Oh Kang Woo continued to lock eyes with Makima, a silent, electric tension filling the room. His body remained composed, but his mind was already working in overdrive. With a subtle flicker of power, he activated his Magic Eyes of Destruction as a precaution, the faint gleam in his irises betraying the level of threat he now considered her to be. At the same time, his Authority of Beholder kicked in, analyzing Makima's status window.
The system blinked to life in front of Kang Woo's eyes, revealing the data he sought.
.................................................................
Name: Makima (Control Devil)
WARNING: Has Gaia Support
Level: 32
Awakening Trait: Represent Concept of Control (Rank: SS)
Note: Powers of the concept have not been fully realized. The special ability has not taken full effect yet.
Abilities:
Telekinesis (usually activated with the command BANG)
Controlled abilities from individuals or devils she has successfully brainwashed
Contract with the Prime Minister of Japan:
Curse Contract: Any action perceived as an attack against Makima will instead be redirected, causing illnesses, accidents, or even death among Japanese citizens in place of harm to her.
Strength: Varies
Dexterity: Varies
Health: Unknown (Damage transferred to Japanese citizens)
Mana: 0
Negative Energy:Varies
Intellect: 100
Wisdom: Unknown
.....................................................................
Kang Woo read the details carefully, a smirk slowly forming on his lips. Exciting, he thought. Her powers were dangerous, but in their current form, they had not yet reached their full potential. Still, that didn't make her any less of a threat—especially with her contract with the Prime Minister, which could shield her from almost any direct harm.
Makima's POV
As Makima stared back at Oh Kang Woo, her mind worked in a methodical, calculating manner, as it always did. She had spent her entire existence controlling people, bending them to her will with frightening ease. Her eyes, normally indifferent and impenetrable, now focused intensely on Kang Woo's face.
Why can I see his face? she thought, a small flicker of confusion creeping into her otherwise controlled thoughts. Usually, she could not see the faces of others—just vague, indistinct shapes. The only exception had always been devils . But Kang Woo... his face was different. It was clear, sharp, unlike any human she had ever encountered. His scent, too, was unusual—it was not purely devilish, nor did it carry the taint of a hybrid. It was something entirely unique, something she had never sensed before.
A subtle sensation stirred within her, something she had not felt in a long time—curiosity. She was used to being in complete control, yet here was a man whose very presence disrupted that certainty. And for the first time in what felt like centuries, she found herself unsure of how to categorize him.
Suddenly, Oh Kang Woo's status window flared up in front of him, providing new information that made him pause.
.................................
Status Window
+30 Affection with Makima (30/100):
Makima can see your face clearly, unlike any other human she has encountered. She differentiates individuals by their scent, and yours is unlike anything she's ever known.
+50 Reputation with Makima (50/100):
Makima has never encountered someone like you in her long existence. She may reconsider her original plan to create her utopia.
Kang Woo smirked inwardly. He didn't need the system to tell him what had just happened—he could feel it. Did I just charm the Control Devil? The thought was both amusing and dangerous. Makima was a force of nature, someone who molded the world to her whims. And yet, in this moment, it seemed like he had slipped past her usual defenses, capturing something within her that she hadn't expected.
Makima's eyes remained fixed on him, but now there was a faint shift in her demeanor. It was subtle, barely noticeable, but Kang Woo, with his sharp instincts, caught it. She was studying him differently now. He had become more than just another player in her intricate game—he was an anomaly, something she hadn't accounted for.
......................................
Makima's Thoughts
Who is this man? Her thoughts swirled. He is no ordinary devil, nor is he human. I can see his face, sense something... different about him. Something I have never encountered before.
Her mind briefly flickered back to her original plan, her meticulously crafted design to create her own version of a utopia. A world where she could control everything, shape the future, with all variables within her grasp. But now, as she stood before Kang Woo, a thought crept in that unsettled her.
Could this man... she hesitated for the first time in her long life, ...disrupt that-----
Before she could process it, a sudden, light flick hit her forehead. Her eyes widened slightly, not in pain but in pure shock. The culprit? Kang Woo—his finger still hovering playfully near her forehead, teasing her with a smirk on his lips.
"It's rude to stare down a man, you know," Kang Woo said, his tone casual, almost playful. There was no hint of fear, only boldness.
For the first time in her long life, Makima felt an unfamiliar emotion rush over her—a mix of anger and... embarrassment? She blinked, momentarily stunned. Impossible, she thought, but the warmth in her cheeks betrayed her. Makima, who had always been the embodiment of control, who never displayed her emotions, suddenly found herself flustered.
Her face remained calm, but something stirred deep within her, a crack forming in the cold, controlled mask she always wore. She narrowed her eyes, her usual cold demeanor faltering just slightly.
"That's... my line, beggar," she spat back, her voice sharp, but there was a faint tremor of something foreign to her: emotion. The room grew heavy with her presence, her aura pressing down as her usual self tried to reassert control. But the faint flicker of red in her cheeks remained.
Kang Woo, instead of stepping back, just grinned wider. "Oh? Did I strike a nerve?" His voice was dripping with amusement. He leaned in slightly, not intimidated by the pressure Makima was emitting. "Or did you just feel something for the first time?"
Makima's thoughts raced. Did I... just feel embarrassed? The very notion was absurd. Her, the Control Devil, showing emotion? It wasn't possible. And yet, here she was, facing someone who managed to pull a reaction from her.
Kishibe, standing nearby, observed the scene unfold with shock hidden beneath his usual cool demeanor. Did Makima just... react? His mind struggled to process it. In all his years, he'd never seen her show even a sliver of emotion, yet now, this strange man had not only survived staring her down but also teased her—and lived.
Himeno, standing beside Kishibe, had her mouth hanging open, barely able to keep her voice down. "Did... did she just..." She couldn't even finish the sentence. Her superior, who had always been a pillar of cold, calculated control, was showing signs of anger. Even if it was subtle, it was there, and Himeno could hardly believe it.
Makima quickly regained her composure, but the damage was done. She stood straighter, adjusting her posture, forcing the emotion down. Her eyes returned to their usual, indifferent calm. But in the back of her mind, the crack remained—a small opening in the fortress of control she had built over centuries.
Who is this man? she thought again, her curiosity now mixed with irritation. He had done something no one else had ever done—made her feel. She couldn't let this slide.
Makima glanced at Kang Woo, her voice returning to its smooth, authoritative tone. "You're... different," she said, her eyes narrowing. "But don't think this will happen again."
Oh Kang Woo already exited the building, a sly smirk still playing on his lips, he activated his Authority of Sky . His Darkness Manipulation fused with the power, forming enormous, shadowy wings on his back. The wings stretched out, blacker than the night sky itself, flickering with dark energy. However, due to the sheer power of his Authority of Sky , his movements weren't just smooth and controlled—they were like a comet preparing to launch, radiating an intense aura as if he was about to tear through the sky at an impossible speed.
He lifted slightly off the ground, his wings creating a mesmerizing, ethereal effect in the air, the shadows curling around him in a way that almost made him seem like a dark ruler rising to dominate the skies.
Inside the building, Makima continued to watch him, her composed face betraying none of the emotions roiling beneath the surface. However, in her mind, the questions and the unexpected feelings came like a torrent.
Wings... of darkness, she thought, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly, and yet, they aren't from a devil or hybrid. Her fingers twitched slightly as she continued to stare at the wings, the raw power emanating from him something she hadn't anticipated.
For the first time, Makima felt a rush of mixed emotions she hadn't experienced in centuries—curiosity, anger, and the faintest hint of something she refused to acknowledge as embarrassment. Who is this beggar? she wondered again. How did he manage to stir something in me? The very idea frustrated her, and she could feel the crack in her perfect composure grow wider. Her mind raced to try and analyze him, to figure out why this stranger—this man—was able to make her feel. The anger over the earlier flick to her forehead still simmered beneath her cool exterior.
Her eyes sharpened, studying every detail of his wings, the way his body moved, how easily he seemed to command the darkness itself. He has a power unlike anything I've encountered, she mused. Not a devil, not a hybrid, and not even one of Vought's Supes... something different. The thought both intrigued and irritated her. Makima prided herself on understanding everything and controlling every situation. Yet here was this man, defying the very order she imposed.
He's unlike anyone else, she thought bitterly, and I don't know how to control him. But I will. The embarrassment she had felt earlier flickered back into her mind, igniting her frustration further. How dare he flick her forehead like that, so casually, as if she were... ordinary? Makima's lips tightened, and for the briefest moment, a flash of irritation darkened her eyes before she forced it back into the depths of her being.
As Kang Woo prepared to launch himself into the sky, a voice cut through the night, snapping the tension.
"Wait!" Aki's voice rang out, stopping Kang Woo in his tracks. Aki stepped forward, his expression stern and resolute, though there was a slight wariness in his eyes as he looked at the dark wings stretching from Kang Woo's back. "You disrespected Ms. Makima," Aki said, his voice firm but careful. "The least you could do is apologize to her."
Kang Woo turned his gaze slowly toward Aki, his smirk deepening with amusement. He remained silent for a moment, letting the young man feel the weight of his presence. The night around them seemed to grow darker, the air colder.
After a pause, Kang Woo finally spoke, his tone dripping with condescension. "Apologize? To her?" His grin widened as he shook his head slightly. "No... I think she should be the one thanking me."
Aki frowned, clearly not understanding. "Thanking you? For what?"
"For showing her that even someone like her can still feel," Kang Woo replied, his voice calm but laced with an edge of menace. The words hung in the air, unsettling not just Aki but even Makima
Makima as well. She narrowed her eyes slightly, her mind racing. Feel? The word echoed in her head. He had not only dared to provoke her but also seen through her, recognizing the very thing she had tried to bury deep inside. It infuriated her. But her face remained a mask of control, cold and impenetrable.
As Kang Woo prepared to take off, Aki's irritation boiled over. Unsheathing his katana, he stepped forward, his voice firm. "You disrespected Makima. Until I get an apology from you—"
Kang Woo cut him off with a lazy grin, tilting his head slightly. "Oh Kang Woo. That's my name."
The air crackled with tension as Kang Woo's Authority of Beholder activated, scanning Aki.
...................................................................
Name: Aki Hayakawa
Level: 6
Abilities: Contract with the Fox Devil and Curse Devil
Strength: 3
Dexterity: 5
Health: 5
Mana: 0
Intellect: 10
Wisdom: 10
....................................................................
Kang Woo's smirk grew wider. Not bad... he thought, though his tone held mockery. "Still, if A-Train suddenly went full speed and crashed into your body, you'd be nothing but bloody mush."
Aki's confusion was evident on his face. "What?" he asked, his grip tightening on his katana.
Kang Woo only chuckled, dismissing his wings of darkness as if the encounter was nothing more than a passing whim. "Nothing to worry about," he said casually, turning to face Aki fully and taking a stance that sent shivers down the spine of anyone watching.
Aki, now more irritated than before, tensed his body, ready to strike. The challenge was clear, and Kang Woo welcomed it with nothing but amusement in his eyes. He stood there, relaxed, waiting for Aki to make his move.
As the tension between Oh Kang Woo and Aki reached its peak, Makima and Kishibe quietly made their way outside, dragging seats from the building to sit at a distance where they could observe. Their calm, almost indifferent demeanor stood in stark contrast to the brewing storm between Kang Woo and Aki. It was as if they both knew how this would end—Kang Woo's presence radiated a power that far exceeded anything Aki had ever faced before.
Makima settled into her chair with an air of cold detachment, her eyes still sharp and observant. She wasn't going to miss this. In truth, she was curious—curious to see what this man was truly capable of. He unsettled me once already, she thought, her hands resting lightly on the arms of the chair. Let's see how far this goes.
Kishibe, his flask in hand, gave a small grunt as he sat beside her, taking a swig of his drink. His eyes remained on Kang Woo, though there was a certain weariness in his expression. "This won't end well for Aki," he muttered under his breath, though loud enough for Makima to hear. She nodded slightly in agreement, but her gaze remained fixed on Kang Woo.
Himeno, ever the wildcard, cheered from the side, raising her beer. "I'm rooting for Aki!" she shouted with a grin, already half-drunk. "C'mon, Aki! I'll bet my entire stock of beer that you'll win this!"
Makima and Kishibe exchanged a glance. They knew the reality of the situation. The fight between Kang Woo and Aki wasn't an even match—it was like watching a devil hybrid face off against an ordinary human. The gap in power was large , and there was no question about who the victor would be.
Kang Woo, standing relaxed and poised, watched Aki with amusement. His smirk never left his face as Aki gripped his katana tightly, preparing himself. Kang Woo could sense the determination and anger radiating off of Aki, but to him, it was nothing more than a spark in a storm.
Aki, driven by his loyalty to Makima and his sense of pride, stepped forward, katana raised. "I won't let you disrespect her," he growled, his eyes narrowed in focus.
Kang Woo's smirk deepened, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous glint. "Go ahead then," he said, his voice low and taunting. "Show me what you've got."
Aki lunged forward, his katana slicing through the air with precision and speed. The wind seemed to ripple as he moved, his attack fueled by years of experience and training as a devil hunter. But Kang Woo didn't flinch. With a casual motion, he sidestepped the attack, moving faster than Aki could anticipate.
The ground cracked beneath Kang Woo's feet as he took his stance, his aura growing more oppressive with every passing second. Aki's attack landed only in empty space, and he stumbled slightly as he realized how easily Kang Woo had evaded him.
"You'll have to do better than that," Kang Woo said, his voice a low rumble that seemed to vibrate through the air. He hadn't even broken a sweat, and his relaxed posture showed he was in complete control of the situation.
Makima leaned forward slightly, her eyes narrowing as she watched Kang Woo's movements. Effortless. He isn't even trying. Her lips pressed together in a thin line, though she made no outward reaction. Kishibe, meanwhile, took another swig from his flask and sighed. "This kid's out of his league," he muttered under his breath, though he seemed less concerned and more resigned to the outcome.
Aki lunged forward, his katana cutting through the air with deadly precision. His shout of "KON!" echoed as the massive head of the Fox Devil materialized from the ground, rushing toward Kang Woo, its sharp teeth bared, ready to strike. The air around them crackled with the fierce energy of the summoning, but Kang Woo remained calm, his smirk only deepening as he raised a finger lazily into the air.
A dark orb manifested at the tip of his finger—the Commandment of Love. In an instant, the entire atmosphere shifted. The oppressive weight of the Commandment fell upon the battlefield like a suffocating blanket.
Aki, mid-strike, suddenly felt his strength drain away. His katana slipped from his grasp, clattering uselessly to the ground. A wave of powerlessness washed over him, leaving him on his knees, gasping for breath. It was as if his very will to fight had been stolen from him. Confusion and fear flickered in his eyes as he struggled to understand what had just happened.
The Fox Devil, massive and fearsome, froze in its tracks, its enormous jaws mere inches from Kang Woo. The powerful entity, known for devouring enemies in an instant, found itself paralyzed by an overwhelming sense of dread. It locked eyes with Kang Woo, whose glowing red pupils bore into it like daggers. The devil trembled, its primal instincts screaming in terror as it realized the man before it was far more dangerous than anything it had ever encountered. The Fox Devil retreated, its mouth closing as it withdrew in submission.
Makima, observing the battle, broke her stoic silence. She stood up, her voice cutting through the air with an unusual edge. "Everyone!" she shouted, her usually calm and measured tone laced with urgency. "Do not harbor hatred toward this man! Under no circumstances should you allow yourself to hate Kang Woo."
The weight of her words sent a ripple of confusion through the spectators. Himeno, standing on the sidelines with a look of shock on her face, barely comprehended what was happening. "You... you can do it, Aki!" she called out, still holding on to hope, though her voice trembled slightly. Deep down, even she knew Aki didn't stand a chance against this monster.
Kishibe, ever the composed devil hunter, watched the scene unfold with a knowing look. He understood immediately what Makima meant. This man really did rob Vought's Compound V, he thought to himself, eyes narrowing as he watched Kang Woo manipulate the battle with ease. He's different ... beyond the Supes, beyond devils.
Aki, still on his knees, could do nothing but stare up at Kang Woo. The oppressive power of the Commandment weighed down on him, making it impossible to even lift his katana, let alone fight back. The realization of his helplessness began to sink in, and the frustration built up in his chest, but any sense of anger was instantly quelled by the Commandment's influence.
Aki, still on his knees, felt the crushing weight of his helplessness as Kang Woo's Commandment of Love drained him of the will to fight. His katana lay discarded beside him, and the oppressive force of Kang Woo's aura made it impossible for him to even move. All the strength and fury he had summoned to defend Makima now seemed like a distant memory, replaced by a growing sense of powerlessness.
The Fox Devil, towering and fearsome, continued to cower, its massive jaws closed tight as it stared up at Kang Woo with eyes wide in terror. The primal instinct of self-preservation dominated its mind, overpowering its contract-bound loyalty to Aki.
Kang Woo turned slowly, his eyes glowing with a menacing red light as he stared directly at the Fox Devil. His voice cut through the air like a blade, dripping with condescension. "Hey, you—devil under contract, right?"
The Fox Devil trembled, recognizing the power in Kang Woo's gaze. With a reluctant groan, it spoke, its voice low and submissive. "Y-Yes, Lord... I am bound by contract to consume a part of the human who summoned me as payment each time I am called. I consume his flesh... in return for my power."
Kang Woo's smirk widened. "I see. So you've been devouring a part of Aki every time he summons you." He let out a dark chuckle before continuing. "But from now on, that will change."
The dark orb of the Commandment vanished from Kang Woo's fingertip as he dismissed the spell, the oppressive atmosphere easing slightly. Aki, still gasping for air, could feel the weight lift from his body, though the sense of defeat lingered heavily.
"From this moment on," Kang Woo said, his tone commanding and absolute, "you will serve Aki without any payment. No more consuming his flesh, no more deals. You will be loyal to him—and only to him—forever."
The Fox Devil's eyes widened in surprise, but its fear of Kang Woo far outweighed its confusion. "I-It will be done, Lord A—" It stopped itself before it could finish the name, realizing the gravity of the mistake it was about to make.
Kang Woo's smirk disappeared, and a flicker of hellish energy sparked to life in his hand. A massive, fiery hound a Evil Hound ( hellblaze Baskerville dog) formed behind Kang woo, snarling with dark, menacing flames. The hound growled, its eyes glowing with the same malevolent energy as its master's. "Now, now," Kang Woo said softly, his voice carrying an undercurrent of danger, "don't say that name again."
The Fox Devil trembled violently, lowering its head in submission. "I-It will be done, my lord... I swear loyalty only to Aki from this moment forward."
Kang Woo waved his hand dismissively, and the hellhound dissolved into black flames, disappearing as quickly as it had formed as well the fox devil it dissolved too . His eyes returned to Aki, who was still struggling to get back on his feet. "Consider this my gift to you, Aki," Kang Woo said, his tone mocking. "Your devil will no longer cost you anything. Aren't I generous?"
Aki, still reeling from the overwhelming power he had just witnessed, could only look up at Kang Woo with a mixture of fear and disbelief. His pride as a devil hunter had been shattered in mere moments, and now, even his contract with the Fox Devil had been altered at Kang Woo's command.
Makima, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, watched with sharp eyes. Her mind raced as she analyzed every detail of Kang Woo's abilities. He commands even the devils... bends them to his will. She had never encountered someone with this level of dominance, not even among the most powerful devils she had faced.
Kishibe, who had been quietly observing the entire exchange, finally spoke up, his eyes narrowed as he studied Kang Woo. "Kang woo... what exactly are you? And that orb... what's it called?"
Kang Woo turned to him, his expression shifting into a more playful and cheerful tone. "I'm just me, being me," he said with a grin. "As for the orb, it's called the Commandment of Love, like Makima mentioned earlier. Under no circumstances should anyone harbor hatred in their heart while in my presence—or else, they'll be rendered powerless, just like Aki here."
He gestured casually toward Aki, who was still trying to regain his composure, his body trembling from the sheer power that had overwhelmed him moments before.
Kang Woo's grin widened as he continued, "Let me tell you a little story about where this commandment came from. It belonged to a demon named Estarossa. He received it from the Demon King out of pity... but now, somehow, it's come to me." He laughed lightly, as though the gravity of the situation amused him.
Aki, still on the ground but slowly regaining his strength, looked up at Kang Woo with a mixture of awe and disbelief. His voice came out hoarse but determined. "That kind of power... it has to have a weakness, right?"
Kang Woo's eyes sparkled with amusement at the question. "Ah, you're sharper than you look." He crossed his arms, clearly entertained by Aki's persistence. "You're right—every great power has its weakness. And for the Commandment of Love... that weakness is me. I can't harbor hatred either. If I do, I'm screwed. So yeah, it's a double-edged sword. I have to keep a clear heart, free of hatred, or else..." Kang Woo shrugged with a playful grin. "I'm as powerless as you were just now."
Kang Woo's honesty about his weakness surprised Aki. It wasn't often that someone wielding such immense power would openly admit their vulnerability. But the way Kang Woo spoke, so casually, so confidently—it was clear that even with his weakness, he wasn't afraid.
Makima, still watching, absorbed every word Kang Woo said. So, the Commandment of Love controls both the bearer and those around him. She processed the implications of this. The thought intrigued her—this was not just about raw power but about emotional control. If Kang Woo could truly maintain a heart free of hatred, he was practically untouchable. But it also made him vulnerable in a way she hadn't expected.
Kishibe, now more intrigued, took another sip from his flask, his eyes locked on Kang Woo. "Interesting. So, if you slip up, you're as good as dead. Quite the balancing act."
Kang Woo chuckled at Kishibe's comment, the playful smile never leaving his face. "Exactly. Life's more interesting with a little risk, wouldn't you agree?"
Makima, who had been silently observing the entire time, tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing in thought. "Aren't you supposed to say Devil King instead of Demon King?" she asked, her voice carrying that familiar tone of subtle, probing curiosity. She wasn't just asking a question; she was testing him, trying to pry open a new layer of mystery surrounding him.
Kang Woo's smile widened, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes. "Ah, now that's a story for another time, Makima. Seems like you're very interested in the orb, though."
Without any further explanation, Kang Woo raised his hand and summoned the Commandment of Love once more. The dark, swirling orb appeared at his fingertips, its power emanating from it, though there was no fear, no malice, no oppressive energy. It simply existed, imposing its rule like an ancient law of the universe itself. He brought the orb closer to Makima, his eyes locking with hers.
Makima's sharp gaze studied the orb intently. Unlike the powers of devils, which often carried an air of malevolence or an overwhelming sense of dread, this orb was different. There was no negative energy coming from it—no fear, no danger. It was just a rule, a curse, as Kang Woo had explained. A binding contract that weighed down on all who fell under its influence. But how? Makima's mind raced as she examined it, confusion gnawing at her.
It was as if the orb's existence defied the very nature of the devils she had known and controlled. Devils thrived on fear, on chaos, on feeding from the negative emotions of others. This orb, however, demanded something far more complex: emotional restraint, the control of hatred itself. It wasn't a simple power to wield—it required self-control on a level that even Makima had not anticipated.
"You're confused," Kang Woo said with a smirk, his eyes glinting with amusement as he watched Makima study the orb. "This little thing doesn't work the way you're used to. It's not about fear or power. It's about rules—rules that I get to enforce."
Makima's gaze flicked back to Kang Woo, her face expressionless, though the curiosity and irritation lingered just beneath the surface. Rules, she thought, not emotions. He's playing a different game.
"And you maintain control over it simply by..." Makima trailed off, searching for the right word.
"By keeping hatred out of my heart," Kang Woo finished for her, his tone light and nonchalant. "That's the price of wielding it. If I start feeling hatred, well... let's just say things wouldn't end well for me."
Makima remained silent, but the gears in her mind were turning. Kang Woo was an anomaly, something that didn't quite fit into her neatly ordered world of devils, contracts, and control. This Commandment of Love was more than just raw power—it was a system, a set of principles that both bound and empowered him. And that made him unpredictable, something she found both frustrating and intriguing.
Kishibe, sensing the tension between the two, took another swig from his flask, letting out a low grunt. "You're one hell of a strange man, Kang Woo ."
Kang Woo merely smiled, pulling the orb back into himself, the dark energy dissipating as if it had never existed. "That's the fun of it, isn't it?" he said, his voice laced with amusement. "There's always something new to learn, Kishibe." He then glanced back at Aki, who was still catching his breath. "And something new to teach."
Makima continued to watch Kang Woo closely, her mind already calculating the next steps. He was unpredictable, powerful, and unlike anything she had encountered before. But one thing was certain—Kang Woo had piqued her interest, and that was dangerous in itself.
As Kang Woo started to turn, the air around them still thick with tension, Himeno, still standing on the sidelines with her beer in hand, called out with a half-grin, "You can still do it, Aki!" She stumbled a bit, clearly drunk, but her enthusiasm never wavered.
Kang Woo's eyes flickered toward her, an amused smile playing on his lips. "Maybe next time, Himeno," he said with a wink, as if this entire encounter had been nothing more than a game to him.
Makima, still calculating and composed, turned her attention to Kishibe. "You know, Kishibe," she began, her voice carrying that familiar edge of knowing, "you don't need to hide your intentions with your palm."
Kishibe chuckled lightly, acknowledging her sharp perception. "Ahh, so she caught on to the bluff Kang Woo and I were pulling."
Makima's lips curled into a small grin, rare but unmistakable. "You'll have to work harder next time, Kishibe. But let's make one thing clear: whether the Supe program works within Public Safety Devil Hunter or not, I won't interfere. However..." her eyes darkened slightly as her voice took on a more serious tone, "...I want a sample of Compound V. For my own evaluation."
Without hesitation, Kang Woo summoned two large gallons of the glowing blue Compound V via shadows, placing them beside Kishibe. The containers radiated an ominous energy, making it clear they held immense power. Kishibe stared at the substance, impressed but also cautious.
As Kang Woo readied to take flight again, the darkness swirling around him, his wings formed from a combination of Darkness Manipulation and the Authority of Sky. The wings pulsated with shadowy energy, preparing to launch him into the sky like a shooting star.
Kishibe called out, "Wait! You don't need to just hand that over—do you realize how much it's worth? That's millions of dollars right there."
Kang Woo turned back with a dismissive smile, his voice dripping with nonchalance. "Millions? I've got at least another ton of this stuff lying around and besides that 58 million yen is more than enough for what I will do next ." Without waiting for a response, he shot into the sky, his figure disappearing like a dark comet blazing through the night.
Kishibe stood there, watching him vanish, shaking his head with a bemused look. "This kid in a league of his own."
Makima, still standing with her usual poise, watched Kang Woo's ascent, her mind racing with thoughts and calculations. Kang Woo was something different—something she hadn't accounted for, and that intrigued her more than anything. "We'll see where this leads," she murmured softly to herself before turning her gaze toward the gallons of Compound V left behind.
Kishibe took a sip from his flask, eyes still on the sky. "Yeah," he muttered, "we will."
Kishibe, taking another sip from his flask, suddenly raised an eyebrow as he noticed something strange. "Makima, there's an orb floating beside you," he said, nodding toward the small, dark sphere hovering near her shoulder.
Makima, still deep in thought, turned her gaze toward the orb. Her expression darkened instantly when she realized what it was—the Commandment of Love. But it wasn't just the orb that irritated her; there was a message inscribed on its surface, a taunting note from Kang Woo: "I expect a nurse outfit and maid outfit for the cosplay."
Makima's composed facade cracked, her eyes narrowing as a flare of annoyance welled up inside her. "That Shit Beggar—" she muttered under her breath, the faintest hint of annoyment creeping into her voice. Without a second thought, she reached out and hurled the orb as far as she could, her control slipping for a brief moment. "BANG! BANG! BANG!" she shouted, make pistol hand signature as she using her telekinetic powers to shoot the orb in mid-air, each "bang" resonating as she fired invisible bullets at it.
The orb, however, didn't even crack. It spun lazily in the air, seemingly unaffected by Makima's assault, and drifted right back to her. The frustration on her face deepened, and in her moment of anger, she realized something all too late—she had allowed hatred to fester. That very emotion had left her vulnerable.
The realization hit her like a freight train. "Ahhh... I forgot," she muttered in disbelief, her body suddenly losing its strength. She slumped slightly, her powers momentarily stripped from her by the Commandment's curse. Her expression was caught somewhere between irritation and disbelief as she glared at the floating orb.
Kishibe, watching the entire scene unfold, couldn't help but snicker. "That's what you get for losing your cool," he remarked dryly, his grin widening as he took another swig of his drink. "Kang Woo really knows how to push buttons, doesn't he?"
Makima shot Kishibe a sharp look, though it lacked the usual intensity, thanks to her current powerless state. "Shut up, Kishibe," she muttered through gritted teeth, utterly displeased with the turn of events.
As Makima felt the effects of the Commandment of Love drain her strength, a surprising thought crept into her mind—one that caught even her off guard. Despite the irritation and the sense of vulnerability Kang Woo had caused, there was something about being around him that made her feel... alive. It was a sensation she hadn't felt in a very long time, if ever. The unpredictability, the challenge, the way he effortlessly dismantled her carefully maintained control—it stirred something deep inside her.
Around Kang Woo, I feel more alive, she mused, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Maybe... maybe my goal isn't so far off after all. Perhaps, the path to achieving what I want is right in front of me.
Makima's smile was subtle, barely noticeable to anyone else, but it was genuine. For the first time in a long while, she wasn't merely calculating or manipulating—she was... enjoying this. Maybe the unpredictability, the chaos Kang Woo brought, was exactly what she had been missing.
Meanwhile, the orb continued to hover, spinning slowly as if mocking her previous outburst. She let out a small sigh but made no further attempts to destroy it. Perhaps there was more to gain by keeping Kang Woo in her game, by letting him believe he had the upper hand. For now, at least.
Himeno, oblivious to the deeper undercurrents swirling between Makima and Kang Woo, let out another hearty, drunken laugh. "I don't know what's funnier—Aki losing or Makima being outwitted by a floating ball!" She raised her beer in a mock toast, still swaying on her feet, completely unaware of the significance of everything that had just transpired.
Aki, who was still reeling from the battle and trying to process the strange powers he had witnessed, turned to Kishibe. His face, a mixture of confusion and exhaustion, betrayed his growing frustration. "What is that gallon filled with blue liquid, Mr. Kishibe?" Aki asked, pointing at the two gallons of Compound V Kang Woo had left behind.
Kishibe's eyes flicked toward the containers, a serious look overtaking his usual laid-back demeanor. He took a slow sip from his flask before replying, his voice heavy with meaning. "A game changer, Aki. A game changer for all of us."