"They track Nephilims through heat sensors, so your plan is to create a diversion. Anix, you'll head to the east—Nero, to the north. I'll make my way to the west, to the medical lab. Remember, do not harm any civilians!"
Ryuma commanded, walking slowly through a cloud of dust. His silhouette became visible to the Rangers, waiting for him with their guns ready to unleash a barrage of gunfire.
"I thought they were three," one of the Rangers remarked, looking at Ryuma's lone figure.
"That's what I heard too," another replied.
From within the troop, a stern-looking man emerged, both hands clasped behind his back. He didn't quite look like a captain—perhaps a lieutenant, Ryuma thought.
Given the authority he wears, he's definitely a lieutenant, Ryuma concluded.
"Ryuma... or should I call you Viel Beast? You escaped with the help of your colleagues, and here you are again. Have you come back to be placed under custody, or is there an ulterior motive in mind? Either way, I'd advise you to calmly raise your hands and follow us. You don't want things to get rough, do you?"
The man's voice dropped. Glancing over his shoulder at his troop, he added, "If he makes any move, take him down."
"Roger!" they responded in unison.
Ryuma fixed his gaze on the Rangers giving him such a "warm" welcome. He raised his left leg, preparing to take a step forward, when a barrage of gunfire erupted from every direction—even from the gates above.
The gunfire continued for a full minute before it finally ceased. Everyone stared with bated breath, waiting for the dust to settle. To their utter dismay, there stood Ryuma, unfazed and majestic.
"What!? How is that possible?" the man barked. "Again! Fire again—"
Before the words were fully out, Ryuma appeared in front of him, sweeping his hand into the man's gut and sending him crashing into the troop behind him. Ryuma shot a dreadful look at the Ranger beside him, who immediately lost his balance and fell to the ground.
"I have no business with you all," Ryuma declared. He squatted low before kicking off the ground, launching himself into the air. Though it looked like flight, it was merely an incredible leap.
In mid-air, Ryuma glanced eastward, noting smoke rising into the sky. Anix has started her work, he thought with satisfaction, nodding. He landed on a rooftop and then leapt again.
After bounding across several buildings, Ryuma landed in front of the medical lab. He walked up to the door, expecting it to open, but it didn't.
They've been expecting me, he realized, sighing. Two sharp tentacles emerged from his body, swinging down and tearing the door apart. Behind it was another batch of Rangers, their guns trained on him. They opened fire immediately.
The tentacles multiplied, moving rhythmically to deflect the bullets while also taking damage. However, Ryuma's regenerative abilities kept pace with the damage.
As he shielded himself, a sharp, circular blade whizzed through the air, aiming for his back. Ryuma backflipped just in time, dodging the blade.
He chuckled dryly, recognizing the wielder of such a weapon. "So, you finally showed up, Pipsqueak."
Hinetsu stood atop a building, catching her blade. "Don't tell me you're after Senior Saiya," she sneered, her red eyes shadowed by dark circles.
Ryuma sighed. With Hinetsu's presence, he knew the captains would be next. Avoiding a high mortality rate would be nearly impossible, so he had to act quickly.
Hinetsu leapt down from the building, landing gracefully. She casually approached Ryuma, transforming her Quincy into a katana.
"You haven't been sleeping well?" Ryuma asked, noting the dark bags under her eyes.
"No. Not since you and your friends nearly killed Saiya."
"You know I saved her, right?"
"And you expect me to believe that?" Hinetsu retorted, lunging forward and swinging her blade. Ryuma caught it between his fingertips.
"So, you've been hiding your powers all this time?" she chuckled bitterly.
"I wasn't hiding anything," Ryuma replied calmly.
Hinetsu pulled her katana back and attacked in a frenzy, but every strike met Ryuma's hands. His newfound strength was thanks to Wolot, whose core had granted him Xcri's fighting abilities. However, this power came at a price. The more cores Ryuma absorbed, the less human he became. His body had become as hard as steel, his speed rivaled the sound barrier, but his immune system was slowly rotting away.
Ryuma grabbed Hinetsu's katana, pulling her closer. He jabbed her neck, and her eyes slowly closed as she lost consciousness.
"You need to rest now. I'll save Saiya, I promise."
Ryuma caught her limp body and gently laid her on the ground. Behind him, the troop of Rangers stood, stunned and unable to comprehend how one of their strongest had been defeated so easily.
Ryuma charged forward, jabbing each Ranger in the neck to incapacitate them. He tracked Saiya with his enhanced senses and arrived at a room. At its center were Saiya and Aya, lying on beds with needles piercing their bodies.
He approached Saiya, her once-beautiful figure now marred by reddish skin and pores. Mixed emotions clouded his mind as he looked at her, he had never thought he'll feel this way towards the troublesome girl. The sight igniting his conviction to work with Nera.
Ryuma gently caressed her long, dark hair, then removed her from the life support system. Suddenly, he turned sharply toward the door, sensing familiar individuals nearby. Reinforcements had arrived.
---
Outside the medical facility, a new batch of Rangers gathered. Among them were all the squads. Kitetsu, carrying his petite sister in his arms, gently placed her on a stretcher.
He turned to the two Rangers nearby and said softly, "Please make sure she's okay."
They nodded before carrying her away. Kitetsu's expression hardened as he stared at the door Ryuma was expected to emerge from.
Joining the group, Haruchi stood visibly distressed by recent events.
"I can't believe any of this," Haruchi muttered.
"Neither can I," Kitetsu replied grimly. "But Sir Ryuma better have a good explanation. First Aya, now my sister..." He tightened his grip on his gun.
"I hope this isn't all about Saiya," Issei grunted, marching toward the door. "Because I'll blow that scum's brains out."
Kitetsu tried to stop him, knowing it was against the plan, but it was too late. The door opened, and Ryuma stepped out, Saiya cradled gently in his arms.
The sight of him stunned everyone. The Ryuma they had known was gone. The man standing before them was a stranger with a dark aura never seen before.
Ryuma stopped, his cold gaze swee
ping across the armed group. In a slow, deliberate voice, he said, "Out of my way, humans."