The cold night wind hit my face as they approached—the group that had been chasing me for so long. They moved with impressive speed, as if they were already accustomed to battle. I could feel the heavy pressure from their power, but I also knew this was the moment I had been waiting for. I could no longer run, no longer avoid the destiny that awaited me.
Raiden and Mizuki stood behind me, ready to provide support. They knew this battle was bigger than anything we had ever imagined. It wasn't just about defeating the enemy; it was about controlling the fate of this world.
"Are you ready, Haruto?" Raiden asked, his voice low and full of seriousness.
I nodded, feeling the energy building within me. The power that had always felt uncontrollable was now beginning to merge within me. I knew I had to control it carefully—one wrong move could cause destruction, not only to me but to everyone around me.
"Let's go," I said, my voice firm, though anxiety still lingered in my heart. "We don't have much time."
With a loud shout, the battle began. They moved quickly, attacking with deadly precision. I stepped forward, gathering power in my body and directing my first attack toward them. Suddenly, one of them leaped at me with incredible speed, trying to strike me with his sharp sword.
But this time, I was ready. I focused my power on a counterattack, using their movement to launch a well-aimed strike. The energy that exploded from my body deflected their blow, forcing them to stagger back several steps.
"Nice, Haruto!" Mizuki yelled from behind. "You're starting to master it!"
But I knew this was just the beginning. They weren't easy opponents. From their group, a man dressed more lavishly and with eyes full of hatred stepped forward. His face seemed familiar—I recognized him from my previous life as one of the greatest enemies in the Arlan Von Echeveria war.
"So, you finally showed yourself, Arlan," the man said with a cold voice. "We've waited long enough for this."
I stared at him, feeling the tension rise. "I'm no longer Arlan Von Echeveria," I said firmly. "I'm Haruto Kisaragi now, and I won't let you take over this world."
The man sneered, then raised his hand, signaling his troops to attack. In an instant, they charged, each using their well-honed powers. I fought back with all the strength I had, but their attacks were so coordinated that I was pushed back.
Raiden moved alongside me, battling other enemies. "Haruto, focus! Don't let yourself get trapped in this fight. They're looking for a chance to destroy you!"
I nodded, trying to center my thoughts. The power within me began to feel more directed, but I knew I had to be careful. Every time I launched an attack, I had to ensure I didn't lose control of the energy I was wielding.
Suddenly, from the middle of the battle, I sensed something different. A dark aura—extremely powerful—emerged, and I knew this was the final strike they had prepared to destroy me. One of them, an older, more experienced man, raised his hand with immense power. With a single motion, he unleashed a massive energy explosion aimed directly at me.
"Haruto!" Mizuki cried, trying to shield me, but the attack was too fast.
I felt the incredible force slam into me, sending me crashing to the ground. My body burned from the overwhelming energy, and I nearly lost consciousness. But inside me, there was something that still held on—a deeper power, connected to who I truly was. Your fate, Arlan Von Echeveria, has come back to demand answers.
I closed my eyes, focusing on the flow of energy within me. I could feel it—the power rising once again, this time under greater control. I raised both my hands, and with a loud shout, I unleashed an attack stronger than before.
The energy I released exploded with tremendous force, creating a shockwave that shattered the enemy's attack and pushed them back several steps. I stood up, panting, but feeling stronger than ever.
Raiden and Mizuki stared at me in shock. "That... that was stronger than we expected," Raiden said, surprised by the power I had just unleashed.
The man who had attacked me with dark energy now appeared more serious. "Not easy, huh?" he said with a terrifying voice. "Your power is greater than we anticipated. But it won't be enough to stop us."
I locked my gaze on them, my eyes full of determination. "I won't let you destroy this world," I said in a voice full of power. "Never."