The snowfall was unrelenting, blanketing the dimly lit streets of Noboribetsu in white. Alexis and the assassin stood across from one another, their breaths visible in the cold night air. Alexis held his short sword firmly, the blade faintly gleaming under the soft moonlight, while the assassin, clad in white, kept their handgun trained on him. For a brief moment, the world seemed to pause as they stared each other down.
The silence broke when Alexis kicked up the snow, sending a wave of dense white into the air. In one fluid motion, he tossed his short sword into the sky, drawing the assassin's attention upward.
The assassin, reacting instinctively, fired several shots at the spinning blade. The bullets pierced the air with sharp cracks, but amidst the snow, a blur of movement surged forward. Alexis, concealed by the swirling snow, emerged with his right arm transformed into a massive, scaled Wyvern's limb.
The assassin barely had time to react before the clawed arm slammed into their midsection with an audible thud, sending them flying backward into a brick wall. The structure cracked under the force, and snow cascaded from the rooftops.
Alexis straightened his posture, his Wyvern arm shimmering as it shifted back to normal. He brushed the snow off his coat and adjusted his scarf and exhaled.
"Well, that should do it," he muttered, turning to retrieve his short sword.
But a sudden, sharp pulse of mana behind him caught his attention. Without looking back, Alexis activated his Absorvo-Slime Shield, summoning a silver liquid barrier that intercepted four incoming bullets in rapid succession. The projectiles melted into harmless droplets as the shield retracted.
"Sturdy, huh?" Alexis muttered, turning fully to face the assassin.
Emerging from the rubble, the assassin stood, brushing off the dust and debris from their white cloak. Despite the blow, they showed no sign of backing down. Their glowing handgun was already aimed, and they began advancing toward Alexis with a deliberate stride.
Alexis crouched, picked up his short sword from the snow, and adjusted his stance. And with a serious look and tone, "Persistent, aren't you?"
The two adversaries began closing the distance, their movements deliberate at first. Then, their pace quickened. The assassin opened fire, their bullets precise and rapid, but Alexis moved with fluidity, slashing, deflecting, and blocking each shot with his short sword. Sparks flew with every deflected bullet, creating a spectacle against the snowy backdrop.
When they finally clashed, the assassin sidestepped Alexis's opening slash and retaliated with a pistol whip aimed at his ribs. Alexis twisted, dodging the strike, and countered with a sweeping kick that the assassin leaped over.
The exchange was fast and fierce. Alexis's sword strikes came from every angle—calculated and relentless—but the assassin matched him with quick, flexible movements, combining precise gunshots with sudden close-quarters combat.
As the fight intensified, Alexis used the terrain to his advantage. He stomped and kicked the snow up, sending snow flying into the air once again. The assassin braced, expecting another rush, but instead, Alexis used his new skill: Aqua Double.
From the snowy cover emerged a shimmering duplicate of Alexis, formed entirely of water. It charged at the assassin, who instinctively fired at it. The bullets pierced the Aqua Double, dispersing it into a harmless spray, but the momentary distraction was all Alexis needed.
From behind the assassin, Alexis appeared, leaping through the air. His roundhouse kick connected with the side of the assassin's head, sending them spinning and stumbling backward.
The assassin shook their head, regaining focus, and dropped into a low, steady fighting stance. Alexis mirrored the stance, his short sword glinting as he steadied himself.
"Not bad," Alexis admitted, smirking. "But you're going to have to do better than that."
The assassin didn't reply back, lunging forward with a spinning kick. Alexis blocked it with his sword, the force rattling his grip, and countered with a thrust aimed for their shoulder. The assassin twisted, narrowly avoiding the blade, and retaliated with an elbow strike.
The fight reached its crescendo when the assassin, with a well-timed kick, knocked Alexis's short sword from his grip. The blade spun through the air and embedded itself in the snow.
Alexis's smirk didn't falter. "Alright, then let's make this interesting."
At the same moment, Alexis lunged, delivering a calculated sharp palm strike to the assassin's wrist, sending their glowing handgun flying into the snow. Now disarmed, the two faced each other bare-handed.
The assassin moved first, their strikes disciplined and brutal. Their hand-to-hand style was precise, military-like, with efficient punches and calculated kicks. Alexis responded with a fluid combination of Wing Chun, deflecting strikes with minimal movement and countering with quick jabs and open-palm hits.
When the assassin aimed a kick at his torso, Alexis deflected it with his forearm, stepping inside their guard and landing a quick uppercut. The assassin staggered but retaliated with a backflip and engaging with a spinning backfist that Alexis narrowly avoided by ducking.
The snow around them churned as they moved, their battle a seamless blend of skill and instinct. The assassin's flexibility and adaptability were met by Alexis's calm, unrelenting counterattacks.
The assassin, in a last-ditch effort, spun into a powerful roundhouse kick aimed at Alexis's head. But Alexis, anticipating the move, raised his right forearm, blocking the kick with a solid thud.
Without hesitation, Alexis grabbed the assassin's extended leg and pulled them inward, breaking their balance. In one fluid motion, he delivered a fully powered palm strike to their torso, the impact sending them tumbling backward into the snow.
The assassin landed hard, groaning in exhaustion, their body slumping against the cold ground. Alexis stood over them, his breath steady despite the fierce battle.
"Are you done?" Alexis asked, his voice cold and unwavering.
The assassin chuckled weakly, coughing as they sat up slightly. "Agreed. You're better than expected. But..." They reached for a small device on their belt. "There are many of us."
Before Alexis could react, the assassin pressed the button. A blinding flash of light illuminated the street, forcing Alexis to shield his eyes.
When the light faded, the assassin was gone, leaving only light faint scorch marks in the snow.
Alexis straightened, brushing the snow off his coat and glancing at the spot where his opponent had vanished. "Great," he muttered. "Just what I needed—another headache."
He turned and began walking back toward the restaurant, his mind already racing with questions about the ambush.
Alexis trudged back to the restaurant with slow, deliberate steps, the snow still falling around him in a peaceful flurry. His body ached, his muscles sore from the intense combat, but he maintained his posture. There was no room for weakness, not in front of his comrades. Despite the victory, his exhaustion was palpable, his breathing a little heavier than usual.
As he reached the restaurant, the warm glow from inside contrasted sharply with the cold, bleak streets. The door creaked open, and Alexis entered, shaking the snow off his coat as he walked in. His movements were slower, his gait not quite as confident as before.
The others, who had just finished their meal, turned to look at him. Their cheerful expressions immediately faltered when they noticed his disheveled state. Carna, Seika, and Miz were the first to stand up, their faces filled with concern.
"Al? What happened to you?" Seika asked, her eyes scanning him for any visible injuries.
"You look like you've been through hell," Carna remarked, walking over and inspecting him with a concerned frown.
Miz, always the most inquisitive of the bunch, took a step forward, eyeing Alexis with a mixture of admiration and concern. "What happened out there? Were you ambushed?"
Alexis didn't respond right away. He was tired, and the physical toll of the fight still lingered in his body. He reached up and adjusted his scarf, trying to steady his breath.
"Yeah… I'm fine," he finally said with a sigh, trying to shake off the heavy atmosphere that had settled around him. "I'm just a bit… worn out."
Seika didn't seem convinced. "You sure? You look like you've just been in a warzone."
Carna placed a hand on Alexis's shoulder, her expression softening. "Let's get you back to the resort to rest. We can talk about this there."
After a short, uncomfortable walk back through the cold streets of Noboribetsu, Alexis and his group finally arrived at the resort. The warmth of the lobby greeted them, offering a temporary reprieve from the biting cold. The others didn't waste any time getting Alexis to one of the rooms where they were staying.
Once inside, the group gathered around Alexis, who had now slumped into one of the chairs. The room was quiet except for the soft crackling of the fire in the corner and the occasional gust of wind rattling against the windows.
"You really don't look okay," Miz said, his voice serious but tinged with a hint of humor. "What the hell happened out there?"
Alexis took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck. "I noticed something off earlier," he began, his voice steady but worn. "There was an assassin tailing me. I felt the mana signature the moment I stepped outside, but they were too good at hiding, so I had to lure them out."
Carna crossed her arms, frowning. "An assassin? You sure they were after you specifically?"
Alexis nodded. "They were. And from the looks of it, they're from the same hidden syndicate that's been targeting the Wave Order. They know how to move and strike in ways that are hard to predict."
He paused, catching his breath. "The assassin was quick—faster than most. They used both their flexibility and their agility to stay ahead of me. And their handgun… It wasn't just any weapon. It had mana-infused bullets. Every shot had a little more kick to it, so I had to be extra cautious."
Seika's eyes widened in realization. "So, this wasn't just a normal fight for you. You were up against someone with skills and weaponry that are more advanced than usual."
"Exactly," Alexis replied. "And it wasn't just about the gun. The assassin was good with hand-to-hand combat too. I had to be at my best, and even then, I was on the back foot. They're… adaptable."
Miz's eyes narrowed. "So they could switch between gunplay and close combat with ease. Not something we can just brush off."
Alexis glanced over at Miz, his eyes hardening slightly. "That's right. And what worries me more is that there's more of them. The assassin mentioned 'many of us.' They're part of something bigger. This isn't over."
Carna took a step forward. "We'll need to be careful. We can't just wander around thinking we're safe. If they've got people tailing us, we need to be on alert all the time."
Alexis nodded slowly, his face grim. "I agree. We can't underestimate them. They've got resources and tactics we haven't even seen yet."
He ran a hand through his hair, his exhaustion showing. "We'll need to be even more cautious now. This fight was just a warning. And if we don't step up our game, next time, we might not be so lucky."
Seika, her face serious now, nodded. "Then we'll make sure we're ready. We won't let them get the better of us."
Alexis looked at her, offering a tired but reassuring smile. "That's the spirit."
Miz grinned, stepping forward with a mock salute. "Looks like it's time to train harder, huh, sir Alexis? I can't wait for the next round."
Alexis chuckled weakly, shaking his head. "Yeah, let's not get ahead of ourselves, Miz. I'm not exactly in the mood for a sparring match right now."
The group fell into a comfortable silence, the weight of the situation settling over them. The sounds of the fire crackling in the background were the only thing that broke the stillness.
"I'll get some rest," Alexis finally said, standing up slowly. "We'll need all our energy for whatever's coming next."
As Alexis settled onto his bed, his thoughts raced. His body was tired, but his mind refused to slow down. The assassin had been just one of many, and it was clear now that they were facing a more organized threat than they had originally anticipated.
Tomorrow would be a new day, and they would need to be ready. But tonight, for the first time in a while, Alexis allowed himself to rest—albeit with a lingering sense of unease gnawing at him.
The sun rose over Hokkaido, bathing the pristine snow-covered streets in a soft golden glow. Alexis and his group were in high spirits as they explored another part of the region, this time venturing into Otaru, a picturesque town known for its charming canals and fresh seafood. The day was filled with laughter as they tried out various delicacies, from soft and chewy dango to freshly made mochi. Alexis couldn't help but tease Miz about his voracious appetite for Hokkaido's famous coffee, while Carna took every opportunity to snap photos of the group against the stunning snowy backdrop.
Miz, with a grin, nudged Alexis. "Hey, you think if we ever open a restaurant in this world, we could sell coffee like this? It's got a kick even you couldn't resist!"
Alexis chuckled, sipping his own cup. "If we survive everything that's going on, sure. But let's focus on not getting ambushed every other day first."
Their banter was interrupted by panicked screams echoing through the streets. People ran past them, shouting in terror.
"BIG SNOW MONSTER!!!"
Alexis's and Zane's eyes met. A silent agreement passed between them, and without a word, they dashed toward the commotion. The rest of the group followed close behind, their fun day taking an unexpected turn.
As they arrived, the source of the chaos came into view: an enraged Demon Yeti Beast. The towering creature, covered in dense white fur streaked with faint crimson lines, stood nearly three stories tall. Its sharp claws carved through nearby structures with ease, and its icy breath turned the ground to solid frost wherever it exhaled.
"Stay back!" Alexis ordered, his tone firm. "Zane and I can handle this."
Zane rolled up his sleeves, channeling mana into his fists, which glowed faintly with alternating blue and orange hues. "Let's make this quick. I still want to try more of that coffee."
Alexis unsheathed his short sword from Slu's maw, the blade glinting in the sunlight. "Right behind you," he said with a smirk.
The two launched into action. Alexis leaped forward, activating Agyl' Boost, his speed surging as he closed the gap. Zane moved in tandem, a trail of fire and frost marking his path.
The beast roared, swinging a massive claw toward Alexis. He sidestepped with fluid precision, retaliating with Precision Strike, his blade cutting into the creature's forearm and releasing a burst of mana. Meanwhile, Zane hurled a concentrated blast of fire at the beast's legs, the heat melting the frost beneath it and causing it to stumble.
"Teamwork makes the dream work! Am I Right?" Zane shouted, throwing a wink at Alexis.
"Less talking, more fighting!" Alexis replied, launching Wind Sprite Combustion Volley, sending spiraling orb bursts of wind energy that exploded on impact, forcing the beast further off balance.
The Demon Yeti countered by slamming both fists into the ground, sending icy shockwaves rippling outward. Alexis used his wings to take flight, dodging the attack, while Zane casted a shield of fire to block the oncoming frost.
"I'll distract it!" Zane yelled, charging up a dual-element attack. His fists burned with fire and crackled with frost as he launched himself at the beast.
While Zane occupied the Demon Yeti with a barrage of punches and magyk-infused attacks, Alexis ascended higher. With his left hand glowing blue, he summoned Aqua Javelin, hurling a spear of water mana directly at the beast's chest. The impact staggered it, but the beast refused to fall just yet.
"Ready to finish this?" Alexis called to Zane, who had just rolled away from a swipe of the beast's claws.
"Let's do it!"
But before they could deal the final blow, they stopped as a hail of mana-infused bullets rained down from above. The beast let out a final roar before disintegrating into dust, blocks and ice shards.
The street lay in eerie quiet, save for the subtle crunch of snow beneath their feet. Alexis and Zane turned, following the faint whisper of wind, only to find a stark, chilling scene unfolding above.
Atop the snow-clad mountainside, a group of hooded figures appeared, their white cloaks blending seamlessly with the snow. They stood unmoving, like phantoms waiting to strike. Their handguns shimmered faintly with mana, aimed with precision at the duo below. Every movement was deliberate, every shadow cast on the ground a signal of their lethal intent. The cold air seemed to freeze time itself.
Alexis's expression hardened, his sharp gaze locking onto the figures above. "You guys again…" His voice was calm but carried an edge, a weight that dared them to make the first move.
One of the figures, standing at the forefront, slowly lowered their gun. Tilting their head slightly, they spoke, their voice a bit muffled but sharp. "Alexis Tilt, Expert Strategist of Boundless and the Akihabara District. Zane Macrow, Rugged Brawler and leader of the Hokkaido District. You already know the reasons for our order. We will not show mercy."
The figure reloaded their weapon with a mechanical click, raising it again with practiced precision. The sound echoed ominously through the frozen air.
A charged silence stretched, until it shattered in a burst of raw power.
Zane acted first. Slamming his palms to the ground, he unleashed a swirling storm of Fire and Ice Magyk. The energy coiled violently, lifting snow and frost into a whirlwind around him. In a split second, Zane shot forward, the explosive force of his spell propelling him like a missile. His fists radiated energy—one blazing with searing flames, the other encased in jagged, glittering ice. The hooded figures stood their ground, unflinching as he rocketed toward them.
Two figures darted forward at blinding speed, their movements leaving ghostly trails against the snowfall. They launched themselves into the air, their cloaks snapping like wings, and delivered a devastating combined kick. The impact was immediate, brutal. Zane was sent flying back at dizzying speed, crashing through the roof of a nearby building in an eruption of snow and splintered wood.
"Zane!" Carna, Miz, and Zane's teammates screamed in unison, starting to move forward instinctively.
"Stay back!" Alexis snapped, his voice sharp and commanding. He turned to one of Zane's team members. "Barrier, now!"
One of the members frantically conjured a shimmering, dense barrier that enveloped them in a protective dome of mana. The barrier held firm, but Carna, Miz, Crucibelle, and Melina were trapped inside.
Alexis was alone now, facing the assassins.
He drew his short sword with a sharp hiss of steel from Slu's mouth, the blade catching the faint light of the falling snow. The cold wind rippled his coat as he stood tall, raising the weapon with unwavering resolve. His expression darkened as he spoke, his voice low but cutting through the tension like a blade.
"You all… are dealing with me."
With a flash, Alexis activated Agyl' Boost. A surge of energy crackled through his body, the air around him vibrating as his speed and agility tripled. His reflexes now honed to perfection.
The hooded figures descended from the mountainside, leaping down in pairs and trios, their movements fluid and synchronized. They stowed their handguns, each drawing twin daggers that gleamed in the pale light. Their approach was methodical, their intent deadly.
The first pair struck simultaneously. One lunged low, aiming for Alexis's legs, while the other came high with a deadly arc toward his throat. Alexis reacted instantly. Pivoting with supernatural speed, he sidestepped the low strike and raised his sword to parry the high dagger. The sound of steel meeting steel rang out as sparks flew, the force of the clash sending a ripple through the snow.
Before the second assassin could press their attack, Alexis activated Wind Sprite Combustion Volley. Wind orbs materialized around him, spinning with increasing intensity. With a sharp motion, he launched two orbs toward the pair. The first orb streaked through the air, exploding on impact with a deafening boom that sent the attacker flying into the snow. The second orb hit the ground, the resulting explosion throwing the other assassin off balance.
A trio advanced next, fanning out to surround him. Alexis pivoted, launching another volley of wind orbs. The assassins ducked and weaved through the barrage, their movements like a deadly dance. One managed to close the gap, thrusting a dagger toward Alexis's side. He twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the strike, and retaliated with a swift Precision Strike. His blade gleamed as it drove forward, the charged energy puncturing the assassin's defense and sending them sprawling.
Another assassin lunged from behind, but Alexis's instincts kicked in. Spreading his Demon Eagle Wing and Wyvern Wing, he shot upward in a sudden burst of flight. The dagger sliced through empty air, the assassin stumbling forward in surprise. Hovering for a moment, Alexis summoned his Bone Kunai, four razor-sharp projectiles materializing in his hand. He hurled them downward, the kunai piercing through the assassin's cloak and pinning them to the ground as the Bone Kunais detonated sending sharp pieces of bone shards outward, sending the assassin sprawling while also covered in some bone shards.
The remaining attackers regrouped, two of them charging together while the third circled wide, looking for an opening. Alexis landed softly, his wings folding behind him as he shifted into a defensive stance. The first attacker came in with a flurry of dagger strikes, each one aiming to exploit a gap in his defense. Alexis met each strike with precision, his sword flashing in quick, controlled arcs. With a swift motion, he released his Red Silk Shot, the threads wrapping around the assassin's daggers and wrenching them from their grasp.
The second assassin tried to flank him, but Alexis anticipated the move. Transforming his left arm into Wyvern Scale Armament, he delivered a crushing swipe that sent the attacker hurtling backward, their body skidding across the snow.
The final assassin hesitated, their confidence visibly shaken. Alexis took a slow step forward, his left arm slowly trasforming back into normal, his blade still gleaming, his eyes sharp as ice. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with menace. "You don't seem as eager now."
The assassin leader lunged in desperation, their dagger flashing in a wild arc. Alexis didn't move until the last possible moment, sidestepping effortlessly and delivering a devastating fully charged Precision Strike with his elbow. The blow landed cleanly, the force sending the assassin crumpling to the ground, eventually knocking the assassin leader out cold (pun intended).
As the last hooded figure fell, Alexis stood amidst the aftermath, his breath steady despite the intensity of the battle. Snowflakes drifted lazily through the air, the silence returning as the wind carried away the echoes of the fight.
Slu, after noticing that the danger was clear, started hopping back his jiggly self to Alexis, as he reached Alexis shoulder, he cuddled with Alexis's cheek, as Alexis rubbed his head back, Alexis sheathed his sword back into Slu's mouth with a calm, deliberate motion and turned toward the barrier. His teammates stared in awe, their expressions a mix of relief and astonishment.
All of them (Alexis and Zane's friends) broke the silence in unison, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Well… that was flashy."
With that, Alexis walked toward the barrier, the cold wind swirling behind him.
The tension in the air lingered long after the battle had ended. The snow around Alexis and his friends surrounded him, as the hooded figures bodies were strewn across the battlefield, some twitching in the cold, others still and almost lifeless. The remaining few had vanished, their teleportation technology whisking them away before Alexis could land the finishing blow.
Carna, Miz, Crucibelle, and Melina hastily approached Alexis, their eyes scanning him for signs of injury. They'd seen him fight before, but never with such fierce intensity. Zane's team was tending to the fallen Zane, checking for injuries and trying to revive Zane, who'd been knocked out early in the fight.
Carna was the first to speak, her voice softer now, though tinged with concern. "Alexis, are you alright?"
Alexis, his breath heavy but steady, gave a small, almost casual nod, wiping snow from his brow. "I'm fine. A little tired, but no critical damage."
Miz, always quick to catch on, raised an eyebrow. "You sure? You just took down an entire squad of assassins in like, what, 10-15 minutes?"
Alexis shrugged, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Again, I don't do flashy. I do efficient."
Crucibelle approached, eyes narrowing as she looked him over. "You may not be flashy, but you sure are tough. We'll need to make sure that exhaustion doesn't catch up with you."
"That's why I'm already on it," Alexis replied with a grin, extending his hand toward the snow-covered ground. "Druid's Healing Vines."
In an instant, vibrant green vines burst from the earth, curling around Alexis's legs and arms, their soft glow providing a calming aura. The magic slowly but steadily mended his fatigue, his body's wounds—though minimal—beginning to fade. He felt the warmth of the vines settle over his muscles, releasing the tension that had built up during the battle.
Meanwhile, Zane's team worked methodically to heal their own. One member of Zane's group cast Healing Recovery Magic on the downed fighter, channeling energy that flowed through their body, mending broken skin and shattered bones. It wasn't instant, but the process was steady. Zane himself, his eyes still dazed but regaining consciousness, groaned and sat up.
"Zane, you alright?" Alexis asked, keeping his voice level despite the lingering concern.
Zane rubbed his head, looking around and then at Alexis with a tired grin. "Yeah, just a little shaken. That was… intense."
"Good to have you back," Alexis said, then turned back to his team, his expression growing serious once more. "But we're not done yet. We've got a lot to process."
Two members of Zane's group had already begun securing the four captured hooded figures. Their faces remained hidden beneath their cloaks, but the leader's distinctive attire—the glint of a silver insignia on his collar—stood out. They quickly bound them with chains, ensuring no escape.
"The leader's still alive, right?" Alexis asked, his gaze flicking to the figure.
"Barely," one of Zane's members replied, glancing at the unconscious assassin leader. "We'll need to interrogate him. He'll have answers."
Before they could continue, however, the ground trembled beneath them, and the remaining hooded figures activated their teleportation devices, disappearing in a flash of light. Alexis's fist tightened, but he knew it was futile to pursue them now. They were gone.
"Let's move," Alexis ordered, his voice carrying the weight of the situation. "We need to get back to the resort and pack up. We've got a lot of ground to cover."
The train ride back to Akihabara was a bit quieter than usual. Everyone sat in their own thoughts, the exhaustion of the battle weighing heavily on them. Alexis leaned back in his seat, staring out the window, lost in thought. He was about to call the director of the Japanese Government Headquarters, reporting them on the findings from their Hokkaido trip.
Just as he was about to dial the number, his phone rang.
He looked at the screen and saw Ferni's name flashing. Confused, he picked up the call.
The moment he answered, chaos erupted from the other end of the line. Ferni's voice was frantic, rushed, and laced with panic. "Al! Something's wrong with the Waves! You won't believe what we just saw!"
Alexis's brow furrowed as he gripped the phone tighter. "What happened? Slow down."
"We're at the front lines, and we saw something we've never seen before!" Ferni's voice quivered. "The wave's warp rifts—they're… they're merging into one! It was glowing, Alexis—bright red, almost blinding! And then—BOOM! A shockwave, it hit us hard! Something's happening, and I don't know what to do!"
Alexis's heart skipped a beat, his mind racing. He could hear the distant sounds of battle, muffled through Ferni's panicked voice.
"Where are you?" Alexis demanded, the urgency in his voice rising.
"We're still at the front, but—" Ferni's voice was cut off by a loud crash in the background, followed by her frantic breathing. "Get back here as soon as you can! The Waves are changing!"
Alexis didn't hesitate. "Stay safe. We're heading back now."
He hung up quickly, a sense of dread creeping up his spine. Without a word, he turned to the others.
"Something's happening at Akihabara," Alexis said, his voice dark with concern. "The Waves are merging, and it's not just a random anomaly. Ferni and the others saw it first-hand. A shockwave hit them after the rifts conjoined, and it's changing the situation entirely."
Carna's eyes widened. "The Waves are merging? Does that mean we're in for something bigger?"
"Could be," Alexis replied. "Whatever it is, we need to be ready. I'm ordering you all to change into your casual clothes and get prepared. We're going straight into this once we get back."
Miz, always quick to adapt, was already rummaging through his pack for his spare clothes. "Ready when you are."
Crucibelle cracked her knuckles, a determined glint in her eye. "Let's make sure whatever this is, it doesn't catch us off guard."
Melina nodded, her face hardening. "We've got this. No matter what comes next, we're in it together."
The train continued its steady course toward Akihabara, but the weight of what was ahead hung heavily in the air. The silence between them spoke volumes. Whatever the merging Waves meant, Alexis and his team would face it head-on.
Hours later, as the Shinkansen drew closer to Akihabara, Alexis stood by the window, his gaze distant. His mind raced through the possibilities. The situation was evolving, and the Waves were no longer the predictable threat they had once been. Something had shifted—and he had a sinking feeling that what awaited them would be far more dangerous than they had ever prepared for.
"Whatever happens," Alexis muttered under his breath, "we fight together."
The others stood behind him, resolute. And at the moment they step off the train, they knew their next battle would not be the same.