Yumi froze, as Idoku appeared behind her.
The world around felt like it moved in slowed time, while she moved her head slightly to her back, but her body wouldn't move.
She was in shock.
Kouji won't make it in time, he's at his limit.
Back when Meichi told me about the devilpacts and I made the contract with the Devil of Acrophobia, I was so happy that I could finally help Kouji…
but I'm still a burden to him.
She saw Idoku's hand and the reflection of her own shocked eyes in the glass of his cracked mask—
I can't use my curse like this, so it ends here?
The impact could be heard even from Kouji's position
A rusted sword stopped inches from Yumi's throat.
Kagami stood between them, sweat dripping from her cheek, her stance low and firm.
"I noticed, you always go for the throat," Kagami said, while holding his Hand back with the sword she picked up.
The sword in her hand bent under Idoku's Blessing, rust spreading up its edge.
Kagami jumped back with Yumi.
That was way too close. If Kouji hadn't shouted, I wouldn't have made it in time. He has gotten really fast— way faster than before. But Yumi... she's not built for close combat, it was clever to go after her first, Kagami thought.
Kouji didn't waste a second.
His body was already moving instinctively, flashing beside Kagami in an instant.
His blade was shining faintly as he swung for Idoku's torso.
Idoku jumped back, his coat fluttering open with the motion.
He reached into his belt and pulled out a small glass vial — filled with a neon-green liquid.
With a smirk under the broken mask, he crushed it in his hand.
The liquid spread, flowing down his fingers and began forming into a blade.
"Do you remember it?" Idoku said, voice low and confident. "I've improved it."
Idoku laughed, waving the sword lazily.
"This new poison— it destroys red blood cells. Makes the blood clot faster. Your bodies will turn to stone before you bleed out. Not that this info would help"
Kouji's jaw tightened.
Is this to counter the blood manipulation, is he really that desperate to kill him?
Kouji lunged forward.
Their blades clashed, but Kouji's dissolved slowly inside Idokus range.
Every strike was calculated precisely, Kouji dodging and sliding between Idoku's swings.
He was faster now — but even speed had limits.
A single misstep and a punch caught his ribs.
The impact sent him stumbling sideways.
His teeth gritted and pain was ringing through his chest.
Idoku's laugh was hoarse and twisted. "You are getting slower, did you reach your limit?"
Kouji didn't respond.
"It's always the same with you agile fighters, you are fast but only for a short time. That's why it's no fun fighting you."
From the corner of his eye, he caught movement — It was Yumi.
"Now!"
Idoku's balance faltered for half a heartbeat, his vision blurring.
But that was enough.
Kouji gathered all his remaining strength, dashing at Idoku, landing a cut across Idoku's arm.
Then another, across the shoulder.
Each swing faster and deeper.
But no matter how many he made, the cuts were barely deep.
Kagami and Yumi where at the distance, as Kagami narrowed her eyes, "He can't cut deep enough."
"What do you mean?"
"Either Idoku's skin has gotten unnaturally thick or Kouji's cuts are getting weaker."
Damn it, Kouji thought. I can't cut deep enough...
Kagami shifted to his flank, watching every movement.
She wanted to intervene, but if this is aura based poison, it wouldn't be a problem, but if he's using real poison and only manipulating its form, it can kill me in a single touch, which is it?
Kouji looked to the side, exhaled and tightened his grip on the sword's hilt, Kagami is probably trying to find an opening to help me.
And then he inhaled, "KAGAMI. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE AND WATCH OVER YUMI. THIS IS REAL POISON NOT JUST AURA."
He launched forward again—
—but his legs buckled for just an instant.
His body screamed in exhaustion.
That tiny delay was all Idoku needed.
He grinned and twisted his arm back, his poisonous blade dripping. "End of the line!"
He swung—
—and a bullet tore through the air.
BANG!
It hit Idoku's hand dead on, bursting through muscle.
He stumbled, shouting in rage as the poison-blade dropped onto the ground and splattered.
Everyone turned toward the shot.
Two figures stood at the end of the street.
One with a sword, the other with a Gun.
"Are we late?"
Kyouma and Keisuke had arrived.