The city was silent in its chaos, an eerie stillness broken only by distant cries and the rumble of collapsing buildings. Kenji darted through the desolate streets, his body a patchwork of bruises and blood. His shoulder ached, the deep wound from an earlier encounter searing with every movement. Yet, he pressed on, his breath ragged and uneven, each inhale feeling like dragging shards of glass through his chest.
His movements were mechanical, driven by sheer willpower rather than strength or adrenaline. He couldn't stop. Not yet. Not when there might still be people to save.
"Just a little more," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the pounding of his own heartbeat. His legs trembled with every step, but he forced them to keep moving.
For the past few minutes, he hadn't seen a single civilian. The silence around him was deafening, a cruel reminder of what that absence meant. He grit his teeth, his mind racing. 'They've either made it to the shelters… or they're already gone'.
That thought twisted in his gut like a knife, and a fresh wave of anger surged through him. He clenched his fists, the faint crackle of red sparks coursing up his arms.
Ahead, the sound of scraping metal and guttural growls caught his attention. His Danger Sense didn't need to warn him—he knew what was coming.
As he turned the corner, his eyes locked onto five Chariots, their hulking forms illuminated by the faint glow of nearby fires. Their heavy footfalls echoed through the empty street as they zeroed in on their newest target.
Kenji didn't hesitate. He launched himself toward them, his body a blur of motion.
The Chariots roared, their guttural cries reverberating through the empty streets as they charged, their massive frames shaking the ground with every step. Kenji's body tensed, his instincts sharpening as he prepared to meet them head-on.
The first Chariot lunged, its claws slicing through the air with terrifying speed. Kenji sidestepped the strike. Without missing a beat, he ducked low and surged forward, planting his hands firmly on the ground. He spun his body, sweeping the Chariot's legs out from under it in a blur of motion. The beast toppled with a thunderous crash, its weight shattering the asphalt.
Kenji didn't give it time to recover. With a burst of energy, he leaped onto its back, his fist glowing with red sparks. He brought his hand down like a hammer, striking its chest. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the Chariot's frame, and the beast convulsed before going still.
But there was no time to breathe. Another Chariot was already closing in, its claw raised to strike. Kenji pushed off the fallen beast, twisting his body mid-air to avoid the incoming attack. The claw grazed his side, tearing through his jacket and leaving a shallow wound, but he gritted his teeth and used the momentum to deliver a spinning kick to the creature's head. The force of the blow sent the Chariot crashing into a nearby building, bricks collapsing around its massive body.
The ground beneath him trembled as two more Chariots charged simultaneously. Kenji darted between them, weaving through their attacks with precision. One swiped at him with its claws, but he ducked under the strike, pivoting on his heel to deliver a devastating uppercut to its jaw. The beast's head snapped back.
The other Chariot roared in fury, its massive frame barreling toward him like a freight train. Kenji's Danger Sense screamed at him, and he reacted instinctively, throwing himself to the side just as the creature's claws slammed into the ground where he had stood. The impact sent shards of concrete flying, but Kenji used the debris to his advantage, grabbing a large chunk mid-air and hurling it at the Chariot's face. The beast staggered, giving him an opening.
Kenji dashed forward, his speed blinding. He slid under the creature's legs, grabbing one of its massive limbs with both hands. With a feral yell, he lifted the Chariot off the ground, his muscles straining against its immense weight. Red sparks crackled around him as he spun in place, using the beast as a makeshift weapon. He swung it with all his strength, slamming it into the remaining Chariot.
The two beasts collided with a deafening crash, their bodies tumbling into a crumbling building. Dust and debris filled the air as the structure gave way, burying them under a mountain of rubble.
Kenji staggered back, his chest heaving as he surveyed the destruction. His hands trembled, blood dripping from his knuckles where the skin had split from the force of his punches. He wiped the sweat and grime from his brow, his breaths ragged.
The rubble shifted, and his heart sank. All five Chariots emerged from the wreckage, their bodies battered but intact. Their glowing forms burned with unrelenting fury as they fixed their gaze on him.
Kenji clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "Not enough," he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with frustration.
The Chariots regrouped, their growls echoing ominously as they prepared to charge again. Kenji braced himself, his fists crackling with energy. He could handle them. He just had to push a little harder.
But then, his Danger Sense flared—and this time, it was different.
The warning was overwhelming, a tidal wave of instinct screaming at him to move, to run. Every hair on his body stood on end as a pit of dread formed in his stomach.
Kenji's eyes darted to a building to his right, just in time to see its structure groan and crumble. The entire facade shattered like glass as something massive crashed through it, sending debris raining down onto the street.
From the cloud of smoke and dust, a towering form emerged. Its silhouette was monstrous, its sheer size dwarfing even the Chariots. As it stepped into the flickering light, Kenji's heart sank.
A Templar-class Honkai Beast.
Its gleaming armor caught the firelight, its massive frame exuding an aura of pure menace. Its glowing red eyes locked onto Kenji with predatory intent.
Kenji's throat went dry as he took an involuntary step back. 'You've got to be fucking kidding me' he thought, panic bubbling to the surface. His mind raced as the beast's imposing figure loomed closer. 'A Templar? Now?!'
He clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay rooted in place. He had faced Chariots, Seraphs, and even overwhelming odds, but a Templar was on a completely different level. He knew that even 35% of One For All wouldn't be enough to take it down.
He would need to go beyond that, but that would risk him damaging or even breaking his limbs. He couldn't afford that risk especially in a situation like this, where he still needed to save people.
'Think, Kenji. Think!' He glanced at his battered arms, then at the approaching Chariots, who were still regrouping behind him. The odds were impossible. He couldn't take them all on at once. He was sure he could run away, but that would risk them wandering into other civilians.
As the Chariots charged again, Kenji prepared himself, steeling his nerves for the inevitable clash. But before he could make his move, a deafening crash echoed through the street. Making him stumble a few steps back.
In an instant, the Chariots were gone.
Kenji blinked in disbelief trying to process what just happened before his Danger Sense activated again. He whipped around to see the Templar raising its massive spear, its sights set on him.
"Shit, I lost focus!" Kenji cursed, his body too sluggish to react.
But before the Templar could strike, a blur of red shot past him, slamming into the beast with such force that it skidded back several meters. The ground cracked beneath the impact as the Templar roared in frustration, staggering to regain its balanca.
Kenji's eyes widened as the figure stepped into view, a massive sword resting casually on her shoulder. Her fiery crimson hair billowed in the wind, and her lips curled into a confident smirk.
"Himeko?!" Kenji breathed, his voice cracking with a mix of shock and relief.
She turned her head slightly, her crimson eyes meeting his. "So you know who I am? Looks like you could use a hand, Mister Night Runner," she said, her tone as nonchalant as if they weren't standing in the middle of a battlefield.
Kenji's legs nearly gave out, not from exhaustion but from sheer relief. His vision blurred, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. For the first time since the eruption began, hope flared in his chest.
"Himeko!" he shouted, his voice filled with gratitude.
She gave him a quick nod before turning her attention back to the Templar. "Stay back. I've got this."
Kenji gritted his teeth, the words striking a nerve. With a newfound determination igniting in his chest, he straightened his posture despite the screaming protests of his battered body. "No way," he said firmly, his voice steady but fierce. "Even if I'm too weak to fight it, I can still support you."
Himeko turned to him, her crimson eyes narrowing. She frowned, clearly debating whether to argue, but the unyielding resolve in his gaze stopped her. She let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through her fiery hair before her smirk returned, this time tinged with grudging respect.
"Fine," she said, her tone carrying a playful edge. "But you better not die. I've been busting my ass searching for you."
Kenji cracked a small grin despite the situation, his fists clenching as red sparks crackled faintly around his battered form. "Like hell I'm dying," he shot back, his tone matching hers.
Both of them turned to face the now-recovered Templar. The massive Honkai beast roared, its glowing core pulsing ominously as it prepared to charge again.
Himeko raised her greatsword, resting it briefly on her shoulder before stepping forward. "Alright then, Night Runner," she said, her smirk widening. "Let's see what you've got."
Kenji's grin widened, his battered body falling into a ready stance beside her. "Let's do this."
Himeko wasted no time. With a yell, she charged at the Templar, her greatsword gleaming under the dull, flickering light of the battered city.
The ground trembled beneath her as her boots pounded against the cracked pavement, her weapon slicing through the air with an audible hum. She closed the distance in an instant, her blade meeting the Templar's massive claws in a thunderous clash.
The impact sent shockwaves rippling outward, cracks spiderwebbing through the ground beneath them and the force shattering nearby glass on buildings.
Himeko's sheer strength forced the Templar back a step, but the beast recovered quickly, swinging one of its massive arms at her with crushing force. She ducked, avoiding the blow, and retaliated with a powerful upward slash, sparks flying as her blade raked across the beast's armored forearm.
From the side, Kenji was a blur, circling the battlefield with precise, rapid steps. His heart pounded as he watched Himeko fight, her strength and agility on full display. Every swing of her greatsword was calculated, every dodge just barely out of the Templar's reach.
'She's incredible.' Kenji thought, his mind racing as he took in the sight. Despite the chaos, despite the overwhelming size and power of the beast, Himeko didn't falter. 'This is what true strength looks like.'
The Templar roared, swiping at Himeko again, but she deftly sidestepped, her movements fluid and confident. The beast's massive claw crashed into a nearby building, the structure crumbling instantly under the force of the strike. Debris rained down, the shockwave blasting away the remnants of the wall, leaving a gaping hole in its place.
Kenji's eyes widened as he watched the devastation unfold. He clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. "Ok focus, find an opening. Help out where you can!"
The Templar recovered from its swing, its glowing eyes narrowing as it locked onto Himeko again. It lunged forward, its claws raised high, ready to strike. Himeko jumped back, her heels skidding on the ground as she tried to put some distance between herself and the beast.
But the Templar was faster than she anticipated. Its arm swung down in a deadly arc, the claws hurtling toward her with blinding speed. Himeko braced herself, preparing to block—
A sudden, deafening burst of wind struck the Templar from the side, slamming into it with enough force to make it stagger. The beast let out a guttural roar, its balance disrupted as it stumbled back.
Himeko didn't waste a second. She surged forward, her greatsword flashing as she drove it into the Templar's midsection. The blade cut deep, cracks erupting from the wound as the beast howled in pain. Himeko yanked her weapon free and leapt back, her boots digging into the ground as she prepared for its next move.
Her gaze darted to the source of the wind, and her crimson eyes widened slightly as she spotted Kenji perched on a nearby rooftop. His arm was outstretched, his fingers finishing a flicking motion. The faint red sparks of One For All danced around his hand, fading as his arm fell limply to his side.
Kenji looked down at her, clenching his fists with a pained smirk on his face. "Told ya I could help!" he shouted, his voice hoarse but filled with determination.
Himeko blinked, then let out a sharp laugh, her lips curving into a smirk of her own. "Keep it coming, kid!" she yelled back, her voice carrying over the din of battle.
Kenji winced as his arm throbbed in protest. He had used 50% in that flick—a risky move, but one he knew was necessary. The sheer strength of the Templar made anything less than that useless. He flexed his fingers slightly, testing their mobility. Thankfully, nothing seemed broken, but the pain was excruciating.
'It's like I just slammed my hand into a steel beam' he thought, gritting his teeth. 'Okay... maybe not broken, but it hurts like hell.'
Despite the searing pain, Kenji's heart raced with adrenaline. His legs tensed, ready to leap back into action. He glanced at Himeko, who was already back in position, her greatsword raised as she prepared for the Templar's next move.
Himeko dashed toward the towering beast, her greatsword held firm in her grasp. The beast swung its massive arm downward, aiming to crush her where she stood. With practiced ease, she sidestepped the attack, the claws slamming into the pavement and leaving a jagged crater.
Seizing the opening, Himeko twisted her body and delivered a brutal kick to the beast's side. The sheer force of the strike sent the massive creature flying through a series of dilapidated buildings, the structures collapsing into clouds of dust and debris.
Before the dust could settle, Himeko was already moving, a crimson blur streaking toward the wreckage. Her target leapt out of the rubble with an enraged roar, its glowing eyes fixed on her. As it prepared to lunge, a sudden burst of wind struck its side with incredible force, causing it to stagger and lose balance.
The beast turned its head in confusion, but Himeko didn't waste the opportunity. She dashed behind it with blinding speed, her greatsword gleaming as she swung it down in a devastating arc. The blade sliced through the Templar's thick armor, cleaving it cleanly in two.
The beast's remains collapsed to the ground with a deafening thud, its grotesque form twitching one last time before going still.
Himeko planted her sword into the ground, her sharp crimson eyes scanning the area for any lingering threats. Kenji landed beside her moments later, his breathing ragged, his arm still trembling from the repeated use of One For All.
"You're not bad," Himeko said, giving him a nod of acknowledgment. "Impressive, but you should still head to the shelters."
Kenji frowned, his jaw tightening. "But I can still help here. If I can't fight the stronger Honkai beasts, I can still save civilians!"
Himeko let out a sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Look, I know you want to help. But this isn't even the worst of it. At your current level of strength, you will die."
Kenji's hands clenched into fists, his voice rising in defiance. "I know I could die! Even if that's the case, someone like me—someone who has powers—I need to help them. What kind of—"
Before he could finish, his entire body tensed as Danger Sense flared violently in his mind. His eyes widened as he spun toward Himeko. "Himeko, watch out!" he shouted.
Her gaze sharpened, scanning their surroundings with practiced precision. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and distant roars echoed through the city. The air grew heavy with malice as the source of the danger became clear.
Four Templar-class Honkai beasts emerged from the shadows, their massive forms flanked by countless Chariots and Seraphs. The ground seemed to quake with every step of the advancing horde.
"Shit," Himeko muttered under her breath, her grip tightening on her weapon. The beasts roared in unison, and as if given an unseen signal, the entire swarm charged toward them.
Kenji didn't hesitate. He grabbed Himeko's hand and leapt into the air, activating 35% of One For All. The world became a blur as they soared several blocks away, landing atop a distant building. The wind whipped past them, carrying the sounds of chaos and destruction as the Honkai beasts tore through the city in pursuit.
In the air, Kenji noticed a group of Seraphs closing in on them, their glowing wings cutting through the smoky skies. Gritting his teeth, he flicked his finger, sending a burst of wind so strong that it knocked the Seraphs out of the air, their bodies crashing to the ground below.
As they landed, Himeko adjusted her stance, observing the horde that approached them with unrelenting ferocity. She glanced at Kenji, "You're fast." she remarked.
Kenji's reply was curt. "I know."
The building beneath them trembled as the distant rumble of destruction grew louder. Himeko turned to him, her expression suddenly serious. "Kenji, you're the most valuable person here."
Kenji blinked, confusion flashing across his face. "What do you mean?"
She didn't break eye contact, her tone firm. "During the previous eruption, the energy you emit somehow attracted the Honkai beasts away from populated areas. For some reason, it isn't working now, but if you die here, we'll lose the chance to train you to master that ability. More lives will be lost."
Kenji's mind reeled. He struggled to process her words. "That's impossible," he muttered. "I didn't even activate my power until a few months ago. The previous eruption was over a year ago. How could that—"
Before he could question her further, the Seraphs reached the rooftop, their glowing claws slashing through the air. Himeko's voice cut through his panic. "Do what I say and get to the shelter!" she shouted, charging toward the nearest Seraph with her greatsword raised.
Kenji hesitated for a moment, his heart racing. But as he saw Himeko dive into battle, cutting down one Seraph with ease, he shook his head and leapt into the fray. "Like hell I'm running now!".
With a burst of speed, he darted past Himeko, flicking his fingers to send powerful gusts of wind that threw several Seraphs off course. The beasts crashed into the ground below, screeching in frustration.
Himeko glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, a mixture of exasperation and respect crossing her face. "Stubborn brat."
And so the battle continues