Akira sat upright in bed, fear written across his face—another nightmare had shaken him awake. He looked around, momentarily unsure of where he was, then remembered: this was Daiki's palace. Slowly, he stood up and rubbed his eyes. He took off his pajamas, dressed in the clothes from his wardrobe, strapped his swords to his side, and stepped out of his room.
He descended the grand staircase, red carpets beneath his feet and expensive decorations lining the walls. Beside the staircase stood a massive table. At the head of the table, Daiki was having breakfast. Seeing Akira, he called out:
— Akira, come. Your breakfast is ready too.
Akira walked slowly to the chair beside Daiki and sat down. In front of him was an array of beautifully prepared dishes. He started eating politely and slowly, but Daiki was already devouring his meal. As he chewed, he spoke, his voice slightly muffled:
— No need for manners. Just dig in.
Akira nodded. He was starving, so he didn't hesitate to eat. Once Daiki finished, he wiped his mouth with a cloth and spoke.
— Akira, I have a task for you.
Akira hadn't finished his meal but wiped his mouth with the cloth and turned to Daiki, curious:
— What kind of task?
Daiki replied:
— I'll give you a location. Poor people there came to the gambling hall last month, racked up huge debts, and refused to pay.
Akira asked again:
— And you want me to…?
Daiki chuckled.
— Let's see how strict you can be. I also want to see how capable you are at this kind of work.
Akira didn't fully understand. Asking people without money to pay their debts seemed illogical. He looked at Daiki, confused:
— But no matter how strict I am, someone without money can't pay you.
Daiki wagged his finger.
— No, you're wrong. They may be poor, but they're not penniless. They've just spent all their money on drugs.
Akira was surprised.
— So you want me to take the drugs from them and bring them here?
Daiki shook his head.
— Not here. You'll take them to the bridge where we met last time. Make sure your identity remains hidden.
Akira understood Daiki's plan. He would take the drugs from the impoverished addicts who had spent all their money and sell them. It was a huge opportunity to make a lot of money. Normally, Akira would never do such a thing, but he had to for the mission. He smiled and replied:
— Alright, I'll be careful.
Daiki stepped closer.
— Then I'll tell you the location.
He explained the plan. According to Daiki, the best time to move the drugs was at sunset, during the soldiers' shift change. So Akira waited until sunset, gathering information around the palace in the meantime.
When the time came, Akira left the palace and walked toward the outskirts of Eldravon—the poor district. It wasn't far, but even ten minutes away from the city center, the surroundings had changed. Instead of beautiful, luxurious homes, there were dilapidated buildings. Addicted, poor people lived here.
Akira searched for the houses Daiki had described. Finally, he found two side-by-side homes. Both were half-ruined, on the verge of collapse. He stepped inside one slowly. On the floor were children, lying as if asleep, all skin and bone. He moved further inside. In the rooms, women, the elderly, and children were scattered about. He continued to a larger room.
The sight froze him in place.
Five men with torn clothes were playing something at a table. Four of them suddenly stood and approached a short man. Smiles stretched across their faces. The short man mumbled something, clutching his pocket tightly, as if protecting something. Akira didn't understand. The men threw the short man from his chair and began kicking him. A few more blows, and he would be dead.
Finally, they took a cloth from the man's hand. Inside was a white powder. They began snorting it, one after another. The man on the floor was unhappy with this. He quickly tried to retrieve the cloth, but they shoved him hard, and he fell out the window.
Akira just watched, clueless about what was happening. He quickly looked out the window. The man on the ground clutched his leg, screaming. Akira turned back to the men.
— What is going on here!?
The men didn't answer and returned to their table. This time, Akira reached for the cloth, but they threw punches at him. He easily blocked the blow. The situation was truly dangerous. Akira thought to himself: These addicts threw their friend out a window over a powder and are still gambling… what should I do?
He thought for a moment, then made a decision. He had to complete his mission. He reached for the cloth again, ducked under a punch, and struck back at the men. Though hit hard, they attacked again to reclaim the cloth. Fearing he might kill them if they continued, Akira knocked them unconscious with a swift move. He opened the cloth—there was only a small amount of powder inside. It wasn't enough for them.
He decided to search the room further. He found nearly a whole box of powder in a cupboard. This was exactly what Daiki wanted.
Akira grabbed a large bag and placed the box inside. Now he could return without drawing attention. Pulling up his black hood, he stepped outside. He moved through areas with little patrol presence and reached the bridge. A hooded man, like himself, was waiting there with a horse. Akira approached him. The man saw Akira and said:
— Password.
Akira replied:
— 3074.
The man took the bag from Akira and placed it in the load bag beside his horse. Slowly, he departed. Akira had expected something more complicated—after all, this was an illegal task.
He slowly made his way back to the palace. The job was done, but he was eager to quickly find out if the killer of his sister was the one responsible.
When Akira returned to the palace, night had already fallen. Soldiers patrolled the gardens as usual. He stepped inside and made his way toward Daiki's room. On the balcony overlooking the back garden, Daiki sat with Asahi beside him. Akira entered quietly. Asahi greeted him.
Daiki, however, glared sharply at Akira.
— How did the mission go?
Akira responded in a cold tone.
— It's complete. I found roughly one crate.
Daiki laughed, happiness clearly showing on his face.
— That's even better than I expected! I think it's time to give you a promotion.
Both Akira and Asahi were surprised.
— A promotion?
Daiki nodded.
— Yes. From now on, you'll be my personal guard and my right hand.
Asahi sighed.
— You just met this kid yesterday.
Daiki looked at him seriously.
— In just one day, he's helped me more than you ever could.
Asahi yawned.
— Anyway, what about the other soldiers?
— Fire them all.
Asahi's eyes widened.
— Are you sure?
— Absolutely. None of them are as strong as Setsuna's owner.
Akira chuckled.
— I think they're strong too.
Daiki gestured for Asahi to leave. Grumbling, Asahi exited the room, first descending to the garden to relay the bad news, then leaving with the other soldiers.
Daiki spoke sharply.
— Come here.
Akira approached, and Daiki gently held his neck.
— You've been wasted in Arisawa's hands. But together, we'll make a fortune.
Akira smiled.
— Arisawa wasn't bad, but I guess making money is more my style.
Daiki laughed heartily.
— Money corrupts everyone… I've searched for years for a soldier like you. Strong, and willing to help me earn—yet I never found one.
After a pause, Akira spoke.
— I've dreamed of being rich since I was little. When I realized it might never happen, I was disappointed. But now… you're here.
Daiki lightly tapped Akira's arm.
— Soon, we'll both achieve our dreams. You're very different from your sister Mira. That's a good thing!
Akira froze for a moment, returning the gesture with a faint smile.
— I suppose so.
His mind, however, was elsewhere. He needed to find out if this man had killed his sister. To do so, he would need time alone with him to question him…
An idea suddenly struck him: that was exactly the situation. The soldiers in the back garden had left, and Mr. Asahi had gone. They were alone, and he was behind Daiki. Right now, he could slip his sword to his neck without him noticing.
Daiki noticed Akira's pensive movement and asked curiously:
— Something on your mind?
Akira quickly replied:
— Nothing… just thinking about what kind of work we could do.
He slowly drew Setsuna, keeping his thoughts focused: this was the perfect moment. If Daiki was the killer, he could strike and clean up afterward. The servants were away, so no interference. The only concern was Asahi, but he had no proof…
Akira pressed Setsuna against Daiki, speaking coldly.
— Did you kill my sister?
Daiki's tone remained serious.
— I trusted you, Akira…
Akira shouted.
— Did you kill my sister!?
— So you planned this… to make me trust you, then threaten me when we're alone…
— Just answer my questions!!
— Are you seeking vengeance for your sister?
— Yes! I will avenge her death!
— And if it wasn't me, would you still kill me?
— No, if it isn't you, I'll just turn you over to Arisawa.
— We could have made a fortune together.
Akira shouted.
— Are you mocking me!? I don't care about money!
— Then I'll give you the answer you want… I did not kill your sister.
Akira froze.
— Then, who did?
— I'm sorry, but I don't know…
— You're lying!
— I'll tell you everything I know.
Daiki explained.
— The day your sister died, I left the palace with two of my soldiers to speak with her. She had discovered my illegal gambling, but I only intended to talk to her. I received word that she was at a small shop, so I went there, but she was already dead when I arrived. I saw a man inside, but fear kept me from entering, and I fled. That's all I know. I don't know anything else.
Akira thought. He didn't seem to be lying. Then… who killed his sister and why?
He became so lost in thought that Setsuna slowly slid down from his hand.
Daiki noticed and quickly drew his sword, striking at Akira. Akira's reflexes were sharp, and he cut Daiki before the blade could land. Blood began to spill from Daiki's body.
Akira sheathed Setsuna on his back.
— I need to clean this up.
He reached for Daiki's body, but the man wasn't in the chair. Confused, Akira tried to make sense of it. Suddenly, Daiki appeared behind him and swung his sword.
Akira blocked just in time, but was thrown off the balcony. Daiki followed, speaking coldly.
— You cut me, but you couldn't kill me. Now that you know about my illegal gambling, you'll die!
Akira rose slowly.
— Killing you now won't change the outcome.
Daiki laughed.
— You think being a little strong can defeat me?! I'm a council member!
— You may be a council member, but none of you are as strong as the Volgraths!
Daiki shouted, unleashing an enormous amount of energy from his body.
— We'll see.
Akira drew Setsuna and the Black Sword. When Daiki joined his hands, Akira was lifted into the air, as if invisible pressure was squeezing him.
Akira used his purple energy to break the invisible force and slowly fell to the ground. Daiki was stunned—he was a council member, yet Akira's technique surpassed half of them.
Akira unleashed his crimson energy and charged at Daiki. Daiki tried to defend but was too slow. When he looked at his right arm, he realized it had been severed. He picked it up from the ground and reattached it with force.
Akira was shocked. Daiki shouted:
— You're strong… but not like your sister!
— I know I'm not like my sister—
Suddenly, Akira fell to the ground with his swords.
Daiki was surprised.
— Are you giving up?
Akira clutched his left eye and screamed. It had turned bright green. He began hearing voices, growing louder by the second. The pain intensified as the voices repeated one word: "I will kill!"
Daiki drew his sword and approached. Akira's left eye began to bleed. Suddenly, two massive green eyes appeared behind him.
Fear gripped Akira. Daiki didn't understand, but he sensed a terrifying aura, a strong killing intent. His hands shook, yet pride told him a child couldn't defeat him. He swung his sword at Akira.
Akira glared with his bleeding eye. Daiki's sword fell from his hand—he could feel death. Daiki's head fell toward Akira.
Frozen, Akira stared at Daiki's severed head. Remembering he needed to clean up, he stood and placed it in a nearby bag.
The pain in his eye hadn't subsided, but he had to act to avoid capture. He tore Daiki's clothes and covered his left eye.
He knew this green power wasn't Valtherion's—it had to be Ares.
Strapping Daiki's body to his back, Akira prepared to leave the garden, but voices came from behind.
Six soldiers stood there. Their leader spoke:
— Th-this body… it's Lord Daiki's!!
The soldiers were shocked.
— How is this possible…
— The clothes on the corpse confirm it's Daiki!!
— That brat killed Lord Daiki in cold blood!!
Their leader shouted:
— Surrender! Or we'll kill you!
Akira began hearing laughter, but not from the soldiers—it was a more terrifying sound. The voice spoke coldly:
— Akira, remove the blindfold! Let's kill them, kill them, kill them!
Akira hit his head.
— No, I won't kill them. I can't kill people!
The voice now seemed distant.
— You've already killed many, and will kill thousands more…
Akira hit his head repeatedly.
— No, this can't be true!!
Following the leader's signal, the soldiers charged at him. Unconsciously, Akira raised his left hand. He tried to stop it but couldn't. He removed the cloth from his left eye, and blood splattered everywhere.
When he lifted his head, six severed corpses lay on the ground. He froze, trembling, clutching his head.
— I-I couldn't have done this…
Akira shouted.
— Ares! Why did you do this!?
The voice laughed.
— This is my justice. Slaying demons from this world is my justice!
Akira clenched his fists.
— B-but these soldiers were just doing their job… they were innocent!
The voice didn't reply.
Akira stood slowly, thinking.
— I-I have to run! I can't stay here!
Just as he prepared to flee, a woman's voice called from behind. Was it another soldier?
Turning, Akira was shocked. It was Council Member Makise Yura.
Akira covered his left eye and shouted:
— I-I don't want to hurt you! Please, stay back!
Makise considered.
— You really can't kill… then why did you kill them?
Akira picked up the cloth and covered his eye.
— I-I didn't do it… the spirit inside me did it! Stay back, or it might harm you!
Makise laughed.
— Don't worry, I'm strong.
Akira unleashed his purple energy.
— Step back, or I'll make you!
Makise snapped her fingers. Akira bent the ground beneath her, throwing her backward, then began to run.
Suddenly, Makise appeared in front of him.
— What was that? Bending the ground?
Akira was thrown back. Realizing he couldn't escape, he ascended into the air. Makise mirrored him.
Akira used his purple chaos to split the grand palace in two, aiming to crush Makise.
— That should stop her…
Makise shattered the palace into hundreds of pieces. Akira was stunned.
She appeared before him again.
— That's not enough to kill me.
Akira sensed Ares' killing intent again. His left hand moved involuntarily. Makise didn't understand.
Akira shouted:
— Ares, stop!!
His left hand tore the cloth from his eye and fell to the ground. He glared at Makise.
Suddenly, Makise's head was severed and began to fall. Akira lowered his head, holding his eye.
— That's enough, Ares!!
He lifted his head—but was met with an unexpected sight.
Makise caught her severed head with her hand and reattached it. Akira froze.
— H-how is this possible?
Makise looked at him coldly, disdain in her eyes.
— You're strong… but you are no match for me.
She raised her hand and swiped to the right. A massive energy wave struck Akira, sweeping toward the palace. He turned to see all twelve palaces torn to pieces.
What kind of power is this…?!
Makise seemed surprised. In a cold voice:
— You are suitable to be my pawn…
Akira gasped:
— Pawn—
Before Akira could finish, Makise appeared before him and slapped him hard on the forehead. Akira's eyes closed, and he began to fall toward the ground.
Makise held Akira in the air. With a snap of her hand, the surroundings changed; the ruined palaces stood in place, as if nothing had happened.
Makise walked slowly to the cage at the center of the twelve palaces, threw Akira into it, and closed the door.
Note:
Thank you to everyone who has read this far! Arc 2 has come to an end, and now Arc 3 begins after a 4-year time skip. Get ready—new adventures await!