Dawn broke over the mountain fortress, casting long shadows across the ancient stone structures. Hiro stood on a balcony overlooking a vast courtyard where various members of the Khaos Brigade trained, fought, or simply conversed in small groups. From this vantage point, the scale of the organization became clear—dozens, perhaps hundreds of individuals with supernatural abilities, united only by their opposition to the current order.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Vali's voice came from behind him. "The largest gathering of power outside the three factions' control."
Hiro turned slightly, acknowledging Vali's presence without taking his eyes off the scene below. "More diverse than I expected. They don't seem very unified."
"That's by design," Vali replied, stepping forward to join him at the railing. "The Khaos Brigade isn't one organization so much as an alliance of convenience between several factions. Each with their own goals, their own methods."
"And your team?"
Vali smiled slightly. "We operate with considerable autonomy. As long as our actions ultimately serve the organization's broader aims, we're free to pursue our own interests."
Hiro nodded. This arrangement suited him perfectly. He had no interest in terrorist ideology or supernatural politics—only in finding those responsible for his family's death. If aligning with the Khaos Brigade brought him closer to that goal, then so be it.
"Come," Vali said, straightening. "There are people you should meet."
The interior of the mountain complex was a maze of ancient corridors and chambers, some carved directly into the rock, others built with stone so old it seemed to have merged with the mountain itself. As Vali led him deeper, Hiro noted the subtle magical barriers and security measures woven into the very structure.
"How old is this place?" he asked, his fingers tracing a series of worn carvings on one wall.
"Older than human history," Vali replied. "It was a sacred site long before the three factions established their dominance. Some say it was built by the dragons themselves, in the era when they still ruled the world."
"There is truth to that," Orochi's voice murmured in Hiro's mind. "I recognize certain aspects of this architecture. This place was indeed a dragon sanctuary once."
They entered a large, circular chamber with a domed ceiling. Unlike the rest of the complex, this room was brightly lit by a combination of modern fixtures and magical illumination. At its center stood a group of individuals whose presence radiated power.
"The Hero Faction," Vali said quietly as they approached. "Humans with exceptional Sacred Gears or holy weapons. Don't underestimate them—some are nearly as powerful as high-class devils."
The group turned at their approach. At their center stood a handsome young man with dark hair and an air of absolute confidence. He carried a spear that, even sheathed, emanated a powerful holy aura. His eyes—sharp, calculating—immediately fixed on Hiro with undisguised interest.
"Vali," he greeted with a slight nod. "This must be your new recruit. The one from the summit."
"Cao Cao," Vali replied. "Yes, this is Hiro. As I mentioned, he possesses a dragon-type Sacred Gear of considerable power."
Cao Cao stepped forward, examining Hiro with the practiced eye of a warrior assessing both threat and potential. "Another dragon vessel. Interesting. But you're different from Vali or the Red Dragon Emperor, aren't you? I sense something... older."
Hiro met his gaze directly. "You're perceptive."
A smile touched Cao Cao's lips. "I make it my business to understand Sacred Gears, especially those wielded by humans. Our kind needs every advantage when facing beings who are naturally superior in power."
"Superior in raw power, perhaps," Hiro responded coolly. "Not in technique, strategy, or will."
This seemed to please Cao Cao. "Well said. Raw power without direction is merely chaos." He gestured to the spear at his side. "The True Longinus chose me not because I was born powerful, but because of my resolve. My vision."
"And what vision is that?" Hiro asked.
"The restoration of humanity's rightful place," Cao Cao replied simply. "We were here first, after all. Before angels fell, before devils schemed, before gods died. This world belongs to humans—we've merely been allowing others to borrow it for a while."
Hiro didn't respond to this ideology. His goals were personal, not philosophical or political.
Cao Cao seemed to sense this. "But you're not here for manifestos, are you? You're here for revenge." He nodded, as if confirming something to himself. "That's good. Clean. Uncomplicated. I respect that."
He stepped closer, his voice lowering slightly. "Vali tells me you've been training in a human martial art—some form of swordsmanship. I'd be interested to see it sometime. Perhaps we could spar."
"Perhaps," Hiro replied noncommittally.
Cao Cao smiled again and stepped back. "Welcome to the Khaos Brigade, Hiro. I think you'll find that despite our name, we're quite organized when it matters."
As they moved away from the Hero Faction, Vali glanced at Hiro. "Cao Cao is dangerous, but he respects strength and purpose. He won't interfere with your goals as long as they don't conflict with his."
Hiro nodded. "He reminds me of you, in some ways."
Vali laughed softly. "Don't let either of us hear you say that too loudly."
They continued through the complex, passing various training areas, research laboratories, and living quarters. Vali pointed out members of other factions—the Old Satan Faction, who believed the current devil leadership were usurpers; the Magician Faction, humans who had rejected the constraints placed on magical research by the three factions; and various smaller groups with specific grievances or ambitions.
Finally, they entered a part of the complex that felt different. The air here was heavier, charged with an energy that made the hairs on Hiro's arms stand on end. Even the stone itself seemed to pulse with a subtle rhythm, like a sleeping heartbeat.
"We approach something ancient," Orochi whispered. "Something primordial. Be on your guard."
The corridor opened into a small, austere chamber. Unlike the grand spaces they had passed through, this room was almost empty—just a simple stone bench and a small pool of unnaturally still water in the center.
Seated on the bench was a figure that, at first glance, appeared to be a young girl with long black hair, dressed in a Gothic Lolita outfit. But as Hiro's eyes adjusted, he realized that what he was seeing was merely a convenient form. The being before them was far more than its appearance suggested.
"Ophis," Vali said, inclining his head slightly. "I've brought our new member, as requested."
The figure turned toward them, and Hiro felt himself pinned by a gaze that seemed to see through him, past him, as if he were merely a temporary arrangement of particles that happened to be in the way.
"Dragon," Ophis said simply, her voice neither young nor old, neither male nor female. It resonated with a strange harmonic quality, as if multiple voices were speaking in perfect unison.
Hiro felt Orochi stir within him, more active than he had ever been.
"The Infinite One," the dragon hissed. "The Ouroboros Dragon. Ancient even when I was young."
"I sense Yamata no Orochi," Ophis continued, her head tilting slightly as she studied Hiro. "The Eight-Headed One. He sleeps within you, but not deeply."
Hiro remained still under her scrutiny. "You know of Orochi?"
"I know all dragons," Ophis replied. "We are kin of a sort, though distant. Orochi was always... willful. Destructive. But powerful." She stood from the bench and approached Hiro. Despite her small stature, her presence loomed larger than the room itself. "He chose you. Or you chose him. Interesting."
She extended a pale hand. "I could give you more power. My blessing would strengthen the bond between you and Orochi. You could access more of his abilities, more quickly."
Hiro looked at the offered hand, feeling the immense power it represented. For a moment, he was tempted. With Ophis's power added to his own and Orochi's, he could strike at the Fallen Angels with devastating force.
But then he remembered the words of his father's letter. A sword is only as strong as the hand that wields it, and a hand is only as strong as the heart that guides it.
"I appreciate the offer," he said, meeting Ophis's ancient gaze. "But I prefer to rely on my own strength. On power I've earned, not borrowed."
There was a brief silence. Vali's expression showed surprise—few refused Ophis's offer of power.
Then, unexpectedly, Ophis smiled. It was a small thing, barely a twitch of her lips, but somehow it transformed her face.
"Wise," she said. "Or foolish. Time will tell." She withdrew her hand. "But honest. Orochi chose well, perhaps."
She returned to her bench. "You may go now. But remember, vessel of Orochi—power comes in many forms. Some earned, some given. The wise know when to accept each."
As they left the chamber, Hiro could feel Ophis's gaze following them, like a weight between his shoulder blades.
"That was unexpected," Vali commented once they were well away. "Few decline Ophis's power."
"Would you have accepted?" Hiro asked.
Vali considered this. "Probably not. Like you, I prefer to develop my own strength. But I wouldn't have dismissed it so quickly, either." He glanced at Hiro with newfound interest. "You continue to surprise me, Hiro."
Later that day, Hiro found himself in a laboratory where Le Fay was examining the artificial Balance Breaker device they had stolen from the summit. Arthur stood nearby, observing his sister's work with quiet pride, while Bikou sprawled in a chair, looking thoroughly bored.
"Ah, Hiro!" Le Fay exclaimed when she noticed him. "Perfect timing! I was just about to test some theories about how this device interfaces with Sacred Gears."
Hiro approached the workbench where the device lay partially disassembled. "Have you learned anything useful?"
"Oh, yes!" the young witch replied enthusiastically. "It's quite ingenious, really. Azazel designed it to artificially stimulate the emotional and spiritual conditions that typically trigger a Balance Breaker."
"Which are?"
"Extreme emotional states combined with a life-threatening situation and a clear purpose," Arthur supplied. "Most Sacred Gear users achieve Balance Breaker when facing death with an unwavering will."
Le Fay nodded. "Exactly! This device essentially tricks the Sacred Gear into believing those conditions have been met. It's not as powerful as a naturally achieved Balance Breaker, and it can't be maintained for as long, but in theory, it could work with any Sacred Gear."
Hiro looked down at the device thoughtfully. "Including dragon types?"
"Especially dragon types," Le Fay confirmed. "They're the most responsive to emotional triggers. Actually..." She looked up at him with sudden interest. "Would you mind if I ran some diagnostic spells on your Sacred Gear? It would help me understand how this device might interact with it."
Hiro hesitated. He had been careful about revealing the true nature of the Eightfold Edge, even to his new allies.
"Oh, don't worry!" Le Fay assured him, sensing his reluctance. "I won't be looking at its structure or nature—just its general magical signature. For calibration purposes."
After a moment's consideration, Hiro nodded. "Alright."
Le Fay's face lit up. "Wonderful! Just stand there and manifest your Sacred Gear, please."
Hiro focused on Raijin, feeling the familiar surge of energy down his right arm. With a flash of blue light and a crackle of electricity, the lightning blade materialized in his hand.
Le Fay began casting a series of complex spells, creating glowing magical circles that surrounded Raijin. Her expression grew increasingly fascinated as she worked.
"How curious," she murmured. "The energy signature is... layered. Almost as if..." She looked up at Hiro with wide eyes. "This isn't the full extent of your Sacred Gear, is it? There's more—much more—that's dormant."
Hiro's grip tightened on Raijin's hilt. "What do you mean?"
"Your Sacred Gear... it's like nothing I've seen before. Most Sacred Gears have a single power signature, but yours has multiple distinct signatures intertwined, yet separate. As if..." she trailed off, then met his eyes directly. "As if there are other weapons or abilities within it, waiting to be awakened."
"She's perceptive," Orochi commented. "The witch can sense the other heads, even dormant as they are."
Bikou had sat up, his boredom forgotten. "Wait, you mean dragon boy here has been holding out on us? There's more to that fancy light sword than we've seen?"
Hiro allowed Raijin to dissolve back into the tattoo. "It's complicated," he admitted. "Even I don't fully understand the extent of its abilities yet."
"Fascinating," Arthur said quietly. "A multi-faceted Sacred Gear. Rare indeed."
Le Fay was practically bouncing with excitement. "Oh, this is wonderful! I'd be happy to help you explore its capabilities, if you'd like! I've studied many Sacred Gears, though none quite like yours."
"I appreciate the offer," Hiro said carefully. "I'll consider it."
As they continued discussing the device and its potential applications, Hiro felt a subtle shift in how the others regarded him. There was a new layer of curiosity, of interest. He had inadvertently revealed that he was potentially more valuable—and more powerful—than they had initially assumed.
He wasn't sure if that was beneficial or dangerous.
That evening, Hiro found a quiet corner of the compound to meditate. The day's revelations had left him with much to consider, particularly about the nature of the Eightfold Edge and its dormant capabilities.
He sat cross-legged on the floor of a small, empty training room, the Shadow Wolf laid out before him. His eyes closed as he focused on his breathing, clearing his mind of distractions, seeking the deep connection to Orochi that had become more pronounced since arriving at the mountain fortress.
"You wish to speak of the other blades," Orochi's voice rumbled through his consciousness. It wasn't a question.
"Yes," Hiro replied mentally. "Le Fay sensed them. I need to understand what I'm carrying within me."
There was a pause, as if the dragon were considering how much to reveal.
"Very well. You have earned some knowledge through your actions." Orochi's presence seemed to expand in Hiro's mind. "The Eightfold Edge, as you call it, manifests as eight distinct weapons, each representing one of my heads, each with its own power and purpose."
In his mind's eye, Hiro saw them appear—eight katanas, similar in form to Raijin but each with its own distinctive features and aura.
"You have awakened only Raijin thus far—the Blade of Divine Lightning. It resonated with your initial rage and your need for swift, decisive action."
Orochi's mental voice grew deeper, more formal, as if reciting ancient knowledge.
"Kaen, the Flamebane, burns with black fire that cannot be extinguished. Mugetsu, the Voidfang, cuts through the very essence of life itself. Shingan, the Doomsight, manipulates the perception of time for brief moments. Chibaku, the Gravity Fang, can increase or decrease the weight of anything it touches. Engetsu, the Phantom Edge, grants momentary intangibility. Juzai, the Sealbreaker, can temporarily nullify an opponent's powers. And Kuroi, the Eclipse Fang, devours light and creates absolute darkness."
Hiro absorbed this information with growing wonder. "And how do I awaken the others?"
"Each blade responds to a specific state of mind, a specific need or emotion. Raijin answered your call for swift vengeance. The others will awaken when you face challenges that align with their nature."
As Hiro delved deeper into his meditation, concentrating on the mental image of the eight blades, he became aware of something else—a shadowy presence beyond the eight, as if lurking just outside his perception. He tried to focus on it, to bring it into clarity, but the more he concentrated, the more elusive it became.
"There's something else," he said. "Beyond the eight blades. What is it?"
He felt Orochi's immediate tension, like a physical constriction around his mind.
"You should not be able to sense that," the dragon said, his voice lower, almost wary. "Not yet. Perhaps not ever."
"But I do sense it. Tell me."
A long silence followed, heavy with reluctance.
"There is... another aspect. A ninth blade, though it is not counted among the Eightfold Edge for good reason."
"Why?"
"Because it is not meant to be used," Orochi replied harshly. "It is sealed, contained, for the protection of both vessel and dragon."
Hiro pressed on, driven by a curiosity that felt almost like compulsion. "What is it?"
Orochi's sigh resonated through his entire body.
"It is called Yamikiba—the Fang of Darkness. It embodies my most primal, most chaotic essence. The pure destructive force that once made gods themselves tremble."
In his mind, Hiro glimpsed it—a blade of absolute blackness, as if forged from a slice of the void itself. Veins of crimson pulsed along its length like living blood vessels. Even as a mere mental image, it radiated malevolence and raw, unbridled power.
"The few vessels who have attempted to wield Yamikiba have been consumed by it," Orochi continued gravely. "It does not distinguish between friend and foe, between guilty and innocent. It seeks only to destroy, to return all to primal chaos. And worse—it blurs the boundary between vessel and dragon."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning that to wield Yamikiba is to risk losing yourself entirely. To become not Hiro wielding Orochi's power, but Orochi wearing Hiro's skin."
The vision faded, leaving Hiro cold despite the room's comfortable temperature. "You're telling me to forget about it. To pretend I never sensed it."
"I am telling you to be wise," Orochi corrected. "To understand that some powers come at too great a cost. Even for vengeance."
Hiro opened his eyes, ending the meditation. The Shadow Wolf still lay before him, its mundane steel a stark contrast to the mystical weapons he had just glimpsed in his mind.
"I understand," he said aloud. "And I agree. I'll master the eight blades through my own effort, my own growth. Yamikiba remains sealed."
He felt Orochi's approval, but also a faint, troubling undercurrent—as if the dragon were not entirely convinced by his own warning.
Or perhaps, more disturbingly, not entirely displeased by Hiro's discovery of the forbidden blade.
"You should have seen your face when Ophis offered you her power," Kuroka purred, stretching languidly on the couch. "Like a monk being offered a night with a courtesan."
They were in one of the complex's common areas—a surprisingly comfortable lounge with modern furnishings that contrasted sharply with the ancient stone walls. Bikou and Arthur were engaged in a game of chess nearby, while Le Fay sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by open books and magical artifacts.
Hiro, seated in an armchair across from Kuroka, raised an eyebrow. "Is that how you see Ophis's power? As a temptation?"
"All power is a temptation, nya~," she replied with a knowing smile. "The question is whether the pleasure is worth the price." She rolled onto her stomach, propping her chin on her hands to look at him more directly. "You're an interesting one, refusing the Dragon God's offer. Most would kill for that chance."
"I prefer to rely on my own strength."
"Mmm, so principled." Her twin tails swayed hypnotically behind her. "But tell me, dragon boy... what did you and Le Fay discover about your Sacred Gear today? I heard there was quite the revelation."
Hiro glanced at Le Fay, who looked up from her books with an apologetic expression.
"I might have mentioned it to Kuroka," she admitted. "She knows a lot about spiritual energy and balance—I thought she might have insights."
"And do you?" Hiro asked the nekoshou directly.
Kuroka's amber eyes gleamed. "Perhaps. Senjutsu allows one to sense and manipulate the flow of life energy. Sacred Gears, especially living ones like dragons, have distinct patterns." She sat up, her playful demeanor shifting subtly to something more serious. "I could help you explore those dormant aspects, if you want."
"How?"
"Through meditation and energy work. I'd guide you to sense the different aspects of your Sacred Gear more clearly, maybe even establish stronger connections to them." Her smile returned, teasing. "It would require close physical contact, of course. For proper energy alignment."
Bikou snorted from the chess table. "And there it is."
Kuroka shot him a feline glare before turning back to Hiro. "Ignore the monkey. My offer is genuine. With proper guidance, you might unlock those dormant powers much faster."
Hiro considered the offer carefully. Despite her flirtatious manner, Kuroka was clearly powerful and knowledgeable. And after his meditation experience, he was more curious than ever about the full potential of the Eightfold Edge.
"I'm interested," he said finally. "But let's be clear—this is about training and developing my Sacred Gear."
Kuroka's smile widened, showing her sharp canines. "Of course, nya~. Just training." She winked. "To start with."
Arthur cleared his throat. "Checkmate, by the way," he said to Bikou, who groaned and knocked over his king.
"I was distracted by all the flirting," Bikou complained.
"You were losing long before that," Arthur replied mildly, resetting the board.
Le Fay looked up from her research with sudden excitement. "Oh! I think I've figured out how to modify Azazel's device! If my calculations are correct, we could potentially use it to temporarily stabilize the connection between a Sacred Gear user and their weapon, even if they haven't achieved Balance Breaker naturally."
"Meaning?" Hiro asked.
"Meaning," Le Fay explained, "that with some adjustments, this device might help you connect with those dormant aspects of your Sacred Gear, at least momentarily. It wouldn't be as powerful as a true awakening, but it could give you a glimpse of their capabilities."
Kuroka's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Combining that with my senjutsu techniques... interesting possibilities."
"It would require more testing," Le Fay cautioned. "And I'd need to calibrate it specifically for your Sacred Gear."
The conversation was interrupted by Vali's entrance. The White Dragon Emperor's expression was serious as he approached their group.
"I've just received confirmation," he announced. "Malthus will be in Tokyo three days from now, meeting with human associates at a high-security compound. If you still want to go after him, Hiro, we'll need to start planning immediately."
A cold focus settled over Hiro at the mention of the Fallen Angel's name. His meditation, the discoveries about the Eightfold Edge, even Kuroka's flirtations—all faded to the background as his mind shifted to his primary goal.
"I'm ready," he said, rising to his feet. "Tell me everything you know about this compound and Malthus's security."
As Vali began outlining the details, Hiro felt Orochi stir within him. The dragon said nothing, but Hiro could sense his anticipation. Soon, they would face one of those responsible for the destruction of Hiro's family.
And perhaps, in that confrontation, another blade of the Eightfold Edge would answer his call.