Chapter 26
Look old man, don't tell me I'm Januza," he said in a low voice, . "Don't tell me I have two souls."
Takeda opened his mouth, but Renji stood up so suddenly the chair scraped loud against the floor.
"ENOUGH!" Renji shouted. His chest was tight, his eyes burning.
Lily grabbed his arm. "Renji, wait
But he pulled her close, not letting her go, as if she was the only anchor he had. His hands shook as he led her toward the door.
Choji stepped forward. "Renji! Please listen to him I didn't want to believe him but what he's saying is ticking all the boxes
"I've listened enough!" Renji said ..
And with that, he stormed out, Lily clinging to his sleeve, her eyes wide with worry.
The door slammed. Silence filled the room.
Takeda let out a long breath, rubbing his forehead. His voice was calm but heavy.
"Choji follow him and keep your eyes on him.
Whatever happens… don't let him be alone."
If he really is januza he's dangerous not just to himself but to everyone around him
Choji hesitated, his fists tight. Then he nodded. " Sigh I understand."
He left quickly, his footsteps echoing down the hall.
Takeda stayed behind, his eyes on the door. In the quiet, he whispered to himself, words no one else heard.
Hmmm so why now after all these years??
Now, inside the Hunters Bureau, the mood was very different..
The training ground buzzed with life. Young hunters sparred, steel clashing against steel, while others practiced magic spells that lit up the air in bright colors. The smell of sweat, iron, and dust filled the dome.
At the center, Arisa stood with her long spear. Her black hair was tied back, her sharp eyes scanning her opponent Kaien.
Clash
Clash
Clash
Kaien swung his heavy sword, grunting with every strike. His muscles bulged, his feet cracked the floor tiles as he charged.
Arisa dodged easily, moving like water, her spear spinning in smooth circles.
"Come on, Arisa!" Kaien shouted between breaths. "I thought you said you'd go easy on me again!"
Arisa's lips curved into the smallest smile.
"Like I said kaien this is me going easy on you."
In a blink, her spear shot forward, stopping right at his nose. Kaien froze, eyes crossing to look at the blade tip.
The hunters watching burst into laughter.
Hahaha !!
"Again, Kaien? She beat you again!" one shouted.
Kaien scratched his head, laughing awkwardly as he lowered his sword.
"Alright, alright! I give up! Remind me never to ask her to go easy on me again."
Arisa shook her head and turned away, but there was a faint softness in her eyes.
Nearby, two younger hunters were sweeping the floor, whispering to each other.
"Did you hear?" one said. "Arisa's fought and challenge an ss ranker They also said she once fought three dungeon bosses at the same time."
The other's eyes widened. "No way! She doesn't even look tired now."
The first one grinned. "Maybe she's secretly a demon queen. That would explain it."
They laughed, but the moment Arisa's gaze slid toward them, they froze and pretended to sweep harder.
Kaien, still catching his breath, leaned on his sword. "Arisa, if you keep beating me like this, people will stop calling me an S-rank. They'll start calling me… an S-minus."
The hunters around the arena erupted into laughter again.
"Yeah you surely fit that bill Kaien"
Even Arisa allowed herself the faintest chuckle before spinning her spear and resting it on her shoulder.
The ground was full of energy, jokes, and sweat .. it felt alive and peaceful
Hey kaien you want to go for another spin arisa joked
"What noo I'm good thanks" kaien laughed as he jokingly ran for his life