And as soon as Kouta prepared himself, he was attacked by Gares's right-hand man: Mikami Hōzuki. With a power of 4500, and taking advantage of the confusion, he arrogantly introduced himself:
Hōzuki: So... You're Kouta, huh?
Kouta: Ngh... W-who are you?
Hōzuki: Heh... Me? Mikami Hōzuki. But you can call me... Your Majesty.
Kouta: With a mocking smile, do you really think I'd call you that? No way. Now get out of my way or you'll regret it.
Hōzuki: HAHAHA! Don't make me laugh. You! You're nothing but ghostly debris. But enough talk... let's fight, big mouth!
While Kouta faced Hōzuki, Yui, Haruto, and Tetsuya struggled against hundreds of mid-rank Demons. The situation was critical until reinforcements finally arrived.
Guard 1: M-Miss... I-I think it would be best if you helped Mr. Kouta. That Hōzuki guy isn't easy to defeat... panting
Haruto: "Did you say Hōzuki?! Yui, stay here! Tetsuya, you know what to do! I'm going to help Kouta."
Haruto arrived just in time to deliver a powerful kick to Hōzuki, knocking him off Kouta, who was falling to the ground, gravely injured. While Tetsuya organized reinforcements, Haruto bent down next to Kouta.
Haruto: "Gosh, Kouta... I'm sorry I left you alone against him. Here, it's a regeneration capsule. Use it if you can't take it anymore."
Kouta: Ngh... n-no, I can still fight...
His body said otherwise: he was bleeding from multiple wounds. Still, with a defiant smile, he added:
Kouta: Heh... just because you insist, I'll give you the turn.
As Kouta slowly healed, he cast an urgent glance toward Yui and Tetsuya. They instantly understood.
Tetsuya: panting. Oh no... Kouta and Haruto are in trouble. We have to help them, Yui!
Yui: B-but we're in trouble too...
Guard 1: Don't worry, miss. We'll take care of this. Go, quickly!
Yui: If you say you can, we'll take care of it. Tetsuya, get ready to fight. I'll heal Kouta.
Yui, with tears of despair, knelt beside him.
Yui: Please, Kouta... don't leave us now... we need you...
Kouta opened his eyes. His energy, now renewed, had grown to 700, a leap only prodigies could achieve.
Kouta: Thanks, Yui... now, stay safe. This guy is strong.
Yui: No way! I'm not going to let you three face that idiot alone. Come on, use that state of yours and let's fight.
Kouta: Heh... well...
With a mighty shout, Kouta activated his Super Boost, raising his power to 1470.
Kouta: NOW!!!
Their teamwork was impeccable. Although Hōzuki had the advantage, the coordination between them destabilized him. Even so, Hōzuki managed to launch a powerful attack that sent Yui flying.
Kouta: YUUIIIIII!!
He flew into the rubble until he found her unconscious and on the verge of death. Without hesitation, he used the regeneration capsule and began to cry.
Kouta: Please answer... I beg you...
His aura erupted in a violent, purple hue, combining with a blood-red hue like a burning flame. He screamed with such fury that he unleashed an unprecedented power: Phantom Ascension. His power reached 2100, and with the active Super Boost, it reached 3150, barely able to rival Hōzuki's.
He appeared in front of Hōzuki in an instant and struck him with such force that he was thrown hundreds of meters. Then, in a firm and serious voice, he spoke to Tetsuya and Haruto.
Kouta: Listen... this state won't last forever. Fuse now while I distract him.
Tetsuya: Ngh... sounds fine to me... but... how is Yui?
Kouta: I left her protected with an energy shield. When she wakes up, she'll be able to handle it on her own.
Haruto: Then let's not waste any time. Let's merge!
While they were charging up, Hōzuki reappeared, but Kouta intercepted him. The duel was brutal. Until a ghostly shield flew from a distance, injuring Hōzuki. It was Yui, radiating a power of 330.
Yui: This time... you won't defeat me so easily, damn it.
Kouta: Yui! You woke up!
Yui: Yes... and it's all thanks to your shield. Although... strangely, I woke up unharmed. But well... I see you have a new state. I hope you'll show it to me later. He smiles slightly.
Kouta: Of course I will. But now...
And before he could finish speaking, a glow appeared behind him. From him, a new warrior emerged. Tetsuto was finally born, and with him, his power of 1200 (525 for Haruto and 450 for Tetsuya, plus a body compatibility boost of 225) was not long in coming. Now, with everyone together and stronger than ever, they gave him such a beating that they managed to defeat him, but after that, the fusion ended. Kouta also fell, exhausted from the wear and tear of the transformation and the super boost. Tetsuya and Haruto were exhausted, their powers reduced to 250 and 200 respectively. Yui, although injured, held firm with 280, and Kouta, completely drained, ended up with 270.
When suddenly, they are attacked by...