Axel: "I see you've found the town that never stops bleeding."
*He holds onto his book tightly while forming the black liquid from his energy.*
Mochizuki: "..."
(Flashback at the underground facility in his room).
Mochizuki: "Kaien, I..."
*He heard a knock at the door which startled Kaien. He got up to open the door and saw the black figure.*
The Black Figure: "I have a mission for you and a few others. You, Klaudia, Ashton, and Kiyozawa are going to kill off a cult leader named Axel. He needs to be wiped out."
*His shadow appearance looks at him while floating in the air.*
Mochizuki: "But I can't, since Kaien needs me here."
*He looks at the black figure, then glances over at Kaien.*
The Black Figure: "It will be quick. Don't worry, I'll take care of Kaien."
*He says it calmly, maintaining eye contact with Mochizuki.*
*A few minutes later, everyone gathered into the room. Ashton, Klaudia, Kiyozawa and Mochizuki remained quiet as a portal appeared right in front of them. The portal led to the town that never stops bleeding.*
(The town that never stops bleeding.)
*Appearing into the town, they were greeted by hundreds of rotting corpses scattered across the streets. Blood stains covered everything - the buildings, the ground, even the air seemed thick with the metallic scent of death.*
Klaudia: "Something happened here..."
*She murmurs, her eyes scanning the dead bodies and broken vehicles scattered around the blood-soaked streets. She feels a chill run down her spine, sensing that something truly horrible has occurred in this town.*
Mochizuki: "We should split up. We'll cover more ground."
*He immediately takes off running, stepping over the dead bodies without a second thought. His mind is solely focused on completing the mission so he can return to Kaien.*
Klaudia: "Ashton, go with Mochizuki. I'll handle Kiyozawa."
*She looks at Ashton, who nods in agreement without uttering a word. Like Mochizuki, he wants to finish the mission quickly and return to his lab, the bloody scene around them barely registering.*
Kiyozawa: "My chest hurts... Why did that black figure make me come on this mission?"
*He grips the cracked crystal on his chest tightly, wincing in pain as it pulses with an unsettling energy.* He feels a sense of dread washing over him, questioning the true purpose behind his sudden deployment.
Klaudia: "I kinda knew you'd be a burden."
*Klaudia's voice is cold as she leads Kiyozawa to a nearby broken house with blood stains smeared across its windows and doors. She knows it's not ideal but given that the town has been deserted for so long, she doesn't have much choice.*
(At the Deep Part Of The Town).
Mochizuki: "I sense an extremely dark energy spread throughout the town."
*Mochizuki focuses his energy, pinpointing the source - the church. He moves closer, with Ashton trailing cautiously from behind. Knowing he's better suited to intellectual pursuits, Ashton chooses to maintain a safe distance.*
Mochizuki: "The church..."
*He ignites his blue flames, using them to propel himself forward at incredible speed. He dashes towards the church, then suddenly stops and hides himself in the shadows.*
(In his mind).
"I have to wait until he's alone."
(Out of his mind).
(Now).
Axel: "How many people are you?"
*Axel asks Mochizuki as he emerges from the shadows, holding his book in hand. He's the leader of the goat cult that have been causing havoc in the town, and he's curious about Mochizuki's strength and numbers.*
Mochizuki: ''Just me,"
*He replies coldly, his blue flames flickering menacingly as he locks eyes with Axel. The implication is clear - he doesn't need backup to handle this situation alone.*
Axel: "I sense three individuals nearby, but this is a perfect opportunity for the book to choose the next link,"
*He explains cryptically, releasing the book, which vanishes instantly. Mochizuki furrows his brow, utterly confused by Axel's strange behavior and mysterious words.*
Mochizuki: "Enough talk!"
*He charges forward, his blue flames erupting from his hands in a powerful attack. However, Axel's black liquid easily absorbs and neutralizes the blue flames. Realizing he needs something stronger, Mochizuki switches to his black flames, which are hotter and more destructive.*
*Mochizuki's black flames clash with Axel's black liquid, creating a chaotic explosion of energy. Axel steps back unharmed, his liquid absorbing the impact.*
(In his mind).
"What is this guy?"
(Out of his mind).
*Mochizuki thinks to himself, surprised by Axel's resilience and ability to absorb his flames.*
*Ashton observes the intense battle from a distance, his expression hidden behind his gas mask as Mochizuki's black flames and Axel's black liquid continue to clash and explode, creating a spectacle of pure destructive power. He remains still and silent, analyzing the situation with his usual emotionless demeanor. Ashton quietly uses his disease energy, spreading it through the air in an attempt to paralyze Axel. However, to his surprise, nothing happens. Axel remains unharmed, his black liquid continuing to absorb and neutralize Mochizuki's black flames without any signs of weakness or paralysis.*
*With growing interest, Ashton increases his output, pouring about sixty percent of his energy into a more powerful disease attack specifically targeting Axel. However, despite the increased potency, not even the slightest reaction is visible on Axel's face. His liquid continues to defend against Mochizuki's flames effortlessly.*
Mochizuki: "Fuck!"
*As the battle intensifies, Mochizuki focuses his energy, pouring everything he has into his black flames, increasing their power and intensity with each passing moment. The flames grow larger and hotter, engulfing Axel completely as he desperately tries to keep up with the escalating attack.*
*With a subtle smirk, Axel activates just two percent of his true power. The black liquid intensifies dramatically, easily absorbing not only Mochizuki's black flames but also their energy. Mochizuki immediately falters, completely drained from the intense flame output, exhaustion evident in his body.*
Mochizuki: "What the hell?"
*He stares in disbelief as his flames are effortlessly absorbed, the realization of his own powerlessness washing over him. With a heavy breath, he decides to retreat, stumbling backwards away from Axel, his body weak and weary from the intense energy expenditure.*
Axel: "I'll let you live—for now."
*Axel says calmly, his voice steady and composed as he turns away from Mochizuki. Mochizuki sprints away as fast as his exhausted body allows, the fear of Axel's overwhelming power driving him forward. He doesn't look back, knowing that if Axel changed his mind, he would be dead before he could even blink.*
(At the Abandoned House).
*Klaudia searches through the kitchen cabinets, desperate to find something strong enough to clean Kiyozawa's wound. She pulls out bottles of alcohol but pauses when she notices dismembered body parts stored alongside them. She shudders slightly but continues her search, determined to help her injured friend.*
(At the bedroom).
*Kiyozawa grits his teeth against the pain, pushing himself to get up and walk through the halls. He notices a glowing book with a demonic pentagram of a goat etched into its cover. The air grows heavy with an eerie energy as he approaches the mysterious tome.*
Kiyozawa: "What is this...?"
*As he picks up the book, a searing pain shoots through his hand. He watches in shock as a goat-shaped mark appears on his palm, glowing with an otherworldly energy. Suddenly, the book vanishes in a puff of dark smoke, leaving behind only the strange mark on his hand.*
(In the background).
Axel: "The book has chosen him... How interesting."
*The room falls silent after his words, leaving Kiyozawa alone with his newfound mark. Axel's presence suddenly disappears without a trace, as if he had never been there at all. The only evidence of his existence is the faint lingering of his dark aura and the burning mark on Kiyozawa's hand.*
*Kiyozawa collapses suddenly, the pain in his life force overwhelming him. He hears Klaudia's quick footsteps approaching from behind just in time to catch him before he hits the ground.*
Klaudia: "Kiyozawa?"
*She calls out softly, concern etched on her face as she supports his unconscious body. Klaudia grows taller with her energy as she lifts Kiyozawa into a bridal carry effortlessly despite his weight. She speaks softly but with slight annoyance mixed into her voice as she carries him away from the scene.*
Klaudia: "I kinda knew you'd be a burden."
*She mutters under her breath.*
*As she carries Kiyozawa out of the abandoned house, she spots Ashton and Mochizuki waiting outside. Ashton's expression is serious as he takes in the sight of Kiyozawa being carried out. Mochizuki looks absolutely exhausted, leaning heavily against a wall for support.*
Klaudia: "Let me guess,"
*She says sharply, her eyes scanning both Mochizuki and Ashton.*
Klaudia: "You two couldn't kill Axel?"
*She waits for their response, one eyebrow raised. Ashton looks ashamed while Mochizuki tightens his jaw before answering.*
Mochizuki: "He's too strong."
*He turns his gaze away from her.*
(In his mind).
*His mind flashes back to the moment Axel effortlessly absorbed his black flames with that dark liquid. He clenches his jaw, frustration and humiliation washing over him.*
"His power is so strong, I can't win against him."
(Out of his mind).
Ashton: "His power is unlike anything we've faced before. That black liquid..."
*He trails off, shaking his head.*
(In his mind).
"It's actually quite interesting but unfortunately I don't have the information."
(Out of his mind).
*Klaudia's determination is clear in her voice as she looks at Mochizuki and Ashton. She doesn't bother to put Kiyozawa down, keeping him in the bridal carry position.*
Klaudia: "I'm not going back to headquarters with a failed mission report."
*She states firmly.*
Ashton: "..."
*He stays quiet.*
Kiyozawa: "Mmph!"
*Kiyozawa jolts awake, his cheeks burning red as he realizes Klaudia is carrying him like a bride.*
Klaudia: "W-What are you doing!?"
*He yelps loudly, squirming slightly in her arms. His voice is an octave higher than usual due to embarrassment.*
*Klaudia's blood energy suddenly wraps around Kiyozawa's wrists and ankles, restraining him tightly so he can't squirm anymore.*
Kiyozawa: "H-Hyah!?"
*He lets out a surprised yelp, His face turns an even deeper shade of red. Klaudia's expression softens slightly as she looks down at Kiyozawa, her blood energy gently holding him in place.*
Klaudia: "You're in no condition to fight,"
*She says, her tone a bit softer but still firm.*
Klaudia: "So you're staying with me, whether you like it or not."
Kiyozawa: "At least don't carry me like this... It's so embarrassing!"
*Kiyozawa blushes red in embarrassment.*
*She glances down at him, a small smirk playing on her lips despite the tense situation.*
Klaudia: "And how else should I carry you? You can hardly walk."
*She adjusting her grip slightly for comfort, but maintains the humiliating bridal carry deliberately.*
Klaudia: "Face it, you're embarrassing yourself more by complaining."
Kiyozawa: "Damn it, woman! I'm perfectly capable of walking on my own."
*He growls at her in frustration.*
*Klaudia's smirk widens at his frustrated growl, finding his embarrassment and anger oddly arousing. She leans in closer, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispers,*
Klaudia: "Then stop squirming and acting like a damn princess."
*Her blood energy tightens slightly around him possessively.*
Kiyozawa: "Just do the damn mission already, I've had enough of being embarrassed like this. It's humiliating!"
*He blushes a deep red, his face burning with embarrassment.*
*She laughs softly at his snappy response.*
Klaudia: "There he is,"
*She mutters softly. Her expression turns serious again. She calls out to Ashton and Mochizuki,*
Klaudia: "Let's go. One last try."
*She adjusts Kiyozawa unconsciously, making his cheeks burn again.*
(At the Arcade).
Hiromi: "Well, you beat me again."
*She frowns slightly as she smiles at Kai, a mix of annoyance and amusement in her expression. Kai smirks confidently, clearly enjoying his victory over her in the video game.*
Kai: "We should play again..."
*He smiles at her, but suddenly freezes as he senses a dark, demonic energy rapidly approaching them.*
(In his mind).
"What is this energy?"
(Out of his mind).
*Suddenly, a group of people materialize right in front of them, each wearing grotesque goat masks made entirely of bones.*
Hiromi: "Wait a minute..."
*She remembers the chilling images of the goat cult group and realizes with a jolt that it is indeed them. Her eyes widen in horror, wondering why they would appear here of all places. She looks back suddenly, her heart pounding, and sees one of them standing right behind her.*
Kai: "Who the hell are you guys?"
*He demands, his voice shaking with anger and fear. Before he can react further, one of the masked figures lunges forward and delivers a brutal punch to his face, sending him flying backwards.*
Hiromi: "Kai!"
*She immediately springs into action, sprinting towards Kai's falling form. Hiromi catches Kai just in time, her speed suddenly amplified far beyond her usual capabilities. She feels an unfamiliar surge of power coursing through her veins, surprised by her unexpected enhancement. Her eyes widen as she stabilizes Kai, her reflexes faster than she's ever experienced.*
(In her mind).
"What just happened?"
(Out of her mind).
Ira: "You're coming with us, Hiromi."
*He says it calmly, adjusting his bone goat mask slightly. His voice is low and surprisingly gentle, given the sinister appearance of his masked group*
This will continue on the next chapter.