out of one's control. The god's escape was unexpected and happened without my knowledge. As for Kiana's involvement, it was a spur of the moment decision, influenced by the urgent situation on the island."
Kanji, his voice steady, continued to explain the aftermath of the incident. "I assure you, Himeko, everything has been taken care of. Rai, the god responsible for the destruction, is no longer a threat. I dealt with him in return for the damages to your island."
Himeko, though still visibly upset, tried to suppress her anger. She understood the situation better now, but her irritation lingered. "So you did manage to handle the conflict, but that doesn't change the fact that my island is partially destroyed. What about restitution? I demand compensation for the damage."
Kanji, hearing her demand for compensation, sighed once more. He gestured for her to sit down beside him, signaling his willingness to discuss the matter further. "Himeko, please, have a seat. Let's talk about this."
Himeko, reluctantly following his invitation, sat down next to him. Her demeanor was a mix of irritation and expectation, awaiting his next words.
Kanji, seeing Himeko seated beside him, reached out and gently patted her head. His voice was calm and considerate as he spoke. "Himeko," he began, his tone soothing, "I know you're upset, and justifiably so. The destruction of your island is a serious matter. But we need to find a reasonable solution."
He continued, his hand still gently resting on her head. "You want compensation, and I understand. But I can't promise that I can fully restore the island to its original state. It was a god's doing, after all. What would you consider a fair compensation?"
As Himeko request
Kanji, listening to Himeko's request, pondered her words for a moment. He tilted his head slightly, and his expression became thoughtful. "So you want me to speak with Goddess of Light, Makima to rebuild Xuê Island?" he repeated, making sure he understood her correctly.
As Kanji contemplated Himeko's request, a moment of hesitation crossed his expression. His relationship with Makima, the Goddess of Light, had a strained history. Memories of killing trillions of Angels and billions of her kin, who were like family to her, weighed heavily in his mind.
He knew that speaking with Makima about rebuilding Xuê Island would not be an easy task.
Himeko, perceptive and knowing the strained relationship between Kanji and Makima, understood the weight of her request. Her tone held a mix of determination and anticipation as she spoke. "I know it won't be easy, Kanji," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of insistence. "But this is important to me. I know your history with Makima and the angels, but I trust you can find a way to persuade her."
Kanji, sensing Himeko's subtle mocking tone, let a smirk tug at the corners of his mouth. He met her gaze, his eyes conveying a mixture of acknowledgment and playful irritation. "Oh, you little devil," he teased, his voice laced with mock offense. "You know I can see right through you, don't you? You're just having a bit of fun, aren't you?"
Himeko, her expression remaining unperturbed, feigned innocence. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Kanji," she replied, a hint of feigned sweetness in her voice. "I'm merely suggesting a solution. It's not my fault if you find it challenging to discuss with Makima. After all, I just want my island restored, don't I?"
Kanji, recognizing the necessity of creating a portal since he didn't possess the ability to do so himself, yielded to Himeko's request. "Very well, Himeko," he acquiesced, a hint of resignation in his voice. "Since I can't create a portal myself, you'll have to do it. Go ahead, create one."
Himeko, triumphant in having convinced her brother to rely on her ability, gladly obliged. She lifted her hand and focused her power to create a shimmering portal. With a wave of her hand, a portal came into existence, its swirling vortex appearing before them.
Kanji, stepping through the portal and entering the light realm, was greeted by a familiar but desolate sight. The remnants of his past actions during the Emperor War stood before him as a testimony to the destruction he had caused. In front of him sat Makima, surrounded by the remnants of that battle. On one side was a boulder, and on the other, her divine light blade of authority, a shimmering katana.
Makima, her eyes opening, fixed them on Kanji with a cold, unwavering gaze. Her forehead vines, once soft, now hardened as she clutched her katana tightly. The air around her seemed to vibrate with a mix of tension and anticipation. Her expression was a mixture of anger and caution.
Makima, her voice cold and sharp, broke the silence. "Kanji," she said, her tone carrying a mixture of irritation and resignation. "You have the audacity to appear in front of me after all you've done."
Kanji, cutting straight to the point, spoke his request bluntly. "Makima, I need your help. I know our history is complicated, but let's set it aside for now. I need you to use your magic to repair Xuê island. It was partially destroyed due to a conflict between myself and another god, and Himeko is requesting compensation."
In a blaze of anger, Makima pulled out her divine light katana, its blade shimmering with divine power. With a single flare of anger, she unleashed a barrage of Divine Light strikes, slashing through the realm itself. Millions of strikes sliced through the air, effortlessly cutting through the bricks of her realm, reducing them to miniature pieces in an instant. The power and intensity of her attack were awe-inspiring, displaying the extent of her rage and authority.
As Makima's Divine Light strikes slashed through the realm, Kanji found himself in the path of the onslaught. Though the power of the attack was immense, Kanji's abilities, manifested through his dark aura, allowed him to regenerate almost instantly. Despite the damage inflicted on his body, the regenerative properties of his power kicked in and he managed to restore himself to his previous state, unscathed and unharmed.
Despite Kanji's remarkable regeneration, the sheer power of Makima's attacks had left deep imprints on the surroundings. The realm was now scarred and marked by the impact of her strikes. Makima, her anger still evident, spoke once more, her voice filled with bitter anger. "Do you think your regeneration can withstand my attacks forever?"
Kanji, his voice steady and calm, responded to Makima's accusation. "You may have tried to cut me down, but I am not the same person you remember," he said emphatically. "I have been trying to kind and my humanity has improved a lot. You cannot defeat me Even though I'm not trying you know that."
His words held a mix of confidence and honesty, acknowledging the significant change he had undergone. "I've grown stronger," he continued, his voice tinged with determination. "And I've changed. I don't want to fight you, Makima. I just want to fix the damage I've caused. Please, help me repair Xuê Island."
The air between them was thick with tension, their past conflicts and lingering resentment hanging heavily in the air. However, Kanji's plea for assistance held a hint of sincerity and remorse, trying to find a way through their complicated history for the sake of a common goal.
With the blink of an eye, Makima teleported directly in front of Kanji, her divine light katana still in her grasp. Gripping his collar with a firm and powerful grip, she pulled him closer, their faces inches apart. Her gaze was intense and her expression a mix of anger and determination.
Makima's voice was a mixture of anger and authority as she spoke, her eyes locked onto Kanji's. "You think you can just waltz in here, asking for my help, as if nothing has changed between us?" she hissed, her grip on his collar tightening even further. "You think I should forgive you for everything you've done, just because you've supposedly changed?"
Makima, her voice filled with anger and pain, accused Kanji of the devastating loss of her family and students, the angels in her realm who were like family. "How dare you!" she yelled, her grip on his collar unyielding. "You killed my family, my students, the angels that I cared deeply for. You took away everything I held, and now you have the gall to ask for my help?"
Kanji, his expression neutral and lacking sympathy, looked at Makima. "Yes, I did those things," he admitted, his voice devoid of remorse. "I killed your family, your students, the angels. They were just casualties in the grand scheme of things, sacrifices necessary for my goals."
Kanji, his voice cold and dispassionate, continued to justify his actions. "There's nothing wrong with killing in the name of survival," he argued. "It's part of the natural order. The strong thrive and the weaker ones perish. You and your angels are no exception."
His words were cold, reflecting his lack of empathy or remorse for the lives he had taken. "You should understand that better than anyone," he said, a hint of condescension in his voice. "Survival of the fittest, remember? It's the only law that truly matters."
Makima's anger intensified as she looked at Kanji, her golden light eyes flaring with an intense glow. "You're so cold, so callous," she hissed, shaking him with her grip. "You act as if the lives you took meant nothing, as if they were just numbers to add to your tally."
Makima's voice was filled with a chilling threat as she made her vow. "Don't you ever forget," she warned him, her eyes narrowing, "that I will have my revenge. I will make you pay for what you've done, and when you die, you will be alone, with no one to mourn or care for you."
Makima, her voice a mix of anger and frustration, spoke again. "You don't deserve my help," she said, her grip on his collar tightening even further. "You have caused so much pain and suffering, and now you want me to help you repair the damage you've done. It's ridiculous."
Kanji, seemingly unfazed by Makima's anger, responded in his usual calm and dispassionate tone. "I understand your anger," he said, his voice lacking any hint of remorse, "but we need to focus on what's important. I came here to ask you to repair Xuê Island, and I'm not leaving until I get what I want."
His tone was matter-of-fact, as if he were discussing a business transaction rather than a request for help. "I don't care about your feelings towards me. All I care about is getting what I want, and I'll do whatever it takes to achieve that goal."
His words were blunt and his attitude unapologetic, clearly showing that he was not going to back down or give up until he got what he wanted. The tension between them was undeniable, but Kanji remained focused on his objective, undeterred by Makima's anger.
Makima's glare intensified, her eyes burning with a murderous intent that was palpable. Her voice was filled with a mixture of anger and realization as she spoke. "Now I understand," she said, her grip on his collar tightening even further. "Omni God sent all gods and many enemies to seal you away. It was to protect us from you, from your heartless and destructive nature."
Kanji, his expression stoic and unwavering, looked at Makima as he spoke. "If you don't want to help me, then I'll leave," he said, his tone indifferent, as if he didn't really care about her decision. "But I'll find a way to repair Xuê Island one way or another, with or without your help."
As Kanji returned through the portal, he found Himeko standing there with a smug expression on her face. She looked at him, unimpressed, and spoke in a taunting tone. "So, how did it go with Makima?"
Himeko's voice carried a hint of mockery as she asked the question, clearly amused by the situation. She seemed to enjoy seeing Kanji's lack of success in getting Makima's cooperation.
"Did you manage to convince her to help us?" she asked, her tone filled with doubt. "Or did she give you the cold shoulder, as usual?"
Kanji, his expression calm and unbothered, relayed his interaction with Makima. "I talked to her," he said, his voice monotone, "but she refused to help."
Himeko, her mood seemingly lightening, mentioned that Kanji's disciple Kiana also had the ability to create things. "Kiana has a creation ability too, you know," she said, her voice taking on a mocking tone. "She's already repaired Xuê island, thanks to her powers."
Kanji, his expression unchanging, looked at Himeko and spoke, his voice filled with a hint of irritation. "Were you just here to add to my PTSD?" he asked, his tone betraying a mix of frustration and resignation.
Himeko, her expression smug, continued to speak. "Oh, come on now," she said, her tone dripping with mocking sweetness. "I'm just trying to have some fun with you. Don't take it so seriously."
Himeko, her tone and expression becoming serious, spoke up to remind Kanji of the deep-seated resentment within the Naein clan. "You should know one thing," she said, her voice taking on a firm tone. "All Naeins from the Naein clan, including me, will never forget what you did. We bear a grudge that runs deep."
Her words were a warning and a reminder of the lasting impact of Kanji's actions on the Naein clan and its members. It was clear that the wound of his past deeds still lingered and would not be easily healed or forgotten.
"I'll see you later," she said, her voice still brimming with mock sweetness. "Try not to get into too much trouble with other people while I'm gone."
As Himeko prepared to teleport, Kanji spoke up, his voice betraying a hint of worry. "How is our mother?" he asked, his expression showing a sliver of concern.
His question revealed a hint of vulnerability and a rare glimpse into his emotions. Though he usually maintained a stoic demeanor, the mention of their mother seemed to touch a nerve, and he couldn't help but ask about her wellbeing.
Himeko, her expression becoming more annoyed and disdainful, responded to Kanji's question about their mother. She spoke with a scathing tone, "Our mother is still in a blank and sick state, thanks to you."
Her words carried a sense of blame and resentment towards Kanji for the pain their mother has endured, a pain she believed he was responsible for. "She's still stuck in that state because of you," Himeko continued, her voice filled with bitterness.
Himeko, her expression growing colder with each step, walked towards the portal and spoke her final words before disappearing. "I hope I don't ever see you again," she spat out, her voice dripping with poison.
Kanji watched as Himeko disappeared through the portal, his eyes showing no emotion. He then sat down in his seat, his expression impassive, as he absorbed the weight of their conversation.
Kaniji's eyes grew pale, and a pang of coldness washed over him. He touched his chest, feeling a strange sensation that wasn't physical pain, but a deeper, more abstract kind of suffering. In a soft voice, he spoke to himself, his words reflecting the inner turmoil he was experiencing.
His voice filled with resignation, Kanji continued to speak, addressing himself. "This coldness in my chest...it's not physical pain, but a different kind of pain....From year's.."
His words trailed off, and his gaze turned distant as he delved deeper into his thoughts. The weight of the pain he had experienced over the years weighed heavily on him, and he seemed to struggle with the burden of his past traumas.
Kanji leaned back against the wall, his mind drifting into memories of his past. The pain and trauma he had endured over the years seemed to press down on him, each memory a reminder of the darkness he had been through.
~End of Volume 4.
Next Volume "Hunt for Demon of battle"