The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over a desolate landscape that seemed to be on the verge of collapse. This timeline, under siege by Chaos Entities, was already crumbling, reality itself warping as the creatures of destruction emerged from the rifts in the fabric of space. At the center of the battlefield stood two imposing figures, clad in their distinctive, robe-like uniforms that signaled their authority as Squad Captains.
Renjiro Tsukahara, the Squad 2 Commander, stood to the left, his tall, broad frame radiating a savage energy. His uniform was dark blue, flowing with subtle wave patterns that resembled water in motion. The fabric shimmered in the light, almost as if the waves themselves were alive, reflecting the power that surged through him. His shoulder-length navy-blue hair swayed in the wind, and his piercing eyes narrowed as the Chaos Entities swarmed toward them. A long, diagonal scar ran across his face, adding to his already intimidating presence.
In his hand, he held Muramasa, the cursed tsurugi that gleamed with an ominous, dark glow. The blade was massive, its cursed power amplifying Renjiro's already formidable control over darkness. He wore the weapon with ease, like an extension of himself. The air around him was heavy with tension, an impending storm of destructive force ready to be unleashed.
Hiroshi Musashi, the Squad 3 Commander, stood on the other side, his posture straight and composed, the embodiment of power. His uniform was sleeveless, adorned with golden patterns that symbolized his unmatched raw strength. The dark black fabric hugged his muscular form, and his amber eyes glowed faintly as he channeled his immense aether and graviton powers. His short, spiked black hair and chiseled jawline gave him the appearance of a warrior born from legends. His bare hands were balled into fists, a clear sign of his preference for brutal, close-combat fighting.
The air around them rippled with the sheer force of their presence. Even the Chaos Entities, creatures born from devastation, hesitated as they sensed the overwhelming power of the two captains. It was clear that their strength was beyond anything these entities could comprehend.
Renjiro cracked his neck, glancing at Hiroshi with a grin. "Well, this'll be fun. These little pests are going to wish they stayed in the void."
Hiroshi smirked, his amber eyes flickering with an almost careless arrogance. "You know, Renjiro, I think they'll be wishing they were never born after this."
With a silent agreement, both commanders charged forward, their powers manifesting in terrifying synchrony.
As Renjiro advanced, his sword, Muramasa, sliced through the air, unleashing slashes of dark energy that ripped through the Chaos Entities with horrifying ease. The entities, monstrous and twisted, tried to charge at him, their clawed limbs swiping at the air, but Renjiro moved like a storm. He twirled the sword, slashing through entire waves of the creatures in a single motion. The darkness that erupted from his blade didn't just cut through the creatures—it tore through space itself, creating rifts in reality. The Chaos Entities, unable to even comprehend the force of his strikes, were reduced to nothingness, their forms disintegrating into shadows as his blade passed through them.
With each swing, the darkness grew denser around Renjiro, swirling like a storm. His eyes were cold, relentless, and unbothered by the chaos unfolding around him. Every slash, every cut was a deadly, calculated motion, his blade singing a song of destruction. He didn't need to focus; the chaos was nothing but a distraction. His movements were fluid, seamless, as though he were in complete control of the battlefield.
"This is too easy," Renjiro muttered, cutting down another wave of Chaos Entities as though they were mere insects.
On the other side, Hiroshi wasn't far behind. His immense physical strength and aether manipulation made him an unstoppable force. With a casual step forward, he raised his hand, and a **graviton field** enveloped the area. The ground beneath him cracked, and the gravity around him shifted. He reduced gravity in an instant, allowing him to move with an impossible speed that left the Chaos Entities scrambling to keep up.
As they lunged toward him, he manipulated the gravity around them, crushing them under overwhelming weight. Their bodies crumpled under the pressure, their bones shattering like glass. Hiroshi didn't even flinch as one entity attempted to swipe at him with razor-sharp claws. He dodged with ease, his body practically floating above the battlefield as he adjusted the gravity, making his movements light as air. He landed a devastating punch on one of the entities, the force of the strike creating a shockwave that obliterated everything in its path.
"I'm getting bored, Renjiro," Hiroshi said casually, stepping over the remains of another Chaos Entity. "These things are a joke."
Renjiro's grin widened. "Yeah, but they're still fun to slice up. At least they're giving me something to do."
As the Chaos Entities continued to pour in, the difference in strength between the two captains and their enemies became even more evident. The creatures, no longer able to sustain themselves in the overwhelming presence of the two warriors, disintegrated one by one. The ground trembled as the last remnants of the enemies fell, but Renjiro and Hiroshi remained standing, almost unscathed.
Renjiro seethed his blade, his dark uniform untouched. "Pathetic. They didn't even stand a chance."
Hiroshi chuckled, cracking his knuckles. "No one ever does when they're up against us."
Renjiro glanced at him, "It doesn't matter let's just head back to the creed and report what we saw, these fucking monsters are even more than usual"
Hiroshi furrowed his brows. "Yea, I noticed they've become more and more, there may be something darker lurking."
With their battlefield cleared, the two captains stood at the center of the chaos they had just effortlessly erased. They looked at each other, acknowledging their respective strengths with a brief nod before turning their gaze to the horizon, where more rifts in space began to tear open. Chaos was not done yet, but for now, it seemed like the two commanders had proven their dominance over the battlefield—effortlessly, and with a sense of chilling calm.
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden light across the village of Ashenfall. The once-deadened land, now alive with hope thanks to the sacrifice and efforts of Squad 3, seemed to hold its breath in the calm before their departure. The villagers, weary but grateful, gathered in the town square, their faces marked with the relief and sorrow of the past few days. As Taiyou, Aira, Eli, Ryojin, and the rest of the squad made their way toward the northern gate, they were met by a sea of bowed heads, hands pressed to hearts, and murmured prayers.
Aira's normally composed expression was soft, a rare tenderness in her eyes as she walked beside Taiyou, her gaze sweeping over the gathered villagers. Eli's tired steps dragged, but there was a lightness in her heart, a peace she hadn't felt in days. Ryojin, his stoic face unreadable, kept his gaze forward, but his fingers subtly curled around the hilt of his sword. Diachi and kaizen stood looking with a sense of pride and happiness on their faces
As they neared the gate, the head of the village stepped forward, an elder with silvered hair and a long, weathered cloak. He was flanked by a group of children, all wearing small flowers in their hair, tokens of the joy and life that the squad had returned to the village. The elder raised his hands, signaling for silence.
"Young warriors," the elder began, his voice raspy but full of gratitude, "your deeds have saved us. You have breathed life into a dying village, and now you leave us with hope for tomorrow. Ashenfall will never forget what you've done for us."
Taiyou, who had been quiet through most of the journey, stopped and turned to face the elder, his deep-set eyes flickering with emotion. "It was nothing," he said, his voice steady but layered with unspoken words. "We only did what we had to."
A child, no older than six, stepped forward then, holding a small, intricately woven crown of flowers. With an innocent but solemn gaze, the child approached Taiyou and placed the crown gently on his head. The villagers gasped softly in awe, for Taiyou had never understood why he has been called this before, but in this moment, he could see what they had long believed.
"The God of Fire…" whispered the elder, and his voice trembled as he spoke the name that had come to symbolize Taiyou's power, his fierce protection, and his unyielding will.
Aira and Eli exchanged glances, both surprised by the honor but understanding its weight. Taiyou was unusually stoic, his lips pressed into a thin line, though his chest tightened. He had always fought for others, but now, in this strange place, he was something more. He was a savior, a protector, a god in their eyes.
The elder took a step forward, placing a hand over his heart. "We will never forget your kindness, your courage. May your paths always lead you to the light."
One by one, the villagers came forward, each of them bowing their heads or offering small gifts—stones, tokens of gratitude, flowers—each a symbol of thanks. The sound of whispered blessings filled the air, and the scent of wildflowers mingled with the crisp wind.
Taiyou, never one to seek attention or praise, accepted each gesture quietly, his posture unchanged. But the warmth in his chest grew. There was something about the sincerity of these people, something that spoke to the heart of why they had fought so hard, so relentlessly. They had done it for others, yes, but this... this connection, this bond, was worth more than any victory.
Finally, as the last of the villagers stepped away, Taiyou took a deep breath and turned toward the northern gate. His steps were heavy, but with each one, the weight of the battle ahead seemed to lessen, if only slightly.
Aira, walking beside him, spoke softly, "They'll be all right."
Taiyou nodded, his gaze fixed ahead. "I hope so."
Behind them, Ryojin and Eli walked in silence, their minds undoubtedly elsewhere, but a quiet bond that only those who had fought together in the flames of battle could understand held them together. The squad had come so far, but there was still more to be done, more to fight for.
As they reached the gate, the last of the villagers waved, their faces lit with a quiet hope. The wind howled gently through the trees, the sounds of Ashenfall's life carrying with it the promise of a future built from the sacrifices of the few. The squad stood at the threshold, ready to return to the Creed, but they knew that Ashenfall would never fade from their hearts.
Taiyou turned back for a moment, his eyes scanning the village one last time. "This is only the beginning."
And with that, Squad 3 walked out of Ashenfall, leaving behind a village that would forever remember the day they were saved by gods in the form of warriors.
The Main Hall of the Creed's headquarters was an awe-inspiring sight—a vast, circular chamber crafted from polished obsidian and adorned with celestial murals that shimmered with their own inner light. The air hummed with latent energy, and seven grand thrones, each distinct in design, loomed over the central dais.
Seated at the head of the room was Master Kohei, draped in black and gold robes. His hood obscured his face, but his voice carried an unyielding authority as Daichi and Kaizen, bruised and weary, knelt before the captains, recounting their harrowing mission in Ashenfall.
1. Squad 0 Commander: Takashi Kurozawa
Takashi sat with an air of effortless dominance, his lean frame barely shifting in the imposing black throne etched with silver streaks resembling cracks in space. His piercing black eyes, speckled with silver, were cold and calculating. The sleek, black katana *Eikyo* rested on his lap, its presence emanating quiet menace. His jet-black hair, tied loosely in a topknot streaked with silver, added to his enigmatic aura. Takashi's calm demeanor radiated confidence, though it bordered on arrogance.
2. Squad 1 Commander: Kaede Morikami
Beside Takashi, Kaede's crystalline armor shimmered faintly in the light. Her long pink braid trailed over her shoulder, framing her sharp, emerald-green eyes. Her double-bladed glaive, *Shinsei*, leaned elegantly against her throne, its crystals refracting light into a kaleidoscope of colors. Her gaze was piercing, surveying the room with maternal authority.
3. Squad 2 Commander: Renjiro Tsukahara
Renjiro lounged in his dark blue throne carved with swirling patterns reminiscent of ocean waves. His scarred face twisted in a scowl, and *Muramasa*, his cursed tsurugi, rested casually against his shoulder. His navy-blue hair fell to his shoulders, streaked with silver like the foam of crashing waves. His aggressive, sharp gaze lingered disdainfully on Takashi.
4. Squad 3 Commander: Hiroshi Musashi
Hiroshi leaned back in his throne, a towering man whose muscular frame exuded raw power. His sleeveless black uniform, embroidered with gold patterns, revealed his thick arms crossed over his chest. His amber eyes glowed faintly, and though he wore a confident grin, his sharp gaze betrayed a constant awareness of his surroundings.
5. Squad 4 Commander: Haruna Takamura
Haruna's presence was a stark contrast to Hiroshi's raw energy. Her silver hair cascaded down like frozen waterfalls, and her piercing ice-blue eyes were as cold as her frost-imbued aura. She sat in silence, her armored robes shimmering with an almost ethereal glow, a reminder of her mastery over the frost element.
6. Squad 5 Commander: Hajime Takeda
Hajime's heavily scarred face and stoic expression made him appear like a mountain carved from stone. His broad shoulders and heavy, plated armor added to the impression of immovability. Sitting straight-backed, his large hands rested on the pommel of his immense greatsword, which leaned heavily against the armrest of his throne.
7. Squad 6 Commander: Yoko Nakamura
Yoko was the embodiment of grace and precision. Her sleek black hair was tied into an elaborate bun, and her violet eyes gleamed with quiet intelligence. Her flowing, deep-purple robes bore intricate embroidery that pulsed faintly with light. At her side rested a thin, razor-sharp blade named *Kaen*, which emitted a faint, fiery glow.
---
The grand chamber of the Creed hummed with tension, the air heavy with anticipation. The captains sat on their imposing thrones, their auras subdued but still palpable. Takashi Kurozawa, Squad 0 Commander, was the first to break the silence.
Daichi's voice, though steady, carried the weight of exhaustion. "Ashenfall is… worse than we thought. Chaos has nearly consumed it entirely. The timeline was crumbling, and the resistance we faced was far beyond anything we expected."
Kaizen's grim tone added gravity. "We encountered a chaos commander named Valanor. We fought him with everything we had, but he was beyond us. His power was overwhelming, as if he was chaos incarnate. Every attack he landed felt like the world itself was fracturing."
Haruna's ice-blue eyes fixed on the recruits with quiet intensity. "You're telling us you faced a chaos commander… and survived?"
Daichi hesitated, lowering his gaze. "We thought we were going to die. But then Taiyou stepped in."
"Taiyou?" Hiroshi's amber eyes narrowed with curiosity.
Daichi nodded. "He… defeated Valanor. We don't know how, but he did it. He used flames—white, blinding flames that didn't just burn. They eradicated chaos."
The chamber fell silent. Even Takashi's stoic mask faltered briefly as his silver-specked eyes flickered with interest. The captains exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from intrigue to disbelief.
Renjiro leaned forward, his scarred face twisted in a frown. "A rookie? Took down a chaos commander? You two couldn't even scratch him, and Taiyou finished the job? Explain."
Kaizen's jaw tightened, frustration clear. "It wasn't luck. He fought like his life—and ours—depended on it. That power of his, those flames... they were something else. None of us could even get close to matching it."
Yoko Nakamura's violet eyes gleamed with quiet calculation. "If what you're saying is true, Taiyou didn't just display strength; he showed adaptability under pressure. That's something we cannot overlook."
Hiroshi leaned back, a wry grin tugging at his lips. "A rookie with flames that can eradicate chaos? Sounds like someone worth keeping an eye on."
Haruna's voice cut through the conversation, sharp but measured. "Strength alone doesn't make a soldier. We've seen power before—raw, uncontrollable, and ultimately useless without discipline. If Taiyou is going to be an asset, he needs more than strength. He needs training."
Renjiro snorted. "Training? If he can take down a chaos commander, what he needs is a battlefield. That's where warriors are made."
Haruna's gaze turned icy. "And what happens when that lack of discipline gets him killed—or worse, gets others killed? If we don't hone him, his strength will become a liability."
The tension in the room thickened as their opposing philosophies clashed.
"Enough," Takashi said quietly, his voice carrying the weight of finality. The room stilled as all eyes turned to him. "Strength, discipline, adaptability—they all matter. But what matters most is how he can contribute to the Creed as a whole. Taiyou has potential, but he's untested in a structured environment. That will change."
Haruna nodded approvingly. "Agreed. And not just Taiyou. The recruits as a whole need to be molded into something stronger. Chaos is evolving, and we must evolve with it."
Hajime's calm, measured voice joined the discussion. "It isn't just about their strength. Each recruit has different qualities—different weaknesses. We need to assign them to captains who can bring out their best."
Yoko tilted her head thoughtfully. "Agreed. The squads should complement their abilities. Some recruits need refinement; others need focus. And a few—like Taiyou—need to be pushed to their absolute limit."
Hiroshi chuckled. "I wouldn't mind taking Taiyou under my wing. That kind of raw power? With the right guidance, he could become unstoppable."
Haruna's eyes narrowed. "And by 'guidance,' you mean turning him into a reckless fighter like yourself? No. He needs structure."
Renjiro scoffed. "Structure? What he needs is grit. Put him with me, and I'll show him what a real fight looks like. He'll come out stronger—or not at all."
Kaede, who had been silently observing, finally spoke, her tone calm yet authoritative. "You all seem eager to claim him, but let's not forget the others. Daichi and Kaizen may have fallen short against Valanor, but they've proven themselves time and again. And there are recruits with untapped potential—like Haruto and Aika—who could be just as valuable in the right hands."
Hiroshi grinned. "Then let's divide them. We each take a few recruits, train them our way, and see who comes out on top."
Renjiro smirked. "Finally, something we agree on. I call the toughest ones. Leave the soft ones for the rest of you."
Haruna's icy glare silenced him. "This isn't a competition, Renjiro. We're preparing them for war."
Akihiko interjected, his tone measured. "If we're assigning recruits, we should consider their strengths and weaknesses carefully. Taiyou may be one of the strongest, but others—like ryojin who is one of the top students or kenshin from squad 0 even Ryosuke who is undoubtedly going to be a captain in a few years—have shown remarkable strength and creativity. They'll need captains who can push them to their peak and work on their weak parts."
Yoko nodded. "Agreed. Strength is useless without balance. We'll assess them and divide them accordingly."
Hiroshi's grin widened. "Fine. But don't come crying to me when my recruits outshine the rest of yours."
Haruna sighed, but a faint smile tugged at her lips. "As long as they're ready for what's coming, I don't care who trains them."
Takashi stood, his movements deliberate and unhurried. "We've decided, then. Training begins immediately. Choose your recruits wisely. The survival of the Creed depends on it."
Without another word, he turned and left the chamber, his presence lingering like a shadow.
The captains exchanged glances, each silently contemplating the challenge ahead. There was no room for error—not with chaos encroaching on their world.
Haruna rose, her frosted robes shimmering as she moved. "Let's get to work."