MC POV
As the sun began to set, casting a crimson glow across the sky, Hiro leaned against the trunk of a tree in the forest. A week had passed since his first foray into the dark underbelly of Wall Maria, and in that time, he had embraced his role as the Ghost Rider—an avenger of sorts.
"Damn it," he muttered, recalling the grim tally of his deeds. "More than 2,800 people in just one first night in this world."
Yet, there was no remorse in his heart. He had witnessed the souls of his victims, their true natures unveiled in their final moments. The Military Police, corrupt and brutal, had masked their greed behind a facade of authority, and Hiro had made it his mission to strip that mask away. "They deserved every bit of it," he thought grimly.
The power coursing through him had grown, too. With each soul he claimed, he felt himself becoming more attuned to Zarathos' abilities. He could now read souls, creating a connection that allowed him to understand the essence of those he encountered. He had learned to create more than fifty clones, though they lacked the ability to transform into his angel form. His physical strength had multiplied exponentially, a boon that came in handy during his nightly hunts.
But now, he sat beneath a tree, his thoughts drifting to the mundane comforts of his old life. If only I had my phone, novels, and anime, he lamented. A system would make this so much easier.
He chuckled at the thought, but the laughter faded as memories of the past week flooded his mind.
In just one week, he had decimated 162,007 lives within Wall Maria alone, the darkness spreading like wildfire through the towns. The few who had glimpsed him in his true form had either fled in terror or hailed him as a savior. Whispers of the Ghost Rider had morphed into tales of "Ghost: The Ripper." A cult had begun to form—a ragtag group of survivors calling themselves "The Order of Justice." They believed he was sent by a higher power to punish the wicked.
To Hiro, it was absurd; he was simply enacting his version of justice. I didn't ask for followers, he thought with a smirk, but if they're too afraid to come out at night, I guess that's a win.
(Reiss Family Residence Inside Wall Sina)
Meanwhile, in a lavish royal mansion, Frieda Reiss sat in a dimly lit room, her eyes scanning the latest newspaper. She had always been the embodiment of grace and beauty, but the images of loss and terror surrounding the "Ghost: The Ripper" story gnawed at her insides.
Frieda's heart ached as she read about the innocents caught in the chaos. As queen, I can't allow this to continue. She needed to act, to confront the killer before more lives were lost.
Yet, as she summoned the power of the Founding Titan, a dark presence coiled around her mind. No, not again. The voice of Karl Fritz echoed in her thoughts, warping her intentions.
"We all are sinners; we Eldians will be the only ones who have to die."*
She gripped her head, fighting against the oppressive weight of his influence, tears streaming down her cheeks. She had vowed to rise above the ghosts of her ancestors, but Karl's control over her mind was unyielding, dragging her back into despair.
Just then, Kenny Ackerman, her right-hand man, entered the room, his presence both a comfort and a reminder of the chaos outside.
"Hello, young lady. How are you?... haha bullshit, I will get to the point" he began, though his tone quickly shifted to a more serious note. "What are you going to do about this killer?"
"I won't reveal my power to anyone," Frieda replied, her voice trembling. "And I won't do anything to stop this killer... unless my family is in danger."
Kenny raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So, you're saying you won't act unless it affects you personally? Just as I thought. But you can't do that with your kind heart, young lady. But I will protect you-"
'- until i get your powers, haha'
She felt frustration bubbling within her, but before she could retort, he continued, "What will you do if this new Ripper comes after you?"
"I won't let him harm my family," she insisted, though she felt the weight of doubt pressing against her resolve.
"Good luck with that," Kenny said with a sadistic grin. "I want to meet him. He's broken my record for kills in just one week. I miss the thrill of hunting strong prey."
Frieda shook her head, anxiety coursing through her veins. Kenny was a dangerous man, and she knew the depths of his ambition. *Pray for everything to be alright.*
With that thought, she resolved to visit Historia. Perhaps her half-sister could offer some comfort, a reminder of the humanity that still existed in their bloodline.